KC BBQ: The list and poll

[BigRedChief]

Going to redo the poll. Which places need to be added?

Adding:
McGonigle's
Q39

Taking off the list:
Greedy Man
filling station
Haywards
BB's Lawn BBQ



Kansas City barbeque

http://economy.kansascity.com/?q=node/2070

New Orleans has its gumbo. Philadelphia has its cheesesteaks. Boston its seafood. And Kansas City’s culinary claim to fame? Barbecue of course!

And what barbecue, around 80 operations to choose from — spicy to sweet, bare bones dive to white tablecloth, heart of the city or afternoon drive in the country.

Here is the current list of establishments in and around KC. But barbecue fans beware, call ahead first to make sure they are open.
Got changes, additions or BBQ news? Send them to Joyce Smith at jsmith@kcstar.com

Adam’s Rib BBQ
9148 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kan., 66212; 913-341-7427; www.adamsribkc.com
Year opened: March 2009, but had previously operated in Overland Park from 1994 to 1995
Arthur Bryant's
Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque (three locations)
1727 Brooklyn Ave., Kansas City, Mo., 64127; 816-231-1123
Ameristar Casino, 3200 N. Ameristar Drive, Kansas City, Mo., 64141; 816-414-7474
The Legends at Village West, 1702 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, Kan., 66111; 913-788-7500
www.arthurbryantsbbq.com
Year opened: 1940 but traces its roots to the 1907
Bandana’s Bar-B-Q
4140 S. Noland Road, Independence, Mo., 64055; 816-373-7800; www.bandanasbbq.com
Year opened: The St. Louis area-based chain started 1996 and opened the Independence location in 2007
Bates City Barbeque (two locations)
6493 Quivira Road, Shawnee, Kan., 66216; 913-962-7447
201 E. Market St., Bates City, Mo., 64011; 816-625-4961
Year opened: 1976 in Bates City
B.B's
B.B.’s Lawnside Bar-B-Q
1205 E. 85th St., Kansas City, Mo., 64131; 816-822-7427; www.bbslawnsidebbq.com
Year opened: 1990
The BBQ Shack
1613 E. Peoria St., Paola, Kan., 66071; 913.294.5908; www.thebbqshack.com
Year opened: 1997
Bee Cee’s Authentic Barbecue
10328 Blue Ridge Blvd.; Kansas City, Mo., 64134; 816-765-2480
Year opened: 2002
Big Papa’s Bar-B-Que
5827 Leavenworth Road, Kansas City, Kan., 66104; 913-287-5744
Year opened: 2004
Big Q Barbecue
2117 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kan., 66106; 913-362-6980
Year opened: 1986

Big T’s Bar-B-Q (two locations)
9409 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Mo., 64138; 816-767-0905
6201 Blue Parkway, Kansas City, Mo., 64129; 816-923-2278
Year opened: 1993 in a different location
Brobeck’s BBQ
4615 Indian Creek Parkway, (106th and Roe Avenue), Overland Park, Kan., 66207; 913-901-9700; www.brobecksbbq.com
Year opened: 2007
Buffalo Bob’s BBQ Smokehouse
719 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, Kan., 66044; 785-841-6400
Year opened: 1977
Daniel’s Bar-B-Q (two locations)
215 West St., Tonganoxie, Kan., 66086; 913-369-2440
12200 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, 66216l 913-248-4477
Year opened: 1996 in Edwardsville, Kan.
Danny Edwards
Danny Edwards Famous Boulevard BBQ
2900 Southwest Boulevard, Kansas City, Mo., 64108; (816) 283-0880
Year opened: 1983 at a different location
Depot Saloon
2706 N. Bell St., Avendon, Mo., 64117; 816-452-2100
Year opened: 1974
Earl Quick’s Bar-B-Q
1007 Merriam Lane, Kansas City, Kan., 66103; 913-236-7228; www.quicksbbqandcatering.com
Year opened: 1964
Famous Dave's
Famous Dave’s Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que
The Legends at Village West, 1320 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, Kan., 66111; 913-334-8646
Kansas City Power & Light District, 131 E. 14th St., Kansas City, Mo., 64106; 816-471-3700
www.famousdaves.com
Year opened: Minneapolis-based chain opened 1994 and opened its first area location opened at the Legends in 2003
Filling Station BBQ
333 S.E. Douglas St., Lee’s Summit, Mo., 64063; 816-347-0794
Year opened: 2000

Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue (four locations)
13441 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Mo., 64145; 816-942-9141
Country Club Plaza, 4747 Wyandotte St., Kansas City, Mo., 64112; 816-531-7427
9520 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Kan., 66212; 913-385-7427
Freight House, 101 W. 22nd St., Kansas City, Mo., 64108; 816.472-7427
www.jackstackbbq.com
Year opened: 1974 at the Holmes Road location, but the family traces its history to 1957 Smokestack BBQ

Gates Bar-B-Q (six locations)
3205 Main St., Kansas City, Mo., 64110; 816-753-0828
1221 Brooklyn, Kansas City, Mo., 64127; 816-483-3880
2001 W. 103rd Terrace, Leawood, Kan., 66206; 913-383-1752
1026 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., 66101; 913-621-1134
10440 E. U.S. 40, Independence, Mo., 64055; 816-353-5880
1325 E. Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; 816-531-7522
www.gatesbbq.com
Year opened: 1946
Greedy Man’s Bar-B-Que & Grill
5536-A Troost Ave., Kansas City, Mo., 64110; 816-523-4885
Year opened: 2009
Hawg Shed Bar-B-Que (two locations)
8 N. Central St., Buckner, Mo., 64016; 816-650-5626
727 S. Highway 13, Lexington, Mo., 64067; 660-259-2050
Year opened: 2006 in Buckner
Hayward’s Pit BBQ
11051 Antioch Road, Overland Park, Kan., 66210; 913-451-8080; www.haywardsbbq.com
Year founded: 1972 at a different location
Hickory Log Bar-B-Q
5047 Welborn Lane, Kansas City, Kan., 66104; 913-287-9560
Year opened: 1964
Hillsdale Bank Bar-B-Q
Hillsdale Bank Bar-B-Q
201 Frisco, Hillsdale, Kan., 66036; 913-783-4333
Year opened: 1989
Hog Wild Pig Crazy BBQ
6519 Parallel Parkway Ave., Kansas City, Kan., 66102; 913-788-4700
Year opened: 2007
Holy Smoke BBQ
240 N.W. Oldham Parkway, Lee’s Summit, Mo., 64081; (816) 554-7427; www.holysmokekc.com
Year opened: 2006
Johnny’s Hickory House BBQ (two locations)
5959 Broadmoor St., Mission, Kan., 66202; 913-432-0777
1375 W. Old 56 Highway, Olathe, Kan., 66061; 913-768-0777
www.johnnysbbq.net
Year opened: 1977 at a different location
KC Masterpiece
KC Masterpiece Barbeque & Grill
10985 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Kan., 66210; 913-345-2255; www.masterpiecebbq.com
Year opened: 1987
K&M Bar-B-Q
603 N. Webster St., Spring Hill, Kan., 66083; 913-592-5145;
Year opened: 1991
L.C.'s
L.C.’s Barbeque
5800 Blue Parkway, Kansas City, Mo., 64129; 816-923-4484
Year opened: 1986
Mama Jo's BBQ
7201 N.E. Parvin Road, Kansas City, Mo., 64117; 816-455-3300
Year founded: 2002
Mr. Epps Famous Kansas City Barbeque
6666 Kaw Drive, Kansas City, Kan., 66111; 913-328-1711; www.eppsbbq.s5.com
Year opened: 2005
Oden’s Family BBQ
1302 N. Scott St., Belton, Mo., 64102; 816-322-3072
Year opened: 1988
Oklahoma Joe's
Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ (two locations)
3002 W. 47th St., Kansas City, Kan., 66103; 913-722-3366
11950 S. Strang Line Road, Olathe, 66062; 913-782-6858
www.oklahomajoesbbq.com
Year opened: 1996 at the KCK location
Outlaws Barbeque & Saloon
129 E. Washington St., Kearney, Mo., 64024; 816-628-6500
Year opened: 1994
Papa Bob's Bar-B-Que
11610 Kaw Drive, Bonner Springs, Kan., 66012; 913-422-4210; www.papabobsbbq.com
Year opened: 2007
Porky’s Blazin Bar-B-Q
9512 S. Buckner Tarsney Road, Grain Valley, Mo., 64029; 816-566-0203
Year opened: 2005
Quick’s 7th Street Bar-B-Q
709 Cheyenne Ave., Kansas City, Kan., 66105; 913-371-1599
Year founded: 1956
Red Shanty
2201 Highway 13, Higginsville, Mo., 64037; 660-584-2204; www.redshantycafe.com
Year open: 2008
Rib Crib BBQ
19801 E. Valley View Parkway, Independence, Mo., 64057; 816-795-5144
Year opened: Tulsa-based chain opened in 1997 and the Independence location opened in 2004
R&J BBQ
8401 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kan., 66112; 913-299-1311
Year opened: 1987
RJ's Bob-Be-Que Shack
5835 Lamar Ave., Mission, Kan., 66202; 913-262-7300;
www.rjsbbq.com
Year founded: 2004
Rosedale BBQ
Rosedale BBQ
600 Southwest Boulevard, Kansas City, Kan., 66103; 913-262-0343
Year founded: 1934
Smokebox BBQ Cafe
Tiffany Landing, 10020 N.W. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, Mo., 64153; 816-891-8011
Year founded: 1994
Smokehouse BBQ (four locations)
19000 E. 39th St., Independence, Mo., 64054; 816-795-5555
6304 N. Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, Mo., 64118; 816-454-4500
7121 W. 135th St., Overland Park, Kan., 66223; 913-685-1717
Zona Rosa, 8451 N.W. Prairie View Road, Kansas City, Mo., 64153; 816-587-3337; www.smokehousebbq.com
Year founded: 1986
Smokestack BBQ
8920 Wornall Road, 64114; 816-444-5542; www.kcsmokestackbbq.com
Year opened: 1957 at another location
Smokey’s BBQ and Café
510 Main St., Wellsville, Kan., 66092; 785-883-4119
Year opened: 2000
Smokin' Guns
Smokin’ Guns BBQ Restaurant and Catering
1218 Swift St., North Kansas City, Mo., 64116; 816-221-2535; www.smokingunsbbq.com
Year founded: 2003
Smokin’ Joe’s Bar-B-Q
519 E. Santa Fe, Olathe, 66061; 913-780-5511; www.smokinjoesbbqolathe.com
Year opened: 1989

Snead’s Bar B-Q
1001 E. 171st St., Belton, Mo., 64012; 816-331-7979
Year opened: 1956
Summit Hickory Pit BBQ
1012 S.E. Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit, 64063; 816-246-4434
Year founded: 1992 at a different Lee’s Summit location
Wabash BBQ
646 S. Kansas City Ave., Excelsior Springs, Mo., 64024; 816-630-7700; www.wabashbbq.com
Year opened: 1997
We B Smokin’
32580 Airport Road, Paola, Kan., 66071; 913-256-6802; ttp://www.webesmokin.com
Year opened: 2001
Winslow’s KC-Style Barbeque
City Market, 20 E. Fifth St., Kansas City, Mo., 64106; 816-471-7427; www.winslowsbbq.com
Year opened: 1971
Woodyard Bar-B-Que
Woodyard Bar-B-Que
3001 Merriam Lane, Kansas City, Kan., 66106; 913-362-8000; www.woodyardbbq.com
Year opened: 2005 but the family has had it as a side business to their wood yard since 1950
Wyandot B-B-Q (two locations)
8441 State Ave., Kansas City, Kan., 66112; 913-788-7554
7215 W. 75th St., Overland Park, Kan.; 66204; 913-341-0609
Year opened: 1977 at the KCK location

Zarda Bar-B-Q (two locations)
214 N. Missouri 7, Blue Springs, Mo., 816-229-9999
11931 W. 87th St., Lenexa, Kan., 66215; 913-492-2330; www.zarda.com
Year founded: 1979

Poll just took the most often mentioned as the best. Listed alphabetically. You can only choose one choice and its a public poll.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by HonestChieffan

AMEN!

Got me some of those "cubed brisket"/burnt ends dinners as soon as I got off the plane. Magnificent grub!

[sedated]

I get why most "burnt ends" are referred to here as "cubed brisket", but that doesn't exactly tell the whole story. They are covered in another layer of rub and smoked for another day. Calling them "cubed brisket" is short-changing them a bit IMHO.

[headsnap]

I voted Jack Stack... their mail order is THE BOMB!!!!

I can enjoy top quality KC BBQ all the way over here in Louisville, KY.

[Prince22]

Originally Posted by headsnap

I voted Jack Stack... their mail order is THE BOMB!!!!

I can enjoy top quality KC BBQ all the way over here in Louisville, KY.

I thought I was the only louisvillian here. Going to have to check out Jack Stack.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Originally Posted by sedated

I get why most "burnt ends" are referred to here as "cubed brisket", but that doesn't exactly tell the whole story. They are covered in another layer of rub and smoked for another day. Calling them "cubed brisket" is short-changing them a bit IMHO.

Not "most". Just Jack Stack's. If you haven't had JS's burnt ends, trust me - they're NOT burnt ends. They're just cubed brisket. Real burnt ends are heavenly. Jack Stack's ain't.

[HonestChieffan]

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

Not "most". Just Jack Stack's. If you haven't had JS's burnt ends, trust me - they're NOT burnt ends. They're just cubed brisket. Real burnt ends are heavenly. Jack Stack's ain't.

Dont try to argue individual taste. JS burnt end lovers probably like Old Milwaukee Light. Doesn't make em bad folks.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Originally Posted by HonestChieffan

Dont try to argue individual taste. JS burnt end lovers probably like Old Milwaukee Light. Doesn't make em bad folks.

I'm not really arguing that they're good. As brisket goes, it's actually quite good. I'd have been thrilled with what I got if I'd ordered brisket.

I'm arguing that it's not burnt ends, which it isn't by definition. Burnt ends are chewy, smoky bits of yummy goodness. There aren't a lot of burnt ends available on a single brisket, which is why - especially at lunch - they're hard to get at most BBQ joints; they run out quickly. But at JS you can get 'em whenever you want 'em, no matter the time. Why is that? Because they're not burnt ends, that's why.

[HonestChieffan]

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

I'm not really arguing that they're good. As brisket goes, it's actually quite good. I'd have been thrilled with what I got if I'd ordered brisket.

I'm arguing that it's not burnt ends, which it isn't by definition. Burnt ends are chewy, smoky bits of yummy goodness. There aren't a lot of burnt ends available on a single brisket, which is why - especially at lunch - they're hard to get at most BBQ joints; they run out quickly. But at JS you can get 'em whenever you want 'em, no matter the time. Why is that? Because they're not burnt ends, that's why.

I eat hell out of them when somebody offers. Best ones are at someone elses tailgate drinking their beer. Ive never had bad BBQ at a tailgate someone else paid for.

[Donger]

I went to Jack's Stack last week. I was not good at all. That's the second time. I'll go back one more time, but if it sucks again, I'm done. It's a shame, because I grew up eating there.

Zarda on 87th and I-35 was much better.

[BigRedChief]

I went to a place called Porkys out by Lees Summit and Blue Springs. Best ribs I've ever had. Just a hole in the wall in the middle of nowhere. Excellent ribs

[NewChief]

Went to ok joe's in Olathe on Friday for lunch. On advice here I got Carolina style sandwich with slaw on the side (I like slaw but wanted to try both ways), fries, and a side of red beans and rice. It was truly exceptional. Not sure I'll ever eat anywhere else though LC's burnt ends sound lime they need to be tried.

[Silock]

I had Zarda last week because I was desperate and had no access to anything else.

I'd rather eat dog shit.

It was TERRIBLE.

[BigRedChief]

bump for overhead

[suzzer99]

So what was the verdict on that Orange County Choppers BBQ place? Is it still going now that they're feuding?

Man this thread has made me miss KC more than anything. I moved away in 1996, before most anyone had ever heard of OK Joes, even though I only lived about 2 miles away (sad, I could have been eating there for years w/o the lines). I just ordered some sauce from them because I can't wait until I come back for Xmas to try it.

I did have some Gates when I was back over Xmas and have to agree about the fattiness of the brisket. A little fat is good, but I thought the sandwich crossed over the line. I'm glad to know I wasn't just crazy. I get real BBQ so rarely I wasn't sure if I was just remembering it wrong.

I have found a couple passable places out here in LA. One called KC BBQ, is run by an ex-Gates employee. The nice thing about that place is it's also a bar and has a big Chiefs following. Eating pretty good KC-style BBQ in a bar, watching the Chiefs actually win this year, with 50+ beers to choose from = heaven. They also have a pecan pie a la mode that is amazing.

The other is this place, which I just discovered 2 days ago:


You just know a place that looks like that, in a sketchy neighborhood, is going to be pretty good. I was not disappointed. I took 2 coworkers who had never had real BBQ before. They loved it. The brisket was lean but juicy and the sauce was a little smoky and not too sweet like you usually get out here.

[Bowser]

Originally Posted by Silock

I had Zarda last week because I was desperate and had no access to anything else.

I'd rather eat dog shit.

It was TERRIBLE.

The last time I had Zarda's, I ate at the one on 87th street. Never again.