Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Joe’s is the gold standard of local barbecue, and it’s just five minutes away in Kansas City, Kansas from Midtown. When you pull up to this functioning gas station/restaurant and see the wait, you might consider going back to Missouri. Don’t. Get in line, make some friends, and enjoy the convenience store-meets-busy dining room vibes. 

Here’s your order: burnt ends, ribs, and the Z-Man Sandwich that’s loaded with brisket, provolone, onion rings, and barbecue sauce, all on a kaiser roll. Another great option is the Rocket Pig with pulled pork, fried jalapeños, bacon, and cheese that pairs perfectly with the Night of the Living Pig spicy BBQ sauce. It might take upwards of 30 minutes to get your food, but it’s worth it—you can also always order online ahead of time and pick it up from the drive-thru.