Kansas City-style barbecue is just as famous and mouthwatering as Texas’s. No wonder the City of Fountains is sometimes refer to as the BBQ Capital of the World. They simply make some of the best grilled and smoked meats here.
If you are looking for the best barbecue joints in Kansas City? A sure bet is to check out downtown. However, with so many top-class venues to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find your way around.
We have put together a list of our top picks, the smoke pits, high-end restaurants, and other Kansas City bbq joints every visitor to KC must visit.
1. Brobeck’s Barbecue
4615 Indian Creek Parkway
Walls decorated with local newspaper cuts and competition ribbons, Brobeck’s has everything you would expect from an authentic bbq joint. They have beef, chicken, and pork served in sandwiches or in combo platters.
But this Kansas City bbq restaurant stands out in that they serve their smoked meats dry. Don’t worry, they still give you a selection of sauces though they are convinced you won’t need them.
2. LC’s Barbecue
5800 Blue Pkwy
If you are looking for a Kansas City BBQ joint to call home, this is it. Positive reviews all highlight the quality of the service, the friendliness of the staff, and the unique taste of the homemade Kansas-City-style barbecue sauce — you can purchase a bottle for your own grills. Try the craft sausages along with some of their mouthwatering French fries. LC’s Barbecue has some of the best smoked meats in town.
3. Danny Edward’s Blvd BBQ
2900 Southwest Blvd
Any seasoned traveler will tell you that the best way to find delicious local fares is to eat where locals eat. Judging by the rush at lunchtime and the online reviews, a tour of Kansas City BBQ scene would be incomplete without a taste of Danny Edward’s Blvd Barbecue.
Their burnt ends and fries are must-haves. However with a menu which includes special offering tailored to every taste, (including a special low carb diet combo) you would be wrong not to explore further. Do report back to us about what you liked best.
4. BB’s Lawnside Blues & Barbecue
1205 E 85th St
We already know that beer and barbecue go well together. But BB’s Lawnside Barbecue had another important component: music. This Kansas City BBQ place was built to be a rendezvous for blues aficionados with a taste for well-smoked meat.
The setting is totally midwest style, the music atmosphere is grandiose, and the menu adds some Louisiana flavors to an impressive selection.
5. Woodyard Bar-B-Q
3001 Merriam Lane
What are you most into: brisket, ribs, pulled pork, or maybe smoked sausages? Regardless, you are sure to find all of that in their most lip-smacking forms at Woodyard Bar-B-Q. They’ve received nationwide accolades coming from the most prestigious gastronomic authorities in the country.
Should you visit, be sure to try their specialty sandwiches along with their highly-praised chili. Mix their juicy pulled ribs, sausages, and the hot wings into one combo platter. Don’t forget to try the sides also, especially the baked beans.
6. Joe’s Kansas City BBQ
3002 W 47th St
Set inside an old gas station, formerly known as Oklahoma Joe’s, this Kansas City BBQ joint is by far the most famous of them all. Famous food critic Anthony Bourdain listed it among the “13 places to eat before you die” and its ribs were considered by USA Today as “the tastiest ribs in America”.
It would be hard to recommend one dish on their menu. Certainly, the Z-Man sandwich is a must-have due to its history but also its delicious composition. The sides, be it the spicy slaw or the smoked chicken gumbo are sure to leave you with long lasting memories.
What do you think of this list? Did we miss your favorite Kansas City BBQ restaurants? Tell us all about it in the comments, or reach out to us on social media.