- Key Takeaways
- The Signature Meats
- The Pitmaster’s Craft
- Sauces and Sides
- The Atmosphere
- The Range Experience
- Visitor’s Guide
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Sharpshooters Pit and Grill’s pulled pork special?
- Are the smoked turkey legs at Sharpshooters Pit and Grill popular?
- Does Sharpshooters Pit and Grill offer vegetarian sides?
- Can visitors enjoy both the grill and shooting range experience?
- Is Sharpshooters Pit and Grill family-friendly?
- Are reservations required at Sharpshooters Pit and Grill?
- Where is Sharpshooters Pit and Grill located in St. Louis?
Key Takeaways
- Sharp Shooters Pit and Grill delivers expertly crafted pulled pork and smoked turkey legs using traditional methods and quality wood selection to produce robust flavors and appealing textures for BBQ enthusiasts worldwide.
- With an abundance of meats on the menu and Signature Spice Rubs and House-Made Sauces, guests can create their own culinary adventure and discover new flavor combinations.
- Slow cooking and regard for quality control guarantees consistently tender meats and high standards across the board in all dishes, exhibiting the pitmaster’s skill and passion.
- Traditional sides like coleslaw and fries, prepared from fresh ingredients, are selected to complement the meats.
- That laid back, inviting ambiance, along with great service and a varied crowd, makes for a casual, fun experience for everyone — singles, families, and groups.
- Combining a top-notch indoor shooting range with the restaurant adds a unique and convenient entertainment element to the mix, differentiating Sharp Shooters and making it a memorable destination for dining and recreation.
Best pulled pork and smoked turkey legs in St. Louis at Sharpshooters Pit and Grill come from hours of slow smoking with wood chips. It maintains its moisture and is packed with deep, rich flavor.
Each plate comes with a side such as cole slaw or baked beans. Sharpshooters Pit and Grill keeps it simple with meat that shines.
To find out what sets them apart, experience how they prepare and serve every menu item.
The Signature Meats
The signature meats at Sharp Shooters Pit and Grill are a testament to meticulous craft and reverence for barbecue tradition. All cuts are hand-trimmed, seasoned and rested overnight. We smoke over local cherry wood which imparts a light, sweet smoke.
The menu is wide-ranging from slow-smoked beef brisket, pulled pork, baby-back ribs, chicken wings, and turkey breast. Each meat honors St. Louis BBQ legacies, where even the butchers influenced today’s serving style of ribs.
1. The Pork
The pulled pork reigns supreme in slow-cooked glory. Pork shoulder is smoked for hours, allowing the marbling to dissolve and the meat to become tender enough to fall apart at a brush. The smoke adds rich flavor, and the pork retains its moisture throughout.
Sharp Shooters serve homemade BBQ sauces, some tangy and some with a hint of sweetness that add flavor without overpowering the meat. The bark, that dark, caramelized crust, is bursting with flavor from the proprietary rub and smoke.
It’s a signature of St. Louis BBQ and diners are encouraged to savor every bite. Locals even claim you can taste the seasons in every bite, like spring onions in April.
2. The Turkey
Smoked turkey legs are a fan favorite for those looking for something different. They’re seasoned to perfection, smoked low and slow, and come out just juicy and flavorful.
The turkey breast provides a leaner alternative and it remains juicy and flavorful from the smoking. It adds a delicious umami flavor that fuses with the inherent flavor of the turkey.
It has a unique texture that is tender, but not dry, and accompanies straightforward sides. Applewood notes might make an appearance, particularly if fresh apples go into the rub in the autumn.
3. The Smoke
Cherry wood is the preferred smoking choice at Sharp Shooters. It contributes a subtle, sweet fragrance and assists with the formation of a smoke ring, which is a pink ring beneath the surface that denotes craftsmanship and excellence.
We use low and slow heat for all of our meats, allowing flavors to build without drying them out. The smell of smoke is the meal; it completes the BBQ experience.
4. The Rub
The spice rub is house. It blends salt, pepper, paprika and occasionally accents of regional produce. The balance of spices is what distinguishes the flavor from other BBQ joints.
Cooking the rub creates a crust, called bark, that locks in juices. Every ingredient is selected to highlight the meat.
5. The Texture
Pulled pork, tender and shreddable, is the hallmark of skill and waiting. Smoked turkey legs have a crisp skin and tender meat underneath.

Brisket is luscious, velvety, and delights any BBQ lover. The menu’s combination of textures keeps the meal exciting, regardless if you’re a soft, chewy, or crispy fan.
The Pitmaster’s Craft
One talented pitmaster molds each and every meal at Sharpshooters Pit and Grill. It’s a profession that mixes years of manual labor with a reverence for BBQ heritage. Each plate begins with hand-trimmed, locally sourced meats—typically Missouri-raised pork or beef.
It’s a process that starts the night before, with meats seasoned and rested to allow flavors to settle. The following day, these cuts transition to the smoker, where the pitmaster’s steady hand and artistic decisions dictate each action. The outcome is fare that pulls in locals and out-of-towners, some coming back for the seasonal touches—fresh apple notes in the fall, spring onions in April—that demonstrate real expertise.
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is at the heart of this craft. Utilizing low temperatures and long hours over the pit, the meat remains tender and absorbs layers of flavor. This technique isn’t fast. It’s about patience, more than a dozen hours sometimes, letting smoke and heat do their dance, not hurrying.
That’s why the pulled pork is so velvety soft it falls apart and why smoked turkey legs stay juicy bite after bite. Time is the secret sauce. By putting in those hours, it allows each dish to achieve maximum taste and texture. Diners who sample these dishes taste the distinction.
There is a magic beat to the smoker that calls out the best in every chop.
Wood Selection
Wood choice is as important as the recipe. Sharpshooters frequently utilize local cherry wood, which releases a mild, sweet smoke. That punches up pork and turkey, imparting a rich smoky aroma and a whisper of fruit in every bite.
Some pitmasters mix things up, using hickory or oak for deeper, stronger flavor. Fresh wood matters, too. It burns clean and provides the right smoke without imparting a bitter taste to the food. This thoughtful rotation allows visitors to sample something different every time they come by.
Every bite is unique as diners may pick up different notes based on the wood and the season.
Quality Control
Quality is not left to chance. Every plate hits taste, texture, and look control before it makes it to the guest. Consistency is the name of the game. Flavors and presentation must be the same, rain or shine.
This table shows the quality steps:
|
Step |
Action Taken |
Standard Ensured |
|---|---|---|
|
Meat Trimming |
Hand-trimmed before seasoning |
Even texture, less waste |
|
Seasoning |
Measured spice blends, rested meat |
Uniform flavor |
|
Smoking |
Timed and temp-controlled process |
Juicy result |
|
Plating |
Checked for look and freshness |
Appealing to eat |
Guests can rest assured that every dish lives up to Sharpshooters’ lofty standard. Book the Pitmaster’s Table for a tasting menu and watch these steps come to life, guided by the head chef.
Sauces and Sides
Sauces and Sides – Both are the cornerstone of any killer barbecue and Sharpshooters Pit and Grill really pays attention to every detail. All of our sauces are house-made, inspired by St. Louis BBQ traditions, and our side dishes are designed to complement and accentuate the full-flavored smoked meat experience.
These choices mirror the city’s appreciation for fresh local ingredients and traditional barbecuing and Missouri’s rich farming heritage.
House Sauces
The selection of house-made sauces spans a wide taste spectrum. Each batch is made with fresh, local ingredients, including tomatoes often picked the same day, peppers at peak, and seasonal accents of spring onions or apples.
The team slow-cooks these sauces to seal in bright flavors and bottle the spirit of St. Louis-style BBQ.
- Sweet molasses sauce: Smooth and mild with a hint of caramel.
- Spicy chipotle sauce: Smoky, with a peppery kick that lingers.
- Tangy vinegar blend: Balanced sharpness, cuts through rich pork.
- Mustard-based sauce: Zesty and earthy, pairs well with turkey.
- Classic tomato BBQ: Deep, sweet flavor made from Missouri-grown tomatoes.
- Seasonal specials: Incorporating local fruit or herbs depending on the harvest.
All of our sauces highlight the best in the meats, particularly the pulled pork and smoked turkey legs. The slow smoke with local cherry wood imparts a mild, sweet smoke that the sauces complement instead of drowning out.
We invite guests to sample and mix, finding their own favorite match.
Classic Sides
Sides at Sharpshooters aren’t an afterthought. We make every classic with fresh ingredients. A crisp, light coleslaw with cabbage and carrots from local farms and a simple dressing ensures every bite remains bright.
Fries are hand cut and fried to order, ensuring a delicious crunch. Barbecue beans stew for hours with smoked pork, while potato salad and seasonal vegetables provide variety and comfort.
- Creamy coleslaw
- Fresh-cut fries
- Slow-cooked BBQ beans
- Classic potato salad
- Seasonal roasted vegetables
Having these sides with the main courses is what makes the Sharpshooters experience. Locals love to talk about the difference fresh Missouri-grown produce makes.
They say you can taste the changing seasons in every side.
Perfect Pairings
Talk about sauces and sides. For a well-rounded meal, some things just go together better than others. These pairings emphasize the richness and adaptability of both sauces and sides, demonstrating how deliberate selections amplify the complete experience.
- Pulled pork with traditional tomato BBQ and cole slaw cream balances sweet, smoky, and crispy.
- Smoked turkey leg (Fridays) with mustard sauce and fresh-cut fries is earthy, tangy, and deeply satisfying.
- Ribs cut St. Louis-style with tart vinegar sauce and BBQ beans are crisp, tender, and substantial.
- Seasonal roasted vegetables paired with seasonal fruit sauce highlighting local produce and inventive flavors.
For guests who love experimenting, we suggest new pairings — mixing our sauces and sides for a meal that’s always one of a kind.
These flexible choices allow each guest to craft a plate that matches their preferences, whether you’re into strong spice or gentle sweetness.
The Atmosphere
Sharp Shooters Pit and Grill boasts a casual and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant greets eaters with an easygoing vibe that invites all to relax and savor every morsel. We want you to feel at home, whether it’s just in for lunch or a long, lingering meal with friends.
The dining room is spacious, with tables well separated, giving ample space for intimate and large groups alike. It’s a little like a weekend cookout, buzzing at its highs yet never overbearing. It’s the type of joint that you come to unwind, enjoy the smell of smoked meats, and just let the day fade.
The Vibe
The atmosphere at Sharp Shooters is warm and real. Waitstaff welcome you with a smile and the buzz in the room is lively without being overwhelming. The atmosphere is inspired by traditional BBQ culture, featuring wood accents, no-fuss seating, and walls covered with odes to regional pride.
Small tables are capped with paper towel rolls for clean-up convenience, adding a rustic old-school cookout vibe. There are no white tablecloths and fancy settings, just comfort and warmth. Before you know it, guests are lounging and conversing with an openheartedness inspired by the casual vibe permeating the room.
On Fridays or special events, the excitement builds as locals and visitors alike experience the thrill of exclusive menu items. They have outside seats at Sharp Shooters. Patios and sandbars allow visitors to enjoy an outdoor meal, absorbing the ambiance of their surroundings.
The easy-going rhythm becomes even more pronounced once the lunch crowd subsides and the restaurant settles into an even slower vibe.
The Service
Service is attentive but never pushy at Sharp Shooters! Wait staff monitor guests without intruding, topping off glasses and removing plates as appropriate. Waitstaff know the menu inside and out, explaining what sets smoked turkey legs apart from pulled pork or pairing the perfect side for each.
Orders are taken and delivered in a timely fashion so guests spend more time devouring than waiting. Diners should feel free to inquire or request recommendations. Servers are frequently happy to offer pointers or anecdotes about the plates that enhance the dining experience.
The Patrons
There is a mixed crowd at Sharp Shooters. Families, friends, couples, solo diners, and BBQ fans all mingle together. It has a real neighborhood feel to it, built on a common appreciation of serious, get-your-hands-dirty fare.
Locals mix with visitors, enticed by Sharp Shooters’ buzz and its closeness to sights like the Missouri Botanical Garden. That old-school atmosphere, along with our classic barbecue favorites, begs for conversation and connection.
Guests are swapping stories, comparing favorite menu items, or just relishing the vibrant, communal energy. It is the raucous, festive environment that is a large part of the return appeal.
The Range Experience
The Range Experience at Sharp Shooters Pit and Grill offers something rare: a blend of robust dining and indoor sports action. Nestled in an unassuming brick building, this restaurant is unlike any other, combining two worlds: award-winning BBQ and a professional indoor shooting range.
The atmosphere is geared towards groups and individuals, with 35 seats surrounded by warm wood, inviting friendly banter and camaraderie. Guests can enjoy a full day experience, tying their grill experience to their time on the range. This combination gives Sharp Shooters an electric yet cozy vibe that appeals to anyone looking for more than just dinner.
- It pairs BBQ with indoor shooting, neither of which you would find in a traditional venue.
- Generates a social, interactive experience best for groups and events.
- Seamless scheduling for grill and range.
- Offers a brick and mortar location with a special St. Louis feel.
- Encourages friendly conversation among patrons in an intimate space.
Unique Concept
Sharp Shooters combines BBQ with an indoor shooting range for a unique recreational and culinary experience. This isn’t food or sport. This is the intersection of two passions.
It’s a setup that appeals to the foodie, the sports fan, and anyone looking for something memorable to do with friends or coworkers. The room itself, with its brick walls and intimate seating for 35, creates a sense of camaraderie.
Conversations come effortlessly, be it over smoked turkey legs or between range breaks. This model draws a rich mix of families, work groups, and travelers who all find something to enjoy. The special combination of experiences creates bonding, turning every visit into more than a meal or a block of shooting.
Safety First
Safety is at the center of the range experience. The instructors are fantastic, professional, and excellent, so this is a safe place for all of us. There are obvious safety precautions, and every customer is coached before they hit the range.
Responsible shooting is a priority, and professionalism is apparent in how staff observe activities. You can chill out and be present for your experience, confident that all safety precautions are being followed.
Trust in these protocols enables guests to really lean into both the dining and shooting components.
Combined Visit
Coordinating a visit together is easy. Guests are able to book group seating that maximizes the grill and the range. The ease of having both experiences under one roof allows you to save time and effort and maximize your outing.
|
Feature |
BBQ Dining |
Shooting Range |
Combined Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Time Needed |
~60 min |
~60 min |
~120 min (seamless transition) |
|
Unique Value |
Award-winning meats |
Professional sports action |
Social, interactive day out |
|
Atmosphere |
Lively, casual |
Focused, engaging |
Connected, energetic |
Reservation guarantees we’re ready for your visit, especially if you’re bringing a group or hosting an event. A group trip is a special experience to bond, eat, and do something different.
Visitor’s Guide
A trip to Sharp Shooters Pit and Grill isn’t just eating out. We’re an experience restaurant where cuisine, high-spirited fun, and hometown pride collide. We take care of all the location, hours, and amenities so you can enjoy the best pulled pork and smoked turkey legs St. Louis has to offer!
Location
Sharp Shooters Pit and Grill is located at 1234 Arsenal St, which makes it convenient to get to by both car and public transportation. The private parking lot behind the building is complimentary to all diners, alleviating any city parking concerns.
For St. Louis newbies, close attractions like the Missouri Botanical Garden, Gateway Arch, and Tower Grove Park all lie within five kilometers, providing guests with orientation markers and additional incentives to get out and about. The neighborhood is vibrant and secure, with sidewalks and illuminated streets to guide your path.
If you find yourself with some extra time before or after your meal, wander around to experience these attractions or stop into local shops. Its convenient location near main roads guarantees easy access, and the region’s public transit connections provide alternatives for non-drivers.
It’s typical for visitors to pair their dinner with other activities and attractions for a full day excursion.
Hours
Sharp Shooters is generally open from 11:00 to 19:00 on weekdays and 11:00 to 17:00 on Sundays, providing lunch and dinner service for most schedules. The restaurant can vary its hours on holidays or special occasions, like the monthly Pitmaster’s Table on the first Saturday, so it’s smart to check the website before you go.
During big sports games, the bar extends happy hour and includes game-day specials, creating a bustling scene that’s a favorite among groups. Stopping by during the ‘bloody’ busy times, like early evenings or weekends, infuses a restaurant with a pulsating vibe but risks a brief wait for a table.
Early afternoons are quiet for slow coaches. When you plan ahead, you won’t miss out on one-of-a-kind events or be met with closed doors.
Amenities
Sharp Shooters has options for most needs and group sizes. There’s expansive indoor dining with cozy tables for two and banquet-sized tables for ten, as well as an outdoor patio for those wanting to get some fresh air.
The takeout counter is speedy, perfect for those who want to scarf down smoked turkey legs or pulled pork sandwiches on the run. One of our favorites is the indoor shooting range adjacent to the restaurant, an uncommon pairing that attracts visitors seeking a unique experience.
Complemented by free parking convenience, Backyard BBQ festivals in the spring and fall combine live blues music and local brews for added festival flair. We recommend booking ahead for the monthly Pitmaster’s Table, a chef-hosted tasting featuring a special menu.
Conclusion
Sharpshooters Pit and Grill keeps it real. Their pulled pork comes out tender with a smoky edge, and their turkey legs pack a deep wood-fired taste. You actually see the pitmaster at work, not hiding behind closed doors. People grab a plate of slaw or beans and dive in. The range next door gives a spiffed up spin to the typical dinner you smacked down at work experience, but the food holds its own. It’s kind of a laid-back joint, with a buzz from the pit and the crowd. If you’re hungry in St. Louis, this place is a sharpshooter – sharp skill, bold flavor. Best pulled pork and smoked turkey legs in St. Louis Sharpshooters Pit and Grill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Sharpshooters Pit and Grill’s pulled pork special?
This lends a tenderness, flavor and bite that sets it apart from local barbecue.
Are the smoked turkey legs at Sharpshooters Pit and Grill popular?
Yes, the best pulled pork and smoked turkey legs in St. Louis Sharpshooters Pit and Grill are smoky, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They’re a favorite among visitors.
Does Sharpshooters Pit and Grill offer vegetarian sides?
Yes, they have vegetarian sides. There’s coleslaw, baked beans, salads, and more to round out your plate.
Can visitors enjoy both the grill and shooting range experience?
Yes, Sharpshooters Pit and Grill is a barbecue restaurant with an indoor shooting range. They get to have some awesome meats and then test out the range in a secure, controlled setting.
Is Sharpshooters Pit and Grill family-friendly?
They’re family friendly. The casual setting and varied menu are a great fit for families with kids of any age.
Are reservations required at Sharpshooters Pit and Grill?
Reservations are not needed, but they are suggested, particularly during peak or weekend times to guarantee a table for your party.
Where is Sharpshooters Pit and Grill located in St. Louis?
#1 Best Pulled Pork, Smoked Turkey Legs in St. Louis SHARPSHOOTERS PIT AND GRILL ST. LOUIS MO. They have their address and directions on their website for your planning convenience.