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At Axcet HR Solutions, we’re proud to support small businesses—and we’re equally proud to call Kansas City home. When we’re not helping clients grow, we’re cheering on the Chiefs and enjoying world-famous KC barbecue. With more than 100 barbecue joints across the metro and the American Royal World Series of Barbecue right here in town, it’s no surprise our team is passionate about finding the best barbecue places in Kansas City.
So, we made it official with an in-office competition to crown our favorite Kansas City barbecue restaurant. After weeks of mouthwatering debate and 18 worthy finalists, here’s what came out on top.
Kansas City’s barbecue roots go back more than a century. Henry Perry, often credited as the father of KC barbecue, began selling smoked meats in the 1920s. His influence shaped the careers of barbecue legends like Arthur Bryant and the founders of Gates Bar-B-Q. That rich history helped establish Kansas City as the Barbecue Capital of the World—a title locals and visitors alike take seriously.
Since 1980, the American Royal has hosted the world’s largest barbecue competition, attracting pitmasters from around the globe. And today, Kansas City’s barbecue restaurants continue to innovate while honoring the smoky, saucy traditions that made them famous.
Voted by our team as the best barbecue place in Kansas City, Jack Stack is a name Kansas Citians have known for decades. Famous for its hickory wood-fired cooking process, this barbecue restaurant’s popularity extends well beyond its Kansas City roots.
Jack Stack Barbecue got its start in 1957 when Russ Fiorella opened a traditional barbecue stand in Kansas City with a very limited number of items. It wasn’t until 1974 that Russ’ son, Jack, branched off and opened Fiorella’s Jack Stack in the Martin City area of Kansas City, Missouri.
Today, Jack Stack is in its fourth generation of ownership. With six Kansas City metro locations, a full-service catering division, an event space in Overland Park, and nationwide shipping, Jack Stack brings the taste of Kansas City barbecue to tables across the country.
Must-try: Burnt ends—cut from the point of the brisket and smoked low and slow over hickory for 10 to 12 hours for that perfect, juicy, bark-on flavor.
Martin City: 13441 Holmes Road, KCMO
Freight House: 101 W 22nd Street #300, KCMO
Country Club Plaza: Located at 4747 Wyandotte Street, KCMO
Lee’s Summit: 1840 NW Chipman Road, Lee’s Summit
Overland Park: 9520 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park
Lenexa: 8721 Ryckert Street, Lenexa
Joe’s KC Barbecue isn’t just a local favorite—it’s a national barbecue icon. Frequently topping “best barbecue in the U.S.” lists from Anthony Bourdain, USA Today, and Yelp, Joe’s story began not in a restaurant, but on the competitive BBQ circuit.
Founders Jeff and Joy Stehney fell in love with barbecue after attending their first competition and quickly made a name for themselves with their team, the Slaughterhouse Five.
After dominating national contests—winning the American Royal Open, the Invitational, and the Kansas State BBQ Championship—the Stehneys teamed up with Joe Don Davidson of Oklahoma Joe’s Smokers to open their first restaurant in 1996.
The original location inside a gas station at 47th & Mission Road in Kansas City, Kansas, is still open today and has become a barbecue pilgrimage site.
Why it’s a must-visit: Joe’s blends down-home atmosphere with award-winning flavor. Their signature Z-Man Sandwich, loaded with slow-smoked brisket, provolone cheese and crispy onion rings on a Kaiser roll, is legendary.
What to order:
Z-Man Sandwich
Pulled Pork
Burnt Ends (when available—they go fast!)
Seasoned Fries (a cult favorite)
Kansas City, KS (Gas Station): 3002 W 47th Ave
Leawood: 11723 Roe Ave
Olathe: 11950 S Strang Line Rd
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Q39 stands out for blending competition-level barbecue with chef-driven innovation. Founded by the late Rob Magee, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, Q39 brings elevated technique and bold creativity to Kansas City’s barbecue scene.
Magee's background in fine dining restaurants across the U.S. gave him a deep respect for regional cuisine—so when he moved to Kansas City, barbecue became his obsession.
Before opening a brick-and-mortar location, Magee formed a competition team, the Munchin’ Hogs, which racked up wins at major events, including the American Royal. But Q39 wasn’t just a pitmaster passion project—it was a meticulously crafted vision.
Every menu item is made from scratch, from the rubs and sauces to the slaws and sides. That chef-driven approach is part of what sets Q39 apart.
Why it’s a must-visit: Q39 feels like a modern gastropub-meets-BBQ joint. You get the authenticity of wood-fired meats with the precision and plating of a top-tier restaurant.
What to order:
Brisket Burnt Ends
Pork Belly Appetizer
Smoked Chicken
Apple Coleslaw
Bacon-wrapped Shrimp (yes, really)
Midtown KCMO: 1000 W 39th St
Overland Park: 11051 Antioch Rd
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Kansas City-style barbecue stands out thanks to its:
Meat variety: Beef, pork, chicken, turkey—even sausage and lamb.
Signature sauce: Thick, tomato-based sauce with the perfect balance of sweet, spicy and smoky.
Low and slow cooking: Meats are smoked over wood—often hickory—for hours.
Dry rubs + sauce: Expect complex rubs and sauce, layered for flavor.
Whether you’re ordering a slab of ribs, burnt ends or a sandwich stacked with smoky brisket, Kansas City delivers a barbecue experience like no other. No wonder travelers from around the world make the trip to discover the best barbecue places in Kansas City for themselves.
While our in-office contest crowned three favorites, the competition was fierce. Here are a few other top barbecue places in Kansas City worth checking out:
Slap’s BBQ – Known for bold flavors and long lines (it’s worth the wait)
Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque – A historic staple with no-frills, old-school charm
Gates Bar-B-Q – Famous for its “Hi, may I help you?” greeting and tangy sauce
Zarda BBQ – Beloved in Lenexa and Blue Springs for over 40 years
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As Kansas City’s local, certified PEO since 1988, we know small businesses—and we know barbecue. Whether we’re helping companies manage payroll and HR or debating who makes the best burnt ends in town, we’re proud to be part of the Kansas City business community.
Have a favorite barbecue joint we missed? Let us know—we’re always up for a taste test.
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