Best BBQ in Kansas City
Patrick Mahomes might be the superstar sports hero, but in Kansas City, the true king is KC-style barbeque. The citywide obsession dates back to the 1920's where a man named Henry Perry, the “Father of Kansas City barbeque,” was known for dishing out smoked meats in the city’s garment district. He would wrap his barbecue in newspaper and sell it to his hungry customers. It wasn't long before his creations became so popular that others in the area began to mimic and sell their own— barbeque suddenly became a staple in Kansas City, with many different people putting their own unique spin on it.
Our team at The Retreat at Walnut Creek, a people-first apartment community in the Crestview neighborhood of Kansas City, put together a list of our favorite barbeque joints to save you time and energy. The work of taste testing was very difficult as you might imagine, but someone’s got to do it!
Chef J
Bring your appetite and perhaps a friend or two with you when you head over to Chef J BBQ. Although the spot has only been open for a handful of years, it has already earned a reputation as the kind of place you go if you appreciate big servings. Speaking to Kansas City Magazine, the owner Justin Easterwood, said that's just the way they like it. He went on to note that people in the area have gotten more and more used to the concept of taking some of their dish home with them when they are done with the meal. Thus, Chef J BBQ will continue to work on dishing out the largest plates of barbecue that you will find in the city.
Q39
How about this for a little twist on the matter: A British guy doing barbecue in Kansas City. Yes, that's certainly not something that you see every day! That said, owner Philip Thompson is someone that you can trust to provide you with the extra special attention that the very best barbecue in the world deserves. After all, he is famously known for taking trips back to Scotland to learn about the fish-smoking traditions that are practiced in the area to better his own cooking abilities in Kansas City.
The man might be a little quirky in his approach, but you will love the results that he has produced. The barbecue ribs that he puts out there for his customers are a particular fan-favorite. Cooked to perfection and with just the right kinds of sauce, you will find yourself wanting to come back time and time again to see what else Q39 has to offer.
Scott's Kitchen
Sometimes having the best location is one of the things that can really set you apart. In a city full of various barbecue options, this is how Scott's Kitchen keeps itself relevant and providing the best barbecue that it can to the hungry masses. They are the barbecue restaurant that is located closest to the airport. That might not seem like that big of a deal at first blush, but when you consider how many people are ready to dive into some barbecue as soon as they get off the plane, it starts to make sense.
That being said, many locals continue to come back to Scott's Kitchen time and time again because of the quality of the food served there. The brisket is a particular favorite of many who patronize the place, and they tend to love the flavorful sauce that it is cooked in. You just have to try it for yourself and experience what it is like to eat barbecue that is a grade above the rest.
Gates Bar-B-Q
You don't get to stick around as a barbecue restaurant in the capitol of barbecue without producing a truly exceptional products. That's why the fact that Gates Bar-B-Q has been around since the 1940's should tell you that they are a great place to include on your list. Not only have they been around for all of those decades, but they operate 7 days a week to serve the hungry masses as well. It's all about getting the people what they want, and the people want Gates Bar-B-Q with its famous and affordable barbecue sandwiches.
Enjoy All of the Best BBQ in Kansas City from Your Comfortable Living Space
After your barbeque adventures, please visit us at The Retreat at Walnut Creek Apartments. Our homes are situated north of the river in Crestview, an ideal location that provides residents with access to the city and all the barbeque joints mentioned above. On top of this, the community offers a resort-style swimming pool, professional fitness center, pickleball court, and covered carports.