In town for the Chiefs playoff game? Make sure you eat some real Kansas City BBQ

Joseph Hernandez, Joyce Smith
·2 min read

Incoming Buffalo Bills’ supporters are in for a treat when they visit Kansas City. Not only will they be entering one of the National Football League’s premier fan experiences, but there are tons of food options.

While Kansas City’s known for its robust barbecue scene, there are plenty of options for anyone to enjoy, even if you’re wearing Buffalo blue. Here are a few suggestions from The Star’s Joyce Smith and her lists of must-try foods in the area.

On the menu at Meat Mitch Barbecue in Leawood: brisket, burnt ends and ribs, along with bread, pickled onions, sticky curly fries and macaroni and cheese.
On the menu at Meat Mitch Barbecue in Leawood: brisket, burnt ends and ribs, along with bread, pickled onions, sticky curly fries and macaroni and cheese.

LC’s Bar-B-Q

Last year, Mayor Quinton Lucas wagered Gates Bar-B-Q against Buffalo wings from Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown during the AFC Championship game.

This year, LC’s Bar-B-Q has the honor of representing Kansas City when the Chiefs host the Bills on Sunday, marking the first time the barbecue staple will represent its city in the postseason. Journey out to 5800 Blue Parkway, and you won’t be disappointed.

The barbecue goodness doesn’t end there, as Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Q39, Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue and Zarda Bar-B-Q & Catering Co. made the Final Four in our Barbecue Bracket chosen by Kansas City Star readers. You can also check out our A-to-Z barbecue guide to find all the best spots around the city.

What’s your favorite Kansas City barbecue restaurant? To whet your appetite, here’s a slab of ribs from Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que.
What’s your favorite Kansas City barbecue restaurant? To whet your appetite, here’s a slab of ribs from Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que.

If barbecue’s not your thing, check out these options from Smith’s list of 10 iconic restaurant dishes in Kansas City.

Garozzo’s Ristorante and their chicken spiedini garozzo, which is chunks of chicken (marinated in spices, herbs, lemon, garlic and olive oil), rolled in Italian bread crumbs, skewered and charbroiled, and drizzled with Amogio sauce.

Kitty’s Cafe has a tenderloin that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s made up of three thin pieces deep-fried in tempura batter, and topped with lettuce, pickles and a bit of house-made hot sauce. The building is blink and you miss, so keep your eyes peeled.

For pizza lovers, Minsky’s Pizza Cafe & Bar is your spot. Give their Prime Cut the attention it deserves, featuring pepperoni, hamburger, American and Italian sausage, and bacon.

One more thing: if you MUST get your fix of Buffalo wings while in town, we have that too.

Al Burns, a Buffalo native, serves up authentic Buffalo wings at Al’s Bar & Grill in Parkville.