Suggestions for the best BBQ in KC??

I came across Arthur Bryant's, which is said to be the best and most authentic/local BBQ in KC but when I checked out Trip Advisor, many people gave Bryant's low ratings.

I prefer either Oklahoma Joe's or Jack Stack.

I liked Gates better than Arthur Bryants.

jedivader: I think Arthur Bryant's is best for brisket, but Gates is better for everything else.

I love Oklahoma Joes

Thanks for the suggestions, keep'em coming.

Not into brisket...

The original Arthur Bryants scores a lot of points for history and atmosphere. If someone was visiting KC and having BBQ only once, it is the one I usually recommend, unless I know someone isn't a big meat eater.

Ones I also regularly visit include Oklahoma Joe's, Jack Stack, Smokin Joe's, Rosedale, RJ's Bob-Be-Que Shack, BB's Lawnside BBQ. There are others that I visit occasionally.

If you mention a specific part of town or a specific dish you want, it may change my suggestion.

Keith

My hubby is from KC and prefers Gates, as do I.

Very yummy!

I love Bryant's but admit it's a bit of an acquired taste. If you go to Bryant's, be sure and go to the original store downtown. Oklahoma Joe's, Gates, & Jack Stack are all very good. Enjoy!

I think you would be happy with Oklahoma Joes. They've moved to the top or our list. You really can't go wrong with most of the recommendations here & AB is good too. I would stay away from KC Masterpiece.

No one has mentioned the Smokehouse we used to hit the one on Shawnee Mission Parkway before they closed.
You can probably find fans of several places and have heard from others about Bryant's the original store is still the best we've only had the one by the speedway.
Our top three so far and it depends on what you get are.
Oklahoma Joe's
Smokehouse
Gate's

My wife and I are looking for pulled pork type BBQ. We are looking for what is considered the most authentic local KC BBQ (as far as taste). Doesn't matter what area of town, we plan to be all over the place.

I don't think pulled pork is part of KC barbecue.

As for most authentic KC barbecue, you should probably have either Gates or Bryants.

Which is better is pretty much personal taste. Gates sauce is thick and sweeter, Bryants is thinner and more vinegary.

I like Bryants better. Go to the downtown Bryants for authentic atmosphere. No need to dress up.

It looks like we'll take all of the suggestions and just eat BBQ for lunch and dinner the entire time we are there and come to our own conclusion on the tops in BBQ. Looks like we have at least 3-4 to try....maybe more. Depends if we get BBQ'd out.

I'll post our top list when we get back.

Thanks for all the help!

KC Masterpiece used to have a big sampler type of order you could get for the table and try all types of differnt dishes from ribs to burnt ends. I think you may be thinking of staying in OP.

There's a KC Masterpiece down there, as well as a Jack Stack. If you go to Jack Stack, be sure to get their baked beans, amazing.

Asking what's the best BBQ in KC is an impossible question answer Everyone will have a diff answer. Personally I think the baby back ribs at the Wabash BBQ in Excelsior Springs NE of the city are the best I've ever had!

Gates is my favorite. The group of friends I hang out with prefers Oklahoma Joe's.

Rosedale is the best value for your money and they've been in business for something like 80 years so they must be doing something right!

-- Rob

Although I was long a fan of the KC Masterpiece in Overland Park my last two visits were disappointing.

In that neighborhood, I would suggest Hayward's Pit Bar-B-Que, or Jack Stack a couple of miles north.

Keith

Can't go wrong with my favorites: Haywards, Jack Stack & Oklahoma Joes.

I liked Arthur Bryants, and we had the brisket which was excellent. My son loved it - we went there after KC played the Packers in Nov. He still raves about going to the game and Arthur Bryant's. We brought a couple bottles of sauce back East & gave to friends/neighbors. We did not have enough time in KC to try the others, but it gives a reason to return!

I second haywards and don't forget Zarda!