By Frank Lockhart
The Best BBQ Restaurants in Kansas City
Proponents of
Kansas City-style barbeque concede that other regions of the U.S. such as the Carolinas or Texas might have done BBQ first, but they will counter that Kansas City perfected it as an art form. With more than 100 BBQ restaurants in the area, the main distinguishing features of Kansas City-style BBQ are a medium-spicy, tomato-based sauce with molasses or brown sugar added to give the sauce more body.
Arthur Bryant's
Arthur Bryant's is the oldest BBQ place in Kansas City.
Kansas City BBQ started with Arthur Bryant's. It was the first BBQ place in the city, started by Henry Perry as "Old Man Perry's" in 1908 with ribs for 25 cents a slab, sold out of an old trolley barn. Later bought by the Bryant brothers and renamed, it is now as famous a landmark of the city as the Royals or Chiefs. Their ribs and meats are known for their tangy sauce. The ambiance is a decidedly down-home affair, with people from all walks of life converging on the shack for their fix of tasty grub.
1727 Brooklyn Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64127
(816) 231-1123
arthurbryantsbbq.com
Gates Bar-B-Q
Gates Bar-B-Q is a strong contender for the title of "Best BBQ in KC."
If Arthur Bryant's is the New York Yankees of the Kansas City BBQ world, then Gates is the Boston Red Sox--both have their ardent supporters, and have been battling for regional supremacy for decades. Gates offers a slightly spicier sauce than Arthur Bryant's and some unique menu choices such as lamb ribs. But make sure you know what you want before you come in--the counter staff is known for yelling "Hi, may I help you?" and demanding an answer the second you walk in the door, which you may find charming or annoying.
1221 Brooklyn Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64127
(816) 483-3880
gatesbbq.com
Fiorella's Jack Stack
Although the youngest of the "Big Three" BBQ places in Kansas City (founded in 1957), Fiorella's Jack Stack offers an upscale alternative to the more down-and-dirty approach favored by its main rivals Arthur Bryant's and Gates. The downtown restaurant features Moorish architecture and a view of one of the city's many fountains. Fiorella's is known for its "burnt ends," a Kansas City specialty consisting of the crispy ends of a brisket. But what sets Fiorella's apart are the side dishes, including signature baked beans and a corn bake oozing with cheese taste.
101 W 22nd St., Ste 300
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 942-5965
jackstackbbq.com
Resources
About the Author:
Frank Lockhart has more than a decade of professional writing experience, both in the media and at a corporate level. Since 2003, he has worked in the public relations industry, creating and executing campaigns for technology and entertainment companies. Lockhart is also a journalist who has worked for the "Orange County Register," as well as several online publications.
Photo Credits:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lifeontheedge/; http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheeseroc/; http://www.flickr.com/photos/calistan/
