Kansas City is famous for its barbecue, like this pulled pork and burnt ends at Arthur Bryant's.
Kansas City is known for its barbecue — Arthur Bryant’s, Fiorella’s Jack Stack, and Gates are some of the most legendary. Our favorite is the Gladstone location of Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, located in a strip-mall like location at 6304 North Oak.
Even as you pull into the lot, you can smell the pit – the smell of meat crisping over a slow fire. Once inside, the service is friendly and efficient. Waitresses like Bonnie warn you that the Chicken Breast grilled over hickory logs takes a while. It’s worth the wait. For a bar-b-que joint, the house salad exceeds expectations with fresh lettuce, spinach, mushroom, peas, and tomatoes, topped with real bacon and croutons. Sides could be the main course. Our favorite, Hickory Pit Beans, come in a smoky hickory sauce with little pieces of burnt ends mixed in. The Cheesy Corn is a close second, if a less than healthy “side.”
And for the meat, well there are ribs and smoked meats and brisket – and the best – burnt ends.
While you are waiting, Bonnie will refill your drink multiple times before you can ask.
Ask 10 Kansas City locals for their favorite barbecue and you’ll likely get 10 different responses. It’s a great barbecue city. Maybe it’s the close proximity, or the friendly service, or the $2.50 beers. We say: check out the Gladstone Smokehouse.
What’s your favorite?