7 Best Barbecue Places in Kansas City (Updated for 2023!)

July 13, 2023 Taylor

7 Best Barbecue Places in Kansas City

 

If Kansas City is known for anything above all else, it’s the barbecue. You will scarcely meet a Kansas Citian who doesn’t have an opinion on barbecue, whether it’s who has the best sides, the best-burnt ends (Kansas City specialty, ya know), or who is the best overall barbecue joint in the city. Here is our list of some top BBQ spots in KC!

 

Jack Stack

Jack Stack has several locations throughout the metro area, each as good as the last. While the meat is killer, their real superstar is their sides. They have some of the best pit beans in the city as well as killer cheesy corn bake. Don’t forget to stay for dessert, they make killer creme brulee!

 

Q39

Q39 is the spot that everyone can’t seem to stop talking about. They are an all-around package when it comes to BBQ – a casual feel in the restaurant and some food that’s to die for. The dish to try? The “Best Wings on the Planet”! They come with a delicious Chipotle BBQ sauce that’s hard to beat!

 

Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque

Step back in time and go to Arthur Bryant’s in the 18th & Vine district! Make sure you’re hungry and grab one of their ginormous sandwiches or choose a combo to try some of their great sides. Any way you go, you surely will not be disappointed!

 

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Formerly Oklahoma Joe’s, Joe’s Kansas City barbecue has been a staple in the Kansas City barbecue scene since 1996. Definitely, try the legendary Z-Man Sandwich. This beautiful sandwich is filled with melt-in-your-mouth brisket, onion rings, and provolone cheese all on a kaiser roll!

 

Char Bar

Char Bar has one of the best outdoor spaces in Kansas City. Complete with a lawn for croquet, ping pong, and ample outdoor seating, this Westport hot spot is a fantastic atmosphere to indulge in delicious barbeque. They have a lot of unique options that will inspire anyone to go outside of their comfort zone and try something new! Try their Mac N’ Cheese with burnt ends for a dish that will delight your senses!

 

B.B.’s Lawnside Blues & BBQ

B.B’s Lawnside BBQ is one of Kansas City’s best. Featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives and Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, this place has a menu that will knock your socks off! They also offer a large variety of Blues music weekly!

Slap’s BBQ

This hidden gem is located just minutes from downtown in the quaint Strawberry Hill neighborhood. Slap’s BBQ is owned by award-winning pitmasters Mike and Joe Pearce, and serves a creative menu with locally sourced meat. There’s typically a line, but it moves fast – and trust us when we say it’s worth the wait!

 

We could continue going for ages and still not reach the end of the awesome BBQ places in Kansas City. What is your favorite?

 

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