Kansas City is renowned for its rich barbecue tradition, with brisket being a standout favorite. This city, with its deep-rooted barbecue culture, offers some of the best brisket you can find in the country. Whether you are a local or a visitor, exploring Kansas City’s BBQ scene is a must. Here’s a guide to the top 10 best BBQ briskets in Kansas City that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
List of Top 10 Best BBQ Briskets in Kansas City
1. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Address: 3002 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, KS 66103
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, formerly known as Oklahoma Joe’s, is a legendary spot in the barbecue world. Their brisket is perfectly smoked and melts in your mouth. The balanced flavor of smoke and seasoning makes it a must-try for any BBQ enthusiast.
Highlights:
- Perfectly smoked brisket
- Mouthwatering flavor
- Iconic location in a gas station
2. Q39
Address: 1000 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111
Q39 offers a modern take on traditional barbecue. Their brisket is known for its tenderness and rich flavor, achieved through a meticulous smoking process. Paired with their house-made sauces, Q39’s brisket is an unforgettable experience.
Highlights:
- Tender and rich-flavored brisket
- House-made sauces
- Modern barbecue setting
3. Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque
Address: 1727 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64127
Arthur Bryant’s is a historic barbecue joint that has been serving delicious brisket for decades. Known for its unique sauce and no-frills approach, the brisket here is juicy, flavorful, and a true representation of Kansas City’s barbecue heritage.
Highlights:
- Historic and iconic barbecue spot
- Unique and flavorful sauce
- Juicy and tender brisket
4. Gates Bar-B-Q
Address: Multiple locations
Gates Bar-B-Q is another staple in the Kansas City barbecue scene. Their brisket is known for its robust flavor and perfect balance of smokiness and tenderness. With multiple locations around the city, you’re never too far from a Gates brisket fix.
Highlights:
- Robust flavor
- Perfect balance of smokiness and tenderness
- Multiple convenient locations
5. Jack Stack Barbecue
Address: Multiple locations
Jack Stack Barbecue offers a more upscale barbecue experience without compromising on flavor. Their brisket is incredibly tender and flavorful, thanks to their signature smoking process. Paired with their side dishes, Jack Stack’s brisket is a culinary delight.
Highlights:
- Upscale barbecue experience
- Incredibly tender and flavorful brisket
- Signature smoking process
6. Slap’s BBQ
Address: 553 Central Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101
Slap’s BBQ, short for Squeal Like A Pig, is a family-owned joint that serves some of the best brisket in Kansas City. Their brisket is known for its smoky flavor and tender texture, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Highlights:
- Family-owned joint
- Smoky flavor and tender texture
- Local favorite
7. LC’s Bar-B-Q
Address: 5800 Blue Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64129
LC’s Bar-B-Q is a hidden gem that offers some of the most flavorful brisket in the city. Cooked to perfection, their brisket is smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor. It’s a no-frills spot that focuses on delivering top-notch barbecue.
Highlights:
- Hidden gem
- Smoky, juicy, and flavorful brisket
- Focus on top-notch barbecue
8. Char Bar
Address: 4050 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64111
Char Bar offers a fun and relaxed atmosphere with some seriously good brisket. Their brisket is smoked to perfection and has a rich, deep flavor that BBQ lovers crave. The outdoor beer garden adds to the overall experience.
Highlights:
- Fun and relaxed atmosphere
- Rich, deep-flavored brisket
- Outdoor beer garden
9. Danny Edwards Blvd BBQ
Address: 2900 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Danny Edwards Blvd BBQ is a family-run spot known for its down-to-earth vibe and delicious brisket. Their brisket is consistently tender and flavorful, making it a popular choice for those seeking a true Kansas City barbecue experience.
Highlights:
- Family-run spot
- Consistently tender and flavorful brisket
- Down-to-earth vibe
10. Burnt End BBQ
Address: 11831 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210
Burnt End BBQ specializes in, you guessed it, burnt ends, but their brisket is equally impressive. Their brisket is tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Kansas City’s diverse BBQ offerings.
Highlights:
- Specializes in burnt ends and brisket
- Tender, juicy, and smoky flavor
- Must-visit spot
Conclusion
Kansas City’s barbecue scene is unparalleled, and these top 10 spots serve up the best brisket the city has to offer. From legendary joints like Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que and Arthur Bryant’s to modern takes at Q39 and Char Bar, there’s a brisket for every palate. So, grab your appetite and explore the smoky, tender, and flavorful world of Kansas City BBQ brisket.
