Barbecue Beat: Rosedale feels like stepping back in time
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Beef and pork sandwich, baked beans and cheesy potato bake ($21). Photo: Travis Meier/Axios
An old-timey barbecue joint on Southwest Boulevard in KCK is steeped in memories — and the cheesy goodness of a legendary side dish.
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: Rosedale Bar-B-Q at 600 Southwest Blvd.
Dig in: Rosedale was founded in 1934, before Gates, Arthur Bryant's and Joe's. That makes it the oldest operating barbecue restaurant in Kansas City.
- What started as a way to survive the Great Depression has since thrived as a family-run favorite for nearly a century.
The vibe: Rosedale is proud of the past. It's visible in the sign out front, the engraved cornerstone by the entrance, its vintage barstools and the reminiscent pictures on the walls.
- It's the kind of place where the bartender asks, "Hey hon, what'll you have?" as you walk in the door before shouting your order through the kitchen window.
- Shredded meat is piled into a simple bun, with horseradish on the side and self-applied barbecue sauce.
What to try: I was told Rosedale is known for its beef sandwiches consisting of finely shredded brisket. It was a straight shooter — messy, massive and immensely satisfying.
- Staff tell me the burnt ends aren't crispy because they're bathed in butter.
- But the real winner is the cheesy potato bake. Rich and loaded with flavor, it's the ultimate comfort food.
Stop by: The restaurant is closed Monday but open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday.