Joe’s Kansas City named one of the best restaurants in US — but not for its barbecue

Award-winning Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is often in the national spotlight.

Tripadvisor named it to its America’s Best BBQ list in 2015. Yelp put it on its Top 100 Places to Eat in 2020. In 2021, Eater said it was one of the 26 Essential Restaurants in Kansas City. Just to name a few.

Now Mashed — an online publication that says it is the “ultimate destination for all things food” — has put out “The Best Gas Station Food in Every State.” Joe’s made the list for Kansas — but with a disclaimer.

While it said that the Kansas City, Kansas, spot has some of the best barbecue in the state — flavorful ribs and rich meaty brisket — and that customers should sample those and more, “the best thing to order is one of their side dishes — macaroni and cheese.”

In a statement, Eric Tadda, spokesman for Joe’s, said most customers come for the competition barbecue. But he said it’s “also nice to have our side dishes recognized because we have put lots of time in our R&D kitchens to make high quality sides that complement our bbq.”

He said Joe’s macaroni and cheese is loaded with “white cheddar sauce and smoked provolone cheese that give it a great flavor. And just maybe the french fry seasoning dusted on top makes it that much more addicting!”

The gas station at 3002 W. 47th Ave. is the original location, but Joe’s also has full-service restaurants in Leawood and Olathe.

For Missouri, Mashed picked Area 71 in the Table Rock area, recommending the taco salad.

This story was originally published April 20, 2022 at 3:01 PM.