From upscale dining to gritty stops in unexpected places, Kansas City BBQ offers it all. This town is the BBQ capital of the world, famous for our tenderly smoked meat, accompanied by complex sauces and award winning sides. Nearly impossible to mark a favorite, new and old establishments across this town are remarkable in every sense of the word. Built on the back of our world-renowned burnt ends, we are a culinary stop to be reckoned with.
If you are traveling from out of town, want to try the newest joint or simply craving good food, this guide will lead you to the best BBQ the country has to offer. St. Louis, Texas, Memphis and the Carolinas have nothing on Kansas City!
Guide to the Best BBQ in Kansas City
Harp Barbecue
New on the scene, Harp Barbecue began as a food truck. A newly opened brick and mortar location in Raytown, just off the Rock Island Trail, has been buzzing since day one. Continually on lists for the best in the country, this is a must try. Make it a day of biking and fueling up, or drive over for a highly coveted tray of meat. If you visit on a weekend, GET. THE. RIBS. Also the brisket. And the burnt ends. The menu is small but mighty, and smoked meats can be purchased in 1/4 or 1/2 lb portions. A tray of three different meats (brisket, burnt ends and their dynamite sausage) fed myself and three hungry, barbecue loving boys with little leftover. It’s open at 11 a.m. to sell out, and they most definitely do sell out. Head there well before 2:00 to guarantee an amazing meal.
BB’s Lawnside
Blues and barbecue, it doesn’t get any more Kansas City than that. BB’s Lawnside offers communal style seating and does not take reservations. The down home feel and how they have perfectly paired traditional Kansas City tastes with a little cajun flare is what makes it a highly regarded spot. Order Big Walter’s Mixed Meat Sandwich, a BBQ Sundae and the chili. During live music shows in the evenings, there’s a small cover charge, but kids 12 and under are free.
Woodyard Bar-B-Que
This no frills joint has been featured on many Food Network specials. Anthony Bourdain, Guy Fieri and Nigella Lawson have all raved about the offerings from Woodyard Bar-B-Que. Its one-of-a-kind outdoor brick smoker is what gives the popular dishes its rich flavors. Plan on ordering either the smoked chicken or burnt ends sandwich, you will not be sorry. Their ribs are also killer. Arrive early, (a line is usually forming by 10:30 a.m.) and eat outside on a nice day.
Q 39
Q 39 offers the best of both worlds: the messy barbecue we all love served in a modern setting right in the heart of the city. The ALWAYS busy stop shook up the KC scene when it opened in 2014, at times pushing what we deem the traditional take on our beloved food. The restaurant’s incredibly loyal following stick to the proven contest winners like the Judge’s Plate, which includes ribs, brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken and chipotle sausage. The Burnt End Burger, Mr. Burns sandwich and Southern Pride pulled pork sandwich are amazing and also wildly popular. The sides push the boundaries of traditional takes as well, but are not to be missed. Order the white bean cassoulet, apple slaw and potato salad to split with the table. Reservations are a necessity, or plan on waiting quite awhile.
Jack Stack Barbecue
A decades long institution, Jack Stack is steeped in tradition and always has a full dining room. Focused on quality, there is good reason patrons line up to order the always on point dishes. The sides, however, are what I believe to be their claim to fame. The rich baked beans with shreds of burnt ends, perfectly caramelized in a hot bowl, are dreamy. The slaw, perfected over many years, is also undeniably delicious. Cheesy corn bake is on almost every table you pass. Enjoy with their wide selection of meats, like sausage, smoked chicken wings, cajun spiced shrimp or chopped burnt end sandwich, and you are sure to leave full and blissfully happy. Several locations can be found around the metro, and all are of equal quality and ambiance.
Joe’s Kansas City
The late Anthony Bourdain named Joe’s one of “13 Places to Eat Before You Die.” The long line around the original (gas station) location in Kansas City, Kansas, only supports Bourdain’s assessment. Famous for the Z-man, composed of sliced smoked brisket, smoked provolone, onion rings and house barbecue sauce inside a Kaiser roll is what the crowds order in mass. Pair the sandwich with their french fries, the best in the city arguably, and you’ll suddenly believe the KC fare hype. Award winning recipes of pulled pork, brisket, ribs and smoked chicken are also popular choices.
Pro Tip: Lines can stretch around the building at this popular spot. Order to go, wait for the food in your car, and head to a nearby park for a stellar picnic.
Arthur Bryant’s
Arthur Bryant’s has been in business for almost 100 years for a reason. It has attracted presidents and celebrities. The famous vinegar based sauce is what put the restaurant on the map. Both the original and spicy sauces paired with their pulled pork or ribs are what keeps people returning time and time again. The casual atmosphere and rich history provide an authentic experience. It should be your first stop on any barbecue tour of the city, to honor the grandfather of KC dining.
Gates BBQ
This cafeteria style restaurant adorned with a red roof is the centerpiece of Kansas City barbecue. Peruse the menu before entering, as the staff welcomes/demands your order moments after stepping foot inside. It’s part of their schtick, in the best possible way. The brisket is their most popular menu item. Several locations are open around the city, but their flagship store in midtown on Cleaver Boulevard is their most popular.
Jones Bar-B-Q
An all female pit crew makes Jones Bar-B-Q unique, but their sauce put them on the map. Gaining acclaim from across the country, this grab and go restaurant is also famous for the house made sausage. First timers must order their reasonably priced combo plate that features the sausage, along with another meat of choice and side.
LC’s Bar-B-Que
Served on plain white bread, the brisket or burnt end sandwiches are what keep patrons returning time and time again at LC’s Bar-B-Que. Those visiting the Chiefs or Royals stadiums often pick up their tailgate meals from here thanks to its close proximity. Be ready soon after you walk in to order at this classic barbecue serving stop.
With over 100+ restaurants in the area serving our world famous fare, these aren’t the only stops to try, but they are ranked the highest for a reason! What is your favorite BBQ stop around the city?
