You're going to want to make the most of your trip to the BBQ Capital of the World, so we've compiled a list of our favorite BBQ restaurants.
1. Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
The original Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que has been making some of the world's best BBQ inside a gas station in Kansas City, Kansas since 1996. Joe's has received praise by many masters in the BBQ industry—not to mention a handful of awards and a continuous line that goes out the door to the building's corner at peak hours. Main Dish and Side A crowd favorite, and ours, too, is the Z-Man Sandwich (sliced smoke brisket, smoked provolone cheese, a couple of onion rings, pickles, and a bit of barbecue sauce, all on top of a kaiser roll). Add French Fries, Best in Kansas City by popular vote, and thank us later.
Locations
Kansas City, Kansas; Leawood, Kansas; Olathe, Kansas
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que Hours Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Closed on Sundays
2. Q39
Q39 has quickly risen to BBQ fame with its fantastic choice of meats from its award-winning, classically trained chef and owner.
Main Dish and Side Everything on the menu is delicious, but if we had to choose, we'd recommend the Burnt End Burger (certified angus beef topped with sliced burnt ends, spicy pickle slaw and classic sauce). Spiced Onion Straws with BBQ aioli (warning: addictive) is a great share-able for the table.
Locations
Kansas City, Missouri (Midtown); Overland Park, Kansas (South)
Q39 Midtown Hours Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Q39 South Hours Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
3. Slap's BBQ
Slap's BBQ, whose acronym stands for Squeal Like A Pig, is smoked and served fresh daily. Like many other restaurants listed, Slap's started out as a BBQ competition cooking team who pursued their love of BBQ and followed a dream that came true in 2014.
Main Dish and Side
The Burnt Ends are packed with flavor and sell out fast. When they do, the Pork Ribs are an exceptional alternative. For the side we give a nod to the creamy, cheesy, home-style Baked Potato Casserole.
Location
Kansas City, Kansas
Slap's BBQ Hours Monday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. *Or until sold out
4. Jack Stack Barbecue
Jack Stack Barbecue has been a barbecue tradition in Kansas City, Missouri since 1957. As the largest, full-service wood cookery in the industry, Jack Stack brings some of KC's best gourmet meats.
Main Dish and Side
Popular mains are the 12-ounce hickory grilled Kansas City Strip and Crown Prime Beef Ribs. Recommended sides are the tower of Onion Rings or Hickory Pit Beans.
Locations
Kansas City, Missouri (Freight House, Country Club Plaza and Martin City); Lee's Summit, Missouri; Overland Park, Kansas
Jack Stack Barbecue Hours Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
5. Char Bar
Char Bar in Kansas City, Missouri is a southern-inspired smokehouse in the Westport neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri.
Main Dish and Side Go for brunch on Saturday or Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and get the Burnt End Benny (two poached eggs, burnt ends, hollandaise, buttermilk biscuit, and breakfast potatoes). Another popular entrée is the Burnt Heaven Sandwich (smoked burnt ends, smoked sausage, fried jalapeños, chipotle bbq mayo, and creamy slaw, all on top of an egg bun). Jalapeño Cheesy-Corn Bake makes a solid addition to your meal.
Char Bar Kitchen Hours Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Char Bar Menus
We'd love to hear your thoughts! What's your favorite KC BBQ restaurant?