A Brief History of KC BBQ

Kansas City BBQ originated in the early 1900s when Henry Perry began selling slow-cooked ribs out of a sidewalk stand in the 18th and Vine neighborhood. Perry came to be known as the “Father of Kansas City BBQ”. His ribs were seasoned with a signature spice blend and slathered with a thick, sweet tomato-and-molasses-based sauce.

Several of Perry’s apprentices went on to open their own famous KC barbecue restaurants, establishing the major styles of KC BBQ that we know today. Restaurants like Arthur Bryant’s, Gates Bar-B-Q, Jack Stack Barbecue, and Joe’s Kansas City BBQ can trace their lineages back to Perry.

KC BBQ Styles

There are two main styles of barbecue that define the KC BBQ tradition:

Sweet & Tangy KC BBQ Sauce

The classic KC barbecue sauce is thick, sweet, and tangy. It contains tomatoes, molasses, vinegar, spices, and sometimes fruit purees like peach or apricot. Arthur Bryant’s and Gates Bar-B-Q are famous for their sweet KC sauces.

Dry Rub Ribs

Many KC barbecue restaurants serve ribs with a dry rub instead of wet barbecue sauce. The rub is an intensely flavored blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and cayenne. Dry rubbed ribs allow the flavor of the meat and smoke to shine through. Joe’s KC and Jack Stack are known for their dry rubbed ribs.

KC BBQ Meats

While KC is famous first and foremost for ribs, local barbecue joints also smoke up classic meats like:

• Brisket
• Pulled pork
• Turkey
• Burnt ends (the crispy, fatty ends of a smoked beef brisket)
• Smoked sausage and hot links

These meats are rubbed and smoked “low and slow” for hours over hickory, oak or pecan wood. This smoking process makes the meats incredibly flavorful and tender.

KC BBQ Side Dishes

No KC barbecue meal is complete without the classic sides:

• French fries
• Baked beans
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Cheesy corn bake

Restaurants pride themselves on their unique spins on these traditional sides to perfectly complement the smoked meats.

Authentic KC BBQ Joints

To experience true KC-style BBQ, be sure to visit classic spots like:

• Gates Bar-B-Q – One of the earliest KC barbecue joints, opened in 1946. Known for ribs and burnt ends.
• Arthur Bryant’s – Historic restaurant where former President Truman dined. Famous for piled-high platters and tangy sauce.
• Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que – Consistently rated one of the country’s best BBQ restaurants. Specializes in dry rub ribs.
• Jack Stack Barbecue – Upscale barbecue chain with multiple locations around KC. Extensive menu and luxe ambiance.
• Q39 – Newer KC spot focused on creative specialty dishes like brisket-stuffed smoked meatloaf.

KC BBQ Competitions

Kansas City takes its barbecue seriously. There are numerous professional and backyard barbecue competitions held in KC every year. The biggest event is the American Royal BBQ competition, where teams compete to make the best brisket, ribs, and more over 2 days. With over 500 teams, it’s the largest barbecue contest in the world.

KC BBQ – More than Just Food

KC barbecue is truly a part of the city’s cultural identity. The smoky aromas, mouthwatering flavors and communal dining atmosphere make KC BBQ about so much more than just food. It brings people together over great meats, sauce-slathered ribs, and pride in KC’s culinary heritage. When you’re in Kansas City, be sure to follow your nose to one of the classic barbecue joints for a taste of authentic KC BBQ.

FAQs about KC BBQ

What makes KC barbecue unique?

KC barbecue is unique for its sweet, tangy sauces, dry rub preparation, focus on slow-smoked meats like ribs and brisket, and distinct heritage dating back to Henry Perry in the early 1900s.

What types of wood are used for smoking KC barbecue?

The main woods used are hickory and oak, prized for imparting a rich, smoky flavor. Pecan wood is also sometimes used.

What are burnt ends?

Burnt ends are the charred, smoky, crispy ends of a smoked beef brisket. They are seen as the best and most flavorful part of the brisket.

Which KC barbecue restaurants are considered the original classics?

The original KC barbecue restaurants include Arthur Bryant’s, Gates Bar-B-Q, Jack Stack Barbecue, and Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que.

What sides come with KC barbecue?

Traditional KC barbecue sides are fries, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and cheesy corn bake.

How can I experience an authentic KC barbecue meal?

Eat at one of the classic KC barbecue joints like Arthur Bryant’s, Joe’s KC, or Gates Bar-B-Q for genuine KC barbecue. Try signature meats like ribs and burnt ends paired with traditional sides.

When is the biggest KC barbecue competition held?

The American Royal BBQ competition held every October is the largest barbecue contest in Kansas City and the world.

Conclusion

Kansas City barbecue is truly a unique culinary tradition over a century in the making. With its renowned sweet and tangy sauces, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and smoky, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, it’s no wonder KC is considered one of America’s barbecue capitals. The long history and inherent cultural significance of barbecue in Kansas City ensures that KC-style BBQ will continue to thrive for generations to come. From old-school joints like Arthur Bryant’s to newer spots like Q39, there’s always great Kansas City barbecue to explore in the heart of the Midwest.