Highlights of Kansas City’s Barbecue Scene
In Kansas City, barbecue is a way of life. It is also one thing this city does better than most. With a long tradition of rich, dry-rubbed meats that are smoked and cooked slowly to perfection then covered in spicy sauces, Kansas City has become famous for its magically delicious barbecue. In fact, many people call Kansas City “the home of barbecue.”
There are more than 100 barbecue joints in Kansas City, from hole-in-the-wall eateries to nothing-but-barbecue restaurants. Below, you can explore five of the best places to enjoy great barbecue in Kansas City.
01. Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue
When you enter one of the Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue locations in Kansas City, you immediately notice that this isn’t your typical down-home barbecue joint.
With beautiful oak bars and chic patios, these spots are arguably the most sophisticated barbecue restaurants in the city. They are well-known for their melt-in-your-mouth traditional Kansas City barbecue.
Zagat claims Jack Stack has the “highest-rated BBQ in the country” and named Jack Stack “the most popular restaurant in Kansas City.” Notably, with Jack Stack, “KC BBQ goes upscale without losing its soul.” Thus, you can enjoy salmon and French dip alongside a classic barbecue sampler and hickory-smoked prime rib.
Starting in 1957 as a neighborhood joint in Martin City, the family began cooking certified Angus beef over hickory wood, creating one of the most extensive barbecue menus in the country. Today, Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue has evolved into the largest full-service wood cookery in the industry with five restaurants, a catering company, and a shipping division.
The five locations include:
- Original: Martin City
- Freight House District
- Country Club Plaza
- Overland Park
- Lee’s Summit
Walk-ins are welcome; larger parties should call ahead for reservations.
02. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
It may have started in a gas station, but don’t be misled. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que creates what USA Today calls “America’s tastiest ribs” that practically fall off the bone. The team behind Joe’s began as weekend warriors, excelling in various barbecue competitions, such as the American Royal Open Barbecue Contest and the American Royal Invitational.
Pushed by their success, they launched Joe’s Barbecue and Catering in 1995, establishing the first Kansas City Joe’s in a neighborhood gas station on 47th Avenue and Mission Road.
Currently, there are three locations in addition to an event space, and the owners have no plans to expand further. Co-originator Jeff Stehney mentions, “Our ambition has never been to be the biggest. Our goal has only ever been to be the best.”
You can place individual orders or order by the pound for larger gatherings. Menu highlights include fall-off-the-bone ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and smoked portobello mushrooms with classic barbecue sides such as baked beans and creamy coleslaw. Reservations are required only at The 180 Room event space.
03. BB’s Lawnside Barbeque
Address: 1205 E 85th St, Kansas City, MO 64131, USA
Phone: +1 816-822-7427
BB’s Lawnside Blues & BBQ stands out in Kansas City by offering fantastic barbecue paired with live blues music every night in a laid-back roadhouse setting. Patrons enjoy big plates of barbecue at communal picnic tables.
The establishment has gained recognition, even being featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, especially for its unique “BBQ sundae” (layers of smoked beans, coleslaw, pulled pork, and sauce in a Mason jar) and burnt ends. Notable culinary figure Anthony Bourdain praised the Memphis Minnie’s smoked catfish on No Reservations.
Regulars rave about owner Lindsay Shannon’s wings as the best in town. Options include slow-smoked red meat alongside Louisiana favorites such as gumbo and jambalaya.
04. Arthur Bryant’s
The oldest and arguably the most famous barbecue joint in Kansas City is the legendary Arthur Bryant’s, known for putting Kansas City barbecue on the map. With barbecue sauce considered so good that it can be “put on bread and eaten,” Bryant’s has been thriving since 1920. Its rapid ascent to national fame began with endorsements from professional athletes and even presidents like Harry Truman and Jimmy Carter. Celebrated writer Calvin Trillin once declared in Playboy magazine that “the single best restaurant in the world is Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque at 18th and Brooklyn in Kansas City.”
Guests can enjoy a variety of meats or order by weight for takeout.
- The Original: 1727 Brooklyn Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri
- Legends at Kansas Speedway: 400 Speedway Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66111
05. Danny Edward’s Blvd BBQ
Address: 2900 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
Phone: +1 816-283-0880
Danny Edward’s Blvd BBQ is a small establishment known for packing in a lot of flavor. Recognized as one of the best lunch spots in downtown, it has earned acclaim for its meaty sandwiches and generous servings of savory barbecue in a simple cafe setting.
The restaurant has been highlighted in Zagat, Bon Appetit, and Saveur, as well as on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives for dishes like the Big D sandwich (featuring beef from the point on rye bread with Swiss cheese and onion rings) and tender, meaty pork spare ribs accompanied by bread and pickles.
