National Barbecue Month: What’s new with Kansas City ’Cue?
When people think of Kansas City, barbecue often comes to mind. And there’s good reason. It’s served up at over 100 restaurants in the area.
Each year the number of barbecue eateries keeps climbing. In just the last few years, a series of notable barbecue newcomers have debuted in Kansas City. That means whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, there’s always something fresh to try.
But it’s not just the restaurants that make Kansas City the barbecue capital of the world. The city’s barbecue history runs deep, and one organization is solidifying its roots with a new, state-of-the-art headquarters primed to host the World Series of Barbecue.
Here’s what’s new—and what’s next—in the local barbecue scene in 2024.
New Eats
Despite only opening a few years ago, long lines at lunchtime are already the norm at Chef J BBQ’s West Bottoms location. Now this hotspot is ranked as one of the best barbecue restaurants in Kansas City. It also serves fans at both Chiefs and Royals games, and in 2024, Chef J will open another site in the highly anticipated Pennway Point development.
Westport favorite Char Bar headed north to Parkville, opening its second location over the winter. Dine and play at this Northland location—grab a Char Bar specialty like burnt ends or ribs then enjoy a match on one of six pickleball courts.
After several years as a pop-up, Harp Barbecue recently opened a permanent location with a simple “Barbecue” sign overhead. Although it’s a relative newcomer to the BBQ scene, Harp has already been voted as one of the best in the country. Don’t be deterred by any long lines. Pitmaster Tyler Harp’s brisket, ribs and pulled pork won’t disappoint.
Another popular barbecue pop-up recently put down roots in Kansas City’s Columbus Park neighborhood. Wolfepack BBQ has a straightforward but flavorful everyday menu—the brisket burnt ends are a customer favorite—but rotating specials like walnut-crusted chicken breast keep things interesting.
One KC-area family recently learned just how hard it is to stay away from the local barbecue scene. Last year, the owners of Roscoe’s Barbecue decided to retire and close the business. One year later, they’re still enjoying retirement—but their two sons decided to turn the smoker back on. They reopened the Wyandotte County barbecue restaurant over the winter.
Coming Up
Night Goat Barbecue started as a carryout special once a week; now it’s moving into its own permanent location in the basement of Fox and Pearl. This barbecue joint is coining itself as a “honky-tonk dive bar,” still featuring favorites like brisket tacos and pork belly sandwiches. It’s slated to open in 2024.
Burnt End BBQ is weeks away from opening a third location in rural Johnson County, Kansas—an area primed for rapid growth with a new Panasonic plant under construction. Customers will find all the favorites from Burnt End’s two other locations like “The Chop,” smoked ribs, and of course, the burnt ends platter.
Q39, a favorite for local celebrities like actor Paul Rudd and Chiefs coach Andy Reid, is headed west for its third location. The popular KC-area barbecue restaurant is opening in Lawrence this fall, a city near and dear to owner Kelly Magee. She’s one of three generations of KU grads.
KC BBQ Experience
Trying to keep up? Track all your barbecue adventures across the Kansas City area with the KC BBQ Experience app!
Guests can check in at over 100 local restaurants, earn badges and post photos of their meals. The app even has themed barbecue trails, grouping restaurants into categories like old-school joints or location.
It’s the ultimate resource for enjoying KC’s signature cuisine.
A New Headquarters
The progress doesn’t stop there. The American Royal and Kansas City go back over 100 years, but now the organization is taking a major step toward the future.
Construction is underway now on the American Royal’s new headquarters in Kansas City, Kansas.
When complete, it will take up almost seven football fields of space. That includes plenty of space for the World Series of Barbecue—the world’s largest barbecue competition.
The event has been held at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in the past and now at Kansas Speedway, attracting over 400,000 visitors.
Soon it will have a new home. The American Royal’s new facility is expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026.