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Top 5 Bar-B-Que Restaurants in Kansas City

While there are many great bar-b-que restaurants in Kansas City, these five stand out for their unique flavors, quality ingredients, and excellent service. They have received high customer reviews and ratings for their barbecue and sides. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other great bar-b-que restaurants in Kansas City.

1. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que: Known for their famous burnt ends, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is a staple in the Kansas City barbecue scene. Their burnt ends are often considered the best in the city, and their cheesy corn and other sides are also highly recommended.

2. Q39: Q39 is another popular barbecue spot in Kansas City that offers a variety of meats, including burnt ends. Their cheesy corn and other sides are also highly recommended.

3. Jack Stack Barbecue: Jack Stack is a Kansas City institution that has been serving up delicious barbecue for over 60 years. Their burnt ends are considered a must-try, and their signature steak is also highly recommended. Their cheesy corn and other sides are also highly praised by customers.

4. Char Bar: Char Bar is a fun, laid-back barbecue joint that offers a variety of meats, including burnt ends. Their cheesy corn is a customer favorite.

5. Slap’s BBQ: Slap’s BBQ is a popular barbecue spot that has won numerous awards for their meats. Their burnt ends are highly praised by customers, and their cheesy corn is also a customer favorite.

Top 5 Bar-B-Que Restaurants in Kansas City

Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que - Top 5 Bar-B-Que Restaurants in Kansas City

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Address: 3002 West 47th Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66103
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11am-9pm, Sunday: 11am-7pm
Phone Number: (913) 722-3366

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is one of the most popular barbecue restaurants in Kansas City, known for its award-winning slow-smoked meats and signature dishes. The restaurant’s interior features a rustic design with wooden tables and chairs, old-fashioned signage, and photographs of the founders, Joe and Jeff Stehney, throughout the years.

The menu at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que features a wide variety of smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, sausage, ribs, and burnt ends. One of the signature dishes on the menu is the Z-Man sandwich, which features slow-smoked beef brisket, smoked provolone cheese, onion rings, and a special barbecue sauce on a toasted Kaiser roll.

One unique aspect of the restaurant is its location, as it is housed in a former gas station. The restaurant’s popularity has grown over the years, and it has been featured on numerous national television shows and in food publications.

5 Main Menu Items:

The Z-Man Sandwich: A toasted Kaiser roll filled with slow-smoked beef brisket, smoked provolone cheese, onion rings, and Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que’s special sauce.

Burnt Ends: These tender chunks of slow-smoked beef brisket are a fan favorite and are often sold out by mid-day.

Ribs: Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que offers both pork spare ribs and baby back ribs, both of which are slow-smoked and slathered in barbecue sauce.

Pulled Pork: Tender and flavorful, this slow-smoked pulled pork is a staple on the menu.

Smoked Sausage: Made in-house, this smoked sausage is a delicious and savory option for those who want a break from beef and pork.

The service at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is known for being friendly and efficient. Customers place their orders at the counter, and the food is served on disposable plates and utensils. The restaurant can get quite busy, especially during peak hours, but the staff works hard to keep the lines moving and customers satisfied.

Customer Reviews:

“I had the Z-Man sandwich and it was hands down the best sandwich I have ever had! The beef brisket was so tender and the sauce was the perfect combination of sweet and spicy.”

“The burnt ends are worth waiting in line for! They are so flavorful and melt in your mouth.”

“I loved the atmosphere at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. It’s a true Kansas City institution, and the food lived up to the hype. I had the ribs and they were fall-off-the-bone tender.”

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is a must-visit restaurant for anyone visiting Kansas City. With its award-winning slow-smoked meats, signature dishes like the Z-Man sandwich, and friendly service, it’s no wonder why this restaurant has become a beloved institution in the city’s dining scene. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que ranks among the top 5 Bar-B-Que restaurants in Kansas City.


Q39 - Top 5 Bar-B-Que Restaurants in Kansas City

Q39

Address: 1000 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11am-9pm, Friday-Saturday: 11am-10pm
Phone Number: (816) 255-3753

Q39 is one of a few contemporary barbecue restaurants in Kansas City that has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant’s interior is modern and sleek, with industrial accents, exposed brick walls, and an open kitchen where diners can watch the chefs at work.

The menu at Q39 features a range of barbecue dishes that are elevated with unique and innovative twists. The restaurant’s signature dish is the burnt end burger, which features a juicy beef patty topped with tender and flavorful burnt ends, crispy onion straws, and spicy pickle slaw.

One unique aspect of the restaurant is its commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients, including locally-raised meats and fresh produce. The restaurant also has a full bar with a selection of craft beers, cocktails, and wines.

5 Main Menu Items:

Burnt End Burger: A juicy beef patty topped with tender burnt ends, crispy onion straws, and spicy pickle slaw.

Brisket: Slow-smoked for 14 hours, this tender and flavorful brisket is a customer favorite.

Smoked Chicken: Marinated for 24 hours and slow-smoked, this chicken is juicy and flavorful.

Pork Belly: This succulent pork belly is slow-smoked and served with a sweet and savory apple butter glaze.

Sides: Q39 offers a variety of delicious sides, including smoked corn on the cob, burnt end baked beans, and sweet potato fries.

The service at Q39 is friendly and attentive, with servers who are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. Diners are seated quickly, and the restaurant has a casual and relaxed atmosphere.

Customer Reviews:

“The burnt end burger at Q39 is a game-changer! The combination of the juicy beef patty and tender burnt ends is absolutely delicious.”

“The brisket at Q39 is some of the best I’ve ever had. It’s so tender and flavorful, and the sides are equally delicious.”

“I loved the atmosphere at Q39. It’s a modern take on a classic barbecue restaurant, and the food is exceptional. I had the pork belly and it was melt-in-your-mouth delicious.”

Q39 is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for high-quality barbecue with a modern twist. With its commitment to locally-sourced ingredients, innovative menu items, and friendly service, it’s easy to see why this restaurant has become a beloved staple of the Kansas City dining scene. Q39 deserves it’s rank among the top 5 Bar-B-Que restaurants in Kansas City.


Jack Stack Barbecue - Top 5 Bar-B-Que Restaurants in Kansas City

Jack Stack Barbecue

Address: 101 W 22nd St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11am-9pm, Friday-Saturday: 11am-10pm
Phone Number: (816) 472-7427

Jack Stack Barbecue is part of the restaurants in Kansas City that is a family-owned and operated barbecue restaurant. It has been a staple in Kansas City for over 60 years. The restaurant’s interior is warm and inviting, with wood-paneled walls, cozy booths, and a central fireplace.

The menu at Jack Stack Barbecue features a range of slow-smoked meats, including beef brisket, pork spare ribs, and burnt ends. One of the signature dishes on the menu is the cheesy corn bake, a creamy and indulgent side dish made with corn, cheese, and a buttery cracker topping.

One unique aspect of the restaurant is its commitment to sustainability, including using eco-friendly materials in its packaging and reducing its carbon footprint through various initiatives.

5 Main Menu Items:

Beef Burnt Ends: These tender and smoky chunks of beef brisket are a customer favorite.

Pork Spare Ribs: Slow-smoked and slathered in barbecue sauce, these ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender.

Cheesy Corn Bake: This indulgent side dish is made with sweet corn, cheddar cheese, and a buttery cracker topping.

Barbecue Sampler: A platter of smoked meats including beef brisket, pork spare ribs, and burnt ends.

Hickory-grilled Salmon: For those looking for a non-barbecue option, this dish features a juicy salmon fillet that is hickory-grilled and served with a roasted garlic aioli.

The service at Jack Stack Barbecue is friendly and efficient, with servers who are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. The restaurant can get busy, especially during peak hours, but the staff works hard to keep wait times to a minimum.

Customer Reviews:

“I had the beef burnt ends at Jack Stack Barbecue and they were amazing! They were so tender and flavorful, and the cheesy corn bake was the perfect side dish.”

“The pork spare ribs were some of the best I’ve ever had. The meat was so tender and the barbecue sauce was the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.”

“I loved the cozy atmosphere at Jack Stack Barbecue. The service was great and the hickory-grilled salmon was delicious.”

Jack Stack Barbecue is a classic Kansas City restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphere and delicious slow-smoked meats. With its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives, it’s easy to see why this restaurant has become a beloved staple of the city’s dining scene. Jack Stack Barbecue ranks amid the top 5 Bar-B-Que restaurants in Kansas City for good reasons.


Char Bar - Top 5 Bar-B-Que Restaurants in Kansas City

Char Bar

Address: 4050 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64111
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11am-10pm, Friday: 11am-11pm, Saturday: 10am-11pm, Sunday: 10am-10pm
Phone Number: (816) 389-8600

Char Bar is one of the best restaurants in Kansas City. It is a lively barbecue restaurant and beer garden located in Kansas City’s Westport neighborhood. The restaurant’s interior features a rustic design with wood-paneled walls, vintage signage, and a large central bar.

The menu at Char Bar features a range of barbecue dishes, including brisket, burnt ends, and pulled pork. One of the signature dishes on the menu is the “Frito pie,” a unique take on the classic dish that features Fritos topped with chili, cheese, and jalapeños.

One unique aspect of the restaurant is its large outdoor beer garden, which features picnic tables, lawn games, and a separate bar. The beer garden is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, especially during the warmer months.

5 Main Menu Items:

Burnt Ends: These tender and smoky chunks of beef brisket are a customer favorite.

Smoked Wings: These chicken wings are slow-smoked and served with a variety of sauces, including classic buffalo and spicy Korean BBQ.

Frito Pie: This unique dish features Fritos topped with chili, cheese, and jalapeños.

Smoked Sausage: Made in-house, this smoked sausage is a delicious and savory option for those who want a break from beef and pork.

BBQ Nachos: A plate of tortilla chips topped with barbecue sauce, cheese, and your choice of meat (pulled pork, burnt ends, or smoked chicken).

The service at Char Bar is friendly and attentive, with servers who are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. The restaurant can get quite busy, especially during peak hours and on weekends, but the staff works hard to keep wait times to a minimum.

Customer Reviews:

“I loved the Frito pie at Char Bar! It was such a unique and delicious dish, and the atmosphere in the beer garden was so much fun.”

“The burnt ends were amazing at Char Bar! They were so tender and smoky, and the beer selection was great.”

“I had the BBQ nachos and they were fantastic! The smoked chicken was so flavorful and the barbecue sauce was the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.”

Char Bar is a fun and lively barbecue restaurant that is perfect for a night out with friends or family. With its large outdoor beer garden, unique menu items like the Frito pie, and friendly service, it’s easy to see why this restaurant has become a popular spot in the Westport neighborhood. Char Bar rightfully ranks among the top 5 Bar-B-Que restaurants in Kansas City.


Slap's BBQ - Top 5 Bar-B-Que Restaurants in Kansas City

Slap’s BBQ

Address: 553 Central Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-5pm (or until sold out), Sunday: 11am-4pm (or until sold out), Closed Monday-Tuesday
Phone Number: (913) 213-3736

Slap’s BBQ stands out among the Bar-B-Que restaurants in Kansas City. It is a no-frills barbecue joint. The restaurant’s interior is simple and unassuming, with a few wooden tables and chairs for customers to sit and enjoy their food.

The menu at Slap’s BBQ features a range of slow-smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and sausage. The restaurant’s signature dish is the burnt end sandwich, which features tender chunks of burnt ends served on a bun with pickles and onions.

One unique aspect of the restaurant is its commitment to using high-quality ingredients, including premium cuts of meat and homemade barbecue sauce. The restaurant also offers a catering service for events and parties.

5 Main Menu Items:

Burnt End Sandwich: Tender chunks of burnt ends served on a bun with pickles and onions.

Brisket: Slow-smoked for up to 16 hours, this brisket is tender and flavorful.

Pulled Pork: This slow-smoked pulled pork is juicy and tender, with a smoky flavor.

Sausage: Made in-house, this sausage is a savory and delicious option for those who want a break from beef and pork.

Ribs: Slap’s BBQ offers both pork spare ribs and baby back ribs, both of which are slow-smoked and slathered in barbecue sauce.

The service at Slap’s BBQ is friendly and efficient, with orders taken at the counter and served on disposable plates and utensils. The restaurant can get quite busy, especially during peak hours, but the staff works hard to keep wait times to a minimum.

Customer Reviews:

“The burnt end sandwich at Slap’s BBQ was amazing! The meat was so tender and the barbecue sauce was the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.”

“The brisket was some of the best I’ve ever had at Slap’s BBQ. It was so juicy and flavorful, and the service was great.”

“I loved the no-frills atmosphere at Slap’s BBQ. The pulled pork was so tender and the barbecue sauce was delicious.”

Slap’s BBQ is a must-visit for anyone looking for high-quality barbecue without the frills. With its commitment to using premium ingredients, delicious signature dishes like the burnt end sandwich, and friendly service, it’s easy to see why this restaurant has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Slap’s BBQ deserves to be ranked among the top 5 Bar-B-Que restaurants in Kansas City.


Each of these restaurants offers something unique, whether it be their family-oriented atmosphere, specialty dry rubs, or award-winning sauces. With the abundance of delicious options, it’s nearly impossible to choose just one.

Kansas City is known for a lot of things, but bar-b-que is, without a doubt, one of its biggest draws. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there’s no excuse not to explore the best bar-b-que Kansas City has to offer. So, “get ‘yer bibs ready” and enjoy some of the best bar-b-que in the nation.



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