Ok I�m thinking ahead, you can tell where my priorities are at. I�ve got meeting in Kansas City Oct 2nd & 3rd, food is provided. I figure I better come a day early and stay a day later to try out some Q. I like shredded pork and beef, a decent bun and some spicy sauces on the side. I don�t like wet Q, spaghetti or cheap bread. I will be staying at The Fairmont on Parkway. Can anyone point me in the right direction, preferably places close to where I�ll be staying? I�ve been known to have a few beers with my Q and use the taxi service.

Hi Tony. In my opinion, you can't beat Arthur Bryant's. Their BBQ has a great smoke flavor and they're generous with the portions and their sauce is good also. I'd recommend the Brooklyn Ave location for it's traditional feel. If you're going after dark, you may want to choose one of the other locations. The thing you may not like would be that they use Wonderbread. I personally like it because I want to taste the meat, not a bun. Also, don't go expecting good customer service because you'll probably be disappointed, go for the food.....

Thanks for the idea Smoke_Crazy, no offense, but that doesn't sound right for me. I understand I can kind of be "the odd man out". It's why I put criteria on what I'm looking for this time around. I didn't do that last year when I went to Memphis and was disappointed. I think wonder bread has a bad flavor and detracts from the meat. Good bread can't detract from good meat. I also like good customer service and not having to look over my shoulder. It can be a dive, it doesn't have to be the cleanest joint, but they have to say "hun what can I get yah" and refill my beer on occasion.

Hi Tony, I grew up in KC. After moving an hour away I still drove to KC for Q! Arthur Bryants is OK, not great, ok. Sorry Smoke crazy. IF you do go to AB go to the casino location. My choice would be:
1. Fiorella's Jack Stack, I think 3 locations.
2. KC Masterpiece, a little $$, put it on your expense account. It's on the "Plaza"
3. Gates BBQ. Gates is all over KC. I would reccomend the one on Brooklyn, I think, It is across from their corp. office and is their training resturant.
My family and friends would always go to Jacks stack. BE PREPARED, NO reservations! almost always 30 min wait. More if on a weekend eve. IF its lunch, your OK. Try the "crown prime rib" with cheesy corn bake!
Can I go?!?!?!?!?!
Let me know
David

Great short end ribs at Winslow's at the Kansas City, MO City Market.

Best place to eat?

Come early and go to the American Royal. Over 350 team in competition. It's the two days before you get there and since you're asking 4 MONTHS in advance, it's plenty of time to plan.

American Royal 9/29 -- 10/1

For restaurants, and it's just me, but Bryant's, Gates and KC are the last places I'm going. They're too commercial.

I enjoyed Oklahoma Joe's! also L.C.'s and Smokin Guns. I haven't eaten there yet but Fast Eddy has a place also.

Here's a site I posted recently for DETAILED restaurant reviews of KC restaurants:

KC Restaurant Reviews

Oh boy - that's tempting SmokinOkie. I just might do that and bring some big pants. Is Cookshack going to have a booth?

Don't know. Usually FE will be competing and sometimes they have a booth inside selling CS's, but you'll have to email Donna and ask or check the CS site to see what events they're working.

When I when a GC, then I'll get an invite and have to go to the Royal