Chef J BBQ

I was able to finish work early today, so moved up my visit to Chef J to today instead of tomorrow. Even in the middle of a workday there was a line waiting outside for them to open. And the two strangers in front of me telling me every detail of their experience here. First of all, the place is located in the middle of the historic West Bottoms in KC. This area had many red brick buildings that transports you back to a forgotten era. Chef J BBQ is located in one of these buildings. The interior is also has beautiful brick walls with hard wood floors. If there was a speakeasy bbq joint, I would imagine looking like this. But how can keep such a delicious secret.The brisket was nice and tender and melted in my mouth. The bark was nice and crispy with a peppery bite. I love a peppy bark with a nice amount of smoke. The ribs also had a similar peppery bite, with the tenderness to bite through, but not pull away from the bone. Perfect. The pork belly burnt ends were covered in this wonderful sweet bbq sauce with a crispy exterior and a soft interior. Kinda the feeling of biting into a meat version of a peach. The jalapeño cheddar sausage oozed out each bite a flow of cheese. Of course the meats are great but what I enjoyed between each bite was the broccoli salad. Little pieces of bacon, cranberries, and cashews tossing a chili crisp dressing and was a refreshing bite between the fatty meats. I loved the food and the overall atmosphere created by the building and the interior.

I was never a big fan of bbq until I moved to the West Bottoms. I can smell the meat smoking from the window of my apartment. The ribs and brisket call to me…and every other week I must answer that call (I’d be there more often but I’m getting thick). If you’re tired of the same bbq joints, come down to the WB’s and give this a go 🤌🏻

There's bbq... And there's Chef J bbq. Not only do they have some of the best BBQ meats, their sides are kicked up a notch from others. When we went, they had beef tallow rolls as a special... Have to say, some of the best rolls I've ever had.

Food is great at least what we were able to get . By the time we got to the counter to order ,they were out of sausage,turkey and burnt ends . It wasn't even 1:00 in the afternoon. But thats understandable because when we arrived at around 12:15 or so the line was out of the door and down down to the street . Even when it started to rain no one in the line left , very determined to get they hands on some of Chef J's BBQ . And after tasting it for the 1st time , I completely understand why. The staff were very friendly, atmosphere was nice and the BBQ was FIRE ! Go check them out ya'll ! Make sure you try the ribs !!

Tried the ribs, burnt ends, mac and cheese, and beans at Chef J BBQ. The burnt ends were definitely the highlight — flavorful, smoky, and cooked really well. The beans were decent and had good flavor. Unfortunately, the ribs weren’t very tender, which was disappointing for a BBQ spot, and the mac and cheese was pretty bland and needed more seasoning. Overall, some strong items, but a little inconsistent.

I give Chef J’s 7 stars: LC’s, Arthur Bryant’s, Gates, Q39, Joe’s BBQ, and etc; they can’t be compared to Chef J’s BBQ. I’ll be spending my money, only on this establishment from now on, when I buy food: it is that good!

The only place in KC who can cook a brisket. Everywhere else serves thin, pale, and limp brisket, unfit for Oscar Mayer lunch meat. Chef J on the other hand serves tender, thick, marbled brisket with a smoke ring and actual bark. The jalapeño cheddar sausage is the best you'll find North of Dallas. It's a revelation. Chef J cooks real BBQ. None of their competitors could even find Texas on a map.

Amazing all around food, atmosphere and service! Top notch brisket, chicken and turkey! The Bacon & Blue potato salad is epic and I don’t even like blue cheese. Great spot in KC and we will be back.

Amazing BBQ! The brisket was to die for! The jalapeno sausage was delicious as always. Pork belly burnt ends were on point. They had some garlic chives butter dinner rolls which were the best rolls I have ever had, and I have had a lot of rolls 😅

Caught the end of the rush, only had brisket and pulled pork left. Both the brisket and pulled pork was on POINT! Very tender and flavorful! Had Mac and cheese and the BBQ beans for sides, can’t say i really cared for either one. But the reason I went was for the meat and it didn’t disappoint!