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.

[Dayze]

**** that.

I'd rather drive to Spring Hill for K&M. Gates blows. Jack Stack is a go to.
OK Joes is...well, 'o.k.'. a majority of the BBQ in this town aren't very good, or at least don't live up to the hype

[sedated]

I tried Danny Edwards BBQ a few weeks ago and it drew me back last weekend. Their brisket is fantastic! Hands down the most tender I’ve ever had, and no fat chunks. Its so well cooked that they can cut it super thick, rather than versions that have to be sliced like deli meat to hide their chewiness.

Only problem is that its never open. They close at 3 every day and all day on Sunday. Thought I could sneak in there for lunch on Memorial day, but apparently they decided not to open that day either.

[Dayze]

one place i LOVED was a place called "B.C.'s" at 470 and Blue Ridge. tiny, dive place. but when I lived in grandview, I tried it one day and it was in my top 3. their sammiches were huge, and a ton of fries for like $7. of course, it's closed now i believe.

[sedated]

Originally Posted by Dayze

Jack Stack is a go to.

I’ve had very meh experiences at Jack Stack recently. Particularly the freight house location, last year I had one of the most forgettable BBQ meals I can remember. However the plaza location has been solid.

[Dayze]

hmmm. I haven't been there in probably 2 years or so. and it was at the 95th/metcalf etc.

they have one on the plaza now?

[Fish]

Originally Posted by sedated

I live right down the street, have heard good things, but haven’t tried it yet – it looks overpriced. Unless I’m missing something on the menu, its $12-15 for a sandwich and side. $4 for a single slider.

I'm just a few blocks down the street myself, which is why I was curious. But those prices are a little shocking. Hadn't seen that yet. That's kinda silly considering how many good affordable BBQ joints are around.

[bdj23]

I went with Oklahoma Joe's... Only because I had a hair in my pulled pork last time I went to Jack Stack.

[Dayze]

maybe it was Jack's hair

[Fish]

Originally Posted by Dayze

hmmm. I haven't been there in probably 2 years or so. and it was at the 95th/metcalf etc.

they have one on the plaza now?

Yeah, it's where the old KC Masterpiece used to be. It's always been solid.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by Dayze

a majority of the BBQ in this town aren't very good, or at least don't live up to the hype

You need to come down here to Florida and taste what passes for "good" BBQ. The stuff that comes out of my smoker is way better. It's a damn low bar here.

[BWillie]

Need a new poal IMO, 5 year old poal is dated. Okie Joes will win it hands down if you put a pole up now.

And Q39 or whatever, it's okay. It's trying to go a little fancy, but I've had at least 5 plaecs in KC better.

[Dayze]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

You need to come down here to Florida and taste what passes for "good" BBQ. The stuff that comes out of my smoker is way better. It's a damn low bar here.

you need to sell that chit.

[Dayze]

for me, everytime I've been to K&M BBQ in Springhill, i haven't been disappointed. same with Jack Stack. i've tried, tried, tried, to like Gates....onces even taking a 3 year hiatus from it since the time before it sucked pipe. yet, even after 3 years i thought it sucked. only good things were the fries and the sauce (the sauce 'if' that). Dry ass brisket. hame and turkey tasted like smoked lunch meat etc.

Haven't been since probably 2005.

[sedated]

Originally Posted by Dayze

i've tried, tried, tried, to like Gates....onces even taking a 3 year hiatus from it since the time before it sucked pipe. yet, even after 3 years i thought it sucked. only good things were the fries and the sauce (the sauce 'if' that). Dry ass brisket. hame and turkey tasted like smoked lunch meat etc.

There’s one maybe 3 or 4 miles from me, but I haven’t had Gates in forever. I don’t hate it, but the comment about the dry brisket is the troof. I have been known to sneak their extra hot sauce into other places.

[Raiderhater]

I decided to try Danny Edwards' Boulevard BBQ a couple of weeks ago. I was far from impressed. I got their combo plate substituting burnt ends for the ham. The chicken sucked, and the ribs were not much better. The sliced beef was ok and the burnt ends were actually decent. The only reason I may go back would be to grab a burnt end sandwich.