Kansas City, MO
For BBQ in Kansas City, the local food press points to Joe's KC BBQ, Jack Stack Barbecue - Freight House, and Q39 - Midtown. Picks from Kansas City Magazine, updated June 2026.
Editor’s picks
Press picks, until locals rank their own Top 5s. Sourced from the local food press. As seen in Kansas City Magazine. Updated June 2026.
Joe's KC BBQ · KCK — 47th & Mission
Best of KC 2024 reader winner for Best Barbecue, Best Barbecue Sandwich (Z-Man), Best Barbecue Sauce and Best French Fries. Gas-station original that cranks out 1,000+ brisket Z-Mans a day.
Jack Stack Barbecue - Freight House · Crossroads
Best of KC 2024 reader winner for Best Burnt Ends, Best Ribs, and Best Barbecue Rub. The largest wood-fired cookery in the U.S.
Q39 - Midtown · Midtown / Westport
KC Magazine's #3 BBQ pick. British pitmaster Philip Thompson applies classical French technique to Kansas City smoke. Known for the Mr. Burns burnt-ends sandwich.
Harp Barbecue · Overland Park
Tyler Harp's sliced brisket and sausages, relocated from the Raytown pop-up to a full Overland Park smokehouse.
Gates Bar-B-Q · Rockhill
Operating since 1946. Trademark 'Hi, may I help you?' greeting and chopped brisket on Bunny Bread. Ollie Gates inducted into the MRA Hall of Fame in 2024.
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