Dig In: The Best Barbecue in Kansas City

With barbecue joints spread across the city, it won't be hard to find a great spot to eat, but it may be hard to choose exactly which one to try. If you need help deciding, check out this roundup of a few of the best barbecue restaurants in Kansas City.

Arthur Bryant's

Arthur Bryant's offers a full range of meat and side options with dine-in and drive-thru service. This mainstay's claim to fame is quite impressive: burnt ends – the flavor-packed end trimmings on a brisket – started here. "In the old days, when Arthur Bryant was alive, you could reach in where they trimmed the brisket, and all the brisket trimmings were on the plate there for free," says Ardie Davis, barbecue hall-of-famer, food judge, and co-author of "America's Best BBQ."

Not in the mood for burnt ends? Davis recommends the beef sandwich or the ribs served with crisp, delicious fries that are "parboiled in lard and fried to order."

Rosedale Bar-B-Q

Opened in 1934, Rosedale is "the oldest continually operated spot in the area," according to Davis. If you're on a budget, this barbecue restaurant is "probably the best priced spot in Kansas City," he says. The owners eventually relocated to a larger building, but Rosedale still serves up the same old-school style meats in a casual setting. The ribs are some of the best in town, but don't skimp on the delicious sides at this establishment. Davis recommends adding fried green tomatoes to your order.

Q39

Ready to try something a little more unique than standard barbecue meat plates and sandwiches? Q39, the brainchild of Culinary Institute of America-trained Chef Rob Magee, infuses modern flair into Kansas City's barbecue scene. With menu items like burnt end hamburgers, pork belly and sausage corn dogs, and apple brined pulled pork, this sit-down restaurant is a foodie's dream. Choosing just one menu item to try may be hard, but your taste buds are up to the challenge. If you're stopping by for dinner, "You have to get the chicken wings and smoked beer battered deep fried chicken," says Davis.

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Jones BBQ

This casual spot run by two sisters is popular with the locals. Located inside a rather unassuming red brick building, Jones BBQ doesn't have much in the way of indoor seating (you'll probably have to take your meal to go and eat outside), but the classic Kansas City-style barbecue options are worth it. Davis recommends ordering the sausage (a local favorite) or the ribs, but every option is equally good. "The Jones sisters know barbecue," he says, but if you plan to eat lunch at this establishment, be warned: "You may have to stand in line for an hour or two."

LC's Bar-B-Q

LC's Bar-B-Q is a casual order-at-the-counter-and-grab-a-seat kind of barbecue joint. At LC's, "It's about smoked meat slathered with sauce and not a big to-do about neatly trimmed and plated presentation," Davis says. For lunch or dinner, the beef sandwich or the ribs are the way to go, but don't forget to "add some burnt ends to your order," he says. The burnt ends are a prime attraction at LC's and not to be missed.

Slap's BBQ

"Show-runners Mike and Joe Pearce at Slap's BBQ have won umpteen big-time contests," says Davis. You can enjoy those same gold medal meats and sides seven days a week in a casual setting with easy at-the-counter ordering and both dine-in and takeout options. Both the beef and ribs are stand-out meat options, but the sides shine at this eatery as well. Davis says the cheesy corn and hushpuppies are not to be missed.

If you're staying downtown, Q39 and various other barbecue restaurants offer easy access and are typically only a short walk or cab ride away. If you really want to eat like a local while you're in Kansas City, make the short drive to midtown or the outskirts of the city to grab lunch with the locals.

The best Kansas City barbecue you've ever had is waiting. Eat your fill and share your favorites with us on Twitter.

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