7.8
American Way Smokehouse
$$Independence, Independence
Arizona smokehouse takes on Kansas City
newIndependenceeast metro
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8.5/ 10
0 reviews“Reviving a legendary Olathe pit”
When the legendary Johnny's BBQ closed, former pitmaster Josh Deal reopened the Old 56 Highway space in 2025 as J's, bringing back the original crew and the menu Olathe had mourned. It's less a new restaurant than a resurrection—the same room, the same recipes, and a familiar face working the pit each morning. The calling card is double-smoked burnt ends, chopped to order so each portion gets a fresh hit of bark and caramelized edge rather than sitting under a heat lamp. Brisket carries the Johnny's lineage forward with Deal's own touches layered in, the pork ribs are a recovered favorite from the original board, and the pulled pork offers familiar comfort for the returning regulars. For the crowd who thought these recipes were gone for good, J's is the happy ending they didn't expect to get.
Know Before You Go
- Hours
- Tue–Sat 11am–8pm, Sun 11am–7pm
- Closed
- Monday
- Price
- Mid-range ($$)
- Don't miss
- Chopped Burnt Ends, Brisket, and Pork Ribs
What to Order
1
Chopped Burnt Ends2
Brisket3
Pork Ribs4
Pulled PorkWhy It Stands Out
A direct continuation of the storied Johnny's lineage, right down to the crew and the room. Pitmaster Josh Deal preserves the recipes while adding his own touches—chief among them double-smoked burnt ends, chopped to order for maximum bark.
Quick Facts
- Address
- 1375 W Old 56 Hwy, Olathe, KS 66061
- Phone
- (913) 768-0777
- Hours
- Tue–Sat 11am–8pm, Sun 11am–7pm
- Website
- www.jsbbqkc.com/
- Price Range
- $$
- Established
- 2025
Ratings Breakdown
6 dimensions, each scored 0-10
Smoke8.6
Bark8.4
Tenderness8.5
Value8.8
Atmosphere8.0
Consistency8.4
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Good to Know
J's BBQ Olathe — Frequently Asked Questions
What should I order at J's BBQ Olathe?
Regulars point to Chopped Burnt Ends, Brisket, Pork Ribs, and Pulled Pork.
What are J's BBQ Olathe's hours?
Tue–Sat 11am–8pm, Sun 11am–7pm
What days is J's BBQ Olathe closed?
J's BBQ Olathe is closed Monday. Hours can change on holidays, so it's worth confirming before a trip.
Is J's BBQ Olathe expensive?
J's BBQ Olathe is mid-range ($$).
What kind of barbecue does J's BBQ Olathe serve?
J's BBQ Olathe serves Kansas City Style barbecue — Kansas City BBQ is defined by its variety of meats (not just pork or beef, but both plus chicken, sausage, turkey, and more), thick tomato-and-molasses-based sauce, slow-smoking over hickory wood, and the legendary burnt ends.
When did J's BBQ Olathe open?
J's BBQ Olathe has been serving Kansas City barbecue since 2025.
