BEST SMOKED TURKEY LEGS IN ST. LOUIS | SHARPSHOOTER PIT AND GRILL - Best BBQ in St. Louis, Barbecue Ribs in St. Louis, Best BRISKET in St. louis, Best Smoked Turkey in St. Louis, Best Chicken Wings in St. Louis,

Key Takeaways

Sharpshooters Pit in St. Louis applies a meticulous slow smoking process using local cherry wood. This ensures each turkey leg achieves a signature smoky flavor and tender texture that sets a high bar for regional barbecue standards.
Sharpshooters secret house rub, with just the right combination of spices, is hand applied to each turkey leg. This provides a perfectly balanced flavor profile that complements the natural qualities of the premium, locally sourced turkey.
With meticulous dedication to quality, from choosing whole turkey legs to controlling precise smoking times, Sharpshooters turkey legs offer a juicy, satisfying experience that proudly represents the delicious tradition of St. Louis BBQ.
There’s much more than turkey legs on the menu with classic sides, pulled pork, and brisket all made with locally sourced ingredients for freshness and that authentic taste of the region.
Guests enjoy a laid-back, friendly atmosphere, great service, and a community-focused vibe that embodies the spirit of Affton and the St. Louis culture at large.
By booking during peak hours or ordering for takeout, Sharpshooters’ signature dishes are always within reach for their valued guests, on location or cue-in-hand at home!

Sharpshooters, the best smoked turkey legs in St. Louis, offers juicy meat and a deep smoky taste. Their turkey legs are slow cooked over hickory wood, selected for powerful flavor.

Local BBQ aficionados and foodies alike select Sharpshooters for classic smoked meat done right. With a location near downtown, it’s perfect for lunchtime or dinner.

The body will display what’s special about these turkey legs.

The Turkey Leg Legend

The legendary smoked turkey leg has a special place in St. Louis food culture, packing crowds at events, fairs, and now local BBQ joints like Sharpshooters. While the giant turkey leg originated in medieval Europe, it’s Renaissance fairs here in America that made it into a legend, something you can hold in your hand, large enough to split with a friend, and dripping with flavor.

Over the years, the ‘turkey leg legend’ expanded as more and more people craved that blend of nostalgia, novelty, and contentment that accompanies gnawing on a smoky, juicy leg. For some, they’re just over-hyped fair food, but in St. Louis, the turkey leg at Sharpshooters is anything but typical.

1. The Smoke

Slow smoking is the secret sauce for authentic flavor. Sharpshooters utilizes wood chips, mostly cherry, a St. Louis BBQ staple, to create a deep, consistent smoke. This slow process, going on for hours, allows smoke to seep into the flesh and create that signature “smoke ring” just beneath the skin.

That isn’t just a visual bonus; that ring signifies that the smoke flavor has permeated deep. The sugar-brown balance between heat and smoke keeps the outside crisp while the inside stays tender, building a taste that’s rich but not dominating.

Temperature control does matter. Too much heat, and the meat dries out. Too little, and it’s rubbery. Sharpshooters holds their smokers rock-solid for a couple hours, just long enough to make the meat fall off the bone but not so long it gets mushy.

2. The Rub

BEST SMOKED TURKEY LEGS IN ST. LOUIS | SHARPSHOOTER PIT AND GRILL

A good rub makes the turkey sing. Sharpshooters’ mix combines salt, paprika, garlic, black pepper, and a touch of brown sugar. We douse each leg in a heavy, even coating before it hits the smoker, so every bite is packed with layers of flavor.

The rub doesn’t overwhelm the smoke. Instead, it enhances the natural turkey taste and plays with the cherry wood, lingering with a touch of sweet, spicy heat. The result is a turkey leg that tastes balanced, not masked.

3. The Bird

Quality begins with the bird. Sharpshooters purchases from local butchers, selecting only fresh, extra large turkey legs. These legs are larger and more meaty, a tribute to the legend and a guarantee of a satisfying feast.

Whole legs retain moisture better throughout cooking, so you get a juicy bite, not dry shreds. Using whole legs is about tradition. Big legs mean sharing and they look right at home at a fair or family picnic.

4. The Texture

Slow smoking differentiates the texture. The skin crisps from dry heat, with the meat inside remaining loose and moist, easy to tear by hand. This creates a crunch on the outside, soft on the inside, and the juices run clear.

This combo – crispy skin, juicy center – makes every bite satisfying, not stringy or dry. Texture is what sets Sharpshooters’ turkey legs apart from your standard run-of-the-mill festival variety.

5. The Time

Smoking turkey legs is not quick. It requires patience and timing. Sharpshooters smokes each leg for hours, not hustling the job along. This slow method results in richer flavor and a tender bite.

Good comes from time. There are no hacks. The focus on timing shows in the final leg: smoky, tender, and always juicy.

Pitmaster Philosophy

Sharpshooters’ pitmaster philosophy is one focused on respect for tradition, ingredient quality and an honest approach to barbecue. This pitmaster philosophy defines not just the fare but the vibe at the entire joint, securing it a St. Louis staple for smoked turkey legs and beyond.

At the heart of it is patience, real wood and a motivation to get consistent results day after day. They begin with fundamentals, which are quality cuts, perfect wood and traditional dry rubs. Then, they inject their own flavor with meticulous prep and cookery.

Commitment	Detail
Ingredients	Sourced from local farms, focus on fresh, never frozen meats
Cooking Methods	Slow-cooked with Missouri oak and hickory, traditional smoking process
Seasonings	House-made rubs and sauces, no artificial flavors
Quality Control	Each batch checked by hand for doneness and flavor
Presentation	Served hot with classic sides, focus on tenderness and color

Quality is their first step. Pitmaster Philosophy Sharpshooters works with local suppliers for their turkey and other meats, selecting cuts that hold up to slow smoke and extended cook times. They use only fresh poultry to ensure every turkey leg is juicy and tender.

The pitmaster’s obsessiveness extends to sides and sauces as well. Collard greens, baked beans, and slaw are scratch-made, and the signature sauces are an alchemy of sweet, tangy, and heat with no off-the-shelf shortcuts.

Pitmaster philosophy Cooking at Sharpshooters leans towards old-school barbecue. They use Missouri oak and hickory, both provide a strong, smoky flavor and consistent heat. Turkey legs get a love tap with our house-made dry rub, then hit the pit for hours, letting the smoke show its magic.

This glacial pace ensures that the meat pulls away from the open bone while remaining moist. We use the pitmaster philosophy, checking each leg by hand, not by timer, making sure it’s never dry or overdone.

There’s more to the smoked turkey leg than just flavor. It’s an experience. Sharpshooters desires individuals to be comfortable as if at home, dine in or take out.

They established the vibe with warm servers, basic design, and a comfort food-focused menu. It’s not just turkey legs; the variety of sides and sauces means everyone can find something they love. Consistency is key, and they weigh each batch to ensure every meal lands on the same point each and every time.

What’s nice about this philosophy is that it leaves room for innovation. Though its foundation remains classic St. Louis barbecue, the pitmaster maintains an open mind to new rubs, wood mixes or serving methods for those turkey legs, always seeking ways to enhance the flavor and guest experience.

Beyond The Leg

Sharpshooters in St. Louis has more than the famous smoked turkey legs. The menu caters to a broad spectrum of palates and ages, leaving families and groups plenty to enjoy. Yes, the turkey leg gets lots of attention, but things like pulled pork and brisket attract their own following. Each meat is slow roasted with the same attention to detail that made the turkey leg a city favorite.

Dishes typically include local fruit and herbs picked at their peak, so flavors shift seasonally. The kitchen draws from local farms for its ingredients, ensuring the menu stays fresh and grounded in the region. Early afternoons are usually a little quieter, so they’re a nice choice for lunchers who want to dine and dash. Fridays and special days feature limited-time specials, injecting a bit of adventure and surprise into every visit!

The energetic but not overbearing vibe appeals to everyone, from families to groups of friends grabbing lunch before going to other St. Louis destinations.

House Sauces

Sweet and Mild: Balanced with honey and a hint of apple cider vinegar
St. Louis Spicy: Local peppers, bold heat, smooth finish
Tangy Vinegar: Classic tart profile, sharp and refreshing
Hickory Smoke: Deep, woodsy, subtle maple undertones
Citrus Herb: Zesty with real lemon and fresh-cut local herbs

Our sauces at Sharpshooters are made for depth and balance. Each one manages to coax the best out of the meat, be it the juicy brisket or a succulent rack of ribs. They marry sweet and heat, never allowing one note to overwhelm the others.

These sauces are more than toppings; they help mold the meal, allowing eaters to personalize every bite.

Classic Sides

BBQ Beans: Slow-cooked with brisket trimmings, rich and smoky, with a tang of tomato and brown sugar.
Creamy Slaw: Fresh cabbage and carrots, local dairy, crisp and cool, balance out the warmth of the main dish.
Cornbread Muffins: Buttery, golden, a touch of local honey, perfect for soaking up sauce.
Collard Greens: Wilty but bright, simmered with ham and a dash of vinegar using greens from nearby growers.

Sides are what make it a full meal and pairing. With local produce, that means every side is crunchy, fresh and flavorful. Sides like slaw and beans slice through the richness of the smoked meat, giving the meal an air of lightness and completeness.

With these choices, guests construct dishes that suit their appetite, transforming a rushed meal into an unforgettable experience.

Drink Pairings

Local Pale Ale: Clean finish, mild hops, matches smoked flavors.
Craft Root Beer: Fizzy, sweet, and great with smoky or spicy dishes.
Small-Batch Lemonade: Tart, hand-squeezed, fit for all ages.
Iced Tea: Unsweet or sweet, strong and cold refreshes the palate.

We select drinks to complement the food. St. Louis breweries deliver local pride with craft brews, and root beer and lemonade ensure kiddos and non-drinkers have some specialness, too.

That perfect beverage, whether a beer or a soda, enhances the meal and makes each bite pop. For those who crave more than just a plate, Sharpshooters allows them to combine food and beverage with entertainment for an all-day experience under one roof.

The Affton Vibe

It ain’t just the smoked turkey legs that put Sharpshooters Pit in Affton on the map. The second you walk in, the place emits a relaxed vibe. It’s open, but not noisy. Warm lighting fills the space. Booths and wooden tables are nestled close enough to strike up conversation, yet spaced out so you don’t feel boxed in.

On weekends, you’ll have families, friends, and even some solo diners, all relaxed. There’s no pressure to eat quickly. People hang out over eats and conversation and stare at the crew manning the smoker just outside the big front windows.

Friendly Service Makes a Difference

The waitstaff at Sharpshooters Pit are familiar with the menu. They float through the dining room and don’t loiter. They check in just enough. If someone is new, they’ll walk you through the menu, highlighting the smoked turkey legs as a house favorite.

Regulars get their name. A lot of our staff have been there for years. The staff keeps water glasses filled and checks in on sides and sauces. If you want to know what wood goes in the smoker or how long the turkey legs sit over the heat, someone will give you a straight answer.

The mood, always friendly, matches the pace: slow, steady, and never rushed.

Decor Rooted in BBQ Culture and Affton’s Past

There’s a story on the walls at Sharpshooters Pit. Photos of old St. Louis BBQ joints, vintage signs, and local cook-off trophies decorate the space. The counters are reclaimed wood, some from buildings around Affton.

Smokehouse tools, including long-handled forks, iron skillets, and wire racks, dangle above the kitchen window. The décor is understated but rife with references to local BBQ lore. There’s a map of Missouri on one wall with pins denoting other famous BBQ joints in the state.

It’s the kind of place where you discover details and get to know local food roots.

A True Community Spot

Sharpshooters Pit attracts a diverse crowd from Affton and the surrounding neighborhoods. Locals drop in after work or school and a few adventurous souls drive all the way from other parts of St. Louis for those turkey legs.

There’s inevitably chatter at the counter about local high school teams, town events and how to grill the best at home. Every now and then, you’ll catch someone bringing in a pie for the staff to share after closing.

The community is deep. Sharpshooters isn’t just a place to grab a bite. It’s where you belong.

A St. Louis Story

Barbecue defines a lot of the food culture in St. Louis. The city’s BBQ roots run deep, tied to family gatherings, block parties, and church picnics. Locals are proud of their fare, and BBQ is more than just a menu item. It’s a means to unite people.

St. Louis-style BBQ has a delicious sweet and tangy flavor that really distinguishes it. St. Louis rib tips are drenched in BBQ sauce prior to being served, and this is not your average sauce. This technique maintains the meat’s moisture while helping the flavor adhere. Locals swear you can savor the city in every bite, with every season arriving in the smoke and spice.

There’s a mellow, easy-going spirit in BBQ joints that contributes to the magic and makes you feel at home. Sharpshooters Pit falls squarely into this tradition. They don’t just do BBQ—they celebrate it. Their smoked turkey legs are low and slow, allowing the smoke to seep into the meat.

This allows the turkey legs to get that deep flavor without drying out. The sweet and tangy sauce, special to St. Louis, gets slathered on late in the cook. Every bite has that thick, rich, St. Louis-flavored goodness the locals crave. Sharpshooters has other staples like ribs and pulled pork as well.

Their St. Louis style ribs, cut with straight bones, are tender and delicious. Sides count all the same. Sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad are concocted to complement the meat, completing the meal. These touches demonstrate their reverence for the city’s BBQ heritage.

‘Harpshooters Pit’ isn’t only about food, it’s about community. They get out there and participate in the community, serving at festivals, fundraisers and sports events. A lot of people are familiar with Sharpshooters from encountering us at local block parties or city fairs.

Their place is where friends rendezvous, where families break bread and where visitors come for a taste of St. Louis. The laid-back atmosphere inside the eatery reflects the city’s BBQ soul—inviting and unpretentious. Sharpshooters is proud to deliver food that tastes like home.

They fight to preserve tradition, ensuring every plate serves a story of the city then and now. The good people at Sharpshooters Pit recognize what BBQ means to STL. By relying on time-tested techniques and traditional flavors, they demonstrate what St. Louis BBQ is all about.

Their smoked turkey legs shine because they stay true to what works and keep that city’s spirit at the heart of it all.

Your Visit

Known for its smoked turkey legs and convenient, friendly atmosphere, Sharpshooters Pit attracts locals and tourists alike. With a little planning for your visit, you can maximize your experience of this St. Louis favorite from dining in to takeout to one of their special events. Reservations are strongly suggested at peak times to avoid long waits and to guarantee your place, particularly if you’re visiting in a group or during busy weekends.

Reservations are a must during lunch rushes and special events. Plan in advance for holidays, such as Thanksgiving or the 4th of July, when hours may change and crowds may be heavier. They even have pre-ordering for their standard or family-size meals, which is great for summer holidays or big get-togethers.

Takeout is available to satisfy you at home with some BBQ. Orders are picked up speedily and the entire menu, including sides, travels like a charm. The restaurant’s atmosphere is laid-back, with a non-traditional vibe that invites guests to stay. You often find friend groups savoring a leisurely meal and swapping tales as they gobble down homemade sides like coleslaw and baked beans.

To make the most of your visit, plan ahead. Think about phoning in or making online reservations so you can be sure to get a table, especially if you want to get in on the bustling weekend or special event scene.

Location

Sharpshooters Pit is located in a high traffic strip center and is therefore conveniently accessible from most areas of St. Louis. The adjacent Southtown Centre and easy highway access allow newbies to the speakeasy to easily locate the joint. Landmarks such as the historic Tower Grove Park and Chippewa Street are nearby, leading restaurant-goers in the right direction.

Parking is abundant with a huge lot right in front of the restaurant. Say goodbye to the hassle of hunting for a place, even in high season. The restaurant is completely accessible to guests with mobility requirements. Locals love the accessibility and tourists can seamlessly integrate Sharpshooters into their itinerary without diversion.

Hours

Regular hours run from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with some evenings extending later for special events or festivals. Holiday hours do vary, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead if you’ll be visiting around Thanksgiving, the 4th of July, or Memorial Day. Sharpshooters is open for lunch and dinner, making it perfect for a mid-day meal or a late bite!

Backyard BBQ festivals in the summer can push closing times. With flexible scheduling, guests can stop in for a fast lunch or relax with a leisurely dinner. The diversity guarantees that all of us, singles and families alike, find a time that fits.

The Experience

Stepping inside, visitors are welcomed by the scent of smoked meats and a casual, festive atmosphere. It’s a strange melding of BBQ joint and shooting range adrenaline that you won’t find anywhere else in St. Louis. Staff are attentive, walking you through the menu and recommending new sides or the Wednesday-only pork loin that is so tender it falls off the fork.

Lunch tables turn quickly. Afternoons and evenings are a more relaxed affair, allowing guests to linger. Community tables inspire chatter and the venue regularly features live blues or craft brewer pop-ups just for fun. Whether you’re out with your friends or picking up takeout, it’s like a neighborhood cookout.

Conclusion

Sharpshooters has the absolute best smoked turkey legs in St. Louis. Their smoked turkey legs really hit the spot. They are big, juicy, hickory-smoked, and lightly spiced. Pitmasters’ expertise is in every mouthful. The Affton location vibe is easy, with no pretensions, just food fans who like their flavors loud. Local folks and out-of-towners stop by, grab a leg, and return for additional servings. You watch people sitting on the porch, napkins in hand, smiles on their faces. Tons of people claim no other place in St. Louis gets that smoke and flavor so right. Next time hunger strikes and you need something that sticks to your ribs, check out Sharpshooters. Bring your friends, swap stories, and find out what makes these turkey legs the best in St. Louis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Sharpshooters located in St. Louis?

Sharpshooters is in Affton, a close-knit neighborhood community in South St. Louis County, Missouri. It is super easy to get to and they have lots of parking.

What makes Sharpshooters’ smoked turkey legs the best?

Sharpshooters employs a secret blend of regionally sourced woods and spices. Their turkey legs are slow smoked for hours, providing you a juicy, flavorful bite each time.

Do I need a reservation to try the smoked turkey legs?

No reservation required. You can walk in at any time during business hours, but weekends can be a little busy, so it helps to get there early.

Yup, sharpshooters has the best St. Louis smoked turkey legs. You’ll see things like brisket, ribs, and homemade mac n cheese.

Is Sharpshooters family-friendly?

Okay, it’s a laid-back joint with a great atmosphere. Families and groups are always welcome and it is great for all ages.

Can I order turkey legs to-go or for catering?

Definitely. Sharpshooters has takeout and catering. Call ahead or order online for large groups or events.

What’s special about the Affton location?

Affton is a close community that is very friendly. Add in Sharpshooters’ location for some local flair and you’ve got yourself a legit St. Louis bar-b-q destination.