Creekmoor

This fairly simple, straightforward golf course is ideal for those trying to improve out of the tee box. The real fun begins around the greens, where they make challenging slopes that add a level of strategy into your game. Thankfully, the greens run slow to balance this effect. The beauty of the course stands out, making it a bargain for the price.

Fred Arbanas

One word comes to mind when playing Fred Arbanas – value. No, there isn’t any part of the course that makes your jaw drop but the experience is always organic and worth the price. It also doesn’t have that stuff environment that some other courses do, which is always refreshing.

Hillcrest

For a nice, stress-free and wide-open day out, Hillcrest just might be your go-to. But be careful, most holes are riddled with large bunkers, so don’t forget your sand wedge! All in all, you can enjoy a fun round without too many obstacles, with dogleg holes being the exception. The course also has a couple of dog parks, always fun to drop by after your round.

Hodge Park

Talk about an exciting 18 for a bargain! Hodge Park is a local favorite, with a nice balance of simple and complex holes that keep your interest. A few holes have water hazards, while some (especially the par 3s) are more reserved. A conservative game out of the tee box with consistent iron play can yield you a fairly low score.

Drumm Farm

While there are two golf courses on the property, we’d like to pay special attention to its design. Drumm Farm has a nice array of holes to keep you on your guard… you’re never really able to get comfortable with a single club, which is both frustrating and exciting at the same time. All in all, Drumm Farm is a great experience that presents a unique challenge just about any golfer can appreciate.

Swope Mountain

This par 72 has been around for almost 90 years and for good reason. Swope Mountain features a historic design around a beautifully unique setting. Sitting in downtown Kansas City, you can enjoy almost-premium golf without having to take a hike and for a nice price as well.

Minor Park

There’s a lot to experience at Minor Park. We loved the contemporary course that isn’t afraid to show its unique personality. You’ll have wide-open fairways that narrow to small greens with water behind it, dog-legs that can take you just about anywhere (fingers crossed) and so much more. When you consider the special deals they offer online, you’ll immediately realize the value of playing here.

Heart of America

Golf is already hard enough, so why go out of your way to make a course so challenging that it takes away the fun? Heart of America understood this and made a course for people to relax and have fun – not leave sweat tracks from the tee box and beyond! So if you’re looking for a chill experience with friends – this is your spot.

Iron Horse Golf Club

Arguably the most aesthetically pleasing golf course in the area, Iron Horse offers scenery that’s pretty tough to top. The designs of the holes, particularly on the back nine are kept up with true class. The course itself is fairly challenging, but nothing that makes you want to tear your hair out. This is one for the experience above all else.

Shoal Creek

When you want balance – you come to Shoal Creek. It features top-tier architecture and beautiful scenery. From wide-open par 5’s where you can flex your muscles to tricky par 3’s that can take you swimming – it’s all here. The 18-hole experience is probably the best Kansas City can offer all-around for a nice deal.

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Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

This famous barbecue joint was started by Jeffy and Joy Stehney in a local gas station. After many years of competing in barbeque contests, they took their love of barbecue competitions and their award-winning recipes and created Joe’s BBQ. Joe’s is a favorite of locals as well as tourists and they expanded to include two additional locations.Their world championship famous barbeque is now being shipped all over the country. When visiting Joe’s be sure to order the Z-Man and ask for extra seasoning on your fries.

Smokin Guns Bar-B-Que

Phil and Linda Hopkins pride themselves on down-home service along with an award-winning barbecue. They have been creating and perfecting their barbecue since 1997 and have regularly won national competitions for their beef brisket, pork, and ribs. Their love for BBQ can be seen in every plate they serve in their local Kansas City eatery.

LC’s Bar-B-Que

You don’t want to miss this gem when trying out all that Kansas City has to offer in terms of BBQ. LC’s is ranked in the top 50 best bar-b-que places in America by Travioso. Conveniently located to Kansas City’s sports stadiums it makes them a great option for tailgating. Their simple no-frills approach to dining and bar-b-que keeps customers coming back for more. The dining area at LC’s is small but LC’s is rich in Kansas City Bar-B-Q history. Make sure to try the burnt ends, notably the best that Kansas City has to offer.

RJ’s Bob-Be-Que-Shack

For a different approach to bar-b-que, check out RJ’s. Their unique menu items including Bison Empanadas and Lamb ribs have become favorites of both the locals and visiting patrons. RJ’s was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. This local eatery also offers country-style breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays.

Char Bar Smoked Meats and Amusements

This local favorite offers the best of both worlds, amazing barbeque food and fun outdoor activities. Along with their fun outdoor dog friendly environment with backyard swings, bocce ball, corn hole, ping pong and other outdoor activities they also have one of the largest beer gardens in the KC area. Char Bar’s menu offers something for everyone from sandwiches to trays of their famous BBQ meats. The holy trinity tray is a favorite with ribs, black angus brisket and burnt ends served with your choice of side, toast and pickles.

Rosendale Barbecue

A Kansas City Institution for over 80 years, Rosendale Barbecue is one the oldest major barbecue restaurants in Kansas City. This long-time barbeque staple of KC started as a hot dog and beer stand and later expanded to bbq to help survive the great depression. However it turned into the American dream for the Rieke family. Rosendale’s has been family owned since its inception back in 1934. Come enjoy a no-frills down home dining experience.

Burnt End BBQ

Named after the fatty ends of the brisket that was made famous in Kansas City. Burnt End BBQ offers a casual, award winning barbeque experience at an affordable price. They serve generous portions of beef, steak, pork and chicken. However when visiting, be sure to order Smokey’s famous signature bowls. You can’t go wrong with the popular Burnt End Bowl.

Smokehouse Barbecue

Another family owned and operated restaurant that has been serving Kansas City residents since 1987. They offer fall off the bone tender meats and famous sides including their notorious smokey and sweet baked beans and freshly made coleslaw. Smokehouse offers three different locations in the Kansas City area offering an impeccable dining experience at each location.

Q39

For a hip, open space restaurant, check out Q39. Designed for a comfortable and inviting dining experience with a state of the art open kitchen. This open design is where you can see the Q39 team dishing out favorite dishes including the insanely popular burnt end burger. Q39 offers two convenient locations in the Kansas City Area that are a mix between fine dining and and your old greasehouse bbq joints. They put a modern twist on a Kansas City staple.

Zarda Hickory Pit BBQ

While known for their amazing baked beans that keep customers coming back again and again, Zarda’s also offers amazing bbq ribs, brisket and turkey with a barbeque flavor that is not too sweet and not too spicy. This family owned and operated restaurant has been serving up local favorites since 1979. Founded by the three Zarda brothers whose work ethic and perfectionism has helped grow this small family business into one of the best Bar-B-Q restaurants in Kansas City.

No matter if you are a local Kansas City resident or coming to visit the town for all the amazing things the city has to offer in dining, sports, shopping and more. Make sure sampling a few of these Kansas City gems is on our list of things to do. You will not be disappointed in the mouth watering barbeque offered from each. Kansas City barbeque is some of the best the country has to offer and should be at the top of your to-do list.

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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!

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