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Arthur Bryant's Barbeque

1727 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64127 · Kansas City, MO

Why you should go…

Every barbecue pilgrimage to Kansas City runs through this brick storefront at 18th and Brooklyn. Arthur Bryant, the "King of Ribs," perfected a gritty, vinegar-forward sauce that divides purists and converts them in the same bite. Order at the counter, burnt ends, ribs, or a beef sandwich stacked absurdly high on white bread with lard-fried fries, and eat under photos of the presidents and celebrities who've made the same trip. Cash in hand speeds up the line.

  • #barbecue
  • #burnt ends
  • #ribs
  • #lunch
  • #kansas city bbq

Good to know

General eat & drink guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Go early or go late

    The simplest way around a wait at a popular room is to sit down before the rush or after it.

  • Reservations open on a schedule

    Where bookings are taken, tables tend to be released a set number of days in advance, often at a fixed hour.

  • Menus move with the season

    Treat any dish you read about online as a maybe, not a promise, especially anything local and seasonal.

  • Ask what the place is known for

    Staff will point you at the thing worth ordering faster than any list will.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Arthur Bryant's Barbeque, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

    Under $25

    The world's only museum devoted to the Negro Leagues, in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    American Jazz Museum

    Under $25

    In the historic 18th & Vine district, hands-on exhibits trace Charlie Parker, Ella, and Duke, with live sets in the museum's own Blue Room club.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Eat & Drink
    Date Night

    TerraVox Winery

    $25–$50

    A 100 percent estate grown vineyard and tasting room in the hills north of Kansas City.

    1.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Date Night

    Kansas City Helicopter Tours

    $50+

    Aerial sightseeing flights over the Kansas City skyline and riverfront.

    1.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

    Under $25

    Legendary burnt ends and the Z-Man sandwich, served from a working gas station. Worth every minute in line.

    5.1 mi awayMore like this

  • Eat & Drink
    Family Favorite

    Dave & Buster's Kansas City

    $25–$50

    A restaurant, sports bar, and arcade in the Village West district of Kansas City, Kansas, with dining and hundreds of games.

    15 mi awayMore like this