Woodyard Bar-B-Q

Start you off with some old school. First thing you need to know is in KC, you get sides. Not just any sides, but corn with melted cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw. Thick bread is a must, ‘cuz Kansas City cue is sloppy. Heavily wood-smoked, just pick your protein, chicken, turkey wings, pulled pork, pork ribs, brisket, and chili. Dining is casual, bring the family. Don’t mind the smoke. Reasonably priced.

Arthur Bryant

This is the restaurant that put KC barbecue on the map. For over 80 years at the same location, this no-frill, luncheonette-style restaurant does not offer table service. Just line up, give your order, pick it up and find a table. Their sauce is tangy and the portions gigantic. Burnt ends, beef brisket, and pulled pork sammies are the perennial menu favorites. Presidents Truman and Jimmy Carter have dined here as have many celebrities. Authenticity and tradition keep patrons coming back for more. Affordable, but do not be in a hurry.

BLVD Barbeque

As you may have guessed, barbecue restaurants began to proliferate in KC some 80 years back. BLVD Barbecue among them. Originally known as Lil’ Jakes, the restaurant is still in the Edwards family, entering its third generation. The owner is said to be on hand every day to carve meat’. Here the sauce is Southern: sweet and spicy; the burnt ends are very popular, and homemade desserts including brownies are another draw. Expect long lines as this is not a tourist destination- the locals keep it close to their hearts. Many items are not on the menu. So if you see something you like at another table, just point and ask for it. Budget-friendly.

Jack Stack Barbecue

Since the late 1960s, Jack Stack (no one seems to know why) has offered something different. Their menu owes more to fine dining than a ‘cue joint, but close your eyes and savor every bite. To begin with, proteins spend a few hours or even days over hickory wood in the smoker. This imparts a flavor like no other. Try Jack’s award-winning Lamb Ribs, Kielbasa, smoked turkey, Cajun Shrimp, Smoked Trout, and, would you believe, a gluten-free menu as well? You’ll find hearty soups and casseroles like mom used to make as well as her carrot cake here. Catering to commuters and tourists, the industrial Freight House building is historic with ultra-high ceilings, exposed brick, and rustic decor. You’ll like it. Features wine as well as a childrens’ menu. Pricey but perfect.

https://www.joeskc.com/

Lest you think all cue joints are ancient, here is one that is of recent coinage. It is one of those ‘when in Rome, make the pilgrimage’ joints. After all, the likes of Zagat, the Food Network, and Anthony Bourdain have! When not on the road winning the most prestigious barbecue contests including Jack Daniel’s World BBQ Championship, the owners preside over the kitchen which turns out stellar sides to accompany their pulled pork, smoked brisket, smoked chicken, and smoked chicken gumbo among other faves. Speaking of sides, the red beans and rice are a meal unto itself. Oh and forget about dressing up for dinner- you’ll find this cue palace tucked inside an old gas station. Can’t fill up your car’s tank while you fill up yours anymore, but the decor has not changed a bit! Family-friendly prices.

One for good measure:

Q39

Another relatively newly-minted barbecue restaurant, the name celebrates the fact that it was the 39th ‘cue stop in the City. With only 30 years of experience, here again, the owner is a national competition champion, known for next-level bbq’d meats. At Q39, the beef is only Certified Black Angus, the poultry organic, the salmon farm-raised, and the Chipotle sausage house-made. The portions are large, and the menu considers that not every guest is a fan of smoke and sauce. Details include Cobb lettuce in lieu of iceberg, toasted buns, and coleslaw with chopped Granny Smith apples. The bar offers crafted cocktails and regional brews. Latecomers can expect to be seated at a long communal table. Get there early if you want a private table or a seat on the patio. As you might expect from such an inclusive menu, the ambiance may be rustic, but the prices are strictly expense-account only.

Caveat: Bring cash. Many of these older restaurants do not cater to tourists nor accept credit cards. Enjoy your ‘cue dining experience in Kansas City!

The post Top 5 Barbecue Joints in Kansas City appeared first on Koshka.

NAME: Kreuz Market
SMOKE TYPE:Post Oak
COOKING METHOD: Indirect-Heat Brick Pit
LOCATION: Lockhart

When scouting great BBQ joints, you have to try original-style and that’s just what you can find a Kreuz! They prepare, just about any kind of meat (their sausages are ridiculously good). They’ve been around since 1900 and not by coincidence.

NAME: Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue
SMOKE TYPE:Oak Wood
COOKING METHOD: Offset Smoker
LOCATION: Wolfforth

If you like rich, smokey meats, you’d be foolish not to give Evie Mae’s a visit. As good as everything is, when we think of Evie Mae’s, we think of their savory brisket. Their burnt ends are pretty good too, but in reality, anything you get will be good enough that you’ll want to get one for the road, too!

NAME: Harris Bar-B-Que
SMOKE TYPE:Hickory/Miscellaneous Wood
COOKING METHOD: Reverse-Flow Smoker
LOCATION: Waxahachie

A delicious source of comfort food, Harris’ simply makes you feel at home. We consider Harris’ to be our favorite destination for a quick lunch, perfect for busy days. Their ribs and artisan sandwiches are good enough to make your mouth water and we guarantee you’ll want to go back at least once.

NAME: Stanley’s Famous Pit Barbecue
SMOKE TYPE:Gas-Fired
COOKING METHOD: Heat Pit
LOCATION: Tyler

Oh, Stanley’s. Not only is the food to die for, but this place has the energy of Texas fun. They always keep local craft beer on tap, have live music on the weekends and an atmosphere that will help you feel what some call “the true spirit of modern Texas”. But let’s get to their food… they do everything from breakfast to dinner, all include unbelievably prepared meats and rich, filling sides.

NAME: Louie Mueller Barbecue
SMOKE TYPE:Pecan/Oak
COOKING METHOD: Indirect-Heat Pit
LOCATION: Taylor

Here we have a small, quiet establishment that’s been around for about 40 years. But don’t let that fool you. With baby back ribs and pulled pork sandwiches that make you contemplate the value of a pig, we’re certain you’ll love Louie Mueller’s!

NAME: Pody’s BBQ
SMOKE TYPE:Pecan/Oak
COOKING METHOD: Offset Smoker + Rotisserie
LOCATION: Location

Other than awesome barbecue, the first word we think of when we hear “Pody’s” is fun. The staff are always super friendly and almost gives off the feeling of a family. The wide-open rooms kind of gave us the brewery vibe, as did the attention.

NAME: Hutchins BBQ
SMOKE TYPE:Pecan/Oak
COOKING METHOD: Indirect-Heat Pits
LOCATION: McKinny

Man, the juicy meat served here are something else. The variety alone makes us wish we could go back to Hutchins every week. Though from what we had in our short time there, the pulled pork sandwiches were the best we’ve had anywhere. The atmosphere also screams authentic Texas and you can tell the owners love what they do.

NAME: Bodacious Bar-B-Q
SMOKE TYPE:Mesquite/Post Oak
COOKING METHOD: Various Pits/Offset/Indirect-Heat
LOCATION: Tyler

The atmosphere at Bodacious speaks friendly and authentic, which works for their attitude and unbelievable barbecue! You can tell they care. They love what they do and it shows with every step (and flip) they take.

NAME: Luling City Market
SMOKE TYPE:Post Oak –
COOKING METHOD: Indirect -Heat Pit
LOCATION: Houston

For the best barbecue in Houston, look no farther than Luling City Market! Their brisket and sausages are amazing, especially with their special sauce that is also sold on the side. Just seeing them rub-down the top tier meats is enough to get your wallet out. Pay them a visit!

NAME: Joseph’s Riverport Bar-B-Cue
SMOKE TYPE:Post Oak
COOKING METHOD: Indirect-Heat Pit
LOCATION: Jefferson

Like others on this list, Josephs is awesome. What makes them stand out is how they spice and season their meats, it really makes the taste come together. The food is fresh and their variety is extensive enough to keep you coming back. Prices aren’t too bad either!

Check out our other posts on Restaurants.

The post The 10 Best Barbecue Joints to Try in Texas appeared first on Koshka.