Side Piece: Undercelebrated support dishes get their victory lap
Photo by Maddie McBratney
About eight years ago, my family set out on a quest to try as many local barbecue restaurants as we could. A record was kept of the process, which only continues to grow as new businesses open and we have the opportunity to try more places. Throughout our quest, we rated restaurants on their ribs, brisket, pulled pork, sauce, fries, and beans.
It’s no secret that Kansas City has some of the best barbecue in the country. In fact, Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives dedicated an entire episode to four of our very own restaurants: Johnny’s BBQ in Olathe, Woodyard Bar-B-Que in KCK, RJ’s Bob-Be-Que Shack in Merriam, and Smokin’ Guns BBQ in North KCMO.
When one thinks of barbecue, images of fall-off-the-bone ribs, pulled pork sandwiches slathered in sauce, and burnt ends typically come to mind. The side dishes of the barbecue world are often sadly overlooked, though some of these restaurants prepare them as if they are the main event.
Photo by Maddie McBratney
Slap’s BBQ: Fries ($4.97)
Founded by brothers Mike and Joe Pearce in 2014, Slap’s BBQ is located on Central Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas. What started as a set of brothers competing in local barbecue competitions quickly turned into a successful restaurant, and business has been booming ever since.
French fries are one of the most classic sides to pair with a barbecue meal, and the fries at Slap’s BBQ simply can’t be beat. Described to be “as addictive as crack,” the fries are definitely not a menu item you’ll want to share.
They appear to be ordinary fries at first glance but have a soft and potatoey center encased in a crispy and golden shell. It is not the seasoning but rather the crispness that makes them so irresistible.
Photo by Maddie McBratney
Joe’s Kansas City: Beans ($4.79)
Formerly known as Oklahoma Joe’s, Joe’s Kansas City is one of the most popular barbecue restaurants in the area. Jeff and Joy Stehney of KCK opened the first location in a gas station on 47th Avenue and Mission Road. They have since opened two more locations in the area and have continued to increase their reputation as one of the best and most iconic barbecue restaurants in town.
Holding such a high reputation, on top of that, is their barbecue baked beans. In fact, their baked beans are so well regarded that they can be shipped anywhere in the United States when purchased on their website.
Their beans are made with black, red, and navy beans and contain chunks of their own smoked brisket and pork. The beans are cooked in onions, garlic, and chiles in a tangy and spicy sauce.
Photo by Maddie McBratney
Q39: Mac n’ Cheese ($9)
Self-described as “Kansas City BBQ with a twist,” Q39 is an award-winning restaurant founded by classically-trained chef, Rob Magee. Throughout his life, Magee learned about and honored the food of the regions he was in. When he moved to Kansas City to work as an executive chef for Hilton, he discovered the art of barbecue. About a decade later, Q39’s first location opened. They currently have locations in Midtown and Overland Park.
Q39’s mac and cheese is an incredible showcase of what Kansas City barbecue can become.
A five-cheese blend creates a creamy, rich glue for noodles topped with herbed breadcrumbs. The use of cavatappi noodles acts as pockets to hold the creamy cheese with a strong gouda taste. Q39 has the option to make it a “Mac & Q” by adding barbecued meats of your choosing, such as pulled pork, brisket, or pork belly.
Photo by Maddie McBratney
Brobecks Barbeque: Corn Nuggets ($6.99)
Located in Overland Park, Kansas, Brobecks Barbeque does barbeque a bit different than most. Smoking their meat with their own special rub recipes, Brobecks serves their meat dry. Though they do have plenty of local sauces to choose from, they say that “the meats are good enough, you may just eat them without sauce.”
The corn nuggets have a crunchy, breaded exterior and are filled with cheese and whole kernels of corn. The subtle hint of cheese takes a backseat to the sweetness of the corn, which is the dominant flavor in this appetizer.
They come served with ranch for dipping, though the nuggets have plenty of flavor on their own and certainly don’t need any dipping sauce. Technically located on their appetizer menu, Brobecks corn nuggets are a must-try menu item.
Photo by Maddie McBratney
Jack Stack: Cheesy Potato Bake ($7)
Jack Stack started as a storefront barbecue stand with a small menu in 1957 by Russ Fiorella. In 1974, his older brother Jack Fiorella joined him, and they started Fiorella’s Jack Stack of Martin City. Now, with six locations and nationwide delivery, Jack Stack has grown substantially from the small stand that it once was.
A staple of Kansas City barbecue, Jack Stack is incredibly well known for their unique menu. As one of the only barbecue restaurants that offer smoked fish, Jack Stack proves to be more of a fine dining experience. But they don’t fall short when it comes to good, old-fashioned comfort food.
Jack Stack’s cheesy potato bake is made with sliced red potatoes and is covered in their special sharp, aged cheese sauce. The thin-sliced potatoes are cooked to a soft and almost mashed potato-like texture.
Wolfepack BBQ: Lemon Pepper Slaw ($3.50)
Wolfepack BBQ, the youngest of the restaurants, opened just a few years ago in 2021. Wolfepack is owned and operated by pitmaster Jared Wolfe and business partner Sam Parker. They are located up north in Columbus Park and pride themselves on serving up fresh meats smoked daily and always fresh sides. Online ordering is not available to ensure the highest quality of product.
Wolfepack takes a unique approach to coleslaw with a lemon pepper twist. The slaw can be purchased as a side for your meal or in larger quantities to take home. Size options range from as small as a pint to as large as a gallon.
LC’s Bar-B-Q: Sauce
LC’s Bar-B-Q is an award-winning barbecue restaurant located in east KC near the sports stadiums. Originally founded by LC Richardson, his granddaughter Tausha Hammett took ownership of the restaurant shortly after his passing in 2021. Though a few changes have been made, the heart of LC’s remains the same.
One of the staples of LC’s is their barbecue sauce, which can be purchased by the bottle or by the case in a hot or mild option.
