Salt + Smoke Takeaway. My pulled pork place in St. Louis. 8.7 / 10 bbq score. The pulled pork, brisket, and chicken are all top-notch. Each plate comes with two sides and a pop-over. It's a ton of food, but on the relatively pricer side of St. Louis. $18.99 for a plate. I am partial to the mac-and-cheese and duck-fat fries. Every bite from start to finish is heavy, tasty, and filling. Just have a Tums on hand afterward.
I ordered online for pickup this time, but I've been at the Delmar location for lunch and dinner. Never had an issue with service or time-to-food. For pickup, I park in the little parking lot next to the restaurant on the Loop or across the street on a side street. Parking is easily available behind the building.
Salt + Smoke Experience Summary
My dad came out to visit for the weekend on the condition we get St. Louis BBQ. That meant that we had only one option in my book, Salt + Smoke.
Salt + Smoke is my top pick for barbecue in St. Louis. I've tried nearly everything on the menu--from the burnt ends to the smoked chicken--and each dish is a delight. While my personal preference leans toward North Carolina pulled pork with its signature tangy sauce, Salt + Smoke delivers a worthy, rich, smoky experience that never disappoints. Every cut is juicy, never dry, and packed with deep, smoky flavor that melds perfectly with the natural fats of the meat. It's a filling experience and one you won't walk away from hungry.
The portions are generous, with a standard plate priced around $18.99. This may seem pricey, but you'll likely have leftovers. A smoked chicken plate, for example, is ample enough to feed myself and my kids, with enough left for later. The sides, although smaller, are well-executed, adding extra value to the meal.
The Food At Salt + Smoke
Salt + Smoke serves up rich, flavorful barbecue complemented by a few standout sides. The duck fat fries, with their subtle duck flavor, add a savory crunch and a smooth aftertaste that's addictive. The mac and cheese, while not groundbreaking, is comfortingly good, with a distinct cheddar taste and some delightful "crusties" that add texture. The baked beans with bacon are smoky and satisfying, and I've even had the collard greens in the past, which were well-prepared.
Each barbecue plate also comes with a jalapeño cheddar popover. Despite its name, this popover isn't too spicy; instead, it delivers a light smokiness with occasional cheesy or mildly spicy bites. These popovers are exceptional when hot and fresh, making them a must-have addition to your meal.
One unexpected hit is the kale crunch salad, which my wife often orders instead of meat. The large salad ($13.99 for a full portion) is a blend of shredded vegetables--primarily kale and Brussels sprouts--with feta, tomatoes, and an impressive dressing. With smoked chicken added on top, it's a flavorful, hearty option for anyone looking to go lighter or skip the meat. For families, the smoked chicken is a reliable hit; my kids love it, and it has a great balance of smokiness without being overly fatty.
If you're a brisket fan, that's also an excellent choice. And while I'm not big on deviled eggs, my dad swears by Salt + Smoke's spicy deviled eggs topped with bacon.
Salt + Smoke Atmosphere And Miscellaneous
Salt + Smoke has expanded significantly since I first discovered it back in 2019. Starting with a single location, they've now grown to five spots across the county, including one at Busch Stadium. The dining experience itself is consistently pleasant. Whether you're stopping in for lunch or dinner, service is swift and efficient, with a table turnaround time that's impressive.
The restaurant's aroma hits you immediately upon walking in--an intoxicating smoky fragrance that permeates the area around Del Mar. Inside, it's casual but polished, a perfect setting to indulge in top-quality barbecue without the formality of a high-end steakhouse. It's ideal for both a laid-back family meal and larger gatherings, as they also offer catering.
Parking At Salt + Smoke
Parking on Delmar is convenient. The main option is a parking lot north of the street, where finding a spot is usually simple. For quick takeout pickups, the small lot adjacent to the restaurant has limited space, so on-street parking or briefly parking near the fire hydrant may be the next best option.
Salt + Smoke Receipt
