Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

Im a dumb yankee who loves BBQ and I will be in Kansas City, MO briefly this weekend and figure I can escape my obligations to squeeze in two meals (lunch and dinner). Naturally, KC's BBQ legacy precedes it, and I intend to stuff my face as much as possible during limited time I have.

Ive been researching online, and keep coming up with some of the same results, Jacks Stack, Arthur Bryant, LC, Danny Edwards, etc. Any locals care to point me to their favorites? One stipulation is that the places must be reasonably close to downtown, as that is where I will be during my stay and I will have very limited free time to go seek out restaurants.

Thanks for any advice!

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

I was in KC a couple of months ago and solicited bbq joint advice from a bunch of locals. the names you mentioned were brought up, but Gates' was the unanimous choice in the end. it was damned good.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

Mmmmmmmm.....Gates. Really good. Don't know if there's one downtown, but they serve Gates at KC Royals games if you go.

ScottieK

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

For the lunch, go with Arthur Bryant's. Really can not go wrong there. Don't expect fine dining: its more of a counter with some Formica tables.

If for some reason you want to break away from the BBQ, a great alterenative is Stroud's. They serve family-style meals and specialize in fried chicken. I recommend the chicken-fried steak.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

I googled Gates and its 1.7 miles to where Ill be staying, meaning its walking distance. Definately going to check it out.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

Fried chicken is one of my all time favorite foods. This is tempting!

Also, to me, fine dining is a cheap hole in the wall with large portions of greasy, tasty, meaty, fried food.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

oklahoma joe's is good stuff

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

Hit Gates, which as you mention is in walking distance. Pick up a tray when you walk in - don't forget the tray or you'll get yelled at. The counter help will be yelling "HI CAN I HELP YOU" to people in line, so pay attention and order when they're yelling at you, which will be well before you actually approach the register. You want one of three things: beef on bun (which comes with fries so don't order a side) burnt ends sandwich which is very fatty but oh so delicious (no fries, so order a side), or the combo (beef + ham on bread, my personal favorite, also no fries so order a side). Get all three types of sauces and try them all.

Fiorella's Jack Stack is also in walking distance, and in my opinion is the overall best BBQ in kansas city. Get the burnt ends, or at least some sort of combo platter that includes burnt ends, and be sure to get a side of beans. Its in an area called the Art District with several cool bars if you want a place you can grab a drink or whatever. Jack Stack is a nicer, pricier restarunt.

Oklahoma Joes would be a third option but its about a ten minute drive from downtown. Not something you'd want to do if you don't have a car, and not really worth the taxi costs when you've got Gates and Jack Stack right there. If you do go to OK Joe's, get the Z-man (brisket topped with provolone cheese and two onion rings) and kansas city's best fries which are enough for two people to share.

RDH is right on with Strouds for amazing home cooking and some of the country's best chicken. Its a short drive from downtown if you've got access to a car or want to pay for a taxi (which are expensive in KC, as there really isn't a lot of demand for them).

Arthur Bryant's is cool for the historical aspect, but their food is no where near the best that KC has to offer. I'd avoid if you've only got time for two meals. I'd do Gates for sure, then either Jack Stack or OK Joe's or even Strouds.

KC is my hometown. I work downtown If you need some hospitality or directions or further recommendations drop me a PM or email. There's a strong possiblity we'll be playing poker before watching UFC 61 Saturday night, but sounds like you're on business.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

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Hit Gates, which as you mention is in walking distance. Pick up a tray when you walk in - don't forget the tray or you'll get yelled at. The counter help will be yelling "HI CAN I HELP YOU" to people in line, so pay attention and order when they're yelling at you, which will be well before you actually approach the register. You want one of three things: beef on bun (which comes with fries so don't order a side) burnt ends sandwich which is very fatty but oh so delicious (no fries, so order a side), or the combo (beef + ham on bread, my personal favorite, also no fries so order a side). Get all three types of sauces and try them all.

Fiorella's Jack Stack is also in walking distance, and in my opinion is the overall best BBQ in kansas city. Get the burnt ends, or at least some sort of combo platter that includes burnt ends, and be sure to get a side of beans. Its in an area called the Art District with several cool bars if you want a place you can grab a drink or whatever. Jack Stack is a nicer, pricier restarunt.

Oklahoma Joes would be a third option but its about a ten minute drive from downtown. Not something you'd want to do if you don't have a car, and not really worth the taxi costs when you've got Gates and Jack Stack right there. If you do go to OK Joe's, get the Z-man (brisket topped with provolone cheese and two onion rings) and kansas city's best fries which are enough for two people to share.

RDH is right on with Strouds for amazing home cooking and some of the country's best chicken. Its a short drive from downtown if you've got access to a car or want to pay for a taxi (which are expensive in KC, as there really isn't a lot of demand for them).

KC is my hometown. I work downtown If you need some hospitality or directions or further recommendations drop me a PM or email. There's a strong possiblity we'll be playing poker before watching UFC 61 Saturday night, but sounds like you're on business.

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Awesome advice - totally agree.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

Performity, Thanks so much for the awesome advice and offer to hang. I will be in town only for 1 day and will basically have no free time other than sneaking away from my obligations to stuff my piehole.

I will definately hit up Gates for Lunch, then Jacks for dinner. Ill take some pic's and do a BBQ trip report when I get back home.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

I agree with almost all of what Perfomify says, with these minor changes:

I'm not that keen on Gates. It's definitely better than Arthur Bryant's, but I'd label it "good" not "great."

At OK Joe's, I much prefer just the regular ol' pork ribs to the z-man.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

I've actually never had their ribs, buffett - i've had a few different sandwich options but never tried the ribs. I'll give those a shot the next time I'm there.

Actually had a z-man for lunch today. It was the balls.

Edit: i'd also agree with the Gates comment. Its not the absolute best, but i'd say its "very good" and you can't beat the fact that its in walking distance (or a very very short drive) if you're downtown already.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

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I was in KC a couple of months ago and solicited bbq joint advice from a bunch of locals. the names you mentioned were brought up, but Gates' was the unanimous choice in the end. it was damned good.

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I was at a cookout this weekend where someone flew in Gate's ribs. They were fantastic.

scrub

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

Gates is a must. As is Arthur Bryants. If you have more than one person, get the sampler platter at Gates. Don't listen to anyone who says these two aren't the bomb. They clearly have defective taste buds and I suspect may not be even fully native KC-ans. They probably don't even sauce their meat until after they're done grilling it! [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img] (ultimate KC insult)

Stick to a beef andwich at Bryants. Bryant's sauce is very different from what you're used probably used to - very vinegary. It's an acquired taste. But once you acquire the taste - is a lot of people's favorite. Their fries rule. I used to go to school at Lincoln Academy. My Mom would get Bryant's on days when she had to pick me up. She'd get a big side of fries wrapped in pink butcher paper. By the time we got home it was completely transparent. That's good eatin!

Other great BBQ is LC's out by the stadium.

Rosedale's isn't bad, very tender ribs. Sauce is a little sweet for my taste, but many swear by it.

Jackstack is fine, more of the corporate dining experience version of BBQ though.

Danny Edwards is actually a good friend of my family's. But I wouldn't recommend it over the ones above.

If you love fried chicken you absolutely have to hit Strouds. Best I've ever had.


Other culinary highlights of KC IMO:

Imo's pizza - very different. Some hate it, I love it.

Manny's for mexican, Rudy's Tenampa Tacquiera on Westport Road is also good.

Garozzo's for italian - chicken spedini

Town Topic for a cheeseburger

Jerusalem Cafe for middle eastern

d'Bronx pizza and sandwiches rock

and finally hitting up the the Quik Trip $1 menu at 3am - which I miss more than anything about KC (although it's not $1 any more [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] )


Edit: I just noticed you only have 2 meals. Do Gates for lunch and Strouds for dinner. Your tongue will thank you.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

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I was in KC a couple of months ago and solicited bbq joint advice from a bunch of locals. the names you mentioned were brought up, but Gates' was the unanimous choice in the end. it was damned good.

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I was at a cookout this weekend where someone flew in Gate's ribs. They were fantastic.

scrub

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Most KC expats I know pick up a few bottles of Gates sauce at the airport everytime they go back. That or have it shipped whenever they run out.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

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Fiorella's Jack Stack is also in walking distance, and in my opinion is the overall best BBQ in kansas city

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seconded...also, if you are a drinker..Boulevard Wheat beer is an excelent local micro brew (their pale ale is ok but I only like it from a keg)

I think you said you like fried chicken then Strouds is the best around...Its on troost and something or other (probably too far away which is a shame)

have fun and dont judge our city just because our downtown sucks

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Manny's for mexican

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did this move..i wanted to go last time I was in op but Its not where it used to be on metcalf and 151st...what gives? I was pissed that I had to settle for some crappy chain Jose Peppers or something

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

The Manny's I've always gone to is down on Southwest Blvd. But I haven't lived in KC for 10 years.

Also the Stroud's I was thinking of is the one in N. KC.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

Good stuff suzzer, except your list is a little dated.
Edit: see you haven't lived here for 10 years. That explains it.

The one I'd take most immediate exception to is:
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Margaritas for mexican

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Manny's is still in its original location on the Blvd, but its one of the most over-rated restaraunts in the city imo - Margaritas kicks its ass in every category, except maybe in number of hot women attending during the lunch hour.

Its no surprise that we're consistently among the nation's fattest cities. We've got some of the best fat people food. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

Margaritas has been around a while right? I'm pretty sure we used to go there. Along with Ponaks, is that still around? And there was another place I can't remember, across from Manny's. The only thing I remember is they had this dish which was bacially cucumber slices covered in spices that was the hottest thing I've ever eaten.

Nowadays when I come back we just go to Rudy's since that's close to where my friends live. I love that place.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

Yep. you're thinking of the right place - down near the end of the Blvd near Ponaks.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

http://www.geocities.com/karoads0/35.JPG

Texas is only a few hundred miles away.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

[censored], I'm hungry now.

I spent two years at Mizzou and they started serving Gates' sauce at the food joint next to my dorm; that was good [censored].

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

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Texas

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LOL

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

Page PJN if he isn't in Vegas.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

Friends,

If you ever want to wine and dine a fine lady in Kansas City, take her to Macaluso's.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

I think its funny how Texans think their BBQ can even compete with KC and Memphis, while everyone else in the world rolls their eyes.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

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I think its funny how Texans think their BBQ can even compete with KC and Memphis, while everyone else in the world rolls their eyes.

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Don't hate just because you're jealous. "Compete?" Hahaha. Good one.

Oh yeah, I thought Gates had a pretty tasty brisket sandwich when I was driving through KC.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

[ QUOTE ]
Friends,

If you ever want to wine and dine a fine lady in Kansas City, take her to Macaluso's.

[/ QUOTE ]

Definately in my regular date rotation - along with 40 Sardines, J Gilbert's, Le Frou Frog, Piropos in Parkville, and Boozefish. Occasionally the American Restaraunt.

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

To everyone who's mentioned Strouds on Troost - too late, it was bulldosed a couple of weeks ago to make room for street improvements. I think there is still one up north though.

LC's is my favorite for ribs. Gates has great sauce, but the meat quality can be hit or miss.

There's alway's KC Masterpiece...(kidding).

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

Closing of Strouds

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The Kansas City Star


If you have a vacant old roadhouse under a bridge, call Stroud’s.

For decades, Stroud’s restaurant has been famous for its crispy fried chicken — and for its buckled building in the shadows of a Troost Avenue bridge. But while Stroud’s will continue to operate at 1015 E. 85th St. for the next few months, it must find a new home by the end of the year.

The city wants to replace the bridge and widen Troost at 85th Street. Also, 85th Street would be widened to four lanes from Holmes Road to Tracy Avenue.

“Stroud’s just happens to fall in a bad location,” said Jennifer Berry, project coordinator for Jackson County Public Works, which is managing the project for the city. “To widen the road, it takes half of their building.”

The city and Stroud’s owner Mike Donegan have agreed to a financial settlement for the property.

“I’m not crazy about it, but I don’t have a choice, and I wasn’t raised to be a whiner so I’m not going to do it,” Donegan said. “I’d like to move it, but I don’t know if that’s feasible.”

Donegan is decidedly against strip centers and longs for another old roadhouse under a viaduct.

Even founder Helen Stroud called Stroud’s a “shack” when she opened her barbecue restaurant on the southwest corner of 85th and Holmes Road in 1933. The location, on the outskirts of the city, sold ribs for 15 cents, sardines for a dime and draft beer for a nickel. But one Fourth of July, the cook bought some fryers — three for a dollar.

Chicken sold out that night and has been on the menu since, with every piece pan-fried to order and served directly from old iron skillets.

By 1972 Stroud was tired of the long hours and six-day weeks, so she sold the operation. A few years later, Donegan and a partner bought the restaurant and have since expanded three times. Donegan, who later bought out his partner, also owns Stroud’s North at 5410 N.E. Oak Ridge Drive.

The 2005 edition of Zagat Survey’s America’s Top Restaurants noted Stroud’s “legendary fried chicken” and warped yet homey setting, which was also called a “wonderful dump.” Martha Stewart Living magazine listed it as a “must-try road-trip destination” in the November 2002 issue. Stroud’s also won a 1998 James Beard Award for regional classic cuisine.

Parking is at such a premium that customers often walk along the edge of bustling two-lane 85th Street to reach the front door. On weekends, they pack the bar as they wait up to two hours for crispy fried chicken, cream pan gravy and cinnamon rolls, served family style.

Stroud’s — with a slogan of “We choke our own chickens” — serves nearly 12,000 pounds of chicken a week.

“Going to Stroud’s and not-so-daintily ravaging a fried chicken is an exercise in tradition. Where will we waddle to now?” said longtime customer Pat O’Neill of Kansas City.

Paul Sepe, an out-of-town fan, agreed.

“It’s modest and simple, but all the cars parked in front and down the street and under the viaduct tell you it’s someplace special,” said Sepe, who often makes road trips from his New Hampshire home to eat at Stroud’s and other favorites.

“I love the crooked windows and the wooden floors polished from decades of use — and maybe ambient grease. It (a move) will be OK as long as they bring their skillets and grease, but it won’t be quite the same.”

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Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

Yeah, fortunately Strouds North is still open. Closer to my house, anyways [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
http://www.stroudsrestaurant.com/hours.html

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

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http://www.geocities.com/karoads0/35.JPG

Texas is only a few hundred miles away.

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i will put my fiery brisket against yours anyday.


peace

john nickle

Re: Kansas City BBQ - OOT Lead me to the promised land!
 

Here's a great resource

G. A. S. BBQ

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A group of folks providing 10 year's of restaurant reviews, pictures, and candid observations of one of Kansas City's most famous attractions...its BARBECUE!


"Ten years eatin' high on the hog
is a lotta frequent eater miles to log
sloppin' and slurpin' and gnashing' and gnawin'
with only a dash of superfluous jawin'
reason to be proud and puffed up fer sure
long may the likes of the G.A.S. legend endure"


Dick Vallandingham, 2006


We're award winning and bona fide!

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