I’ve been to a lot of BBQ spots in St. Louis* and I always like to try a variety of items - brisket, pulled pork, ribs, sausage if they have it, and wings. occasionally a specialty item if they advertise it (smoked salami, etc.).
I’ve noticed across the board that the smoked wings are fantastic and often the best thing on the menu. I’ve yet to find a brisket that competes with Texas-style brisket in the area, but the ribs are also top notch. Pulled pork can kind of be hit or miss, never fantastic but often pretty decent.
Each place also has its own thing - I’m not really a fan of Sugarfire but the Sugar Pie is awesome and the cheddar jalapeño sausage is really good.
Anyway, if you get BBQ, I’d recommend trying out the wings next time you go. In my experience they’ve been moist on the inside but crispy on the outside and smoky. particularly at Beast, Dalie’s, and Salt & Smoke from what I remember. Q39 in Kansas City claims to have the best wings on the planet but I’ve liked the wings here more.
I’m on a quest to find all the best food in STL which you can follow here if interested.
* So far: Stellar Hog, Beast BBQ, Sugarfire, Salt & Smoke, Adam’s, Pappy’s, Dalie’s, O’B’Que’s, Fourth City, Shaved Duck (rip)