Kansas City is renowned for its barbecue, considered one of the best in America and the world. But with so many legendary locations, choosing the best barbecue can be a challenge. This is why I spent 48 hours indulging in nothing but Kansas City Barbecue to find the best it has to offer.
Kansas City Barbecue is famous for its burnt ends, ribs, and sweet Kansas City style sauce. The level of smoke varies depending on the location, with a mid to mild level compared to Texas-style barbecue. The tender, juicy meats, like ribs and burnt ends, just melt in your mouth, embodying the Kansas City barbecue style.
There are numerous barbecue spots in Kansas City, from big names to smaller up-and-coming places. To pick the best locations, I relied on Google reviews, selecting only those with thousands of positive reviews and ratings upwards of five stars.
Our first stop was at Slaps Barbecue, known for its slightly newer place on the scene but gaining fame for its burnt ends. The ribs and burnt ends were delectable, especially when paired with their original and spicy sauces. The patio was a bit windy for sampling, but the food was worth it, and the cheesy potato salad was a hit.
Next, we visited Joe’s Kansas City Barbecue, an original and well-known establishment that started in a gas station. Their burnt ends were absolutely fantastic, with a heavy smoke flavor and the ribs were incredibly tender and juicy. The Z-Man sandwich, made with brisket, cheese, and barbecue sauce, was a hit. The original and spicy barbecue sauces were a perfect complement to their meats.
At Q39, known for its competition-style barbecue and award-winning meats, we enjoyed the best wings on the planet. The brisket was tender and delicious, and the burnt ends were juicy and succulent. The spice coleslaw and beans were also tasty, offering a unique blend of flavors.
Gates was a mixed experience, with the best part being the Burnt End sandwich, rich and full of flavor. The ribs were a bit dry, lacking the smoke flavor and tenderness we expected. The sauces were unique and thick, but the overall experience was a bit lackluster.
Jack Stack’s had the largest burnt ends we came across, perfectly cooked and succulent. The ribs were incredibly juicy and tender, and the sausage had a rich flavor. The brisket was cooked to perfection, although with a light smoke flavor. The sweet Kansas City-style sauce was a delightful addition to the meats.
Our unconventional stop at Char Bar offered a unique patio experience with delicious burnt ends and ribs. The pulled pork was flavorful, and the brisket was tender with a mild smoke flavor. The sausage was savory, and the beans were hearty and rich.
Our last stop at Burnt Ends Barbecue offered a more Texas-style barbecue with heavy smoke and a thick-sauce flavor. The Burnt Ends were juicy and succulent, and the brisket had a nice bark and texture. Their mustard and vinegar-based sauces offered a bold and tangy flavor.
In conclusion, Joe’s Kansas City Barbecue stood out with the best ribs, while Slaps, Jack Stack’s, and Burnt Ends Barbecue offered delicious burnt ends, each with its unique twist. Q39 had the best wings, and Char Bar provided a unique patio experience. Overall, each location had its own charm and specialities, making it a tough choice to pick the best barbecue in Kansas City. From smoky Texas-style to sweet Memphis-style, Kansas City barbecue offers a delightful mix of flavors and experiences.