The Best BBQ Joints In Kansas City
Kansas City is good at a lot of things, but there’s one claim to fame that rises above all the rest, and that’s BBQ!
We rounded up K.C.’s best barbecue restaurants so you can taste for yourself just how delicious it is! In Kansas City, we like meat rubbed with spices, slow-roasted, and drowning in a spicy-sweet tomato-based sauce. While every restaurant has their own recipe for the sauce, you’ll see that they generally follow this recipe, and will all produce rich, flavorful, tender beef.
Luther’s Barbecue
12921 State Line Rd, Kansas City, MO 64145
Luther’s does a burnt end sandwich that is a reason in itself to eat there. You can get a classic BBQ sandwich with your choice of meat, or try the pulled pork tacos, but the real K.C. experience involves burnt ends. Don’t miss out on their mac&cheese or the vinegar coleslaw – it’s perfect for cutting through the sweetness of barbecue sauce.
Charbar
4050 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64111
Charbar does a mixed meat sandwich with pork, ham, and bacon, but one reason they really stand out is for their vegetarian jackfruit barbecue sandwich. The restaurant aims to elevate BBQ with some trendier ingredients – in sides, the main course stays true to its roots.
Gates BBQ
1325 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64110
This is a great place for purists. Don’t expect any toppings on the sandwich or anything gourmet in the sides – just enjoy barbecue in its purest form, and classic sides that taste like Mom made them. You can even order by the pound, if you’re feeding a lot of people.
Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue
1727 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110
Arthur Bryant’s pays tribute to the beginning of Kansas City BBQ in their sauce recipe and it pays off. In 1974, they actually won the title of best barbecue in the nation! The brisket here is the best thing you’ll taste all day – flavorful, falling apart, and so tender it will melt in your mouth. Pick up a bottle of sauce so you can make your own at home.
Joe’s
3002 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, MO 66103
Don’t let the exterior intimidate you. While Joe’s may be in a gas station, the restaurant certainly isn’t serving gas station quality food! Get the ribs and pulled pork platter, and don’t miss out on dessert – the apple crisp is the perfect way to finish the meal.
