Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri and a favorite place for people to visit in the midwest area. It is known for its professional sports teams, jazz music, and its world-famous Kansas City style barbeque. Many people visit Kansas City each year to take in a Chiefs football game or enjoy American’s favorite pastime watching the Kansas City Royals baseball team take the field. Whether you are visiting, new to the area, or even a local, be sure to visit these top-notch barbeque establishments for amazing food, atmosphere, and service.
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
This famous barbecue joint was started by Jeffy and Joy Stehney in a local gas station. After many years of competing in barbeque contests, they took their love of barbecue competitions and their award-winning recipes and created Joe’s BBQ. Joe’s is a favorite of locals as well as tourists and they expanded to include two additional locations.Their world championship famous barbeque is now being shipped all over the country. When visiting Joe’s be sure to order the Z-Man and ask for extra seasoning on your fries.
Smokin Guns Bar-B-Que
Phil and Linda Hopkins pride themselves on down-home service along with an award-winning barbecue. They have been creating and perfecting their barbecue since 1997 and have regularly won national competitions for their beef brisket, pork, and ribs. Their love for BBQ can be seen in every plate they serve in their local Kansas City eatery.
LC’s Bar-B-Que
You don’t want to miss this gem when trying out all that Kansas City has to offer in terms of BBQ. LC’s is ranked in the top 50 best bar-b-que places in America by Travioso. Conveniently located to Kansas City’s sports stadiums it makes them a great option for tailgating. Their simple no-frills approach to dining and bar-b-que keeps customers coming back for more. The dining area at LC’s is small but LC’s is rich in Kansas City Bar-B-Q history. Make sure to try the burnt ends, notably the best that Kansas City has to offer.
RJ’s Bob-Be-Que-Shack
For a different approach to bar-b-que, check out RJ’s. Their unique menu items including Bison Empanadas and Lamb ribs have become favorites of both the locals and visiting patrons. RJ’s was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. This local eatery also offers country-style breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays.
Char Bar Smoked Meats and Amusements
This local favorite offers the best of both worlds, amazing barbeque food and fun outdoor activities. Along with their fun outdoor dog friendly environment with backyard swings, bocce ball, corn hole, ping pong and other outdoor activities they also have one of the largest beer gardens in the KC area. Char Bar’s menu offers something for everyone from sandwiches to trays of their famous BBQ meats. The holy trinity tray is a favorite with ribs, black angus brisket and burnt ends served with your choice of side, toast and pickles.
Rosendale Barbecue
A Kansas City Institution for over 80 years, Rosendale Barbecue is one the oldest major barbecue restaurants in Kansas City. This long-time barbeque staple of KC started as a hot dog and beer stand and later expanded to bbq to help survive the great depression. However it turned into the American dream for the Rieke family. Rosendale’s has been family owned since its inception back in 1934. Come enjoy a no-frills down home dining experience.
Burnt End BBQ
Named after the fatty ends of the brisket that was made famous in Kansas City. Burnt End BBQ offers a casual, award winning barbeque experience at an affordable price. They serve generous portions of beef, steak, pork and chicken. However when visiting, be sure to order Smokey’s famous signature bowls. You can’t go wrong with the popular Burnt End Bowl.
Smokehouse Barbecue
Another family owned and operated restaurant that has been serving Kansas City residents since 1987. They offer fall off the bone tender meats and famous sides including their notorious smokey and sweet baked beans and freshly made coleslaw. Smokehouse offers three different locations in the Kansas City area offering an impeccable dining experience at each location.
Q39
For a hip, open space restaurant, check out Q39. Designed for a comfortable and inviting dining experience with a state of the art open kitchen. This open design is where you can see the Q39 team dishing out favorite dishes including the insanely popular burnt end burger. Q39 offers two convenient locations in the Kansas City Area that are a mix between fine dining and and your old greasehouse bbq joints. They put a modern twist on a Kansas City staple.
Zarda Hickory Pit BBQ
While known for their amazing baked beans that keep customers coming back again and again, Zarda’s also offers amazing bbq ribs, brisket and turkey with a barbeque flavor that is not too sweet and not too spicy. This family owned and operated restaurant has been serving up local favorites since 1979. Founded by the three Zarda brothers whose work ethic and perfectionism has helped grow this small family business into one of the best Bar-B-Q restaurants in Kansas City.
No matter if you are a local Kansas City resident or coming to visit the town for all the amazing things the city has to offer in dining, sports, shopping and more. Make sure sampling a few of these Kansas City gems is on our list of things to do. You will not be disappointed in the mouth watering barbeque offered from each. Kansas City barbeque is some of the best the country has to offer and should be at the top of your to-do list.
