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!).

Stop#8: Oklahoma Joe's

Oklahoma Joe's

3002 W. 47th Ave.

Kansas City, KS 66103

Well folks, we have a new leader! Oklahoma Joe’s has beaten out Gates by 2 tenths of a point. A couple of weeks ago, we ordered take-out from Okie Joe’s and headed to Kelly’s Westport Inn for our dining experience.

Oklahoma Joe’s is quite an experience. Attached to a gas station in Kansas City, KS, its appearance is deceiving. It even ranks among Anthony Bourdain’s 13 Places to Eat Before you Die. According to Bourdain, “It’s the best BBQ in Kansas City, which makes it the best BBQ in the world.” So far, our group agrees.

For anyone who has never been to Oklahoma Joe’s, you’ve never experienced the line that wraps around the building as soon as the restaurant opens for business on Saturdays (and many weekdays, for that matter). It’s definitely an experience, but not necessary more than once. Thankfully, Oklahoma Joe’s has great carry out service.

We called our order in around 12:30, and, as promised, it was ready by 1:00. Our meals were (as reflected in the scores) delicious! We had a wide array of sandwiches around the table as well as sides. Oklahoma Joe'shas great specialty sandwiches in addition to traditional BBQ faves.

Oklahoma Joe’s did not disappoint when it came to the sides either. The French fries are among the best I’ve ever had. They also offer quite the variety including spicy coleslaw and gumbo.

We did not rate Oklahoma Joe’s on service or atmosphere, but I can attest that both are worth the wait in line. Oklahoma Joe’s totaled up at a 4.3 out of 5. Here’s how the scores came out:

Meat

Flavor 4.4

Consistency 4.3

Quality 4.4

Sauce

Flavor 4.1

Consistency 4.5

Sides

Distinctiveness 4.3

Variety 4.5

Flavor 4.6

Restaurant

Service N/A

Atmosphere N/A

Value 3.8

Overall Experience 4.3

Oklahoma Joe’s is one of my personal favorite BBQ joints in KC, and this time around it did not disappoint. Jeff put it best saying, “Okie Joe’s is always good. No different today.”