Date indicates the most recent update of the restaurants listed
Bold indicates my recommendations; others come from what I consider to be good sources

Belton, MO

Snead’s Bar-B-Q–1001 E. 171st St. (BBQ) Closed Mon. Roadfood gives it 5 stars, says all the meats are good, but particularly points out burnt ends that are the real deal. Reviewers say to get the beans as a side dish. Brownies are almost as popular as the burnt ends. Map (Dining room is open 4-25-24)

Gladstone, MO

San’s Sandwiches–6579 N. Oak Trafficway (Vietnamese) Open 9:30 am to 7 pm (closed Wed). Has more than sandwiches (banh mi) but these are said to be one of the best items. Spring rolls are also said to be especially good (such as the vermicelli bowl with spring rolls). Located in a shopping center full of Vietnamese restaurants and shops. Map (Dining room is open 2-27-22)

Independence, MO

Gates BBQ–10440 E. US 40 Hwy. (BBQ) Open Daily. Many of its fans consider it to be “the world’s best barbecue.” Gil’s favorites are ribs and chicken. Some say the service is not as good here as at the other Gates locations (which usually translates into people having to wait a long time for things). Map (Dining room is open 4-25-24)

Thai Kitchen–19321 E. US 40 Hwy. (Thai) Closed Mon. Seems to be the best Thai restaurant on the east side of KC. Curries are very popular. Map (Dining room is open 11-10-21)

Kansas City, KS

Bonito Michoacan–1150 Minnesota Ave. (Mexican) Open daily 7 am to 10 pm (store hours). Tacos al pastor and a number of other types of tacos (but probably pastor is best). Has barbacoa, gorditas, Mexican sodas (in other words, it is more than just tacos). Not a restaurant but you can order at the counter and eat at the tables. (Also in Olathe at 1231 E. Santa Fe St). Map (Dining room is open 11-10-21)

El Pollo Rey–901 Kansas Ave. (Mexican) Open 10 am to 7 pm (10 to 5 on Sun). Mexican style chicken. Map (Dining room is open 11-10-21)

Joe’s Kansas City BBQ (formerly Oklahoma Joe’s)–3002 W. 47th Ave. (BBQ) Open 11 am to 9 pm–10 pm weekends (closed Sun). Gil’s Blog says the pulled pork is best–consensus seems to be this is the best choice out of many good ones. Most people say the burnt ends are excellent. Famous for its Z-Man sandwich (beef brisket topped by provolone cheese and onion rings). Map (Dining room is open 10-31-22)

Noodle Bar–10940 Parallel Pkwy. (Vietnamese) Closed Sun (closes 7 pm weekdays). Very good reviews. Serves pho, ramen, pad thai, and other types of Asian cuisine. All of them seem to be good, even though this is not usually the case when they do not stick to one cuisine. Map (Dining room is open 11-10-21)

Sabor Centroamericana–2519 Park Dr. (Honduran) Closed Wed evening & Thu. Many say it has the best pupusas in KC, and this is the main item people order here. Baleadas are also popular (a dish from northern Honduras made with a flour tortilla stuffed with red beans, queso, and crema). Map (Dining room is open 2-27-22)

Slap’s BBQ–553 Central Ave. (BBQ) Open daily 11 am to 7 pm. A very highly rated restaurant with locals, but seems to be under the radar on the national barbecue lists (although I do know that Food & Wine included it in 2022). Brisket, pulled pork, and burnt ends are recommended (some are disappointed with the ribs). Map (Dining room is open 8-14-22)

Vietnam Cafe–2200 W. 39th Ave. (Vietnamese) Open 11 am to 7:30 pm (closed Mon). Recent reviews say it has gone downhill but is still good for certain items. Lemongrass chicken and bun (vermicelli bowl) are recommended. This is a branch of Vietnam Cafe in KCMO. Map (Dining room is open 11-10-21)

Woodyard Bar-B-Que–3001 Merriam Ln. (BBQ) Lunch daily; dinner Fri & Sat. This is one of the four restaurants Roadfood rates highest for burnt ends. One dish Roadfood particularly likes is the burnt ends chili, a bowl of 3 bean chili with burnt ends on top. Guy Fieri likes the burnt ends sandwich and says the pork ribs had “the most unique dry rub” that he’s ever tried. Map (Dining room is open 9-3-22)

Kansas City, MO

Affäre–1911 Main St. (German) Dinner only (closed Mon & Tue). Upscale German restaurant that I’m including on the list because it has items that will probably be found in few places outside of Germany. Steaks (such as Wagyu or Hirschrücken) will be as expensive as at steakhouses, and other items will be less (most are in about the $28 to $38 range as of Jan. 2022). Map (Dining room is open 2-27-22)

Andre’s–5018 Main St. (Swiss) Open 7 am to 5:30 pm (closed Sun & Mon). Authentic Swiss lunches and pastries are the specialty (this looks like a deli). Chocolates are popular for dessert or for takeout. Map (Dining room is open 11-10-21)

Arthur Bryant’s–1727 Brooklyn Ave. (BBQ) Mon-Sat 11 am to 8 pm (11 to 7 on Sun). Ribs, burnt ends. Gil likes burnt ends, pork sandwich, and baked beans (this is Gil’s favorite BBQ). Map (Dining room is open 11-10-21)

Baba’s Pantry–1019 E. 63rd St. (Palestinian) Open 11 am to 7 pm (closed Sun but store is open 11-3). This is “An authentic Palestinian-American deli & cafe. Gets very good reviews, and was featured in Bon Appetit as one of the ten best new restaurants in the US for 2022. Map (Dining room is open 10-31-22)

BB’s Lawnside BBQ–1205 E. 85th St. (BBQ) Closed Mon. This is a very highly rated, but not the highest rated barbecue restaurant in KC. When I ate there, though, it made quite an impression on me, and I am even more surprised that it is still around (I won’t tell you how many years later). To me you can’t do much better than this place. Burnt ends are especially popular but everything seems to be good (according to reviewers). Map (Dining room is open 4-25-24)

Blue Nile–20 E. 5th St. (Ethiopian) Closed Sun dinner; closed Tue. Traditional Ethiopian food. Map (Dining room is open 11-10-21)

Browne’s Irish Marketplace–3300 Pennsylvania Ave. (Irish) Lunch only (closed Sun & Mon). Unlike Irish pubs, this focuses on being a restaurant and sandwich shop, with a wide variety of Irish food. Has been operating since 1900 (so they must be doing something right). Map (Outdoor patio and takeout available 4-25-24)

Bun Mee Phan–4011 N. Oak Trafficway (Vietnamese) Open 11:30 am to 7 pm–12 to 5 on Sun (closed Mon). Generally good reviews, but banh mi sandwich seems to be especially popular. Caramelized pork banh mi or spring roll is said to be especially good. Lemongrass chicken vermicelli bowl look like another very popular item here. Map (Dining room is open 11-10-21)

Cacao–1046 W. 103rd St. (Mexican) Open daily 10 am to 9 pm. Upscale Mexican food with authentic Yucatan style dishes. Map (Dining room is open 11-10-21)

El Paso del Norte–3430 Independence Ave. (Mexican) Open daily 5:30 am to 8 pm. In an area of town know for small hole-in-the-wall restaurants, with each specializing in different types of food. Here the best items are said to be tamales, burritos, menudo, and pan dulce (sweet bread). Map (Dining room is open 12-3-21)

Empanada Madness–906 Southwest Blvd. (Venezuelan) Lunch only (open daily). Good variety of empanadas and arepas. Seem to be good quality but price is a little higher than is typical for Latin American restaurants. Map (Dining room is open 2-27-22)

Fannie’s West African Cuisine–4105 Troost Ave. (Nigerian) Open 11 am to 7 pm–1 to 5 on Sun (closed Mon). Small restaurant and food is made from scratch. Map (Dining room is open 11-10-21)

Garozzo’s–526 Harrison St. (Italian) Open daily except Sun lunch. KC old style Italian (this is supposedly the best one in town). Chicken spiedini is a favorite. (Also in Overland Park). Map (Dining room is open 11-10-21)

Gates BBQ–1325 Emmanuel Cleaver Blvd. (BBQ) Open Daily. One of several locations. Burnt ends are especially recommended. Roadfood suggests some nontraditional items such as the beef & burnt ends combo sandwich (and endorses the idea that this is one of the top restaurant for burnt ends). Map (Dining room is open 12-2-21)

Grünauer–101 W. 22nd St. (Austrian) Dinner daily; lunch Wed-Sun. German food served Austrian style, with other German dishes also available (reviewers say all of it is good–or at least most of the reviewers). I know German food is not cheap, but this is not overpriced–just fairly priced (it definitely looks upscale though). I think some of the negative reviews may be because Austrian food is a little different, and may not be what many expect when they get German food, although some say the only negative was the service. Map (Dining room is open 4-25-24)

Hien Vuong–417 Main St. (Vietnamese) Open 10 am to 7 pm (closed Tue). Some say if you want authentic Asian in KCMO, come here or Vietnam Cafe (otherwise the closest is at Overland Park & Shawnee KS). Map (Dining room is open 4-25-24)

Il Lazzarone–412 Delaware St. (Pizza) Dinner daily; lunch Fri-Sun. Restaurant says they are serious about following the traditional way of making Neapolitan pizza. Has the VPN seal for Neapolitan pizza. (Also has a restaurant in St. Joseph). Map (Dining room is open 4-25-24)

iPho Tower–3623 Broadway St. (Vietnamese) Open daily 11:30 am to 8 pm. This seems to be an exception to the belief that the only good Vietnamese is downtown. Reviewers say the broth of the pho is very flavorful, and they give you a good choice (chicken, vegetarian, etc.). Map (Dining room is open 11-10-21)

Island Spice–10 W. 39th St. (Jamaican) Open 11 am to 8 pm (closed Sun). Authentic Jamaican food. Curry chicken, jerk chicken, brown gravy chicken, etc. are popular. Map (Dining room is open 11-10-21)

Jubaland–1315 Independence Ave. (Somali) Closed Mon. Downscale restaurant that serves food in styrofoam containers. Reviewers say the flavor is very good. A popular dish is the curry chicken. Map (Dining room is open 11-10-21)

LC’s BBQ–5800 Blue Pkwy. (BBQ) Open 11 am to 9 pm (closed Sun). Burnt ends, ribs. Said to be one of the best BBQ places in KC, and may have an edge over the others because of the sauce. Map (Dining room is open 4-25-24)

Los Altos Jalisco–3719 St. John Ave. (Mexican) Open daily (opens at 1 pm on Sun). In a section of KC known for authentic food. Small restaurant serving tacos and burritos, but not much else. Many say, though, that they are the best tacos and burritos in KC. Map (Dining room is open 12-3-21)

Mesob–3600 Broadway Blvd. (Ethiopian) Dinner only (closed Mon). An African and Caribbean fusion restaurant which reviewers say works perfectly to give you great food. Map (Dining room is open 11-10-21)

Olive Cafe–9530 James A. Reed Rd. (Middle Eastern) Open daily except Sun evening. Halal restaurant. Some say this is the best Middle Eastern food in KC. Is in a small building with a grocery store & restaurant. Lunch buffet is very popular because you can try a number of dishes (and reviewers say they are all good). Note: during the pandemic the buffet has been discontinued. Map (Dining room is open 4-25-24)

Peter May’s House of Kielbasa–1654 Bristol Ave. (Polish) Open Mon-Fri 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Open since 1929, it is a small place where you can eat in, but they say the sausage may sell out if you come too late. Map (Dining room is open 2-27-22)

Pot Pie–904 Westport Rd. (American) Dinner only (closed Sun & Mon). Upscale food at lower prices than similar restaurants. Chicken pot pie is very good, but the menu includes many other great choices. Map (Dining room is open 8-14-22)

Q39–1000 W. 39th St. (BBQ) Open Daily. Serves KC barbecue that rivals or may even be better than in the more well known places (most reviewers seem to think it is better). Brisket, burnt ends, and ribs are popular (these three come on the combo plate). Map (Dining room is open 8-14-22)

Queen Sweets and Mediterranean Grill–4107 N. Cherry St. (Jordanian) Open daily 11 am to 8 pm. Small restaurant that reviewers say tastes home made and is very good. Middle Eastern food including hummus, falafel, and kabobs. Map (Dining room is open 4-25-24)

Seva–8674 NE Flintrock Rd. (Indian) Closed Tue (and closed from 2 to 4:30 pm). Every dish is prepared to your personal taste. Reviewers also say they get the spice level right (not too spicy or too timid). Has a buffet that commenters say is pretty good. Mostly seems to be the standard north Indian dishes for vegetarian items, but has an extensive menu of meat items that go well beyond the standard items. Map (Dining room is open 12-2-21)

Stroud’s–5410 NE Oak Ridge Rd. (American) Dinner daily; lunch Fri & Sun only. Fried chicken is famous here. Also try the cinnamon rolls. There are other Stroud’s, but this one has its own web site, and is the one location that Roadfood has proclaimed as being one of the best chicken restaurants in the US. Map (Dining room is open 4-25-24)

Taj Palace–1706 W. 39th St. (Indian) Closed Tue (and closed from 2:30 to 5 pm weekdays). Looks like the type of Indian food I like (authentic food from family recipes). For the best results, though, order from the menu (don’t get the buffet). Does not have a thali dinner (except dinners for two people). Map (Dining room is open 12-2-21)

Taqueria Mexico #2–5920 Independence Ave. (Mexican) Open daily 10 am to 9 pm (closes 10 pm on Fri & Sat). One of the many small restaurants located in a hispanic area of the Historic Northeast along Independence Ave. I picked this one to highlight because I saw a photo of green chile that looks like the ones I have found in the borderland area of Texas. Map (Dining room is open 12-3-21)

The Farmhouse–300 Delaware St. (New American) Breakfast & lunch Wed-Sun; dinner Fri & Sat. Farm to table restaurant that does not look too expensive. Reviewers seem to particularly like breakfast (opens at 8 am weekdays and 9 am weekends). Map (Dining room is open 8-20-21)

Vietnam Cafe–522 Campbell St. (Vietnamese) Closed Tue; closed Sun evening. Reviewers from Vietnam say this tastes like home (so it is not Americanized). Menu is full of items that you probably won’t find other places. Also in KCK. Map (Dining room is open 4-23-23)

Wah Gwan–6228 Troost Ave. (Jamaican) Open 11 am to 7 pm–12 to 5 on Sun (closed Mon). Owner is from Jamaican but also loves Nigerian food, and serves it in the restaurant as well. Reviewers say all of it is good. Map (Dining room is open 11-10-21)

Note: W. 17th & Summit St. is the center of a cluster of interesting looking restaurants for those looking for “New American” (organic, farm to table, etc.) and other high quality (but not necessarily very expensive) places to eat. These are ones I have found (updated 1-22-22):

Swoon Cookie–now moved to 924 E. 5th (Cookie shop) Map
The Westside Local–1663 Summit (Farm to table) Map
Los Alamos Cocina–1667 Summit (Mexican–authentic and somewhat upscale) Map
Chez Elle–1713 Summit (Crepes) Map
Blue Bird Bistro–1700 Summit (Farm to table) Map
Ibis Bakery–1702 Summit (Artisan breads) Map
Goat Hill Coffee & Soda–811 W. 17th St. (Coffee, baked goods, Italian soda) Map
Clay and Fire–815 W. 17th St. (Armenian & Georgian cuisine) Map
Novel–now moved to 1927 McGee St. (Seasonal–Dinner only–prob. the most expensive rest. in the area) Map

Leawood, KS

Fritz’s Smoked Meats–10326 State Line Rd. (Deli) Closed Sun. Meat market with a deli that serves lunch with sandwiches and some grilled items. Reviewers are enthusiastic about cheese (such as Amish cheese) and meats. Smoked salo (a Ukrainian style bacon) is an example of the type of meat sold, i.e. without the artificial additives commonly found in processed meats. Map (Dining room is open 2-27-22)

Lenexa, KS

KC Grill ‘N Kabob–8611 Hauser Ct. (Persian) Closed Mon. Persian restaurant that specializes in kabobs–had a buffet before the pandemic. Map (Takeout only 1-11-22)

Lanna Thai–7775 Quivira Rd. (Thai) Closed Tue (and closed from 3 to 4 pm weekdays). Serves food from northern Thailand (the Chiang Mai region). Has very good reviews. Map (Dining room is open 6-7-24)

Liberty, MO

Ginger Sue’s–12 W. Kansas St (American) Open daily 6:30 am to 2:30 pm. Mainly known for breakfast, it has items such as pumpkin pancakes and pumpkin pie latte (which I think is seasonal in Oct.). Omelettes and biscuits & gravy are staples (many also mention the banana pancakes). For lunch the pork tenderloin sandwich is popular. Also in Lee’s Summit and Olathe, KS. Map (Dining room is open 12-3-21)

Hunan Garden–1170 W. Kansas St. (Chinese) Closed Mon. Americanized Chinese food, but has good reviews and some of it looks as if it might be authentic. Some items I would try include lo mein and shredded pork with garlic sauce. Map (Dining room is open 1-22-22)

Olathe, KS

Aoyama Ramen–14960 W. 119th St. (Japanese) Closed Mon. Specializes in tonkotsu ramen, but has several kinds. Map (Dining room is open 1-22-22)

Carmen’s Cocina–15926 S. Mur-Len Rd. (Mexican) Open 7 am to 2 pm (closed Sun & Mon). Fresh tasting and made from scratch. Has a flavor that people from the Southwest like as well as the locals. People particularly like the breakfast items. Map (Dining room is open 1-22-22)

Chapala–1531 S. Hamilton Cir. (Mexican) Open Daily. Authentic Mexican that serves upscale food like mole (this is not a street food restaurant, although I think you can order that if you want). Map (Dining room is open 1-11-22)

Hong Kong Star–918 Old 56 Highway (Chinese) Open 11 am to 9:30 pm (closed Tue). Authentic Cantonese food that gets very good reviews. Hot pot is recommended. Map (Dining room is open 4-23-23)

Spin Pizza–14230 W. 119th St. (Pizza) Open Daily. Wood fired European style pizza. Map (Dining room is open 1-22-22)

Yuva Eats–14967 W. 119th St. (Nepalese) Closed Mon (and closed from 3 to 4:30 pm). Food looks authentic, although restaurant says it is a “Progressive Nepalese Indian Kitchen.” Has Nepalese style chow mein, momos, and Nepalese style Indian food. Also has South Indian dishes (I think because the chef has trained in India, Austria, and California, and likes this type of food as well as food from Nepal) Map (Dining room is open 4-25-24)

Overland Park, KS

ABC Cafe–10001 W. 87th St. (Chinese) Closes at 9:30 pm (closed Tue & Wed). Authentic Cantonese menu–hot pot, congee, etc. Made to order dim sum (siu mai is recommended). Dim sum is served all day until closing. It has recently surpassed Pine & Bamboo for dim sum and Jen Jen’s for menu items in the opinion of many Yelpers. It is said that the reason it’s open late is that the employees of the other Chinese restaurants come here to eat after they get off work. Map (Dining room is open 6-7-24)

Anousone–7315 W. 80th St. (Lao) Open daily except Mon evening. Located in the Strang Hall food court (has Japanese food as well as 4 non-Asian food stalls). Chef has Lao food as the base, but also has fusion dishes. Google Maps gives it five stars (with 20 reviews) so whatever they are doing, customers like it. Map (Dining room is open 4-25-24)

Brobeck’s BBQ–4615 Indian Creek Pkwy. (BBQ) Closed Sun & Mon. Some say it has the best ribs in town, and the burnt ends are also a standout. Uses special rub recipes on the meats, smokes them, and then serves them dry (without sauce). Customers add their own sauce (or can eat it dry). Map (Dining room is open 1-22-22)

Desi Bites–8542 W. 133rd St. (Indian) Dinner Daily; lunch Fri-Sun. This is a Midwest chain with a restaurant in Oklahoma City (which I really like and is the reason I added it to the list). The KC restaurant gets mixed reviews but the food I tried tasted authentic. In OKC people recommend some items more than others (and that may be a reason for the mixed reviews here). Some good items in OKC are dal makhani and ginger paneer. There are so many items on the menu that I am sure there are other good choices. Map (Dining room is open 6-7-24)

Ixtapa–7305 W. 95th St. (Mexican) Open daily noon to 9 pm Said to be the only restaurant in KC with Oaxacan style food (such as mole) and said to be the most authentic Mexican food in the metro (I think many other places have authentic street food but this is authentic on the upscale side). Map (Dining room is open 2-27-22)

Jack Stack Barbecue–9520 Metcalf Ave. (BBQ) Open Daily. One of KC’s legendary barbecue restaurants, but the one here is supposedly better than the one in Kansas City. Ribs and burnt ends are recommended. Map (Dining room is open 6-7-24)

Jen Jen’s–9066 Metcalf Ave. (Chinese) Open 5 pm to 11 pm (closed Mon). Authentic upscale Hong Kong style food that reviewers say is authentic. Good for a special occasion (when you want something authentic). Map (Dining room is open 1-11-22)

Pad Thai–14319 Metcalf Ave. (Thai) Open Daily. Several reviewers say this is the best Thai restaurant in the KC area. It looks upscale, and while some people may like it mainly because of the setting, the food seems to be the real deal. People especially like the curry (red, yellow, or pad prik king). Map (Dining room is open 1-22-22)

Sichuan Dynasty–7206 W. 119th St. (Chinese) Closed Tue. Authentic Sichuan style cuisine. Map (Dining room is open 1-11-22)

Spicy One–6551 W. 119th St. (Indonesian) Closed Tue. Small place that recently opened as of Feb 2022 with a relatively small menu, but it seems to have legit Indonesian food. Map (Dining room is open 6-7-24)

Taste of Africa–11240 W. 135th St. (East African) Dinner only (closed Sun & Mon); lunch on Sat. Reviewers say it is authentic and delicious (but main dishes are limited to a few items such as chicken, beef, goat stew, vegetarian, etc.). Map (Dining room is open 1-22-22)

Thai Place–9359 W. 87th St. (Thai) Closed Mon. Good reviews, and they say the spice level is appropriate for real Thai food. Menu has interesting items such as basil stir fry (available on the lunch specials) and phad phet (on the dinner menu). Map (Dining room is open 1-11-22)

Wiener Kitchen–9645 W. 87th St. (Sausages) Breakfast & lunch only (open Wed-Sat only). Artisanal sausages that are made using local ingredients. Reviewers say this is a destination restaurant (not fine dining but very flavorful with interesting hot dogs and sausages that you will not find elsewhere). Map (Dining room is open 1-22-22)

Yafa Cafe–13475 Switzer Rd. (Mediterranean) Closed Sun evening & Mon. Very good reviews. Reviewers say kabobs, falafel, and hummus are some of the best anywhere. Map (Dining room is open 1-22-22)

Raytown, MO

Harp Barbecue–6515 Railroad St. (BBQ) Open Fri 5 pm to sell-out and Sat 11 am to sell-out. Some reviewers on Google Maps say this may be the best BBQ in KC and that brisket and ribs are especially recommended. Kansas City Magazine says its specialties are Texas style brisket (they have been featured in Texas Monthly) and Tennessee style whole hog BBQ. Note: check web site for schedule because they do not serve food every weekend. Map (Dining room is open–located in Crane Brewing 1-22-22)

Rincon Tarasco–7534 Raytown Rd. (Mexican) Closed Mon. Serves authentic food from Michoacan including enchiladas verdes, tacos al pastor, bistek tampiquena, and enchiladas michoacanas. Map (Dining room is open 1-22-22)

Shawnee, KS

Hawaiian Bros Island Grill–11600 Shawnee Mission Parkway (Hawaiian) Open Daily. Hawaiian plate lunches and soft serve ice cream. Has 9 locations in the KC area. Map (Dining room is open 8-23-22)

Pine and Bamboo Garden–10915 Shawnee Mission Parkway (Chinese) Closed Tue. Although many people order the Americanized Chinese food, the Chinese menu is what sets this restaurant apart from others (specializes in Cantonese food). Has dim sum until 3 pm (2:30 pm on Sat & Sun). Map (Dining room is open 4-23-23)

Westwood, KS

Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop–2701 W. 47th Ave. (Thai) Open Daily. According to reviews this is one of the best Thai restaurants in KC. Although it specializes in noodles, reviewers say curry is also one of the restaurant’s strong points. Their web site says they try to present customers with the authentic method of preparing Thai food, including some “build your own” dishes. They also say that in Thailand customers choose the type of noodles they want for each dish (rice, bean sprout, or egg) and they offer the same choices. Their other restaurant is in KCMO (2030 Central St.) but some like this location because of the outdoor patio. Map (Dining room is open 10-31-22)

For additional explanation of this list see Index
Please feel free to leave your own comments or suggestions

Some Lists of the Best Barbecue Restaurants:

KSHB 41 news staffers opinion done just for fun (there are not professional foodies or reviewers) Apr. 23, 2023:

Meat Mitch (Leawood, KS) brisket, burnt ends, glazed ribs, has choice of sweet or spicy sauce but meat is so good the sauce is not all that important
Chef J BBQ (KCMO) all the main meat items are top notch
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (KCK) a little inconsistent–on good days it’s the best in town but even on off days it’s better than most
Harp Barbecue (Raytown, MO) ribs, chopped brisket, twice-baked potato salad
Q39 (KCMO) brisket, burnt ends
Jack’s Stack (KCMO) meats are good but cheesy corn is the standout
LC’s (KCMO) burnt ends
Hayward’s Pit BBQ (Shawnee, KS) turkey, brisket, beans (also has better prices than most places)
Big T’s Bar-B-Q (KCMO) ribs, brisket
Gates Bar-B-Q (KCMO) maybe the best sauce in town, meat is usually good but is sometimes inconsistent, nostalgic place that dates back to the 1940’s

Kansas City Star reader’s poll Sep. 2022 (top 8):

Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue
Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue
Gates Bar-B-Q
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Meat Mitch Barbecue
Q39
Rosedale’s Bar-B-Q
Slap’s BBQ

Winners of Sep 2022 poll:

Joe’s (famous for the Z-Man sandwich, pulled pork, smoked turkey, smoked ham, beef brisket, ribs, and burnt ends)
Fiorella’s (menu features 11 hickory-smoked meats with the best sellers being burnt ends, beef brisket, pork spare ribs, and pulled pork)

Food & Wine Magazine 2022

Q39
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque
Gates Bar-B-Q
Slap’s BBQ
Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue
RJ’s Bob-Be-Que Shack
LC’s Bar-B-Q

Note: The Kansas City Star published this list and said they are all good places, but that Food & Wine was a little iffy on some of the details they published in the article.

KansasTravel.org 2021 List

Best food: Brobeck’s, Danny Edward’s Boulevard BBQ, LC’s
Beef ribs: Fiorella’s
Overall atmosphere and live music: BB’s Lawnside BBQ

KansasCityMag.com 2019 List

Harp Barbecue (Raytown)–Tennessee style whole hog BBQ served Fri. evening and Sat. only. Brisket and ribs have very good reviews.
Fiorella’s Jack Stack (Overland Park, KS)–Beef ribs, cheesy corn, lamb ribs
Jones Bar-B-Q (Kansas City, KS)–Opens at 11 am and usually runs out of meat at noon)–Brisket, ribs, burnt ends
Q39 South (Overland Park, KS)–Fast cooked BBQ is the specialty.
Arthur Bryant’s (Kansas City, MO)–Old school BBQ with food that stretches back more than a century. Burnt ends were invented here and are the best seller.

James Beard Foundation America’s Classics

The following are locally owned restaurants that are distinguished by their timeless appeal, and which serve quality food that represents the character of their communities:

Kansas City, MO: Stroud’s–5410 NE Oak Ridge Rd.

Note About “50 States, 50 Dishes” (Condé Nast)

Condé Nast published an article on Jul. 3, 2018 using various sources to compile a “list of the dishes that capture the hearts, souls, and (oh, yes) stomachs of these 50 states (plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico), and where you should order them.” For Kansas it was the “Z-Man” sandwich at Joe’s Kansas City BBQ. Its best endorsement is the horde of locals who are willing to wait in line at Joe’ for 45 minutes. The sandwich is somewhat over the top with beef brisket, smoked provolone cheese, two crispy onion rings, drizzled with some sauce, and piled on a toasted kaiser roll.

Note About “50 States, 50 Cuisines” (Condé Nast)

Condé Nast published an article on Sep. 14, 2020 explaining how they set out to go beyond a previous article that had identified the signature dish for each state, and to find food that goes beyond the classics and “to highlight a cuisine worth traveling to each state for, much of which you truly can’t get anywhere else.” For Kansas it is the bierock (called runza in Nebraska) that was developed by the Volga River Germans who settled throughout Western Canada and the Great Plains, with a sizeable number coming to Ellis County, Kansas.

One place to find it in the Kansas City area is at Bloom Baking Co. in Kansas City, MO (15 E. 3rd St.).

Closed (Formerly on the Restaurant Guide)

Cafe Europa–323 E. 55th St., Kansas City, MO (closed 2023) Served dishes from several European countries. Not to miss was the dessert (such as lemon cake, key lime pie, pecan pie, etc.).
Sweet Siam–4130 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO (closed 2023) This was said to possibly be the best Thai restaurant in KC. Spice levels were predetermined so you got the best blend of flavors according to the chef’s experience

Sources:

James Beard Foundation (America’s Classics Award Winners)

Condé Nast Traveler “50 States, 50 Cuisines The Food Worth Traveling For in Every State”

Condé Nast Traveler, “50 States, 50 Dishes: America’s Favorite Foods and Where to Get Them”

Eat KC

Food & Wine “Where to Find the Best Barbecue in Kansas City”

Gil’s Thrilling (and Filling) Blog

Google Maps

Kansas City Magazine (The 10 best Kansas City BBQ spots)

Kansas City Star “In town for the Chief’s playoff game? Make sure you eat some real Kansas City BBQ”

KansasTravel.org

KSHB 41 “2023 Kansas City BBQ Draft: Breaking down best from Barbecue Capital of America”