BBQ Road Trip
Routes

Suggested Kansas City BBQ routes. Pick a route, hit the road, and explore the best across the metro.

The Kansas City BBQ Trail

14 stops across 3 routes

Tap a route to trace it on the map.

Hidden Gems & Neighborhood Joints

Skip the famous names and discover the neighborhood BBQ joints that locals love. This tour takes you through the residential corridors and side streets where KC BBQ lives and breathes every day, far from the tourist trail.

Danny Edwards' Boulevard BBQ(1 hour)

Rosedale BBQ(45 minutes)

BB's Lawnside BBQ(1.5 hours)

Scott's Kitchen & Catering(45 minutes)

Brobeck's BBQ(1 hour)

Full day

5 stops

The Classic KC BBQ Trail

Hit the five legendary, must-visit institutions that define Kansas City BBQ history and culture. This route takes you from the East Side pioneers to the KCK icons, covering the full spectrum of what makes KC the BBQ capital of the world.

Arthur Bryant's Barbeque(1 hour)

Gates Bar-B-Q(45 minutes)

LC's Bar-B-Q(45 minutes)

Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que(1.5 hours)

Jones Bar-B-Q(45 minutes)

Full day

5 stops

The New Wave KC BBQ Tour

Explore the modern generation of KC pitmasters who are pushing the craft forward with chef-driven technique, creative menus, and Texas-influenced approaches. This half-day tour showcases where KC BBQ is headed.

Q39(1 hour)

Char Bar(1 hour)

Slap's BBQ(1 hour)

Woodyard Bar-B-Que(1 hour)

Half day

4 stops

Road Trip Tips

01Start early — most BBQ joints sell out of signature items by early afternoon.

02Pace yourself. Two serious stops is often better than four rushed ones.

03Bring cash — several legendary spots are cash-only.

04Order the same cut at each stop to compare technique directly.