Ask anyone from St. Louis about pork steak, and you might get a cookout story along with the answer. This thick slice of pork shoulder, cooked low and often finished with sauce, is a true Missouri favorite that many outsiders have never heard of.
The good news is you do not need a backyard grill to enjoy one, because restaurants across the state serve it with real pride. From the St. Louis suburbs to Columbia, Cape Girardeau, and a small Bootheel town, these eight spots know how to do pork steak right.
1. Mann Meats BBQ, Florissant, MO
Big appetites tend to point toward St Ferdinand Street in Florissant. Mann Meats BBQ is a casual counter-service spot built around smoked chicken, brisket, and pork, and the pork steaks here are large, tender, and known for pulling right off the bone.
It is easy to understand why some folks never get past that one menu item. Still, the burnt ends and loaded baked potatoes deserve attention, and the menu also includes burgers, a brisket sandwich, white cheddar mac and cheese, and smoked sweet corn.
Plan your visit carefully, since the doors are open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday afternoon brings the biggest crowd, while weekday mornings are calmer.
Service moves quickly, and prices usually land between 10 and 20 dollars per person. Parking is free, and there is outdoor seating, but note that there is no restroom on site.
I would save this one for a quick lunch run or a takeout dinner.
2. Heavy Smoke BBQ, St Peters, MO
Thirty-two ounces. That is the size of the pork steak that has given Heavy Smoke BBQ a reputation in St. Charles County.
The business started as a restaurant and food truck operation with championship-style flavors, and that competitive spirit shows on the menu. The pork steak comes out St. Louis style, and it shares space with burnt ends, rib tips, pork cakes, and a Cuban sandwich that gets plenty of attention.
The menu has some fun twists too. Brisket egg rolls, loaded tots, the Porkwich, and Pop’s Plate keep things interesting, while classic sides like creamy coleslaw, green beans, potato salad, and baked potato casserole round it all out.
Portions are generous for the price, which typically runs 10 to 20 dollars per person. Heavy Smoke is open every day, with later hours until 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Families will appreciate the kids’ menu and high chairs. If you prefer a quieter meal, aim for Monday through Thursday.
3. Hogtown Smokehouse, St. Louis, MO
Pork steak in St. Louis city carries extra weight, since this is the town most closely tied to the cut. Hogtown Smokehouse, on Clayton Avenue near Dogtown, holds its own with pit-smoked pork steaks alongside brisket, pulled pork, and ribs.
Sauce lovers get choices here. Tangy, sweet, and spicy options let you build your plate the way you like it.
The menu goes well beyond the usual. Look for dry rub wings, stuffed mac cornbread, a loaded pork sammich hoagie, a smoked ham sandwich on a pretzel bun, tacos, and corned beef.
Chili makes an appearance at times too.
The setting is casual with table service, a patio, and room for dogs outside. Kids are welcome, with high chairs and a kids’ menu.
Timing matters, since Hogtown is open Thursday through Sunday only. Thursday and Friday mornings are the quietest windows, and Saturday gets busy.
4. Strawberry’s BBQ, Holcomb, MO
Holcomb is a small town in the Missouri Bootheel, yet its Main Street barbecue joint has earned a spot on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Strawberry’s BBQ is famous for its pork steaks, and the house seasoning is a big part of the draw.
The Porksteak Plate is the order that put this place on the map. The kitchen grills and sauces both beef and pork steaks, plus ribs, and the meat is known for being very tender.
Other choices include chopped pork, Boston butt, and a BBQ sampler plate for anyone who cannot decide. Fried pickles and fries make easy sides.
Here is a pleasant surprise for road trippers. Prices stay friendly, around 10 to 20 dollars per person, which is impressive for a place this well known.
Strawberry’s is open Tuesday through Saturday and accepts reservations. Friday evenings and Saturdays fill up, so Tuesday morning is your best bet for a relaxed visit.
5. Como Smoke and Fire, Columbia, MO
Columbia diners have a strong pork steak option on Paris Road. Como Smoke and Fire is a down-to-earth smokehouse with a clean, contemporary country setting.
The pork steak arrives smoky with a generous portion. Pairing it with loaded potato salad and mac and cheese makes a classic Missouri plate.
Other smoked meats include brisket, ribs, smoked turkey, smoked tenderloin, and hot links. The menu also has playful extras like pulled pork egg rolls, a smoked pit ham mac and cheese sandwich, fried green tomatoes, and funnel cake fries.
One handy detail stands out. There is a drive-through, which helps on busy days when sitting down is not an option.
Como Smoke and Fire is open daily, with Friday and Saturday hours running until 9 p.m. Expect to spend around 20 to 30 dollars per person, and look for outdoor seating where dogs are welcome.
6. D. Rowe’s Restaurant & Bar, Columbia, MO
Not every great pork steak comes from a dedicated barbecue joint. D.
Rowe’s is a laid-back bar and grill in Columbia, and pork steak sits right on its menu next to familiar American favorites.
Portions run big here. A loaded baked potato makes a natural partner for the pork steak, and portabella fries are a popular way to start.
The menu covers plenty of ground beyond pork. You will find smoked wings and fries, a steak sandwich, a French dip, a mushroom Swiss burger, pulled pork sandwiches, potato skins, and BBQ plates.
I like this stop for mixed groups, since not everyone has to want barbecue. A full vegan menu is also available.
D. Rowe’s is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and accepts reservations.
Weekday afternoons are quiet, prices usually stay between 10 and 20 dollars, and curbside pickup is an option.
7. Dexter Bar-B-Que, Cape Girardeau, MO
Free soft-serve ice cream with your meal is a pretty good reason to pull over. Dexter Bar-B-Que in Cape Girardeau offers exactly that, and the pork steak gives you an even better reason.
The pork steaks here are thick and tender enough to cut with a fork. Pit smoking is the method, and it carries over to the brisket and ribs too.
Side dishes lean Southern and satisfying. Fried corn on the cob, okra, and baked beans are favorites, and fish is on the menu as well.
The restaurant is spacious, with counter and table service, a private dining room, and a drive-through. Service is known for being fast and friendly.
Dexter Bar-B-Que is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Plates usually run 10 to 20 dollars per person, and pulled pork is sold by the pound for larger gatherings.
8. Port Cape Girardeau Restaurant and Lounge, Cape Girardeau, MO
History buffs get a bonus with this meal. Port Cape Girardeau sits in a riverfront building on Water Street that was once used as an office by Ulysses S.
Grant.
Today it works as a barbecue joint and concert venue. The pork steak is a standout in Cape, juicy and very tender, and the brisket earns praise too.
The menu stretches in some fun directions. Pig chips, shrimp and grits, fried catfish, pork tenderloin, onion rings, and baked beans all show up, with bread pudding for dessert.
Live music adds to the appeal on many nights. Reservations are accepted, which helps on busy Friday and Saturday evenings.
Port Cape is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Expect around 20 to 30 dollars per person.
It makes a great final stop on a pork steak road trip, pairing a Missouri favorite with a slice of Civil War era history.
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