Do you love BBQ? What about soul food? Combine them for soulful barbecue in downtown St. Louis and you have Mosito’s BBQ. Once located in Soulard Market, it is now a full blow restaurant on Washington Ave. Come in for the best St Louis has to offer.
What Makes Mosito’s Stand Out
- Heart and hospitality. One of the most consistent praises in reviews is how welcomed you feel here. Regulars highlight the owner’s friendliness: many reviews mention being greeted with a smile, offered samples (especially of banana pudding), and guided through the menu with genuine enthusiasm. “Smoky, juicy, packed with flavor… it was unforgettable,” raved one guest about the famed turkey leg.
- BBQ done with soul. Mosito’s doesn’t try to be everything — instead, they focus on doing a few dishes very well. That means smoked turkey legs, rib tips, brisket sandwiches, and more classic barbecue fare, cooked low and slow, with care.
- Comforting, soulful sides & desserts. The sides — collard greens, potato salad, black-eyed peas — get as much love as the meats. And don’t sleep on the banana pudding: for many, it’s the perfect sweet ending after a smoky, savory meal.
In short: this is a spot for people who value flavor over flash, comfort over pretense, and hospitality over hype.
Signature Style
Mosito’s Way
- Signature turkey leg — outstanding. Multiple reviewers call it “fork ready” and say the meat “falls off the bone.” It’s often described as the best turkey leg in town.
- Generous smoked-meat plates & sandwiches. Whether you go for brisket, pulled turkey, rib tips or even smoked shrimp skewers — there’s a lot of variety, and many of the dishes are deeply flavorful and satisfying.
- Warm, welcoming vibe. The staff’s enthusiasm and the owner’s personal involvement in the cooking and service help create a relaxed, down-home barbecue feel. Many guests say it feels less like a restaurant and more like eating at someone’s house — in a good way.
What to Order — My “Don’t Miss” Picks
If this were my visit, here’s what I’d order:
- Smoked turkey leg in its drippings — yes, it lives up to its reputation. Tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
- Collard greens + potato salad — two sides that reflect the soul-food roots and balance the richness with some comfort and familiarity.
- Brisket sandwich or rib-tip plate — for a heavier, more classic BBQ taste. A good backup if you want something more traditional than turkey.
- Banana pudding — because after all that smoke and meat, the creamy, sweet finish hits just right.
Final Thoughts — A Real Taste of St. Louis Soul Food
Mosito’s BBQ brings more than just smoked meats to downtown St. Louis — it brings heart, hospitality, and a true sense of community. There are restaurants with trendier interiors or broader menus, but few manage to serve up BBQ that tastes like home, in a place that feels like home. For fans of genuine barbecue and warm service, Mosito’s isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience.
