Is Oklahoma Joe’s the most iconic restaurant in Kansas City?

• Facebook: Oklahoma Joe’s
• Does this sandwich stand for KC now?

The Smithsonian exists to catalogue our national heritage, whether it’s the Fonz’s jacket or now Kansas City’s burnt ends. In a recent list of the ‘20 Most Iconic Food Destinations Across America,’ the Smithsonian tabbed Oklahoma Joe’s as the lone representative of the region.

In the introduction to the list, the restaurants are touted as places “locals swear by and tourists swarm.” While that certainly fits Oklahoma Joe’s (which made headlines last week for fueling the Royals and their opponents), can a 17-year-old restaurant really stand for an entire city’s food culture? Is Oklahoma Joe’s the most iconic eatery in Kansas City?