Kansas City’s BBQ scene is legendary, and the locals take it seriously. With so many incredible joints to choose from, how do you know where to start? To make it easy, here’s a ranking of 11 must-visit KC BBQ restaurants, ordered from highest Google customer rating to lowest.
1. Chef J BBQ — ⭐ 4.6
Recommended Dishes: Hickory-smoked meats, house-made sidesHours: Thu–Sat: 11:30 am – 4:00 pm; Sun: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm; Mon–Wed: ClosedAddress: 1401 W 13th St, Suite G, Kansas City, MO 64102Website: chefjbbq.com Map: Google Maps Link Best Time to Visit: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm (sells out fast!)
2. Q39 (Midtown) — ⭐ 4.5
Recommended Dishes: Brisket, burnt ends, ribsHours: Sun–Thu: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm; Fri–Sat: 11:00 am – 11:00 pmAddress: 1000 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111Website: q39kc.com Map: Google Maps Link Best Time to Visit: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
3. BB’s Lawnside Blues & BBQ — ⭐ 4.4
Recommended Dishes: Burnt end soup, brisket chili, jambalayaHours: Mon–Thu: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm; Fri–Sat: 11:00 am – 12:00 am; Sun: ClosedAddress: 1205 E 85th St, Kansas City, MO 64131Website: bbslawnsidebbq.com Map: Google Maps Link Best Time to Visit: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
4. Fiorella’s Jack Stack (Freight House) — ⭐ 4.4
Recommended Dishes: Burnt ends, ribs, cheesy corn bakeHours: Mon–Thu: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm; Fri–Sat: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm; Sun: ClosedAddress: 101 W 22nd St, Kansas City, MO 64108Website: jackstackbbq.com Map: Google Maps Link Best Time to Visit: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
5. Hawg Jaw Que & Brew — ⭐ 4.3
Recommended Dishes: 21-day aged beef, microbrewsHours: Mon–Thu: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm; Fri–Sat: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm; Sun: ClosedAddress: 900 Swift Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116Website: hawgjawqueandbrew.com Map: Google Maps Link Best Time to Visit: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
6. Rosedale Bar-B-Q — ⭐ 4.2
Recommended Dishes: Ribs, burnt ends, sausageHours: Mon–Thu: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm; Fri–Sat: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm; Sun: ClosedAddress: 600 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108Website: rosedalebarbecue.com Map: Google Maps Link Best Time to Visit: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
7. LC’s Bar-B-Q — ⭐ 4.1
Recommended Dishes: Burnt ends, ribs, wingsHours: Mon–Sat: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm; Sun: ClosedAddress: 5800 Blue Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64129Website: lcsbar-b-q.com Map: Google Maps Link Best Time to Visit: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
8. Gates Bar-B-Q (Emanuel Cleaver Blvd) — ⭐ 4.0
Recommended Dishes: Burnt ends, ribs, sausageHours: Mon–Thu: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm; Fri–Sat: 11:00 am – 12:00 am; Sun: ClosedAddress: 1325 E Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64110Website: gatesbbq.com Map: Google Maps Link Best Time to Visit: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
9. Gates Bar-B-Q (Main St) — ⭐ 4.0
Recommended Dishes: Burnt end sandwich, ribsHours: Sun: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm; Mon–Thu: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm; Fri–Sat: 11:00 am – 12:00 amAddress: 3205 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111Website: gatesbbq.com Map: Google Maps Link Best Time to Visit: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
10. Smokehouse Barbecue (Zona Rosa) — ⭐ 4.0
Recommended Dishes: Brisket, ribs, baked beansHours: Mon–Thu: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm; Fri–Sat: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm; Sun: ClosedAddress: 8451 NW Prairie View Rd, Kansas City, MO 64153Website: smokehousebbq.com Map: Google Maps Link Best Time to Visit: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
11. Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue — ⭐ 3.9
Recommended Dishes: Pork and beef combo sandwich, fries, baked beansHours: Mon–Sat: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; Sun: ClosedAddress: 1727 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64127Website: arthurbryantsbbq.com Map: Google Maps Link Best Time to Visit: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
💡 Travel Tip: Some of the highest-rated BBQ spots in KC (like Chef J BBQ and Q39) sell out fast or fill up with reservations. Plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss out!
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