One of the most hotly debated topics in Kansas City and nationally is which KC locale is the best for BBQ. While it comes down to personal preference, there’s no shortage of opinions. So, I reached out to over two dozen local friends and asked them to rank their top five barbecue restaurants. Can you guess which spot came out on top?
Grading System
First, a little background on the grading system. To qualify - and to be fair - I asked my network of friends to list their top five; not just their number one. Each first place vote got five points, second place earned four points, third place received three points, fourth place was given two points, and one point went to the fifth place selection. Not rocket science by any means, but (in my estimation) this rudimentary process is the only equitable way to do a best-of ranking. So, without further ado, here are your Top 5 most desired BBQ spots in Kansas City.
5th Place (tie)
Arthur Bryant's
First: 0 (0); Second: 2 (8); Third: 1 (3); Fourth: 3 (6); Fifth: 3 (3)
Total Points: 20
America has the founding fathers. And KC has the founders of Kansas City barbecue. Two of them, in fact. One of those is Arthur Bryant’s. So, pay homage by paying a visit to one of the best BBQ spots of the past … and of the present.
Known nationwide, Arthur Bryant’s has built a legacy in the barbecue community that, though appreciated for the entirety of its menu, is probably most celebrated for the ribs and the incredible sauce. It’s what has brought people of all generations through the doors, from ball players to politicians, media members to musicians, and everyone in-between.
But I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight my own personal preference, the BBQ sandwiches. Ham, sliced pork, turkey, sausage, beef, burnt ends, or a combo. You can’t go wrong with any choice. Hard to say you've been to Kansas City if you don't check out Arthur Bryant's.
5th Place (tie)
Slap's BBQ
First: 1 (5); Second: 1 (4); Third: 2 (6); Fourth: 1 (2); Fifth: 3 (3)
Total Points: 20
Slap's hasn’t been on the scene long. In fact, the relatively new eatery first opened its doors in 2014. But Slap's (short for Squeal Like a Pig) has since become a go-to for KC-quality ‘que. So much so that this writer actually thought it was named Slap's because the food at this joint … well, it slaps. Like the flavorful pork ribs, seasoned with a sugar & spice rub, then smoked twice over hickory and oak wood. Also, the smoked links and burnt ends are not to be missed either. And though it may not be a traditional side, the hush puppies at Slap's are a nice add to any plate.
In the mood for a really good BBQ sandwich? Try ... The Sandwich. Yup! That’s the name. Just ‘The Sandwich’. You get your choice of smoked brisket or pulled pork topped with creamy Provel cheese and two deep-fried onion rings. For those with a flexible schedule, hit up Wing Wednesday and enjoy a taste of some of KC’s best barbecue chicken.
4th Place
Gates BBQ
First: 1 (5); Second: 4 (16); Third: 2 (6); Fourth: 4 (8); Fifth: 2 (2)
Total Points: 37
I shared earlier in this list that Kansas City has two pillars of KC BBQ. Well, Gates is the other. Though I use ‘other’ loosely. Because there’s no other barbecue restaurant quite like Gates.
Highlighted by the pork ribs, baked beans, BBQ chicken, and, of course, the sauce, Gates is classic KC culinary. One could even argue the growth and success of Gates is predicated on the popularity of its sauce.
Sauce in hand, order up one of Gate’s signature combo plates … like the brisket, burnt ends, and ribs, along with a mountain of super-tasty fries, the perfect pickles, and a side of slaw. Let the rankings show, you won’t find many BBQ choices more preferred than this.
3rd Place
Jack Stack Barbecue
First: 6 (30); Second: 1 (4); Third: 6 (18); Fourth: 5 (10); Fifth: 3 (3)
Total Points: 65
Jack Stack Barbecue may have come in third place, but don’t get it twisted. This is still top-tier KC barbecue. Before we get into the food, though, let’s start with the fact it’s not hard to find your nearest Jack Stack. Convenience is king with this KC staple. Offering six locations all across the greater Kansas City metro, you can easily go for some Jack Stack no matter where you work or live.
Once there, make certain you don’t skip the apps. Because there’s two not to be missed: the smoked jalapeño cornbread and, even better, the fire-kissed wings. In fact, you could just get those two items and you’d be set for the night.
But you’re going for the real-deal BBQ. And what’s BBQ without the pork or beef? There’s certainly no shortage at Jack Stack, claiming the most extensive barbecue menu in Kansas City. How extensive? Try 11 — yes, eleven — hickory-smoked meats, like beef burnt ends, lamb ribs, and a whole lot more. Pair one of your selections with a couple of the best sides in the biz, notably the cheesy corn bake and hickory pit beans. You can’t wrong with that plate.
Personal note: my only gripe with Jack Stack is they used to have their own version of gumbo on the menu; for whatever reason they pulled it — and believe me when I tell you it was unique in its smoky BBQ approach, but was still phenomenal. I’m disheartened it’s gone.
2nd Place
Q39
First: 9 (45); Second: 5 (20); Third: 3 (9); Fourth: 2 (4); Fifth: 0 (0)
Total Points: 78
Coming in second is another one of the newer players on the scene, Q39. Like Slaps, Q39 also opened in 2014, and it has rocketed up the list of many Kansas Cititans thanks in large part to a more modern approach to restauranteering … or as they call it, “KC BBQ with a twist”. Sure, the que is still fire — otherwise, it wouldn’t be on this list — but the ambiance & décor are closer to fine dining than hole-in-the-wall. Plus, they serve premium cocktails, including one of the best Old Fashioned’s this blogger has enjoyed anywhere in town.
Highlights of the menu vary, which is a beautiful thing. You can enjoy delicious classics, like burnt ends or brisket (my favorite in the city). Or you can order the juicy char-grilled chicken or their tasty chipotle sausage. There’s just so many great options. That's why one of Q39’s competition BBQ plates [order the Judge’s Plate for the win!], which allows you to get a variety of your favorites, will always be the best bet for indecision … or simply for gorging. Plus, they may just lay claim to the best BBQ sauce around. Subjective, I know. But hard to deny that sweet tangy flavor.
No matter what choice of meat, be sure to get my second most desired BBQ side item in KC (I’ll mention #1 shortly), the apple coleslaw. Go even bigger and get the burnt end burger — taking that amazing apple slaw and adding it to a ground beef brisket patty, sliced burnt ends, jalapeños, the aforementioned sauce, and thrown between a bun. It’s f’ing incredible!
1st Place
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
First: 10 (50); Second: 8 (32); Third: 5 (15); Fourth: 3 (6); Fifth: 0 (0)
Total Points: 103
Was there any surprise? Joe’s KC racked up the most first place and second place votes. But what helped it gain over 30 points more than the next best spot is consistency. Joe’s was in just about everyone’s Top 5. So, either you like Joe’s or you love Joe’s. Regardless of where you fall on the scale of “good” to “great”, there’s no denying the one true masterpiece of KC.
And what’s not to like? From the lip-smacking ribs to the burnt ends, and from the smoked sausage to the famous Z-Man sandwich, the menu at Joe’s is chock full of fan faves. Not to mention my personal favorite side dish of any BBQ joint in the city, the delicious and spicy dirty rice. It’s clear why — at least based on this survey sample size — Joe’s Kansas City is numero uno.
Lest I forget, if you’re looking to enjoy the most authentic Joe’s experience, be sure to visit the original venue, located in the now iconic gas station at 47th and Mission in KCK. But no matter which Joe's destination you choose, there’s bound to be a line … a frustrating sign when you’re hungry, but a constant reminder that the food at this place is damn good.
Honorable Mention
LC’s Bar-B-Q
LC’s Bar-B-Q missed the Top 5, unfortunately, but it remains a staple of the KC BBQ scene and deserves recognition. Located just southwest of I-435 near Arrowhead and Kauffman Stadiums, LC’s is a great spot to hit up before or after a game. Especially known for their flavorsome ribs and brisket, as well as the intimate dining area, it’s a nice spot to check out for that O.G. KC ‘que. Salute.
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