While in the Midwest a couple of weeks ago I was told about a BBQ feud that goes back well over 60 years between Kansas “the world’s barbecue capital” City  and St. Louis.  St. Louis style-BBQ (even has its own Wikipedia entry), is doused in a tomato and vinegar sauce that tastes sweet and has a kick of spice.  I decided to try a place called Fat Toney’s in St. Louis, renown in the area as the “it” BBQ spot.

The first thing I noticed was how empty diner-style restaurant was and how quickly the meal was brought out.  Coming from New York and Cali I had expected a long line, wait,  tourists, the works.  So far, so good…authentic.  I walked up to the counter and ordered the stripped pork, a “bubbly” cole slaw, beans, and a beer for a total of about$10.00.

What it is:  It was good stripped pork and ribs.  It tasted like I had walked into someone’s backyard and stole a plateful; styrofoam plate, beer and all.  The pork was soft and soaking in BBQ sauce.  The ribs were full of meat and also soaked in sauce.  It was good, I was tired and sleepy after I finished.  What it wasn’t:  It wasn’t “oh damn” enough.  The sides were a bit cold and had that out-a-can taste.  I was also expecting some sort of cornbread or bun to go along with everything, but maybe that’s just me.  I spiced it all up with a neon-green Cajun sauce they had on the side which seemed to help. I would recommend it to anyone traveling to both KC and St. Louie trying to decide which city holds it down for their BBQ in the Midwest.  For directions and menu prices their website is http://www.fattoneysbbq.com/.  It’s got a pig outside.  A pig.

Tags: Restaurant Reviews · Food ·