Ten stories showcase the evolving landscape of barbecue in Kansas City and beyond
Kansas City barbecue is experiencing both preservation and innovation. New places like Burnt End BBQ are moving into growing suburban areas such as De Soto, offering classics alongside vegan options. Community figures, including jazz musician Gerald Dunn, connect barbecue to deep-rooted family and cultural traditions, as seen at Dunn Deal BBQ.
Events like the KC Smoke Show let fans taste brisket and burnt ends from both famed and emerging pitmasters, while the new Museum of BBQ highlights regional styles and interactive exhibits. Local personalities such as Jason Sudeikis and Kimmi Chex recommend signature items from spots like Gates, Jack Stack, and Arthur Bryant’s, underscoring how tradition and personal taste shape the Kansas City barbecue scene.
NO. 1: THIS BIG BBQ SANDWICH PRACTICALLY FALLS APART WHEN YOU EAT IT. THAT’S HALF THE FUN
It’s the best-selling sandwich at this Westport restaurant with good reason. | Published February 23, 2023 | Read Full Story by Jonathan Shorman
NO. 2: ‘WE JUST COULDN’T CARRY ON.’ KANSAS CITY AREA BBQ EXPANDED A YEAR AGO. NOW IT’S CLOSED
The owner said he may do some pop-ups later. The menu included burnt ends, slabs, pulled pork, turkey breast, brisket chili and cheesy corn. | Published March 17, 2023 | Read Full Story by Joyce Smith
NO. 3: THE NEW KCI AIRPORT SHOULD HONOR THE BARBECUE GREAT WHO MADE KANSAS CITY WORLD-FAMOUS | OPINION
From Budapest to Dublin, people know our city for its smoked meat. Let’s recognize the trailblazer who put us on the map. | Published April 9, 2023 | Read Full Story by Devan Dignan
NO. 4: NFL NETWORK HOST FROM KC SHARES AN INSIDER’S GUIDE FOR VISITORS COMING FOR THE DRAFT
Tip No. 1: Avoid “gentrified” barbecue if you are coming to Kansas City for the NFL Draft. | Published April 18, 2023 | Read Full Story by Pete Grathoff
NO. 5: BEST OF KANSAS CITY BARBECUE? YOU CAN BE THE JUDGE AS NFL BRINGS PITMASTERS HEAD-TO-HEAD
On the final day of the draft, fans can watch competitions and taste samples of beloved KC barbecue. | Published April 26, 2023 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez
NO. 6: JASON SUDEIKIS OUTLINES WHAT MAKES UP HIS PERFECT BARBECUE CRAWL IN KANSAS CITY
The “Ted Lasso” star and Shawnee Mission West High School graduate shared his must-haves at KC barbecue spots while on “Hot Ones.” | Published May 30, 2023 | Read Full Story by Pete Grathoff
NO. 7: NASHVILLE JOINT INVITES TAYLOR SWIFT TO SHOW TRAVIS KELCE ‘REAL BBQ.’ KC IS HORRIFIED
One of the 3,000 commenters has visited this Nashville restaurant: “Might be ‘awesome’ for TN, but it’s only average in KC.” | Published September 28, 2023 | Read Full Story by Lisa Gutierrez
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NO. 8: THIS PART OF JOHNSON COUNTY DOESN’T HAVE A BARBECUE RESTAURANT. NOW ONE IS ON THE WAY
An old Johnson County Burger King will become a barbecue restaurant. | Published April 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson
NO. 9: BARBECUE AND JAZZ? NEW RESTAURANT IS POWERED BY KANSAS CITY’S TWO FAMOUS TRADITIONS
On the menu at this new barbecue joint: ribs, brisket, pulled pork, turkey and sausage (andouille with cheddar and jalapeno, served sliced). | Published June 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall
NO. 10: KANSAS CITY’S NEW BARBECUE MUSEUM, THE WORLD’S FIRST, HAS SET AN OPENING DATE
The Museum of BBQ will feature nearly a dozen different exhibits and interactive activities. | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.