Barbecue is a beloved tradition in Kansas City, with a history that goes back more than a century. From the godfather of Kansas City barbecue, Henry Perry, to the modern-day pit masters at Q39, there are plenty of amazing BBQ restaurants to choose from. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the oldest and most beloved BBQ restaurants in Kansas City, and explore the unique experiences they offer. Jack Fiorella nearly lost everything in 1981 when he opened a spin-off of his father's Smoke Stack BBQ in Martin City, Missouri. But his restaurant, Hatfield & McCoy's, was a success and has been serving up delicious BBQ for almost three decades.
Scott Umscheid, a former industry executive, also helped open Applebee's restaurants across the country. But none of them could compare to the experience of a true BBQ restaurant. Rob Magee, pit master at Q39, is proud to say that he cooks his meats faster than anyone else in Kansas City. He has created a modern BBQ experience with high ceilings and an open kitchen, craft beer, and fantastic Manhattans served in large buckets. Tyler Harp, a 33-year-old Independence native, also offers an amazing BBQ experience at his Saturday-only project in the Crane Brewing gravel parking lot. Calvin Trillin famously visited Arthur Bryant's in Kansas City and declared it “the best restaurant in the world”.
This iconic restaurant has been serving up delicious BBQ for more than a century and is still going strong today. Ollie Gates also continues to use only wood in his pits, despite most competitors switching to gas and electricity. Kansas City is home to American Royal, a non-profit organization that premiered in 1899 as the National Hereford Show. The organization is very active in the community and focuses on scholarships, educational programs, and community outreach activities. Whether you're looking for classic Kansas City BBQ or something more modern and unique, there are plenty of amazing restaurants to choose from. From Henry Perry's original Arthur Bryant's to Rob Magee's Q39, these restaurants offer an unforgettable experience that will keep you coming back for more.
