There are just so many amazing places for barbecue in Kansas City, it can feel impossible to even pick one. Some have the best ribs, others the best brisket, and so on. So, what do you do? You try them all! These amazing barbecue restaurants are some of the absolute best you’ll find in town. We’ve created this barbecue trail for you to follow, but feel free to adapt it to your personal preferences. Ready to hit the trail?
- Q39 - 1000 W. 39th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
Q39 Facebook
Q39 Facebook First on our list is Q39, one of the city’s most popular joints. Try anything from their chicken to the juicy ribs and fall in love with the barbecue trail from the start. If you’ve neglected this restaurant in the past, make sure you try it at least once! This sauce doesn’t mess around.
- Jack Stack Barbecue - 13441 Holmes, Kansas City, Missouri
Jack Stack Barbecue Facebook
Jack Stack Barbecue Facebook Jack Stack is another one of the big names in KC you shouldn’t miss. Plus, once you’ve tried them all, you can pick your favorites to return to. Here at Jack Stack, you’ll find that they care about all of their barbecue, not just ribs or brisket.
- Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que - 3002 West 47th Ave., Kansas City, Kansas
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que Facebook
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que Facebook We all know about Joe’s due to their national coverage as the best barbecue in America. Of course, if you’ve never made it in to try their ribs, burnt ends, or the Z-man, you should definitely make time to do it on this trip.
- Danny Edward’s BLVD - 2900 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri
CT3TIG/TripAdvisor
mpeacock_10/TripAdvisor Danny Edward’s isn’t as popular of a name in Kansas City, but there’s no denying the chicken and brisket here are worth a try. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a new favorite?
- Arthur Bryant’s - 1727 Brooklyn Ave., Kansas City, Missouri
ROBERT HUFFSTUTTER/Flickr
Matt Johnson/Flickr Our next stop is Arthur Bryant’s, where you’ll find the source of our love for KC barbecue in every dish. The sauce might not be all it once was, but the meat has never changed.
- Gates Bar-B-Q - 1221 Brooklyn Ave., Kansas City, Missouri
Gates Bar-B-Q Facebook (Emanuel Cleaver location pictured above)
Gates Bar-B-Q Facebook Gates has locations all over town, so if you prefer one over another, take your pick. They all serve juicy barbecue ranging from brisket to wings and everything in between.
- Woodyard Bar-B-Que - 3001 Merriam Ln., Kansas City, Kansas
Woodyard Bar B Que Facebook
Woodyard Bar B Que Facebook Woodyard is a smaller place, but makes some amazing smoked meats. They know more than the basics when it comes to wood smoking, that’s for sure.
- LC’s BBQ - 5800 Blue Pkwy., Kansas City, Missouri
Google Maps
LC’s BBQ Facebook Our next stop is LC’s, another favorite of many Kansas Citians. Their sauce is one of my favorites and is sure to satisfy every time.
- Slap’s BBQ - 553 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas
Slap’s BBQ Facebook
Slap’s BBQ Facebook Slap’s is one of my favorite barbecue joints, but it’s tricky to get a meal here when the food’s always sold out. If you’re lucky enough to get a plate, it’s worth every penny!
- Rosedale Barbecue - 600 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas
Rosedale Barbecue Facebook
Rosedale Barbecue Facebook Rosedale has been around for as long as I can remember, as has their barbecue. It’s a must-try for anyone that hasn’t made it here yet, and a wonderful conclusion to this trip.
Here’s a link to the full map that you see below where you can follow the trail and take your tastebuds on a journey across one of Kansas City’s claims to fame.
Q39 Facebook
First on our list is Q39, one of the city’s most popular joints. Try anything from their chicken to the juicy ribs and fall in love with the barbecue trail from the start. If you’ve neglected this restaurant in the past, make sure you try it at least once! This sauce doesn’t mess around.
Jack Stack Barbecue Facebook
Jack Stack is another one of the big names in KC you shouldn’t miss. Plus, once you’ve tried them all, you can pick your favorites to return to. Here at Jack Stack, you’ll find that they care about all of their barbecue, not just ribs or brisket.
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que Facebook
We all know about Joe’s due to their national coverage as the best barbecue in America. Of course, if you’ve never made it in to try their ribs, burnt ends, or the Z-man, you should definitely make time to do it on this trip.
CT3TIG/TripAdvisor
mpeacock_10/TripAdvisor
Danny Edward’s isn’t as popular of a name in Kansas City, but there’s no denying the chicken and brisket here are worth a try. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a new favorite?
ROBERT HUFFSTUTTER/Flickr
Matt Johnson/Flickr
Our next stop is Arthur Bryant’s, where you’ll find the source of our love for KC barbecue in every dish. The sauce might not be all it once was, but the meat has never changed.
Gates Bar-B-Q Facebook
(Emanuel Cleaver location pictured above)
Gates has locations all over town, so if you prefer one over another, take your pick. They all serve juicy barbecue ranging from brisket to wings and everything in between.
Woodyard Bar B Que Facebook
Woodyard is a smaller place, but makes some amazing smoked meats. They know more than the basics when it comes to wood smoking, that’s for sure.
Google Maps
LC’s BBQ Facebook
Our next stop is LC’s, another favorite of many Kansas Citians. Their sauce is one of my favorites and is sure to satisfy every time.
Slap’s BBQ Facebook
Slap’s is one of my favorite barbecue joints, but it’s tricky to get a meal here when the food’s always sold out. If you’re lucky enough to get a plate, it’s worth every penny!
Rosedale Barbecue Facebook
Rosedale has been around for as long as I can remember, as has their barbecue. It’s a must-try for anyone that hasn’t made it here yet, and a wonderful conclusion to this trip.
Are you one of the few who aren’t a big fan of barbecue? Do you just feel like eating something else this week? Check out this amazing taco trail instead for another great day trip idea.
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