Let’s settle this once and for all. KCFoodGuys.com is proud to host the Ultimate KC BBQ championship tournament. It’s Selection Friday, the biggest BBQ Lunch day of the week, and KCFoodGuys.com has seeded a 64 team BBQ bracket to decide the 2015 KCFoodGuys.com Ultimate KC BBQ champion.
Kansas City has dozens of small neighborhood BBQ restaurants that you might drive by everyday but never tried. Your local BBQ joint might not be ready to win the American Royal, but it is worth a visit. Support your locally owned BBQ restaurants and food trucks and root for your favorite BBQ in our tournament. Check back next week at 1pm on the 19th, 20th, 21st, & 22nd to see who advances to the sweet 16. Fill out your own BBQ Bracket or maybe set up your own Ultimate KC BBQ Bracket pool.
I’m a reporter at Fox 4 … would like to talk to someone about your BBQ bracket. Please email — judy.le@wdaftv4.com or call the station and ask for me!
Thanks,
Judy Le
I would love to get the information on some of the smaller BBQ locations to compete in our 7th annual BBQ Challenge!
This just seems to be a way to push Q38 as one of the top Barbeque in Kansas City. Look at the rest of this website, Q36 all over the place. Likely someone’s cousin.
I agree but let’s eat
It’s Q 39 – on W. 39th Avenue. It is new and they are spreading the word themselves, and it is good!
How do we vote?
Love this idea.
You’ve got it in one. Coun’ldt have put it better.
Where is Woodyard???
# 5 seed… top right…
There is a critical shortage of inftmraoive articles like this.
What the fuck is this?! How in the HELL is Q39 a 1 seed?! Dont get me wrong, I think it is a very good place but it is to new to be over Arthur Bryants as a 1 seed and the Char Bar opened like yesterday, its a 2 seed? What is the catch gents? Also……how the hell do you vote?!?!?!?!
For those people that are not familiary with the BBQ world, the owner of Q39 is a very well respected pitmaster. He is a national champion on the BBQ competition circuit and has won lots of money and hardware competing throughout the US. Also, he is from a very good culinary school in the US and was chef at a very well known restaurant in KC. The place is awesome! And no, I do not work for them and am not affiliated with them in any way. I am just a bbq Fan who knows great BBQ!
Don’t care whether some knucklehead is a respected pitmaster if he didn’t sell his BBQ outside the old stadium he doesn’t get a 1 seed. Also, how did they manage to leave off Rosedale, “The Bucket Shop”? Do you know your KC BBQ history at all?
Yeah, the bracket seeding is a little questionable. Did the NCAA selection committee have their hands in this, too?
in NO, and I mean NOT A SINGLE ONE, universe should Arthur Bryant’s not be a 1 seed in a Kansas City BBQ bracket. I’m sure Q39 is just tasty as can be, but we’re talking Presidential BBQ. Bryant’s is KC BBQ Royalty. It’d be akin to Moustakas being a 1 seed and Brett being a 2.
I read your comment after posting mine. I would agree with the argument that Bryant’s deserves a 1 seed over Qs, but I would put Qs over Jack Stack.
What do you have against Qs? Either you’ve never been there or you have something personal against them. “If he didn’t sell his BBQ outside the old stadium he doesn’t get a 1 seed”? Says who? Some guy with a folksy, disingenuous, old-timey idea of what KC BBQ has to be? Well, thanks Mr. Kansas City, but anyone who has been to Qs knows its 1-seed caliber BBQ in Kansas City. I like the idea of inclusion rather than exclusion, and your unbridled hate for the new kid on the block doesn’t make the KC BBQ scene better, it simply makes it worse.
Rosedale is on there and I have never heard of The Bucket Shop and maybe they didn’t choose to participate.
I have personally ate at all of above (except the food trucks and the BBQ place in Smithville. Q39 is fairly new, but it’s not going anywhere. I have been there 4 times and it’s consistent and d@mn good. Deserves a TOP seed. How about RJ’s? That place is really good. Personally, my experience with Rosedales was HORRIBLE. The brisket tasted like bland, dry roast. This is a fun idea!
i think Rosedale is on there — thank goodness. And thanks for the info. on Q 39 – had never heard of them but one of the sports talk radio stations was talking about this bracket and one of the guys was not happy about Q39 getting a #1 seed over some of the other mainstays of KC BBQ. Q 39 is definitely getting some good publicity out of this
Seems pretty easy, and was mentioned above. they’re related to someone that runs the site or something similar. Nepotism forever! muahahahahha!
I have to agree with the author, Q39 > Arthur Bryant’s. Just b/c something is older and has more history does not makes it’s food better. Ya’ll need to lighten up, this was meant to have fun w/ the tourney and to support your local bbq places.
How much does Q39 pay you guys to write this stuff? According to your facebook page you are there like everyday!!!
Well-respected as a pit master, sure. Well-respected as a bbq competitor? Depends on who you talk to.
Tonducowh! That’s a really cool way of putting it!
Thanks for comments, Bob. I appreciate your honesty. Rather than give you a pat answer, I’d like to suggest that we pray that the Lord reveal to you what the root issue is in these cases, and how to turn to Him rather than repeat the same mistake. We’ve all done it, but it often takes some time to learn to turn to the Lord when we are troubled.
I love crumbles! Whether on bars, loads pr cakes they always a lot of fun to make and delicious to eat. I haven’t made a crumble cake yet but this looks really really good, when plums are in season again I’ll be sure to try it; thanks for the great recipe!
Ido, thanks for stopping by my blog to read and Like the post on fiona apple. relaxed shoulders? i want some. your story is inspiring, thank you and namaste
Seeds are not votes and since this is the first (that I know of anyway) BBQ March Madness and they don’t play up to 34 games before hand the seeds are completely arbitrary. I thought because the 4 outside Memorial Stadium started the entire tradition of KC BBQ, they should the top seeds. Sorta like if you did a March Madness for US Presidents (I guess you would need about 20 more presidents to do that), wouldn’t it make sense go with Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison on the top line because they were very involved in founding the country? Unbridled hatred? You must be kidding Matt.
i have to disagree with the inclusion of sleeper texas roadhouse (doesn’t get included with the rest). “We also do bbq” doesn’t count.
These are always fun, but you don’t say how the winner is selected in each pair off.
Anyone voting between a pair of restaurants should have eaten at both places within the last few years, so it doesn’t become a best known contest. There is also the issue of comparing places with many locations -vs- ones with one location. For that matter, the multiple locations are not equal.
Porky’s Blazin Bbq might be out of the way but they are worth the drive. Hands down is the best place around. There are a lot of good BBQ places here in Kansas City. The old favorites have fallen way off the top, Gates, Bryant’s, they no longer are worth the money or drive.
Leaving off The Woodyard is a punishable offense.
Woodyard is on there…#5 seed
Any kc BBQ bracket that doesn’t have Arthur Bryant’s as a no. 1 seed is a farce.
Blazers in Gardner, KS should be on here too
Not sure how they are left off
Out-of-towner (that makes regular pilgrimages to KC for the barbecue).
Arthur Bryant’s is good. Do not mistake that, but it routinely falls into the Good-but-not-OMG category for me.
I don’t have any of the history or personal prude wrapped up in any one place: I’m just in it for tasty animal flesh baked beans.
Tl;Dr AB isn’t a #1.
ALL SLABBED UP getting a 15 seed is a farce – I’ve eaten there multiple times and their brisket and ribs can go toe to toe with anybody in KC. Horrible draw getting a 15 seed, they should be on the top half IMO
Agree! Awesome food, great service!
Superbly ilnuainmtilg data here, thanks!
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So. Who is doing the voting on this bracket?
This bracket would be perfect if it had addresses for the locations! I feel that I should try them all in order to provide a fair vote!
I don’t see The Little Pig in Belton on there. They really should be. Texas Roadhouse is a chain, and I don’t believe they should be on the list.
How did Papa Bob’s in Bonner Springs not make this bracket, considering it’s a local place that’s been on Man vs. Food, but you had room for Texas Roadhouse and Dickey’s?
I agree. Take one of the national chains off and replace them with Papa Bob’s.
Famous Dave’s while you are at it as it is a chain headquartered in Minnetonka MN. Chains are only acceptable if they are HQ’d in KC and are part of KC BBQ tradition (Gates, Bryant, and others could be a called chains as they have multiple locations)
Completely agree — no chains unless they are headquartered in KC (KS or MO.
dickey’s is shit. their brisket is dry and tasteless, chicken is dry and over-salted, and the bread makes you need a gallon of water to wash it down. not to mention bland potato salad and beans that are a travesty. they should all be shot.
Agreed! Papa Bob’s deserves to be on there… NOT Texas Roadhouse. And definitely NOT Famous Dave’s.
Agreed, Joe. Bandana’s is another offender, although at least it’s Missouri-based. At minimum, the rule should be that chains have to be headquartered in either Missouri or Kansas.
franchise bbq should not be on the list. What a load of crap.
Where is gunslingers!!! Think they have 1800 trophies for bbq comps.
Smoking Guns and Gunslingers are the same place. They are a 3 seed in the bottom right (the real right this time).
HAYWARDS!!!!!!!!! May go there today!!!!
Such a tough draw for them to see Joe’s in the second round! I’ve loved their turkey sandwiches since I was little and my grandparents would take me there on special occasions.
Unbavieleble how well-written and informative this was.
ugh! I wish my check would come in this month and not next month and I would SOOOOOOOO buy the Jacket. as for the lithographs and the rest, I don’t really care since I’ve got a magazine full of signatures from the entire cast and I’ve got about 2 or 3 posters signed by Jennifer, Josh and Liam
my husband and i became fans of this festival last year when we decided to “check it out ” and take our daughter to it. she loved it so much, (we had to drag her away from the petting zoo). this year we’ll be taking his parents. we’re all looking forward to it. can’t wait
Yeah, gotta say this reeks of a Q38 stunt (albeit clever). If you move Bryant’s to a 1 seed you gain credibility. And maybe … just maybe … some day Q38 will legitimately vie for a number 1 seed.
Q39 does not serve a number one seed. I’ve been there several times. As a competitor at competitions he is top rate. As a barbecue joint there are twenty places (a few not even on this list) I’d put above them.
How did Gates get a #1 seed. Was there last spring and ordered burnt ends, what I got was chopped brisket. When I asked about it, they got all defensive.
Am I totally missing Sneads BBQ in Belton? What about Oden’s BBQ?
No Oklahoma Joe’s!
Seriously? You obviously don’t know anything about Joe’s. They changed their name months ago.
That’s Joe’s Kansas City.
hayward’s has the best burnt ends, bar none, bring your shitty burnt ends to us and we will buy them from you and sell you some AUTHENTIC ones.
Making Arthur Bryant a Number 1 seed would be like naming UCLA a number 1 seed in this year’s basketball tournament. They were both great in their day, but times have passed them by.
pretty good, but bates city bbq needs to be on this list. it won’t win, but replace texas roadhouse with it.
nevermind. i see it. texas roadhouse still shouldn’t be there.
The exrsitpee shines through. Thanks for taking the time to answer.
That’s a well-thought-out answer to a challenging question
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This is a complete joke.
AB and LC are 2 seeds and q39 is a 1 seed? Lolz complete bbq fail GG
How do you leave Oklahoma Joes off there?
It’s not left off. It is now Joe’s KC!
Where’s K&M BBQ! A great entry for smaller locations
K&M is a 4 seed in the top left!
Thank you! Glad it made it
Your other left. 🙂
Action requires knleowdge, and now I can act!
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K&M has the best sausage in KC.
You know for all the talk about KCFoodGuys selling Q39, I guess no one reads the other stories/reviews (i.e. “Yuppie BBQ Addiction? Sober up at Arthur Bryant’s!”)
Forget the brackets
Let’s go on a QUE-CRAWL
Hit everybody then vote
I agree KCFoodGuys should sponsor a KC QUE-CRAWL!
What?? Where is Papa Bob’s??
I will be putting this danlizzg insight to good use in no time.
Wonderful Blog!Do your parents still live there?I grew up a navy brat so we never lived anywhere longer than about 2years.My partner and I have lived in Palm Springs about a decade now. The longest time I have lived anyplace.I too grew up hanging out with older folks. As a result I have been with the same partner 20years who is almost 20years older…well it seems to work!Thank you for the blogging! Keep it up!!~ Read
Wow, got multiple personality disorder much? I don’t even begin to know what name I should address you by. I’m curious as to what “tribe” it is that you refer. I wasn’t aware of any tribal affiliation in my ancestry. Perhaps I should have another look.
Since Texas road house is on here how come chili’s isn’t with their baby backs or McDonald’s? They have mcribs! With ABs as a 2 and Texas road house on here at all I’m at a loss.
Thanks for all the comments and a great couple of days of BBQ banter. BBQ is one thing KC may love more than college hoops. We now have a way in the sidebar for folks to provide their Final Four selections. Check back later this week on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday at 1pm to see who KCFoodGuys.com selects to advance to the Sweet 16 of KC BBQ.
Love the Final 4 feature, with all the stats! Awesome job fellas!
Funny thing is I’d pick Ricky’s over Q39 any day. Q39 is really solid, but their portions are bunk and unusual twists on what BBQ is. Don’t get me wrong, I like Q39, but I’d give it a solid 6 seed not a number 1. Factor in price, a true smoke ring on Ricky’s ribs, and better portions… I’d actually give Ricky’s the upset win. Tough draw for Q39…
Chains should be removed. I’m not coming back to see anything that lists chains. I’m not sure if I’m more mad that Texas Roadhouse is on here when it just has one or two BBQ dishes, or if I’m more made that Dickey’s is on here when they make horrible food. Seriously, just leave those spots blank if you have to. Give a few 1 seeds a bye.
Is Big T’s on here twice? When I google Big T’s and Big T’s BBQ I get the same results.
I agree. Big T’s has two locations, I’ve been to both. But can’t find two different Big T’s.
A wonderful job. Super helpful inontmariof.
Is the Filling Station in Lee’s Summit still open?
The filling station in Lee’s Summit is still open but it’s not good anymore.
Curley’s? Do they have a restaurant?
I didn’t find Curley’s having a restaurant, just sauce…
Also can’t forget Hillsdale Bank.
Next years winner I my personal favorite. Best burnt ends and ribs I’ve ever had!!!
I have no ties to Q-39 what so ever, and am definitely a Okie Joes aka KC Joes kinda gal. HOWEVER, Q-39 is delicious!!!! You guys obviously have not been there before, otherwise you wouldn’t be so against it. Do me a favor, and go to that restaurant…then lets see what you have to say it.
Does the seeding really matter? If you don’t like it vote for the other joint. Stop complaining and find something productive to do. From, former American Royal Grand Champion,
SLAP’S is a 4 seed????? The panel that made this list obviously doesn’t know BBQ! Slap’s is the shiznit
Rosedale is a 4 seed but Wyandot is a 10??? It’s the same BBQ!
LC’s a #2 seed?!?! One would think they need to be able to stay open for over a year w/o health code violations before getting that much respect…
How did you arrive with the bracket numbers? What is the judging criteria going to consist of?
Q39 deserves the top seed. AB has fallen from grace and does not deserve it. Gates is questionable as well. Both are legends, but not the best KC has to offer.
That’s a smart way of lokiong at the world.
Seeding of any tournament will always create rumblings, but a bigger sham of this bracket is to allow schwagsters as part of it. Bandanas? Texas Roadhouse? Famous Daves??? Why not add McDonald’s for their McRib sandwich? Who in their right mind would include Famous Dave’s in a BBQ Competition in KC?
So, Curly’s Q is a food truck that doesn’t even start up until April, and then you have to figure out where it’s going to be and chase it down. That doesn’t seem like a good addition to the bracket.
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