There’s A Barbecue Trail In Kansas City And It’s Everything You’ve Ever Dreamed Of
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?
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
11. Q39 - 1000 W. 39th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
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.
2. Jack Stack Barbecue - 13441 Holmes, Kansas City, Missouri
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.
3. Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que - 3002 West 47th Ave., Kansas City, Kansas
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.
4. Danny Edward's BLVD - 2900 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri
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?
5. Arthur Bryant's - 1727 Brooklyn Ave., Kansas City, Missouri
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.
6. Gates Bar-B-Q - 1221 Brooklyn Ave., Kansas City, Missouri
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.
7. Woodyard Bar-B-Que - 3001 Merriam Ln., Kansas City, Kansas
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!
10. Rosedale Barbecue - 600 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas
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.
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.
Born and raised Kansan, Clarisa has lived in both tiny towns and cities during her time here in the Sunflower State, mostly in the south central area. Clarisa is a stay-at-home mother of one crazy kid, two cats, and two geckos, and has been writing anything and everything since she's held a pencil, though Kansas and fantasy novels take up most of her time.
