10 Kansas Restaurants Everyone Should Add to Their BBQ Bucket List

Barbecue is a serious topic in Kansas, where you can debate for hours about whether you like your sauce sweet, spicy, vinegary, or any other component. Even without debating the sauce, you could go on forever about smoked and rubbed meats of all kinds, and whether burnt ends are your thing. Barbecue is a great piece of our state, and every BBQ bucket list needs these Kansas locations on it.

1. Smokey Racks BBQ

Smokey Racks is what we like to see when it comes to barbecue, and it definitely doesn't let us down. Smokey Racks sauce is one of my favorites, and you can't go wrong with pulled pork or the loaded spud. Other menu favorites include the hot links and brisket jacked mac and cheese.

You'll find this little-known eatery open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Address: 701 South Broadway Street, Pittsburg, KS 66762

2. Cox Brothers BBQ

Located in Manhattan, Cox Brothers BBQ is new to me, but the big Memphis and the brisket are definitely worth a return trip. The portions are big, the fries are excellent, and many recommend the pork and mac sandwich as well. You'll also find many daily specials, from chicken-fried steak to Texas brisket tacos.

Open Sunday to Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Address: 223 McCall Road, Manhattan, KS 66502

3. Arthur Bryant's Barbecue

Kansas City is undoubtedly home to some of the best barbecue in the country. Although Arthur Bryant's is technically in Missouri, no Kansas barbecue list would be complete without mentioning this Kansas City staple. Arthur Bryant's in KCMO is the creator of arguably one of the best barbecue sauces ever. Pick any of its meats and enjoy a historic sauce that hasn't changed since its creation.

This tasty joint is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Address: 1727 Brooklyn Ave., Kansas City, MO 64127

4. Smoked Creations BBQ

Smoked Creations is a Kansas spot we've known for a while now, and their ribs are still just as good as ever. Known as Ottawa's only BBQ restaurant, its smoked eats aren't only the best in town because of this fact, but also for its delicious sauces, homemade potato chips, and its popular longhorn. The portions for everything are large enough that you can easily take home your leftovers for another meal later.

Smoked Creations BBQ is open daily at 11 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. on Sunday, at 9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, and at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Address: 222 East Logan Street, Ottawa, KS 66067

5. Leroy's BBQ

Found in Pomona, Leroy's is a tasty spot for a BBQ sandwich, especially if you love sauce. You can't beat a small-town barbecue restaurant in Kansas, especially when the bar is set this high. At this tasty joint, the smoked meats are hand rubbed with a homemade rub and smoked with hickory wood until they reach a delicious perfection.

Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Address: 203 East Franklin Street #8998, Pomona, KS 66076

6. Rosedale Bar-B-Q

Rosedale Bar-B-Q has been a Kansas staple since 1934, delighting customers with its satisfying variety of slow-cooked meats and savory sauces. A Kansas City institution, its mouthwatering menu features everything from chicken and pork to bread pudding. It's a must-see on any trip to the city known as the BBQ Capital of the World.

Rosedale’s Bar-B-Q is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Address: 600 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66103

7. The Hickory Stik

Established in 2017, the Hickory Stik may be a newer barbecue joint, but what it lacks in age it makes up for in flavor. With plenty of plates prepared by experienced pit masters, it serves up some of the best quality smoked dishes and sides you’ll find in Hutchinson. Fans recommend the spicy beans, crispy fried okra, and fall-off-the-bone ribs.

Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Address: 25 North Main Street, Hutchinson, KS 67501

8. Plank's BBQ

Plank's is lucky enough to be attached to the packing plant, and if you like your BBQ a little more fatty than others, you'll find that Plank's is a fantastic place for that. The ribs, pulled pork, and onion rings are fan favorites. A cozy setting with a vintage charm, it's a fantastic stop, whether you're visiting Garden City in winter, spring, or fall.

Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. Address: 912 East Fulton Street, Garden City, KS 67846

9. RJ's Bob-Be-Que

A restaurant that looks more like the outside of a convenience store than an eatery, RJ's Bob-Be-Que is a fantastic little nook. Fans of this BBQ hangout declare the pork burnt ends and mac and cheese to be delectable. The in-house barbecue sauces are also highly regarded, especially the Southern Sauce, Texas Habanero Sauce, and RJ’s Original Sauce.

Open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Address: 5835 Lamar Ave., Mission, KS 66202

10. Slap’s BBQ

A joint so sensational you might see a line snaking around the building’s corner, Slap’s BBQ is always worth the wait. Locals and tourists alike salivate over Slap’s meaty offerings and delicious sides. From the mouthwateringly moist brisket to the tender pork ribs, it’s hard to go wrong at this beloved Kansas City BBQ restaurant. 

This extremely popular place is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (or until they run out of food!). Address: 553 Central Ave., Kansas City, KS 66101

Still hungry? If you're all about food, you'll find that this fried chicken trail only adds more to your Kansas bucket list. That is, if you haven't already tried all of them. Looking to expand your barbecue horizons even wider? Check out these 50 best BBQ spots in the U.S.

Before you leave on your next foodie adventure, be sure to download Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to help build the perfect trip using the power of AI.