Visitors to Kansas City, Missouri will love its cool, laidback, friendly vibes and one-of-a-kind atmosphere that's as welcoming because it is diverse. Referred to as “The City of Fountains,” KC can also be home to eclectic art and music scenes, and a diverse, lively, historic downtown. However, KC has yet another title that cannot be ignored-also known as “The Barbecue Capital of The World,” the town hosts over 100 delicious BBQ restaurants that vary from hometown legends to smaller, local hotspots known for adding their very own twist to the city's famous BBQ heritage.
But Might is really much more than its cowtown reputation-it's also home to an assorted culinary scene that steps outside the BBQ box to create a distinctive palette of flavors from around the world.
Price Guide: Prices reflect dinner options only and do not include sides, desserts, beverages (non-alcoholic/alcoholic), or gratuity.
$: $5-$10/person
$$: $10-20/person
$$$: $20-$40/person
$$$$: $40 and up/person
Golden Ox: A Cowtown Fave
Looking for a classic steak dinner? Take a look no beyond this local fave using its claim to fame as the birthplace of the Kansas City strip. Located in the historic Stockyards District (traditional home of KC's best cattle ranchers), Golden Ox has had a house in Kansas City since 1949-and is a perennial favorite of locals and tourists alike.
- Address: 1600 Genessee St.
- Hours: Monday through Saturday 5:00 PM-10:00 PM, Closed Sundays and Mondays
- Reservations: Yes, via Tock or call (816)842-2866
- What To Try: Kansas City Strip (Prime Midwest Angus); The Manhattan (14 oz. Akaushi NY Strip); Wagyu Steak Tartare
- Price: $$$-$$$$
Fox And Pearl: A Westside Midwest Bistro Extraordinaire
Get your meat fix at Fox and Pearl, a hot westside bistro by having an try to “create quality food with integrity.” Originally billed as “Hank Charcuterie” in 2022, the location grew in popularity-eventually becoming a restaurant in 2022. The owner, Chef Good, still butchers animals in-house and takes pride in serving up locally sourced meats and produce. Known for dishes complex in flavor, Fox and Pearl use a plethora of techniques to create their signature, delish dishes. Recption menus changes seasonally so be sure to check ahead to see what's available.
- Address: 2143 Summit St.
- Hours: Thursday-Saturday 5 PM-10 PM, Barbeque Sundays 11 AM-3 PM
- Reservations: Yes, via Resy
- What To test: Smoked Lamb Queso Tacos; Smoked Pork Chop; Lamb Leg Steak
- Price: $$-$$$$
A Famous Fave: Joe's Might BBQ
Get ready for legendary BBQ at Joe's. The famous BBQ joint has a few locations; but be sure to check out the original, a legendary gas station spot which has been serving in the goods since 1996. Known around the world among the best places to score BBQ in KC, Anthony Bourdain himself once called Joe's one of his “thirteen eateries before you decide to die.” Though dine-in space is limited, it's well worth the wait to nosh on the best barbeques available.
- Address: 3002 West 47th Ave. (Original Service station Location)
- Hours: Monday through Thursday 11 AM-9 PM, Friday & Saturday 11 AM-10 PM, Closed Sundays
- Reservations: No
- What To Try: The Z-Man (Slow-Smoked Brisket Sandwich); Two Meat Dinner; The Rocket Pig (Pulled Pork Sandwich)
- Price: $-$$
Homemade Sausages And More: Harp Barbeque
A new guy on the market when it comes to the KC BBQ scene, Harp's has quickly made a reputation for itself as a haven for brisket and homemade sausages. Situated in local fave Crane Brewing in Raytown (a close suburb of Might), patrons can score a delish platter and a sudsy brew-the perfect combo. This busy spot always sells out, so be sure to make it happen early to possess your pick of the delicious menu.
- Address: 6515 Railroad St. (Crane Brewing)
- Hours: Saturdays 11 AM – until they offer out
- Reservations: No
- What To test: Sausage With Cheesy Corn Side; 1/2 lb. sliced pork belly; full pound brisket. Check out their weekly specials online, as they change every week
- Price:$-$$
Two In a single At Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room
Dubbed as two concepts in one place, Corvino is much more than just a restaurant-it's an event its own. The Supper Club delivers modern American cuisine centered around a warm, inviting, social dining experience, as the Tasting Room offers a smaller, more intimate dining experience known for its hospitality and open, theater-style dining. Whatever option diners choose, they're going to have their pick of delicious, inventive, and fresh menu options.
- Address: 1830 Walnut St.
- Hours: Tasting Room, Thursday through Sunday seatings at 7 PM; Supper Club, Sunday through Thursday 4 PM-10 PM, Friday & Saturday 4 PM-12 AM
- Reservations: Yes, via Tock
- What To test: Crispy Pork Ribs; Black Truffle Spaghetti; 10-Course tasting Menu ($150 + per person)
- Price: $$-$$$$
Though Might is known for its amazing BBQ, there are a plethora of other amazing dining options through the city-from more laidback, casual vibes to high-end dinner fare. No matter the spot, the meals and atmosphere are full of the welcoming, homey vibes that make the city a high tourist destination.
