Southern Living says this KC restaurant is the best barbecue joint in Missouri
Popular lifestyle magazine Southern Living named one Kansas City staple the best place for barbecue in Missouri in 2025. The title stays in Kansas City in 2026, although this time it goes to a different restaurant.
Southern Living asked its readers to name the best barbecue joint in their state in an online survey was conducted by a third-party agency from July 9 to Sept. 9, 2025, and had over 17,000 respondents.
The survey said the best barbecue restaurant is Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue, after selecting Arthur Bryant’s in 2025.
“Folks from around here are known to put almost anything on a barbecue pit, and Jack Stack has all the usual suspects — brisket, turkey, sausage, pork, and chicken — plus novelties like lamb ribs and their massive Crown Prime Beef Ribs,” contributing barbecue editor Robert F. Moss said . “Be sure to try the burnt ends (they’re a Kansas City staple), and be liberal with the area’s signature tangy brown sauce.”
Jack Stack, as it’s referred to around the city, started as traditional storefront barbecue stand with selection of five to six items by Russ Fiorella in 1957. It’s been a staple of the competition barbecue scene since, and has expanded to six locations around the Kansas City area.
Moss said his favorite location is 101 W. 22nd St. in the Crossroads, also known as the Freight House building. It’s the second location within city limits; it can also be found at 4747 Wyandotte St. on the Country Club Plaza. Other locations include Lee’s Summit, Martin City, Lenexa and Overland Park.
The publication that shares recipes, house guides and tips about Southern culture in the United States considers Missouri as part of the south, while others would say it’s part of the Midwest.
No matter which way you view it, the restaurant was one of 16 recognized by the publication. Other barbecue joints mentioned hailed from Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas.
Jack Stack has also wowed international audiences. Representatives for Argentina’s national soccer team took a trip to the restaurant with former Sporting KC chief operating officer Alan Dietrich, where he said they loved it after ordering five two-meat platters, plus every side item and dessert item on the menu.
