The story
Joe’s Kansas City Bar‑B‑Que operates out of a working petrol station—a hole‑in‑the‑wall that has become a local institution. Only Scrans, during a World Cup BBQ crawl, called it “hidden inside a petrol station” and noted that Anthony Bourdain declared it the best barbecue in the world. The creator added, “I can see why,” offering a firsthand nod to the legend. If you seek proof of the hype, this is the place.
The menu shines with the Z‑Man sandwich and burnt ends, which Only Scrans called “incredible” in a separate visit. The ribs also earn high praise. But the brisket, sliced thinner than Texas style, disappointed the same reviewer. Sides like mac and cheese, onion rings, and banana pudding round out the experience. For classic Kansas City barbecue in an unforgettable setting, Joe’s delivers.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2026.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 14 dish mentions say about the food
“The brisket just wasn't for me. It was really thinly sliced as opposed to those really thick slices with the bark that you get on the Texas barbecue. It's really thin. It was more like a lunch meat than the gorgeous fatty brisket that fell apart in my fingers. I give it a three out of 10. I'm sorry, it just wasn't for me.”
“It is completely different to Texas brisket. Look how thin that is. It's way too thin. Almost like a pastrami. I'll be honest, I much preferred the brisket over in Texas. These thin slices just weren't really hitting the spot like those big fat slabs that I had in Dallas and Houston.”
What creators say
3 creators have covered Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que. Most active: Only Scrans
Joe's is hidden inside a petrol station, and Bourdain said it's the best BBQ in the world—I can see why.
- Only ScransMixed
I Ate BBQ In Every World Cup City! · @ 10:06
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, a legendary gas station joint, has the best ribs and Z-Man sandwich, but the brisket disappointed me.
Dishes mentioned
Brisket
The brisket just wasn't for me. It was really thinly sliced as opposed to those really thick slices with the bark that you get on the Texas barbecue. It's really thin. It was more like a lunch meat than the gorgeous fatty brisket that fell apart in my fingers. I give it a three out of 10. I'm sorry, it just wasn't for me.
Pork Ribs
The ribs are untouchable. Those ribs are absolutely mental. I give them a nine, the best I had.
Sausage
The sausage is quite low, only a five for me.
Burnt Ends
Burnt ends were a solid eight. They could have done with being a tiny bit bigger and they could easily go up to a nine. But when the brisket is quite small, you're not really working with a lot.
Z-Man Sandwich
The special is the Z-Man, which is one of the best sandwiches I had on the whole trip. Brisket, smoked provolone, two onion rings on a Kaiser roll, invented because of a radio bet back in 1997. That one sandwich nearly dragged the whole score back up on its own. I give it a nine.
- Only ScransLoved
48 Hours Eating Kansas City's BEST Food! · @ 0:59
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que is a legendary barbecue spot inside a working petrol station, serving incredible ribs, burnt ends, and the Z-Man sandwich, though the brisket is too thin compared to Texas style.
Dishes mentioned
Ribs
These ribs are absolutely mental. It's like putting toothpaste on your toothbrush, but instead of brushing your teeth, you're smashing it with this gorgeous, moist, juicy rib. And that barbecue sauce on there is strikingly good.
Z-Man Sandwich
This is the Z-Man sandwich. Brisket, smoked provolone, onion rings, and barbecue sauce in a kaiser roll. It sounds like someone made it up when they were starving, which is usually how you know it's going to be good. That's so good.
Brisket
It is completely different to Texas brisket. Look how thin that is. It's way too thin. Almost like a pastrami. I'll be honest, I much preferred the brisket over in Texas. These thin slices just weren't really hitting the spot like those big fat slabs that I had in Dallas and Houston.
Burnt Ends
The burnt ends here are like tiny cubes of crack. It's like they've been laced with dopamine because the joy that these little fatty, sugary, salty cubes bring is insurmountable. They're like little marshmallows. Little pillows of meat. Tiny little clouds that just burst and explode with the juice.
Sausage
The sausages are excellent. Everything is excellent.
