Smokemasters

Still in the 90s so we're staying inside for another week.

Smokemasters is about 3/4 mile north of 70 on S. Florissant Rd. Plenty of seating (we brought 7) and takes plastic. No beer but Mt. Dew is always a plus. Rolls of paper towels on the table.

Service is great - orders were taken and served at the table and the meat & sauce was terrific. Sides were so-so but I don't go for the sides. Quite affordable as well.

Richard's Ribs

This one's a keeper.

Just west of Lindbergh on Big Bend, Richard's has a moderate amount of indoor dining - vital for this time of year.

Again, I had the rib tips, though we had a crowd of about eight and all together we had a good variety (no one's been brave enough to try the snoots yet though).

A tangy sauce, tender meat and the best baked beans we've found yet combine to put Richard's into Round 2.

Be sure to bring cash though as they do not take credit cards. No beer.

Fat Toney's

I'd walked by this place many times - it's across the street from the Soulard Market - without stopping in.

We settled on Toney's as a few folks were taking the afternoon off and this was on the way to the East side.

I had the rib tips and I have to say the sauce was tremendous. The meat left a little bit to be desired though. Most of the folks I was with enjoyed it much more than me though all agreed it was a little pricey.

The place has plenty of indoor dining, takes plastic, and has beer. Not a bad choice if you're on you way to a game downtown. It's headed to the loser's bracket at least.

Plush Pig

I've eaten here plenty of times before - it's two blocks from my office. I was happy to see them open, especially after Super Smokers went out of business and Bandana's left Clayton.

That said, everyone was fairly underwhelmed. I had ribs, not my usual, which were fairly stingy on the cut. Given the rent these folks must be paying, I'm not surprised how high the prices are (compared to other BBQ joints - compared to other Clayton restaurants, they're fairly priced) but they do tend to nickel & dime you. The exception to this rule is the tub of $1 beer waiting for you as you stand in line.

I doubt this one will be around for round 2.