National Barbecue Month: What’s new with Kansas City ’Cue?
When people think of Kansas City, barbecue often comes to mind. And there’s good reason. It’s served up at over 100 restaurants in the area.
Each year the number of barbecue eateries keeps climbing. In just the last few years, a series of notable barbecue newcomers have debuted in Kansas City. That means whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, there’s always something fresh to try.
But it’s not just the restaurants that make Kansas City the barbecue capital of the world. The city’s barbecue history runs deep, and one organization is solidifying its roots with a new, state-of-the-art headquarters primed to host the World Series of Barbecue.
Here’s what’s new—and what’s next—in the local barbecue scene in 2025.
New Eats
Despite only opening a few years ago, long lines at lunchtime are already the norm at Chef J BBQ’s West Bottoms location. Now this hotspot is ranked as one of the best barbecue restaurants in Kansas City.
Westport favorite Char Bar headed north to Parkville, opening its second location in late 2023. Dine and play at this Northland location—grab a Char Bar specialty like burnt ends or ribs then enjoy a match on one of six pickleball courts.
After several years as a pop-up and restaurant in Raytown, Harp Barbecue recently relocated to Overland Park. Although it’s a relative newcomer to the BBQ scene, Harp has already been voted as one of the best in the country. Don’t be deterred by any long lines. Pitmaster Tyler Harp’s brisket, ribs and pulled pork won’t disappoint.
Another popular barbecue pop-up recently put down roots in Kansas City’s Columbus Park neighborhood. Wolfepack BBQ has a straightforward but flavorful everyday menu—the brisket burnt ends are a customer favorite—but rotating specials like walnut-crusted chicken breast keep things interesting.
For a fresh take on the classic KC cuisine, keep an eye on pop-up opportunities from Smoke 'n' Seoul, a food truck that marries Kansas City barbecue with traditional Korean flavors. Staples like sweet and sticky ribs and a brisket sandwich topped with Asian slaw make the menu intriguing.
Coming Up
A side project of acclaimed Westside restaurant Fox and Pearl, Night Goat Barbecue is currently serving a selection of smoked essentials for lunch every Saturday. Keep an eye on Night Goat's Instagram account for more pop-up opportunities.
Q39, a favorite for local celebrities like actor Paul Rudd and Chiefs coach Andy Reid, is headed west for its third location. The popular KC-area barbecue restaurant is making plans to open in Lawrence.
A New Headquarters
The progress doesn’t stop there. The American Royal and Kansas City go back over 100 years, but now the organization is taking a major step toward the future.
Construction is underway now on the American Royal’s new headquarters in Kansas City, Kansas.
When complete, it will take up almost seven football fields of space. That includes plenty of space for the World Series of Barbecue—the world’s largest barbecue competition.
The event has been held at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in the past and now at Kansas Speedway, attracting over 400,000 visitors. Soon it will have a new home.