Some folks spend their whole lives chasing the perfect bite of barbecue, while others just drive to Columbia and order the pulled pork.
That’s because Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has mastered something that most restaurants only dream about: tender pulled pork in Missouri that actually lives up to the hype.
This isn’t your average strip mall surprise – it’s a full-blown barbecue haven where the smoke signals practically wave you down from Forum Boulevard. 🍖
The Pulled Pork That Started It All
The pulled pork at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit isn’t just good – it’s the kind of good that makes people drive across state lines.
The Takeout food experts recently crowned Dickey’s Southern Pulled Pork Sandwich as the number one pulled pork sandwich in America, beating out twelve other major chains.
Every order of slow-smoked pulled pork in Missouri starts its journey in the hickory wood pit, where it spends hours transforming into something magical.
The meat gets a generous coating of their signature pork rib rub before hitting the smoke, creating layers of flavor that go way beyond typical chain restaurant fare.
What makes this Missouri pulled pork barbecue special is the combination of tender texture and rich, smoky depth that practically melts in your mouth.
Why Everyone’s Making The Columbia Pilgrimage
People don’t just stumble into Dickey’s – they seek it out.
The location on Forum Boulevard has become a destination for anyone serious about where to find pulled pork in Missouri.
The whole operation revolves around one simple philosophy: authentic barbecue can’t be rushed.
While some restaurants microwave yesterday’s leftovers, Dickey’s certified Pit masters are slow-smoking fresh meats overnight, every single night, right there on site.
The hickory wood-burning pits aren’t just for show – they’re the heart of everything this place does right.
That’s why their juicy pulled pork servings taste like they came from someone’s backyard pit rather than a commercial kitchen. 🔥
Food Highlights
- Southern Pulled Pork Sandwich: The crowned champion features savory pulled pork topped with creamy cabbage slaw and kickin’ comeback sauce, all served on a signature brioche bun that’s sturdy enough to handle the generous portions without falling apart mid-bite.
- Texas Brisket Sandwich: Slow-smoked beef brisket rubbed with Dickey’s famous seasoning and smoked for twelve hours until it develops that signature spicy peppercorn bark everyone raves about in their reviews.
- Pork Ribs: These fall-off-the-bone beauties come coated in so much flavorful dry rub that adding sauce becomes optional – though the three varieties of tangy barbecue sauce on offer make excellent accompaniments.
- Jalapeño Cheddar Kielbasa: A proprietary blend of beef and pork smoked into a Polish-style sausage with just enough kick from the jalapeños to keep things interesting without overwhelming the smoke flavor.
- The Westerner Sandwich: This Texas-sized creation lets diners pick two different slow-smoked meats topped with cheddar cheese on a toasted hoagie bun, perfect for indecisive barbecue lovers who refuse to compromise.
- Giant Pit-Smoked Baker with Meat: Take a massive Idaho potato, load it up with your choice of slow-smoked meat, add cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, and butter, then try to finish the whole thing without needing a nap afterward.
The Real Deal on Missouri Barbecue Pulled Pork Tradition
Classic pulled pork barbecue in Missouri has always been about more than just meat and smoke.
Dickey’s commits to serving only the highest quality cuts from responsible sources, refusing to serve anything that doesn’t meet their standards.
The smoking process follows time-honored Texas traditions: low temperature, long hours, and constant attention from experienced pit masters.
That twelve-hour smoking window allows the hickory smoke to penetrate deep into the meat while the low heat breaks down tough connective tissue into tender, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.
More Than Just Pulled Pork Plates
While the pulled pork steals most of the spotlight, this menu runs deeper than one hit wonder status.
The best pulled pork plates in Missouri come with your choice of two homestyle sides, and this is where Dickey’s family recipes really shine.
The mac and cheese brings creamy comfort, the barbecue beans add sweet and savory balance, and the crispy fried okra delivers that perfect Southern touch.
Every side dish follows recipes passed down through generations, creating a complete meal experience rather than just “meat plus whatever.”
The fried okra deserves special mention – it’s an old-school favorite that somehow manages to stay crispy despite all that delicious breading.
Green beans come seasoned with bacon and onion, adding smoky depth that complements rather than competes with the main attractions.
And those buttery rolls?
They’re based on Miss Ollie’s family recipes, providing the perfect vehicle for soaking up every last drop of sauce and meat drippings. 🥖
The Complete Experience at Dickey’s
This isn’t fancy dining with white tablecloths and sommeliers – it’s honest-to-goodness barbecue served in an atmosphere that lets the food take center stage.
The counter service keeps things moving quickly during lunch rushes, while the casual dining area provides comfortable space to actually enjoy your meal.
The free soft-serve ice cream at the end of your visit isn’t just a sweet bonus – it’s practically a tradition among regulars who save room for one last treat.
Delivery, takeout, and catering options mean you can enjoy flavorful pulled pork options in Missouri wherever your appetite strikes, from office parties to family gatherings to lazy Sunday dinners at home.
What The Locals Know
Columbia residents have figured out a few secrets worth sharing with visitors.
The lunch crowd moves fast, but the line’s worth joining because the food comes out fresh and hot.
Seniors get a 10% discount, making it even easier to become a regular.
Those three different barbecue sauce varieties – original, sweet, and spicy – each bring something different to the table, so sampling all three isn’t greedy, it’s smart research.
And here’s a pro tip: the Big Yellow Cup isn’t just Instagram-worthy, it’s the perfect size for Miss Ollie Dickey’s famous iced tea that pairs perfectly with all that smoky meat.
The Catering Angle
Planning a party? 🎉
Dickey’s has been handling Texas-style barbecue catering for over sixty years, feeding events from intimate gatherings of ten to massive parties of a thousand guests.
The Party Pack options include generous amounts of meat plus all the sides, bread, condiments, and sauces needed.
Two pounds of pulled pork plus two pounds of brisket, family-sized sides, and a dozen rolls can feed ten to twelve people without anyone leaving hungry.
Barbecue buffets let everyone pile their plates exactly how they want them – load up on meat, take a little of this side, skip that one entirely.
Atmosphere
The dining space keeps things simple and functional, letting the aroma of hickory-smoked meats do most of the talking.
Counter service speeds up ordering during busy periods, while the casual seating area provides enough comfort to enjoy your meal without rushing.
The overall vibe screams “authentic barbecue joint” rather than “corporate chain,” despite technically being the latter.
Think paper-lined trays, friendly staff who know their menu inside and out, and an environment where showing up in jeans and leaving with sauce on your shirt is not only acceptable but practically expected.
Bottom Line
People from all over Missouri flock to Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Columbia for these reasons:
- The nationally-recognized pulled pork sandwich truly delivers on its reputation with tender, smoky perfection.
- Overnight smoking in hickory wood pits creates authentic Texas-style barbecue you can taste in every bite.
- Family recipe sides and complimentary ice cream complete the experience beyond just meat on a plate.
For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.
Address: 1412 Forum Blvd Ste 130, Columbia, MO 65203
📞 (573) 303-3167