20 Best barbeque places to try in Kansas city 

Bates Nut Farm Celebrates Halloween Season - Source: Getty
Bates Nut Farm Celebrates Halloween Season (Image via Getty)

20 Best barbeque places to try in Kansas city

NFL: APR 29 2023 Draft - Source: Getty
NFL: APR 29 2023 Draft - Source: Getty

Kansas City has been renowned for its rich barbeque history since 1908, when Henry Perry set up his first counter. KC is known for its savory sauces, smoked meats, and specialty sides. From traditional to modern eateries, the place is a haven for barbeque lovers. Here are the city's 20 best barbeque places you must try for an unforgettable experience.

Disclaimer: This piece reflects the writer's opinion; the reader's discretion is advised. Do let us know in the comments what you think should have made the cut.

20. Scott's Kitchen

Ribs, burnt ends, and ghost pepper sausage. (Image via Instagram/@leeelmii)
Ribs, burnt ends, and ghost pepper sausage. (Image via Instagram/@leeelmii)

Located at 11920 N Ambassador Dr, Kansas City, near the International Airport, this place is a must-try whether you're traveling or have a long layover. With tons of choices for you to pick from. From Brisket to Pulled to Cheesy Barbeque specialty, they have it all. Visit when you're traveling through KC or just drive down there. It's worth the long drive.

19. KC Turkeyleggman

Las Vegas Raiders v Kansas City Chiefs - Source: Getty
Las Vegas Raiders v Kansas City Chiefs - Source: Getty

Located at 1916 Quindaro Boulevard. Known for its specialty, KC Turkeyleggman prepares smoky, delicious turkey legs roasted over hickory, cherry, and pecan wood. Served with multiple options of sides and combos, this is a must-visit for barbeque lovers. Seating places are limited, so call in beforehand to reserve or opt for takeaway.

18. Chef J BBQ

Smoked Pork Ribs(Image via Instagram/bbq.chef_)
Smoked Pork Ribs(Image via Instagram/bbq.chef_)

Located at 1401 W 13th St, in the historic Stockyards District. Serving the best beef brisket, soft ribs, and specialty sandwiches. The restaurant uses a 1000-gallon smoker to produce its best barbeques, sides, and desserts, making this place a must-visit restaurant.

17. Gates Bar-B-Q

Gates tray (Image via Instagram/@gatesbbqkc)
Gates tray (Image via Instagram/@gatesbbqkc)

Located at 1221 Brooklyn Ave., Kansas City, 12th St. & Brooklyn Ave, the place offers sandwiches with choices of beef, ham, turkey, and ham. With options like slab, center cut, short end, long end, chicken, sausage and mutton this is a must visit place to try.

16. Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Brisket and Smoked sausages (Image via Instagram/@bigdaddykreativ)
Brisket and Smoked sausages (Image via Instagram/@bigdaddykreativ)

Located at 3002 W 47th Ave (at Mission Rd.), Kansas City is housed in an old gas station. Serving excellent beef ribs, tender brisket, and burnt ends. Also named in Anthony Bourdain listed Joe's as one of his "13 Places to Eat Before You Die," this place is a must-visit on your list whenever you're in Kansas.

15. Big T’s Bar-B-Q

Brisket (Image via Instagram/@rishi_jag)
Brisket (Image via Instagram/@rishi_jag)

Located at 6201 Blue Pkwy, Big T’s Bar-B-Q is famous for its wood-fired briskets and ribs, which are truly delicious and mouth-smacking. Though an underrated place, this is a must-try for all barbeque lovers with the range of BBQ options they serve.

14. LC's Bar-B-Q

BBQ with bread (Image via Instagram/@kellyvawnmiller)
BBQ with bread (Image via Instagram/@kellyvawnmiller)

Located at 5800 Blue Pkwy, Kansas City, LC’s Bar-B-Q is a popular place that is famous for its long-end ribs, briskets, and burnt ends. Now, the restaurant is run by the granddaughter of the founder, LC Richardson. Their award-winning barbeque recipes are a must-try.

13. Harp Barbecue

Ribs (Image via Instagram/@harpbarbeque)
Ribs (Image via Instagram/@harpbarbeque)

Located at 6633 Raytown Rd, Raytown, Harp Barbeque has been serving the people of Kansas mouthwatering brisket and succulent sausages using Texan-style methods since 2019. Immediately, it became a fan favorite. Harp Barbeque is a must-try if you're exploring the city and are craving some BBQ ribs, chops, or briskets.

12. Buck Tui BBQ

BBQ combo (Image via Instagram/@bucktuibbq)
BBQ combo (Image via Instagram/@bucktuibbq)

Located at 6737 W 75th St, Overland Park, KS, the place serves Texan BBQ recipes with Thai flavors. Their coriander smoked pork, Isaan Thai pork sausages, and brisket rangoon appetizers are a must, with Chef Ted Liberda creating creative dishes and more for all. They serve papaya slaw and jasmine rice along with the BBQ dishes.

11. Arthur Bryant's Barbeque

KC sandwich with fries (Image via Instagram/@arthurbryantskc)
KC sandwich with fries (Image via Instagram/@arthurbryantskc)

Located at 1727 Brooklyn Ave in the Jazz District. This place serves delicious cubed beef burnt ends and unique, bitter brick-red sauce. Referred to as the best in the world by Calvin Trillin. It still is, according to some people, serving one of the best BBQ dishes. Don't believe it? Only one way to find out.

10. Fiorella’s Jack Stack BBQ

Kansas City BBQ (Image via Instagram/n00klear)
Kansas City BBQ (Image via Instagram/n00klear)

Located at 101 West 22nd Street, Fiorella's serves BBQ dishes with a sophisticated touch. Their must-tries include the famous Kansas City-style cheesy corn, a creamy delicacy made with smoky pit ham and crown prime beef ribs. A place one should check out if they're in the area.

9. Night Goat Barbecue

Casual Dining - Lechonera DMV - Source: Getty
Casual Dining - Lechonera DMV - Source: Getty

Located at 2143 Summit St, Kansas City, Chef Vaughn Good's restaurant, Night Goat Barbecue, is open only on Thursdays. Their favorites include smoked pig belly tacos on pork fat tortillas, hot dogs, and pastrami sandwiches. A must-try for barbecue enthusiasts, with plans to expand soon!

8. Danny Edwards BLVD Barbecue

BBQ ribs (Image via Instagram/@burntusa)
BBQ ribs (Image via Instagram/@burntusa)

Located at 2900 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, Danny Edwards BLVD Babrbeque is a famous lunch destination for the people of Kansas. Since 2017, it has been serving the best barbecue. Their specialty burgers are a must, especially the Danny's special, which costs just $12.

7. Q39

Chicken wings(Image via Instagram/@q39kc)
Chicken wings(Image via Instagram/@q39kc)

Located at 1000 West 39th Street, Kansas City, Q39 provides a sophisticated BBQ eating experience that is ideal for both foodies and families. Using cutlery and napkins for eating BBQ must be rare anywhere else but not here. It's well known for its combination dishes. A must-visit place, but do so with reservations.

6. Char Bar - Westport

BBQ specials (Image via Instagram/@charbarkc))
BBQ specials (Image via Instagram/@charbarkc))

Located at 4050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, Char Bar serves one of the city's best-burned ends. It also has a beer garden with bocce courts and a fire pit, and it offers daily specials from Monday to Sunday with different varieties and serving options.

5. Roy's Hickory Pit Bar-B-Q

Smoked BBQ ribs, briskets and sausage links (Image via Instagram/@spearman.micheal)
Smoked BBQ ribs, briskets, and sausage links (Image via Instagram/@spearman.micheal)

Located at 1018 Nickerson Blvd, Hutchinson, Roy's has been an integral part of Kansas barbecue since 1982. Famous for its ribs in Kansas. A selection of meats offered as sandwiches, dinners, or by the pound, as well as smoked turkey and hot links, are other specialties. Must visit when you're around the block.

4. Bite Me Barbecue

Sliced brisket, ham, pulled pork, sweet potato waffle fries, and coleslaw. (Image via Instagram/@its.lisanguyen)
Sliced brisket, ham, pulled pork, sweet potato waffle fries, and coleslaw. (Image via Instagram/@its.lisanguyen)

Located at 132 St Francis, Wichita, Bite Me Barbeque is a local favorite for traditional Kansas-style barbecue. Known for its flavourful pulled pork, succulent sliced brisket, and succulent ribs, making it a must-visit place for you to have a great time.

3. The Ole Cook Shack

Barbecue Tray - Source: Getty
Barbecue Tray - Source: Getty

Located at N 22 Lester Street, Syracuse, KS, The Ole Cook is famous for Kansas-style BBQ, particularly its perfectly smoked brisket, burnt ends, and more. The BBQs are really juicy, and a lot are served in huge quantities. It's a must-visit location whether you're in the mood for ribs or pulled meat.

2. Guy & Mae's Tavern

Toronto Ribfest - Source: Getty
Toronto Ribfest - Source: Getty

Located at 119 W William St, Williamsburg, KS 66095, Guy & Mae’s Tavern has been providing the best carefully crafted sauces and flawlessly smoked ribs since 1973. With a three-generation tradition, this neighborhood treasure is well-known for its succulent, flavourful ribs served in newspapers, a tribute to the long history of barbecue in Kansas City. The place is famous, you can tell by the signed $1 notes decorated on the walls from happy customers.

1. Hickory Hut

A Look Inside Snow's BBQ From Netflix's "Chef's Table: BBQ" Documentary Series - Source: Getty
A Look Inside Snow's BBQ From Netflix's "Chef's Table: BBQ" Documentary Series - Source: Getty

Located at 1617 W Crawford St, Salina, KS 67401, Hickory Hut is Salina's top barbecue destination and a member of the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame. A well-loved place by the locals for their dine-in and drive-throughs. It is famous for its brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. A barbeque lovers paradise.

Edited by Anshika Jain
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