BBQ Restaurants in Kansas City

1. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

What is Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que?
- Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is a renowned barbecue restaurant that originally opened under the name Oklahoma Joe’s. It has become wildly popular and is recognized as a must-visit destination for barbecue lovers.
Has Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que received any notable recognition?
- Yes, it earned a spot on Anthony Bourdain’s list of 13 places to eat at before you die and has been highly praised by many national and regional publications.
What makes Joe’s barbecue so special?
- The restaurant uses contest-quality meat and prepares it low and slow for hours to ensure it is fall-off-the-bone tender.
What are some of the most popular meats at Joe’s?
- Some of the most beloved options include pulled pork, burnt ends, and smoked chicken.
What is the Z-Man Sandwich?
- The Z-Man Sandwich is one of the restaurant’s most popular items, featuring sliced smoked brisket, smoked provolone, onion rings, and house barbecue sauce, all served on a delicious Kaiser roll.
Has Joe’s won any barbecue competitions?
- Yes, Joe’s has won several major barbecue competitions, including the American Royal Barbecue competition, the Jack Daniel’s World BBQ Championship, and the World Brisket Open.

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, 3002 West 47th Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66103, Phone: 913-772-3366

2. BB’s Lawnside BBQ

BB’s Lawnside BBQ

What is BB’s Lawnside BBQ?
- BB’s Lawnside BBQ is a one-of-a-kind barbecue restaurant in Kansas City, known for its live blues music, beer, and barbecue.
Who owns BB’s Lawnside BBQ?
- The restaurant is owned and operated by Lindsay and Jo Shannon, self-proclaimed lovers of blues music and barbecue.
What kind of atmosphere does BB’s offer?
- The restaurant has a lively atmosphere, with blues paraphernalia covering the walls and a setup designed for music lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
What makes BB’s barbecue special?
- BB’s is famous for its pork ribs and other succulent meats, all cooked in a vintage 1950s smoker that gives them a signature flavor.
What are some popular side dishes?
- Fan-favorite sides include battered fries and baked beans, which pair perfectly with the restaurant’s seasoned barbecue.
Are there any must-try Louisiana-inspired dishes?
- Yes, BB’s offers Louisiana favorites such as Swampman Boudin Balls, Smokey Jo’s Gumbo, and Dirty Red’s Jambalaya.
Has BB’s been featured on any TV shows?
- Yes, BB’s Lawnside BBQ has been featured on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, highlighting its amazing food and vibrant atmosphere.

BB’s Lawnside BBQ, 1205 E. 85th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64131, Phone: 816-822-7427

3. Q39

Q39

What is Q39?
- Q39 is a popular barbecue restaurant in Kansas City, led by national barbecue champion Chef Rob Magee.
Who is the chef behind Q39?
- The restaurant is helmed by Chef Rob Magee, who has three decades of experience at the pit and is known for pushing the boundaries of barbecue.
What is the dining atmosphere like at Q39?
- The restaurant combines rustic charm with modern design, featuring a large communal table and a patio with beautiful urban views.
What are some of the must-try meats at Q39?
- Crowd favorites include certified Black Angus beef brisket, house-made Chipotle Sausage, and chargrilled chicken with a distinct smoky flavor.
What sides are served with the barbecue plates?
- Hearty plates of barbecue come with sides such as apple coleslaw, potato salad or beans, and fresh rolls.
Does Q39 serve burgers?
- Yes, burger enthusiasts can enjoy ground brisket burgers, which are a standout menu item at Q39.

Q39, 1000 W. 39th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, Phone: 816-255-3753

4. Danny Edwards Boulevard Barbecue

Danny Edwards Boulevard Barbecue

Who is Danny Edwards?
- Danny Edwards is a renowned pitmaster whose passion for barbecue was inspired by his father, who opened the family’s first barbecue joint, Jake’s Barbecue, during the Great Depression.
What is Danny Edwards Boulevard Barbecue?
- Danny Edwards Boulevard Barbecue is a popular Kansas City barbecue spot that has been serving slow-cooked, smoked meats for over 23 years.
Where is the restaurant located?
- Danny Edwards Boulevard Barbecue is located in Kansas City’s industrial district and has become a fixture in the local barbecue scene.
What makes Danny Edwards' barbecue special?
- Danny hand-cuts the meat himself and uses slow cooking and smoking techniques to achieve a signature tender and flavorful taste.
What are the must-try dishes?
- Signature dishes include the tender pulled pork and the brisket sandwich, both of which have gained a reputation for sending people to foodie heaven.
Has Danny Edwards Boulevard Barbecue been featured on TV?
- Yes, the restaurant was featured in an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, further cementing its status as a must-visit barbecue destination.

Danny Edwards Boulevard Barbecue , 2900 SW Boulevard, Kansan City, Missouri, Phone: 816-283-0880

5. Jack Stack Barbecue

Jack Stack Barbecue

What is Jack Stack Barbecue?
- Jack Stack Barbecue is a renowned Kansas City barbecue restaurant that has been serving traditional Kansas City-style barbecue since 1957.
Why is Jack Stack Barbecue so popular?
- With over five decades of consistently mouthwatering barbecue, Jack Stack has built a reputation for its fantastic menu and immense popularity among locals and visitors alike.
What are some of the classic menu items?
- Fan favorites include beef brisket, roasted ham, and hickory-smoked meats, all prepared with their signature techniques.
Are there any unique barbecue offerings?
- Yes, Jack Stack is well known for its lamb ribs, which have garnered national attention for their flavor and quality.
What other house specialties are available?
- The menu also features trout entrees, wood-fired chicken, and sausage gumbo.
What are some of the must-try side dishes?
- Signature sides include the cheesy corn bake and the hearty Hickory Pit Beans.
Are there any standout desserts?
- Yes, a customer favorite is Mom’s Carrot Cake, a sweet ending to a barbecue feast.
What is the restaurant’s ambiance like?
- Guests can enjoy their meals in a setting decorated with antique brick and natural wood, creating a warm and rustic environment.

Jack Stack Barbecue, Country Club Plaza, 4747 Wyandotte Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64112, Phone: 816-531-7427

6. Slap’s BBQ

Slap’s BBQ

What is Slap’s BBQ?
- Slap’s BBQ stands for “Squeal Like a Pig” and is a Kansas City barbecue restaurant that started as a competition cooking team in 2013.
Who founded Slap’s BBQ?
- The restaurant was founded by two brothers, Mike and Joe Pearce, who gained recognition in the barbecue competition circuit.
How did Slap’s BBQ gain popularity?
- Slap’s BBQ achieved phenomenal success in barbecue competitions, including a second-place finish in Destination America’s BBQ Pitmasters, before opening their first restaurant.
What was the response when Slap’s BBQ first opened?
- On opening day, the restaurant was met with instant success, selling out of hundreds of pounds of barbecue in just a few hours.
Does Slap’s BBQ still participate in competitions?
- Yes, Slap’s BBQ remains very active in the competitive barbecue circuit, participating in up to 35 contests per year in Kansas City.
What are the must-try menu items at Slap’s BBQ?
- Top choices include burnt ends, certified Angus beef brisket, and fall-off-the-bone pork.
Does Slap’s BBQ still sell out daily?
- Yes, the restaurant’s commitment to quality and traditional barbecue results in them selling out every single day.

Slap’s BBQ , 553 Central Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66101, Phone: 913-213-2726

7. Smokin’ Guns BBQ

Smokin’ Guns BBQ

What is Smokin’ Guns BBQ?
- Smokin’ Guns BBQ is an award-winning barbecue restaurant known for its slow-cooked meats and rich competitive barbecue history.
Who owns Smokin’ Guns BBQ?
- The restaurant is owned by husband-and-wife duo Phil and Linda Hopkins, who have been in the barbecue business since 1997.
How did Smokin’ Guns BBQ start?
- The Hopkins started in the competitive barbecue circuit, participating in over 400 contests across 15 states.
What is Smokin’ Guns BBQ’s most prestigious award?
- They won the Grand Champion title at the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue Contest in 1999.
Does Smokin’ Guns BBQ use high-quality meats?
- Yes, they take great pride in using only the best quality meats, ensuring rich flavor without the need for additional sauce.
What is the must-try dish at Smokin’ Guns BBQ?
- The Big Gun Combo Platter is a favorite, featuring four baby back ribs and a choice of beef brisket, ham, pulled pork, sausage, or turkey.
What comes with the Big Gun Combo Platter?
- The platter includes three side dishes of your choice, bread, and pickles.

Smokin’ Guns BBQ, 1218 Swift Street North, Kansas City, Missouri 64116, Phone: 816-221-2535

8. Char Bar

Char Bar

What is Char Bar?
- Char Bar is a Kansas City barbecue restaurant that honors the region’s century-long barbecue tradition with expertly wood-charred, smoked, and grilled meats.
Who runs Char Bar?
- The restaurant is led by legendary barbecue competitor Mitch Benjamin, who brings his expertise to crafting Char Bar’s signature smoked meats.
What makes Char Bar unique?
- Char Bar features a 10,000-square-foot beer garden where guests can enjoy backyard games like bocce, ping-pong, and lawn croquet while waiting for their meals.
What are the must-try signature trays?
- House recommendations include:
  - Naked Burnt Ends – A Kansas City classic.
  - The Whole Hog – A hearty serving of smoked pork.
  - The Holy Trinity – A selection of three signature meats.
  All trays are served with pickles, toast, and a choice of fixings.
What is The Whomp! Platter?
- The Whomp! Platter is for serious barbecue lovers, featuring every kind of meat Char Bar has on hand, along with:
  - A whole bucket of fries
  - A jar of pickles
  - Two side dishes
Why is Char Bar called the "House of Meat"?
- The nickname comes from Char Bar’s dedication to low-and-slow smoked meats and their generous meat-heavy platters.

Char Bar, 4050 Pennsylvania Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111, Phone: 816-389-8600

9. Woodyard Bar-B-Que

Woodyard Bar-B-Que

What is Woodyard Bar-B-Que?
- Woodyard Bar-B-Que is an authentic old-school Kansas City barbecue joint that focuses on no-frills, high-quality smoked meats.
What makes Woodyard Bar-B-Que special?
- The restaurant is known for letting its food do all the talking, often resulting in long lines of eager patrons waiting to get a taste.
How is the barbecue prepared at Woodyard?
- All of the barbecue is smoked in the back at the wood yard, where three brick-encased smokers work around the clock to produce Kansas City’s best barbecue.
What is Woodyard’s most famous dish?
- The ribs are a fan favorite and have been voted the best ribs in Kansas City by locals.
What other popular dishes should diners try?
- The chili has received rave reviews from The Pitch and Food & Wine.
What is the Merriam Mixer?
- The Merriam Mixer is a massive barbecue platter that includes eight different kinds of smoked meats, such as:
  - Turkey
  - Sausage
  - Burnt Ends
  - Pulled Pork
  - Brisket
  Perfect for large groups or extra-hungry diners.

Woodyard Bar-B-Que, 3001 Merriam Lane, Kansas City, Kansas 66106, Phone: 913-362-8000

10. Rosedale Barbecue

Rosedale Barbecue

What is Rosedale Barbecue?
- Rosedale Barbecue has been fired-up since 1934 and is known for its bone-a-fide Kansas City barbecue. It has been family-run ever since it first opened.
Who owns and operates Rosedale Barbecue?
- The restaurant is run by the Rieke family, who often joke that they have smoke running through their veins as they stay true to barbecue tradition.
What has kept Rosedale Barbecue in business for decades?
- The combination of spectacular food, exceptional service, and a passion for juicy smoked meat has helped maintain its success.
What meats are served at Rosedale Barbecue?
- To maintain quality and tradition, the menu includes only brisket, ham, pork, turkey, chicken, and their ever-popular ribs.
Did Rosedale Barbecue always serve barbecue?
- No, the restaurant originally started as a hotdog shop, and to stay true to their roots, they still serve quality hotdogs today.
What dish do regulars highly recommend?
- Regulars swear by the barbecue-style chili and encourage newcomers to pair it with their meat of choice for a delicious experience.

Rosedale Barbecue, 600 Southwest Boulevard, Kansas City, Kansas 66103, Phone: 912-262-0343