Boodles BBQ

Clearly Martha stopped by to update this old Wendy’s with some country charm. If you are a sauce lover I would not go here with high expectations, tasted like it was from bottle. Friendly staff and clean! The biscuts and price point is this place’s silver lining. I would think this would be the perfect setting for a relaxed night out with or without kids.

I have avoided Boodles for a long time becuase, well, I hate making that left off of Gravois. Pathetic I know.
But my cousin was raving about it, so the hubs and I decided it was time for a stop in.
First off, you really can’t tell this used to be a Wendy’s. I remember going here with my Grandma when I was kid and chowing down on the salad bar… but now it’s decorated all BBQ joint, kitchy yes… but somehow cozy.
I ordered the turkey platter with green beans and picnic potatoes, and the hubbuy got the half rack (as per usual). Each platter came with 2 biscuits. We spent less than 20 bucks on our dinner. I am already happy.
Our food came out piping hot and in about 3 minutes. We had barely found a table before they brought it out to us. I dug into my cheesy potatoes first… wow. Yum. Not even slightly healthy, mind you, but who doesn’t love a cheese drenched potato dish. The green beans were quite tasty as well, and not over buttered or salty like a lot of places. Turkey was good, nothing I couldn’t get somewhere else. However, my husband’s ribs were quite tasty and didn’t even need sauce to dress them up. Now the rolls. Um, how can anyone think deep fried dough tastes bad? I drenched mine in honey and that only made it better.
The people that work here are super friendly too. This is a solid BBQ joint and I am sure I will be coming back in the future.

Average. That is how I would rate my experience at Boodles today. I was looking forward to trying a new BBQ joint, and I finally made it here. I had the ¹⁄₃ ribs platter with BBQ beans and green beans. The green beans were soggy and tasteless. The BBQ beans were better – they had a decent taste. The ribs were actually pretty good! The meat was moist and flavorful. I like fried food as much as the next person, but the fried biscuits were disappointing. They reminded me of a Long John Silvers’ hush puppy without any seasoning. They definitely needed the honey accompaniment. The staff was friendly, and the guy who brought out the food kindly explained what the different sauces were. I may come here again in a pinch, but if I have time, I’ll cruise on over to Pappy’s.

In a nutshell: NO.
Ready for the longer story? Here we go.
I’ve passed by Boodles a handful of times, and each time, I made a mental note to myself to give this place a try.
Well, my opportunity finally arrived. I was on the prowl for some great ribs, and Boodles seemed like an interesting place to check out.
I called my order in for half a rack of ribs, cole slaw, potato salad, and fried biscuits.
My order was ready when I arrived about 10 minutes later. Nice.
Everything was piping hot (well, minus the cole slaw and potato salad, of course!), which was nice.
I tried the fried biscuit first. After reading all of the rave reviews about these, I was anxious to try them.
My opinion? These things were NOT that great. They were just okay. I added some honey to them, which improved the taste a lot, but these tasted like a sub-​par version of the biscuits at Popeyes (which are AMAZING, by the way!). They were really heavy, too. Sat like bricks in my poor tummy.
Enough about these biscuits. I really came here for the ribs!
And they were a HUGE disappointment.
First off? They smelled bad. They smelled REALLY bad. How does something like that even happen? I don’t get it.
I held my breath (WTF, Stephanie? Just throw the shit away) and took a bite.
Ugh. UGH. Dry, flavorless meat that tasted just like it smelled. Seriously? What went wrong here? I’m not sure.
I’m going to be honest and admit that after the epic fail of the ribs, I didn’t even give the cole slaw and potato salad a chance. I chucked the whole thing in the garbage… where it belonged.
Never again. Nope.

THOUGHT I reviewed Boodles a couple of months ago, but apparently I didn’t. I’m not a fan of barbecue sauce, though I’ll use it occasionally. Boodles is creative with their sauce, and with their biscuits, so I give them props for the creativity. That being said… my plate was hit or miss. They go for the novetly factor w/​deep fried biscuits, and they miss the mark, because nothing’s gained. They have 3 sauces… one spicy, one mustard based I believe, and a sweet sauce… none of them are really worth using, though the spicy is the «best» of the trio. The baby back ribs are actually pretty damn good, and the beans & cheesy potato casserole were great additions, which prompted the 2 stars. The service was less than friendly, the prices were a little high for the portion size, and their brisket was by far the toughest I’ve ever had… that encompasses backyard cookouts, restaurants, and the guy selling plates outside of Peep-​N-​Toms in Arlington, TX.

Great place for a quick lunch. Reminds me a lot of Bandana’s BBQ which they probably get from numerous customers. There is some differences. I thought the quality of meat used was good. Baked beans were fabulous and the green beans were good. I tried the pulled pork. As with this style of barbecue the meat will be dry. The sauces were the not-​so-​amazing for me. Watchout for the fried biscuits they are dangerously yummy!
Bottom line: For the price and the quality of good that was provided I would definitely go back. The sauces they provide needs improvement. As mentioned in other reviews I too was happy to see an old Wendy’s turned into a good establishment that sells what St. Louisans crave and that is good barbeque.

The pulled pork was very tasty and the ribs were pretty good. The beef brisket was a little dry by my standards. The sides were good, your basic bbq sides, though the fried biscuit was a tasty item that I’ve never had before. All in all, solid bbq place.

OK so we threw an outdoor ‘event’ last weekend, and the wife insisted upon having pulled pork BBQ at the last minute. I wondered on Friday AM… where in the hell am I gonna find 5+lbs. of pulled pork short-​notice? Well, the very kind Sausage King of SoHa (Pete Manzo) who runs the Italian market down the street directed me to Boodles. By the way — Pete Manzo is super, super nice, and you should check out his store… Manzo Meats in the Macklind District.
So I trek over to Affton and check out Boodles. They were SUPER helpful and did not think I was crazy for ordering so much meat on short notice. They took my info — gave me options — helped me finalize a huge order and pick out the sauces. No sides this time so can’t speak for any of those. The pulled pork was honestly amazing! The sauces… equally just as amazing and went well with everything else we cooked up that night. The meat was very tender and literally fell apart — we even took it home and kept it on warm in the over before guests arrives… no sign of dryness or flavor loss at all.
At any rate — I think we may have to venture back out to Affton and give the rest of their menu a try. I am not a huge meat eater so cannot promise any updates soon, but I will certainly give them the props they deserve for taking care of our short-​term party pulled pork needs. Very kind and helpful staff — no wait when I came back the next morning to pick it up and even had assistance carrying everything to the car. Thanks Boodles for making the Mrs. happy!

I’m glad to see more BBQ restaurants in St. Louis. This one seems to be run by a nice family. They did an admirable job of dressing up a former Wendy’s — casual, comfortable fast food. The prices seem a little high, probably about the same as Bandana’s, I guess, but without the wait service, I thought things would be a bit less expensive.
We tried the quarter chicken and pulled pork. Baked beans, fries, green beans for sides. There were a selection of three sauces on the table and they were all pretty good. I’m not one to quibble over sauces — I pretty much like them all. The chicken was cooked perfectly, which is probably enough for me to come back — very moist. The pieces, however, were tiny. It reminded me of when I first learned about KFC wanting to buy the smallest chickens they could find, since they buy by the pound and sell by the piece. I kind of felt cheated. Add to that the fact that the two pieces were a leg and a thigh, which didn’t make me happy. I think it was like $ 8 without the drink… I have to give the nod to KFC grilled chicken for taste and value. Sorry. The pulled pork was tasty — no complaints. The sides were not so great. The green beens tasted like canned spinach to me. I couldn’t figure out how they accomplished that, but I HATE canned spinach, so big thumbs down. I also tried fried corn, which was okay, and the baked beans, which were good. They give you a fried biscuit with your meal, which was pretty good with honey.
We’ll probably be back because the people were nice and deserve another try.

My daughter and I share the same birthday week, so we tend to celebrate our days somewhere between. We decided on BBQ this year and were more than pleased with Boodles! The parking lot is my only complaint. Not easy to get in and out of.
The staff greets you as you enter, always a nice touch. I ordered the chicken and turkey plate, my daughter ordered the ribs, she LOVES ribs. The plates came with 2 sides; we both ordered fries and fried corn. I don’t like to eat a lot of fried foods, especially in one sitting, but there was not any other option as everything else had pork in it. They fry their biscuits too. I was not impressed, but my daughter loved them.
The portions are very plentiful! She had some of hers and mine to take home.
The décor is quite snazzy and classy! A cow hide stretched across the middle of the ceiling and the lamp shades are potato sacks. Made me feel like I was dining in St Albans!
Will definitely go again!

I’m disappointed! I so wanted to love this place! Close to the house, drive by all the time, BUT, not what I had envisioned for myself. I came in to pick up a combo meal of ribs, turkey, green beans and fries.
Both of the meats were DRY DRY DRY. Ribs were really awful and the turkey actually had a bit of a stiff crust to it. The green beans and fires were ok. Anyway, I took it home and both of my dogs seemed to enjoy the turkey. Deep fried biscuit? Nah.

Disappointing. That sums it up.
I had heard the advertising on local radio for weeks now so it’s been on my mind. Plus, we really like BBQ, so having another option for dinners or lunch really sounded great.
We drove 32 miles EACH way to try this place. It’s located in a former Wendy’s I’d say from the looks of it. The parking lot is small and awkward. The dining room is small and awkward as well. You walk up and order at a window, pay and are handed your drink cups and a number for your table. It was 6:30pm on a Friday evening and there were very few people in the place. It didn’t take long to get our food, but for $ 25 for two people I expected better quality. The ribs were average as was the turkey. I don’t get the fried biscuit at all! What is the point? Are you really supposed to just eat it, dry like that? The friend corn had an OK taste, but it just stuck to my teeth. The baked beans were OK. Fries and applesauce also just OK. The sauces (there are 3 — sweet/​smokey, spicy and mustard) are runny and not overly flavorful. Just an all around disappointing dining experience since I was expecting better BBQ based on all the advertising, etc.
And lastly, the bathrooms. O M G! For a place that just opened up I was shocked at how dirty they were. Clearly they had not remodeled them from when this was a fast food place! The women’s room had a broken latch, there was tons of grime in the corners, etc. Not a pretty sight and it did nothing to instill a sense of cleanliness in general in the place.
I wanted to like this place. I really did. But no thanks. I’ll spend less for better at Bandanas.

Went there for lunch the other day and was not what I was expecting coming from the wonderful smells that drew me in as I was driving by. Everybody has there own preferance when it comes to bbq so this may just be mine.
The service was good, employees were friendly. I ordered the chicken and ribs combo with baked beans potatoe salad. It also came with these 2 things I couldn’t make out but later found out were fried biscuits.
My food arrived as I was sitting down, which to me was almost too quick. Makes me wonder how long the food is sitting there.
I tried the 3 sauces on the table and didn’t care for any of them. They should have been labled to let you know what they were suppose to be. I figured I would just eat the meat sauceless which wouldn’t bother me. Both the chicken and the ribs had a weird taste that I couldn’t figure out and the ribs were fatty. The beans and potatoe salad were average and the biscuits were disgusting. I didn’t even finish any of it which is saying something since ribs are one of my favorite foods.
The best part of the meal for me was the Pepsi, and I’m a Coke man. Like I said good, friendly service but the food not so much.

Great little BBQ place was what I experienced with some nice unusual sides. Fried corn on the cob, cheesy potatoes and the fried bisquits (dessert with the honey on the table) were all welcome changes.
I followed a friends advise & ordered 2 kids meals so I could get 4 of the sides. He was right– the all were great with a special ! on the cheesy potatoes.
I tried the brisket sandwich and SloppyBo & was very happy with both. More of a milder smokey flavor than some places, but the quality stood out.
I can see myself being a regular– if they do not get too popular & packed.

Great food at a great price. My 14 year old daughters favorite place to eat. We’ve been going since they opened. There’s a reason it’s busier every week!!!
Very clean and the staff couldn’t be nicer.

I came in shortly after opening to a nearly empty restaurant, not surprising because even Pappy’s is empty at 11:05 ;)
Friendly and fast service and they have diet Dr. Pepper!
Now about the food… I had a pick four platter with ribs, brisket, pork & turkey, which all tasted good without sauce. The only complaint I have is that the ribs and brisket were just a little on the dry side. For reference, my favorite ribs are at Pappy’s and Boodles ribs were not as moist or flavorful. My favorite brisket is at Bandanas, which is not as moist as Pappy’s but a bit less dry than Boodle’s. I think Pappy’s brisket is too moist for beef.
The turkey was very good, and so was the pork, but those are two items I prefer a little bit dry (at least compared to Pappy’s)
The sauces were standard, sweet, spicy or mustard, which I mix together to make my own flavor (3 part sweet, 2 part spicy, 1 part mustard).
Finally, I get to the fried biscuits… Love ‘em, but I should have eaten them first while still really hot.

Have been here several times. Have never had bad service, and never any bad food.
I usually get the ribs and pulled pork. Neither have I ever been disappointed with. I enjoy the fact that like Pappy’s Smokehouse, the sauce is all on the side which to me says that they are confident that the meat can stand on its own and stand it does! Delicious!
The fried biscuits also add something too. Not like some bbq places who give you bread, or some rolls that you can throw through bulletproof glass, these are not actually crunchy on the outside, but almost a step down from crunchy. Inside is all fluffy and warm. Perfect for the honey that sits on the table with the sauces.
Good price, good food, great service.

Wasn’t really sure what to think at first since this used to be an old Wendy’s, but I was pleasantly surprised. The BBQ was great! I will definitely come back here again. The menu isn’t huge, but it’s perfect for a little BBQ place. I have yet to try the fried biscuits, but I plan to next time.

Stopped there for lunch today. The place looks nice very clean, done up western style of course. I got the pulled pork just to check it out. I was not disappointed. My sandwich had lots of bark with it. The pork by itself was good enough but the sauces just added to it. They were not marked so you have to try all three to see what you want. I got the fried corn for my side. It was really good but very small it was about 2 ½ inches long, not much for a piece of corn. The price was reasonable. Now to my big complaint. They have got to do something else with the drink station. It’s self serve but only one person at a time could get to it. Then after you fill your glass you step to the side to get your lid and straw you are trapped in the corner because the next person has stepped up to get their drink.
All and all good food good price. I’ll go back!

Oh, Boodles BBQ. You’ve made me forget all about how much I miss that Wendy’s that used to be where you are now.
I’ve anxiously awaited the opening of this place because it is so close to my place and I am sick to death of my usual Affton options of Breadco or grocery store. When I heard that a BBQ joint run by one of the original Bandana’s owners was going in, I was ecstatic.
I visited for the first time this evening to get some carry-​out. The inside looks like a mini-​Bandanas to me. Checkered tablecloths on picnic-​type tables, and of course that heavenly scent of barbecue that I would wear as a body spray if I wouldn’t get mauled by dogs and lumberjacks.
The menu is written on a chalkboard above the cashier and has all the staples: turkey, chicken, brisket and some interesting side choices.
I opted for the smaller turkey platter, which comes with two sides and two fried biscuits. That’s right. I said fried biscuits. See what I mean? Good riddance, Dave Thomas (too soon?). They have three sauces: sweet, original and spicy.
For my sides I went with the picnic potatoes and green beans. My order came up quickly and I was on my way. I got home to find a nice sized portion of turkey and sides. The meat was lean and delicious. The green beans are fantastic. Thin cut, cooked soft with lots of flavor. I read somewhere that they use Greek seasoning. Whatever it is, it’s working for them. The picnic potatoes are served warm and taste like cheesy au gratin potatoes. I like them, but I wish they’d cooked the cubes of potatoes awhile longer. It had a potato salad texture, but being served warm it kinda threw me.
The sauces are tasty. Very similar to the Bandana’s sauces, but the sweet is not quite as thick. And the fried biscuits. Boy howdy. No real explanation needed on those. You’re either going to love them or you’re not my friend anymore.
Just a couple of suggestions: the to-​go sauces were served chilled. I’m sure it’s to preserve freshness, but cold sauce on hot food took away from it slightly. Also, they should serve apple butter or honey or something with the biscuits. If they do, I didn’t get any with my to go order. I would go there just to order biscuits and apple butter.
To sum up: the food was awesome and I’m impressed by how good it was, given that they just opened a week ago. If you like Bandana’s, you’ll like Boodles. Also, I paid $ 7.25 for my meal and I have leftovers. Not too shabby, Boodles. I can see me being a regular here.