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Let’s be clear, there’s no Cedric The Entertainer without St. Louis. Down in the Lou, he first discovered his love of comedy, community, and, of course, saucy St. Louis BBQ. Ced’s favorite landmarks in The Lou span from his favorite barbeque spots to the Fox Theatre and his star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

With the AC Barbeque STL city guide, you’re getting a real local tour… we’ll take you through some old town flavors of St. Louis BBQ and Cedric’s favorites growing up to some new restaurants innovating on those classic flavors and making their mark in Mound City. Let’s get goin’ fam!

C&K

4390 Jennings Station Rd, St. Louis, MO 63121

In St. Louis, sauce is boss, and C&K is king. Cedric’s hometown favorite was founded by Forris King in 1963, and the BBQ spot has been regarded as an STL classic ever since. C&K’s unique take on BBQ involves new takes on old flavors… from their delicious smoked meats to their house-made Sweet & Tangy sauce and savory potato salad. The restaurant still keeps it old school in true St. Louis fashion, preparing the whole pig, or as they say in STL, “from the rooter to the tooter”. It’s a must-do for the Lou!

Grill House Smoke House

1545 N Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102

Opening just last year, Grill House Smoke House is the new kid on the block, but that hasn’t stopped owner Jasmine Gaines from bringing lots of love and vibrant flavor to the community. A local favorite, the smoked turkey tips are lathered in that classic St. Louis BBQ sauce that makes every taste irresistible. And if you’re not sure what you want? Grill House got you covered with their try-before-you-buy policy and generous samples. It’s a classic in the making!

Red’s The One And Only BBQ

304 S Florissant Rd, Ferguson, MO 63135

It’s in the name … there’s no BBQ like Red’s The One And Only! “Blessed To Be The Best,” Red’s is known for potato salads, ribs, and of course, that classic sweet potato pie. The welcomingIt’s in the name … there’s no BBQ like Red’s The One And Only! “Blessed To Be The Best,” Red’s is known for potato salads, ribs, and of course, that classic sweet potato pie. The welcoming atmosphere and staff make every trip to Red’s feel like home… check 'em out for delicious food and good vibes, just be sure not to bite your fingers!atmosphere and staff make every trip to Red’s feel like home… check 'em out for delicious food and good vibes, just be sure not to bite your fingers!

Credit: Pappy’s Smokehouse

Pappy’s Smokehouse

3106 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103

Pappy's Smokehouse is all about simplicity and creating the best BBQ experience possible for the whole fam. The joint’s name pays tribute to the late Jim "Pappy" Emerson who founded the restaurant as a homebase for great food and good times. To this day, Pappy’s continues this spirit at their two locations in Midtown St. Louis and St. Peters, Missouri… It’s all about cookin’ and community around these parts!

Credit: Steve Weinmann

Kenrick’s

4324 Weber Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123

Everyone in the STL knows Kenrick’s Meats… it’s timeless, delicious & reliable. But, many of them don’t know that it all started in the humble back of a refrigerator truck. In 1945 by founder Herb Kenrick, who grew his business, using his truck to deliver fresh meats to the people of St. Louis. In just a few years, Herb’s business was the talk of the town, leading him to a permanent location and sale to Joe Weinmann, aka “Joe the Butcher,” who we met on our trip to the Lou. Joe and his butchers are true masters of meat, innovative and creative with their specialty meats, like the Ozark Grillers, bacon wrapped seasoned beef with cheddar cheese. Always staying true to their history and values, continuing to use Herb’s recipes for their OG sausages and famous landjaeger – a dried, cured smoked sausage.

St. Louis Walk of Fame

6166 Delmar Blvd. Saint Louis, MO 63130

If you walk down the Delamar loop and through the STL City section, you’ll happen upon Cedric The Entertainer’s star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame. In 2008, he was inducted to the Walk – honoring his life and career that started at a little stand up comedy club in St. Louis, decades earlier. In Cedric’s words, the star “used to be in front of a higher power, and now it’s in front of a HIGHER power”… meaning you’ll find it in front of a dispensary, but if you stopped by a few years back, that same building was a church. Good times. If you want to check out other of Cedric’s spots in the Lou, go see Cedric The Entertainer Way, a street dedicated to him, and his old stomping grounds at the Fox Theater.