Barbecue Beat: Woodyard returning to its roots
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Wings and pulled pork, plus beans and a honey muffin. Photo: Travis Meier/Axios
A KCK barbecue restaurant is coming full circle with the return of its original management — and its robust fanbase.
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: Woodyard Bar-B-Que — at 3001 Merriam Lane in KCK.
Dig in: What started as a wood-selling business with a grilling side gig turned into a family restaurant spanning generations.
- The restaurant was featured on both "Diners, Drive-ins & Dives" and "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations."
- Since the family stepped away from management years ago, the clientele has waned. Now the family is back, and business is booming.
What they're saying: Oscar Scott, a fourth-generation family member, tells Axios they've been doing double their previous sales since announcing their return earlier this month, selling out of wings, ribs and burnt ends on Sunday — typically a slower day until now.
- "Everyone's been really excited to kind of have Woodyard go back to the glory days," Scott says.
What to try: The smoked chicken wings ($18 for a two-meat plate) — which "Diners, Drive-ins & Dives" says is "easily one of the best smoked chickens you'll find anywhere" — were rich in flavor. The sauce is bright and tangy, and the spicy version adds just a touch of heat.
What's next: The restaurant celebrated last night with a soft opening of its newly renovated Boathouse Bar, which serves its own Woodyard beer. A grand reopening with music and vendors is scheduled for Saturday at 6pm.
- Scott says they're getting the big smoker out front going again, and the Boathouse bar will offer sit-down restaurant service in the evenings.
Stop by: The kitchen will be open 11am to 9pm daily, with the bar open 6pm till 11pm on weekdays and 12am on weekends.