Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Q
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Q, originally opened in 1996 as Oklahoma Joe’s in a gas station in Westwood, Kansas, was founded by Jeff Stehney and Joe Davidson. After their business partners separated, the restaurant was rebranded as Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Q. Renowned for its rich barbecue heritage rooted in Kansas City’s longstanding tradition, the restaurant has grown to three locations across Kansas and employs over 300 staff members. It has earned national recognition, including being ranked the fourth-best BBQ spot in the United States by Food & Wine magazine’s Global Tastemakers Awards in 2025. The establishment is celebrated for its signature dishes like burnt ends and the Z-Man sandwich, reflecting Kansas City’s deep culinary history and vibrant barbecue culture.
News Summary
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Q has been honored as the fourth-best BBQ restaurant in the U.S. according to Food & Wine magazine’s Global Tastemakers Awards. This recognition highlights Kansas City’s rich BBQ culture, showcasing the restaurant’s unique offerings and its role in promoting local culinary traditions. With a history dating back to 1996, Joe’s continues to innovate while honoring its roots, making it a must-visit destination for barbecue enthusiasts.
Kansas City is cementing its status as a premier culinary destination for barbecue lovers, as Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Q has been recognized as the fourth-best BBQ spot in the United States by Food & Wine magazine. This accolade was part of the magazine’s annual Global Tastemakers Awards, which features a curated list of ten must-visit BBQ restaurants across the country.
Ranked number four in the prestigious list, Joe’s Kansas City is notable for being one of only two Midwestern establishments featured. The other restaurant from the Midwest is Pappy’s Smokehouse, located in St. Louis, Missouri, which secured the sixth position on the list. The remaining eight restaurants predominantly hail from the Southern states, including Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Q originally opened in 1996 within a gas station in Westwood, Kansas, under the name Oklahoma Joe’s. The restaurant was founded by Jeff Stehney and Joe Davidson, who later separated their business ventures, leading to the rebranding as Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Q. Today, the restaurant has expanded to three locations in Kansas and employs over 300 staff members, generating an impressive annual revenue of over $25 million.
The Global Tastemakers list, published in April 2025, included a total of 165 culinary experiences nationwide. The selection of restaurants was determined through insights from more than 400 culinary professionals, including chefs, travel experts, and food writers. The final rankings were established by Food & Wine’s Global Advisory Board, which comprises industry insiders, editors, and writers.
The rich barbecue culture in Kansas City has been longstanding, dating back to the early 1900s. Henry Perry, often referred to as “The Barbecue King,” began selling meats from a stand in 1908, creating a foundation for Kansas City’s BBQ legacy. Perry operated several locations and passed his skills down to apprentices, including Arthur Bryant, who further developed the city’s barbecue recipe by modifying the barbecue sauce to create his acclaimed version. Kansas City barbecue is characterized by a variety of meats and a tomato-based sauce that balances sweet, heat, and tang.
The annual American Royal BBQ competition held in Kansas City is the largest BBQ competition globally and plays a significant role in promoting local BBQ establishments. Modern pitmasters continue to innovate while staying true to Kansas City BBQ traditions. Local restaurants have developed unique offerings and signature dishes, such as the Z-Man sandwich from Joe’s Kansas City and the notable burnt ends from Arthur Bryant’s.
Additionally, many Kansas City BBQ restaurants engage in philanthropic efforts, reflecting the community spirit that began with Henry Perry. Organizations such as Operation BBQ Relief provide meals during disasters, while Kookers Kare rescues leftover BBQ from competitions for food banks, showcasing the collaborative nature of the community. A new barbecue museum recently opened in Kansas City, dedicated to illustrating the city’s deep-rooted barbecue culture and history, further documenting its evolution.
In conclusion, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Q receiving recognition as the fourth-best BBQ spot by Food & Wine magazine is not just a win for the restaurant but also highlights the rich culinary heritage of Kansas City. As the city continues to thrive in the BBQ arena, it remains a vital destination for barbecue enthusiasts across the nation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kansas City Ranks Third in Yelp’s Best BBQ Cities List
Kansas City’s Culinary Adventure with Barbecue Bible
Additional Resources
- Condé Nast Traveler: Best Barbecue Kansas City
- KMBC: Up in Smoke Kansas City Barbecue
- Axios: Barbecue Museum Opens in Kansas City
- Wikipedia: Kansas City Style Barbecue
- Google Search: Kansas City Barbecue
