The debate over which city has the better BBQ, Kansas City or St Louis, has been a longstanding one. Both cities are renowned for their rich BBQ heritage and unique styles, which have been perfected over the years. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of BBQ in both cities, explore the different styles and techniques, and ultimately try to settle the age-old question of which city has the better BBQ.
A Brief History of BBQ in Kansas City and St Louis
BBQ has a long and storied history in both Kansas City and St Louis. In Kansas City, BBQ dates back to the early 1900s, when pitmasters would slow-cook meats over hickory wood to create tender, flavorful dishes. The city’s BBQ style was heavily influenced by its location at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers, which made it a hub for cattle and livestock. This led to the development of a distinctive style that focused on slow-smoking meats over hickory wood.
In St Louis, BBQ has its roots in the city’s southern heritage. The city’s BBQ style was influenced by the traditional Southern-style BBQ, which emphasized the use of pork and a sweet, tangy sauce. St Louis-style BBQ also incorporated elements of German and French cuisine, which were introduced by European immigrants who settled in the city.
Kansas City-Style BBQ: A Focus on Slow-Smoking
Kansas City-style BBQ is known for its use of slow-smoking techniques to create tender, flavorful meats. Pitmasters in Kansas City use a combination of hickory wood and a sweet, tangy sauce to create a distinctive flavor profile. The city’s BBQ style is also characterized by its use of a thick tomato-based sauce, which is applied to the meat during the last stages of cooking.
One of the defining features of Kansas City-style BBQ is its use of a variety of meats, including beef, pork, chicken, and lamb. This is in contrast to other BBQ styles, which may focus on a single type of meat. Kansas City pitmasters are also known for their use of creative ingredients, such as burnt ends (the crispy, flavorful ends of brisket) and Z-Man sandwiches (a sandwich featuring slow-smoked brisket and provolone cheese).
Notable Kansas City BBQ Joints
Some notable Kansas City BBQ joints include:
- Arthur Bryant’s: A Kansas City institution since 1952, Arthur Bryant’s is known for its slow-smoked meats and tangy sauce.
- Gates Bar-B-Q: Another Kansas City staple, Gates Bar-B-Q has been serving up slow-smoked meats since 1946.
- Joe’s Kansas City BB-Q: This popular BBQ joint has been featured on the Food Network and is known for its creative menu items, such as the Z-Man sandwich.
St Louis-Style BBQ: A Focus on Pork and Sweet Sauce
St Louis-style BBQ is known for its focus on pork and sweet, tangy sauce. Pitmasters in St Louis use a combination of pork shoulder, ribs, and snoots (pig snouts) to create a variety of dishes. The city’s BBQ style is also characterized by its use of a sweet, tomato-based sauce, which is applied to the meat during the cooking process.
One of the defining features of St Louis-style BBQ is its use of a technique called “snoot cooking.” This involves slow-cooking pig snouts over low heat to create a crispy, flavorful exterior and a tender interior. St Louis pitmasters are also known for their use of creative ingredients, such as toasted ravioli (a St Louis specialty that consists of toasted bread filled with meat or cheese).
Notable St Louis BBQ Joints
Some notable St Louis BBQ joints include:
- Pappy’s Smokehouse: This popular BBQ joint has been featured on the Food Network and is known for its slow-smoked meats and creative menu items.
- Bogart’s Smokehouse: Another St Louis staple, Bogart’s Smokehouse has been serving up slow-smoked meats since 2011.
- Salt + Smoke: This modern BBQ joint offers a variety of creative menu items, including toasted ravioli and burnt ends.
So, Who Has the Better BBQ?
Ultimately, the question of which city has the better BBQ is a matter of personal preference. Both Kansas City and St Louis offer unique and delicious BBQ styles that are worth trying. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional BBQ experience, Kansas City may be the better choice. The city’s slow-smoking techniques and use of a variety of meats create a rich, complex flavor profile that is hard to beat.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more modern take on BBQ, St Louis may be the better choice. The city’s focus on pork and sweet sauce creates a sweet, tangy flavor profile that is perfect for those who prefer a milder BBQ style.
The Verdict
In the end, the battle for BBQ supremacy between Kansas City and St Louis is a close one. Both cities offer unique and delicious BBQ styles that are worth trying. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional BBQ experience, Kansas City may be the better choice. But if you’re looking for a more modern take on BBQ, St Louis is definitely worth a visit.
| City | BBQ Style | Notable BBQ Joints |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | Slow-smoking, variety of meats, thick tomato-based sauce | Arthur Bryant’s, Gates Bar-B-Q, Joe’s Kansas City BB-Q |
| St Louis | Pork, sweet sauce, snoot cooking | Pappy’s Smokehouse, Bogart’s Smokehouse, Salt + Smoke |
Conclusion
The debate over which city has the better BBQ, Kansas City or St Louis, is a longstanding one. Both cities offer unique and delicious BBQ styles that are worth trying. Whether you prefer the traditional slow-smoking techniques of Kansas City or the modern take on BBQ offered by St Louis, there’s no denying that both cities are BBQ destinations worth visiting. So why not plan a trip to both cities and decide for yourself which city has the better BBQ?
What is the main difference between Kansas City and St Louis BBQ styles?
The main difference between Kansas City and St Louis BBQ styles lies in their distinct flavor profiles and cooking techniques. Kansas City BBQ is known for its use of a thick tomato-based sauce, slow-smoking over hickory wood, and a focus on slow-smoking a wide variety of meats, including beef, pork, chicken, and lamb. In contrast, St Louis BBQ is characterized by its use of a thinner, sweeter sauce and a focus on pork and beef.
Kansas City BBQ also tends to be more experimental, with a wide range of flavors and ingredients used in its sauces and rubs. St Louis BBQ, on the other hand, is more traditional and straightforward, with a focus on allowing the natural flavors of the meat to shine through. This difference in approach has led to a long-standing debate over which style is superior, with each side having its own loyal followers.
What is the history behind the rivalry between Kansas City and St Louis BBQ?
The rivalry between Kansas City and St Louis BBQ dates back to the early 20th century, when both cities were major hubs for the livestock industry. As a result, BBQ became a staple of the local cuisine in both cities, with each developing its own unique style and traditions. Over time, the rivalry between the two cities grew, with each side claiming to be the true BBQ capital of the world.
The rivalry was further fueled by the rise of BBQ competitions and festivals, which pitted pitmasters from each city against each other in a battle for supremacy. Today, the rivalry remains strong, with both cities continuing to innovate and experiment with new flavors and techniques. Despite the competition, however, both Kansas City and St Louis BBQ remain beloved by BBQ enthusiasts around the world.
What are some popular BBQ joints in Kansas City?
Kansas City is home to a wide range of BBQ joints, each with its own unique style and flavor profile. Some popular options include Arthur Bryant’s, Gates Bar-B-Q, and Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. Arthur Bryant’s is known for its classic Kansas City-style BBQ, with a focus on slow-smoking over hickory wood and a thick, tangy sauce. Gates Bar-B-Q is famous for its burnt ends, which are crispy, flavorful bits of brisket that are a staple of Kansas City BBQ.
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is a more modern take on traditional Kansas City BBQ, with a focus on creative flavors and ingredients. The restaurant is known for its Z-Man sandwich, which features slow-smoked brisket, provolone cheese, and a tangy BBQ sauce. All three of these restaurants are must-visits for anyone looking to experience the best of Kansas City BBQ.
What are some popular BBQ joints in St Louis?
St Louis is also home to a wide range of BBQ joints, each with its own unique style and flavor profile. Some popular options include Pappy’s Smokehouse, Bogart’s Smokehouse, and Salt + Smoke. Pappy’s Smokehouse is known for its classic St Louis-style BBQ, with a focus on slow-smoking over apple wood and a thin, sweet sauce. Bogart’s Smokehouse is famous for its ribs, which are slow-smoked to perfection and slathered in a tangy BBQ sauce.
Salt + Smoke is a more modern take on traditional St Louis BBQ, with a focus on creative flavors and ingredients. The restaurant is known for its burnt ends, which are crispy, flavorful bits of brisket that are a staple of St Louis BBQ. All three of these restaurants are must-visits for anyone looking to experience the best of St Louis BBQ.
What is the best way to experience the BBQ scene in Kansas City and St Louis?
The best way to experience the BBQ scene in Kansas City and St Louis is to visit as many different BBQ joints as possible and try a wide range of different meats and flavors. Both cities offer a wide range of BBQ options, from classic, traditional joints to more modern, experimental restaurants. By trying a variety of different BBQ styles and flavors, visitors can get a sense of the unique characteristics of each city’s BBQ scene.
In addition to visiting individual BBQ joints, visitors can also experience the BBQ scene in Kansas City and St Louis by attending one of the many BBQ festivals and competitions that take place throughout the year. These events offer a chance to sample BBQ from a wide range of different pitmasters and restaurants, and to see firsthand the passion and dedication that goes into creating great BBQ.
Can I make Kansas City and St Louis-style BBQ at home?
Yes, it is possible to make Kansas City and St Louis-style BBQ at home, but it does require some practice and patience. The key to creating great BBQ is to use high-quality ingredients, including fresh meat and flavorful spices and sauces. It’s also important to have the right equipment, including a smoker or grill that can maintain a consistent temperature over a long period of time.
To make Kansas City-style BBQ at home, try using a thick tomato-based sauce and slow-smoking your meat over hickory wood. For St Louis-style BBQ, try using a thinner, sweeter sauce and slow-smoking your meat over apple wood. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find the combination that works best for you, and don’t be afraid to try new things and make mistakes.
What is the future of the BBQ scene in Kansas City and St Louis?
The future of the BBQ scene in Kansas City and St Louis is bright, with both cities continuing to innovate and experiment with new flavors and techniques. As the popularity of BBQ continues to grow, both cities are likely to see an influx of new BBQ joints and restaurants, each offering its own unique take on traditional BBQ.
At the same time, both cities are also likely to see a renewed focus on traditional BBQ techniques and flavors, as pitmasters and chefs seek to preserve the heritage and traditions of their respective cities’ BBQ scenes. By balancing innovation and tradition, the BBQ scene in Kansas City and St Louis is likely to continue to thrive and evolve for years to come.