Five Ways to Celebrate 2020 National Barbecue Month in Kansas City

Smoky burnt ends. Savory-sweet ribs. Jackfruit sandwiches and comforting sides nearly as delicious as the main course. The Barbecue Capital of the World remains as passionate as ever about its signature cuisine.

Curbside pickup or to-go order, there’s no better time to show your support for the more than 100 Kansas City-area ‘cue joints than during 2020 National Barbecue Month.


Order Your Favorites for Pickup

Gates

Dining in may not be an option as in years past, but the next best thing is to call ahead or order online for curbside pickup.

Take Q39 to go for an at-home feast. Order ahead from Gates Bar-B-Q and post up with a picnic in a nearby park. Or, call in for carryout from Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue to enjoy its legendary delicacies from the comfort of your patio. Regardless, your support will keep KC’s barbecue purveyors strong.

Try A Barbecue Vending Machine

Jones Bar-B-Q

Jones Bar-B-Q may just have the most creative innovation to the barbecue scene in years.

The Queer Eye-famous joint is so much more than a one-hit wonder, because while the Jones Sisters found celebrity on season 3 of the Netflix series, the ‘cue is as legit as anywhere in the city. Swing by their KCK location to select top-selling meats and sides from the temperature-controlled vending machine, a no-contact dining option that’s operational 24/7.

Send KC Barbecue Love to Family and Friends

Z-Man

Long-recognized as one of the most popular barbecue joints in the country, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que has also made a name for itself as a deliverer of smokey goodness.

That’s right—you can send the establishment’s iconic meats to family and friends across the country. Another favorite is Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue, which offers nationwide shipping on a huge assortment of barbecue packages.

Go Meat-Free

Char Bar

Switch up your thinking by going meatless for your next barbecue order.

Places like Westport’s Char Bar offer excellent smoked jackfruit sandwiches to fit just this need. Others, like Joe’s and Jack Stack serve delectable smoked portabella mushroom dishes. And at County Road Ice House in the Power & Light District, patrons can treat themselves to an impossible burger alongside one of many veggie-friendly sides.

Swing by a New Spot

KC BBQ Experience

Been meaning to try somewhere new? Or have you possibly passed by a location that’s been around forever and never had the chance to drop in? Now’s the time to change that.

Download the KC BBQ Experience to discover all 100-plus spots—and track your progress as you make your way to every restaurant in the region.