Devan’s (Double) Dozen: BBQ Edition, Part II
In 2023, Char Bar opened a second location in Parkville. The much larger space has an emphasis on pickleball and other yard games. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
The Continuation of the Quintessential Crown Jewels of the Q Capital
Published May 16, 2024
NOTE FROM THE WRITER: In recognition of National BBQ Month, I decided to publish the first-ever double edition of Devan’s Dozen, ranking the barbeque joints that I perceive to be the Top 24 in the KC Metro right now. The first part, which includes numbers 13 - 24, was published on May 1 and can be read HERE. Due to a number of factors that have recently come to light, I have felt the need to shuffle some of these rankings to more accurately portray my opinions on these places. As a result, there may be a place that was originally in Part II that now appears in Part I, and place(s) that had been set to appear in Part I that are now in Part II.
<FLICKERING THE HOUSE LIGHTS>
“You may now return to your seats. The show will begin shortly. Please turn off all cell phones and mobile devices.”
Ok, well, don’t do that last one. The two week wait has finally ended so why would you choose now to disengage your device before you can get to the good stuff? You wouldn’t, and you shouldn’t.
“Kansas City is a true hidden gem - and the best-smelling town in the world!”
After a year that took me to every barbeque joint in the metro worth visiting (and quite frankly a few that weren’t) and did a complete deep dive into the city’s scene, I knew that I left several readers with a lingering question, “Which is best?”
This question has always been so precarious as the answer is purely subjective. It is also a topic which Fountain City Foodies are fiercely passionate about. We all have our favorite spots that we feel an undying loyalty to. The barbeque joint that one of us swears by will undoubtedly be the one where another of us swears that we will never return.
Then there’s the reality of this being the BBQ Capital of the World, home to over 100 barbeque restaurants, joints, stands, pop-ups, and concepts. The vast majority of those do a fantastic job because the few that don’t, rarely last.
I believe I put it best in Part I:
“Beyond the mind-blowing bounty of top-notch options available here in the BBQ Capital, there are so many factors to consider. The primary consideration has to be the pedigree of smoked meats. Yet, an appraisal of the sandwiches, sides, and sauces is equally essential.
A large variety is always desirable in a menu, but, very rarely is quantity a clear indicator of quality. As I have expressed prior, I often think of a menu much like a résumé. I am not nearly as concerned with the length of it, as I am with what’s on it.
The level of service, accessibility, general atmosphere, value for the price, flexibility of the menu, uniqueness of signature offerings, and overall atmosphere all have to be factored in as well. Any question of, “which is best?” is almost always a purely subjective one. It is an opinion shaped by personal priorities, affinities, and experiences.
In that regard, barbeque is no different. This article is no different.”
Understanding the challenge that lies with such a ranking, I decided to expand on the traditional Devan’s Dozen* format to do the first-ever Devan’s Double Dozen highlighting what I consider to be the 24 best Kansas City barbeque joints^ in 2024.
A few weeks ago, the release of numbers 13 - 24 left many foodies in purgatory. As their favorite spot(s) missed that cut, they were forced to reserve judgment. They had to spend this intermission wondering if I had disregarded their favorite place altogether or if I had a higher ranking reserved for it in the coveted top dozen.
Before revealing that dozen, a recap of those already ranked is below.
24. Wabash BBQ and Blues Garden - Excelsior Springs, Missouri
23. Brobecks Barbeque - Overland Park, Kansas
22. Snead’s Bar-B-Q - Belton, Missouri
21. BB’s Lawnside Blues & BBQ - Kansas City, Missouri
20. Louisburg BBQ & Brews - Louisburg, Kansas
19. Black Belt Bar-B-Q - Leavenworth, Kansas
18. Jazzy B’s DIner - Lee’s Summit, Missouri
17. Hawg Jaw Que & Brew - North Kansas City, Missouri
16. Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque - Kansas City, Missouri
15. Hayward’s Pit Bar B Que - Shawnee, Kansas
14. Q39 - Kansas City, Missouri
13. Blind Box BBQ - Shawnee, Kansas
Now, the wait is over. It’s time to dive in. The moment of truth is here. What barbeque restaurants made their way into the true upper echelon of Kansas City ‘que?
Some of Kansas City’s elite barbeque comes from a white truck at the back of the Family Center Farm & Home parking lot in Paola. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
12. The BBQ Shack
(at Family Center Farm & Home) 808 Baptiste Drive, Paola, Kansas
A Google search will erroneously show that The BBQ Shack is “permanently closed”. While it is true that the brick-and-mortar restaurant that opened in 1997 has been closed for years; the Paola mainstay that rose to fame in 2007 after being featured on Diners, Drive Ins, & Dives is still serving up the same great ‘que that they always have. These days, The BBQ Shack has taken to operating out of a fully-outfitted black and white food truck that can typically be found in the parking lot of the Family Center Farm & Home store in Paola fhroughout the week. Those from Paola, and across the metro, routinely make the trip on Fridays and Saturdays to get a to-go order. Some would say it’s the burnt ends that have been rated among the city’s best that keep them coming back. For others, it’s the famed Atomic Buffalo Turds (more commonly referred to as the ABT) or a dynamic sauce line-up that was good enough to take home the Scovie Award for Best American Style BBQ Sauce back in 2002. Regardless of what they are ordering, those who line-up outside this truck every weekend know that they are getting some of the city’s best barbeque at an affordable price, and that always makes it worth the drive to Paola. However, as a frequent entrant in a number of events around the metro, you might not have to drive that far to get your hands on some. Just pay attention to the truck’s Facebook which does an excellent job of updating potential diners on hours and location.
DD’s Go-To: A few A.B.T.s (bacon-wrapped jalapeño stuffed with cream cheese and smoked chicken) every time. A meal of Burnt Ends with Baked Tater Salad and Baked Beans OR Pulled Pork and Turkey sandwich.
One of the best ways to enjoy the Texas-inspired brisket at 3Halves is on top of their cheesy mac. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
11. 3Halves Brew Pub & BBQ
110 E. Kansas Street, Liberty, Missouri
“What’s in a name?” Counter to the point that The Bard was making when he first asked this question four centuries ago, there’s an awful lot to the 3Halves Brew Pub & BBQ name. The name tells the story. When they opened in downtown Liberty in 2019, the intention was to be a brew pub in the truest sense with craft beers brewed in-house and chef-curated comfort foods. Barbeque comes last because it was originally an afterthought. But, an opportunity to team-up with upstart Jousting Pigs BBQ was too good to pass up. Not only did the partnership inject barbeque into a part of the metro long devoid of it, but it also introduced the genre of “craft barbeque” to greater Kansas City as a whole. When Jousting Pigs left in 2022, 3Halves could have returned to the originally-intended concept but by then, they were a spot known for barbeque. So, founder John Kennebeck and his team took upon themselves the challenge of creating their own culinary identity in the Texas-inspired style for which they’d become known. The result was a menu that fuses together the best elements of craft ‘que with gastropub comfort fare. As for the “3Halves” part of the brand? It’s born of Kennebeck’s belief that, “you have to give 150 percent to make things happen.” It is that level of effort and commitment that has kept barbeque in Liberty, and that has lifted 3Halves to among the city’s elite.
DD’s Go-To: The 2 Meat Plate with Pork Belly Burnt Ends, Beef Burnt Ends, Mac and Cheese, and Beans OR The Mr. Rib Sandwich (sandwich with a boneless rib portion, onions, and pickles) with Cheese Curds (with Housemade Ranch Dressing for dipping) OR The Meat Mac with Chopped Brisket. If with a group, The Meat Mile offers an opportunity to sample 5 meats and 4 sides.
The Triple P at Woodyard is one of the city’s best smoked specialty sandwiches. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
10. Woodyard Bar-B-Que
3001 Merriam Lane, Kansas City, Kansas
The bright yellow brick that once led Dorothy away from her Kansas farmhouse, now lures several people to one. When Frank Schloegel IV decided about 20 years ago that he was going to start selling barbeque full time, his brother-in-law helped him build the pit out front brick-by-brick. Its brilliant banana-colored paint job came much later. Prior to that? Woodyard Bar-B-Que was literally a woodyard, selling cords of specialty wood to the city’s pitmasters. Eventually the Schloegels realized that this resource, combined with their own skill, gave them all they needed to open a restaurant. Since then, Woodyard has slung some of the city’s finest meats while continuing to peddle hardwoods and fruit woods to professional pitmasters and home smokers alike.
DD’s Go-To: A Half Slab of Spare Ribs OR Triple P (Sandwich) with a side of Red-Skinned Potato Salad. The Smoked Jumbo Wings, Cheesy Corn, and Burnt End Chili also make their way into the rotation but the best potato salad in town is always in the mix.
The Turkey & Sausage Gumbo at Scott’s Kitchen is one of the most flavorful barbeque sides in the metro. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
9. Scott’s Kitchen and Catering at Hangar 29 ^^
11920 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, Missouri 64153
In 2018, Kansas City barbeque had a scandal. Or at least, the perception of one. Yelp! had published their list of the best-reviewed KC barbeque joints, and the top spot went to a place that most had never heard of. At that point, Scott’s Kitchen had only been open for about a year. Many (this writer included) unfairly chalked up the early Yelp! fanfare to airport proximity and out-of-towners, but soon enough, locals began to discover what makes Scott’s so special. It’s an unceasing dedication to creating the best flavors. Pitmaster Scott Umscheid understands that perfection is not a destination, but a constant journey. This is why the most recent visit to Scott’s Kitchen is usually the best one. The menu and the offerings just keep getting better! With a presence at Royals’ games the past two seasons, and the recent introduction of Saturday hours, people from all over the metro now have the opportunity to fall in love with the same flavors that so many visitors to this city already have.
DD’s Go-To**: Only a few barbeque spots offer breakfast and Scott’s offers theirs daily and does it as well as anyone. In the morning, it’s a Bern Street Burrito with Burnt Ends. Come lunch time, it’s an order of Wings tossed in Alabama White BBQ followed a Four Bones St. Louis Ribs and Choose 1 with Ghost Pepper Jack Sausage, Turkey & Sausage Gumbo, and Cheesy Potatoes. Their ribs are some of the city’s best.
Whether sliced or in burnt end form, the brisket from Wolfepack is some of KC’s best. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
8. Wolfepack BBQ
910 E. 5th Street, Kansas City, MO
In many ways, Jared Wolfe is a journeyman of Kansas City’s craft barbeque scene. Before he ever conceived of Wolfepack BBQ, he made pit stops (pun DEFINITELY intended!) at Scott’s Kitchen, Jousting Pigs, and then Fox & Fire, developing his own technique along the way. Originally a weekend pop-up inside of North Kansas City’s Callsign Brewing, Wolfepack opened their current location in Columbus Park in 2023. Known for their mouthwatering craft-smoked meats, it’s the cavalcade of inventive sides, delectable desserts, local draft beers, and well-built cocktails that accompany them that helps to make Wolfepack so special. Most notable, is the spirit of innovation that drives this eatery, often best seen in the ever-rotating slate of inspired daily specials.
DD’s Go-To: A 3 Meat Plate Combo with Brisket, Turkey, Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Fries and Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Salad OR White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. Also worth checking out whatever the special is! The menu tends to include some innovative dish that may not be around on the next visit.
The Crown Prime Beef Rib and lamb ribs from Jack Stack are about as decadent as a smoked meat duo can get. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
7. Jack Stack Barbecue ^^
13441 Holmes Road, Martin City, Missouri
For nearly 50 years, Jack Stack has maintained their status as a Kansas City barbeque titan by daring to do things their own way. In a culinary genre often characterized by divey confines, Jack Stack were among the first to elevate that experience. THey swapped out cracked tile for luxurious carpet, order counters for table-side service, and rolls of paper towels for [GASP!] cloth napkins. In an era, where barbeque sides were largely an afterthought, Jack Stack introduced one of the city’s most iconic barbeque dishes - cheesy corn. They have built a reputation for being a place where the sides are just as good as their hickory-smoked meats. While most pits embrace the notion that “less is more”, Jack Stack chooses to boast one of the most extensive barbeque menus in the country! Much like the city they call home, Jack Stack has continued to prove that they can do it all and do it very well. The ability to maintain this diversity of offerings and impeccable quality across six metro locations is nothing short of remarkable.
DD’s Go-To: A tower of Onion Rings OR skewers of Jumbo Fried Mushrooms for the table. At lunch time, it’s the Big Pig. Ask to sub out the one large side for two small sides of Hickory Pit Beans and Cheesy Corn Bake. At dinner time, it’s the Kansas City Combo with Crown Prime Beef Rib, Lamb Ribs, and Turkey with Hickory Pit Beans and Cheesy Corn Bake. No one would fault you for subbing out the Cheesy Corn Bake for Cheesy Potato Bake or Broccoli with Roasted Garlic Butter.
An order of Cheesy Hog Fries from Meat Mitch is always an excellent way to start a meal. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
Ok, so you caught me. This is actually morphing into a Top 25. The 6th spot in this list is a tie, but it’s pretty easy to understand why! The following concepts from the mind of Mitch Benjamin are unique enough to stand on their own, but share enough similarities to merit a shared ranking.
TIE - 6. Meat Mitch ^^
3620 W. 95th Street, Leawood, Kansas
For years, many Kansas Citians errantly believed that Char Bar did not have their own sauces since the bottles on the table carried the Meat Mitch brand. Little did they understand that Meat Mitch (Benjamin) was one of the men behind the Westport restaurant. After partnering in Char Bar, competing domestically and abroad, and marketing his own rubs and sauces for years, Benjamin chose to open his own restaurant in Johnson County in 2022. The shared influence results in there being certain offerings that are difficult to differentiate between the two restaurants. There is even some menu cross-over but make no mistake, Meat Mitch’s menu is wholly theirs. One notable difference is that the sauces bearing the Meat Mitch brand feature heavily at this restaurant, with an astounding line-up of six different styles of sauce! WIth a second location in the Kansas City International Airport (MCI) terminal, Meat Mitch is the first taste of Kansas City barbeque that several visitors get.
DD’s Go-To: An order of Cheesy Hog Fries can be a nice way to kick things off. With a companion, tackling the Pitmaster Platter is a great way to sample all the things. Otherwise, it’s the Butcher & Boar (Ribs, Pulled Pork, Brown Sugar Sausage, Jalapeño Jack Sausage, and Pig Candy) with Charred Squash and Bacon-Broccoli Slaw OR Naked & Afraid (sandwich) with Sticky Fries. Whatever I get, I’m sampling ALL THE SAUCES!
TIE - 6. Char Bar Smoked Meats and Amusements ^^
4050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri
When Mitch Benjamin, James Westphal, and Mark Kelpe opened Char Bar in Westport a decade ago, it marked a significant paradigm shift in Kansas City’s barbeque scene. For generations, Kansas City’s barbeque restaurants had instilled an “eat it and beat it” mentality into their customers. Traditionally, the small, gritty spaces encouraged diners to quickly finish their meal and open up their table for the next round of patrons. Conversely, Char Bar possesses a modern, massive dining room and bar space that invites customers to spend a few hours there. The sprawling outdoor patio, complete with yard games, is even larger. Last year, Char Bar opened a second location in Parkville that is even larger, and includes pickleball courts! It makes either one of the Char Bars the kind of place where guests can eat, drink, and play the day away, but still a spot where one can grab a quick barbeque lunch or a happy hour bite.. No matter the time of day, or type of vibe that is sought, Char Bar really does offer something for everyone.
DD’s Go-To: Whether as an appetizer or the only thing you order, not getting the Cheesy Hushpuppies is sacrilege! On weekdays, it’s the Holy Trinity (Ribs, Brisket, and Burnt Ends dinner) with Jalapeño Cheesy Corn Bake and Bacon-Broccoli Slaw OR The Jackknife (sandwich) with Smoked Jackfruit for the filler and a side of Pigtail Mac ‘n Cheese. For weekend brunch, it’s still about the Cheesy Hushpuppies but the Burnt End Benny is the play.
Ever since Harp Barbecue moved into their current location, the city they call home has been rightfully called “Traytown”. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
5. Harp Barbecue
6633 Raytown Road, Raytown, Missouri
Five years ago, Harp Barbecue was operating as a weekend pop-up tucked away in the back of Raytown’s Crane Brewing. Selling carryout Texas-inspired meats and artisan-made sides on an advance-order and sell-out model was a foreign concept to many Kansas Citians. However, the quality of the offerings led to almost-overnight fanfare among those who knew about “that new barbeque down south”. In 2022, Harp moved into their current space on Raytown Road which allowed them to morph into a more traditional restaurant and expand the menu to include sandwiches and other dine-in options. The craft eatery continues to operate on a sell-out model, makes nearly every ingredient in-house, and sells all available meats by the half-pound. The photogenic platters they now serve has earned this restaurant, and the municipality and road it calls home, a new name - “Traytown”.
DD’s Go-To: The Truth Bomb (sandwich) which features the Brisket and whatever the Smoked Sausage of the Day is. Whether on bun or platter, both meats always worthwhile. I get that with sides of Mac and Twice Baked Potato Salad. The Sweet Potato Mash is another strong option. Other great meat options include the vinegar-doused Pulled Pork OR the Burnt Ends. When available, the Butterscotch Pork Belly Burnt Ends always gets ordered.
On Wednesdays (when in-season), diners have the option to order the Big D Special with smoked corned beef. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
4. Danny Edwards BLVD BBQ
2900 Southwest Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri
You would not know it to look at the current location, but the story of Danny Edwards BLVD BBQ goes back nearly a century. Danny’s father, “Big Jake” Edwards learned the art of low ‘n slow in Texas. In 1938, he opened up Old Southern Pit at 10th and Baltimore and by 1960, had five location across the metro. In 1980, Danny took over the original restaurant and renamed it Lil’ Jake’s Old Southern Pit Barbecue. In 2007, when the development of downtown Kansas City forced Edwards to relocate, he moved to the current location on Southwest Boulevard and Danny Edwards BLVD BBQ was born. For decades, the restaurant has continued to be a shining example of classic Kansas City barbeque while continuing to push the envelope and adapt these recipes for a modern era. While Jake Edwards and Danny Edwards are no longer with us, their barbeque still is. A few years back, Joel Bremer, who learned from Danny, took the reins. Bremer’s family, and his team, continue to honor the Edwards’ legacy by delivering a first-rate barbeque menu that connects the storied past of this city’s barbeque to its exciting present.
DD’s Go-To: It’s always The Big D Special (sandwich) with a side of Sweet Potato Fries and Spicy Rancher Beans. On Wednesdays, you have the option to get the Big D with corned beef which is always a treat. Occasionally, I go for the Combo Plate with Ribs and Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Spicy Jambalaya OR Fresh Cut Fries.
You have to line up early if you hope to get any ribs or bacon burnt ends from Chef J. Both sell out quick! PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
3. Chef J BBQ ^^
1401 W. 13th Street, Suite G, Kansas City, Missouri
In disKCovery’s infancy, this site had the distinction of doing what no other site had done before, writing a review of Chef J BBQ***. The craft barbeque joint opened their location on the ground level of THE BEAST haunted house at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. A little over a month after a first taste, disKCovery was the first publication to include them in a top ten list of Kansas City’s barbeque joints. With most places, giving a spot so much praise so early would seem like a risk. It was quite evident early on that Chef J BBQ is not most places. The large platters of thick-sliced Texas briskets, house-made pickled accoutrements, and decadent homemade desserts was not something the downtown corridor had seen prior. In the four years since, the West Bottoms barbeque joint has become a mainstay at both Chiefs’ and Royals’ games. Soon, Chef J will open another location in the new Pennway Point development in the Crossroads. Just last year, Kansas City Magazine named Chef J the best barbeque joint in all of Kansas City. These days it is hard to believe that the West Bottoms smoked meat haven was ever secret. Back in 2020, this site predicted that, “[When the pandemic does end], Chef J is going to have a line out the door like so many iconic Kansas City BBQ hotspots before him.” In 2024, lines typically start to form half an hour before opening. If you’re not in line when Chef J starts serving, your chances of getting some ribs or a serving of bacon burnt ends is, like their trio of sauces, very thin indeed.
DD’s Go-To: It’s the 3 Meat Plate with Bacon Burnt Ends, Pork Ribs, Brisket, and sides of Bacon & Blue Potato Salad and Smoked Elotes for me. When with a group, The Full Monty offers an incredible value, and a chance to sample all of their meats and three of their sides. Save room for Banana Pudding or Cheesecake!
Most would likely agree that the Z-Man from Joe’s is Kansas City’s most iconic sandwich. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
2. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que ^^
3002 W. 47th Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas
There was a time when the Shamrock Station at 47th and Mission was a gas station that happened to house some of the nation’s best barbeque. But nowadays, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is very much a barbeque joint that happens to have a gas pump outside. Over the past thirty years, the restaurant portion of the station grew larger and larger eventually over-taking the gas station and convenience store that was once housed within. The introduction of outdoor patio dining and a to-go counter just as large as the dine-in one were COVID-19 adaptations that were in many ways overdue. For locals and visitors alike, the barbeque joint formerly known as Oklahoma Joe’s has been a destination since they opened in 1996. One of the first Kansas City barbeque restaurants born of the competition circuit, Joe’s rose to fast fame with the introduction of the Z-Man specialty sandwich a year after they opened. Not only was the Z-Man possibly the first barbeque specialty sandwich in Kansas City, it has since become the framework by which other specialty sandwiches adhere (meat + fried vegetable + cheese + sauce + bun = winning formula!). Of all the praise that Joe’s has rightfully received over the years, the greatest continues to come from the late Anthony Bourdain who made Joe’s the only barbeque joint in the world on his famed list of 13 Places to Eat Before You Die. Still, the quality of Joe’s offerings continue to, somehow, exceed all the hype.
DD’s Go-To: If I’m going for a sandwich, it’s typically The Rocket Pig with a side of French Fries but the Z-Man is equally good. Most times, it’s the Rib Dinner with a side of French Fries, Dirty Rice, OR Onion RIngs. These are some of the best ribs in the nation! The Burnt Ends deserve their day in the sun as well.
The Cattleman’s Plate is one of several great combo plate options at Slap’s BBQ. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
1. Slap’s BBQ
553 Central Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas
A decade ago, barbeque began to see a renaissance in the heart of Kansas City. Suddenly, an urban center that had been largely devoid of quality barbeque for a generation was being overwhelmed by it. Surely, when brothers Mike and Joe Pearce decided to parlay the success of their Squeal Like A Pig competition team into a restaurant of the same name, they were not aiming to start a revolution. But, that’s exactly what Slap’s BBQ helped do back in 2014. During this boom, many of these newer options sought to elevate the Kansas City barbeque experience, Slap’s quickly gained a following by being a bit of a throwback. The little red shack in Strawberry Hill served up smoked meats and homestyle sides at a counter with a dauntingly large menu board hanging overhead. In a city that became the BBQ Capital by “doing everything and doing it well”, Slap’s was a place that echoed that quality. Serving up a large menu of meats and sides that are regularly considered among the city’s best. The biggest fans of Slap’s learned years ago that lunchtime is the time to arrive. It has never been a matter of lesser quality later in the day, but about lesser availability. Slap’s was famously the first Kansas City barbeque joint to operate on the sell-out model. While they have dinner hours posted, there’s never a guarantee they will actually be there come evening. Even when they are, the most popular meats are typically long gone. Despite the incredible popularity of the restaurant, after ten years, the Squeal Like A Pig team, continues to participate in, and collect trophies from, a number of barbeque competitions throughout the year. Due to their popularity, Slap’s expanded a few years ago with a concrete patio that evolved into an indoor dining room and a rooftop that offers views of downtown. Nowadays, the original shed has no tables or chairs, just a long winding queue of all those hoping to get their hands on Slap’s blue-ribbon meats.
DD’s Go-To: The order here is the Three Little Pigs (Ribs, Pulled Pork, Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage) with Baked Potato Casserole and Hush Puppies. The Cattleman’s Plate (Brisket, Burnt Ends, Beef Polish Sausage) is equally strong. Every now and then, I mix things up by adding a Chicken Leg Quarter to the mix or opting for Sweet Potato Fries or Mac & Cheese W/ Bacon. When in season, the Brisket Chili is a must!
“ Listen, I’ve traveled every road in this here land. I’ve been everywhere, man. I’ve been everywhere ...”
Well, there you have it. The list is finally complete. You now are aware of the top quarter of the World Capital of BBQ’s offerings. With this knowledge, a gauntlet has been thrown down. Will you choose to pick it up?
See, the Devan’s Dozen format was not only born of exemplary alliteration, but because of the inherent challenge that the number 12 invokes. If every month you were to visit a spot off this half the list (or get in two visits per month with the entire double dozen!), you could feel confident that come National Barbeque Day next year, you would have enjoyed the entire top tier of Kansas City barbeque.
Of course, that top tier is subjective. It is my list after all. As Todd Johns, the proprietor of the now-closed Plowboys Barbeque, likes to famously say, “All lists are bullshit, unless you are on it.”
If your favorite spot failed to make this list, or the half that preceded it, you will likely cry foul. You may even declare this list to be hogwash. That’s your right. This is the very conversation which seems to often consume Kansas City, in the same way that our city consumes pulled pork and brisket.
That being said, before you give in to the temptation to suggest that, “You need to try X” or “You need to visit Y” or “You clearly haven’t had the food at Z”, simply because a place did not make the cut; take a deep breath and remember one thing.
“I’ve been everywhere, man.”
DISCLAIMER: Any personal relationships that may exist with restaurant proprietors had no influence on these rankings. Complimentary food was not accepted in exchange for inclusion on this list.
Those Pesky Endnotes I Often Insist Upon
* Devan’s Dozen as in “me”. “How was this list determined?” Me. “Who voted on this?” Me. “What were the parameters?” Mine. “Well you need to visit…” Let me stop you right there, I did. And it didn’t make the list. That’s the nature of these things. This really is the joy of having my own column with my name right up top there, the rules are mine to make.
^ To be considered a “barbeque restaurant” and in these rankings, it was vital that a barbeque have a brick and mortar presence, or at least a regularly occurring location. For any trucks, pop-ups, or concepts, it was important that they keep consistent hours in a consistent location(s) that does not require paid entry (such as a stadium). As a result, there is a handful of tremendous pitmasters who I consider elite that were not considered for these rankings.
** For expanded recommendations and “buyer bewares”, be sure to check out the one and only BBQ Bible! You can also see the past “Devan’s Dozen” list they have been included on and which “Fountain City Superlatives” they have won.
^^ For restaurants that have multiple locations, this denotes the original, and typically suggested, location.
*** This is actually true. In addition to penning a full review of Chef J BBQ in the very first article that was exclusive to disKCovery, I also wrote their first-ever Yelp! review and was the first publication to rank them among Kansas City barbeque’s elite.
Which of these places listed is your favorite? Which are you looking forward to trying? What did I get wrong? What did I get right? Whose exclusion from this “Top 24” is beyond forgiveness? Let me hear it in the comments!
