The STL Smoke Trail
Three temples of smoke — a cross-city barbecue pilgrimage
St. Louis barbecue runs deep — this is the smoke lineage of Pappy's and Bogart's carried on by three spots that smoke everything in-house. It's a drive trail: Watson Road to Holly Hills to the Illinois side. Bring wet naps.
3 stops · 23.4 miles · drive it — every stop verified with local reviews.
STOP 1
Adam's Smokehouse ★ 4.8 (1140)Clifton Heights — Restaurant · BBQ
Order: Burnt ends and the house smoked salami
Carries the Pappy's and Bogart's legacy — brisket that might bring you to your knees.
STOP 2
The Stellar Hog ★ 4.6 (1444)Holly Hills — Restaurant · BBQ
Order: Ribs and smoked turkey
Backyard seating, live music, and loaded fries worth the trip to Holly Hills.
STOP 3
Beast Craft BBQ ★ 4.6 (2885)Belleville — Restaurant · BBQ
Order: Pork steak and brisket
Barbecue taken seriously, smoked in-house — a Metro East gem worth the river crossing.