We can all agree Kansas Citians love their Bar-B-Que . Everyone has their preferred spot & well-kept secrets. More than a year ago, we had our audience vote for their choice for best BBQ in Kansas City, as well as any that they considered hidden gems. Below are the findings from that vote.

BUT we’re doing it again! Here’s the link to NOMINATE your favorite so we can provide an updated list for 2022.

We can’t wait to see if the current winners maintain, or if we see a new crew of KC BBQ spots introduced to our Best of BBQ in Kansas City list!

These KC BBQ restaurants aren’t your famous spots in town.

So, check out the best BBQ spots around town that you may not know about…yet. If you’re a foodie in KC check out our Best Taco Tuesday Guide, and of course you need to bookmark our Best Happy Hours, the latest Guide to KC Family Friendly Breweries, Best Brunch & Breakfast Spots and our 104 DATE NIGHT Ideas

What Kind of BBQ is KC Known For?

Kansas City BBQ is known for being sweet and spicy. It’s not one or the other. It’s a melding of many different Texas, Memphis, Carolina, and others, because all cultures and styles came together in KC. They took the best of many styles.

rubbed with spices, slow-smoked over a variety of woods, and served with a thick tomato-based barbecue sauce, which is an integral part of Kansas City style.

The Best Kansas City BBQ Places: Hidden Gems

Everyone knows and hears about the big BBQ spots in town, but there are tons of other awesome {yummy} places that some people may not have tried. We want to spread the word and give you lots of options throughout the metro.

So, we created Kansas City’s BBQ Map with the results of the voting. Make it fun – travel around town and try out the hidden gems KC loves the most.

> Download a PDF of the map to save it to your phone! You can also find the Map’s Legend at the bottom of the article.

Download KC’s BBQ Map

** Call ahead to ensure their dining room is open and to be aware of the restaurant’s policies.

Hidden Gem BBQ Restaurants in KC (Voted)

KC voted & here are the best BBQ restaurants in Kansas City that you may not know about…

1. Rosedale Barbeque

Located in Kansas City, KS, this BBQ spot has been smoking yummy plates for KC since 1934. In the beginning, it was a hot dog & beer stand. They now serve traditional barbecue dishes without all the fuss. You’ll order at the counter and then enjoy your lunch or dinner at this down-home joint. It’s known as the Kansas City Barbecue Institution.

Popular items: Cheesy bake, burnt ends, barbecue beef & slab meats.

2. Woodyard Bar-B-Que

Woodyard in was featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. They originally supplied wood to the BBQ restaurants in KC, but in 2005 decided to open their own spot using the smoking wood.

Popular items: Burnt ends, smoked chicken, and pork ribs (Guy’s favorite).

** Woodyard Bar-B-Que has opened a new fenced-in dog park, the WOOFYYARD. All are welcome and no charge!

This modern BBQ joint in Shawnee serves KC-style barbecue, brunch, AND Whiskey flights! They also serve beer, wine & a full bar. Blind Box is known for its modern take on traditional classics, so come try them out! If you like outdoor seating, they also have an outdoor patio.

Popular items: Smoked potato salad & ribs.

TWO locations: Shawnee & Village West inside Nebraska Furniture Mart at The Legends.

5. Crazy Good Barbeque Bar & Eats

If you’re in Olathe, you have to try this restaurant started by a competition BBQ team. Their high-quality BBQ is accompanied by unique, handmade sauces and crazy good sides.

Popular item: Championship Platter (a little bit of everything)

6. Q39

This modern spot in Midtown features BBQ & many smoked meats for you to choose from. There is something for everyone here, but be sure to get there early because there could be a line!

Popular items: Briskey & World Famous wings

7. Roscoe’s BBQ

This unassuming, delicious gas station serves delicious smoked sandwiches & meat platters. Even though it’s a little bit of a drive, the food is well worth it!

Popular items: Burnt ends sandwich, beans & cheesy corn.

8. Slap’s BBQ

They call themselves “no nonsense BBQ”, which seems to fit their customer’s view. This small BBQ joint takes orders from their counter and serves traditional KC BBQ without any froo froo flare. It’s delicious.

They sell out every day, so be sure to get there early!

Popular items: Beef sausage, brunt ends & onion rings.

9. Char Bar

This BBQ restaurant also doubles as a bar/hang-out spot in Westport. They have ample outdoor seating and tons of yard games to play while you wait for your food.

Popular items: Burnt ends & Pickled Pig.

10. The Rub Bar-B-Que and Catering

This Olathe spot serves tangy BBQ and hearty portions. They also have a food truck that drives around, so you can catch them in other parts of KC.

Popular items: Brisket, ribs & fries.

11. K & M Bar-B-Q

If you’re looking for no-frills BBQ try out K & M in Spring Hill, KS. This family-owned spot serves generous portions of hickory smoked meat at affordable prices.

Popular items: Fried catfish & ribs.

Best Traditional KC BBQ

Other Yummy BBQ in Kansas City (Nominated)

Be sure you join The Scoop to get the KC BBQ Trail so you can try all the BBQ restaurants in Kansas City. You’ll also stay up to date on everything KC!

Don’t forget to NOMINATE your favorite HERE.

From our family to yours, iFamilyKC

Best BBQ in Kansas City: KC’s Hidden Gems & Secret Spots