Salt + Smoke, BBQ Bourbon and Beer

We’ve been back a few more times since my first review. I think the recipe for the ribs has evolved since then, I think the marinade is less heavy on the smoke and a little more savory now, but still allowing the pork taste to come through. I’ve tried the pulled pork a few times too, and it’s always succulent and tasty. I also think the BBQ beans have more flavor now, again not overpowering everything else with BBQ flavor.
Although always packed, but the restaurant staff does a good job of accomodating our big group!

One of the best places in Stl to get brisket! Good portions and I love trying their new drink specials! Perfect place to go to on DATE night! Good service! Would recommend to all my friends!

I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical of Salt+Smoke before coming here given what I assumed to be a pretentious atmosphere paired with BBQ. This awkward pairing previously turned me away, but I was proved wrong and pleasantly surprised. I ended up loving this fairly recent addition to The Loop.
The star of S+S is the food. I got the beef brisket plate and I convinced my girlfriend to go for the full rack of St. Louis cut ribs with the full intention of snagging my share and bringing some home. The beef brisket was very flavorful, but I did think it spent a little too much time in the smoker for my taste. I really enjoyed it nonetheless. The ribs were well seasoned with a thick bark that was begging to be eaten without sauce. If you prefer sauce with your meat, S+S has a sweet sauce (my favorite), a spicy sauce, a white BBQ sauce (I didn’t see this one) and a mustard sauce (my hate for mustard prevented me from giving this one a shot).The sweet sauce was my favorite and it wasn’t too sweet which can ruin the taste of any ribs for me.
If the meat is the superhero, then the sides are the very capable supporting «side”-kicks. The sides are nothing to be scoffed at. In fact, S+S has the tastiest sides out of any of the BBQ joints in St. Louis in my opinion. I tried the Garlic and Herb Fries, Pit Beans, Brisket Chili, and White Cheddar Cracker Mac. Besides the minor complaint of the White Cheddar Mac being too salty, all of the sides I tried were exceptional with very developed flavors.
Pair your food with the wide selection of Bourbons and Whiskeys and you’re bound to have a great time.
One downside that I experienced was the spotty service. Our sever could have checked on us more often, but since it was very busy and we were sitting out of the way outside, I will give it a pass this time.
I’ll definitely be back the next time I’m in the mood for a carnivorous meal.

I have eaten here twice. First time I would give it 3 stars, second time the ribs were awful and I would give it 1 star. The ribs were extremely dry and tasted like cheap beef jerky. The sides are pretty good, but nothing special. My girlfriend and I have eaten at most of the restaurants in the Loop and we both agreed that this was the most disappointing one (and we would never go again).
Plus, there are so many other good BBQ restaurants like Vernon’s, which is only a half mile away, way better ribs, sides and sauces and cheaper overall.

Damn damn damn…
This BBQ was damn good. I still think the best rib I’ve had is the Prime-​rib but overall BBQ salt and smoke might win that award.
It is located in an up and coming strip near the hotel I stay at when I’m traveling to STL.
We arrived around 8 and although busy (especially for a Wed) we were sat right away. We ordered drinks then our food. Since the drinks were both craft cocktails the food and drinks came at the same time which was great timing… you always need bourbon with you BBQ.
I got the 4 meat platter with 2 sides. With the meal I got ribs, pork, jalapeño and cheese Bologna and brisket. Ribs=ok, shredded pork=good, Bologna=great, brisket=meat of the gods.
The sides were stupid good too.
Overall this is a staple for any STL trip.

Recently went to Salt + Smoke twice. I like the set up and look of the place, although it can become very packed in the entrance and bar area if there’s a wait. We could barely sardine ourselves into the bar to place a drink order.
I’ve discovered that I’m just not a huge bourbon fan. Whiskey and scotch, yes… bourbon, no. Oh well. I love the Civil Life ESB on draft and the Elder Uncle gin cocktail. Delicious! Never enjoyed gin until recently and I always love a new discovery.
I really enjoy the food at Salt + Smoke! I think they have some of the best sides of any bbq places in the area. I always feel like the sides are the forgotten piece of the plate but I’ve really enjoyed everything I’ve tried include the mac and cheese, the green beans and tomatoes, beans, potato salad… all delicious and definitely not an afterthought. For the meat, it’s really good! The ribs, while some of the small cartilage bits that aren’t usually on St. Louis cut ribs were there, had good flavor and were super duper tender. I enjoyed the jalapeño and cheddar bologna a lot and had no idea what to expect. I also enjoyed it as left overs! The pork and brisket were also very good. I really love the popover as well. I think it’s a neat touch considering that most places will serve slices of white bread. I’m super impressed with the amount of food for the price!
The service is a bit all over the place. While my water and my husbands soda were consistently filled, it took forever to get a cocktail. The appetizers came out super quick but then we waited 30 mins for the entrees. Everyone was super friendly and helpful with food and drink choices though and they knew their stuff.

St. Louisians are very protective of their favorite BBQ Joints. I know I must tread lightly with this review…
Salt + Smoke deserves a spot in high up on the list. The meats are smoked and so flavorful they don’t even need sauce. Salt + Smoke is known for brisket. They offer brisket three ways: lean, fatty, or burnt ends. You must try THIS brisket. The pulled chicken and pulled pork are both amazing. The Bestie Platter allows you to pick two meats, which is a total score! The Bestie Platter is so much food we have a whole other nights dinner with the leftovers. The Mac and Cheese is even better the next day.
This is a table service, full bar, open later… BBQ must try.

I usually love this place. The sweet BBQ and the mustard is probably my favorite thing. It’s nicer than you usual BBQ joint, but still casual. I would consider an ok date place if you don’t mine getting BBQ on each other. It’s supper crowded on the weekends and there will be a wait. If it is nice out, I suggest you sit outside and people watch.
Pros:
1) Chicken Wings. I’m soo serious, but the portions are small
2) Brisket & RIBS
3) Devil Eggs
4) Service is generally great but slow
5) Vegetarian entrée options at a freaking BBQ!!!
6) Good Mac n Cheese
7) Hush puppies with Honey!!!
Cons:
1) Take-​out is always not the same and dry
2) I dont think they do call ahead seating and you must be there in person. Hmmm, correct me on this, but this was a pain at some point.
3) Pull pork is ehhh
4) Sometimes the food is inconsistent (aka dry wings/​burnt burnt wings)

I had my first experience here last night and the food is amazing! Our server Tim was awesome! I honestly referred to him as my BFF while at dinner last night and we had just met. We had a long wait (about 50 minutes for a Saturday night), but I love that S&S sends you a text and calls you when your table is ready so you can walk around the Loop while you wait. The food is great! I had the Bestie Combo (great deal and I love the name) with the ribs and brisket with mac and cheese and green bean & tomato salad. Everything was excellent. I needed some pepper for my mac&cheese but it was still very good and creamy. The sauces are also very good. The meat was all very tender. The Apple Barrel cocktail was also good with the BBQ.
Now that I’ve sung all of S&S’s praises, there was one issue which I didn’t care for… My date ordered the Bestie combo with the ribs and wings. He was given the brisket and wings without any notice. That was a major oversight considering he doesn’t eat beef! This wasn’t addressed until Tim checked on us half-​way through the meal and we mentioned it to him. He indicated that «I» got the last of the ribs so they replaced his ribs with the brisket «because both the ribs and brisket are beef.» That surprises me because I swear I was eating pork ribs, but still, I believe that should’ve been addressed before halfway through the meal! As a peace offering, my date was offered more wings and we still were able to keep the brisket, which was something. I wish he would have gotten to choose the type of meat replacement that he wanted though.
I’m still giving S&S a ⁵⁄₅ though, simply because outside of that (major) gaffe with our order, the food was good, the service was great, and I loved the text & call to tell us our table was ready.