This open love letter is not of my usual nature and is my sauciest writing to date. Folks, I am in love with sweet, smoky, and unbelievably tender Kansas barbeque. I realize this love affair is shared with many, and rightfully so. Kansas is home to some of the best barbecue in the world. Naturally, Kansans are humble and modest, except when it comes to our smoked meats. We are loud, proud, and willing to share. Innovation has always been a Kansan’s creed, so we didn’t stop with beef or pork like some other not-to-be-named states. We slow-cook chicken, sausage, vegetables, and even fruit. It’s safe to say nothing is off limits (or the smoker) here in Kansas!

Kansas City became world-renowned in BBQ starting in the early 1900s when Henry Perry began serving his slow-cooked ribs on newspaper pages for 25 cents a slab in the historic 18^th and Vine district just over the border in Kansas City, Missouri. Charlie Bryant began working for Henry Perry and brought his brother, Arthur Bryant, into the business. In 1940, when Perry passed away, Charlie Bryant took over the restaurant until 1946, when Arthur Bryant assumed the business. Arthur eventually moved the eatery to the infamous location of 1727 Brooklyn Avenue, where Presidents Truman, Carter, Reagan, and Obama have all dined to feast at the iconic Arthur Bryant’s. While the history of KC BBQ may have started in Missouri, Kansas restaurants have perfected this slow-smoked tradition.

The KC metro area alone is home to over 100 BBQ restaurants. Like the original king of smoking meats, Arthur Bryant’s, and local favorites like The Z-Man at Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que  (Anthony Bourdain even put Joe’s KC in his book, 13 Places To Eat Before You Die), and the renowned burnt ends at Jack Stack. Newer restaurants like Slap’s BBQ and Q39 have quickly become fan favorites, proving that Kansas City’s BBQ scene is constantly evolving. Kansas City, KS, is also the new home of the American Royal, host of The World Series of Barbecue, the largest barbecue contest in the world.

You don’t have to be traveling through the metro areas to find our famous smoked meats. Barbeque joints are sprinkled throughout Kansas like spices on a pork butt. Here are 12 Kansas barbeque restaurants to try outside of the KC metro. After eating at these places you’ll sure be ready to join me in officially commissioning Kansas as the Sunflower and BBQ State. 

Roy's Hickory Pit Bar-B-Q - Hutchinson

A true Kansas favorite, Roy’s has served central Kansas since 1982. Well-traveled barbecue enthusiasts will tell you that Roy’s has the best ribs and is worthy of a road trip to try it. Other fan favorites are the hot links and smoked turkey.

Bite Me Barbecue - Marysville

Talk brisket to me, baby! Bite Me Barbecue lovers boast that the best brisket is served right here in northeast Kansas. They don’t stop with the cue', they also specialize in fried chicken (watch out Pittsburg) and Bierocks.

Guy & Mae's Tavern - Williamsburg

3 generations strong, Guy & Mae’s Tavern has been serving perfectly curated sauce, seasoning, and world-famous ribs since 1973. In true Henry Perry fashion, these delectable ribs are served in a newspaper. That’s not the only paper-clad aesthetic in this restaurant, the interior is decked with $1 bills displaying the names of happy customers from near and far.

Hickory Hut - Salina

The Blake family has been serving up delicious BBQ to central Kansas for 40 years. They started out as a traveling food hut, and in 1983, they built their first permanent structure in Salina. Hickory Hut quickly became a favorite at the Salina Smoky Hill River Festival, and for generations, festival goers feasted on the famous BBQ turkey drumsticks and Polish sausage sandwiches. People still favor the Polish sausage to this day and highly recommend The Slammer Basket, Polish sausage topped with a mix of beef brisket, pulled pork, and their secret Slammer Sauce.

Knackies Bear-B-Cue - Inman & McPherson

Owning the term Bear-B-Cue, Knackies has been a local favorite since the early 1990s and the beginning of the bear bottle barbecue sauce, which are still used and sold to this day. You can’t go wrong with the BBQ Rib Dinner, which includes a half rack of ribs, a choice of baked beans or cheesy potatoes, a homemade dinner roll, and a trip to the salad bar. Go ahead and check off all the important food groups with a trip to Knackies!

BobbyD's Merchant Street BBQ - Emporia

You can’t talk about Kansas BBQ and not mention BobbyD’s in the Flint Hills. Rave reviews will tell you the prime rib dinner, burnt ends, and the smoked meatloaf are must-haves. As an opportunist, I suggest trying all 3. While you’re at it, add their award-winning St. Louis-style ribs to the list. You can thank me later.

Brady's Smoke House - Hill City

Fall off the bone ribs, melt in your mouth tender KC Strips, um yes please! Brady’s has quickly become a favorite in northwest Kansas. The menu offers ribs, steaks and burgers daily and they feature a specialty dinner on Saturday’s, desert included! You can find them on select days at The Headquarters in Hill City or around northwest/central Kansas in their food truck.

Iron Rail Brewing – Topeka

A downtown Topeka favorite, Iron Rail Brewing serves up slow-cooked meats alongside their award-winning craft beers. Locals swear by the brisket and burnt ends, and the loaded mac and cheese is reason enough to plan a pit stop. It’s a modern twist on BBQ with railroad history cooked right in.

The Ole Cook Shack Food Truck – Syracuse

Rolling through southwest Kansas with serious flavor, this food truck is known for its smoky meats and signature sides like smoked mac and potato salad. It may be mobile, but the flavors are anything but fleeting. Catch it in Syracuse or at regional events.

LaVon’s Bakery & BBQ – Buhler

Equal parts sweet and savory, LaVon’s is a hidden gem where the BBQ is mouthwatering, and the homemade baked goods are the cherry on top. The smoked sandwiches are served on homemade buns and you can’t leave without trying pie. LaVon’s is only open on Fridays and only accepts cash or check, so plan accordingly.  

LaVon’s Bakery & BBQ – Buhler

Equal parts sweet and savory, LaVon’s is a hidden gem where the BBQ is mouthwatering, and the homemade baked goods are the cherry on top. The smoked sandwiches are served on homemade buns and you can’t leave without trying pie. LaVon’s is only open on Fridays and only accepts cash or check, so plan accordingly.  

The Smoking Barrell – Ellsworth

Authentic BBQ done the right way — low and slow. This new eatery is quickly attracting visitors from around the region. For smoked meats, you can order pork ribs, pulled pork, and beef brisket.  Locals rave about their side options like the German potato salad, pepper jelly cowboy beans, and crowd favorite, smoked jalapeno popper max-n-cheese.