When it comes to barbecue in Kansas City, everyone has an opinion. Who has the best ribs, burnt ends or brisket? Should it have sauce or dry rub? What is the best side dish? It is all a matter of opinion. But the one thing every Kansas Citian can agree on is that we have the best barbecue in the country! Kansas City even hosts the biggest barbecue competition in the nation, The American Royal World Series of Barbecue, so we know what we’re talking about.
Plus, Kansas City just opened the world’s first Museum of BBQ at Crown Center. Co-founded by food writer Jonathan Bender and chef Alex Pope, the museum showcases the rich history and diverse styles of barbecue and features interactive exhibits, hands-on experiences and a gift shop. Visitors can explore the art of smoking meats, regional flavors and even a fun barbecue beans ball pit for kids.
While everyone has their favorite joint, there are some restaurants that are more famous than others. We all know Fiorella's Jack Stack, Q39, Gates, Arthur Bryant’s, Zardas and Joe’s KC. Here are some other hidden gems that are looking to snag the KC barbecue crown!
Blind Box BBQ
13214 W. 62nd Ter., Shawnee | 1601 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. (inside Nebraska Furniture Mart)
Kicking off the list of new contenders is Blind Box BBQ. They call themselves “a modern take on classic Kansas City barbecue,” and they are true to their word—from the old-school flavors that you expect of Kansas City barbecue to new flavor fusions like their BBQ Wontons, your tastebuds will surely thank you. Our family loves their burnt ends, onion straws and carrot cake. Make sure you check out the daily specials and happy hour. They also host fun events throughout the year and a weekly Sunday brunch at the Shawnee location. Join their rewards program to earn Blind Box Bucks to put toward your barbecue purchases.
Signature Items
Starter: BBQ Wontons
Entree: Burnt Ends
Dessert: Carrot Cake
Brobeck’s BBQ
4615 Indian Creek Pkwy., Overland Park
Brobeck’s BBQ is known for “delicious, melt-in-your-mouth barbecue.” They pride themselves on their rub being so good that their meat doesn’t need sauce! Though they do offer sauce, you should try their meat dry first. The restaurant is not very big, but they offer carryout and delivery. Their website features different specials on different days, so take a look before you decide on what to eat. Personally, I crave the ham salad. Always get it!
Signature Items
Starter: Ham Salad with Homemade Chips
Entree: Burnt Ends
Sauce: Carolina Mustard
Hawg Jaw Que and Brew
900 Swift St., North Kansas City, Mo.
Hawg Jaw Que and Brew believes “barbecue is life,” and boy, are they right! Voted “Kansas City’s Best New BBQ” by The Pitch in 2012, they have only gotten better. Hawg Jaw only uses fresh ingredients, which is one of the many reasons they know what they are doing. Their recipes, which include using cherrywood to smoke their meat for twelve hours, have been passed down from generation to generation. Do you have a hard time deciding which meat to get? They have you covered. If you order the Hawg Trough Sampler, you get to try each meat and a side without breaking the bank. I am a fried pickle connoisseur and can't wait to try theirs. Join the VIP program to receive updates on exclusive events, secret menus, special offers and rewards.
Signature Items
Starter: Loaded fries or wings (or both!)
Entree: Burnt End Sandwich
Meat Mitch
620 W. 95th St., Leawood | Inside MCI Airport
Mitch Benjamin of Meat Mitch is no stranger to the world of barbecue. Not only has he helped open barbecue restaurants in Paris, but he’s competed in barbecue competitions around the world! Since 2021, Meat Mitch has been serving up award-winning barbecue. In the 2023 American Royal, they won a first-place prize with their Meat Mitch Whomp and a third place with Meat Mitch Naked. With their loyalty program, you can earn points to put toward free food. They offer Happy Hour Mon.–Fri. from 2:00–6:00, weekdays specials and weekend brunch from 10:00–2:00. If you want to share Meat Mitch with out-of-town friends or family, no worries, they ship! Send some sauce, rub and meat to remind everyone how great barbecue in Kansas City really is. There are no excuses to not try Meat Mitch.
Signature Items
Starter: Loaded Brisket Chili
Entree: Competition-Style Burnt End Platter
Slap’s BBQ
553 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan.
Slap’s BBQ was founded by brothers Mike and Joe Pearce in 2014. They began competing in barbecue competitions with their team Squeal Like a Pig in 2013, and Joe continues to compete in 25 –30 barbecue competitions per year. They are committed to cooking fresh, and that is why they sell out almost every day. They offer daily specials that include Taco Tuesday, Wing Wednesday and Spicy Thursday. Slap’s opens at 11:00, and a line forms before they even open the doors. Make sure you go early to ensure you get what you want.
Signature Items
Side: Baked Potato Casserole
Entree: Ribs or The Mike Johnson Sandwich
Five More Favorites
Big Q Barbecue
2117 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kan.
LC’S Bar-B-Q
5800 Blue Pkwy., Kansas City, Mo.
Smokehouse Barbecue
6304 N. Oak Tfwy., Gladstone
19000 E. 39th St., Independence
8451 NW Prairie View Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
Harps BBQ
12094 W. 135th, Overland Park, Kan.
Woodyard Bar-B-Que
3001 Merriam Ln., Kansas City, Kan.