If you’re looking for a conversation starter, ask a Kansas Citian what their favorite barbecue place is. With more than 100 barbecue restaurants in the Kansas City Metro and many of them being nationally renowned, it can be hard to make a decision.
Some of our early pitmasters include familiar family names like “Bryant, Gates, Boyd, Harris, Fiorella and Thompson.” With easy access to unique barbecue takes across almost every KC corner, we’ve become the barbecue capital of the world. But watch out … Kansas Citians love to argue why their preferred restaurant is the best.
Today, we have a mass flavors to experience, all thanks to Kansas City friends willing to add something special to our barbecue community. Here a few options to try on your next visit.
Joe’s KC Don’t underestimate the convenience store on the corner of 47th Avenue and Mission Road. Joe’s Kansas City Barbeque, located out of a unseemingly iconic gas station, is a Kansas City BBQ staple. Owners Jeff and Joy Stehney along with friends formed the Slaughterhouse Five and began entering barbecue competitions. After making a connection with Joe Davidson (owner of the Oklahoma Joe’s Smoker Company), Jeff and Joe joined forces in creating the restaurant business. It’s probably the best gas station barbecue you’ll ever eat
The Original Gas Station Restaurant 3007 W 47 Ave. Kansas City, KS
11723 Roe Blvd. Leawood, KS
11950 S Strang Line Rd. Olathe, KS
Scott’s Kitchen Traveling is exhausting — and can make you hungry — so it’s fortunate that Scott’s Kitchen is the nearest barbecue restaurant to the KCI Airport. Scott Umscheid began his journey at a 2009 KCBS Barbecue competition crafting a 1st place chicken box at his very first competitive event. With a new passion for cooking smoke meats and barbecue, the Scotts-Yard BBQ team entered in more KCBS competitions. Their first place brisket was selected among 55 teams. A year later in 2017, the Scott’s Kitchen restaurant and Catering at Hangar 29 was born. You won’t need to worry about returning to KC on an empty stomach.
Scott’s Kitchen 11920 N Ambassador Dr (Monday-Saturday: 7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.)
Q39 For barbecue with a flair of culinary expertise, Chef Rob Magee leaves a delicious legacy in his renowned restaurant, Q39. After Magee earned his degree from the Culinary Institute of America, he began learning about KC barbecue and began competing his dishes. Magee and his ‘Munchin’ Hogs’ barbecue team won dozens of local and national championships. In November 2021, Magee passed away from cancer. Today, English Executive Chef Phillip Thompson carries on Magee’s flavors and passion for KC barbecue. Touched by culinary prowess, Q39 captures worldly flavors Magee’s education and and Thompson’s travels.
Midtown
1000 W 39th St.
Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
South
11051 Antioch Rd.
Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Hungry for more? Here 7 other iconic BBQ spots in KC to try
📍Arthur Bryant’s – Ted Lasso Favorite 1727 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64127
📍Buck Tui – Thai BBQ Fusion 6737 W 75th St, Overland Park, KS 66204
📍Burnt End BBQ – Executive Chef featured on Food Network 11831 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210
📍Gates – Mentioned by KC Rapper Tech N9ne 3205 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111
📍Jackstack – Cooked over Hickory wood 4747 Wyandotte St, Kansas City, MO 64112
📍Smoak As seen at Royals Stadium 13440 Santa Fe Trail Dr, Lenexa, KS 66215
📍Smokehouse – Plan an event in a Banquet Room 8451 NW Prairie View Rd, Kansas City MO, 64153
Did you know …
Henry Perry became our first known pitmaster in the early 1920’s. He wrapped his barbecue in newspapers to serve to locals, and his flavors contributed to the KC BBQ we know today.
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