Full rack of ribs and burnt ends. Maybe I'm not familiar enough with KC barbecue or maybe I got unlucky? Cuz honestly, this wasn't great. 3.5/10. The burnt ends, well, weren't burnt ends imo. Closer to a shredded roast then heaven cubes. The primary flavor in their sauce, both for the ends and the cup of sauce, was heavy tomato paste. The ribs were good, except the last couple ribs on either side were cooked to an oblivion. Uneven heat maybe? Smoker looks baller tho. Tell me I'm wrong, maybe I just need educated, idk. Place was crowded and I don't know why tbh
by Kwithofa
19 Comments
My favorite in KC is Harp. It’s the only place I’ve found with really good brisket. Joe’s is a close second but their best items are the sandwiches.
Arthur Bryant’s and Gates always get recommend by people around KC but not people that live in KC. I’ve found both to be very average.
Arthur Bryants has horrendous quality control. The sauce is also very divisive, love it or hate it type of thing.
Love the history, hate the bbq
Arthur Bryant’s is big on name and rep, lacking in taste and quality. There are much better options in KC. Joe’s, Jack Stack, Q39, Slaps…just to name a few.
Worst bbq I’ve ever had that had so much hype.
40 dollars for this is CRIMINAL
Sounds like this place is living on its history? The food doesn’t look bad, just better options locally?
Arthur Bryant’s is a cool place that’s absolutely dripping in Americana with food that doesn’t match up.
Further proof of the trash that is KC bbq
Just from the picture it looks horrible. That’s what separates TX BBQ from TN, Carolinas, and Missouri spots. The consistency in Texas BBQ is unmatched restaurant to restaurant.
AB’s is dogshit. Their sauce tastes like Heinz 57. Literally my least favorite KC BBQ.
Went to KC for a week, and the BBQ was the most overrated and overpriced junk I’ve had.
It seems like now a days the only legitimate great bbq that won’t cost you an arm and a leg is what you make for yourself
AB’s “invented” the burnt ends and used to give them away if you wanted them and to snack on while waiting in line.
Very much living on reputation for a long time now.
Man. I think BBQ should be something made by the person who is going to consume it. Not made up in a giant pit by people who might not be as qualified or as competent as yourself. BBQ is expensive. I want it done it right. So I kind of reserve that food to only be made by me or people that I know can grill.
$40 is totally bonkers for that little bit!
I have eaten tons of KC BBQ and have never been to Arthur Bryant’s or Gates. Everyone I know from Kansas says it’s trash. Char Bar, Slaps and Oklahoma Joes aka (Kansas Joes) have been a couple of my favorites.
Hmm. Before Covid, kid from our office went to KC (for a wedding?) He asked if we wanted anything, I jokingly said burnt ends from Arthur Bryant’s. He shows up on Monday with a catering pan full, and a couple bottles of sauce. They were real burnt ends, 7 hour drive notwithstanding, made for maybe 2 really good lunches that week. But obviously things can change….
I grew up in St Louis, eating really great BBQ at Pappy’s and Bogart’s. I was so excited to go to Arthur Bryant’s on a field trip to KC, finally real Kansas City BBQ! Even as a middle schooler, I could tell the food was not great. Harp and Slap’s are my go to spots when I’m in Kansas City.
Nice smoke ring because they look rare