Kansas City is arguably the BBQ capital of America. With over 100 BBQ joints, a distinctive sweet tomato-based sauce, and the invention of burnt ends, KC takes its barbecue seriously. The city's BBQ heritage spans both Missouri and Kansas sides.
KC BBQ Essentials
Burnt Ends
KC's signature. Crispy, caramelized brisket points.
Ribs
Spare ribs or baby backs, heavy sauce
Pulled Pork
Smoked and shredded, classic
Z-Man
Brisket, provolone, onion rings on a bun
KC Sauce
Sweet, thick, tomato-molasses based
Brisket
Sliced, served with pickles & white bread
Legendary KC BBQ Spots
Joe's Kansas City BBQ
Kansas Side • The Z-Man
Formerly Oklahoma Joe's. The Z-Man sandwich is legendary. Located in a gas station, worth every minute of the wait.
Q39
Midtown • Modern KC BBQ
Competition-style BBQ in a refined setting. Burnt ends are incredible, and the sides are restaurant-quality.
Gates BBQ
Multiple Locations • Classic KC
"Hi, may I help you?" The greeting is famous. Old-school KC BBQ with tangy sauce. A local institution since 1946.
Arthur Bryant's
18th & Vine • Historic
The granddaddy of KC BBQ. Presidents have eaten here. The original sauce recipe is iconic.
Slap's BBQ
Kansas Side • Award-Winning
Competition winners who opened a restaurant. Ribs are exceptional, and the burnt ends rival Joe's.
LC's Bar-B-Q
East Side • Hidden Gem
No-frills spot with some of the best ribs in the city. Smoke flavor is intense. Cash only.
KC vs Texas BBQ
While Texas focuses on beef with minimal seasoning, Kansas City embraces variety and sauce:
- Sauce: KC uses thick, sweet tomato-molasses sauce; Texas is often dry or with thin pepper sauce
- Meats: KC does pork and beef equally; Texas prioritizes brisket
- Burnt Ends: A KC invention, now copied nationwide
- Sides: KC emphasizes beans and coleslaw; Texas is more about white bread and pickles
🏆 Our Picks
Best Overall: Joe's Kansas City - The Z-Man is life-changing
Best Burnt Ends: Q39 - Competition-quality every day
Best Historic: Arthur Bryant's - Where legends ate
Best Ribs: LC's Bar-B-Q - Intense smoke, perfect bark