Barbecue Beat: Slap's is worth the wait in line
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Proof that KC has the best barbecue in the country. Photo: Travis Meier/Axios
Slap's BBQ is so good, you'll probably wait in line — especially if you show up during peak lunch hours like I did.
- 45 minutes is a small price to pay for this award-winning barbecue.
The big picture: Kansas City's barbecue scene runs deeper than the big names, and we're highlighting the single-store pits that deserve a bite.
Cue the 'cue: Slap's BBQ in KCK
Dig in: Two brothers — Joe and Mike Pearce — started as the competition barbecue team "Squeal Like a Pig" (ahhh, I get it) before opening the brick-and-mortar Slap's in June 2014.
- Slap's remains active in the competition circuit, placing first in the 2022 American Royal for chicken.
What to try: Naturally, I tried the chicken leg quarter, plus some ribs. Everything was fall-off-the-bone tender, juicy and packed with flavor.
- Cheesy corn was a must-have side, and the baked potato casserole was a pleasant surprise. Sides portions were bigger than at other joints.
- Sweet sauce fans will be happy. But spice lovers might find the heat a little too tame.
The vibe: Workers behind the counter pack trays and containers with glistening mounds of meat like a well-oiled machine.
- Three seating areas — a gravel patio, a screened-in porch, and a rooftop with epic views of downtown KCMO — give even the long lines plenty of spots to sit and enjoy.
Stop by: Open daily from 11am-7pm, or until the meat runs out.