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.

[dtebbe]

I guess I'm going to have to try Jack Stack again next time I'm up in KC. I've gone there a couple times and have been totally unimpressed both times (I mean IMHO Zarda is better than Jack Stack). But time and time again on these polls everyone goes on about it.. maybe I just picked bad days or something. I do have to admit I'm a fan of BBQ "joints", if there isn't a little funk it just never seems to taste as good.

DT

[dtebbe]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

National magazine says KC BBQ ranks behind Texas and Memphis.

http://travel.yahoo.com/ideas/americ....html?page=all

I had some dry rub ribs at Neely's in Memphis, and I have to admit they were pretty darn good. Probably as good as any ribs I've had in KC.



I have to imagine that Texas brisket is probably pretty good, never had it though.

DT

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by dtebbe

I guess I'm going to have to try Jack Stack again next time I'm up in KC. I've gone there a couple times and have been totally unimpressed both times (I mean IMHO Zarda is better than Jack Stack).

Zarda? Really Zarda?

Jack Stack and Zarda are about as close in quality as Hershey's chocolate is to fine Swiss chocolate.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

I risk all cred, perhaps even my man card, but I have to honest.

Ate at Texas Roadhouse a while back and had a coupon for a free appetizer. I went with the ribs and took them home.

I can honestly say it was a transcendent experience. The 'burnt' portions were crispy like when you render the fat in good bacon. The meat was literally falling off the bone, and even the bones were so slow smoked that I could crack them in half with my teeth and scoop out the marrow. It didn't have any particular sauce/rub flavorings, just intense INTENSE smokiness, with a perfect mix of crispy and tender throughout the meat, and did I mention MARROW?

It was one experience from one restaurant in a chain, but it was soooo much better than I had any expectations.

That's ridiculously overcooked...

[dtebbe]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

Zarda? Really Zarda?

Jack Stack and Zarda are about as close in quality as Hershey's chocolate is to fine Swiss chocolate.

I'm just sayin'... Zarda is at the bottom of my KC BBQ ranking, the only reason I've ever ate there is that there was one right down the street from my Mom's house in Blue Springs. But when I've ate at Jack Stack the food was not any better than what I've had at Zarda. The two times I've ate a Jack Stack I had ribs once and brisket the other.

DT

[Dayze]

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

That's ridiculously overcooked...

Yup.

[DaKCMan AP]

Originally Posted by Reaper16

I'm ****ing right, because I know what singing is supposed to sound like.

No, you're just deaf.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

Originally Posted by KCUnited

The Rub.

Yeah. That sounds right. That hash bowl was ****ing fantastic!

[Mr. Flopnuts]

Originally Posted by dtebbe

I guess I'm going to have to try Jack Stack again next time I'm up in KC. I've gone there a couple times and have been totally unimpressed both times (I mean IMHO Zarda is better than Jack Stack). But time and time again on these polls everyone goes on about it.. maybe I just picked bad days or something. I do have to admit I'm a fan of BBQ "joints", if there isn't a little funk it just never seems to taste as good.

DT

Get a Poor Russ sandwich, some beans, and some cheesy corn bake. BAM!

[BigRedChief]

Bump for some KC BBQ karma FTW!

[Fairplay]

Originally Posted by dtebbe

I guess I'm going to have to try Jack Stack again next time I'm up in KC. I've gone there a couple times and have been totally unimpressed both times (I mean IMHO Zarda is better than Jack Stack). But time and time again on these polls everyone goes on about it.. maybe I just picked bad days or something. I do have to admit I'm a fan of BBQ "joints", if there isn't a little funk it just never seems to taste as good.

DT

Any opinion you have on food is now null and void, please remove yourself from this thread.

[BigRedChief]

Anyone know about Jimmy B's BBQ? Best BBQ I've ever had in Florida, They were at a Ribfest festival.

[Fish]

Has anyone tried Q39 yet? New BBQ joint on 39th St.

A cowpoke can become a cattle baron — but it isn't easy.

Rob Magee was something of a cattle baron before he opted for the cowpoke life. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Magee spent a long career on the culinary side of the hotel business, working for international chains such as Westin and Hilton. Then, after more than a decade as executive chef for the Hilton Kansas City Airport property, he hit the smoke-and-brisket circuit in 2002. His Munchin' Hogs team would go on to great things in competition barbecue — great enough to herd Magee back to the restaurant ranch. He's now chef and co–owner of the two–month–old Q39.

Magee didn't need the hassle or the potential heartbreak of a brick–and–mortar operation. And KC isn't hurting for barbecue. But Q39 lives up to Magee's pitmaster reputation — it's one of the best new barbecue joints to open in the metro in a long time.

[...]


The simple stuff is supposed to be the best, and here, it is. The beef brisket is gorgeously tender, the burnt ends cut on the bias instead of into blocky little cubes (an epiphany, baby), the spare ribs meaty and not at all dry or overcooked. And the pulled pork I craved? Moist and flavorful from its soak in an apple brine.

Not every simplicity is as sublime as the best of the meat. The fries may be house–cut, but the ones I sampled were too salty. And I detested the potato salad, its spuds unappealingly al dente. I found an antidote in the creamy macaroni and cheese: cavatappi noodles blanketed in a rich cheese sauce. (That's why you don't bother with the fondue.)

Sauce isn't mild here, but it's not overpowering, either, with the "zesty" version taking the most bite and the "classic" boasting a subtler but still distinctive fire. A chipotle take isn't the tongue–burner I hoped it would be, but at least it — like every other sauce here — avoids sweetness.

The burgers, made with ground brisket and Black Angus beef, are expensive but very good. A server one day talked me into trying the burnt–end burger, and I'm glad; the one I ate was excellent. You're better off attacking it with a knife and a fork, the better to savor a jumble of spicy pickle slaw on top of the meat. The signature slaw here is a creamy concoction made with Granny Smith apples and onions; it's a fine complement to the spicier offerings, such as a barbecued chicken sandwich topped with chipotle mayo, or the jumbo chicken wings whose shiny glaze betrays a searing note behind the first bite.

The service is attentive and professional, but when the dining room is really busy, the crew scurries around at a near sprint, sometimes bumping into tables or even patrons in their unbridled zeal. With all that sauce in all that handsome crockery, the risks are clear.

The desserts are made in–house, and I give high marks to the hot apple crumble and the creamy cheesecake. I'm resistant to the trend of sugar–dusted doughnuts as an after–dinner dolce, but the golfball–sized spheres at Q39 are both soft and slightly chewy and reach a state approaching grandeur when dipped in the accompanying chocolate and raspberry sauces.

Full article: http://www.pitch.com/kansascity/q39-...nt?oid=4249862

[Reaper16]

Originally Posted by Fish

Has anyone tried Q39 yet? New BBQ joint on 39th St.

I'm also seeing good press about Slap's (another new place).

[sedated]

Originally Posted by Fish

Has anyone tried Q39 yet? New BBQ joint on 39th St.

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.