The 15 Best Kansas City BBQ Restaurants | Eater

"Q39 is a bit more polished than some competitors, the kind of place where there’s a nontrivial possibility of seeing someone spray sauce onto a starched collar. But this family-friendly restaurant is a local favorite for its uncanny ability to turn out consistent barbecue at a high volume. Founder Rob Magee, who died in 2021, cut his teeth on the competition barbecue circuit, and the competition-ready combo plates remain the thing to order here. The original location in Midtown is always crowded, so make a reservation or plan on a long wait; it’s easier to snag a table at Q39 South in Overland Park, Kansas. (A third location in Lawrence, Kansas, is set to open this fall.)" - Liz Cook