If you live here in Kansas you know that when it comes to BBQ joints, we have some of the best hidden treasures in the country. Last year Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que landed the second spot on TripAdvisor’s list of best BBQ restaurants as well as making its way onto USA Today’s list from this year. Celebrating 20 years of undeniably delicious service, there’s no second guessing why Joe’s has long been receiving awards.

What many consider to be the best BBQ restaurant in the entire state, if not the country, Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que locations are worth the long lines.
Enrique C./Yelp
Our favorite location to visit is where the story all begins. Joe's Kansas City restaurant is located inside the gas station pictured above.

How to get here: 3002 West 47th Avenue Kansas City, Kansas 66103
What started out as a group of friends entering barbecue competitions would turn into something much more magical.
Madelyn R./Yelp
After the owners attended a barbecue competition and quickly fell in love with the dishes, they would eventually buy a competition-style smoker with a group of friends. Entering competitions and winning awards, the friends became known as the Slaughterhouse Five.
To no one's surprise, it didn't take long for people to start suggesting that these guys open up their own restaurant.
Gina A./Yelp
Hesitant to enter the restaurant business, it would take all of the right cards falling into their laps to get our now favorite barbecue restaurant open. Joe's would start off in the now famous gas station and over time would open up two more restaurants in other locations.

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Twenty years later, Joe's has managed to create the perfect mouthwatering menu that continuously brings in customers.
Jamie H./Yelp
If you've never checked out the menu for yourself or can't read the tiny print in the picture above, you can click here to view it online.
While they're known for creating the most dreamy rack of ribs you've ever laid your eyes on...
Lauren F./Yelp
It's the Z-Man sandwich that has people coming back to Joe's.
Lauren F./Yelp
Creating a unique dish unlike anything people had ever seen, the Z-Man sandwich is something that everyone in Kansas should try at least once. We guarantee you'll be back for seconds.

So, what's the Z-Man? Slow-smoked beef brisket with provolone cheese, topped off with onion rings on a warm toasted roll. AKA Heaven. It's this popular item on Joe's menu that creates the long lines going out the door. We assure you, it's more than worth the wait.
Another popular item on the menu that you'll have to arrive early to get your hands on? The burnt ends.
Jonathan E./Yelp
Pictured above you can see Joe's burnt ends with rice, another dish worthy of your Kansas food bucket list. As stated on their site, you'll come to learn that Joe's serves burnt ends on Monday and Saturday during lunch as well as Wednesdays during dinner.

If you want to get your hands on these, you'll make sure that you arrive early because this dish sells out fast!

To learn about how the popular Z-Man sandwich was created, check out this fantastic (and mouthwatering) video Flatland put together on YouTube! You won’t want to miss this.

Anyone else having a hard time hearing anything over the sound of their rumbling stomach? This can’t just be me right? To read about more amazing places where you can grab delicious barbecue, check out these 9 Other BBQ Joints In Kansas That Will Leave Your Mouth Watering!

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