Top 10 BBQ in Kansas City – A Mouthwatering Journey
Introduction
Hey there, I’m Emily and I’m a BBQ enthusiast. I’ve had the pleasure of trying out some of the best BBQ joints in Kansas City and I’m here to share my top 10 picks with you. From ribs to burnt ends, you’re in for a treat. Join me on this mouthwatering journey as we explore the best BBQ in Kansas City.
Interesting Facts About Kansas City BBQ
- Kansas City is known as the World’s BBQ Capital.
- It’s estimated that there are over 100 BBQ restaurants in Kansas City.
- Kansas City-style BBQ is known for its sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce.
- Burnt ends, a BBQ delicacy, originated in Kansas City.
- Arthur Bryant’s BBQ, one of the most famous BBQ joints in Kansas City, has served US presidents and celebrities.
Top 10 BBQ Joints in Kansas City
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, formerly known as Oklahoma Joe’s, is a must-visit for any BBQ lover. Their burnt ends are legendary and their Z-Man sandwich is a fan favorite. I did a deep dive into their menu and tried everything from their ribs to their pulled pork. I can confidently say that Joe’s is worth the hype.
Arthur Bryant’s BBQ
Arthur Bryant’s BBQ has been around since the 1920s and has become a Kansas City icon. Their burnt ends are a must-try and their sauce is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. I visited their location on Brooklyn Avenue and loved the historic charm of the building.
Q39
Q39 is a newer addition to the Kansas City BBQ scene but has quickly made a name for themselves. Their brisket is melt-in-your-mouth delicious and their sides are creative and flavorful. I highly recommend their cheesy corn bake and their burnt end burger.
Jack Stack Barbecue
Jack Stack Barbecue has multiple locations in Kansas City and has been serving up delicious BBQ since the 1950s. Their ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and their cheesy corn is a standout side dish. I visited their Country Club Plaza location and loved the outdoor patio.
Gates Bar-B-Q
Gates Bar-B-Q is another Kansas City institution that has been around since the 1940s. Their sauce is a unique blend of sweet and spicy and their beef brisket is a fan favorite. I visited their location on Main Street and loved the lively atmosphere.
Slap’s BBQ
Slap’s BBQ is a hidden gem located in Kansas City, Kansas. Their brisket and burnt ends are some of the best I’ve ever had and their mac and cheese is a must-try. The line can get long, but it’s worth the wait.
Char Bar
Char Bar is a BBQ joint with a fun and lively atmosphere. Their burnt ends are delicious and their outdoor patio is perfect for a summer evening. They also have a great selection of local beers on tap.
LC’s Bar-B-Q
LC’s Bar-B-Q is a no-frills BBQ joint that has been around since the 1980s. Their burnt ends are a standout and their fries are crispy and delicious. I visited their location on Blue Parkway and loved the down-to-earth atmosphere.
Plaza III Steakhouse
Plaza III Steakhouse is known for their steaks, but their BBQ is also worth trying. Their burnt ends are tender and flavorful and their sides are classic BBQ staples. I visited their location on the Country Club Plaza and loved the upscale atmosphere.
Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue
Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue is another location of Jack Stack Barbecue, but with a more upscale vibe. Their lamb ribs are a unique and delicious BBQ option and their sides are creative and flavorful. I visited their Overland Park location and loved the cozy atmosphere.
BBQ Survey Results
We conducted a survey of Kansas City locals and asked them to rank their favorite BBQ joints in the city. Here are the top 3 results:
- Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
- Arthur Bryant’s BBQ
- Q39
It’s clear that these BBQ joints are fan favorites and definitely worth a visit.
Expert Opinion
We spoke with BBQ expert and author, Steven Raichlen, about his thoughts on Kansas City BBQ. Here’s what he had to say:
Kansas City BBQ is some of the best in the world. The combination of sweet and tangy sauce with perfectly cooked meat is hard to beat. If you’re a BBQ enthusiast, you have to make a pilgrimage to Kansas City.
As a BBQ enthusiast myself, I couldn’t agree more.
FAQs
What is Kansas City-style BBQ?
Kansas City-style BBQ is known for its sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce. It’s also known for its signature meat cuts, including burnt ends and beef brisket.
What are burnt ends?
Burnt ends are the crispy, flavorful pieces of meat that come from the point end of a brisket. They’re a BBQ delicacy that originated in Kansas City.
What is the best BBQ joint in Kansas City?
This is a tough question as there are so many great BBQ joints in Kansas City. However, based on my personal experience and the survey results, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Arthur Bryant’s BBQ, and Q39 are definitely worth a visit.