One of the famous BBQ spots (been here for 100+ years) that we tried out. We got the Ribs (what they're known for), Brisket, and Sliced Sausage. We also got a serving of Turkey because they accidentally gave us it instead of Sliced Sausage so we got to try it lol. I was a big fan of the briskets and the ribs; both were tender and were seasoned well. Sliced sausage was also pretty good, and the turkey surprisingly was not dry at all. Service was pretty no-frills; you get your own utensils and what not. The restaurant itself is also very casual; it definitely looks like it's been around for a while, but it adds to the uniqueness. Overall pretty solid BBQ and would come back again! read more

Arthur Bryant's Barbeque - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

For my biweekly BBQ craving, I decided to swing by Bryant's while in between errands. It had been a while, and it's looking really good in there now. I know they had some unplanned renovations. I had been wanting to get out there in support since hearing that. The portions here are always big. It's great if you come with someone that you can agree with on an item from the menu. If not, you'll probably be taking some home. I ordered the turkey sandwich and onion rings on this visit. I always enjoy their beef brisket sandwiches too. The folks working were helpful in guiding me through the line to order. read more

Arthur Bryant's was the Kobe Bryant of KCBBQ, not the best, but it's in the top 10. In the conversation, actually every KCBBQ conversation because of history. While KC is known for their tomato based sauce AB's is known for their pork ribs and molasses based sauce. While Oak is popular in Texas, Hickory is the main wood used here to pair that sweetness with the molasses with a little oak to finish. As one of the most popular/famous BBQ joints in the area and maybe the country the line can be long at times, but generally not time consuming of a wait. Like alot of the big boys they have a great system of cooking and serving. Service is somewhere between big ticket and owner operated. Decor is still gas station with a smoke house, but they have some massive roittiserrie smokers using blast cyclinder design for efficiency. Their ribs are meaty, nice sweet bark, spicy sweet sauce, mellow oqk flavor. The open faced burnt ends are less candy and more charred nuggets, juicy, less unctuous as they grill it to finish. I found their turkey a little dry, could use a longer brine or even better twined to keep tight as the fibers tore too much on cutting making it shredded/shaved rather than sliced. Great sausage, thought I'd have liked some creativity as the smoke doesn't really accentuate it as much as it could if they had other flavors. I still prefer the Texas style brisket as the bark is more pronounced. They even have chicken tenders for the kids which are deep fried, a little overseasoned for kids (yes I had to try it). Baked beans were sweet, thick, rich on the molasses and smoke, but at this point its a bean jam and a little rich. Dirty rice which i thought was a southern thing was fluffy, aromatic, umami, a true side dish. Potato salad was a little dry, potatos were sized all over the place so some were overcooked and some closer to raw. Go casserole next time or get the cheesey corn, but you can't do both, it's too much. The onion rings were crunchy and sweet and went with their sauce amazing. The fries aren't an afterthought and complimentary to their other non brisket/ribs items. Prices are avctually below average, service is quite good, but to me being an OG it really has changed under the new management. I'm not sure i'll need to come here again as this was my 2nd trip here and i'm not sure it's a must eat place anymore. After all the BBQ tours I've done I really do prefer Texas and SC styles and have found other KCBBQ spots that give a better representation of KCBBQ. read more

I have nothing but contempt for those who have destroyed the institution and reputation of the once legendary barbeque mecca known as Arthur Bryant's. It is disheartening that a once proud name and source of pride for our city is being used to peddle substandard barbecue in Kansas City at New York City prices ($28.50 for a sandwich, fries and medium drink). There are so many far better choices here in the metro. Q39, Joe's, Gates, Slaps to name only a very few. Try them, not here. I am getting sick as I write this review based on two tries. No more. Sad. read more

Arthur Bryant's Barbeque - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

I went here today expecting so much more from a BBQ joint with the history it has behind it (been in business for over 100 years) and thought it would translate into some legendary BBQ. I left disappointed not understanding the hype. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich and the OG Brisket with some fries. Both the pulled pork and the brisket were extremely dry. It required the sauce or a swig of soda to get it down. The fries were kind of average with most of them not really being crispy but kinda soggy. As far as sauces go, they were ok in general. I didn't detect any spice in the spicy or sweet heat sauce. I'm an out-of-towner, in the area for work, so it's possible that maybe they had an off day today? I did hear that they are known for their burnt ends, so I MIGHT come back to give those a try. I will definitely keep on looking for good BBQ while I'm here. read more

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I've been coming to Arthur Bryant's since I was a kid, and there's something about walking through those doors that takes you right back--old neighborhood memories, no frills, just real Kansas City BBQ. Let me start with the meat, because that's what keeps me coming back. It's the real deal. You actually get a proper slice of brisket--not a fatty mess, but tender, flavorful, and done right. The turkey? Absolutely divine. Juicy, smoky, and honestly one of my favorites on the menu. Now, I have to be honest about the sauce. The original just isn't for me--it's a little too gritty and heavy on the vinegar. But their sweet and spicy sauce? That's a whole different story. It completely transforms the sandwich into something incredible and, in my opinion, way better than I remember growing up. The ribs aren't my personal favorite here, but everything else hits. The fries are exactly what you want alongside BBQ, and the pickles just round everything out perfectly. Arthur Bryant's is still a Kansas City staple for a reason--great meat, rich history, and flavors that keep you coming back... especially if you go sweet and spicy. read more

Arthur Bryant's Barbeque - Yep...this girl LOVES pickles lol - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Every time I'm back in KCMO, I make a stop at Arthur Bryant's BBQ this trip was no different. I got there Sunday around 11:30, just after opening, and there was already a short line. Went with my usual, burnt ends sandwich, fries, cheesy corn, and a sweet tea all under $40. The burnt ends weren't quite as bark-heavy as I've had before, but still tender and full of flavor. Ya either love their original BBQ sauce or ya don't, and I do. If you want authentic Kansas City BBQ, this place is a must, one of the spots that put burnt ends on the map. read more

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Holy hell!!!! This place popped up on three list as best in KC and they were right. Being my first time I asked what recommended. Was told the burnt ends and sausage. So going with the recommendation I also added fries and cheesy corn First, no idea what cheesy corn is but it's now my favorite way to eat it, delicious. Fries where fresh cut and cooked crispy. Never had sausage like this was served in thin slices but DAAAAAMN it is good. But by far my fav is the burnt ends. So good, juicy, crispy edges. Add a little sauce, doesn't really need any but it is BBQ so we sauce. read more

Arthur Bryant's Barbeque - Burnt ends and sausage - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

As it's been under new management for a while, it never really seemed like it until now. Outside of doorway into second room there's now what one might call a serving hatch of sorts where you can see into the room viewing the condiments & refreshments station. There's a monitor now displaying merchandise that can be purchased. There are more pictures up along the walls of Arthur Bryant and a dedication wall Arthur Bryant's 2021 BBQ Hall of Fame induction. The serving line is now partitioned for ordering your meats, sides then cashiers. There were only 2 meat specialists or pitmasters and it was a bit chaotic keeping up with the orders. This is my dad's favorite place so he was happy to get his usual 1/2 pound of brisket, 1/2 pound of ham and fries. It always puts a smile on his face. read more

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There's a sign out front when I visited that reads 'Believe in BBQ' and I'm sad to say that Arthur Bryant's almost made me become a BBQ atheist. I thought it a little odd that unlike the other 'Big 4' there was not only a lack of a line but their parking lot was a ghost town, maybe we had just come after a rush and we lucked into a lull. We walked in and the floors were greasy, I had to tiptoe like I was treading on ice they were that slick, usually that's a really good sign or a really bad one. I saw that they only served their burnt ends as an open faced sandwich so I went with it. I also got their potato casserole on the recommendation of the cashier. My sandwich wasn't so much a sandwich as much as it was just meat and fries thrown on some bread, without any care. I sent a pic of the potato casserole to a friend and he thought it was dog food. Presentation isn't everything but it should be something. The casserole was delicious, but the burnt ends were just inedible; maybe it was the dry, overly salted fries that made digging out any meat or it could have been the sewage-y smell in the dining area that it unappetizing. Hands down, the lowest of the four KC bbq institutions I went to. read more

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This was not it. The place was cluttered as far as the seating goes. It was clean and the guys working there were friendly. However, the food was not at all close to being good. The ribs were very cold and dried out, you can see burnt on the top. The fries were hot and maybe the best thing on the tray. Under the ribs are two slices of bread which was old bread as well and so I really didn't enjoy the experience. read more

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Pretty sure I got food poisoning from this place. The pork ribs tasted a bit too porky in the sense that it almost tasted raw or the meat was expired. The burnt ends were the saving grace of the meal but was pretty fatty. Fries were meh. Nice touch of bread being on bottom of the food to get that juice and seasoning. I heard this place used to be good but has gone down hill. I believe it. Spend your money elsewhere! read more

Arthur Bryant's Barbeque - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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I feel like I'm betraying Ted Lasso by giving this spot a 3-star review, but our experience was indeed meh. From the hole in the wall trappings and the celeb-photo lined walls, you immediately know you're walking into an institution- but the meal didn't measure up to the hype. Ordering process in line was gruff and chaotic. Meat was sliced surprisingly thin. Beans didn't quite measure up to other BBQ favorites. Glad to have experienced it, and the sauce varieties did measure up to Coach Lasso's waxing poetic - but the rest was forgettable. For all the added promo Ted Lasso has given this joint, though, you'd think they'd eventually want to add his photo to the gallery adorning their walls, too! read more

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What a treat to come back to the original Arthur Bryant's Barbeque! And it doesn't appear that much, if anything, has changed. You walk in and it looks like you are in the 60s with the wall photos and the old school square linoleum topped tables. You walk up to the kitchen and order, then carry your tray of food and drinks to a table. One of us ordered the 6 bones of ribs, which was excellent. These were seasoned so well that you don't even need to add sauce. The other three of us ordered the 3B sandwich and fries to share. The 3B sandwich is brisket point, burnt ends and an onion ring on top. The meat was smoky and flavorful, but some of it was on the dry side. Overall, an excellent sandwich, which I would order again. The fries were old school home made with the skins on, very good! If you can go, you should because it is an experience and a well represented taste of original KC BBQ! read more

Arthur Bryant's Barbeque - Order window - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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Best BBQ around. I have had my fair share around the state and even others, Arthur Bryants is far and away the best. Great atmosphere, always great service and most importantly the turkey and bunt ends are a must have! Keep it up!! read more

Visiting from Los Angeles. This is the first barbecue spot around KC that really made an impression on me. The food is all great, but the star of the show is definitely the sauce. Both the original, with its deeply smokey and vinegary flavor, and the spicy sauces are excellent and complement the meats wonderfully. On top of this, the unlimited pickles and drink station makes for a very satisfying and rounded experience. I'm surprised to see how low the reviews are for this place, when in my honest opinion, and as someone who has been all over the south and midwest for barbecue, this place is better than most of what KC has to offer (e.g. Q39, Jack Stack, and Joe's)! Seriously, make sure you carve out some time for Arthur Byrant's -- you won't regret it. Food: 4.5/5 Price: 4/5 Experience: 5/5 read more

Arthur Bryant's Barbeque - Brisket (1/2lb) + The 3B - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

I ordered takeout from Arthur Bryant's and it was excellent. The burnt ends sandwich with fries was some of the best BBQ I've ever had, packed with flavor and cooked perfectly. The place looks like a classic BBQ joint inside, which adds to the charm. I also bought a maroon T-shirt, and when I got home I realized it had holes. Since I live in New York, I reached out by email and the staff replied the very next day. They offered me a refund and said they would mail me a new shirt once it comes back in stock. I really appreciated how easy and thoughtful they were to deal with. Between the amazing food and the great service, I'll definitely be back when I'm in Kansas City again. read more

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Ah Arthur Bryant's, a Kansas City classic. It can be a little overwhelming on your first trip. First, join the big line that is sometimes all the way out the door. Gives you plenty of time to study the menu if it's your first trip. Once you get to the front of the line, you'll get called up to one of the windows to order. Be prepared. Service is quick and efficient. They will pass your tray of food to you through the window. If you order fries, they'll get piled on your tray, but other sides get picked up at the cashier, which is where you head next with your tray. You pay at the far right end of the counter. Then, you fight your way to a table to chow down. There are containers of sauce in the dining room with little to go cups, and you can find utensils and to-go containers nearby too. I think Arthur Bryant's barbecue is solid. It's not my favorite barbecue in the city, but I think it's tasty. The burnt ends are a little fatty, but the pulled pork is perfectly tender. Everything is very saucy, so you don't really need any extra barbecue sauce unless you're dipping your fries. The flavor of the original barbecue sauce is unique - definitely give it a try. They also have sweet and spicy sauce options as well. They have a fenced in parking lot next to the building. Otherwise, it's a quick walk from the 18th and Vine district if you're checking out the museums. It's a KC classic for a reason! You definitely have to give it a try! read more

Arthur Bryant's Barbeque - Burnt End Sandwich - Open Faced Pulled Pork Sandwich - Open Faced - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

I hate to disagree with Jason Sudeikis, but I don't get this place. I ate here back in the 90s and the brisket was fatty and gross. I ate here a couple days ago because my wife is a huge Ted Lasso fan and wanted to try Arthur Bryant's. Oh boy. The service here is fine. The employees are good people doing a good job. The food is awful. We ordered a half rack of ribs, half pound of brisket, some beans and coleslaw. The ribs were kind of chewy and not very warm. They were OK at best, but not great. The brisket was sliced thin, piled up, completely lacked any flavor at all, was super fatty stringy, and a very low quality. It was just gross. I would feel bad about feeding it to a dog. The beans were way too sweet for either of us to have more than two bites. Just overpowering everything was the sugar and molasses. The original Arthur Bryant sauce was gross! Neither of us could eat it at all. Since it was so bad, we had no desire to try the other two varieties. The coleslaw was amazing! Absolutely the best thing on our platter. It's pretty sad when the best thing at a barbecue joint is the coleslaw. This visit just confirmed that we will never return. read more

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The brisket was so dry they had to try three pieces before the could get the slicer to slice it. Ribs were equally dry. Both were cold. But the worst part was the service. They couldn't have made their disdain for us anymore obvious. read more

They were out of half the stuff on the menu at 4pm, I tried the turkey sandwich and cheesy corn, took 2 bites of both and threw away, both tasted like they were made yesterday and left sitting out. I'm sure they had busy but the place was dirty, food was stuck to the sauce containers, and was all over the place where you fix your beverages. The cook looked exhausted, I'm sure it had been a busy holiday weekend, but maybe they should have closed early rather than sell inedible food. read more

It's been over 25 years since I was here last but it's just as I remembered. I got the sausage sandwich with fries (these fries are just like county fair fries, SO stinkin good!), while my husband got the turkey sandwich. The sauce - ah, there's the finishing touch. The original is my favorite. Glad I came back. I'll probably see y'all again next year when I'm back on town. Thanks for the smiling faces! read more

Burnt ends Sammy with Cole slaw and fries is what I ordered and tried all sauces. This is a good staple that represents KC well with great customer service and a family friendly environment. Good BBQ with better folks read more

Arthur Bryant's Barbeque - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Stopped in for a late lunch on a Saturday afternoon. There was a bit of a line, but no more than a 5-10 minute wait. The staff is extremely efficient, albeit not very friendly. They all seemed stressed out. Plenty of places to sit once you get your food! Definitely no frills here. The space was a little dirty, especially the bathrooms. The food was hit or miss for me, though all extremely well-priced. We ordered a 1/2 slab of ribs, 1/2 pound of brisket, cheesy corn, and fries. The brisket ended up being my favorite. Super tender and juicy. The ribs were more on the smokey side, and only the two or three middle ribs were tasty, the rest on the ends were a little dried out. I'd skip the corn next time. Fries were good! read more

Arthur Bryant's Barbeque - 1/2 slab of ribs, 1/2 lb of brisket, side of fries, and side cheesy corn - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

We checked out this place to see what the hype was all about and it was not good BBQ at all. The meat was dry. The burnt ends were barely edible. The service was mediocre. read more

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We were very excited to dine at a Kansas City nostalgic restaurant! However, our experience was nothing shy of disappointing. First of all, the restaurant did not have an adequate supply of food. There was no beef for the dinner hour. As for cleansing, it needed sanitizing. Our food was cold. I ordered the pork sandwich. It had no flavor and I was concerned that the meat was old. As for cost, it was very expensive. I recommend you buy the sauce at the grocery store and keep your dining dollars elsewhere. read more

I was on a business trip in Kansas City and was told by the front desk at the hotel to try Arthur Bryant as I wanted some bbq my first night in. I was told it is the oldest bbq restaurant in the area which piqued my palette and interest. I ordered via a delivery service. I got the baked beans and extra pickles and rib tips. The food was good. The rib tips were different than the types of rib tips I typically eat back in Chicago but they were good. They sent me like 4 different sauces times two to sample and I liked 2 out of the 4 sauces. The baked beans were sweet and smokey and thick sauced. The pickles were alright. I didn't know pickles already came with the ordered and if I had known I would not have ordered a side of them. I was a little disappointed not to see greens and cabbage on the menu but maybe they maybe are seen at a soul food or more soul food type of bbq joint. So I let that slide. I definitely would recommend eating ribs and food here and I'd eat there again when in Kansas City. read more

Ordered a half pound of Brisket and Turkey meat, the customer service was excellent and the wait was not too bad considering it was really busy during lunchtime but worth it especially since the food was so good. The staff here are very professional and welcoming. This place is a great place to stop by for some classic original barbecue. read more

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Overhyped. This place is one and done for me. Would not return. The brisket and burnt ends were fatty, stringy, chewy, and cold. But if you like that kind of bbq, the good news is the portions are huge. I asked for the spare ribs but the guy behind the counter said they didn't have any. It was 12:15 pm and I saw others having them. The sauce was "interesting" but I would not say very good. The staff was surly, the floors were greasy. It's a no for me dawg. read more

Arthur Bryant's Barbeque - B&B sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

food was delicious. If you dont like sugar in your BBq sauce this is the place (Gates too). I love the atmosphere, great Smoked beef and Ham. its gritty and delicious. They do get busy, but the line moves quickly and your food will be perfect temp and flavor. Sorry Molasses lovers, you most likely won't like this..which leaves more for me read more

Stopped by Arthur Bryant's for the first time and was pleasantly surprised. I had low expectations after reading reviews here. I ended up ordering burnt ends, after asking for recommendations, with fries. The meat was far better than I was expecting and didn't need any extra sauce. The fries were pretty standard, but I prefer crispy fries, so I would order a different side next time. Overall, if in the area, I'd go back! read more

Arthur Bryant's Barbeque - Burnt ends and fries - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Very disappointing. Food has changed and fries were seasoned and not good. Also cost $54 for 2 sandwiched order of fries and drink.

Having visited KC before, we missed getting KCBBQ which was a mistake, but we were intent on getting some during this visit and read that Arthur Bryant was the OG and had to get it. Obviously a classic establishment with simple interior and decor, walls covered in photos, memorabilia, and a slight glaze of smoke and aroma from the constantly active kitchen and smokers. We went early evening and it wasn't too busy, got a bunch of stuff to try a little bit of every; from chopped sausage to brisket and ribs we got some of each and had it over multiple meal, combining it with some veggies and other items to balance out the meal and salt. Overall good bbq; I wouldn't say particularly special but glad that we finally got to try some. read more

I had high expectations for this well known cafeteria style BBQ joint. However they were semi-met. My brisket was served cold which I don't think was supposed to be the case after seeing other orders come out piping hot. The baked beans were very good. I was also not the biggest fan of the sauces. Good to try once but probably won't be visiting again. read more

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While it is certainly notable for its place in bbq history and a must see place on any bbq lovers journey, sadly the food quality has been surpassed by many other bbq restaurants. Not bad food mind you, just average 5/5 for history, atmosphere, and experience 2.5/5 for quality read more

One more iconic BBQ restaurant checked off the list. We had ribs brisket, pork ribs, beans, and coleslaw. The barbeque was good, but not great. I enjoyed the ribs. They were meaty and generously seasoned (chili powder? paprika? cumin?). The original BBQ sauce had the same flavor profile, so I found the sweet heat BBQ sauce more interesting. The thinly slice brisket was moist and tender, but lacked seasoning. The beans and coleslaw were tasty and well-prepared read more

Arthur Bryant's Barbeque - Ribs, brisket, beans, coleslaw. - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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Delivery order Excited to try this restaurant as it was ranked by friends as the best barbecue in Kansas City. The ribs were great, and I loved the sauces that came on the side. However, the brisket was a little dry :( it might be different in restaurant read more

This place has gone to shit. they don't treat their employees. The meat use to be good now the food is cheap and no good. they have bugs and shit in there where people eat. the ceiling is falling in. They closed down because of they. I would not eat there. The management sucks they do not care about their workers. It is their way or the highway, i will not step one foot back in that place. read more

So I get it. I understand why this place is considered an institution for KC BBQ. I was at the Negro League Baseball Museum and they recommended I go here for lunch. It was luckily nearby. I wasn't sure what to order and the people behind the cou ter were super friendly and let me try different things. I got a combo with brisket and sausage with beans and bread. It also came with some pickles. Ot was a LOT of food. I was surprised at the large servings. The restaurant itself is old. I guess they are keeping the nostalgia with pictures of famous people who have dined there. But I think it could do with a little refresh. But the food was great. read more

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So disappointed!!! Have been going there for over 30 years use to be the best bbq in KC. They shut down for a little bit only to reopen and got rid of one of the slicing stations. Usually you go through so fast and get huge combo sandwiches for the $20.50. But this time had to wait for ever. Instead of pulling meat out of the smoker they were unwrapping foil packets. They had to ask at least 3 times what we ordered. The brisket was very dry. Will definitely be going to Gates just down the road from now on. read more