Kansas City BBQ: 6 Top Picks You Won’t Want to Miss

When in Kansas City, you’ll be surrounded by some of the best barbecue joints in the country. The only question is where to go first.

Related To:

In Kansas City, there’s only one style of barbeque, so the only question is which side of the Missouri River will you get your barbeque? Barbecue joints on both sides – in Kansas and Missouri – are known to serve up some of the best pulled pork, brisket and burnt ends. You may need to spend a few days just taste-testing the barbecue all around town. Here are six of our favorite barbecue joints in Kansas City that you won’t want to miss.  

Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Despite its humble start inside a gas station, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que has grown to become one of the most popular barbecue joints in Kansas City. Today there are several locations, but for the original, head to 47th & Mission in downtown Kansas City. There’s plenty of deliciousness to choose from on the menu. However, Joe’s is known for their Z-Man Sandwich, a toasted Kaiser roll topped with slow-smoked beef brisket, provolone cheese and crispy onion rings. Anthony Bourdain even deemed Joe’s worthy of a spot on his list of “13 places to eat before you die.” So, as you can imagine, yes, the lines are generally out the door (but it’s so worth the wait). 

Z-Man Sandwich from Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Z-Man Sandwich from Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que has grown to become one of the most popular barbecue joints in Kansas City.

Photo by: David D. Morris / Visit KC

David D. Morris / Visit KC

Q39

Q39 may not be as well-known as some of the other barbecue restaurants in town, but in just a few years, this hip barbecue joint has developed an incredibly loyal following. Prior to opening Q39, classically-trained Executive Chef Rob Magee competed in barbecue competitions with a team he assembled called the Munchin Hogs, winning competitions and national championships. Order the insanely popular Burnt Ends Burger, or try one of their competition BBQ dinner plates, like the Judges Plate, which has spare ribs, sliced brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken and sausage. Don’t forget the sides, like white bean cassoulet, house-cut fries and apple coleslaw. Make a reservation or plan to spend time waiting for a table. 

Q39

Q39

Q39 is one of the best barbecue restaurants in Kansas City.

Photo by: Landon Vonderschmidt / Visit KC

Landon Vonderschmidt / Visit KC

Arthur Bryant's

A mainstay in Kansas City, Arthur Bryant’s has been serving up ribs, brisket and all things smoked for nearly 100 years. In fact, Arthur Bryant, the “King of Ribs,” created barbecue sauces that have attracted former presidents, like Harry Truman and Jimmy Carter, even celebrities, like Robert Redford and Jack Nicholson. The vinegar-based BBQ sauce is a closely guarded secret, though you can buy bottles of the tasty sauce to take home (go for Rich & Spicy). Order the short ribs or the pulled pork, two popular favorites, though anything you order with their secret sauce will be out of this world. You’ll feel like a part of Kansas City history at Arthur Bryant’s. You also won’t leave hungry.

Arthur Bryant's

Arthur Bryant's

Arthur Bryant's is one of the best barbecue restaurants in Kansas City.

Photo by: Visit KC

Visit KC

Woodyard Bar-B-Que

Woodyard Bar-B-Que may be a no-frills kind of barbecue joint, but clearly it has enough frills to attract the attention of the Food Network, which featured Woodyard’s Baby Back Ribs on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Woodyard Bar-B-Que cooks their meats in one of Kansas City’s last outdoor brick smokers, giving the meats a hint of white oak and hickory flavors, which may be why the smoked chicken and burnt ends sandwiches are so popular. My advice: go early, go hungry. The restaurant opens at 10:30 am most days and you’ll find there are already people in line. Make sure the cheesy corn is one of your fresh-made sides. You won’t regret it.  

Woodyard Bar-B-Que

Woodyard Bar-B-Que

Woodyard Bar-B-Que is one of the best barbecue restaurants in Kansas City.

Photo by: Kansas City Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau

Kansas City Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau

Slap’s BBQ

Just three years old, Slap’s BBQ may be the new kid on the block but their impressive collection of ribbons and trophies picked up at barbecue competitions shows they can hang with the big boys. Tucked away in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood in Kansas City, Kansas, this small BBQ joint wins over patrons with its tender (like fall-off-the-bone tender), smoky brisket and delightful sweet and spicy sauces. A best bet is to order the Sampler Plate to try a little bit of everything. They also offer a No Cow Combo for smoked pork, turkey, chicken and sausage. As for sides, the hush puppies and warm potato salad are must-eats. You’ll be glad you did.

Slap's BBQ

Slap's BBQ

Slap's BBQ is one of the the best barbecue restaurants in Kansas City.

Photo by: Kansas City Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau

Kansas City Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau

Gates Bar-B-Q

With six locations on both sides of the Missouri River, the family-owned Gates Bar-B-Q continues to be a fan favorite in Kansas City. Order the ribs, sausage or burnt ends on a bun, and don’t leave without sides of green beans and mixed veggies, which are tasty and seasoned with their own special spices. When you walk in, be ready to be shouted at (er, welcomed) from across the counter with “Hi, how may I help you?” They’re not being rude, it’s just their thing. You’ve got to distinguish yourself somehow in this barbecue-loving town. Visit the flagship location on Emmanuel Cleaver Blvd to soak in the history of barbecue and Gates in the community. 

Gates Bar-B-Q

Gates Bar-B-Q

Gates Bar-B-Q is one of the best barbecue restaurants in Kansas City.

Photo by: Visit KC

Visit KC

Next Up

Kansas City BBQ

Bring a big appetite, and set off on a barbecue showdown, sampling the decadent smoky dishes at these top Kansas City barbecue restaurants.

4 Must-Try Portland Brunch Spots

Dishing up a lot more than just bacon and eggs.

12 Family-Friendly NYC Restaurants

Hit up these fun, food-forward spots for good eats for the entire family.

Our Favorite Memphis Eats

Our staff talk about some of their favorite restaurants, bars, barbecue and sweet treats in Memphis.

9 NYC Restaurants You Have to Try

A Travel Channel editor picks her high-end to affordable favorites in New York City right now.

Our Favorite Asheville Eats

Our staff talk about some of their favorite restaurants, bars, breweries and sweet treats in Asheville, North Carolina.

Barbecue Paradise

From the East Coast to the West Coast, America loves its barbecue.

5 Pizza Places Worth Checking Out In Portland Oregon

Rose City slices for cheese lovers; yes, even vegan cheese lovers.

5 Small But Tasty Food Stops Around Dallas

Try the delicious eats at one of these family-owned restaurants next time you're in the Big D.

Underground Music City: Nashville Venues Only Locals Know

From pop to Motown, there's a place for every music genre in Music City. But not all venues may come up on the map. Escape the tourist traps and see live music like a local at these underground spots.