February 16, 2025
KC Plaza Fountains

Welcome to Travel and Photo Today’s KC Barbecue Tour!

(If you are new to this series about Kansas City BBQ you can visit the Frst Stop on the KC Barbecue Tour at KC BBQ 1st Stop for a bit of history and background.)


Today’s Tour Stop – JOE’S KANSAS CITY BAR-B-QUE

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que has roots in the Kansas City dating back to 1996. The history is a bit confusing and complicated. (For more details check out therese articles – Here and Here ) In it’s simplest form, Joe’s KC started out in KC as Oklahoma Joe’s Bar-B-Que at their original location on the corner of 47th Street and Mission Road. Over the years they expanded, adding two additional locations – one in Olathe, Kansas at 11950 South Strang Line Road, and the other in Leawood, Kansas at 11723 Roe Avenue. In 2014 the name was changed from Oklahoma Joe’s to Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que.

Joe’s has 3 Locations – The original “Gas Station”, Olathe KS, and Leawood KS

It All Started In A Gas Station

Joe’s started out in the Kansas City area sharing a bit of space in a gas station at the corner of 4th street and Mission Road. That location, with it’s rather unusual combination – gas station and bar-b-que restaurant – continues today and remains as the most unique restaurant of the three Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que locations. And yes – this is a fully functioning gas station and restaurant. True one-stop-shopping to feed both yourself and your vehicle!

Joe’s gas station location on 47th & Mission

Where else can you eat excellent BBQ, buy some BBQ Sauce, pick up some oil and automotive products, and gas up your car in the same shop? You can do all this at Joe’s.

BBQ Sauce And Automotive Products – For Sale Side-By-Side at Joe’s.

Joe’s is a laid back and casual type of BBQ shop. The original gas station location is the most unique and quirky. It’s also a bit smaller and less “glitzy” than the two newer locations. But the menu is the same across all locations and the food is of the same high quality.

Dining At Joe’s Is a Casual Affair

The cozy and always busy dining area at Joe’s original, gas station location.

Dining at Joe’s is definitely an informal affair. Customer’s line up to place and pick up their orders ( And at the original gas station location there is almost always a line. Other locations vary with the day and time. ) Then find a table and make yourself comfortable. Seating is varied. There are several booths and smaller tables at the Station Location. (Again, the newer locations are different – bigger with more seating. ) Some tables are large and you might end up sharing with other hungry customers during peak busy times. It’s a chance to get to know some of your fellow BBQ affectionados. Plastic dining utensils are the norm. Of course, BBQ can be a bit of a messy meal. But worry not. No tiny and ineffective napkins here. Each table has one or two rolls of paper towels to help you keep your messiness to a minimum.

Entrance to Joe’s Olathe, Kansas location

Joe’s locations in Olathe and Leawood Kansas are newer, larger and a bit more upscale. The BBQ is still great in these locations and they are extremely popular and busy during prime dining times.

The interior of the Olathe location is a bit more upscale but still casual.

Show Your Love Of KC BBQ! Get your T Shirt, Mug, and other Great Stuff at BWB CONCEPTS


It’s All About The “Q” – The BBQ

Regardless of which location you choose, at Joe’s it’s all about the food – or more specifically – it’s all about the BBQ. And Joe’s BBQ is great! Their menu is extensive with enough items to satisfy just about any BBQ lover. BBQ meats include Burnt Ends, Smoked Chicken, Pulled Pork, Smoked Turkey, Smoked Ham, Beef Brisket, BBQ Sausage . And of course, they have outstanding Ribs!

Joe’s ribs, smoked turkey and fries.

My “go to” meal at BBQ joints is ribs with smoked turkey and fries. Joe’s serves up this combo with elan. The ribs are great – not overly sauced or “fall off the bone” style but truly tender, meaty and moist on the inside where it counts. (You can always add more of Joe’s BBQ Sauce if that’s your style. ) The smoked turkey has that truly smokey taste you want and fries are a tasty compliment. My “go to” desires satisfied!

Joe’s “Z Man” sandwich .

One of Joe’s signature items is the Z-Man Sandwich. Their menu describes it as, “Slow-smoked beef brisket, smoked provolone cheese, topped with two crispy onion rings, on a toasted Kaiser roll.” It’s a fan favorite and is big – a meal in itself. They’re great! And, of course, they have other interesting sandwiches as well – each a taste delight in it’s own way – Carolina Pork, The Hog Heaven, The Chicken Z-Man, The Pork Z-Man, and the Portobello Z-Man.

If you live near Kansas City, or if you are planning to visit the area, give yourself a treat and try some Great BBQ at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que.


SHOW YOUR LOVE OF KC Q

AVAILABLE AT

BWB CONCEPTS


Check Out Joe’s KC Bar-B-Que …………………

………………………….. And Enjoy The Adventure!



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