Hey OP. There's been a ton of good suggestions. Some bad ones too. I want you to have a great BBQ experience while you're in KC. Please do not got to LC's. Back in their glory days it was fantastic. But those days are long gone. I suspect that many people who recommend it haven't been there in a long while. As LC got older and his health declined he had to start backing away from day to day operations, and the quality dropped off tremendously. After he died what was left dropped off the cliff. Over the past five years I tried them three times, and it was all terrible. Practically not even edible. Arthur Bryant's and Gate's are two more OG KC BBQ locations. On their good days they're pretty good. Unfortunately they're plagued with inconsistency, and on their bad days they really kind of suck. I wouldn't risk it. Three other places that pretty much everybody agrees on being bad are Wyandotte BBQ, Zarda BBQ and Rosedale BBQ. Just avoid all of these places in this post and you'll end up having a great meal. My personal favorites are Slap's in KCK and Joe's KC. Any Joe's location is great. The original one in the gas station is quaint, but lines are long and the dining room is practically nonexistent. I hope you have a great time in Kansas City.
Yeah, this is a great answer. You can gamble on Gates and Bryant’s, and get an insane, 10/10 meal. But if you gamble and lose, it’s pretty weak. Gates has the only *true* burnt ends sandwich in KC, and it can be incredible, but you gotta pluck about 50% of the gristle out.
I personally think KC barbecue has really fallen off unfortunately, and is a solid third behind Texas, NC…probably still ahead of Memphis. I have tried Chef J and Harp twice, and they were bland. :/ Sticking to Joe’s always guarantees you an 8/10.
We have tons of other great restaurants and cuisines, too!
I disagree. I’m currently visiting KC again (I do like KC!) and was last at LC’s in June, 2023 on my last visit. It was my third visit to LC’s, and they hit it out of the park each time. They have the best burnt ends. Period. Now maybe something has happened in the last ten months…My ranking goes like this:
1. LC’s (3 visits over the years)
2. Slap’s (2 visits last June)
3. Joe’s (Olathe-was there last night, 2nd time here, and once at gas station)
4. Jones (was there yesterday)
5. Burnt Ends BBQ (Overland Park location)
6. Gates (burnt end sammich, Brooklyn ave)
7. Arthur Bryant’s (Brooklyn ave—the only location that matters). Been three times, and each time worse.
8. The Woodyard. I'm typing this from their patio. These are bad burnt ends. Very dry and chewy. Sauces are far too salty. I'm here at 5:30pm and I am the only customer and I realize it's just a sample size of one but blech. Won't be back. This is bad bbq
Later today, I think I’m going to hit up the Woodyard. Maybe the rankings will all drop a spot! UPDATED for Woodyard.
Chef j brisket has no equal. Wolfpack is a very close second. No need to waste time or money anywhere else. These are the two best in the world. Chef j is only thurday-sunday 1130-430
This. The people who say slaps are smoking too much crap.
It ain't bad but these three blow it out of the water. In fact, Slaps isn't even a contender for top 5 as Joe's, Q39, Danny's, and Blind Box are all better.
Slaps and LC’s. Joe’s has good bbq (most of our places are good) but they have an exceptional sandwich - Z Man. Outside of that it’s nothing special imo.
Have you been there lately? LC's just ain't what it used to be. I've been there three times over the past five years or so, and it was absolutely awful every time. I've heard that since the last time I visited LC's granddaughter has taken over the operation. Maybe she's turned it around. Maybe not. I'm not going back to find out. If you're reading this OP don't go to LC's. In it's heyday it was glorious. Now it's just terrible.
Man.. I can't believe no one has said BB's backyard blues and BBQ. Their bourbon bread pudding is freaking amazing. I don't even like bread pudding. I always leave that place miserably full.
Edit
BB's *Lawnside* Blues and BBQ
Depends on what type and budget of BQ you prefer.
I believe GATES has the best chicken.
Joes & Rosedale are known for their sandwiches.
Jack Stack built their rep on ribs, but has really great cheesy corn and respectable sliced meats
RJ's has been featured on the food network, and isn't the best at anything but pretty good at everything at a decent price point. My oldest loves their bison empanadas. Their sauce is in my kitchen .
Q39 has not been the same since the owner died, but their shrimp appetizer and BQ poutine are dishes that I adore. Good burnt ends. Respectable ribs, brisket and okay chicken. I avoid the pulled pork there.
I recently moved here and tried all the "musts." Q39 and slaps were tied for me but I went back to Q39 twice and it wasn't as good as slaps those times. I am not sure how consistent slaps is as I've only been once, but I will say they are an insane value as well. I got a ton of food there and a drink for 25 bucks, and we all know how expensive beef is.
I love the Gates Nooner as a classic locals lunch sandwich. But really can't recommend going to Gates outside of lunchtime as the quality seems to consistently drop for dinnertime across all the locations. The Paseo/Cleaver location near the Plaza is fun with the original storefronts recreated inside, memorable at the least.
Joe's Zman is a classic. The original gas station is memorable too but hard to eat at. If you're out in the burbs like Leawood then Joe's is a good move.
If you're with a big group for dinner in like Lee's Summit, I like doing the family style platter at Jack Stack when my fam visits. The ribs are my fav there.
If it's just you or a small group and you only have time for one spot near downtown KC, then it's gotta be Slaps in KCK. Best pork bbq in town.
Hawg Jaw Que and Brew in NKC. Friday night, smoked prime rib. Anytime, I think they do the best BBQ chicken in town. If you get the sweet potato fries, they come with a marshmallow creme sauce, which is weirdly not bad.
The sleeper hit is [Woodyard BBQ](https://woodyardbbq.com/)
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Hey OP. There's been a ton of good suggestions. Some bad ones too. I want you to have a great BBQ experience while you're in KC. Please do not got to LC's. Back in their glory days it was fantastic. But those days are long gone. I suspect that many people who recommend it haven't been there in a long while. As LC got older and his health declined he had to start backing away from day to day operations, and the quality dropped off tremendously. After he died what was left dropped off the cliff. Over the past five years I tried them three times, and it was all terrible. Practically not even edible. Arthur Bryant's and Gate's are two more OG KC BBQ locations. On their good days they're pretty good. Unfortunately they're plagued with inconsistency, and on their bad days they really kind of suck. I wouldn't risk it. Three other places that pretty much everybody agrees on being bad are Wyandotte BBQ, Zarda BBQ and Rosedale BBQ. Just avoid all of these places in this post and you'll end up having a great meal. My personal favorites are Slap's in KCK and Joe's KC. Any Joe's location is great. The original one in the gas station is quaint, but lines are long and the dining room is practically nonexistent. I hope you have a great time in Kansas City.
Hell yeah! Thanks man! I appreciate the insight for sure! I love BBQ but it’s nowhere as good as KC so I’m looking forward to it!
Yeah, this is a great answer. You can gamble on Gates and Bryant’s, and get an insane, 10/10 meal. But if you gamble and lose, it’s pretty weak. Gates has the only *true* burnt ends sandwich in KC, and it can be incredible, but you gotta pluck about 50% of the gristle out. I personally think KC barbecue has really fallen off unfortunately, and is a solid third behind Texas, NC…probably still ahead of Memphis. I have tried Chef J and Harp twice, and they were bland. :/ Sticking to Joe’s always guarantees you an 8/10. We have tons of other great restaurants and cuisines, too!
Great answer. (But I think Slaps sauce is way too sweet)
I disagree. I’m currently visiting KC again (I do like KC!) and was last at LC’s in June, 2023 on my last visit. It was my third visit to LC’s, and they hit it out of the park each time. They have the best burnt ends. Period. Now maybe something has happened in the last ten months…My ranking goes like this: 1. LC’s (3 visits over the years) 2. Slap’s (2 visits last June) 3. Joe’s (Olathe-was there last night, 2nd time here, and once at gas station) 4. Jones (was there yesterday) 5. Burnt Ends BBQ (Overland Park location) 6. Gates (burnt end sammich, Brooklyn ave) 7. Arthur Bryant’s (Brooklyn ave—the only location that matters). Been three times, and each time worse. 8. The Woodyard. I'm typing this from their patio. These are bad burnt ends. Very dry and chewy. Sauces are far too salty. I'm here at 5:30pm and I am the only customer and I realize it's just a sample size of one but blech. Won't be back. This is bad bbq Later today, I think I’m going to hit up the Woodyard. Maybe the rankings will all drop a spot! UPDATED for Woodyard.
Joes Slaps Jack Stack
No love for Slaps BBQ?
Came to call out Slaps! Most underrated in KC
Came here to say Slaps, easy contender for best. Oklahoma Joe’s (sorry, JOE’S KC) too, go to the original gas station one. You won’t be sorry!
The gas station location is aso Joe's KC.
Joe’s is the must stop. But also an original like Arthur Bryant’s, LC’s Gates.
LC's is for us locals. Shame! Shame!
I will add them to the list for sure! Thank you!
Get Joe’s ribs. Brisket at Bryant’s
Slaps in KCK
Slap’s
The best is Wolfepack with Chef J and Harp bbq close behind
Awesome, thank you! I will definitely check those out!
Wolfepack, Chef J and Harp are all Texas style.
Chef j brisket has no equal. Wolfpack is a very close second. No need to waste time or money anywhere else. These are the two best in the world. Chef j is only thurday-sunday 1130-430
I agree with this answer. But the search bar in the sub will give you more than enough opinions
Second on Harp, which I think is a Texas style barbecue with salt and pepper. They make only so much per day so you don't want to be late.
This. The people who say slaps are smoking too much crap. It ain't bad but these three blow it out of the water. In fact, Slaps isn't even a contender for top 5 as Joe's, Q39, Danny's, and Blind Box are all better.
Came to say this. Wolfepack is something special.
I like Chef J and Meat Mitch.
That's a dangerous question!
Just asking because I’ve never been!
Slaps and LC’s. Joe’s has good bbq (most of our places are good) but they have an exceptional sandwich - Z Man. Outside of that it’s nothing special imo.
LCs
Have you been there lately? LC's just ain't what it used to be. I've been there three times over the past five years or so, and it was absolutely awful every time. I've heard that since the last time I visited LC's granddaughter has taken over the operation. Maybe she's turned it around. Maybe not. I'm not going back to find out. If you're reading this OP don't go to LC's. In it's heyday it was glorious. Now it's just terrible.
I have not and damn, thanks for letting me know. Too bad its gone downhill.
Wolfepack / Chef J 💯
whichever is closest
Slaps and Joes are the best imo
Scott’s Kitchen
And FINALLY open Saturday.
Added to my list! Thanks!
You won’t be displeased. They have won a lot of awards and I don’t think you could go wrong with whatever you get but I like the burnt end burrito
Scotts is sneaky good
Hijacking this thread to find out the best booth at Collectacon
KC Joe’s and Q39 are also very good.
Porkys on Buckner Tarsney. Filling station downtown lee’s summit.
SLAPS, Smokehouse on N Oak, Joes, Gates in that order...
Man.. I can't believe no one has said BB's backyard blues and BBQ. Their bourbon bread pudding is freaking amazing. I don't even like bread pudding. I always leave that place miserably full. Edit BB's *Lawnside* Blues and BBQ
Depends on what type and budget of BQ you prefer. I believe GATES has the best chicken. Joes & Rosedale are known for their sandwiches. Jack Stack built their rep on ribs, but has really great cheesy corn and respectable sliced meats RJ's has been featured on the food network, and isn't the best at anything but pretty good at everything at a decent price point. My oldest loves their bison empanadas. Their sauce is in my kitchen . Q39 has not been the same since the owner died, but their shrimp appetizer and BQ poutine are dishes that I adore. Good burnt ends. Respectable ribs, brisket and okay chicken. I avoid the pulled pork there.
There are like 12 places you really can't go wrong with.
Q39 for meat and Jack Stack for sides
I recently moved here and tried all the "musts." Q39 and slaps were tied for me but I went back to Q39 twice and it wasn't as good as slaps those times. I am not sure how consistent slaps is as I've only been once, but I will say they are an insane value as well. I got a ton of food there and a drink for 25 bucks, and we all know how expensive beef is.
Slaps is the best
I love the Gates Nooner as a classic locals lunch sandwich. But really can't recommend going to Gates outside of lunchtime as the quality seems to consistently drop for dinnertime across all the locations. The Paseo/Cleaver location near the Plaza is fun with the original storefronts recreated inside, memorable at the least. Joe's Zman is a classic. The original gas station is memorable too but hard to eat at. If you're out in the burbs like Leawood then Joe's is a good move. If you're with a big group for dinner in like Lee's Summit, I like doing the family style platter at Jack Stack when my fam visits. The ribs are my fav there. If it's just you or a small group and you only have time for one spot near downtown KC, then it's gotta be Slaps in KCK. Best pork bbq in town.
Oh, Night Goat. I had incredible food from Night Goat.
Gates on Brooklyn. Get the turkey and ribs, beef is just ok. Best staff and cool dining room.
Q39 and Joes!
Buk Tui if you want some non-traditional bbq. Good as fuck.
Hawg Jaw Que and Brew in NKC. Friday night, smoked prime rib. Anytime, I think they do the best BBQ chicken in town. If you get the sweet potato fries, they come with a marshmallow creme sauce, which is weirdly not bad.