A Kansas City Native's Suggestions

tbjgporter · Joined: 13 Oct 2009 Posts: 2

When traveling to KC, it is almost required that bbq is obtained.

Some places and descriptions I'd recommend.

Aurthur Bryants - Never been there, UNFORTUNATELY, but, I've heard nothing but good things.

Gates - There are lots of these, but, be forewarned. 1st, have your order ready. 2nd, these places can be on an of bbq wise. Sometimes they swing towards absolute perfection. Other times they swing towards dry disappointments. I'm not saying it's not worth stopping by, since it is a kansas city staple in the Q.

Jack Stack - Fancy. And a touch pricey. Makes for a good business atmosphere. They also smoke fish, very well.

Oklahoma Joe's - Probably the best by far. Or at least my favorite. 2 restaurants I know of. The north one is the authentic, however, the food is very similar in quality between the two. All of it is great. And the fries, well they are the best. My recomendation - the Z-man. Smoked brisket on kaiser topped with provolone and 2 onion rings. You can't go wrong there. Closed on Sundays. This place comes highly recommended in the professional food networks as well.

LC's - I don't know, I've unfortunately not made it to this place either. However, my father and friends swear by it. Definitely BBQ origins atmosphere.

There you have it, my list and summary. I'm sure I've forgotten a few other, but those to me are the big names.

BigAL · Posted: Oct 13 2009 Post subject:

We have been to A.B's on the w. side by the track/Wolf lodge/Cabelas. Great people, food was crap. But, that was 2yrs ago.

I've heard Joes is the best.
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J-Man · Posted: Oct 21 2009 Post subject:

its a near consensus that ok joes is the best. their ribs are great, and the pp is good as well. the gas station atmosphere is very unique.

ab's and gates are similar. ive enjoyed it every time ive gone, but its typically nothing to write home about. however, it is the "historical" bbq joint in KC ... so if youre there long enough to go to more than one bbq spot, hit up one of these.

and you were spot on with jack stack. if youre looking for a nicer sit down place, this is your spot. the one downtown in the freight house is nice. i know a few people who prefer jack stack over ok joes.

jknoll · Joined: 17 Jan 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Topeka, KS

I have been to LC's. I thought it was great. Sandwich sizes are similar to AB's. The meat is leaner and smokier, and the sauce is much better. I'll go back to this place again.

Another one you should try is Danny Edward's Boulevard BBQ, right across the street from Ponak's on Southwest Boulevard. I think Zagat rates it one point higher than Oklahoma Joes. Hard to say which is better, but the top two are definitely Boulevard or Oklahoma Joes, with Jack Stack a close 3rd.
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Smokn'BigButts! · Joined: 04 Feb 2010 Posts: 3

Technically, it's outside of KC, but Bates City BBQ, located in the small country town of Bates City (imagine that), is a Sunday tradition. Zarda isn't too bad either.