Kansas City's BBQ scene: new meals to try

The articles collectively highlight the dynamic nature of Kansas City's BBQ scene, with emphasis on change and adaptation. Kansas City's barbecue landscape is evolving with influences from different regions. Local establishments embrace new trends, share historical roots, and gain national attention.

A pop-up called Smoak Craft Barbecue expands to a ghost kitchen at Crossroads Food Stop, offering barbeque and burritos. The dishes incorporate New Mexico flavors. Jouston Pigs BBQ's expansion falters as its Legends Outlets location closes after less than two years due to insufficient business. Arthur Bryant’s BBQ earns recognition as Missouri's best barbecue joint by Southern Living, highlighting its unique sauce and historical significance in the city. Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue renovates its private dining area, enhancing its appeal while retaining its heritage in Kansas City.

Ribs and burnt ends smoked by John Atwell, co-owner of Jousting Pigs BBQ.

NO. 1: ‘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

Q39 offers jumbo chicken wings with a chipotle barbecue sauce.

NO. 2: THE LATEST ON KANSAS CITY BARBECUE: ONE BIG REMODELING, TWO BIG NATIONAL SHOUTOUTS

Anthony Bourdain had 13 international restaurants that he loved. One was in Johnson County. | Published May 10, 2023 | Read Full Story by Joyce Smith

The pulled pork sandwich from Smoak Craft Barbecue, coming soon to the Crossroads Food Stop. By Tarik Sykes

NO. 3: BARBECUE-AND-BURRITOS POP-UP WILL DEBUT PICKUP AND DELIVERY LOCATION IN KANSAS CITY

The breakfast menu includes burritos and bowls (brisket, pork, egg and potato). The lunch menu will serve barbecue plates, sandwiches and homemade sides. | Published March 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

NO. 4: BARBECUE RESTAURANT CLOSES JOHNSON COUNTY LOCATION AFTER 10 YEARS. ALL IS NOT LOST

This restaurant is known for its brisket and burnt ends sandwich, smoked ribs and barbecue bowls. | Published July 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

DeAndre Hopkins loved his visit to Gates Bar-B-Q

NO. 5: CHIEFS’ DEANDRE HOPKINS WAS BLOWN AWAY BY HIS FIRST TASTE OF KC BARBECUE

DeAndre Hopkins asked Kansas Citians what barbecue restaurant he should try next. | Published November 14, 2024 | Read Full Story by Pete Grathoff

A mixed plate of barbecue at J’s BBQ in Olathe on Tuesday, Mar. 11, 2025. The location recently switched ownership after the departure of longtime favorite, Johnny’s, closed up shop. The owner, Josh Deal, claims to have “the best burnt ends in Kansas City.” By Dominick Williams

NO. 6: JOHNSON COUNTY BBQ RESTAURANT CLOSES, ANOTHER REPLACES IT. ‘THE BEST BURNT ENDS IN KC’

The KC institution is gone after almost 50 years. But don’t fear BBQ fans, something else is here. | Published March 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Arthur Bryant’s restaurant, its brick building at 1727 Brooklyn Ave., parking lot and trademark now have new owners. By Emily Curiel

NO. 7: SOUTHERN LIVING PICKED THIS KC RESTAURANT AS ONE OF THE BEST BARBECUE JOINTS

The magazine’s contributing barbecue editor said Kansas City’s barbecue scene has changed due to an uptick of chefs bringing styles from other states to the city, but their readers stuck with a local icon. | Published May 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez

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.