Joe's KC BBQ

"Open for: Lunch, dinner Price range: $  Anthony Bourdain famously named Kansas City’s iconic gas station barbecue spot as one of his “13 places to eat before you die.” Order a slab of ribs or the Z-Man: a pile of lean, thin-sliced brisket topped with smoked provolone, fried onion rings, and the sweet-hot sauce that typifies KC barbecue.  Best for: To-go orders. Dine-in space is limited and lines run out the door at peak times, so most locals just call in their orders to skip the wait." - Liz Cook

"Joe's Kansas City BBQ is renowned for its ribs and the Z-Man sandwich, featuring slow-smoked beef brisket on a toasted Kaiser bun with provolone cheese, onion rings, and Joe’s original sauce. The restaurant operates from a gas station location, which remains iconic in Kansas City. Joe's serves over 200,000 Z-Man sandwiches annually and is a favorite of celebrities like Travis Kelce and Jason Sudeikis. It's a top barbecue spot for Chiefs players and visitors alike." - Tim Newcomb

"A prominent name in the city’s barbecue scene, Joe’s is a big draw at the CPKC Stadium. They are known for their famed smoked meat sandwiches like the Chicken Z-Man, which is described as creamy but lighter than the beef, topped with an onion ring." - Xiao daCunha

"KANSAS CITY Joe’s is the gold standard of KC BBQ, and their Z-Man sandwich might be the best thing involving smoked meat you can eat in Kansas. It comes loaded with brisket, provolone, onion rings, and barbecue sauce, all on a kaiser roll. You’ll probably have to wait around 30 minutes for your sandwich, but that only gives you more time to make friends in line and appreciate the functioning gas station restaurant in all its glory." - team infatuation, carlo mantuano

"Even though it’s in Kansas, Joe’s is our top pick for local BBQ. We have a ritual of bringing out-of-towners we love most (you’re welcome!) to experience the Z-Man sandwich that’s loaded with brisket, provolone, onion rings, and BBQ sauce, just so we can watch their eyes light up when they take a bite. Both Joe’s thick classic and spicy sauces pair perfectly with expertly seasoned ribs and smoky burnt ends, and their fries may also be the best in town. There’s always going to be a wait at this functioning gas station/restaurant, so get in line, make some friends, and enjoy the convenience store-meets-busy-dining room vibes." - ryan bernsten