Salt + Smoke 1386 Clarkson Clayton Center, Ellisville, MO 63011

"The food was really good for the most part. The only exception were the ribs. There were a few of them that had the consistency of jerky and the sauce was overwhelming. I will try them again with the dry rub and hope for a more tender rib. The pulled chicken, pulled pork and smoked wings were all delicious. We also loved all of our sides which consisted of creamed corn, mac and cheese, brisket chili and potato salad. Our server was outstanding. Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our evening out at this establishment."

"Really enjoyed the first visit to this location. Despite only being open a week, we were able to be seated in about 25 minutes on a busy Saturday night. Staff was very helpful, pleasant and had some good recommendations. Unfortunately, the food wasn't as good as we've had in the other locations. Largely it was under seasoned. The pop-over had no bacon taste at all. The green bean and tomato salad was without flavor. The beans were bland. The brisket was good and the ribs were tender but again a bit under seasoned .But we know that they'll be better and will be back. Liked the space and the noise was less than would have been expected."

"This restaurant offers some fierce competition for the best in Ellisville! ---The wait is a little long, but the meat and the sides are well worth it. I went here for the first time yesterday, and it was pretty much packed-however, the wait was only 45 minutes, and we were let in very quickly. ---The restaurant itself is decked out with very "BBQ-farm-esque" aesthetic details and a modern-yet-not-industrial style. A very bold interior, especially with the Celtic dance music playing in the bathrooms, which really made me reflect on life. I like it! ---Our waiter was very interesting and unique, as well. All around, we ordered two plates with 4 meats and 4 sides in total. We did not expect, however, the free pastry that comes with each plate! (Well, I did, but no one else did.) Believe you me when I say that this thing is HEAVENLY. Think the warm inner folds of a croissant with like beef-fat-or-something-or-other meaty in there, with the crunch of a pretzel bite - needless to say, I'm a huge fan, and will vouch for this even if my tablemates wouldn't. Though the sides are equally as good! ---The creamed corn is creamy, and not sweet-a fact which brought much joy to my table for some reason. I like the coriander/i-can't-put-my-finger-on what that flavor is that they put in there, as well. The brisket chili is good, too, (even though I only got it because they were out of "brisket" for the plates when we got there.) ---The potato salad shares this distinction, however the mac and cheese is a force to be reckoned with. Very creamy and cheesy, yet not overbearingly so-very savory, to the point that it really didn't need any salt. Wow! Needless to say, all of the sides were thoroughly enjoyed. ---The meat was a bit more of a contentious issue at our table: I personally loved it all, however, the ribs were labeled "tough" and "too sweet" by my table mates. They were very tough, I will say, though I enjoyed this batch a lot more than most other batches of ribs I've had because of the amazing, crunchful char on their surface. (I'm pretty impartial to ribs, generally, so take my word with a grain of barbeque sauce.) ---The pulled pork and the chicken hit that sweet spot of being moist enough to cause mouths to water, and not being too moist to not be able to have their intricacies ruined with copious amounts of sauce; basically, they're perfect. ---The wings, as well, were excellent, and very tender. With all four sauces provided at the tables, anything unliked can be ameliorated pretty quickly, though I will say I only really liked three of them. The message behind this extended rant is that you should try the new Salt + Smoke location - even if just for the sides, you oughta risk it for the biscuit, because their popovers are heavenly. Good Bye."

"Highly recommend!! So excited to have a Salt + Smoke just down the road from us now! Food was excellent and service was great. I had the pulled chicken plate with creamed corn and the white cheddar cracker mac—the mac is probably the best I’ve ever had, and I’m a connoisseur so that’s saying something. It is SO good. My husband had a half brisket half pulled pork plate with beef fat fries and sweet pepper potato salad. He loved the fries and said the brisket was especially good. For drinks we had black cherry soda (locally made with cane sugar) and a walnut old fashioned. Both were amazing. We’ll be back for sure!"

"Opening day. The bbq was excellent. 4 sauces to choose from. I got the ribs and they were fall off the bone fabulous. I chose the mac & cheese and baked beans for my two sides. They were absolutely wonderful. They’ve got a bacon and cheddar puff pastry that is served with every meal and it is delicious. Also tried a couple of their specialty cocktails, and was very amazed! Specifically the “eldest uncle.” Loved the atmosphere and decor. Our bartender, Josh, was exceptional. I’m pretty picky and wasn’t sure I would like it, but I was pleasantly surprised. Highly recommend you give this place a try."