The first round match ups are complete for the KCFoodGuys and we have cut the field in half and our comments are below. Good luck to all those that advanced, better luck next year to those who didn’t. The people’s choice voting will be calculated tonight after 10pm and posted first thing tomorrow morning. Thanks to the thousands that have viewed and voted for the 2016 KCFoodGuys.com KC BBQ Bracket.
BBQ Bracket 1
Jack Stack (1) vs Papa Bob’s (16)
Its almost not fair to get matched up against Jack Stack in BBQ and there were no upsets here. Jack Stack advances.
Back Porch (8) vs Rosedale (9)
We know a lot of people like Rosedale. But Back Porch beats them.
Big T’s(5) vs Bates City(12)
Bates City in Blue Springs didn’t have what it take to take out Big T’s. Big Ts in South KC was solid on the day we visited. Their burnt ends have tons of flavor a good side of fries and beans. No contest here, Big T’s advances.
Smokin Guns (4) vs Snead’s BBQ (13)
Smokin guns had top tier baby back ribs and sides. It appears the may be a contender this year. Smokin Gun’s advances.
Jon Russell’s (6) vs Hawg Jaw Que & Brew (11)
Unfortunately for Jon Russell’s, Hawg Jaw brought it’s A game on the day we visited with the Italian Hawg sandwich. We’ll be back for more. Hawg Jaw advances.
Char Bar (3) vs Oden’s Family (14)
Unfortunately for Oden’s Family they had a fire before we could visit, but Im not sure they could have beat the meal we got at Char Bar. Oden’s should reopen in a few months. Char Bar advances.
Roscoe’s BBQ (7) vs Famous Dave’s BBQ (10)
Enough with the hits on chain BBQ. If a chain can survive in KC its worthy of the bracket. But hey we’d rather eat at Roscoe’s. Roscoe’s advances.
Plowboys BBQ (2) vs KC Baby Back Ribs (15)
Sorry KC Baby Back you pulled a tough draw. Better luck next year. Plowboys advances.
BBQ Bracket 2
Joe’s KC (1) vs Three Little Pigs (16)
Not even close. Joe’s advances.
Pork & Pickle (8) vs BBQ Shack (9)
The Shack advances.
Smokebox (5) vs Deke’s (12)
Deke’s had all the potential of a nice roadside BBQ joint but they just didn’t deliver the goods when it came to the ribs and burnt ends. Smokebox was hitting on all cylinders and advances.
K&M (4) vs Bare Bones Smokin (13)
In our first major upset of the bracket, Bare Bones Smokin smoked past K&M going away and has the potential to make a run. Fall off the bone ribs with good beans and seasoned fries. Bare Bones advances. The only question is how far can this cinderella go?
RJs Bob-Be-Que (6) vs Zarda (11)
We thought Zarda might be a potential cinderella story with this years seeding but RJs dashed those thoughts quickly. RJs amazing ribs with top 5 beans and cheesy corn won the day. RJs advances. We’ll have more on this matchup later.
Johnny’s (3) vs Little Pig (14)
In our biggest upset of the bracket Little Pig BBQ in Belton, MO took out Johnny’s. While Little Pig isn’t going to win any ambiance awards the food was fabulous. Top notch ribs and potentially the best BBQ turkey sandwich we’ve tasted in round 1. Johnny’s was good and has nothing to be ashamed of, but Little Pig left us extremely satisfied food wise on our visit and therefore Little Pig advances.
Smokey’s on the Blvd (7) vs Haywards Pit (10)
This was potentially the closests call of Round 1. Both places are good and Haywards has upped their game considerably since last year. Hayward probably beat 40% of the competitors but Smokey’s squeaks out a victory. Make sure you give Smokey’s BBQ egg rolls a try. Potentially the most unique BBQ side of the bracket. Smokey’s advances.
Gates (2) vs Dickey’s (15)
The chain game. Local chain vs National chain. Gates advances.
BBQ Bracket 3
Q39 (1) vs Wyandot (16)
Q39 advances in a rout.
Hickory Log (8) vs Smokin Joes (9)
It’s difficult to pick a winner here but we’ll give the nod to Smokin Joe’s.
The Stack (5) vs Woodyard (12)
Both restaurants had a good showing but Woodyard advances. We’ll have more on this match later.
Smokehouse (4) vs Tender Butts & Smokin Thighs (13)
Tender Butts and Smoking Thighs emerges onto the BBQ scene with an epic upset win. Butts/Thighs feature the most authentic Carolina sauce in KC, tender buttery pulled pork and beef brisket, and absolutely perfect ribs. We like Smokehouse, and they serve good bbq but they couldn’t provide the overall satisfaction of the home-style barbecue served at Tender Butts & Smokin Thighs. Butts & Thighs advance.
BBs Lawnside (5) vs Back Rack BBQ (11)
Unfortunately for Back Rack they had a bad day when we visited and BBs bested them. BBs advances.
Danny Edwards (3) vs Bandana’s (14)
Thick sliced brisket is something the KCFoodGuys love. Danny Edwards advances.
Winslow’s (7) vs Filling Station (10)
This was a close one but Winslow’s turkey and fries won out. Winslow’s advances. We’ll have more on this matchup later.
Arthur Bryants (2) vs Bigg’s (15)
Sorry Lawrence, KS you may have the Phog, but you don’t have Arthur. Arthur Bryants advances.
BBQ Bracket 4
LCs (1) vs Crazy Good Eats (16)
We’d be crazy not to pick LCs. LCs advances.
Summit Hickory Pit (8) vs Little BBQ Joint (9)
Loved the Burnt Ends and the sauce at the joint. Little BBQ Joint advances.
Blind Box (5) vs Ray Rae’s (12)
Blind Box is one of the newer BBQs on the list and with their Q39 style and ambiance we gave them a higher seed. Ray Rae’s is just a roadside stand on south 291. Blind Box didn’t bring a lot to the table but they were able to squeak past Ray’s. Blind Box advances.
Brobecks (4) vs Fireside (13)
Both were good but Brobecks impressed us quite a bit with some amazing ham salad. I can’t wait to get a sandwich full of it. Yes you read that right HAM SALAD! Brobecks advances.
Wabash (5) vs P Moore & Moore (11)
While we were impressed with the P Moore & Moore name and service, Wabash impressed us more. Wabash advances.
Burnt End BBQ (3) vs The Rub (14)
Burnt End advances.
Porkys Blazin (7) vs R&J (10)
Grain Valley has something to be proud of in Porky’s. Porky’s advances
SLAPs (2) vs Ricky’s (15)
Some think we’ve seeded SLAPs too high but we loved the ribs, fries and unique sauces. SLAPs advances.
KCFoodGuys.com KC BBQ Bracket Round 1 Results
So after Round 1 here is what the KCFoodGuys KC BBQ Bracket looks like. We will post the People’s Choice KC BBQ Bracket Wednesday morning (3/16) for Round 2 of voting. We look forward to see where the voting public differs from our picks.
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