Chef J BBQ

Woah. In case the photo isn’t enough, maybe the decent lunchtime line length, or the jovial staff, or the in-front-of-your-eyes prep, or the actual taste of the heavenly meats, or the creative sauces (go gold!), or the tasty and zesty sides, or the smoky, spicy aroma outside while you’re on the sidewalk will lure you in. You won’t regret your trip. I came here during my first time in KS. I have no clue if it’s authentic KS BBQ, but after eating it, I don’t care either!

I’ve eaten at many of the places that others say are the best BBQ in KC. I’m convinced they’ve never been to Chef J BBQ, because there isn’t even a competition. This is the best BBQ in Kansas City! No reason to go anywhere else. The meats are smoked to perfection, and you can’t go wrong with any of their sides. If you are looking for BBQ, look no further.

We stopped by Chef J BBQ in the middle of shopping in West Bottoms during First Friday in March. It was nearly 1:30 when we were there but they were already out of burnt ends, sausage, and elote. We both ordered a brisket meat plate which comes with two sides. She chose black and blue potato salad and cucumber salad for sides. I chose black and blue potato salad and mac and cheese for my sides. The brisket was moist and the bark was amazing. The smoke ring on the brisket was very noticeable. The sauces we were given are the best sauces I’ve had since we moved to Kansas City from Memphis. I also think the brisket is the best brisket I’ve had since we moved here too. Overall this was a great experience and we will surely be back for more.

The food was out of this world. There was a line but it was well worth the wait. I highly recommend the pork ribs but regardless of what you get, you won't be disappointed. If you want something specific, don't wait until 3:30 to go because the might be sold out of some options.

100% The Best BBQ ever. So tender and flavorful. We had Brisket, Bacon Burnt Ends (truly spectacular) and ribs (also fantastic).

I had the three meat plate with sliced brisket, pork burnt ends, and ribs. The meat was cooked well. The seasoning had good flavor, although could have a touch more salt for me. The location in one of KC's most historic districts is very unique and makes it a must try if you're looking for a new BBQ place in KC.

Came at lunch time and was out of everything but sausages and beans. The excuse was they get busy every first weekend. Seems like poor plannig on their part. I Spent $30 for two Mushy sausages a side of beans with way too much sauce and a soda with no lid or straw (they ran out of that too) . Not worth it. Check out other options. In the area.

I got the 4 meat tray and got plenty of meat. The ribs, brisket, and bacon burnt ends were incredible. Weeks after being there I’m still thinking about the amazing taste of those ribs and I already want to go back and have the Bacon Burnt Ends again. Nothing really to say about the pulled pork, it’s pulled pork. Cheesy corn is definitely the side to get it was delicious. I thought the atmosphere was really cool as well. Being in an old building located in the West Bottoms I feel like it gave the BBQ joint a lot of character. Pretty disappointed with their lack of sauce (it was almost laughable how much they gave you), and their Mac & Cheese was wildly mediocre. Not even the added brisket on top could help that. Points off as well for not serving beer. Overall though a great experience with delicious food. Is Chef J just my new shiny toy or is it the real deal? Only time will tell.

Although it took a little while to wait, the food was worth it. The brisket was one of the best I had in Kansas City since it was tender. The ribs and bacon burnt ends were also delicious and tender. The sauces were also spot on since they served as great compliments to the meats, especially the Carolina-style mustard sauce. The beans and potato salad were also delicious. Overall, the experience was good and the only downside is that it's more expensive than many other BBQ places in Kansas City. This is worth trying at least once and worth going back.

4.18.24 Our friend invited us to lunch and we had this on our list of places to try. Rainy day stopped in. Five people in line in front of us and we still waited 20 minutes to place our order. The guy cutting the meat is also the guy who takes your order. There's a guy that does the sides, a guy who cleans trays and touches your food with the same gloves, and a girl that takes your money. The pulled pork was good. Juicy and a yummy smoked flavor. Mac n cheese was my favorite thing. It's dry noodles then they pour cheese sauce and sprinkle parmesan as they serve each dish. The chipotle Cole slaw had no flavor. None. You couldn't even taste the cabbage. This is a one and done for us.