The Kansas City BBQ and Restaurants I Send Every World Cup Visitor To

Listen, you cannot come to Kansas City for the World Cup and leave without eating barbecue. It would be like going to Italy and skipping the pasta. We take this very seriously here, and everyone has their hill they will die on. These are the spots I actually send people to.

I am not going to pretend to be unbiased, because no Kansas Citian is. But this is an honest list of where I would take a visiting friend who only had a few days and a hungry crew.

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Yes, the famous one in the gas station. Do not let the location fool you, the Z-Man sandwich and the burnt ends are the real deal, and it lands on basically every national best barbecue list for good reason. There is almost always a line, and it is almost always worth it.

Q39

If you want barbecue in a more sit down, bring the in laws kind of setting, Q39 is my move. It is a little more polished than the classic joints but the food absolutely holds up. Great for a group that wants table service and a cocktail with their ribs.

Arthur Bryant’s and Gates

These two are the old guard, the historic KC barbecue institutions, and locals have argued over them for generations. Trying both and picking a side is practically a rite of passage. The sauces could not be more different, so taste your way through and report back.

Jack Stack Barbecue

For a slightly upscale experience with a big menu, Jack Stack is a crowd pleaser. The crown prime beef ribs are a thing of beauty, and the locations in the Plaza and Freight House make it easy to pair with the rest of your day.

Beyond the barbecue

We are more than smoked meat, I promise. The Crossroads and downtown are packed with incredible restaurants, from inventive farm to table to fantastic tacos and global food. With World Cup fans in town from everywhere, you will find a little taste of home no matter where you are visiting from.

A few honest tips

The famous barbecue spots get slammed, so go early or late, or be ready to wait. Many of the classic joints are cash friendly and casual, so come hungry and do not overdress. And order more sides than you think you need, the beans and the burnt ends go fast.

The takeaway

Hit at least one classic barbecue joint and one sit down spot while you are here, then branch out into our incredible restaurant scene. Come hungry, pace yourself, and let yourself overdo it a little. That is the KC way, and the World Cup is the perfect excuse.

Already hungry just typing this. xo, Pam