Kansas City Metro, amazing food on both sides of the state line

[DaveStein]

And my favorite in Kansas City - Joe’s BBQ in a former old gas station is literally, other worldly…

Oklahoma Joe’s started in a gas station and still has that first location. Without looking it up right now I believe they have a total of 3, 2 locations for sure. There is also Arthur Bryant’s on Main, and Gates and one of my favorites Bates City BBQ in Shawnee just across the state line in Johnson County

Oklahoma Joe’s (gas station location) is fabulous. As for Arthur Bryant’s, it’s gone downhill. And by downhill, I mean tasteless.

For tips/burnt ends, go to LC’s http://www.lcsbarbq.com/ This is about as down and dirty as you’re going to get, but oh so good. The portion is enough for 2 to share.

If you have time, head to the Truman Library. It’s about 20 or so minutes east of KC.

I had forgotten to mention LC’s. Damn right. Loved that place

[DaveStein]

Visited a nephew who lives there a few weeks back. Nice city, great food. Crazy state taxes, even for a Californian. Airport is quite far from the city, but hey, in San Diego, the airport is smack downtown.

I have flown in and out of San Diego many times and never get used to looking out the window on approach and noticing that there buildings directly across to the left and right and we are below the rooftops. Bizarre if not a bit unsettling experience

[jcoley3]

I lived in KC for six+ years until 2014. I think the BBQ is great, Jim is a friend, and Gomer’s a great wine shop. However, with some exceptions the food scene in KC disappointed me. Fine dining in particular was rough. Even at the mid-level it took a lot of care. In any case, I don’t say this to ruffle feathers, just one man’s opinion.

Having said that, I hear that things have improved since 2014 when I left, and they improved a lot during my years there as well. I hope it has continued and continues into the future. I seldom get there often anymore, and when I do I usually revisit BBQ or a few old favorites, but I hope I’m wrong and that things are going great.

I think that while you were here there were a few top notch places, though much outside of The American (R.I.P.) not a whole lot of true “fine dining” experiences to be had. Bluestem was probably the other option. In more casual styles I think there were some good examples, but not a ton of depth. There’s a lot more now, and certainly a lot more wine list creativity.

I make it there a couple times a year and have had some really great hipster farm to table experiences.
We stay w a friend just south of the Plaza off Loose Park, lots of stuff not far.


I will have to hit you up Jim next time.

Please do! I’m about five minutes away from there.

[Michae1_P0wers]

Jim, I was never impressed by Bluestem; good service, food was not impressive. Never made it to the American. Like I said, I’ve heard that generally it’s improved so glad to hear that’s the case. Saw a shout out for a place called the Antler Room on a national feed of some kind the other day, I think it was for best new natural wine bars.

[jcoley3]

Jim, I was never impressed by Bluestem; good service, food was not impressive. Never made it to the American. Like I said, I’ve heard that generally it’s improved so glad to hear that’s the case. Saw a shout out for a place called the Antler Room on a national feed of some kind the other day, I think it was for best new natural wine bars.

Yeah, that’s one of my new favorites. I’ve known Nick and Leslie since they were at the Rieger years ago. They traveled a lot, worked at some amazing places and came back here. I also think you left before Jarochos - Chef Carlos Falcon does incredible Latin American sea food. Set up an Omakase budget with him ahead of time and he’ll kill it.

[m_p_r_y_b_u_t_o_k]

Was in KC a couple weeks ago. The burnt ends burger with spicy slaw at Q39 was one of the more enjoyable things I’ve eaten in a while. The taste of brisket I had was legit as well. Would love to come back and try a full platter of the bbq.
Nice beer list.

[Robert_Thornton]

Late to the game (been off board for a while) and non bbq, but if you’re interested in one of the two best grilled cheeses in the country, Westside Local is good.

Cheers,
-Robert