Second best BBQ place in KC, only bested by the original Joe's KC. Can't beat the gas station experience! But this location has just as good of food and much more seating. Carry out is easy. Get the Z-Man, you won't regret it.
Oh my goodness where do I start! This place has the best BBQ you can get! Same with the sides! Everything is in house cut, smoked, prepared, and baked. This place has that good old Kansas feel, and taste. It has exceptional service, and amazing prices. Ive gone here at least 4 or 5 times, and its always a new flavor and a new experience. Highly recommend!
Staff so friendly and knowledgeable of menu. So kind and patient with me since this was the first time I had visited Kansas City. Having just attended my friend’s funeral today, The lady at the register really made a difference to me and my family. Thank you very much
I recently met up with an old friend and went to Joe's on a recommendation for great barbecue. After standing in line to make it to the order counter for 45 minutes, I ordered the 2 meat dinner for each of us and we collected our food and went to the table. My complaints: The meal that was put on my place was more bread than meat. There were three large pieces of bread and only maybe 6-7 ounces of meat for both brisket and turkey. The turkey had no flavor, the onion rings tasted like onions dipped in flour and fried. The brisket was tender and had better flavor than the turkey but overall the only reason I finished my food was because I could cover the blandness of the meat with the sauce. If you want fast food barbecue flavor with a wait of 45 minutes before you can sit down to eatthen this may be your restaurant of choice. For meI would rather spend my money somewhere else.
Worth the drive from Lawrence! We arrived at 5:10 PM on Saturday and there was already a line but IT MOVES QUICKLY, so don't let that deter you. Don't get your table until you have your foodit just works better that way. The Carolina pulled pork sandwich is so delicious, and I loved the Kansas Caviar. Thank you for having something fresh and green and delicious! I love the prices too. Reasonable. My husband and I ordered two sandwiches and a side and fires and the total was only $23. Fair for barbecue in my opinion.
I write this review with much reluctance because I’ve been coming here for years, and never gave recognition then for their stellar food and service. Honestly, it annoys me when regular patrons of restaurants never post a review in support when everything is golden, only to decimate their former favorite restaurant with a single star after one bad time. Well, now I have to join that crowd. The last two times I’ve ordered here, I asked for - and paid the up charge for - burnt ends on a two meat dinner. And the last two times, I was handed a box with brisket instead. The first time, I had already gotten home, and chalked it up to an honest mistake. I’ve never had an issue before and wasn’t about to throw a fit over a $1 surcharge. It wasn’t until this last time that I got a little bit frustrated. I ordered the same thing at the counter, paid for it, and before leaving I checked the box. Again, brisket instead of burnt ends. I brought it to their attention that my order was wrong, and mentioned the only reason I checked the box is because this has happened last time. I was met with a shrug and an “okay” from one guy who looked like a supervisor. Coincidentally, the gentleman who took my order was passing by, and THAT’S when I was informed they were sold out of burnt ends. They both then walked off with the only apology coming from a girl who had nothing to do with the transaction. I only write this in hopes someone, like a manager or the owner, reads this and sees how some regular customers are being completely disrespected. I’m not mad about the $1 I spent on something I didn’t get, twice. I’m not really mad at all. I’m just a believer in at least ATTEMPTING to correct a scenario that’s occurred on multiple occasions. Not getting a “meh” from someone in charge and a “duh” from the counter guy. Admittedly, this won’t stop me from coming again, it just won’t be as frequently. And now I have to waste your time and mine asking stupid questions like “do you have burnt ends?” before I pay and check my bag before leaving like this is some kind of run-down fast food joint. Like I said, this review is more for someone at Joe’s to see and less about my slight inconvenience. It’s just sad to think I now have to treat this once great establishment the same as a Mickey D’s or Wendy’s.
Kansas City's best barbecue is right here. Everything on the menu is good, but the sauce is on target! Night Of The Living Barbecue is the perfect combo of smoky, sweet and spicy. This is the place we always end up visiting with our frequent visitors.
The time I was there I only had short slab of ribs. I can say they were very good. I usually don't eat barbeque. They were moist and juicy. The environment was was clean. The staff was helpful when ordering.
Joe's is one of our favorite Kansas City BBQ restaurants. All of their smoked meats are always moist & have the perfect BBQ flavor. Their sides & breads are always fresh & hot, we have never been served a bad meal here. However, in our opinion, their actually are just a few things that could be improved here #1 Shorter lines so we are no longer tortured smelling the food but are unable to get to it. #2 Closing on Sundays has got to stopplease!! Just kidding, Joe's is truly the best & you won't be disappointed with this choice! We live in Phoenix Arizona now & believe us when we say they don't have a clue about BBQ there so when we visit our families here in KC, we usually eat here at least twice. Thanks Joe!
I heard this was Kansas City's best barbecue so I had to try it out. The barbecue was good and the sauce was pretty good too. I did not like the beans or the coleslaw and the fries were just okay.
Hi came here for lunch on a Thursday for carryout. The dining room was pretty busy but not too bad. And I really appreciate that the guy who took my order really took the time to explain the menu items and answer my questions.
In my personal opinion this is not Kansas City's best barbecue that title is held by Arthur Bryant's easily. And titles for best beans and coleslaw is held by Smokehouse.
If I happened to be in the area and had a craving for barbecue I would come back but it's a bit of a drive for me so I will stick with Arthur's and Smokehouse.
I'm from California and everyone out there claims they are the best but I have never had bbq this good! Great food and good experience. The place was clean and the staff really kept up with the rush! Good stuff!
Good Barbecue? Yes. Best Barbecue I've ever had? Maybe. It was nice to finally give Joe's a try, and it wasn't too busy when we went. Being from the region there is no shortage of good barbecue though, so I think I had over-anticipated what I would be getting here.
Barbecue is good. Meat is decent but not great, have had a few dry pieces. Their sauce is delicious, they've got a spicy and a regular which still has some spice. Their fries are great with good seasoning.
Quick service (we came a bit after 4, so before dinner rush), nice staff, casual atmosphere. I had the Z-Man sandwich w/ potato salad and red beans and rice. The red beans and rice had a sort of jambalaya taste, and really hit the spot. The Z-Man was quite good, and I definitely recommend it.
While Kansas City has many excellent BBQ restaurants, Joe's Kansas City is in my opinion the best. I have traveled to many cities (Memphis, Dallas, St. Louis and more) and this is my favorite overall place. The ribs are cooked to perfection as you do not need sauce, but if you do it's right on the tabletop waiting.
Also, try to go on days they serve Burnt Ends. They have a nice Smoky flavor and are amazing.