BBQ in Kansas City is an essential part of the city’s culture, eating habits, and tradition. Several BBQ joints in the city and the delicacies served there speak about how and what the residents of this city eat on a day-to-day basis.
The presence of well over a hundred dedicated BBQ joints in the city vouches for the importance of BBQ food among the people there. Again, with so many joints operating, the foodies there are often left confused. It’s a problem of plenty! Considering this scenario, we have enlisted the 7 best BBQ joints in Kansas City (in no particular order). Some of them are so popular that you may even have to wait in a long line. But trust us! The delicacies served there are worth the wait!
So, let us share the names without much ado. It’s time for some gastronomic delight.
Note: As BBQ lovers ourselves, we've been breaking down some of the best BBQ joints in the United States with a little help from Yelp and some solid references. While we haven't visited them all, our purpose was to spread some love and awareness for these great local (for the most part) restaurants - many of them being small businesses! Plus, it's been fun reading your comments in the discussion about how crazy we are (to put it VERY lightly) for leaving off your favorites. Please forgive us in advance. :D
1. Gates Bar-B-Q
Location: 1325 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64110, United States
It is one of the longest-running original barbecue joints in Kansas City. It has survived the ravages of time thanks to its delectable smoky meats and mouth-watering sides. My mouth is watering to describe the burnt ends, caramelized ends of the barbecued meats. This is a sheer delight for foodies who love to gorge on non-vegetarian delicacies.
2. Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue
How about trying out some hickory-smoked meats and barbecued beans? These delicacies are the major attractions of the legendary Jack Stacks Chain. This iconic eating chain has multiple outlets throughout Kansas City.
The barbecued items here are cooked to perfection with love and care. The delicacies will never fail to impress you. Those are cooked in a brick oven with fully loaded portions. Sheer pleasure and gastronomic delight! Right now, they are serving at the following 5 locations.
- Country Club Plaza
- Martin City
- Freight House
- Overland Park
- Lee’s Summit
3. Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque
Location: 1727 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64127, United States
Arthur Bryant is undoubtedly the King of Ribs. He is venerated as one of the most celebrated barbecue experts in history. This popular barbecue spot in Kansas City has welcomed many former presidents like Harry Truman, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama for a feast. So, undoubtedly, you should pay a visit to this prominent BBQ joint.
4. Danny Edwards Blvd BBQ
Location: 2900 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
The joint is named after its owner, Danny Edwards, who belongs to a long line of BBQ masters. No wonder that this place one of the city’s most visited destinations for cherishing a barbecued meat platter. While dropping by this point, you should definitely try out its unbelievably tender beef brisket. So, when are you planning a visit to this lunch-only café?
5. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Originated in the gas station at the corner of 47th & Mission, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is now famous globally for its delicious BBQ items. It is currently serving food at four locations. Those are:
- The Original Gas Station Restaurant
- Joe’s Kansas City – Olathe
- Joe’s Kansas City – Leawood
- The 180 Room
According to the late Anthony Bourdain, Joe’s should definitely find a place in his list of “13 places to eat before you die.” Once you are at this joint, don’t forget to try out the Z-Man Sandwich. This delicacy is a toasted Kaiser roll and comes with heavenly slow-smoked beef brisket, crispy onion rings, and provolone cheese.
6. Q39
Q39 is currently serving at two locations. You can visit Q39 South – Overland Park, BBQ, or Q39 Midtown – Kansas City BBQ. It can be called a 21-st century version of the traditional Kansas City BBQ. The experience that you will have here will surely blow your mind.
The specialty at this place is that here foods are prepared using a unique combination of wood-fired grilling and fresh, award-winning barbeque. The fresh barbeque is further managed by Rob Magee, the national champion barbeque pitmaster.
7. Slap’s BBQ
Location: 553 Central Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101, United States
Slap’s BBQ has been operating only for a few years. However, it has already created a ripple in the barbeque scenario of Kansas City. They only serve the freshest BBQ regularly, and they close their doors once they run out of meat. So, drop in early to taste their delicacies.
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