In Your Own Backyard

St. Louis-style ribs, pork steaks ... darn right, we’re proud of our ’cue. And when it comes to sauce, we like local flavor, too. Here are some of our favorites. Pappy’s Original BBQ Sauce Dry-rub and slow-smoke a slab, then slather it with Pappy’s house sauce – a deeply smoky, nice and tangy, kickin’ spicy, not-too-ketchupy concoction. Why do you think there’s always a line in the joint? $3.99 for 21 ounces. Pappy’s Smokehouse, 3106 Olive St., St. Louis, 314.535.4340. Blues Hog Barbecue Sauce Boasting blue ribbons, the Blues Hog Barbecue Co. in Perry, Mo., knows how to sway the judges: sure-fire heat. Thick, dark and sweet. $4.25 a pint. Winslow’s Home, 7213 Delmar Blvd., University City, 314.725.7559. At the Plate ‘The Original’ Dressing and Marinade A zippy tomato marinade that turns chicken and salmon into barbecue all-stars. Plus, proceeds support children’s charities and Cards skipper Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. $4.99 for 12 ounces. Dierbergs and Schnucks, various locations. Richard’s Ribs BBQ Sauce Mild, sweet and cooked to a just-right consistency. No wonder George Clooney and the Up in the Air film crew did a “take five” at Richard’s. $5.25 a quart. Richard’s Ribs, 10727 Big Bend Road, Kirkwood, 314.966.1015. The Smokehouse Market Special Recipe BBQ Sauce Spot-on for basting. Perfectly smooth and not too sweet. $3.49 for 19 ounces. Also sold in half-gallon and gallon jugs. The Smokehouse Market, 16806 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield, 636.532.3314.