John G.
Yelp
Strangely, my experience was more influenced by what I didn't eat there (but wanted to) versus what I did order there (but didn't want to).
My first visit was on a Saturday evening. Based on the pictures and reviews from Yelp, I had decided to order the rib tips. I walk in, and the first thing the counter-lady says is that they are out of rib tips and most everything else, too. Lesson #1: on weekends, go early for the best selection. So, I'm disappointed, and I sit there re-reading the menu, trying to decide on some other entree. In the mean time, four customers walk in, try to order the rib tips, and they get similarly disappointed. In fact, so disappointed, they didn't even bother ordering something else, they just turned around and left. Now I'm thinking, "The rib tips must REALLY be good, I'm definitely coming back to try them!"
They still have brisket, and I figure that's a safe choice, and I'll get that. I need a second entree for my wife, and I am reluctantly leaning towards the BBQ chicken. I say reluctantly because even though I have never had Roper's, I fear that they probably overcook the chicken, which makes it dry. Actually, I almost never order out for chicken because most restaurants overcook it. Earlier this year, I ate at a BBQ restaurant in West County who had "the best smoked chicken in St Louis County," according to St Louis Magazine, and their chicken was so dry that it was all I could do to choke it down.
I get home, my wife and I split the brisket sandwich. Because my expectations for the chicken are low, I save it for last. When I finally turn my attention to it, I see that the Roper's chicken is half of a generously sized chicken. It lightly coated with BBQ sauce, which I like because I want the chicken to be the predominant taste, not the sauce. I cut into it, taste it....and it is a RELEVATION! So juicy! Nice smokey flavor, complimented by a BBQ sauce that is sweet with hint of tanginess. My mouth still waters as I think about how good that tasted.
A few days later, I go back, this time on a weekday, a couple hours prior to the dinner rush. And, yes, this time I was able to get the rib tips. Let me first say that they give you a huge amount for a very reasonable price! During this second visit, I meet the owner Carl. We started to banter a bit, and I get to know him and other members of his family who were working with him. We have a nice conversation, almost like we have been friends for a long time.
So let me cut to the chase on what I think:
Chicken: wonderful.
Brisket: excellent, good size serving of medium thickeness slices. I am going to ask Carl to slice it a little thinner for me next time.
Rib tips: exceptionally tender, meaty, tasty, fantastic price to performance.
Bread & Side dishes: adequate, an area they could improve upon.
BBQ Sauce: unique, above average, not too sweet (which I like).
Parking: there's street parking close by.
Dining accommodations: let's just say that you should really think of this as a take out restaurant.
Owner/operator: friendly and generous, and they care about their customers.
Bottom line: a little gem worth seeking out.