Best BBQ in Kansas City

Oklahoma Joe's Carolina style brisket sandwich

When I think of Kansas City, a couple of things immediately come to mind; "City of Fountains," Chiefs football, and (above all else) the nation's best barbecue restaurants.  When my wife and I planned a summer trip to Kansas City, we focused our research on what BBQ joints to test.  National food critics (including Anthony Bourdain and "Man v. Food" host Adam Richman) agreed with KC locals in labeling Oklahoma Joe's Barbecue Kansas City's best barbecue.  My wife and I were excited to put the rave reviews to the test to see if the food could match the hype.  

What to Expect

Line outside of Oklahoma Joe's

We completely missed Oklahoma Joe's when we first drove by the first time because of it's unassuming exterior.  It is located within a gas station, masking the world-class barbecue inside!  Though it was only a Monday, there was still a line stretching out the door by the time we arrived at around 6pm.  Clearly, you must arrive early or call in a take-out order if you are on a time schedule.  After an hour of waiting in line, we knew exactly what we wanted to order because we eyed the plates of patron's ahead of us.  My wife ordered a rib dinner (1/2 slab) with a side of BBQ beans while I chose a Carolina style beef brisket sandwich with a side of red beans and rice.   

We have frequented many BBQ joints, but the food at Oklahoma Joe's was far and away the best.  The Carolina style sandwich, which was beef brisket topped with spicy slaw and Bubba's sauce, was the perfect combination of tender beef and spice.  My wife described the ribs as the "most meaty and tender ribs" she had ever tasted.  Just to be sure our praise was not misplaced, we decided to also stop at Arthur Bryant's, another of Kansas City's famous BBQ joints, the next day. Though Arthur Bryant's portions were hearty, the meat was much to saucy, completely killing the taste.  Oklahoma Joe's was the clear victor in the battle of Kansas City barbecues.

Oklahoma Joe's BBQ

While our description of Oklahoma Joe's Barbecue might not compare with the eloquence of Anthony Bordain's words, we both agree on the main point; Oklahoma Joe's Barbecue deserves a place on your "bucket list" restaurants.     

 

Just the Basics

• Oklahoma Joe's Location: 3002 W. 47th Ave., Kansas City, KS (corner of 47th and Mission Rd) 
• Oklahoma Joe's Website: http://www.oklahomajoesbbq.com
•  Carry-Out Phone Number: 913-722-3366 
• Recommended Order: Carolina Style Beef Brisket Sandwich 
• Advice: To avoid lines, arrive before 11:30am for lunch or 5pm for dinner

 

Photo of the Week: Liberty Memorial

My wife and I just returned from a trip to Kansas City.  We discovered that Kansas City is not "flyover country."  Kansas City offered great neighborhoods, delicious barbecue joints, and countless fountains.  I was also surprised by the number of quality art and history museums in the city. My favorite museum was the National World War I Museum, which is located below the Liberty Memorial (shown in this photo).  Though Liberty Memorial, dedicated to the fallen soldiers of WWI was built in 1926, WWI Museum did not open until recently. 

 Unfortunately, our visit to KC coincided with a heat wave of over 100 degrees fahrenheit, which forced us into air conditioned buildings for most of our stay.  I took this picture of the Liberty Memorial just before the sun went down, when I felt it was safe to finally venture outdoors!  

Liberty Memorial, Kansas City

Photo of the week is part of "Photo Thursday," started by Nancie at the Budget Travelers Sandbox.  Please visit her site to check out other amazing photos!