Top BBQ in Kansas City

Becs
Dec 14, 2022
4 min read

Updated: May 19

Kansas City: the home of BBQ. When you think of Kansas City, a few main words may come quickly to your mind: Chiefs, BBQ, and Jazz.

It is no doubt that BBQ brings people around from the entire country to eat at some of our popular restaurants in the KC area. Some of the most well-known BBQ sauces and techniques of grilling come from this Mid-West area. Whether you are a local or a tourist, you won't want to miss out on the opportunity to eat at the restaurants below!

Scott's Kitchen & Catering at Hanger 29

Located: 11920 N Ambassador Dr. Kansas City, MO

If Kansas City barbecue is on your bucket list, Scott’s Kitchen deserves a spot near the top.

Tucked just minutes from the airport, this local favorite is the kind of place you tell people to hit the second they land in KC.

The shareable platters make it easy to try a little bit of everything (which is exactly how barbecue should be done), piled high with smoky meats, their four famous sides, house pickles, and the kind of comfort food that reminds you why Kansas City takes its barbecue so seriously.

What makes Scott’s stand out is that it doesn’t feel overly polished or touristy—it feels like a true local gem serving up legit KC barbecue with big portions and bold flavor.

And if you somehow still have room? Don’t skip dessert.

Perfect for: first-time Kansas City visitors, airport layover food runs, group dinners, and anyone building their own KC barbecue crawl.

American Way Smokehouse

Located: 17710 E 39th St S. Independence, MO

If you love a good hidden gem, this one deserves a spot on your KC BBQ list. Tucked inside Merchant Square in Independence (aka a giant antique mall with 400+ vendors), American Way Smokehouse makes for a surprisingly fun BBQ stop.

I went with the pulled pork sandwich, and it absolutely delivered—juicy, tender, and packed with that smoky BBQ flavor you hope for. But what really makes this spot stand out is the massive toppings bar. We’re talking multiple pickles, sauces, and toppings so you can fully customize your perfect BBQ bite instead of settling for just one flavor profile.

They also have drinks, cookies, and extras that make it easy to turn this into a full lunch stop while taking a break from antique shopping.

It’s a little unexpected, a little quirky, and exactly the kind of place I love adding to lists like this. Bonus points because it’s award-winning BBQ and gives you an excuse to shop vintage treasures before or after lunch.

Slap's BBQ

Address: 553 Central Ave, Kansas City, KS

Slaps BBQ in Kansas City, Kansas is a well-known and popular barbeque spot in the Kansas City metro! It is known for its juicy and tender meat selections and tasty sides. This spot is wonderful to visit on sunny days because of it's rooftop patio. From the top patio, you have a great view of the KC skyline in the background. You order at the main counter right when you walk in and the food comes out very quick. Make sure to try the combo platter to taste a little bit of everything!

BB's Lawnside BBQ & Blues

Address: 1205 E 85thStreet, Kansas City, MO 64131

Kansas City is well-known for its' BBQ! There are a TON of places to get mouthwatering BBQ dishes, but BB's is my absolute favorite spot to go. They even offer live music! I recommend starting off your dinner or lunch with their popular BBQ Nachos appetizer. When I go to BB's, I always order the BBQ Sundae: "From top to bottom this three-layered delight will satisfy any BBQ lover’s craving. Hickory smoked pit beans, creamy coleslaw and succulent Pulled Pork – served in a Mason jar and topped off with sauce and a pickle spear."

Link to BB's Lawnside Website

Q39

Address: Kansas City, MO - multiple locations

Q39 is one of my favorite BBQ spots to eat dinner with friends! Every time someone visits Kansas City, I will take them to Q39. Their pulled pork sandwich is my favorite because of their savory BBQ sauce and their homemade coleslaw on top. I highly recommend getting a side of the potato salad - I have never had better potato salad anywhere else! Try out their macaroni & cheese appetizer or their fried onion string appetizer before your meal!

Link to Q39 Website

Joe's Kansas City BBQ

Address: Kansas City, MO - multiple locations

Joe's BBQ is another popular destination for lovers of barbeque. A lot of individuals celebrate birthdays and other memorable party reasons at Joe's. Their burnt ends and brisket are spectacular. I have never tried better potato salad anywhere else. Joe's brownie and crème Brule are my favorite desserts in town! Can't decide on what to order? Try their multiple meat platter to get a sampling of different meats.

Link to Joe's BBQ Website

Gate's BBQ

Address: Kansas City, MO - multiple locations

Gate's is another popular BBQ hot spot in Kansas City, although the set up is slightly different than what you might be use to. You will go up to the counter to order your food first and then you will find your seat! Servers will bring the dish out to you once it is done! I always order their Bun with Fries dish where you can choose between beef, ham, turkey, or pork. You can even buy their homemade BBQ in a bottle!

Link to Gate's Website

Burnt End BBQ

Address: 2450 Grand Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108

Burnt End BBQ inside of Crown Center is a great place to grab a bite while shopping! We stayed at the Sheraton and walked across the Link to get inside Crown Center. I ordered the 2 meat (burnt ends & pulled pork) and 2 sides (Mac & Cheese and coleslaw). The Mac & Cheese was spectacularly cheesy! Check out the BBQ station which has a handful of different flavored BBQ sauce.

Link to Burnt End BBQ Website

There are plenty of additional restaurants to grab unbelievably delicious BBQ in the KC area that I may not have listed above. Below are some more recommendations within the KC area! When I visit this spot, I'll make sure to update the section with pictures of my meal and a the review of the food!