Char Bar - Westport

https://onthegrid.city/kansas-city/westport/char-bar

On the Grid : Char Bar

"The plates at Char Bar live up to KC's reputation for world-class BBQ. Just about everyone you ask will have a different favorite, so it's hard to recommend just one dish. The pulled-pork is tender & flavorful, the chicken wings have just the right amount of smokiness, & the brisket is smoked for 21 hours until it's just right. Despite being marked with a skull & crossbones on the menu, their meat-free options are just as creative & delicious. The "Roots & Fruits" salad is a favorite, with a mix of roasted beats, parsnips, goat cheese, brussels sprouts, pistachios & oranges. During warmer months, the restaurant sprawls out onto their massive beer garden, where you can sip a Boulevard as you toss beanbags or smack around a ping pong or croquet ball." - Cat Coquillette

https://www.theinfatuation.com/kansas-city/guides/best-bbq-kansas-city

The 13 Best BBQ Spots In Kansas City, Ranked 2024

"If you want to recreate the feeling of a summer BBQ (complete with yard games), Char Bar is a great place to kick off the night with a group. Start with their cornbread jalapeño muffins with pepper jam, chive butter, and hot honey. Then, sample the best of the menu with The Whomp! Platter, which has a spread of meats—brisket, sausage, ham, ribs, burnt ends—and comes with two sides (go for the homemade potato salad and beans). This spot is co-owned by the team behind Meat Mitch, but Char Bar is our preferred spot because it has one of the best patios for corn hole and it’s near great bars nearby like Harry’s or Westport Cafe." - ryan bernsten

https://www.theinfatuation.com/kansas-city/reviews/char-bar

Char Bar Review - Westport - Kansas City - The Infatuation

"If you want to recreate the feeling of a summer BBQ (complete with yard games), Char Bar is a great place to kick off the night with a group. Start with their cornbread jalapeño muffins with pepper jam, chive butter, and hot honey. Then, sample the best of the menu with The Whomp! Platter, which has a spread of meats—brisket, sausage, ham, ribs, burnt ends—and comes with two sides (go for the homemade potato salad and beans). This spot is co-owned by the team behind , but Char Bar is our preferred spot because it has one of the best patios for corn hole and it’s near great bars nearby like or Westport Cafe." - Ryan Bernsten

https://www.theinfatuation.com/kansas-city/guides/best-restaurants-kansas-city

The 22 Best Restaurants In Kansas City, Missouri 2024 - Kansas City - The Infatuation

"Westport is one of the best neighborhoods for bar-hopping in Kansas City, and Char Bar is a great place to kick off the night if you’re with a group. Start with their cornbread and jalapeño muffins with pepper jam and hot honey, and then fight over The Whomp! Platter, which gives a comprehensive sampling of meats—brisket, sausage, ham, ribs, burnt ends—and comes with two sides (go for the homemade potato salad and beans). This spot is co-owned by the team behind Meat Mitch, but Char Bar is our preferred spot because they have corn hole and are close to a bunch of great bars. Stop by Julep for a cocktail or Harry’s for a craft beer on the patio." - Ryan Bernsten

View Postcard for Char Bar

"Char Bar, Westport. The plates at Char Bar live up to KC's reputation for world-class BBQ. Just about everyone you ask will have a different favorite, so it's hard to recommend just one dish. The pulled-pork is tender & flavorful, the chicken wings have just the right amount of smokiness, & the brisket is smoked for 21 hours until it's just right. Despite being marked with a skull & crossbones on the menu, their meat-free options are just as creative & delicious. The "Roots & Fruits" salad is a favorite, with a mix of roasted beats, parsnips, goat cheese, brussels sprouts, pistachios & oranges. During warmer months, the restaurant sprawls out onto their massive beer garden, where you can sip a Boulevard as you toss beanbags or smack around a ping pong or croquet ball."

Kansas City

James Roberts

Google

This is such a cool spot! Great atmosphere and outside area. We started with the cheesy hush puppies and they were delicious! Great little appetizer! I ordered the bag lunch menu and upgraded to the angus brisket. It was so good. The toasted bun was fantastic. The brisket had a nice smoke ring, good flavor, and tasted good. My wife got the sausage on the lunch special and she enjoyed it was well. The sausage has a nice flavor! The beans and potato salad were good. This place is definitely a must have BBQ spot when visiting Westport.

Melissa R

Google

Char Bar had a great atmosphere. Went here to have a drink with the girls and catch up. The drinks were good for a happy hour. Food was okay not super great but not bad either ( I got the Burnt Ends Chimi). Our waiter was soooo nice, he made the experience better with his friendly face. We would return again. I also love when the managers come around to see how things were, I believe his name was Scott. Keep up the good work.

F HG

Google

Very ample and cute place! Definitely going back for their side dishes (Mac n cheese, onion rings and potato salad)… Their Chimichanga special, was not my favorite… However their peach dessert is way above and beyond on how good it is! Professional staff. Great beer. Nice calm and fun ambiance!

Tiffany Jamerson

Google

Love how they transformed the space from the old Buzzard Beach. Very kiddo and pet friendly. The food was amazing! Our server was very helpful. He had great suggestions. We had a two plate combo with brisket and ribs, charred bits with grits, fried pickles, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato fries. Everything was very tasty, and I can't wait to go back. We also had an old fashion and a margarita. Both were tasty.

Sheree

Google

Visiting from Michigan, we were on a mission to find authentic KC BBQ—and Char Bar delivered in every way. Several locals pointed us in this direction, and now I understand why it’s such a beloved spot. We ordered the platter for two, which was more than generous and could easily feed 3–4 hungry people. It came piled high with a delicious variety—turkey, ham, sausage, burnt ends, ribs, and brisket—each smoked to perfection. The BBQ sauce had a unique, slightly sweet flavor that reminded me of apple butter—absolutely delightful and a perfect complement to the meats. The sides were just as impressive. The fries and sweet potato fries were crispy and well-seasoned, the baked beans had great depth of flavor, and the mac and cheese was creamy, comforting, and downright addictive. The vibe at Char Bar is fun and laid-back, making it a great stop whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast or just looking for a solid local recommendation. Definitely add this to your Kansas City BBQ must-visit list!

Chris Kallmes

Google

Hands down the best barbecue I've ever had. Burnt ends were fantastic, fried pickles were a delicacy, and the Mac and cheese was phenomenal. Seriously nothing mediocre on the menu. So good we came back 2 nights later, and almost went for a 3rd visit during our time in town. Do your tastebuds a favor and go to Char Bar. I can't recommend it highly enough. The staff is awesome, beer selection is large, and the atmosphere is comfortable and fun. We will be back again next year for sure.

Erin Leventhal

Google

I visited with my parents on a Saturday evening. We made a reservation in advance and were sat immediately. We sat on the patio which was a great family-friendly atmosphere! The food was delicious, the drinks were great and the service was phenomenal. Will be back soon!

Darren & Katie Lawson

Google

Delicious! The hush puppies were the best I HAVE EVER HAD! They have a softened center that is different from your traditional hush puppy. The charred bits n grits was the perfect showcase of their best items. The burnt ends were melt in your mouth. The service was amazing. The atmosphere was diverse. You had booths tucked away, tables under bright lights, a bar and a fun outdoor area. Easy parking. Can’t say enough how great our experience was. And to end the night we had the peach bread pudding! Mmm

Bryan F.

Yelp

Stopped by Char Bar after walking over from the AC Hotel in Westport with my pug, Mojo. They had outdoor seating with a great vibe--loved the little string lights outside. I definitely want to come back at night to enjoy it even more. I had the CBGB Burger and a Mango Cart pint. She had the Campfire Salmon and a peach lemonade. We also split a Caramelized Banana Parfait and liked it enough to grab another one to go. They brought Mojo a bowl of ice water right away, which I appreciated. Service was smooth, food was great, and the atmosphere made it a spot I'd come back to without a second thought.

Dustin E.

Yelp

My wife and I stopped by here today. It's been on our list for a long time. Our niece and nephew love it. I had read a lot of reviews about the chili and how many folks thought it was the best in town. It was pretty salty and lukewarm. The flavor was okay. It got better with a tablespoon of Tabasco. We also ordered the Pick 3 to share. We both enjoyed the brisket and pulled pork. The brisket is thick cut and lovely. Good smoke. A little dry. The pulled pork was perfect. No notes. The sausage was a little too moist, bland and fatty for me, but my wife loved it. She loved the beans, I thought they were just okay. We both loved the creamy Cole slaw. Everything except the cole slaw should have been warmer. Loved both the sauces at Char Bar.

Franki H.

Yelp

Tasty BBQ in Westport! I came here for date night and it did not disappoint. We ordered wayyyy too much food but everything sounded fantastic. The hushpuppies had a great pepper jelly that really elevated it from normal hush puppies. The county crunch salad was one of the best side salads I've had in a while!! It was crunchy, fresh and the peach vinaigrette was so balanced. The ribs were very tender. The chicken wings in the coffee brine were so unique...it was subtle and just down right tasty. I enjoyed the burnt ends as well. The sides lacked in my opinion. Both beans and slaw needed something. The peach bread pudding was so warm, sweet and gooey. The brown butter was prominent but not overpowering. I was just so full to enjoy all of it! The service was great! It's a huge space with tons of seating.

Dean B.

Yelp

Char Bar has a great vibe to it. I would like to so aome patio time here and at a busier time of the day. I came in late and was suggested the combo platter-- Ribs, ends, brisket. The ribs were my fave as they had such a freat amokey flave to them and tender. The brisket was served with 2 nice slabs without much fat! Yea, fat adds to the flavor but too much fat is too much fat. Ends were very tender as well. Not a huge amount of rub flavor on the ends. Just all with their great smokey flavor. Well done all around. I will be back to dig into aome more!

Candace G.

Yelp

Who has the best BBQ is a continuous debate. North Carolina vs. Memphis vs. KC. I have to weigh in and say that KC BBQ specifically at Char Bar as the reigning champion. The rib tray was freaking amazing. I had a spiritual moment when I took my first bite of the rib. The sauce was sweet and peppery and the meat was juicy and tender. The onion rings were dangerously addictive and the baked pit beans were good. The spicy purple slaw was just ok. My friend has the burnt ends and I wanted to order some for myself they were so good. Service was great, no complaints.

Texas R.

Yelp

Loved this place! Great food, fun, festive atmosphere and super server by the name of Bailey. (We really liked her.) Been to KC for "Q" a bunch. was recommended this place by a local. SO glad we came. Loved "The Whole Hog" -and the fried pickles too ;) Will happily recommend. Will be back! Rowdy Yates Houston, Texas.

Adam T.

Yelp

Not bad, since I've been giving them more goes. The consistency can vary from visit to visit to some level. I'd say it's more on the dry side, but I've had brisket from here that is juicier than other times and more flavorful. It's not my first choice, but it's not bad. 7/10.

Kaiden

Yelp

This place was awesome, just wonderful. If you go to char bar get the whole hog meal. Has delicious sausage ribs and pulled pork. But you have to "upgrade" for some decent fries. #justputthefriesinthebagbro

Thomas W.

Yelp

Neat restaurant in a fun part of town, well decorated. However I thought it was pricy for what I got. Brisket was DRY and I feel like a good brisket is something that every good BBQ place should have mastered. Sausage was full of flavor and the sides were amazing.

Spencer C.

Yelp

Good food. Great atmosphere. Location is a plus if you plan on staying in westport! It is a bit pricey but if you eat outside on a nice evening I think it could be worth it.

Yesenia M.

Yelp

I fell in love with this food! From L to R, the Sunday Fried Chicken (available Sundays only), mac n cheese, and Hot Chicken Waffle Sandwich. Every bite was so flavorful and exquisite. The chicken was juicy and the combinations of food were just right. Can't wait to return!

Jeffrey M.

Yelp

With so much BBQ in Kansas City, I can be overly critical at times because there are so many options when one is not as great as another. I really want to love Char Bar, but I never achieved the level of affection. The food is decent, but nothing on a level that creates a crazy fandom, and when you add in the price...it drives me to all the other options around the city that I do love and are nicer to my wallet. That doesn't mean it's not worth a try for yourself, just understand that you'll have great service from a friendly staff, but you're going to pay a bit more for BBQ that may not be as good as other BBQ you've had around Kansas City. You can see more of our experience on our YouTube travel channel: https://youtu.be/S5_r-ZYdeVY

Paul S.

Yelp

Back at the Char Bar again! Never disappoints....lucky got a seat at the bar and ordered the tray that has every meat. Will feed 3 people easily...best are the burnt ends and sausage. Staff is friendly and has a lively atmosphere.

Anu K.

Yelp

Met some friends here which is probably my favorite place for bbq here. They have an indoor seating and outdoor as well. Family friendly and everything we ordered was good. We also got the brisket burger but i forgot to take a picture. It was very big but shared it with my husband. We're not big on bbq but this is probably the best one I been to.

William L.

Yelp

In town for lunch and decided to dine at this well-reviewed restaurant. On-street parking. Pretty spacious interior. Has a bar and a sunken dining level. Hostess desk to your right upon entry. We were seated right away and our waitperson, Bailey, was punctual. She was very personable. I would sit in her area again. I ordered the barbacoa brunch burrito and friend had the whole hog, 3-meat platter. The burrito was okay. It didn't taste like I was eating burnt ends, but rather regular braised beef. I expected more flavor, texture and spice. Friend was more pleased with his order. He said it was 'fine.' He loves Joe's and nobody else compares. I'm tempted to return for the charred bits & grits (smoked burnt ends, sausage, pickled jalapenos and cheddar cheese grits); it's described as a snack, but sure sounds flavorful. Dessert menu was tempting but we passed. I might try it again in a future visit.

Michelle M.

Yelp

Stopped in here with my daughter and sat outside. The atmosphere is so cool, it was busy but not too busy, service was great and the food delicious!

Michelle D.

Yelp

I love BBQ so on the one night I was in KC there was no way I wasn't having some. We came here based on solid reviews and proximity to the hotel. Glad we did! Three of us shared a platter that was far more than enough! The brisket, ribs, ends, and sides were fabulous. Highly recommended if you are in the area. It was a super busy Friday night when we came but we were able to find seats in the bar area. The food and service were both quick. It's a busy place and not somewhere for a quiet conversation but it's a BBQ joint so that's to be expected.

Crys F.

Yelp

Great service, a little disappointed in the bbq jackfruit, we both thought it could use more smoke and bbq flavor as it was kinda sweet. Hushpuppies were very cheesy with good flavor and our server was very helpful. Will be back to try other items, just not the jackfruit.

Jerrin H.

Yelp

We visited Missouri for a football game and stopped here for lunch. The house margarita was yummy! My husband had the brown bag special with bbq and his fries were so good! I had the Triple Crown and it was delicious! Service was great and they have a really big outdoor area.

David H.

Yelp

There's a lot of BBQ joints to choose from in KC area and Char Bar is one of my favorites. Staff, food, atmosphere... all are always excellent. This was my first time having brunch here and it was a great choice. Grits with burnt ends and sausage and a Cajun Bloody Mary? Yes please! They have a smoked jackfruit if you want a vegan option. You'll have a hard time telling it's not pulled pork. Just do it!

Irene M.

Yelp

First the staff was amazing. Thank you for a great experience. Our sever was great. She was attentive throughout our dining experience. Kudos to her. She gave recommendations of drinks and sides that did not disappoint. We went on 2/3/25. She was working on the lower level of the restaurant. I just want to make sure she gets the recognition she deserves. We are here in KC for a conference from Texas and she was GREAT! Thank you. The atmosphere of the restaurant was fun and a great place to enjoy some KC BBQ and drinks. I had the two meats and enjoyed the ribs and brisket. YUM! The ribs fell off the bone and were amazing. The brisket was delicious as well. The perfect smoked BBQ. Coming from Texas, KC bbq has its' own unique flavor which is perfect. The BBQ sauces were good as well. For the sides, the Mac and Cheese was creamy and cheesy and one of the best I've had. Our waitress recommended the broccoli slaw and that two sides were so good. Highly recommend these side dishes to go along with any meal. My coworker had the smoked turkey on a bun with the sweet potatoes fries. All was delicious. We also had a side of cornbread muffins and they were the perfect touch to go with the meal. With full bellies we decided to order the caramelized banana parfait to go. For cocktails we had the Smoky Paloma and the Southern Smoke. Thank you so much for the hospitality Char Bar!

Erica J.

Yelp

Who knew Char Bar had a separate vegan menu?! Not me, but it sure does make things easier so, much appreciated. I ordered the Country Crunch Salad (vegan with no ham and no cheese) and it was surprisingly awesome. It has cabbage, kale, iceberg lettuce, cauliflower, spiced pecans with cider vinaigrette. It's a salad that you can almost just scoop with a spoon - you're not fighting 5 inch long pieces of arugula or spinach the entire way through.

Nicole P.

Yelp

This place was DELICIOUS! Generous portions, super friendly wait and support staff & a clean but fun restaurant. Loved the outdoor fire pit. The BBQ was out of this world delicious!!!

Kelli W.

Yelp

We decided to go here on a whim. Hubs wanted bbq and were in the area. To be safe, we made a reservation. Once we got there, it wasn't needed. There were maybe 3 tables of people. The place is nice. Very spacious. We sat down and our waitstaff came over within a few minutes to take drink orders. We started with the wings and the hushpuppies as appetizers. The wings lacked flavor and hushpuppies just tasted like cheese. There was sauce drizzled on the wings but that didn't add to the lack of flavor. Imagine eating chicken with zero seasoning and just a dash of bbq sauce. For our meals, I had the Whole Hog, hubs had ribs, the 13 year old had ribs and wings, and the baby had mac and cheese. My pulled pork was dry. The sauce they bring out on the tray was super sweet. It tasted like pure full on sugar. My ribs were tender but lacked flavor. Hubs said the same thing about his ribs. He suspects they were boiled then smoked because of how tender they were. When I say tender, the meat pealed right away from the bone which doesn't usually happen when smoked. The smokey flavor was missing which is also another tel tell sign of another cooking method prior to being smoked. The older child wasn't really a fan of his food. Hubs said their sweet potato fries were very good. The baby didn't want her mac and cheese after 2 little bites. I tasted it and it wasn't anything great and also lacked flavor. Or waitstaff was nice and hubs liked the sqeet potstoe fries. The kid limed the fires too and i can say they were nice and seasoned. For that, I give it two stars. I always tell people that KC has BBQ for everyone. Whatever your tastes are, there is a spot for you. This just wasn't the spot for us.

W C.

Yelp

Another mediocre meal on the road trip. Alas! We were robbed--ROBBED--of our burnt ends KC experience and we are so very sad about it. How did we end up here? Well, about a month ago, we met a family from Kansas City while waiting for a plane, and asked them where we should go for BBQ if we've already been to some of the big spots, and they recommended here. We should not have listened! The space is an uber generic sports bar with zero charm, and they feel no need to heat the space. There are a lot of good beers on top, and we tried a couple local ones (including from Boulevard, a brewery we love), and then proceeded to order a lot of food. The sides are pretty good! We loved the cowboy cauliflower, which was a unique take with the pickling and the smoking, and the cabbage slaw, despite needing salt, was fresh and spicy. The mac-n-cheese was way too runny, but tasted fine, and the baked beans were smoky and tasty. But the meat?? UGH. The whole point of burnt ends is that they're supposed to be like candy and chewy, but the four (LOL! FOUR) pieces we got were almost entirely soft and mushy fat that was not cooked at all, and just what a goddam disappointment. We will never forgive this place for that. The sausage was OK, but the ribs, which we were told "just came out of the oven" were unappetizngly tough. No falling off the bone here, friends! Such a waste of our one BBQ experience in town! Also, they were a $4 upcharge on the meat platter that we weren't told about WTF. The one dessert they had was something with peaches (it's, um, December, so you know they would be horrible), so we got a kid's "sundae" that was half melted by the time it arrived at the table (vanilla, Hershey's, a cherry). We do have to say that our server was a really awesome dude--very attentive and nice. But still--we are so pissed about our experience here. 2.5 stars rounding up...because who knows why. Don't waste your calories, money, or BBQ hopes here though!

Tamra P.

Yelp

What a fun venue! While I didn't partake in the games on the lawn, I did enjoy the food! Burnt ends, brisket, and turkey did not disappoint! Portions were very generous. Service was quick and friendly.

Adina S.

Yelp

This place doesn't get enough love! I came to Char Bar on a weeknight and sat at the bar. It really wasn't very busy, so the service was fast. I enjoyed the vibes, especially the chalkboard with the list of beers available on the wall. I think what sets this place apart for me is the diversity in the menu offerings. I tried the Turkey Breast and Smoked Pit Ham, since they didn't have those options at most other spots around. They even had Smoked Vegan Jackfruit on the menu! The sides were also unique, and I tried the Bacon-Broccoli Slaw, Cabbage Slaw, and BBQ Pit Beans, all of which were delicious! I left nice and full... and happy!

Olivia B.

Yelp

Hush puppies were delectable! I didn't know Char Bar had turned into a smoked meats restaurant. Maybe it always has been, I'm not sure. I haven't been here since my junior prom. I ordered the soup and some charred cauliflower. Both were so good, I love the subtle spice!

April C.

Yelp

Came here pretty early in the day and it was not too crowded. It's a great chill spot with plenty of outside seating as well. The bartender Mark, was so amazing and was the one who recommended everything I got here. He made me a feather 75, which seems to be a KC staple. It was so delicious and would definitely be ordering that while I'm here in town. The cheesy hushpuppies were to die for! I could have ordered this dish alone and been so happy, satisfied and let's not forget, full. I was told this place has some of the best BBQ in town and let me say that I was not one bit disappointed. Only one bad thing I have to say is that the Mac n Cheese was a tad bit bland but everything else was pretty delicious and worth trying. The meat was so tender and juicy.

Paul V.

Yelp

This place was amazing. Totally lived up to its reputation. We went here for Sunday Brunch. Started with the Smoked Chicken Nuggets. Let's just say they were the best I've ever had. The seasoning was amazing. They were nice and moist topped off with a variety of sauces to sample for dipping. I had the brisket and eggs. The brisket was flavorful and moist. I had my eggs scrambled and wow. What amazing flavor with some hollandaise sauce that was light and flavorful. The potatoes were seasoned and moist. My other half had the smoked avocado salmon benny. Poached eggs with hollandaise sauce on top of a salmon smoked to perfection. The service was outstanding and the manager came by to say hello and shoot some stories about how Paul Rudd and the Big Slick crew came in the night before. We will be back!! Probably will check out the Parkville location too!

Raúl C.

Yelp

Location: Westport, midtowm. Kansas City Ambiance: multiple. Indoor seating with more of a sportsbar vibe. Outdoor seating is gorgeous with fireplace, bar, corn hole, and much more. This is the best place to hang out with friends, watch a game , or enjoy the Outdoor experience Food: it was pretty good. BBQ is great. Peach bread pudding was OUTSTANDING. I can definitively go back just to try to the bread pudding again. Service: excellent. Waiting time to get an Outdoor table was around 10 min. Yelp factor: outdoor fun, good food, and delicious peach bread pudding

Jody S.

Yelp

So my job was a sponsor for a convention and prior to the convention we set up a dinner in the private space of char bar. The location was perfect, it was a quick walk from our hotel and the private room was easy to find as we headed in for the dinner. The room was open for networking with ample space to sit and eat. We had buffet style and drinks were served by requests from the waiter. The food was delicious and great to experience Kansas City BBQ especially being a visitor to the city. This was perfect for a work event and meal.

Mary D.

Yelp

Food was delicious! Staff very friendly and helpful! Definitely recommend this restaurant! I especially loved the burnt ends and salad.

Katie C.

Yelp

LOVE the hush puppies. Even if you're skeptical- just get them. Other than that. Pretty run of the mill KC BBQ but good service and great beers on taps

George G.

Yelp

Outdoor area was great tons of appetizers had a work event so will return to try more things

Taylor C.

Yelp

Very nice outdoor seating area that is dog friendly. They have tvs and corn hole and had bingo going on as well as a live dj. The perfect place for Sunday funday and the food was good too!

Gema A.

Yelp

Came here on a Saturday evening super excited because this place has been on my list of tries for a long time. I did set a reservation for 6:30 just in case it was super busy but honestly, it wasn't as packed as I thought. I ordered my go to cocktail (a Moscow Mule) and it was good. It's your standard cocktail and was very tasty. I think it took about 15 minutes for our order to be taken and then another 20 minutes for food to come out. started off with the cornbread muffins. The muffins are served with chive butter, jalapeño jam and tabasco honey. If you order this, do yourself a favor and skip the chive butter.. it's what you expect in flavor and honestly didn't compliment the muffins too much. I think i liked the jalapeño jam the most with these muffins and it wasn't spicy at all. Spice was kinda nonexistent with this jam but the flavor was definitely on point, The tabasco honey was pretty good but I wouldn't ever use it for the muffins. The muffins on their own were good as well, would definitely consider ordering this again in the future. I ordered the burnt heaven sandwich and not gonna lie, the burnt ends were kinda tough.. it definitely took a lot of chewing to make it through all the bites but the flavor was on point. If the fixed this small technicality on the burnt ends, this sandwich would for sure be a 5/5. My s/o ordered the Jackknife with turkey and honestly... the flavor wasn't bad.. it was just another texture mishap.. the avocado of course is mushy and the texture of the meat doesn't help.... I would actually opt to remove the avocado and add something crunchy or crispy. I'm rating this restaurant 3/5 stars because the service was a little slow, nothing really "wow"d me but i'm not sure i'd go out of my way to eat here again. There are plenty of other good bbq options that are priced about the same but you're just gonna get better food somewhere else. Glad I finally crossed this place off my list!

Crstal B.

Yelp

The food here was amazing, dare I say some of the best brisket burnt ends I've ever had. The location is great. The atmosphere is ok. However, I was here with a friend that has severe allergies. We discussed this with the waitress up front and she gave instructions to the kitchen, then they brought my friends food out containing the ingredients we discussed leaving out that they were allergic to. The waitress apologized and went back to the kitchen to remake their sandwich. By the time they returned, everyone else in our group had finished eating. As if that wasn't bad enough, they brought out food containing ingredients they were allergic to again for a second time! The manager apologized and comped their sandwich since they couldn't eat it along with some chicken wings which was nice. Again, the food here was amazing, but if anyone has allergies beware the kitchen may not follow the wait staffs instructions you need to check your food.

Emily K.

Yelp

I don't eat bbq that often for someone who lives in KC, but I was craving some brisket and we decided to hit up Char Bar! My girlfriend and I decided to just ball out and get the meat platter for two (three?)! No regrets here! The burnt ends are awesome at Char Bar, and the brisket is solid. I like mine a little more fork tender but it was tasty. The smoked turkey was also a standout for me, which is usually kind of a boring bbq option but I liked it a lot! We also got the hushpuppies appetizer. Definitely not a traditional hushpuppy, but still delicious!

Jason M.

Yelp

We were in town for a baseball game and heard about this place from my neighbor. He has never been here, but said he heard good things. We stopped in on a Friday around 2:30. It was moderately busy, but there was still plenty of space to sit. This place is big. And had a huge patio area complete with a separate bar and area to play corn hole. We didn't sit outside due to the heat, but it would be fun to do that next time. Service was prompt. Very attentive and friendly staff. We tried the smoked chicken nuggets as an appetizer. They were excellent as were the four dipping sauces that came with them. I had the Burnt Heaven sandwich. It was really good. I disassembled it a bit to get a feel for what the burnt ends and sausage tasted like on their own, as I've not tried their bbq before. I though both were extremely good. The fried jalapeños on the sandwich were awesome too. Impressive beer selection with what seemed to be nice happy hour offers. I'd definitely come back to try some other stuff. Just seems like a really fun place to gather with friends and eat some dang good food.

Erin H.

Yelp

First of all, the atmosphere of this restaurant is amazing. Huge outdoor beer garden with seating, games, and swings. The interior was pretty cool too, but we opted to sit outside. The food was next level. We started with the corn bread - this came with herbed butter, jalapeño jelly, and tobasco honey. It was like a corn bread charcuterie. So good. We also split the full rack of ribs - which came with two sides. The first rib I picked out, the meat slid right off of the bone. The ribs were perfectly cooked, the cartilage was like butter. The sauce was sweet and sticky. We ended with the peach bread pudding. The tart peaches with the cold creamy ice cream on top of the moist bread pudding was heavenly. We needed to be rolled to our car. The server was ridiculously friendly, and the owner stopped by to see how we were doing as well. What a great experience! I wish we lived nearby, we would be here all the time.

Mindy P.

Yelp

I was dining by myself, apparently people don't do this at Char Bar, per the hostesses comment. "If someone is eating alone at Char Bar, they deserve a good table" Haha. I did notice, none of the tables were for 2 or even 4 people, they started at 6 and a lot of them were pushed together for bigger groups. On to the food, my server recommended the pit ham over the jack fruit. Unfortunately the ham really didn't have a smokey flavor. I very much enjoyed the kale slaw and the burnt ends, I actually saved those for last. I heard several times this day that KC is the home of burnt ends, so I had to endulge myself this day. My drink was amazing, refreshing and spicy at the same time as strong, 10/10 would recommend. If I come back, I would definitely bring a large group that is ready to drink and hang out! They had yard games all over the patio and a very P&L feel to the place. I do plan on coming back.

Jonelle W.

Yelp

I really wanted to like this place but I didn't enjoy the rub that was on the rib and wings platter that I got. Service was great, got greeted as soon as I stepped through the door. My waitress treated me with care and patience. I had a habanero cocktail which was spicy - for all those spice lovers. The potato appetizers are to die, I just didn't enjoy the ribs and wings.

Brian W.

Yelp

Met a couple of friends at the New Char Bar North of the river for a late lunch last Saturday, and it was fantastic. While waiting for a table, my friends walked back to the indoor Pickleball court and were greeted by Erin. She couldn't have been nicer. She took time to explain the set up, and that they have Pickleball managers on-site for those like us with no clue. She also told us about plans for expanding their brand in the next few years. When our table came up, she escorted us to our table and told us about the menu. What a great ambassador for the company! Thanks Erin and thanks Char Bar! By the way, the food was awesome.

Erin C.

Yelp

Fun chic space. Portions are small but the bbq and sides punch at their weight. Burnt ends are a highlight. Jackfruit options are great for vegetarians - which is rare for the area. Outdoor area is large and great for groups - some selection of games, Jenga, cornhole etc+ friendly service.

Arkadiusz S.

Yelp

Great spot that mix great bbq with some outdoor games. This place is one of few I came across that is set up to play bags or croquet while drinking beer and munching on some delicious bbq either in the large outdoor picnic table style space or in their large indoors space. I did enjoy the great selection of local craft beers. Don't forget to check out their daily happy hour or order from their large bbq menu. The burnt ends and sliced brisket I order came with two side and slice of toast. They do offer multiple sauce options to enhance great tasting meat. The staff is awesome. The waitress at my table was very helpful and I enjoyed the conversation we had during my visit.

222 2.

Yelp

DO NOT WORK HERE!!!!! I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH!!!!! A job designed to put other people in a better position to make money. They refuse to put you in any sections or tables that will make you money unless you are white. And when you are FINALLY making money they will cut you and leave those who have worked there for years to get the closing rush and the good tabs. The manager singled me out of every single girl who had there hair down the day I wore my natural curls; pointed at me and said "hair". I soon realized every single white girl had their hair down that day. They purposely gave me the hardest closing tasks as one of the only black workers there. While others had to simply pour drinks into the sink and add ice where needed, they would ensure every shift I was taking trash to dumpsters that are on the complete other side of the street(making a woman walk into a dark alley way in the middle of downtown), wiping down the dirty fridge, transporting the dirty cloths to the recycle bin on the other side of the alley, transporting and stacking VERY heavy glasses around the entire restaurant (KNOWING I had a hand injury) while they make the men do the bare minimum. And this was all in one shift. They shine flashlights on the ground to point out every particle you could have missed while sweeping after a long shift to belittle you even more than you already feel after watching all of your white co workers make the majority of the money. The people who work there are entitled minus a few they will MAKE YOU LIFE A LIVING HELL AND RUN YOU OUT OF THERE. They talk down on you& purposely make you do the most work. They do nothing but talk behind each others backs and make new people feel uncomfortable. WORST JOB IVE EVER HAD!!!

McCracken C.

Yelp

Brunch of 9 folks. We sat in waiting area until 10am when brunch officially began. FUEL brisket & eggs, which also included thin wheat bread & breakfast potatoes. Pretty good. ATMOSPHERE typical bbq smokehouse decor. Ample space to maneuver my mobility device. SERVICE John was excellent & attentive staffer! He also made wonderful recommendations (he prefers burnt ends) for the indecisive ladies. He also had jovial presence. Goal!! I highly recommend this spot for steady or first time date, family, girls brunch out, groups (with reservations), & tourists.

Brad H.

Yelp

Went there two days in a row in a recent KC trip. Southern cornbread appetizer was sweet and warm, served with hot honey (very watered down second day), a chive butter and some other spread. First day I had a wing and rib combo. Excellent smoky taste on both, but little evidence of smoke rings. Two sauces on table: one sweet, one vinegary, both incredible. Second day I had a burnt end breakfast burrito. Good, not great. Friendly efficient staff.

https://onthegrid.city/kansas-city/westport/char-bar

On the Grid : Char Bar

https://www.theinfatuation.com/kansas-city/guides/best-bbq-kansas-city

The 13 Best BBQ Spots In Kansas City, Ranked 2024

https://www.theinfatuation.com/kansas-city/reviews/char-bar

Char Bar Review - Westport - Kansas City - The Infatuation

"If you want to recreate the feeling of a summer BBQ (complete with yard games), Char Bar is a great place to kick off the night with a group. Start with their cornbread jalapeño muffins with pepper jam, chive butter, and hot honey. Then, sample the best of the menu with The Whomp! Platter, which has a spread of meats—brisket, sausage, ham, ribs, burnt ends—and comes with two sides (go for the homemade potato salad and beans). This spot is co-owned by the team behind , but Char Bar is our preferred spot because it has one of the best patios for corn hole and it’s near great bars nearby like or Westport Cafe." - Ryan Bernsten

https://www.theinfatuation.com/kansas-city/guides/best-restaurants-kansas-city

The 22 Best Restaurants In Kansas City, Missouri 2024 - Kansas City - The Infatuation