Here’s the Best Place for BBQ in Kansas City
You don't want me to tell you where to go get a big 'ol plate of BBQ in Kansas City, any more than you want me to tell you where in Texas you can find great BBQ. 'Cause BBQ isn't my thing. That said, the Thrillist website has named the best BBQ joints in Kansas City, and it's no surprise who is #1 on the list.
Arthur Bryant's Barbeque places first on Thrillist's list. Thrillist says:
The sauces come Rich & Spicy or Original, and the servings are plentiful. Luckily, choices here are exceptionally streamlined. There’s six meats, ribs, fries, onion rings, and some choices for the kids. Throw a dart at the menu and chances are you’ll be satisfied with what you’re taking home. They’re also so proud of their white bread that you can just buy a loaf of it. It’s… actually worth it.
Thrillist's suggestion is to try mixing meats on the sandwich. They suggest half brisket and half burnt ends.
What's Arthur Bryant's secret? Well, their website mentions slow-smoking succulent meat with a mix of hickory and oak woods. And then splashing the BBQ with their original or rich & spicy sauce- a secret recipe created by Arthur Bryant himself.
Apparently, many critics prefer Jack Stack Barbecue. That's third on Thrillist's list, and they admit it's the critic's darling. They also don't have anything bad to say about it. They suggest going to the Freight House location and getting the burnt ends. They also have high praise for the sauce.
Arthur Bryant's is at 1727 Brookly Avenue in Kansas City and they're open daily from 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM CDT. Jack Stack Barbecue has a variety of locations in Missouri and Kansas including one off of Highway 50 in Lee's Summit. The Freight House location, which Thrillist says is the one to visit is at 101 W 22nd Street #300 in Kansas City. They're open Monday-Thursday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, and Sunday 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM CDT.
You can check out Thrillist's full list of recommendations here.