With real football on the way, getting BBQ for the tailgate is on the way too.
Around Arrowhead, coming from the south, you can go to L.C.'s or Big T's on Blue Parkway. From the West you can go to Gates or Bryant's on Brooklyn. From the North you can hit Smokin' Guns in NKC or Hawg Jaw Q in Riverside. Coming from the East, used to be the closest place was Gates on US 40 near Cool Crest in Independence, which burned in a fire two years ago. The new Gates is being re-built, and may or may not be open in time for regular season.
I found a new place near 35th and Noland in Independence, which is just about a half mile north of I-70 and Noland called P. Moore's BBQ. It sits back off Noland road in an old strip mall building, behind the Social Security Admin building.
It's a mom and pop BBQ. Food is surprisingly good, big portions, decent pricing. A lot of the local cops and firemen go in there for lunch, because the guy who runs it is a retired city employee. If you need a new BBQ spot before the game, check it. I tried it. I liked it!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/P-Moo...39508602988434
There's also a BBQ joint in North Independence called "A Little BBQ Joint" that's a block west of River on US 24 Highway, not too far from the Truman Library. It's also good, but further out of the way. Also, if you like old cars, the decor is all old muscle cars.
http://www.alittlebarbqjoint.com/
Eat BBQ!