3 days in KC [road trip from Chicago]

Am driving to KC in early July from Algonquin. Looking for funky but good food diner-y places== 1 for breakfast an hour or two west of Algonqouin, and something for lunch near-ish Des Moines or 4-5 hours west of Chicago.... any thoughts?

[Moderator note: Multiple planning and reporting threads merged together.]

Spending 3 days in KC in early July. Plan to hit a few bbq places--right now thinking Bryants and either LCs or Jack Stack near Union Station (where we're staying). Toss up between LCs or JS or even Gates.

Also need some funky but good breakfast places-- and somewhere with teens for the night we get in. One is a pescatarian so bbq is probably out. Will be near downtown but have a car. Don't want a chain/teen place, thanks!

Skip Gates. Good 'Que but hardly KC's best. If you go, stick with the brisket forget the ribs.

Bryant's is hit or miss. It was our fave for a number of years and then it seemed to nose dive. Soupy burnt ends, more like a burnt end stew than a sandwich, and off flavors in the sides.

LC's is a keeper for sure. Fantastic burnt ends, great pulled pork, excellent sides.

I haven't been to the Jack's Stack in Overland Park; I've only visited the original Martin City location; called The Smokestack. It is one of the only "white tablecloth" 'Que joints in KC. Their signature dish is lamb ribs. Nice change of pace. Excellent sides including cheesy corn bake and gigantic onion rings.

My alternative suggestions would be The Woodyard, RJ's, Johnny's, and BB's Lawnside BBQ.

For breakfast try Niecie's for soul food. Go to the original location in town, not the expansion location in Raytown.

Buddy

The Woodyard
3001 Merriam Lane
Kansas City, KS
(913) 236-6666

RJ's Bob-Be-Que Shack
5835 Lamar Ave
Mission, KS
(913) 262-7300

Johnny's Hickory House BBQ
5959 Broadmoor
Mission, KS
(913) 432-0777

BB's Lawnside BBQ
1205 E 85th
Kansas City, MO 64131
816-8BB-RIBS (822-7427)

Niecie's
5932 Prospect
Kansas City, MO
(816) 444-6006

For lunch, Jim's Rib Haven in Rock Island. I know you're about to overload on BBQ in KC, but Jim's 'Que is not to be missed. Incredibly meaty ribs, excellent brisket and pulled pork, and quite possibly, the best potato salad I have personally ever eaten!

We prefer the I-55/I-70 route, but if you're going to go through Iowa you might as well start with a happy tummy.

Buddy

Jim's Rib Haven
531 24th St
Rock Island, IL 61201
(309) 786-8084

An hour or 2 west will put you in the Quad Cities (Home of Jim's Rib Haven) and while some of us would eat ribs for breakfast I don't think they're open that early.

One of my favorite breakfast stops is the City Limits in Rock Island. You have to try the biscuits and gravy. It isn't all that close to 88 - however if you stay on 88 it will turn in to highway 5 which turns in to John Deere Road which turns in to Blackhawk Road which ends @ the City Limits

www.citylimitssaloonandgrill.com

4514 9th Street
Rock Island, Illinois
309-786-4889

For KC, don't forget to look here.

Geo

About 18 months ago, i met one of my St. Louis friends in Kansas City for a personalized tour. He is a graduate of Rockhurst College and wanted to show me the city.

Arthur Bryant's was a MAJOR disappointment. We arrived at noon on Sunday and all the BBQ we were served seemed to be leftovers from Saturday. The burnt ends were dry and the brisket was nothing to write home about. The high point of the visit is that we walked down the street and went to the KC Jazz Museum and the Negro Legues Hall of Fame Museum, both of which were excellent and made up for the sub-par food.

Jack Stack's downtown location was not bad at all, but it really paled both in atmosphere and quality to the Martin city location. The lamb ribs are unusual and quite good.

I have heard a lot of good things about Oklahoma Joe's from a couple of friends but I have not been there.

There is a market in the downtown area on Saturday's which was excellent. They have some shops with excellent food and some breakfast options. I hesitate to call it a farmer's market as it seemed to be more of a "surplus" market which is great for cost-conscious locals but less for tourists.

Hope that helps.

I'm a fan of Gates - but BBQ recommendations are a personal taste.

I'm definitely going to try some of Roadhouse's recs.

I prefer Oklahoma Joe's for no other reason than that they serve up some really fine pulled pork. Of which some I had last Sunday at a catered party. You can sit down. There's always a line, but it moves fast. Non-traditional but excellent fries. (Of course it's less than half a mile from my home, so that *should* be mentioned--I'm not unbiassed in that regard! ; )

Best traditional ol' fashioned KC ribs in town most like to be found at LC's, as mentioned before.

Breakfast is tough. Probably the best remaining is Bell Street Mama's, sorry I don't have the phone number.

But look at Aaron's KC index. He's more discerning than I am--and trust jlawrence, too; he's also more discerning than I.

Geo
PS. Stroud's Fried Chicken is open again, and I'm hearing rave reviews: "As good as it ever was" etc.

http://www.oklahomajoesbbq.com/

Bell Street Mama's
1726 W 39th St

http://www.stroudsrestaurant.com/

I highly recommend LC's as well for BB. I know people have reported up-and-down experiences at Bryant's, but I've always had pretty much up. I've not found it to be any more uneven than any other BBQ joint, and it's such an institution, I'd say it's well worth a trip.

Woodyard is enjoyable, their pulled pork is quite good, and it's got a more rural white guy vibe than Bryant's or LC's, but I don't find myself craving it. Note, too, I think they close at 5. Pretty cool place, but out of the way for a visitor, I would think.

I love having RJ's within walking distance, but I wouldn't make a special trip. I just don't think the BBQ is up to par. They do have some smoked wings that I really enjoy though, and it's a really friendly, well-meaning local joint. I also dig their country breakfast on the weekends. That may be worth your while.

Buddy, your relatives must live pretty close to me with the Mission/Merriam joints. Johnny's was the worst Q I've had in town...again only one visit, so it may be worth a reprise. They do have some cheap rib nights.

I've only been to OK Joe's once, and everything was really bland. I know I have to try again because it gets such consistent praise, but...

Jack Stack's, I don't get at all. Good sides, but are you really there for the sides? I've not been to the Martin City location.

Whew, enough BBQ.

jlawrence refers to the City Market, which is quite nice. He's right that there's a lot of "surplus," but also a lot of good local stuff, I believe, you just have to dig a little. Succotash is down there and certainly fits the funky vibe, complete with disinterested hipster servers. A lot of downtown residents swear by the place. I wasn't crazy about the food, but I my memory isn't as harsh on the place as my previous post.

Bluebird Bistro, which tilts organic and has pretty good veg dishes, would be my first rec for good, funky breakfast.

I'd also recommend bluestem if you need brunch on Sunday. Absolutely terrific. It reads a bit more upscale, but it's really quite comfortable.

What kind of price point or style are you looking for the night you get in? Let me know if you have any more specific queries, and I'll do my best.

Enjoy your time in KC!

Blue Bird Bistro
1700 Summit St
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 221-7559
http://www.kansascitymenus.com/bluebirdbistro/

Aaron Deacon wrote:I highly recommend LC's as well for BB. I know people have reported up-and-down experiences at Bryant's, but I've always had pretty much up. I've not found it to be any more uneven than any other BBQ joint, and it's such an institution, I'd say it's well worth a trip.

I would agree with that recommendation, again only because of Bryant's iconic status. The burnt ends used to be our "go to" choice, but now I think I would focus on the brisket.

Aaron Deacon wrote:Woodyard is enjoyable, their pulled pork is quite good, and it's got a more rural white guy vibe than Bryant's or LC's, but I don't find myself craving it. Note, too, I think they close at 5. Pretty cool place, but out of the way for a visitor, I would think.

Agreed on all counts. And yes, they are only open during the day for lunch, closing at 5pm.

Aaron Deacon wrote:I love having RJ's within walking distance, but I wouldn't make a special trip. I just don't think the BBQ is up to par.

We've always had good experiences here, proving both the subjective nature of Good Barbecue, and also the potential for unevenness in its creation. One of the things we like about the place is their willingness to stretch the boundaries of what Barbecue is "supposed" to be. For instance, we have had Barbecue Eggrolls here; typical Asian eggroll skins stuffed with chopped brisket and pulled pork. Also Burnt End Soup.

Aaron Deacon wrote:Buddy, your relatives must live pretty close to me with the Mission/Merriam joints. Johnny's was the worst Q I've had in town...again only one visit, so it may be worth a reprise. They do have some cheap rib nights.

Our family and friends are pretty well scattered around KC metro, going as far north as St. Jo and as far west as Olathe. It wouldn't matter though. My attitude is, once we're in the area we're 550 miles closer than we were in Chicago, so distance is not an issue when it comes to seeking out good local 'Que.

Sorry you had a bad experience at Johnny's. It is not usually our first pick. It is a neighborhood favorite of a longtime friend of ours, Ardie Davis who wrote the "Kansas City BBQ Pocket Guide". As a local booster, Ardie does tend to be fairly forgiving and occasionally over enthusiastic in his assessments. However, when we met him at Johnny's for lunch during last year's Christmas holiday season, we were very impressed with everything that was served. Good ribs, brisket and sausage, very good sides too.

Aaron Deacon wrote:I've only been to OK Joe's once, and everything was really bland. I know I have to try again because it gets such consistent praise, but...

Jack Stack's, I don't get at all. Good sides, but are you really there for the sides? I've not been to the Martin City location.

Exact same reaction on both counts.

Also, we'll definitely second the recommendation for Stroud's. Outstanding chicken dinners served in old fashioned who-cares-what-lies-ahead American abundance.

Have a great trip,

Buddy

Hi all--driving next week to/from Chicago--KC for a BBQ wonderland and am worried about the drive due to flooding. Anyone drive that lately or are in the Iowa, STL, KC areas and can shed light on the best way to go?? Thanks!

I drove there several years ago through the same are when the area was flooded and had no problems.

I'm going next weekend. I used my GPS on a recent trip back and found a way to go that knocked 2 hours off my drive.

Chicago/KC I would suggest checking that you can cross the Mississippi River. I'm sure you can but there might be places you can't.

Bruce wrote:I drove there several years ago through the same are when the area was flooded and had no problems.

I'm going next weekend. I used my GPS on a recent trip back and found a way to go that knocked 2 hours off my drive.

Care to share your route? We take I-55 to I-270, and then hook up with I-70 just west of St. Louis. If you've got something faster, I'd love to know about it.

Thanks,

Buddy

yes, is the I-55/I-70 the fastest route? google says to take take I-88/80 to Des Moines and then I-35 to to KC... also, any good places (preferably BBQ) to eat along the way?

I've gone through St. Louis and through Des Moines...I prefer the Des Moine route, but not by much. Either of these routes, you're on interstate highways the whole way, and I doubt you'll encounter any flooding trouble.

For something a little different, you can head east on I-72 at Springfield for a while than take state highways town, which would enable you to stop at the Kottage Kafe. (Or if you're coming from the southeast or northwest Indiana, you may be better off hitting Blue Springs Cafe after taking I-57 to I-70.)

I was going to do Des Moines but Iowa looks like a wash out. Literally. So I think 57 to 70 all the way. I am still looking for cool breakfast/lunch places along that route.

When we get to KC the plan originally was eat BBQ all day Weds while kids were at a concert. Concert is out now but still plan to do the Q but with a pescatarian! My plan was Bryants and probably Jack Stacks. We might be able to fit a 3d meal in now. But now Im concerned that the places have some fish thing--salmon or shrimp? Anyone familiar enough to opine on that?

Or route diners?

aviva5675 wrote:I was going to do Des Moines but Iowa looks like a wash out. Literally. So I think 57 to 70 all the way. I am still looking for cool breakfast/lunch places along that route.

When we get to KC the plan originally was eat BBQ all day Weds while kids were at a concert. Concert is out now but still plan to do the Q but with a pescatarian! My plan was Bryants and probably Jack Stacks. We might be able to fit a 3d meal in now. But now Im concerned that the places have some fish thing--salmon or shrimp? Anyone familiar enough to opine on that?

Or route diners?

You can get fish or shrimp at Jack Stack, though I just think their BBQ is mediocre (and haven't tried the seafood). Sides are quite good though.

Woodyard BBQ, mentioned by BuddyRoadhouse in your other thread, has smoked salmon on Fridays. RJ's, also mentioned by Buddy, has fried catfish. I was so-so on their Q in the other thread, but had it last week and it was quite good. It's also worth noting, since you were looking for breakfast, that RJ's is now open for breakfast Wed-Sun, instead of just on the weekend, and it's terrific.

I've taken Bruce's route and it's a very nice change from both 70 and 80: Hannibal is worth an hour or two (but I didn't find anything worth eating), and the MO countryside is nice.

70 is just awful: the stretch between St. Louis and KC is one of the most truck-infested of ALL the interstates. In fact, serious thought is being given to trucks-only lane between the two cities.

Geo

aaron or others, do you think des moines route is really a wash??

I'd go through Des Moines over St. Louis anytime. As mentioned I-70 through MO is truck infested, poorly paved, narrow medians and just plain dangerous at times.

I'd have to second the salmon at Woodyard, although I thought it was Thursdays. I'll try to remember to check tomorrow. Whenever they make it, it's worth a visit for. They do something special with chicken wings too, although that's usually something you have to call in and ask for in advance.

I'm not a big Jack Stack fan at all. As mentioned, the sides outdo the Q. I like funkier places and LC's out east on Blue Parkway is a real joint that gets overlooked too often in my opinion. Best burnt ends in town. I also really like their beef sandwich.

Another place to check out is Danny Edwards Blvd. Barbeque. Not sure if there's any pesce on the menu though. I think they do the best beef in town there and many folks claim the same for their pulled pork.

LC's Bar-B-Que
5800 Blue Pky
Kansas City, MO 64129
(816) 923-4484

Danny Edwards Blvd Barbeque
2900 Southwest Boulevard
Kansas City, MO

Doug,

Do you still have to eat it and beat it at the new Danny Edwards?

stevez wrote:Doug,

Do you still have to eat it and beat it at the new Danny Edwards?

I haven't visited it (and I'm not Doug), but it's considerably bigger than the old spot.

I'd be curious to here from anyone who's been to new and old if the bbq stacks up.

There was a stretch of I-80 closed a week or so ago, but I don't believe its still closed.

Were coming from Algonquin, nw of Chicago. Having checked IA sites--it looks like maybe 88-80 might be ok, crossing the river and 80 is not closed in IA? Anyone able to comment? Then south on 35. Still looking for breakfast and lunch places...My main concern is not running into big/long detours due to flooding.

aviva5675 wrote:Were coming from Algonquin, nw of Chicago. Having checked IA sites--it looks like maybe 88-80 might be ok, crossing the river and 80 is not closed in IA? Anyone able to comment? Then south on 35. Still looking for breakfast and lunch places...My main concern is not running into big/long detours due to flooding.

80's a major thoroughfare. I imagine it's okay, but can't say for sure. You should probably check a travel site or the IA Department of Transportation. LTHForum doesn't have much track record on road closures.

I've sprinkled a handful of breakfast and lunch options throughout this and the other thread (which I'm going to go ahead and merge by the way). Not sure if you've had a chance to look into any of those, but if you have any feedback on if they seem like what you're looking for, or other specifics in terms of price point, cuisine, location, etc., I'd be happy to help you fill out your list as much as I'm able.

stevez wrote:Doug,

Do you still have to eat it and beat it at the new Danny Edwards?

I haven't spotted the old sign directing one to eat it and beat it, but as Aaron notes, it's big enough now, they can afford to let diners linger a little now.

Dt

Ok one last post before our trip tomorrow..promise!

Weve decided to try to fit in 4 places in one day--eating small amounts of each place's specialty at each one. The places are: Bryants, on Brooklyn. LCs on Blue Pkwy, Gates, either on Brooklyn or Main, and Jack Stack, at Frieghthouse.

So, what to each at each of those?

Aviva,

The answer to all your questions can be found here. While Gates may be well marketed, we were not impressed enough to feel any need to return.

Looking forward to a big post on all your eating adventures when you return.

Regards,

Thanks for that...can anyone give any updates-the original post is from 04. Im seeing maybe to get to Danny Edwards and Woodyard, maybe instead of Gates?? I know its alot of personal preference...

aviva5675 wrote:Thanks for that...can anyone give any updates-the original post is from 04. Im seeing maybe to get to Danny Edwards and Woodyard, maybe instead of Gates?? I know its alot of personal preference...

I'd recommend both of those places. Also, I'd suggest trying Smokestack BBQ for the Crown Prime Tip. Please note that Danny Edwards has moved. The new address is:

Danny Edwards Blvd Barbeque
2900 Southwest Boulevard
Kansas City, MO

Smokestack BBQ
8920 Wornall
Kansas City, MO
816-444-5542