Lisa's Texas BBQ

Don't bother (and it is a bother - read on).

I seriously hope no one is depending on this place for their livelihood; a little background:

Because BBQ joints are spotty about hours (and days) of operation not to mention, if working from old references, continued existence, I try to call first - especially when the place is twenty minutes away (like Lisa's). So I first called about 3 weeks ago and asked if they were open for lunch.

"When are you coming?"

"Umm - for lunch."

"Well, I have a catering job today."

"OK. I'll try another day"

Today was the that other day - same routine:

"When are you coming?"

"For lunch - I thought about a quarter to 12."

"Well, I have to run to Sam's"

Two thoughts here:

1. Couldn't you do that earlier (or later)?
2. What kind of restaurant locks up for errands over the lunch hour?

After extracting the promise that they would be back by 11:45, I hopped in the car, picked up my friend Dan and headed for Lisa's. The location is a little out-of-the way: 125 Long Road, but good Q is worth the hunt. Some other folks must have thought so too as they pulled in when we did.

The door was locked. No one was there. After a five minute wait we were on the way back to the car when Lisa pulled up and apologized. We were ushered in to find a 'buffet' - essentially required to build our own sandwiches. Couldn't be bothered to show up, couldn't be bothered to serve . . .

Out of the two choices, sliced brisket and sliced pork, I went with the beef.

It tasted like my Mom's roast beef. Now don't get me wrong, I love my Mom's roast beef; a little gravy, a little Yorkshire pudding, I'm in heaven - but BBQ it's not. It may have been smoked, but I didn't taste it.

The sauce was passable, the sides and dessert were High School cafeteria all the way, but given the sad meat and just general lack of giving a damn, I feel no need to ever go back . . . even if they did bother to be open for lunch.

Grandpa Mischeaux's Real Deal

First off - there are only three stools and a little outdoor seating on Union so plan on carry-out.

Second - the place also doubles as a sodie store so if you need Laffy Taffy or deodorant while your waiting for your BBQ, you're in the right place.

Steve & I went and we were both astounded by the Fred Flintstone-size portion of the rib tips. The meat was a little fatty still but well smoked flavor-wise. The sauce was probably the sweetest I've had yet with no bite at all but very rich in flavor. The price was a ridiculously low $5 but as the sign in the store says, subject to change based on the attitude of the customer. Fair warning.

The side was potato salad and, I guess, always will be.

At 2409 Union, the Real Deal is a couple blocks north of MKL.

Smoki O's

At the last minute, I headed up North Grand in search of A & U only to find it closed. Swinging around to Broadway I headed south and found Smoki O's instead. Just north of the Jones Dome, you could smell the smoke from a block away and it smelled gooooood!

Clean & cozy, geared more towards carry-out, Smoki O's can boast of one of the friendliest staffs I've run into yet as well as good baked beans and the best, bar none, slaw I've had in St. Louis. Sadly, the rib tips were on the tough side. I'd be willing to give them a second chance, especially when we move downtown, but not in the running for 'Best of St. Louis'.

Rib City

This place was 'found by driving around' and keeping our eyes open. It's just west of Hanley on Natural Bridge in an old McDonald's. Spacious, clean, and home to some good BBQ, I think the main business of the place is catering.

Steve & I went up over lunch. Quick they are not, but the meat was tender, the saucy spicy and the price decent. Given its location, I'm sure it'll do well. It wouldn't surprise me to see it on to the next round.