Below is a list of the top and leading BBQ Restaurants in Kansas City. To help you find the best BBQ Restaurants located near you in Kansas City, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Kansas City’s Best BBQ Restaurants:
The top rated BBQ Restaurants in Kansas City, MO are:
- Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque – was founded by Arthur Bryant, the famous King of Ribs
- Q39 – Midtown – offers a rustic-urban style with a lively dining area
- Jack Stack Barbecue – was opened by Russ Fiorella in Kansas City back in 1957
- Chef J BBQ – began with a fire that has been flaming inside since he was a young child
- Char Bar – offers chef-driven, topnotch Kansas City barbecue
Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque
Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque was founded by Arthur Bryant, the famous King of Ribs. It is made with luscious beef that has been slow-smoked with hickory and oak woods, mellowed to perfection, and then slathered with Arthur Bryant’s Original or Rich & Spicy Sauce — their secret recipe. Their restaurant maintains its reputation for offering the best BBQ in the country. Whether you call it barbeque, barbecue, or BBQ, their bbq dining menu has something for everyone.
Products/Services:
The Joint, The’Que, Catering, Shop, Nationwide Shipping
LOCATION:
Address: 1727 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64127
Phone: 816-231-1123
Website: www.arthurbryantsbbq.com
REVIEWS:
“Easily in contention for best BBQ in KC. These guys are doing it right – quality meat smoked to perfection. The sauce is a nice accent, and doesn’t overpower the meal. Huge sides, quick service. What’s not to love?” – Brian P.
Q39 – Midtown
Q39 – Midtown offers a rustic-urban style with a lively dining area. This is in a welcoming full-service pub with ample free parking. Q39’s open scratch kitchen features two hickory-fired smokers and an oak-fired grill for some of the best barbecue, steaks, burgers, and seafood in the area.
Everything is produced in-house, from the sauces and rubs to the side slaw, with the exception of their bread, which they get from local bakeries. Their day begins early in the morning with lunch preparations, followed by the preparation of supper meats, ensuring that each meal is fresh and ready to be served at the ideal time.
Products/Services:
Restaurant Menu, Catering, Reservations
LOCATION:
Address: 1000 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: 816-255-3753
Website: www.q39kc.com
REVIEWS:
“You can never go wrong with a BBQ restaurant that has won best BBQ in town several times. They have all the classics from the brisket and ribs to flame to table dishes. Helpful staff. They encourage to make reservations to avoid the wait.” – Fernanda L.
Jack Stack Barbecue
Jack Stack Barbecue was opened by Russ Fiorella in Kansas City back in 1957. It started off as a typical storefront barbecue stand with a small menu of five to six dishes. The eldest son, Jack Fiorella, worked with his father until 1974 when he chose to launch Fiorella’s Jack Stack of Martin City. Today, Jack Stack Barbecue is in its fourth generation of family ownership, and it has grown to become America’s largest hickory wood-fired barbecue.
Jack Stack boasts the most extensive barbecue menu in Kansas City, with over 11 hickory-smoked meats. Their expert Pit Masters prepare anything from beef burned ends to lamb ribs, so there is something for everyone. Do not forget about the sides, which include Kansas City’s greatest hickory pit beans, cheesy corn bake, and cheesy potato bake.
Products/Services:
Restaurant & Menus, Catering, Ship Jack Stack, Order Online, Reservation
LOCATION:
Address: 13441 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO 64145
Phone: 816-942-9141
Website: www.jackstackbbq.com
REVIEWS:
“OH. MY. GOD. – this place has the best BBQ I’ve eaten in my life and a knock your socks off smoked orange old fashioned. I never knew about cheesy corn until this place (WOW!) and the beans were incredible too. The burnt ends had the perfect amount of buttery, melt in your mouth fat and were out of this world.” – Karis L.
Chef J BBQ
Chef J BBQ began with a fire that has been flaming inside since he was a young child. Chef J has 19 years of experience in the food industry. When he was 14, he began working for a family-owned restaurant and dreamed of one day starting his own. He continued to hone his art and love of BBQ from there, bringing only the best.
To assure the highest quality, Chef J’s meats are always presented fresh and chopped to order. His side dishes are the same. They receive the same respect and care as their meats. Everything is created in-house, fresh every day, with quality as their first priority. His smoker only burns wood and sacrifices sleep in the process. This is not the simplest method, but it is the most effective.
Products/Services:
Restaurant Menu, Order Online
LOCATION:
Address: 1401 W 13th St Suite G, Kansas City, MO 6410
Phone: 816-805-8283
Website: www.chefjbbq.com
REVIEWS:
“Found this on google maps and highly rated and it was legit!! Ordered the plate and pork and ends were excellent as were sauces and we loved the sausage! Sides really fresh and great pickles. Best bbq we had on our trip!” – Maddy G.
Char Bar
Char Bar offers chef-driven, top-notch Kansas City barbecue. Pitmaster Mitch Benjamin brings his smoke and enchantment to historic Westport, as well as his world-award-winning sauces. Come learn why many people consider Char Bar and its fun playground to be Kansas City’s best BBQ spot.
Char Bar is a unique type of urban playground that allows carnivores, herbivores, and locavores to mix. Peacefully. Playfully. Their beer garden is the largest in town, with picnic tables, a fire pit, bocce court, cornhole, ping-pong, and “adult” swings — think of them as your BBQ playground. Stay and play instead of eating and running. Keep in mind that you are a Charbarian.
Products/Services:
Restaurant Menu, Reservations, Order Online, Char Bar Gift Card
LOCATION:
Address: 4050 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: 816-389-8600
Website: www.charbarkc.com
REVIEWS:
“The restaurant/venue offers what I consider the best of all you want in a Barbecue, Bar, and Sport watching experience. We were visiting from Pittsburgh and really enjoyed the food and the usual friendly KC people. Definitely worth the visit if you are looking for a great BBQ place to enjoy with friends and co-workers.” – John K.
Mary has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications online. As a business expert, Mary reviews local and national businesses.