Well here we go again!!!! We went to the NASCAR race and decided that we wanted some Bar-B-Que. looked at some local places and picked Hayward's Pit Bar-B-Que. Man Oh Man what an awesome place to eat. Tom our waiter said well let tell you about this!!!!! Ok he ordered me Burnt ends and Pork ribs. It came with 2 sides so I ordered sweet and Sour slaw and Cheesy creamed corn. Well I will have to tell you, it will be worth the drive 3 1/2 hours to eat here again. My beautiful wife ordered the smoked sausage and smoked turkey with potato salad and smoked beans. Most definitely a must if you like the big yard bird. Tom was so busy but he took the time to give us his recommendations and tell us the history of the restaurant. And it is truly iconic for this area. People like Walter Cronkite, Wayne Newton just to many to list loved this piece of history. If you want to enjoy what we and do many others have enjoyed you have go to Hayward's Pit-B-Que.oh and by the way it's the best Bar-B-Que sauce I've ever had!!!! read more

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Wish we lived closer! Milwaukee is a bit of drive. Love this place! Sorry to hear of the passing of the founder. Remember many evenings eating in the old restaurant and several with Hayward in the next booth. read more

Smoke. Lots of smoke. Some think that's a great thing, but it can be a detriment if overused. I'd say Hayward's runs the risk, right on the razor's edge of good and bad smoke. Their food is good, and it is an old school KC 'Que joint, but I'd argue that Hayward's plays the game tight, not investing a lot back into the food or experience. It's quiet, and smoky - maybe that's all you'd ever need in a barbecue joint. But to me, when I buy barbecue, I want something extraordinary - a 'Que that I couldn't make myself. I'd wager that I could come pretty close to Hayward's work, so there's that. The beans were beans, but meaty. Smoky, and sweet with a little kick. Honestly, great beans. Their carolina slaw has great crunch also, perfectly sweet and tangy, with large cabbage pieces; a near perfect slaw. Of the meat, I would say the sausage is mild, with a hint of hickory, ground heavy, with a tougher skin. Solid sausage, but not remarkable. Same goes for the brisket: smoky and juicy, with a good chew. Still, not spectacular, being a bit mild of beef flavor. And their sauce is just spicy ketchup - with too much vinegar. I would say if you're close to Hayward's and in a pinch, it's worth a stop in. But I personally wouldn't go outta my way to pick up any Hayward's ever again - and Zarda's is closer to the highway, and better to boot. Not bad, but too many options for "not bad" to fly under it's own power. Try it, you might love it. read more

Best BBQ on both sides of State Line. Also best variety of side dishes to go with their KC's best burnt ends, chicken and ribs.

Been here 3 or 4 times and it is probably the best BBQ I've had. It's not your fancy Jack Stack it's just good smoked meats and some delicious sides! I personally like the beans and okra. The turkey is really good unfortunately they were out on this visit. So I got ham. I ordered the chicken but we got brisket by mistake. The waitress just brought a half smoked chicken when we informed her of the mistake so I got to try 5 different meats instead of just 4! Brisket, ham, Chicken, burnt ends, and ribs! All were delicious! The burnt ends were melt in your mouth good! Definitely going back soon! read more

Hayward's Pit Bar-B-Que - Ribs, Brisket, Ham & Burnt Ends - Barbeque Near Me - Shawnee, Kansas

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Walked in and was immediately greeted by one of the sweetest hostesses ever (shout out to Julie!) and she made us immediately feel at home. We were seated and greeted quickly by our waitress who was on her A-game. From making sure our orders were taken quickly and that we were very satisfied with our visit, she did not fail to impress us. But now for Hayward's itself. If you're looking for a barbecue place to give you a wow factor, This where you need to go. Being from Kansas City it's often hard to find barbecue places that will wow me with how good their food is but I SWEAR, I was left speechless. This is the type of barbecue where you don't even talk until your plate is done with because you cant eat fast enough. You may even want to consider fasting before you come here so you can make enough room for this delicious food. (Seriously I'm getting hungry just writing this.) if you haven't put in directions to here by the end of reading this I don't know what else to say besides Hayward's is the best! read more

Hayward's Pit Bar-B-Que - Inside of restaurant. - Barbeque Near Me - Shawnee, Kansas

Our family likes the food here and my church's Men's group enjoys the atmosphere and food here. We have great conversations and can hear each other talk! The staff are always friendly and helpful and very accommodating to our needs! read more

This is the best bbq place I have ever eaten came here on vacation and the place is great friendly staff I got the ribs and burnt ends the burnt ends weren't for me but that doesn't mean they were bad quality it was so good and if I ever come back to Kansas City I'll will definitely eat here read more

Found this joint on Yelp! Too die for! Service was a 10+ Lunch menu you can not beat-choose your meat for a sandwich, 2sides, and a drink for $12! We were passing through on our way home to Springfield, MO SO GLAD THAT WE MADE THE DETOUR TO WAYWARDS! read more

Excellent burnt ends. Attempting to find the best BBQ in KC and this place is pretty damn good! Love that they are playing the blues too! read more

Hayward's Pit Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Shawnee, Kansas

Wow, this bbq restaurant is awesome and doesn't break the bank. We had 2 Hayward's specials with burnt ends, pulled pork and sausage, bbq beans and mac and cheese. We loved the delicious burnt ends perfectly charred yet moist smoked meat and the wonderfully smoked sausage. The macaroni and cheese and baked beans were also favorites. Great service from Mikayla. Will definitely return when we're back in KC! read more

Hayward's Pit Bar-B-Que - Burnt ends, pulled pork and baked beans. - Barbeque Near Me - Shawnee, Kansas

I periodically get to this part of the country and when I do I like to try and different BBQ place. Today's visit was to Hayward's. The other YELP reviews did not steer me wrong. You pull up to it and it looks like a BBQ place. On to the food. Tried a variety of things. They also have some outstanding sandwiches. Got the Hayward's Hash - chopped brisket and rib tips on a hoagie roll. It was outstanding. Also, got he onion rings. Some of the best onion rings I have eaten. My associate got the brisket burger - brisket, cheese and onion ring served on a bun. It was great. Just a great BBQ place. Would rate it 4.5 stars, but that is not a choice, so gave it a 5 star rating, for a vary good reason. The staff was great. From the time you walk in the door until you leave. They are very pleasant and appreciate your business. Can't wait to go back to try some other things. read more

New location is a disappointment. I missed the original Haywards owned by Hayward The new location is nothing like the original, the quality and the portions have changed. Never going back read more

I love coming here to eat. This is one of my favorite bbq places and the never have to wait long when I'm there. If you order online they have a punchcard. Every order is one punch and once you hit 10, you get a free meal. read more

Hayward's Pit Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Shawnee, Kansas

I fell in love with this food since I found it about 35 years ago. I also fell in love with my wife there as well.

We were in staying at a hotel in Shawnee and wanted a BBQ nearby, found this one on Yelp. A nice drive through good neighborhood, to the location. Entrance was hot but where seated was cool (late July weather). They accommodated a group of 10 nicely. Wait staff was good, recommendation for beverage was good too (can't remember the name of the drink but strawberry vodka ginger, very refreshing)! Food came out timely, every portion was large, plenty left over. I had the Totchos of the apps for my meal and shared with others at the table, still didn't finish. It was good but very filling! Husband had 1/2 chicken and also very tender and good. Two kinds of BBQ sauce, one hot one regular, both had similar base flavor (in my opinion plum?). It was good, though I like trying several flavors, so wished there were more. Otherwise very good! read more

Really good food, I have to admit that after 40+ years they are right up there with the best. They don't advertise as hard so you might not hear about them very much. If your a sauce optional kind and f bbq person this is a good one. And their sauce is good too. Had the right bs, burnt ends, coleslaw, beans, mushrooms, onion rings. I don't know how but this place hit a home run on all points. I gave them four stars, and wish they could get a 4.5 and if they just had a hair more flavor it be a solid 5 read more

Stopped in while working in KC... had to try a bit of everything. Ribs, Burnt End, Pulled Pork, Smoke Pit Beans and Fried Pickles... awesome all around. read more

Hayward's Pit Bar-B-Que - Variety Platter for One... - Barbeque Near Me - Shawnee, Kansas

In a city known for their bbq this place really can hold their own. It's a tiny hole in the wall in the middle of Lenexa and there isn't a single thing We've tried that we haven't enjoyed. I showed up with six adults and two babies at 7 o'clock on a Saturday night and didn't have to wait more than a few minutes. The dining room is full but they were quick to accommodate us in the middle of a big KU game. Our server was great. He was able to tell us about the story behind the restaurant and how the changes in ownership have help to change Haywards course for the better. The royal is absolutely my favorite. It is a super standard barbecue sandwich with either a brisket or burnt ends, your choice of cheese, and two onion rings with a side of horseradish sauce. I can never decide which sides to get because as much as I love their one of the mole fries, where else in town can you find sweet potato fries and fried okra? My parents typically split the platter for one because with three meats and two sides it will definitely fill you up and then some. They do have beer and maybe some wine or liquor but there's nothing I want more than an ice cold soda with my barbecue. We eat here several times a year as is and we can't wait until they move into their new space this summer which is a little bit closer to home. read more

Great meats at a good price, but turkey was a bit dry. The ribs and burnt ends were juicy and flavoursome. This place can get very busy during lunch time. read more

Hayward's Pit Bar-B-Que - Variety platter for one and pulled pork sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Shawnee, Kansas

Great all around BBQ place. Consistently good meat, tasty sides and good service. I've been a customer for almost 40 years and I think the only drawback was I liked their Antioch location better, but this one is better than the SFT locale. read more

We have been going to Hayward's for years. Never had a bad experience (service or food) until last night. This was our 3rd or 4th time going in with a large group and we had always been able to divide the check. Apparently they have made some changes lately so they no longer will divide the bill. As the staff told us "one bill one card". Yes it is on the menu inside on the bottom right page, not very noticeable in my opinion. Never the less when we called and made a reservation for 12 I would have thought that would have been something addressed at that time. Luckily we were able to get it taken care of but not a lot of people carry cash these days. Now on to the food. My husband got the special of the night which came out burnt. We both ordered the sweet potato fries which were very burnt. The food has always been good in the past but not last night. Not sure if my husband and I will be back nor will the other 10 people we were with. read more

When my parents suggested this place, I was wary, as it looks like a dumpy little shack on the outside, and is situated so closely to the railroad track, that you would be well advised to visit an ENT after you dine. Decor can only be described as tacky. The bathroom was kind of weird, the toilet sits on this little ledge; I think it's supposed to make you feel royal, I don't know. I did not see any bathroom tiaras. I ordered the variety platter for one - you have a choice of three main meats and two sides. My burnt ends were kind of dry, and what I thought would be actual slab sliced ham, turned out to be more like lunch meat ham. Dryness aside, it was okay. This only leads me to onion rings - $7.50 and you get SEVEN onion rings. What? But I must say, the french fries practically burnt the roof of my mouth, which to me, is the only way french fries should be eaten - with a small amount of tasty pain. Our waitress, Tina, was wonderful. She had other tables, but managed to keep everyone happy. She checked on us often, brought drink refills, to go boxes, etc. I did, at one point, overhear her saying she saw her ex-husband, who now looks to be 103 years old. So yes, the place is small, crowded, shabby, and has a sheen of grease throughout, but if you have good service, you don't dwell on those details. I did not try the desserts, but I did see other people ordering the key lime pie, and something gross looking, like banana cream pie. That's just wrong. Not sure if I'd do this again. You get used to being partially deaf, and it is kind of fun to watch the trains racing by. I also feel I should be congratulated, as I only drank water; I did not go the usual drinky route. Someone somewhere is earning their wings. read more

Tina is the best. She was fabulous and the food was great. An amazing recommendation. Try it to see what KC food can be. read more

Hayward's Pit Bar-B-Que - A bit of everything. - Barbeque Near Me - Shawnee, Kansas

Pleasantly surprised by this place. Hadn't heard of it but they had some solid bbq. Ate the ribs and burnt ends. Both were well cooked and very tender. It was a bit pricier than I expected but overall was satisfied with the food and friendly service. read more

Hayward's Pit Bar-B-Que - Burnt ends - Barbeque Near Me - Shawnee, Kansas

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When in KC, eat the barbecue. That said, nothing gets you ready for barbecue like walking past the pit at Hayward's. The food is good and lives up to the legend, but the service and the atmosphere keep you coming back. read more

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WOW!!! The burnt ends, Mac n corn, and onion rings!!! So so so so good!!! This is a Kansas City MUST try!!! The service is incredible and so is the food! They told us that there is a new location/move coming in the near future to allow for more space/parking. read more

Hayward's Pit Bar-B-Que - Burnt ends, pulled pork, ribs. - Barbeque Near Me - Shawnee, Kansas

I enjoyed an early Tuesday dinner @ Hayward's... friendly service, excellent food, and a very welcoming atmosphere! My first Kansas City Area trip (from So. Cal.) Highly recommend! Thank you Reilly & team! They also catered lunch for my meeting today... delicious and plentiful! :) read more

I was a little skeptical at first with some of the negative reviews on here. A friend and I decided to stop in on the way to casino. Most of the time we stop at Jack Stack or Joes. First off this place isn't fancy by any means but I'm not sure I've had this good of service anywhere in a long time. The waitress was super friendly and helpful. I got the combo platter for 1. I got the Ribs, Turkey, and Brisket. Fries and Cheesy corn bake. The Ribs and Turkey were fantastic the brisket was really good but I've had better. Not disappointed by any means. The cheesy corn was weird looking but it was amazing. Had a good slightly spicy seasoning to it. Fries were standard. She let me try a couple of the burnt ends. My next trip they'll definitely be on my order. Amazing flavor and bark while being very tender and juicy. My friend got the chicken and said it was the best he's had. read more

Hayward's Pit Bar-B-Que - Combo meal for 1 - Barbeque Near Me - Shawnee, Kansas

Ribs were good. The bbq sauce which I usually try but don't require on the meat, was ok. It wasn't sweet, or hot or smoky. I don't know what profile they were going after. The brisket was not good at all. Tough and chewy. The burnt ends were pretty dry and bland. Pulled pork was ok. It was moist but pretty bland. read more

We enjoyed the food here! It was slow on a Sunday evening, but the to go orders line was busy. Diamond was very attentive to customers that walked in and she promptly greeted them with a warm smile. She was also expeditious in notifying the staff in the kitchen of the names on to go orders as the customers arrived. read more

My sandwich lunch special was delicious. The generous amount of sliced brisket was lean, and tasty, The beans were good, with chunks of meat mixed in, and the cole slaw was crunchy, and flavorful. I also enjoyed a sample of wonderful, tangy, cheesy corn. Two sauce options were available - original and spicy. The service was friendly, attentive, and fast, while the dining area was clean, with TVs and background music. Very nice. read more

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Everything is delicious. Burnt ends, ribs and brisket are my favorites along with their baked beans. This is my go to choice for BBQ in KC.

I really enjoyed my dinner at the new location In Shawnee Mission. Great service and my very family burnt ends! read more

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Burnt ends? More like chewy ends; was only able to eat 2 pieces before giving up. Salad was literally just lettuce with a cup of dressing, no cheese, no croutons, etc. The brisket is okay, but the fat didn't do it any good either. Oddly enough, the turkey was the best part, good smokiness and tender. Not sure if the food quality is just this lackluster or what? But with Zarda right down the street... I'm not entirely sure why you would eat here. It's sad because I had high hopes given that it's right down the street from where I live, but it really just isn't that good and especially not for the price. It's a definite plus that the staff is friendly and attentive, but the food is below average. read more

Hayward's Pit Bar-B-Que - Turkey, brisket, burnt ends, sweet potatoe waffle fries, and salad. - Barbeque Near Me - Shawnee, Kansas

A very good bbq place for sure, Hayward's was the first place I came to in Kansas City. I got the ribs and burnt ends platter, the ribs were tender and juicy all at the same time. Plus the burnt ends were just a little piece of heaven, for the sides I would highly recommend the cheesy corn. It was delicious. This is a nice BBQ joint that u must try, especially if u live nearby. Come and give Hayward's a try. read more

Review #1 Is an older review from before they moved. Review #2 is from today, June 22, 2019. Review #2 They moved to their new location earlier this month. It is a much nicer place than their previous place. The food is really good and not over priced. Services was good. Waiter service was attentive. Atmosphere is so much better than the last place location Review #1 This place looks like a dive-bar from the street. When entering the building, you walk directly into a bar. The dining room is just steps away. The food is great. In fact, it some of the best BBQ in the greater KC area. The service is very good. We were seated quickly, food arrived faster than I expected. And the waitress checked on us ofte Atmosphere -The place has a bar atmosphere. Not really a place for children. read more

Had a pretty solid meal here with a friend when passing through town. I tried ribs and burnt ends with sweet and sour slaw and beans and then key lime pie. We arrived at 11:30 on a Friday and had no wait for a table for 6. Service was friendly, but the wait for food was really long. 45 minutes to get BBQ out to a table is ridiculous, as most of it is pre made. The kids meals are a great deal as they are $6, but come with a full size pulled pork sandwich, side, and drink. Easily enough for a big kid- our young boys only ate half of their meals. The ribs and burnt ends are not the best I have had in KC, but did have a deep smoke flavor and nice tender chew. The slaw was slightly fermented, almost like sour kraut. Beans were rich and smoky. This place is super divey and has a real bar feel, so a little odd for a family visit, but still viable during the daylight hours. The sweet finish was good, but the key lime really needs more bite to take it up a notch. Overall impression is that if you don't have time for one of the touristy stops,this is a solid option. read more

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We came here on 4th of July for dinner and shared the 2 specials - the pork tenderloin sandwich and the corned beef burnt end Reuben. Both were really good but man, that Reuben was amazing! I don't know how often they rotate that through but if you stumble upon it - ORDER IT!!! The onion rings were really good too. Honestly, the pork tenderloin was fine but I'm from Iowa so you need to be an amazing pork tenderloin for me to give it a high rating. I wouldn't order that again but I will definitely be back! read more

Amazing experience and super great ribs! The bathroom was small, but the smoker outside smelled amazing!