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Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

BBQ Joint$$$$

Rosedale, Kansas City

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9.3^/10

1,209

ratings

Ranked #2 for BBQ joints in Kansas City
This BBQ joint is famous for their ribs. It's one of the most popular in the city!
"Z man, ribs, pulled pork (my fave) were awesome."(23 Tips)
"Turkey sandwich, ribs, sausages, burnt ends, it's all fantastic!!!"(29 Tips)
"Best BBQ in KC by far!"(7 Tips)
"Brisket and pulled pork and spicy Cole slaw.... Soooo good."(35 Tips)

356 Tips and reviews

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Brian KrollAugust 5, 2013
Amazing. I'm a barbecue love; these were the best ribs and pulled pork I've ever had. The brisket was outstanding too (not the best I've had but not too far off)! I waited an hour, it was worth it! GO
JenKuduAugust 27, 2015
It lives up to the hype! Z man, ribs, pulled pork (my fave) were awesome. The creamy slaw was okay. The most memorable was actually the onion rings! Seriously the best onion rings I've EVER eaten.
Jake SmithAugust 10, 2013
Although it seems wrong to not order the Z-Man, the Carolina Pulled Pork is close to perfect (FYI: I got both). Toasted bun, hunks of tender meat, great flavor. Grab a gallon of sauce on your way out.
Upvoted Apr 6
Ricel AlmadovarMarch 7, 2015
Original Oklahoma Joe's. The gas station location adds charm, IMO. Come before opening & you'll have better chances of enjoying the food and ambience. They serve dry rubbed ribs - so much flavor! Luv!
Steve WellmanJuly 27, 2015
Had the 2 meat plate with pork, brisket, and beans. Had to try a couple different things after waiting almost 2 hours. Ribs looked amazing, and the Z-Man sounds really good. Next time!
NatalieJune 22, 2016
An absolute must! The people are friendly and their food incredible! I had a Z Man sandwich - brisket, provolone cheese, onion rings, and of course their award winning BBQ sauce!
Erik RowleySeptember 3, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Joe's is the greatest BBQ joint. I've yet to taste better ribs and pulled pork in the U.S. This is a must visit establishment in Kansas City, and yes it's attached to a gas station!
Aaron LimAugust 1, 2015
Waited 2 hours at 7PM on a Wednesday night. But it was worth it. Not a huge place. Got the Z-man and half slab of ribs. Both are great. Fries are okay. Definitely would come back here & Jack Stack.
Theresa O'LearyJuly 17, 2018
My favorite BBQ place in KC! It is also fun that it's in a gas station. The line is always long no matter what day/time you go, but it moves fast. The Z-man sandwich is my fave, great ribs, and fries.
GrantDecember 9, 2015
The ribs are some of the best I've ever had. Perfect tenderness, not dried out, and amazing flavor. I'll definitely make this place a must visit every time I come to KC.
Jen RJune 9, 2021
Truly some of the best BBQ I’ve had. They serve their brisket thin cut which is unique and I found I actually prefer! It’s less fatty but still so flavorful. Everything we ordered was excellent.
Katherine M.September 28, 2016
Known for "succulent Carolina-style pulled pork. Stehney's finest experiment is the Z-man sandwich ($6.99)." Also recommended: beef broth fries, smoked chicken gumbo, local Boulevard Pale Ale.
Ca BrownJuly 10, 2016
The Zman was GRRRRRREAT! The wait was long. The iced-tea was sweet. Limited seating, but a must visit. Don't forget to buy a bottle of BBQ sauce before you leave.🌺
Timothy EnglishJanuary 20, 2014
Been here 10+ times
By far the best BBQ in Kansas City. Get there early on Saturday for the special Burnt Ends. Have 'em on a sandwich covered in OKJoes amazing sauce and it will literally melt your face right off.
Susan WellfordAugust 8, 2014
KC's best!! Z-Man is always great. Killer fries as they are, or ask for extra seasoning. Ribs: YUM! Try meat by the pound, everything's terrific here. Get the half chicken. Wow!! Best BBQ sauce, too.
PureWowJune 6, 2016
Fill up your gas tank and then chow down on the must-have Z-Man Sandwich, which is BBQ-inspired: sliced smoked brisket, smoked provolone, onion rings and barbecue sauce on a kaiser roll. Read more
Denise CozierFebruary 14, 2015
The Z man lives up to the hype, the meat was so flavorful! Super cool that there is also a vegan Z man! The fries were so yummy! One shortcoming: jack stacks and gates have better bbq beans.
Matt HApril 8, 2016
Been here 5+ times
Can't go wrong with anyone on the menu. Just make sure you plan for plenty of time on the weekends or prime meal times, known to get busy. If you are in line, visit the to go counter for a beer.
JoshJanuary 18, 2016
I had the rib dinner and the oral pleasure was overwhelming! It was hard to describe, but it was on a spiritual level. Plus it's in a gas station, so it has lots of character.
Kristen MarieSeptember 20, 2020
They have a very good rub, both salty and sweet. The fries are amazing, very addicting. The z-man was just ok, although highly recommended.
MarcApril 24, 2015
Thrillist Top BBQ List: award-winning competitive BBQ team; located in a KC gas station; don't miss the ribs, and burnt ends (availability is limited). Purists celebrate Z-Man sandwich
Kyle WhistonMarch 6, 2015
This is your prime barbeque establishment in KC. I got a combo pulled pork and brisket sandwich. Great! I know many love the z-man. Also the fries are great. But it is crowded and noisy.
India KirkJuly 21, 2019
Get there early! Especially if coming with a large group. It’s a pretty small place and they run out of seats quickly. I’d say get there WELL before typical lunch or dinner rush ANY day of the week.
India KirkJuly 21, 2019
Ribs and Burnt Ends. Didn’t know what a “ Burnt End” was til I came here... but someone explained to to as “marshmallow meat” and that describes it perfectly! Positively melts in your mouth!
Nicole SmolikOctober 31, 2015
Best. BBQ. Ever. It doesn't really matter what you get, as long as you slather it in Night of The Living BBQ Sauce. The Zman is probably the best sandwich I've ever had.
Andrea NewlandJanuary 24, 2013
Fabulous concept! Visited the original in a gas station, worth the wait! Meat falls off the bone like rosé petals...Zman sandwhich was great...the smells wafting as you walk in the door are addictive!
CoryShanes.comFebruary 15, 2013
This is the manliest meal in America. The meat melts in your mouth. Don't miss it... Look for the gas station on the corner. Everything is good!
Kelsey HuseApril 23, 2018
Best place in Kansas City for BBQ. I love the Carolina Pork sandwich and the Z Man is of course a classic.
Ryan ScherffJuly 20, 2016
Service was fast & friendly•Wait was about 45 mins•Recommend the brisket & pulled pork•Couple can eat for $25 & leave full•Big portions•Sandwiches start at about $5•Sides are under $5 3/3-🌟
TerrenceSeptember 27, 2013
The MIA mac & cheese and cornbread is made up for with fries done well and a hot bbq sauce with the perfect amount of spice
Serious EatsJuly 25, 2014
Owner Jeff Stehney's finest experiment is the Z-man sandwich--brisket topped with smoked provolone and a pair of crispy, golden onion rings on a kaiser roll.
Daniela DaniMay 28, 2014
Been here 5+ times
The best fries for sure. And the z man is just awesome. One of the best places to eat. The best barbecue.
Miche M.September 6, 2013
Get the Z Man. The meat melts in your mouth. Its so tender that you forget youre even eating meat! The onions rings in the sandwich are to die for! Amazing!
K BoAugust 3, 2018
The best of the best. Everything here is good. You will be planning your next visit before you finish your meal.
Andrew DobneyOctober 20, 2013
Doesn't look like much from the outside, but the food is very good. Watch for long (and pretty slow-moving) lines. Had the ribs and pulled pork. Would go back if in town again.
Dustin DyeMarch 3, 2014
The burnt ends are perhaps the best thing you'll ever ingest, but only served at certain times: Mondays at lunch, Wednesdays after 4 p.m., and Saturdays at lunch.
Kendall ChadwickSeptember 15, 2017
Everything we ordered was delicious. The ribs were perfect, the zman sandwich was on point. Good fries. Pair it with a Big Red.
Kansas CitySeptember 7, 2012
One of Anthony Bourdain’s 13 Places to Eat at Before You Die, the flagship located inside a gas station in Kansas City, Kan. Famous for its pulled pork, ribs, fries and spicy slaw!
Michelle PasseyJuly 29, 2018
Brisket and pulled pork and spicy Cole slaw.... Soooo good. The wait is worth it, and the sauce is amazing. I'm taking g home half a gallon. Worth every calorie.
Nick CampionJune 26, 2013
The pulled pork sandwich is amazing. The Z-man also pretty good. Long wait to eat inside on a Tuesday night so we called in and got ours to go in 15 mins.
Travel ChannelNovember 12, 2012
As seen on Travel Channel’s Food Paradise: Manliest Restaurants 2, Oklahoma Joe's is considered the manliest barbecue joints around! You just can't beat their quality, food & juiciness.
Chuck JolleyApril 21, 2017
The original location is best but arrive early or be prepared for a long wait. Best 'q' in the country.
La'Trice MurrayJanuary 9, 2015
Excellent Carolina! The ribs are very good!! Juicy well seasoned meat! Don't forget to get the fries with Cajun seasoning!!!
GourmetLiveAugust 7, 2012
Food blogger Cassie of Bake Your Day recommends Oklahoma Joe's. "The restaurant serves up the classics and specialties like the Z-Man Sandwich (brisket, smoked provolone, and crispy onion rings)."
Greg BelfrageOctober 30, 2015
The brisket is incredible! The pulled pork is best anywhere. Try the Z-Man sandwich... brisket topped with onion ring...I loved it!
Jon B.December 18, 2021
Burnt ends were legit, and just about every other meat I tried (ribs, hot link, brisket) was excellent. Went around 3PM for an early dinner, and the line wasn’t terrible.
Nastasia TebeckOctober 1, 2022
The best BBQ in town.😋 Their pulled pork & original sauce is amazing.
Kelly DowellAugust 17, 2013
The line took 40 min but was worth the wait. They know how to get you through the line. Just don't grab a seat until you have your food. There will be one...promise!
Mick BMarch 18, 2012
A jumbo Z-man w/ fries and a half-rack has been my death row meal since 2007. Greatest. Place. On. Earth. I live in NYC, and hope my KC friends get married or die so I have an excuse to come back.
Mark EdwardsAugust 12, 2011
Don't let the whole restaurant in a gas station thing fool you, I've had a lot of BBQ since coming to KC and Joe's is the best. Worth the wait, but do yourself a favor and get there early.

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Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

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