Q39 - Midtown

G. Lamar Wilkie

TL/DR: go there, get food Kansas City is known for some of the best BBQ in the world - and Q39 is known for the best BBQ in Kansas City. Being a Tennessee person, I'm sort of partial to the way we do things... but there I went, with open mind and empty stomach, to see what the fuss is all about. My first impression walking in was how clean & upbeat Q39 is - and how incredibly friendly the staff are. They'd never met me in my life but treated me like a regular. I ordered the Judge's Plate to go (along with a bottle of award-winning zesty sauce to take home). This is a "pick-3" plate from a selection of 5: pulled pork, ribs, sliced brisket, smoked chicken and chipotle sausage. I chose the first three, with baked beans for my side. While awaiting the order, I looked around at the array of awards Q39 has on display, and was quite stunned when I saw not one, but TWO Jack Daniels BBQ trophies on a shelf over the bar! What the heck! These guys came to my home turf and took home the trophy... TWICE! I got my order in a timely manner, paid and made haste to get back to my lodging. It was a miserable drive because I could smell nothing but an incredible BBQ fragrance the whole way. When I finally sat down and opened the go container, I saw what looked to be some amazing BBQ pork. I deliberately eased into it so I could savor the flavor. With every bite of the pulled pork, I thought I heard angels singing. It was tender, juicy, perfectly smoked and flavored. The sliced brisket was equally flavorful. I barely had to chew: it was that tender! As I easily peeled the rib meat from the bone and tasted it, the meat was so tender it seemed to melt into liquid happiness on my tongue. If "love" was a flavor, I imagine it would taste much like this. (Bless this pig's mom for having such a delicious kid - some animals were born to end up on my plate, and this was one of them. Amen) The baked beans were perfect. I know that word is overused, but this should be the standard by which all baked beans should be compared. Really. No wonder Q39 has so many awards that they can't all fit on the trophy wall! Q39's pit boss has this craft down to a sheer art form. If you find yourself anywhere near Kansas City, Missouri, you are well advised to make every effort to get to Q39. Trust me on this... you'll thank me later.

Mehrosh Fagan

Delicious bbq with great sauces. Portions were kinda small but worth it! We got brisket, burnt ends (best ones I’ve ever had!), delicious ribs, apple cold slaw, and potato salad. The service was quick and friendly. No wait on a Saturday night. They were hustling! Definitely would go back.

Hugh McLaughlin

This was off the hook! Probably the best BBQ I have ever had. The meat was cooked to perfection. Not to much Smoke - just the right amount and the meat pulled right off the bone on my Ribs and Chicken. My son’s Brisket was so tender and flavorful. I had their baked beans that had burnt end’s mixed in. It had a nice balance between sweet and smokiness. I like a good Cole Slaw also and this place does it right. We started with Chicken Wings - again fall off the bone with a sweet & spicy sauce. Not overly sauced - just the right amount to give it good flavor and stick to your fingers a little. Definitely a must try item. This place stays busy - we beat the rush but I would recommend making a reservation just to be safe. When we left there was a wait for sure. The staff is helpful and friendly and can help you decide what to order if needed.

Aaron Landrum

Great bbq and staff! Very solid menu and drink menu. The brisket is perfectly cooked and not dry at all. Burnt ends were perfect! The salad was huge and very filling. Brisket sandwich spot on. Get reservations if in the evening! We went Friday afternoon around 4 for an early dinner late lunch and they were already getting really busy. Friendly crew too!