Monday, January 16, 2012

Smokestack on Wornall Closed

Sad news in Kansas City barbeque ... Smokestack BBQ, located at 8920 Wornall Road in Kansas City, MO has closed.


Smokestack was tied for 4th place in our BBQ challenge. So, according to us, the loss of Smokestack is a big one for KC barbeque.


Smokestack is not gone forever though. The president of Smokestack says that the company intends to introduce a retail line of Smokestack's barbeque. It will be sold fresh in area grocery stores.


For more information about the restaurant closing and Smokestack's new line, please read this article by Joyce Smith, from the Kansas City Star.



Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Stop# 10 Jack Stack Barbecue


Jack Stack Barbecue

4747 Wyandotte St.

Kansas City, MO 64112

Our 10th stop of the BBQ Challenge, took us to Jack Stack, on Kansas City's Country Club Plaza. Jack Stack has four locations throughout the Kansas City area, making it easy to find one close to you!

Some people think Jack Stack is lacking when it comes to a true “barbeque experience,” but what it lacks there it makes up for in its high quality, delicious food. Although Jack Stack was unable to overtake current leader, Oklahoma Joe’s, it did enough to put itself in a close second place.

As I said, Jack Stack offers a unique barbeque experience—Mitch said “great restaurant, not a BBQ joint.” Joint it is not, it definitely has a higher end feel, but the food stands up to the atmosphere.

Jack Stack offers some of the best sides I have had with a barbeque meal, and I was not alone. Many of the people around the table echoed my sentiments. The cheesy potato bake comes highly recommended—it is a cravable menu item.


Although the sides stole the show, the main dishes were nothing to turn your nose up at. In fact, they have your traditional barbeque staples done at least a notch above most of the rest as well as some unique menu items, only found at Jack Stack.

Giving a nod to its consistency, Jeff said, “Everything is good, every time. The Crown Prime beef ribs are the best food item of all BBQ restaurants.”


Meat

Flavor 4.6

Consistency 4.4

Quality 4.7

Sauce

Flavor 4.1

Consistency 4.1

Sides

Distinctiveness 4.1

Variety 4.3

Overall Flavor 4.5

Restaurant

Service 4.2

Atmosphere 3.4

Value 3.8

Overall Experience 4.4

Jack Stack’s total score was a 4.2 out of 5. It was definitely hurt by its higher price point and the higher end feel of the restaurant; however, it’s worth stopping in for some of what ranks among the best barbeque in Kansas City (so far!).