When food experts test thirteen different chain restaurants and crown one winner, that’s not luck.
That’s the best pulled pork sandwich in Missouri earning its reputation one bite at a time.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Columbia just claimed the top spot in The Takeout’s national ranking, beating every other major chain with their Southern Pulled Pork Sandwich that customers can’t stop raving about. 🏆
The Championship Sandwich
The Takeout food critics analyzed flavor, tenderness, and portion size across major chains.
Dickey’s slow-smoked pulled pork sandwich at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit demolished the competition.
The recognition comes from serving tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder that spends hours in hickory wood-burning pits before landing on a garlic butter toasted brioche bun.
Each pork shoulder gets hand-rubbed with signature spices, then heads into the pit for an overnight smoking session.
By morning, the meat transforms into something that practically falls apart at the slightest touch.
Customer reviews mention hefty portions, authentic smokiness, and incredible tenderness.
The garlic butter toasted bun stays sturdy enough to handle generous amounts of meat without falling apart. 🥖
What Goes Into Every Bite
The loaded pulled pork sandwich in Missouri served at this Columbia location follows a specific formula.
Start with slow-smoked pork shoulder that’s been developing flavors all night.
Pile it high on the garlic butter toasted brioche bun.
Top it with creamy cabbage slaw that adds cool crunch to balance warm, smoky meat.
The barbecue sandwich with coleslaw combination requires quality ingredients and proper ratios.
Dickey’s hits that sweet spot where every component enhances rather than competes.
Then comes the choice of three signature barbecue sauces – original for classic tangy flavor, sweet for molasses notes, or spicy for heat.
This BBQ sauce-topped pulled pork sandwich gives you control over your final flavor profile. 🔥
Food Highlights
- Southern Pulled Pork Sandwich: The national champion features slow-cooked pork shoulder topped with creamy coleslaw on a garlic butter toasted brioche bun, creating the juicy pulled pork on toasted bun that beat twelve other chains in expert taste tests.
- Kickin’ Comeback Pulled Pork Sandwich: A limited-time variation loads the same quality pulled pork with creamy coleslaw mixed with their signature comeback sauce for those seeking extra kick in their classic pulled pork handheld.
- Southern Pulled Pork Sandwich Combo: Transform the award-winning sandwich into a complete meal by adding two homestyle sides and the iconic Big Yellow Cup filled with your choice of beverage.
- The Westerner Sandwich: This Texas-sized creation lets diners choose two different slow-smoked meats topped with cheddar cheese on a toasted hoagie, perfect for those wanting variety beyond just pork.
- Classic Pulled Pork Sandwich: The streamlined version delivers slow-smoked pork pulled to perfection and placed on a warm brioche bun without additional toppings, letting the meat quality shine through.
- Pulled Pork on Giant Baker: Take a massive Idaho potato, load it with pulled pork, cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, and butter for a hearty alternative to traditional sandwich format.
Behind The Smoking Process
Best pulled pork sandwich options in Missouri require commitment to traditional smoking methods.
Every night, pit masters tend to pork shoulders that need hours of attention.
The hickory wood-burning pits work at low temperatures, slowly breaking down tough connective tissue while infusing smoke flavor.
Temperature control between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit remains crucial throughout the night.
The hand-rubbed spices create a flavorful crust that locks in moisture.
By morning, what started as a challenging cut becomes the loaded barbecue pork sandwich filling that earns national recognition.
The Complete Experience
While the pulled pork sandwich steals headlines, the full context matters.
Dickey’s smokes all meats on-site daily, maintaining consistent quality.
The Forum Boulevard location keeps certified Pit masters on staff who understand traditional Texas barbecue techniques.
Walk in around lunchtime and the aroma tells you something special happens here.
The casual counter service setup keeps things moving efficiently.
Order at the counter, grab your Big Yellow Cup, fill it with Miss Ollie Dickey’s famous iced tea.
The dining area provides comfortable space to enjoy your meal.
Complimentary soft-serve ice cream at the end adds a sweet finish. 🍦
More Than Just Meat On Bread
The hearty pulled pork sandwich meals benefit from homestyle sides following family recipes.
Mac and cheese brings creamy comfort pairing perfectly with smoky pork.
Barbecue beans add sweet and savory notes that balance rich meat.
Crispy fried okra delivers perfect Southern touch with light breading and signature seasoning.
Green beans come seasoned with bacon and onion.
Those buttery rolls based on Miss Ollie’s recipes soak up every drop of juice and sauce.
The side options transform a simple sandwich into a complete satisfying meal.
The Award-Winning Formula
What separates Missouri BBQ sandwich favorites from average offerings comes down to refusing shortcuts.
Dickey’s maintains standards that trace back to 1941 when Travis Dickey opened the first location.
Today’s expanded menu still follows core principles – quality meats smoked properly over hickory wood.
The Columbia location treats each pork shoulder with the same attention the original restaurant provided.
Only the highest quality meat makes it into those pits, and anything that doesn’t meet standards doesn’t get served.
This commitment explains how a chain restaurant earned top ranking from food experts.
Local Knowledge Worth Having
Columbia residents have figured out strategic approaches.
Arrive before or after the main lunch rush for shorter lines.
Seniors receive a 10% discount making regular visits more appealing.
The three barbecue sauce varieties bring different profiles – try all three to find your preference.
Free ice cream rewards those who save room for dessert.
Joining the Big Yellow Cup Rewards program earns points toward free barbecue.
Delivery and takeout through various platforms mean you can enjoy that smoked pulled pork on brioche bun wherever your day takes you. 📅
More Than A Meal
The atmosphere keeps focus on what matters – the food.
Counter service maintains efficiency without sacrificing friendliness.
The dining space provides functional comfort rather than fancy décor.
This is honest barbecue in an environment that celebrates the pit-smoking tradition.
Paper-lined trays and knowledgeable staff create an authentic experience.
Atmosphere
The space embraces its barbecue pit roots with functional simplicity that lets the food do the talking.
Counter service speeds up ordering while casual seating provides comfort to enjoy your meal.
The overall vibe says “authentic smokehouse” rather than “corporate chain,” despite technically being the latter.
Expect the aroma of hickory smoke, the sound of satisfied customers, and an environment where focusing on your food is completely appropriate.
Bottom Line
The Forum Boulevard Dickey’s earns its championship status through:
- Slow-smoking pork shoulder overnight in hickory wood pits creates tender meat that national food experts ranked number one.
- Serving generous portions on garlic butter toasted brioche buns with fresh coleslaw delivers consistent quality that customers rave about.
- Maintaining traditional Texas barbecue techniques without shortcuts or compromises, plus complimentary ice cream and loyalty rewards on every visit.
For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.
Address: 1412 Forum Blvd Ste 130, Columbia, MO 65203
📞 (573) 303-3167