Day three of our pilgrimage dawned sunny and warm. We were hunkered down in an RV park just outside Kansas City for the next few days until we could load into the speedway for the competition. The plan for the day was to hit Joe's Kansas City BBQ for some lunch. I had some inside information that Joe's is in the conversation for the best BBQ you can get, period. I was drooling with anticipation.
There are a few Joe's locations in town, but we went to the original gas station location. Half convenience store, half BBQ joint.
As we pulled into the parking lot, a person was right by the red car "loosing his lunch" shall we say. I was a bit worried about right now. But we chalked up to a night of drinking and carried on like good soldiers. I went for a quick stroll around the building to check out the large iron pits, cranking out smoke and intoxicating smells while gently cooking their smoky treats within.
We walked inside the door promptly at opening time, 11 am, to a line that was almost outside the door. A very good sign for any eating establishment.
While the line was long, people dutifully picked up strategically placed copies of the menu for review. This ensured that the line moved at a steady pace. So, after about ten minutes of reviewing the menu and checking it twice, I was confronted with making my choice. Now, I can get pork and ribs in any BBQ joint back home. It might not be good, but I can get it if I so choose. Therefore, I found myself drawn to the brisket again. More specifically, the Z-Man. Joe's is well known for this sandwich. Smoked brisket, thinly sliced, served on a toasted kaiser roll, and topped with smoked provolone cheese, onion rings, and a light drizzle of BBQ sauce. I ordered one and for good measure, I also added a side of smoked chicken gumbo. I grabbed my tray and my bottle of IPA (hey, I was on vacation and it was noon somewhere) and scurried off to a table to sample my smoky bounty.
I straightened up my Z-Man and took the first bite. I think I started to hear harp music in the background. Outside of competition brisket, this was the best brisket I have ever eaten. It had the right amount of smoke and was perfectly cooked. Not falling apart and not like a rubber band. Just perfect. The toppings did not over power the taste of the brisket, but complimented the overall taste of the sandwich. Once the Z-Man was dusted off, I turned my attention to the throw in bowl of smoked chicken gumbo. In the biggest surprise I would have all week, the harp music got louder. While the Z-Man had the flavor meter at 100%, the gumbo broke the glass on the meter and pegged the needle. Best chicken gumbo I have ever had, period. Including any gumbo I have had in New Orleans. Ladled over a bit of rice this gumbo is rich and flavorful, loaded with tender chunks of smoked chicken and pieces of okra. Nirvana in a bowl.
So here I stand, Monday afternoon and I have jumped the BBQ shark. Nothing was going to beat this the rest of the week when it came to BBQ. If you are in the Kansas City area and you like BBQ, you have to schedule a visit to Joe's Kansas City BBQ. You will not be disappointed. Overall rating, 5 stars out of 5.
Thanks for stopping by,
Bill
There are a few Joe's locations in town, but we went to the original gas station location. Half convenience store, half BBQ joint.
As we pulled into the parking lot, a person was right by the red car "loosing his lunch" shall we say. I was a bit worried about right now. But we chalked up to a night of drinking and carried on like good soldiers. I went for a quick stroll around the building to check out the large iron pits, cranking out smoke and intoxicating smells while gently cooking their smoky treats within.
We walked inside the door promptly at opening time, 11 am, to a line that was almost outside the door. A very good sign for any eating establishment.
While the line was long, people dutifully picked up strategically placed copies of the menu for review. This ensured that the line moved at a steady pace. So, after about ten minutes of reviewing the menu and checking it twice, I was confronted with making my choice. Now, I can get pork and ribs in any BBQ joint back home. It might not be good, but I can get it if I so choose. Therefore, I found myself drawn to the brisket again. More specifically, the Z-Man. Joe's is well known for this sandwich. Smoked brisket, thinly sliced, served on a toasted kaiser roll, and topped with smoked provolone cheese, onion rings, and a light drizzle of BBQ sauce. I ordered one and for good measure, I also added a side of smoked chicken gumbo. I grabbed my tray and my bottle of IPA (hey, I was on vacation and it was noon somewhere) and scurried off to a table to sample my smoky bounty.
I straightened up my Z-Man and took the first bite. I think I started to hear harp music in the background. Outside of competition brisket, this was the best brisket I have ever eaten. It had the right amount of smoke and was perfectly cooked. Not falling apart and not like a rubber band. Just perfect. The toppings did not over power the taste of the brisket, but complimented the overall taste of the sandwich. Once the Z-Man was dusted off, I turned my attention to the throw in bowl of smoked chicken gumbo. In the biggest surprise I would have all week, the harp music got louder. While the Z-Man had the flavor meter at 100%, the gumbo broke the glass on the meter and pegged the needle. Best chicken gumbo I have ever had, period. Including any gumbo I have had in New Orleans. Ladled over a bit of rice this gumbo is rich and flavorful, loaded with tender chunks of smoked chicken and pieces of okra. Nirvana in a bowl.
So here I stand, Monday afternoon and I have jumped the BBQ shark. Nothing was going to beat this the rest of the week when it came to BBQ. If you are in the Kansas City area and you like BBQ, you have to schedule a visit to Joe's Kansas City BBQ. You will not be disappointed. Overall rating, 5 stars out of 5.
Thanks for stopping by,
Bill