Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que Info
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Best WLM Reviews
If you're looking to try some of Kansas City's famous BBQ, this spot is a must-visit. Known as a pioneer in the local BBQ scene, it's one of the most popular places in town. The restaurant itself is a unique setup—a gas station with a diner located about 1.5 miles west of Kansas City's Country Club Plaza(Missouri), but technically in Kansas. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it's a minimalist, no-frills spot perfect for food lovers. The prices are reasonable, and I especially recommend the Rib Rack (just Rib full slab is sufficient for 3 adults $26.99) and Rocket Pig.
Z man is also another popular pick.
It has beef , pork and chicken options.
My experience: I visited on a Saturday around 12:30 p.m., and while there was a long line that took about 35 minutes to order, the food was worth the wait. Standing in line, I felt reassured that so many people were willing to wait—the food had to be good, and it absolutely delivered.
In plain few words- I loved this place.
Fantastic BBQ!!! The staff were super kind and helpful, making the whole experience great. The line moved quickly, and we got our food almost right away.
The Z-man sandwich? Amazing! Definitely grab a spiked blackberry lemonade while you wait. And if they have burnt ends, get them—they're fantastic! The BBQ beans had pieces of brisket in them and the Mac and cheese was super hot and delicious! The guy serving drinks was hilarious and super nice, too. Can’t wait to go back!
WOAH! WHAT A SANDWICH! Joe's KC BBQ is without a doubt the best BBQ sandwich I've ever had. In a gas station too?? Incredible. Get the Z-man, it's famous, and Paul Rudd's favorite sandwich for a reason, it's incredible. The burnt ends are amazing and well and you can't miss out on the sides. We got the fries and the Mac and cheese and it was delicious!
Visiting from NC, wanted to try some Midwestern BBQ. This place had a lot of hype so figured I would give it a try-- it was good don't get me wrong, but nothing crazy, I've been to a handful of better bbq spots. Would have also liked to try Q39 to give local comparison but didn't have time to do both, short stay.
The line was long, about 20-25min but you are handed your food essentially 1 minute after finally placing the order. Ribs 3.5/5, pulled pork 3/5, burnt ends 4/5. The mac was delicious, definitely recommend this as a side. Was surprised no cornbread available, maybe that's a southern thing though. The vibe was cool, little souvenirs and t shirts sold inside. Indoor and outdoor seating , better to be outside though otherwise you have people weaving all around your table due to high volume inside + lines. If I lived in the area I'd definitely come back here, seems like a great local spot.
This was my first experience at Joe's. We we're traveling through Kansas City, meeting a friend, and we've heard a ton about it.
Thankfully, the line wasn't as long the day we went, although it took us 30+ minutes of standing in line before we could order.
I got the Hogamaniac plate with two ribs, sausage, pulled pork, and Mac and Cheese as my side.
It was all good, but the ribs were my favorite.
The staff was great and the atmosphere is kind of electric, because we're all there excellent bbq ????
I wish i could give more than 5 stars. I found this place months before I went there, and let me tell you, it was well worth it. Nothing was even slightly done wrong. The employees were among some of the kindest and prepared our food very fast. They have a huge menu with tons of delicious BBQ to try. Their drink selection is also pretty expansive, and their sweet tea is a must try. Their sandwiches are probably the best I have ever had, and the same with their meats. This is #1 in my top ten favorite BBQ resteraunts. And it would be amazing to come back here again.
This is THE SPOT for KC BBQ. Tried places all over the city when I came to visit, but none of them measured to Joe’s. Went in on game day and the line was crazy so I’d recommend getting curb side. Then while you wait you can walk into the convenience store and browse the local sauces/rubs. The guy working was super friendly, suggesting all kinds of rubs and sauces to try. As for the food itself, The Z Man is the play and was delicious. Also, the side fries are seasoned perfectly (Pro Tip: Drench them in the Joes Sauce as seen in the photo).
It's good BBQ, but it's not great BBQ. Full disclosure, I'm from Texas so I'm writing this as impartial as possible.
My group arrive at 1045 on a Saturday and were only fifteen people back from the front. By noon, the line was out the door and down the sidewalk a few parking spaces. Seating is limited inside and there's only a few tables outside. Staff won't let you sit until you've ordered so don't expect to save a seat. See my photos for menu prices as of August 2024.
The brisket is...different. It's thin sliced, like cold cuts from the deli at your local grocery store. There's no juice or flavor punch on the inside or out. Same with the turkey. It'd be perfect if I was trying to make a kid's school lunch sandwich. The pulled pork was good but not in a top tier. The sausage was forgettable. It comes already sliced and not in a link. A link keep things juicy and hot, the little sausage pebbles were not. Try their sandwiches. They do stand out in flavor and size for the price. The BBQ beans are probably the best I've had anywhere. I'd eat them with literally any meal and be happy! The mac and cheese was also good.
I'd say visit to check this spot off your list, but stick to those sandwiches and sides. Their BBQ sauce is very good, but it's unfortunate that their meat requires that sauce to get the flavor boost needed.
Quick Facts About Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Today
Opening Hours
Monday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM |
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Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM |
Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM |
Thursday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM |
Friday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
Saturday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
Sunday | Closed |
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