Best BBQ in Kansas City
Kansas City, MO
bar • restaurants
Posted about 5 years ago
Q39 - Midtown
If you ask me, Q39 is the best barbeque in Kansas City. It's a tight race, but as someone born and raised in the City of Fountains, I have to give the crown to Q39. This more recent addition to the KC BBQ scene started out with their original restaurant on 39th street in Kansas City, MO and has since expanded into popular Kansas suburb, Overland Park. It doesn't matter which location you're headed to, you need a reservation and for good reason. Q39 has the best BBQ sandwiches in KC and they have one for everyone, from chicken to pork this place has you covered. They also have a wide range of platters, dinners, and a la carte options in any meat you can think of. And it's all freaking delicious. You know when you eat something so good you feel the endorphins in your brain? That's what happened the first time I had Q39. Side note, don't forget that fries come as their own separate side. And while you're at it order some of their side dish mac & cheese. Trust me.
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Kansas City, MO
bar • restaurants
Posted about 5 years ago
Jack Stack Barbecue - Freight House
Jack Stack is what most KC natives consider upscale BBQ. With steakhouse vibes and décor in every restaurant (and there's quite a few across the KC metro) this place serves their meat on white linen tablecloths. Don't worry though, it's just as good as the down and dirty spots. Jack Stack earns honors in my book for ensuring that their chicken and turkey tastes just as good as their pork, beef, brisket, and burnt ends. A lot of places focus only on their red meat options, which leaves their white meat offerings lacking. Jack Stack won't stand for that, so if you're looking for a sit down spot with variety for everyone, Jack Stack is your place. Favorite location? The Country Club Plaza!
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Kansas City, MO
restaurants
Posted about 5 years ago
Gates Bar-B-Q
Gates is Kansas City history. This "Bar-B-Q" spot opened in 1946 and hasn’t slowed down since. There are tons of locations in the KC area, with a large number being downtown. Gates holds much of it's old charm in the simple décor that reflects the time the brand has been around. They keep it simple here, but nothing is limited on flavor. Be prepared to yell "Turkey on Bun!" (which means turkey sandwich) or whatever else you'd like over the 16 people in front of you in line, because the second you walk in someone at the counter will shout "Hi! May I help you?!" and you better know fast. Gates is also perfect for takeout if you're looking to cater a tailgate or at home party. Best of all? It's reasonably priced!
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Kansas City, KS
restaurants
Posted about 5 years ago
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Perhaps the most "famous" of the Kansas City barbeque spots, KC Joe's (formerly Oklahoma Joe's) started at a gas station in downtown KCK. You can still stop by and fill up your tank while you grab the famous Z-Man Sandwich, you just might have to wait longer for the food than the gas now a days. The Z Man is Joe's pride and joy, a sandwich with slow-smoked beef brisket, smoked provolone cheese, topped with two crispy onion rings, on a toasted Kaiser roll. Joe's also has all the other good stuff like ribs and burnt ends, so don't worry if a sandwich isn't your thing. One thing to remember! Joe's is closed on Sunday so make sure you get your fix Monday through Saturday.
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Kansas City, KS
restaurants
Posted about 5 years ago
Slap's BBQ
The wild horse of this list is Slaps, located just north of downtown KCMO, or as the locals like to say "north of the river". This is your classic hole-in-the-wall joint, with only about a dozen tables inside. Slaps operates until the goods are gone, so when they're sold out of something for the day, they're sold out. If you want something before it's gone, get there early! This place also gets messy, with a few different BBQ sauces on each table to douse your choice of meat in. Another thing you can put sauce on? Their fries. If you ask me, Slaps has the best fries of any BBQ place in KC. They're the perfect combination of flaky and crispy (but not too crispy!) outside and an airy yet substantial inside. Plus, the seasoning on them is perfection. Expect to see this place continue to grow in popularity over the next few years.
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