Fourth City Barbecue

I'm guilty of finding great pleasure in discovering a hidden gem. I was pretty excited about trying Fourth City BBQ. You enter a bar that was honestly very chill and comfortable. The restaurant window is in the back. The owner was very friendly. I ordered a half rack of ribs with broccoli salad and a brisket plate with bacon fried rice. I only had to wait about 15 minutes for my to go order. The owner brought it out to me, smiled friendly, and I was out. I got in the car and checked my order. I was loaded with big meaty ribs. However, my brisket plate was kinda skimpy on the brisket. I'm not bad mouthing the place, but I do feel my brisket portion wasn't up to par. However, it was well seasoned, juicy, fresh, and hot. I was pleased because some folks ruin brisket. Not this place. They got it right. Everything was served hot and fresh. My favorite thing about it was there was no need for BBQ sauce. The ribs were good and tender. The taste was unique (in a good way). It wasn't heavy on smoky flavor but still quite tasty. I fell in love with the cornbread. It was like a tasty little butter cake. Yumm to the cornbread! Overall, besides me being ticked off about my brisket size, I'd recommend this place. I'm a person who's into the total experience. The owner was nice, waiting in the bar felt safe and chill. Fresh, hot, tasty food with a twist of flavors. Check them out, but if you get the brisket plate, order double meat.

After a sweaty yoga session that left me dreaming about actually touching my toes one day, I was ready to tackle the hardest decision of the week - where to eat dinner on this fine July evening. My mind was buzzing with all the new spots I had discovered on a sneaky food website during a mind-numbing meeting on Tuesday. After a quick shower, outfit change, and scooping up my clueless roommate, we embarked on a bumpy ride down Cherokee Street in search of a hidden gem - a secret BBQ joint tucked away in a bar. Rumors had been swirling about this place, and parking was a nightmare, but we finally made it to the Fortune Teller Bar that housed Fourth City BBQ. The welcoming bar staff greeted us with open arms, and with a couple of beers in hand, we made our way to the back of the bar to place our order at a tiny window. The weekly special of Guava Rum ribs caught my eye, along with a side of bacon fried rice and an extra order of Rib Tips. My roommate opted for the brisket and macaroni salad. As we settled into a cozy booth, our trays of mouthwatering BBQ arrived before us. The aroma alone was enough to send me into a food-induced trance. The Rib Tips practically dissolved in my mouth, coated in a delectable BBQ sauce that was pure perfection. The unexpected pairing of bacon fried rice was a pleasant surprise, adding an extra layer of flavor to the meal. And the ribs? Oh my, they were a revelation. Falling off the bone, with a hint of guava and a kick of rum, each bite was a symphony of flavors. We savored every bite, discussing the masterpiece of a meal over a few more beers. It was truly some of the best BBQ I had ever experienced. As we sat there, bellies full and hearts content, I couldn't help but marvel at the magic that can happen when you stumble upon a hidden gem. And so, with a satisfied sigh, we raised our glasses to the humble yet mighty Fourth City BBQ.

Low key great BBQ spot! We loved their pulled pork and brisket. Cornbread wasnt a choking hazard (why can't California get it right lol). The bacon fried rice may have stolen the spotlight a bit. Only thing we wished to see was mac and cheese.

I'd heard great things about this place, specifically the brisket, from multiple people. On the day of my visit I was disappointed to be served extremely dry brisket that tasted microwaved. The very nice person working the counter asked how it was, so I gave my honest feedback. She confirmed that the brisket had been microwaved and said that they only make the brisket once per week. The fried rice and cornbread were pretty good, but I wouldn't recommend or return to a place that microwaves leftovers at this price.

Highly recommend making a stop here. Plenty of seating options for dine-in. Parking was close and easy. The brisket sandwich surpassed all expectations. We ordered different sides so we could try both and didn’t regret it. Do not sleep on the cornbread and hot honey butter!! Wish I had gotten some to go. The attention to detail and flavors was apparent in every aspect of the meal. It was well worth the trip.

Neat little spot inside Fortune Teller Bar. The beef brisket had a dry rub that was burnt. The meat tasted like it was steamed not smoked. The sides were good - cheesey potatoes and sweet corn bread. This is not a bbq that I will crave. Good idea just not there yet, being from KC MO I have high standards for BBQ.

If you're looking for legendary Texas-style BBQ, you don't need to book a flight to Austin. Fourth City Barbecue is a revelation. Greg, the owner, and his wife couldn't have been more welcoming. They clearly put their heart and soul into this place, and it shows in every detail. But the real star of the show is the BBQ. I opted for the two-meat plate with brisket and pulled pork. The brisket was pure magic - perfectly tender with a beautiful bark that sent me back for seconds. The pulled pork was juicy and smoky, with just the right amount of sweetness. The sides were no slouches either - mac salad and corn bread perfectly complemented the richness of the meats. Honestly, this is some of the best BBQ I've ever had. Fourth City Barbecue stands toe-to-toe with the best in Austin. Don't miss this hidden gem! If you're looking for incredible barbecue, friendly service, and a true St. Louis gem, look no further than Fourth City Barbecue. 5 stars all around!

You can really tell the difference in flavor with the all-wood smoked meat, and the brisket I got paired perfectly with the fresh broccoli salad and tangy in-house pickles.

These people are the definition of fusion barbecue! I ended up having to come here because of a delay in my trip schedule, and I'm SO glad I did! Tucked away in the back of a magic-themed bar lies this millennial/hipster barbecue operation that I am proud holds the crown of barbecues future. This spot has everything, from Texas cooking to Carolina and Alabama sauces you can add to your food. If I had time for another visit, I would try even more! I got their brisket sandwich and cornbread, and it went so well with their mustard sauce. The owners were kind enough to talk with me about their journey and hope for St. Louis's barbecue future. I don't know when I'll be back in town, but I can't wait to see the line stretching out of this place!