City: Kansas City, MO

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (816) 942-9141

Address: 13441 Holmes (Martin City)

Description: Zagat reviewers say this is the best barbecue in the nation and there are plenty of local fans who agree. Forget the mental picture of the typical barbecue joint. The location in the bustling Freight House area is a fancy-pants version with a gorgeous bar, soaring ceilings, and cushy booths. One diner walked in, whistled, and said, “This is where gluttony gets an etiquette lesson.” The original restaurant in Martin City looks like a house that’s been expanded a few times to make room for relatives. The second location, on Metcalf, is an attractive space with a huge parking lot that is still overflowing on weekends. The menu at all four locations is filled with a mind-boggling selection of barbecued meats, hickory-grilled poultry and fish, and certified Angus steaks. Trust us: order the thick-cut onion rings, which come to the table stacked like a kid’s toy on a copper skewer. Other side dishes include a rich cheesy corn casserole and hickory pit beans thickened with chunks of burnt ends, ham, and meat drippings. Jack Stack serves five types of ribs, including pork and beef spare ribs, baby back, and lamb ribs that got rave reviews in the London Times. Along with steaks, sausage, pork chops, and crown prime rib, there are fire-grilled chicken, fish, and shrimp. All four locations are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Jack Stack’s also ships their award-winning ribs and other smoked meats anywhere.