Oklahoma Joe's Barbecue and Catering, Kansas City, KS

Oklahoma Joe's Barbecue, located in Kansas City, KS.

After leaving Cozy Corner we drove to St. Louis for the night, then drove to Kansas City, Missouri.

The first place we stopped for lunch was Oklahoma Joe's, which is actually across the state line in Kansas. Oklahoma Joe's started as a competition BBQ team on the KCBS circuit, before moving into their original location in a gas station in Kansas City. Though truthfully, its become more like a gas station located in a restaurant.

We arrived at around 11:20 (they opened at 11) and already there was a line snaking through the interior, out the door, and around the side of the building. A sign that we could expect some pretty decent Q.

From the time we got in line to the time we got our food, it took about 45 minutes.  The interior was packed, but had a clean, new look to it. They are clearly proud of their Q, with plenty of reminders on the wall in plaques and awards won. We decided to order a rib and pork dinner, with a side of baked beans.

Rib and pork dinner, with side of baked beans.

The food was ready quickly and the wait was brief. The meal also came with some Texas toast and some pickles.

We tried the ribs first. Amazing was the first word that came to mind. These were superb, competition level ribs cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful despite a light rub, with light smoke. They were, simply put, the best ribs either of us had ever had.

The pork wasn't on the level of the ribs but was still quite good. It was pulled, tender, and moist. The beans were delicious, very meaty and had a unique flavor that reminded one of chili, not excessively sweet but great flavor. The meal also came with 2 pieces of Texas toast, a piece of bread, and pickles. The Texas toast was actually tasty also.

They had 2 types of sauce available at the table. A mild, which was pretty good, and a hot, which was excellent on everything. Truthfully though, neither of the meats require any sauce.

Oklahoma Joe's without question lived up to the expectations. Some of the best Q we'd ever had the pleasure of trying, and a good deal at that. We give it 5 stars.