I wouldn't say "never go there." I'd simply say that there are quite a few other places to go first, especially if your time in KC is limited.

No one ELSE in KC has that pork belly appetizer they have at Q39.

That shit is amazing.

if you got to get a reservation, it ain't the place

I'll be in town in a few weeks for a very brief stay so I think I'll try KC Joe's over Q39.

We had that tonight. It was very good. It was just eating pure fat, though lol

Had that on my list to try next month. It looks like it's off my list now.

What have you tried thus far? On my trips I've hit LC's, Gates, Arthur Bryants, and Oklahoma Joes. All multiple times. I was thinking Jack Stack and Q39's this time. I'm with you though, I don't want to waste my one or two shots at a place that ain't worth it.

As far as the ones I've tried so far, Gates has been the only disappointment. LC's was a very pleasant surprise.

I've had Jackstack several times and just don't get it. It's never been anything less than disappointing.

Don't not go to Q39. You should see for yourself. The meat was very well cooked.

Sauce wise gates is my fav
Jack stack pit beans and cheesy corn are awesome

Go to Martin city jack stack if you go to one though

Or maybe the freight house

The old Martin City Smokestack was awesome back in the day.

OP Jacstack has always been underwhelming if not extremely underwhelming.

The Freight House was better but the last time I was there, they allowed smoking, which ruined the meal.

Martin City Jack Stack. Got it.

You're kidding yourself if you don't think Q39 turns out better meat than all but maybe 3 or 4 places in the city. My tastes run similar to yours in terms of finding their sauces too sweet, but that's what the new money competition-style KC preference leans towards.

Goodluck and dont get the burnt ends. And Dane is right the Martin City and Prospect location when it was Smokestack was better. The family feud when they split and some restaurant became Jackstack and the others remained Smokestack I dont think they ever got back to what they were. I just don't understand the love for it. When I talk to people the talk is usually of the sides not the que. A bbq joint where the main talk is of the cheesy corn :spock:.

subjective..plenty of good Q in KC.

I am still going to try it not everyones tastes are the same. Oh and sweet BBQ sauce is KC BBQ very few stray from this just the level of bite or heat are the determining factors. Probably Bryants for the less sweet but still it is a little.