Kansas City's Famous Cuisine

Before you dive into the sweet and smoky details, get to know the basics of the dishes that have defined KC for decades.

A traditional Kansas City sauce is a thick, molasses-based concoction of spicy and sweet flavors. When it comes to substance, Kansas City barbecue is surprisingly flexible. Old-school tendencies insist on the “low and slow” method, meaning low heat and long hours in the smoker. A newer wave of chefs-turned-pitmasters tend to prefer the opposite, trending more towards higher heats and faster cooking times. Both methods result in delicious ‘cue and packed dining rooms.

Burnt ends are a staple on many Kansas City barbecue menus. The smoky, crispy-yet-juicy dish cut from the brisket tip has been a KC staple since Arthur Bryant’s started passing pieces out for free while customers waited in line.

Barbecue woods add distinct flavor over long smoking sessions. In some cases, the wood a restaurant uses is determined by the geographic characteristics of the region (i.e. if pecan is native to your area, you may be more likely to use it).

Many KC pitmasters prefer hickory wood for its versatility—it pairs well with pork and beef—as well as the rich, mahogany hue it imparts on smoked meats.

With that in mind, it truly comes down to pitmaster preference. Fruit tree woods like apple and cherry typically yield sweeter notes—ideal for poultry and pork—while others, like oak, pair nicely with red meat.

Folks here are profoundly passionate about their top barbecue picks, and with so many great places it’s hard to choose which to experience first. But rest assured that the famous flavors, served everywhere from small mom ‘n’ pop joints, to neighborhood gems and large local chains, will live up to expectations.

Visit a pair of founding establishments that shaped KC-style barbecue at Arthur Bryant’s and Gates Bar-B-Q. Char Bar is known for its playful plates and lively dining spaces, while BB’s Lawnside Bar-B-Que serves old-school barbecue featuring everything from onion rings and sprawling platters to bread pudding for dessert.

Slap's BBQ dishes out sprawling trays and Q39 serves award-winning meats in its two popular dining rooms. Meanwhile, relative newcomers like Harp Barbecue, Chef J and Wolfepack BBQ attract aficionados looking to sample something new.

KC ‘Cue Shipped Straight to You

Far from KC and craving the city's signature tastes and hoping for an absolutely authentic gameday dining experience? Some of KC’s most celebrated barbecue joints have you covered.

One of Kansas City’s oldest barbecue joints maintains its place among the most renowned destinations for smoked meats. Known to garner praise from U.S. Presidents and earn high-profile appearances on television shows, a sampler from Arthur Bryant’s is sure to be a hit.

From ribs and burnt ends to the famous Z-Man, Joe’s Kansas City makes a science of sending its mouthwatering menu items directly to you. Whether you’re ordering for one or planning to serve the entire family, the expansive selection at Joe’s guarantees to bring an authentic taste of Kansas City to your kitchen.

With five locations across the Kansas City metro, Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue is a longtime favorite both for special occasions and everyday dining. Don’t miss the perfectly prepared slabs of ribs and legendary smoked sausage. Plus, with a reputation for side dishes that are just as savory as the main course, you’ll want to add some extra pit beans or cheesy corn bake to share.

Locally renowned (and nationally known) for a flavor-filled collection of dry rubs and sauces, everything on Meat Mitch’s menu ensures an ideal balance of smoke and spice. No matter which essential KC barbecue dish you’re seeking, you’ll find it’s available for delivery from this award-winning establishment.