Slap’s BBQ
553 Central Ave, Kansas City, KS, 66101
Slap’s BBQ Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Kansas City for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Kansas City for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Kansas City for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
553 Central Ave
Kansas City, KS, 66101 - Phone (913) 213-3736
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 11
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Becky H.
My husband and I were visiting a friend at a BBQ Competition last weekend and stuck around for the awards. Slaps sure seemed to be cleaning house, so my girlfriend and I decided to go today for lunch and check it out. It did not disappoint! We got there at 11:50'ish and there didn't appear to be a place to sit, but somehow it all worked out and by the time we got our food, a table opened up. We both had the Ooey Gooey brisket sandwich topped with melty provel cheese. Not a lot of sauce on the actual meat, but it didn't neat it; although there were 2 types of sauces at the table. I got the potato casserole as a side and my friend got the cheesy corn. I liked the cheesy corn better but it's just because the potato casserole had onions in it (that's my fault...not theirs). They make the sandwich right in front of you, the meat is cooked that day and the Pit Master was behind the register as friendly as could be! Later, he walked around from table to table to make sure everyone was enjoying their meals. Can't wait to go back again to try the burnt ends and hush puppies!!
(5)Elliot L.
Callin all you rib rooters, sauce shooters, barbecue buffs, and baked bean fiends: if you want the best overall bbq experience in KC, make SLAP's (Squeal Like A Pig) your new smokeshack. I travel for work a lot and am away from KC a good part of the year, so on the first day that I'm back in town, I always make a point to take a 2-hour lunch break and roll down to KCK for a burnt ends tray (the B.E.'s melt in yo freakin' mouth ya'all) with must-have sides of hot tater salad, baked beans, and cheesy corn. Did I mention that THE BURNT ENDS MELT IN YOUR BBQ-LOVIN MOUF??? A lot of other places in KC will claim that they have an edge on SLAPs because they have... been open longer (Arthur Bryant's), a lovably-obnoxious staff and amazing sauce (Gates), alleged mob connections (Jack Stack), more awards and an Anthony Bourdain bribery fund (Oklahoma Joke's), more parking-lot meth deals (Wyandot BBQ) or because they cater to people who like to pretend that they're rich (Q39; sidenote: KC has a lot of those types of people). But compared to SLAPs, all those places serve sandpaper brisket and ribs that taste like they were scooped off the ground at Arrowhead's parking lot on a gameday. Like I'm sayin, everything is good at SLAPs, but you MUST at least try the burnt ends. DO IT. Sneak a cube off your table-mate's tray if you have to. And then smother it with SLAPs' spicy sauce (which, for you Carolina-lovers, is thin, tangy, and chock full of vinegar, not goopy and sweet like that KC Masterpiece garbage we've been force-fed for the past century). So put your smartphone away and go now. You won't be sorry! (Unless you're gonna arrive after 2:30p, cuz they'll have run outta meat by then. Call-aheads are a recommend.) Rant TBC...
(5)Lauren N.
We've been to Slaps several times, and each time the food has been fabulous. Trust the reviews here and on Zagat - this place is the real deal, and is worth waiting in line. Slaps owners' had years of experience on the BBQ competition scene perfecting their craft before opening the KCK restaurant, and they clearly know what they're doing. Every meal has been outstanding - we've had the ribs, brisket sandwich, and pulled pork. The potato casserole is a must have. All of the meat is smoked that day - no day old BBQ here. All of the portions are generous, and they prepare your meal in front of you after you order (think Chipotle-style). The sauce is very good and a little thinner than most of the BBQ in KC. The service is excellent and typically staffed by the owners and their family. We had a chance to talk at length with co-owner Mike Pearce (he took time to meet with my daughter for a school project she was doing on BBQ). What a nice guy who has a passion for BBQ and was extremely accommodating. Thanks Mike! If you're visiting town and want to taste authentic KC BBQ then find your way to Slaps. If you're from KC and haven't been to Slaps yet, then what are you waiting for?
(5)Sarah S.
The best BBQ I had while in KC! It's good to have a friend from the city you're travelling to that can take you (or tell you) about all the hot spots you might otherwise pass up. Slap's opens each day at 11am and when they sell out, then you're SOL. If you have a huge order, you can email or call ahead to preorder and they'll have it all set for you to pick up. I was able to try a ton of items from Slap's...Yep we pretty much binge ate. The sausages were so friggin good with great seasoning. Loved the brisket, loved the burnt ends Those hugh puppies though! They were so tasty and an order of the little guys is just $2.75. It's a must get on the side of your meal. The cheesy corn is another must try while there. Slap's BBQ really seems to do all their sides right, as well as their main meats. Slap's BBQ is a must do while in Kansas City! Get there 15-30 minutes before opening because a line seems to form every morning to get in on their meaty goodness.
(5)Carolyn M.
Everyone knows Kansas City is known for its BBQ. I recently discovered Slaps BBQ. You have two choices for the sauce sweet or hot. I have not tried the hot one because the sweet one is the right one for me. I have not been disappointed with anything I ordered thus far. The last time I was there I ordered the special of the day "The Sandwich". It was moist brisket, fried onion ring, smothered in cheese sauce on top of a bun. I had hush puppies on the side with a bone. Their ribs are tender and sauce is purely optional. My best advice is to get there early. When it's gone it's gone.
(5)Todd F.
Barely a 1. Worst BBQ I have had in KC. Beans and cole slaw tasted like they came from a BAD grocery store. Got the Burnt ends combo with brisket, and the burnt ends were tough and no flavor. Had to drown the meat with BAD sauce to get it down. Brisket was WET, not moist, but WET and also, no flavor. Sorry, I do not see what the big deal was about this place, barely cafeteria BBQ....barely.
(1)Tim B.
We had just had the worst night sleeping, and were in the crankiest of moods. A trip to the Harry S Truman Museum, while educational and enjoyable enough, did little to alleviate our moodiness. But then we realized "Hey! We're in the Kansas City area! Isn't it known for its barbeque?" So we looked up a few places, and decided on this location, based within the Kansas portion of this particular set of Twin Cities. I will confess - the proprietors weren't quite what I expected. My uneducated self thought that the combination of "barbeque", "outstanding", and "rough neighborhood" would translate to the owner not being too different from Barry White, and that we'd have to turn down a crack sale or three to get into the joint. Serves me for making too much out of certain "House Of Cards" episodes. The fellow who is evidently in charge regrettable reminds me more of Casey McGeeHee. And the neighborhood, while most likely rough in the not-too-distant past, seems to be on the upswing - one can always tell by the cars that are parked. Of course, we came for the food, and we were not let down. Although they were out of 'burnt ends' (which apparently must be extremely delicious, as some customers seemed to be disappointed), there was plenty of other stuffs that was more than palpable... I had the brisket and baked beans, and those went down like an overenthusiastic kid at a water park on a hot day. So, if you want sweet BBQ in KC, don't want to pay too much, and be in a not-too-bad area with great freeway access (word to the wise - if coming westbound on I-70, you want the 422B/Central Avenue exit, not the 422B/7th Street Trfway one, although with a little ingenuity that'll work too).
(5)Christian G.
What can be said about this amazing BBQ joint??? I went in with high expectations and came out completely blown away! Just when I think I've had the best BBQ around town, I try SLAP's BBQ and again question myself. Really, I don't think I can say where the best KC BBQ is because Ive had such great experiences at a few different places. SLAP's provides a small hometown feel from the moment you pull up and try to find parking in their very quaint parking lot out front (plenty of street parking however). I really wish I had shown up on a Wednesday that wasn't my first time trying this place because Wednesdays are Smoked Wings Wednesdays here. But, because it was my first time, I had to try some good ole fashioned BBQ. I went with the 3 Ribs and Burnt Ends combo with potato casserole and cheesy corn as my sides. It was all so amazing! The meat is served without sauce which in my opinion, is how BBQ should be served. The ribs were cooked perfectly coming right off the bone but not falling apart. They had a rich smokey taste and the texture was on point: crisp on the outside, moist and juicy on the inside. The burnt ends are up there with the best I've ever had. I think what makes these great is the quality of the meat; it was thick meaty pieces of beef with the right amount of "good" fat. That potato casserole was delightful! It reminded me of a mix between a twice baked potato and potato coleslaw. The cheesy corn was delicious, I mixed it up a bit by throwing in my side of jalapenos which made for a treat. They have two really great sauces: one is a tangy, vinegar based with a slight spice to it. And the other was very sweet that reminded a lot of a sweet chili sauce you find at some Asian restaurants. I loved it! What really made my experience even greater was the impeccable service that SLAP's owner and employees offered to me. It was exceptional in all aspects. If I wasn't still working on my summer body, I would be here everyday for lunch, not kidding.
(5)J W.
I tried Slaps this week for the first time. I ordered the Sampler Platter (brisket, turkey, pulled pork, sausage) and added 3 ribs and burnt ends to it. It came with two large sides, since I was getting carry out, I went with beans and cheesy corn. My first impressions- it's very good, none of the meat was dry which is a problem that plagues a lot of BBQ places. Brisket- very good, cut thinner like a KC style rather than like than Q39 which cuts theirs thicker/competition style. Trimmed well with little fat but not dry at all. Not overpowering smoke, I can't pick the wood, I'm guessing oak. No sauce. No bark. Turkey- this sh!t's good. It's turkey though and kind of hard to mess up. I actually like it a lot. Ribs- cooked well, not falling off the bone. Competition style temp. Apple wood taste, no sauce. Burnt ends- perfect mix of fat/meat. Good bark. No sauce. They're real burnt ends, not cubed brisket flat. Pulled pork- sometimes I think Joe's KC can serve their's dry, this is moist. Good flavor and good smoke. Also served w/o sauce and no extra rub. No bark. Sausage- served like Jackstack, it's like a kielbasa. awesome. Sweet apple flavor. Beans- meh. kinda Zarda-ish. Corn- pretty good, hard to mess up. Sauce- holy **** that's a lot of brown sugar/molasses. not bad, but wayyyyy too sweet for me. I think the biggest difference b/w Slaps and Q39 is that Q39 uses more finishing sauces on all of their meats, similar to what you see the guys on TV doing. Slaps lets their meat speak for itself. Both places are very very good.
(4)Brandon R.
I am not a meat connoisseur and I know very little about BBQ, but I do know what it means to feel welcome and appreciated and happily full and at Slap's I felt very welcome and appreciated and happily full. A man behind the counter greeted us as soon as we came in. He quickly and cordially answered all of my BBQ questions. The woman at the cash register bombarded me with a series of warm words and gestures that could only be construed as extremely welcoming. The man checked in on us as we were eating. All four of us gave him a thumbs up. The woman checked in on us and asked us if there was anything we wanted to try but didn't order. We didn't know what to say. We had a lot of food. She mentioned cheesy corn, we smiled, she brought us a big portion of cheesy corn (think almost elotes), we ate it and we smiled. There was much smiling to be had with the food. For 15 bucks I got a plate with a deceptively filling portion of burnt ends (a kind of smoked brisket) , baked beans, potato caserole, bread and pickles. None of the above sounds particularly healthy, but after an hour of letting it all digest, I can say that I actually dont feel sick, but instead feel happily numbed as if my body were flooded with barbituates. Slap's I don't know what you've done to me, but I thank you for it.
(5)Jeff V.
First time at Slap's and it was fantastic. Watching the man chop up the fresh thick pieces of burnt ends was worth the price of admission. We ordered a sampler plate with burnt ends to try all the meat (no ribs). Came with burnt ends, brisket, pulled pork, sausage, and turkey. Brisket and burnt ends were my favorite but all was great. Sides of hush puppies and beans were solid. Will go back each time I hit up KC!
(5)Shawn H.
This is excellent BBQ. The real deal done in a little BBQ hole in the wall(I say this with the greatest respect). I had burnt ends and Turkey and Brisket. We had cheesy corn and baked beans. The MEAT is central here. It is by far the premier item, unlike a lot of BBQ places. He burns a clean fire, which means the smoke content of the meat is subtle. Too often today novice smokers come in and soot up their meat and call it BBQ creating a evening of stomach aches. Great cut of burnt ends, big cubes dripping with beef fat goodness. Turkey breast was injected with butter, texture and taste was perfect. Brisket was a tad dry but I'll forgive him for that. The pit master you see on TV is the guy standing at the register. The only way to do it. Excellent service. These guys are very friendly and great servers. I just wish I could spend a week with him to learn more of his Q secrets. It's not a crime to borrow from everyone as long as you give them credit. Regular sauce is very original. I can't call it KC. Very Asian, tastes a lot like Tiger Sauce. Decor -it's a small little building, perfect for real KC BBQ. Go here, go here now, and enjoy!
(5)Kevin T.
Kansas City is known world-wide for BBQ and there are the place everyone has heard about like Bryant's, Joe's, Stack's or Gate's. But ever since moving to KC I have been in search of a place that is a little less well known, maybe off the beaten path but still serves up some of the best BBQ around...This defines Slap's BBQ! Stopped by on a Friday around 11:20am (they open at 11 and stay open until they sell out) and the parking lot was full (very small lot) and cars lined the street around there. I parked roughly 2 blocks away. The line was about 6-8 people and moved quickly. I was praying that they would still have some ribs and burnt ends left when I was ready to order. I reached the counter and placed my order. They sliced the burnt ends right in front of me, large chunks of smoked goodness that were a prefect in color from the bark. The ribs were also cut there and I could see they were moist and lightly seasoned. For sides I chose the baked beans and the baked potato casserole. I sampled the sides first, the baked beans are fantastic I could eat these by the quart. The baked potato casserole was good and different from other offerings you see at BBQ places. Now for the meats! The burnt ends were the best I have ever had period! Juicy, flavorful and so fresh you swear they just pulled it off the smoker seconds before you got there. The ribs were excellent, moist and easily stripped the meat from the bone and filled with smoky goodness. Their BBQ sauce is just OK, its a sweet honey style that I could take it or leave it. But in all honesty the meats do not need any sauce they are that good! Slap's is a hit and so here I am on Yelp "Squealing Like A Pig" all about it!
(5)Gretchen P.
Hands down best turkey sandwich in the metro! I know not many people judge BBQ joints by their turkey, but it's one of my measures for attention to details and love of the craft of BBQing. The dining room is small, cozy some would say, and unimpressive, but the meat more than makes up for the decor. The owners were working the line on a Saturday afternoon and made us feel welcome the moment we walked in the door. They gave us pointers on selecting sides. You could hear the pride in their voices as they talked about their food. To wrap this love fest up, fantastic BBQ, best turkey in the city, and now my husband's new favorite place to get ribs.
(5)Angela K.
"BBQ so good, it'll make you want to slap your mother!" Now this is the kind of bbq joint I imagined could stand up to that cheesy line from The Friday After Next. Ignore the interior with its old school padded chairs and worn out tables. This place is gold mine for anything on the grill. Their brisket was superb along with their chicken and sausage. I was a little saddened to find they were out of the burnt ends (seems like this place is both popular with the locals and the travelers like myself that things can sell out), but what I got was divine. Their bbq sauces, both of the hot and sweet varieties, were darn tasty I couldn't stop licking my fingers. The sides rocked, too. Potato casserole, baked beans, coleslaw, and fries are what my husband and I devoured. It makes me glad this place is far from home or I'd be here every other day. In addition, the folks are nice here. Super friendly and very helpful. Do me a favor (I so promise I don't have stock in this company!!!), if you're anywhere near Kansas City, MO stop here. Call in for an order to-go if you're just passing through. This place is just too delicious to pass up.
(5)Daniel K.
BBQ so good make you wanna SLAPS yo mama... First of all... I would never slap my mother... 1. because that aint right. 2. because she be kray! This BBQ is how its supposed to be. Sell out of product. Made fresh. Service is kind and friendly. The ribs are fantastic... Top 2-3 in KCMO. Burnt Ends are more of a fatty brisket... But Burnt Ends are always up for interpretation. The sausage is amazing. Turkey is fantastic. The warm potato salad is DABOMB.COM Brisket itself is juicy and great cuts. Keep on doing what you doing SLAPS!!
(5)Skye A.
Coming from a family of BBQers, I'm very picky when it comes to grilled or smoked foods. I walked in here out of curiosity...and I have to say...the sauce is some of the best I've ever had! The owners and workers here are very friendly and the foods always fresh!
(5)Lonny B.
This guy that owns this place is so cool I drive a semi truck and I was starving so I Googled places that would deliver at Mid South Milling down town Kansas City so I called this place and he answered the phone and asked him if he would bring me some food and he said he would love to help me out and he hooked me up with some of the best Ribbs and chicken I have ever had and the sauce was out of this world !!! You have to give this place a chance to earn your business it was delicious. I will be going back for sure! !!!
(5)Toni C.
After dining at a different BBQ restaurant the previous night and not being 'dazzled', we decided to give Slap's a test drive. A small, hole in the wall, but the food was delicious. I ordered the ribs and pulled pork. Both were very moist and extremely tasty. The cole slaw was rich & creamy. We arrived around 1:30pm on a Saturday, too late for burnt ends. However, the plate we ordered did not disappoint. A very reasonable $15.22. We will return! YUM!
(3)Robert H.
Sitophilia: A paraphilia where a person receives a sexual arousal from food. My fiancée and I watched a show called "BBQ Pitmaster's" on TLC. In a bit of serendipity we saw the winner was from Kansas City. After some research and determining there was a restaurant in Kansas City we knew we had to go. And then life happened. Nearly a year later we made it in here. As I've come to find out the fact we got here when it wasn't a line around the block and the place completely sold out of food is rare. I was soon to figure out why. We had the sampler platter with pulled pork, beef brisket and burnt ends. The sides where they cheesy potatoes and beans. They threw in a cheese burger and fries because this place is awesome. Finally it happened. There is no describing it to someone who has never tasted it. This isn't food. It's a nectar of the gods. To describe this food is compared to trying to describe to a blind person what a color is, a deaf person music or to a virgin an orgasm. The meat is cooked to perfection; dry but moist; falls apart but it firmly holds together; it's smokey but flavorful. The food is the enigmatic result of years of experience behind a smoker. Quite simply, it is perfection. These are bold words to write in Kansas City, the BBQ capital of the world. This place makes the best BBQ in town, by a long shot. There is no restaurant in the same league. In a town of major league competition this place is the hall of fame. Come early, be ready to wait in line and bring your appetite. The only way to lose at this place is not getting here.
(5)Lisa L.
Tried this place today and sad I waited so long to come down. Absolutely the best in KC. The food is outstanding and the bbq sauce is like nothing I have had in KC so they stand out. I could put a straw in the sauce and drink it.....yes it's that good..... It goes so well with smoked meat. The staff could not be nicer. They thanked me for coming down and you can tell they are truly good people. Only thing I hope for is in the future they extend their hours just so I can eat dinner there. I can not wait to come back!!!!
(5)krysztof n.
I do enjoy good BBQ, and I do enjoy a good slap (take that as you will), so I was eager to try a place that calls itself Slap's BBQ. Plus, it's close to my workplace, and in an area that certainly needed it. Like with any KC BBQ establishment, it has it's own take on the medium and presentation, both of which are great. It's a "walk-up counter" style joint, where they make your food in front of you, assembly-line style. Everyone's super friendly and they're excited to provide you the food you are excited to eat. They're quickly getting popular, too, which means lines, folks. Worth it, though, and they get you through pretty quickly. So, KCK has it's great new BBQ joint, and it's easy to get to. Check it out!
(4)Corey D.
Slap's BBQ just opened recently. These guys were mostly competition and have proven themselves on the Sams Club Tour with top finishes. They were also featured on BBQ Pitmasters television show. They cook off the smokers in the back of the restaurant and the meats are as tender as they get. They aren't quite ready for the masses just yet as they were running out of burnt ends and some sides around 1:30 on a Saturday. Skip the chains all over KC and stop in if your in the area. Pictures to prove.
(4)sharon s.
Trust me when I say I am definitely not a BBQ girl. It's not that I don't like it.. More like I don't care for it (if that made any sense). My fiancé is a huge BBQ man and finally convinced me to try this place out with him. I ordered the Ooey Gooey sandwich and a side of hushpuppies. He got the ribs and burnt ends with coleslaw and baked beans. Everything was so flavorful and delicious!!! Nothing was dry and the ribs practically fell off the bone. Next time I want to try the cheesey corn. Aside from the great food, the service was more than exceptional. Everyone was so friendly and inviting. There were a lot of first-timers there (including ourselves) and the staff helped make great choices. The place has limited seating inside, but everyone is very welcoming so people shared tables and made new friends at the same time! We'll definitely be back!!
(5)Scott T.
Want to know why Kansas City is one of the great BBQ destinations in the country? A stop at this barely month old new restaurant conveniently located off I-70 on Central Avenue is a prime example. Some local BBQ contest folks open a restaurant and are immediately flooded with demand, and for good reason: the BBQ is spectacular, the service is friendly, and you get the happy feeling that only a massive plate of protein and smoked meat can deliver. Ah, but first... Slaps, Squeal Like A Pig, in case no one pointed that out. And I almost did before eating by paying a quick visit to use the men's toilet and wash my hands. Above the toilet is the most curiously placed stuffed deer head with antlers. I didn't notice it until about half way through my "visit" and it scared the hell out of me. Ladies, no idea what's on your side. Please report. We arrive at 12:15. I order burnt ends and ribs. They're out of both. What? The game here, which I heartily approve of, is they give it their best and when they're out they close. By 1:00 p.m. we were the last three in the restaurant, chairs were being put up on tables and we had a chat with some of the employees. It's all about quality. No extra large amounts of food sitting around aging. They went through 550 lbs. of meat since opening. Tip: get here early. We opted for the pulled pork, sausage and brisket, all excellent. The pulled pork was moist and flavorful, the brisket had the appropriate pink ring around the edge. The beans were some of the finest I've experienced and the cheesy corn was just stupidly crazy. Now I know why they were out of burnt ends and ribs! The sauce: one of the more interesting. I detected an unusual sweetness. I guessed maple syrup but the answer was molasses. Tinge of heat, a bit runny but packed with lots of flavor and less red than most in town. Oh, and their fries, we guessed are twice dipped. Crunch and savory. No alcohol but the strawberry Fanta went fine with the Q. Coming back? Hell yes, soon, and about 45 minutes to an hour earlier. Our party of three, a trio that meets weekly to explore new and familiar BBQ joints all agreed: 5 stars. If you go: limited parking lot, take credit cards, limited seating, when they're out of meat they close. Special unrelated tip: drive up the hill to the south after you leave, take a left turn and marvel at an aged Russian Orthodox church. It's pretty spectacular. If you've seen it from I-70 it's worth driving by.
(5)Jason N.
I was just not impressed with this place. For all the hype I had heard, I was expecting more. The meat itself was decent, but the sauces were way too sweet. Almost tasted like honey, compared to a barbeque sauce. The dining area is also extremely limited. Be prepared to either wait, have people walk right next to you, or else take your food to go.
(2)Ariel L.
We heard more hype about this place than a Star Wars sequel. And, much like Episode 1: Phantom Menace, George Lucas misled us. Squeal Like A Pig Barbeque is an all right (emphasis on "all right") joint to grab lunch in the Wyandotte County area. However, in comparison amongst some of their BBQ associates, they're likely to stay in that corner office while 'Ted' is promoted to the fifth floor. So on to the food...the burnt ends regrettably had the taste and texture of a pot roast, a good pot roast, nonetheless. But, as the Spartans say, this is "Sparta", no wait...I mean, this is "BBQ!" The sauce was limited to two choices, regular and spicy, at least that's what we had available. The sauces tasted ok, but their consistency could be better. Think of this way, good BBQ sauces feel natural and ok BBQ sauces feel like an implant. The sides highlighted the meal.Well, actually, it was basically only the hushpuppies, "Marvelous!". I pulled a Napolean Dynamite the rest of day as I plucked hushpuppies from my pockets. Of course, I did this at the most random times, and why not? Sincerely, Gosh!
(3)Dan C.
Seriously great ribs... get there early, they are not open for dinner... but so worth it. Perhaps, the best ribs I ever had. beans need a little heat and coleslaw is good..
(5)Allen R.
Stopped in on a Monday so I didn't have to wait in line. I ordered the 3 ribs & burnt ends with coleslaw and hushpuppies. The ribs- super tender and very good. I actually liked these the best. They had a nice bark of crust on the top of the ribs and when you put his regular sauce on them they really had a pop of flavor. I would give these 5 stars. The burnt ends- These really tasted like pot roast and I was a little disappointed in them. They didn't have any char flavor at all, and were not melt in your mouth like Q39's are. The chew on them really was like eating pot roast out of a crock pot and I would have only given these 3 stars. The sauce- It's really good. It's like a thinned down, sweeter version of Blue's Hog. I really liked it at first for a while but the pepper flakes in there kept coming and coming and by the end of my meal my mouth was on fire and sweat was running down my face. I would like the sauce better if he just toned down the heat a bit. I'd give the sauce 4 stars Coleslaw- Not my favorite. I love mayonnaise based coleslaw but this was drowning in mayo. It was so heavy that I could not taste the cabbage, carrots, or basically anything else in there. Also, I thought it needed a touch of pepper to give it balance. I'd give this 2 stars Hushpuppies- Not bad, but nothing that I would remember. I would give these 3 stars Service- Great! I loved how they cut up your meat right in front of you while you wait. People working there were friendly and nice. I'd give this 5 stars Location- Terrible. Virtually no parking lot and not in my favorite part of KCK. Having averaged all this, I would definitely be back but only for some ribs.
(4)Tommee C.
Oh my god oh my god oh my god this is the greatest place in the world to eat........ The barbecue was great. They had baked beans that were really good. They have this baked potato casserole dish that is off the chain and it was so good make you wanna slap your mama they put their foot in it .....the whole entire whatever it ...... Is great. The service was out of this world...... will definitely be going back to have some pulled pork......
(5)Kim S.
Slap's never disappoints me even when they don't have anymore of the ribs or burnt ends. Then I'm just disappointed in myself for not getting there earlier. I can honestly say that I'm happy with everything from start to finish here. I love the small, quaint size. It's not big enough for a group but close enough for an small friendly setting. The staff here is always pleasant. They understand how to direct you if you aren't sure what you would like but they aren't pushy. They do just enough small talk to get you engaged but also know how to keep the traffic flowing. I love the food here! Man, I really love the fact that they put the sauce on the side. The sauce is a bit sweet but compliments the food well. The meat all had a nice smoky flavor to it. It was still juicy and delicious even without the sauce. The sides are pretty good too. I had the cheesy corn and the baked potato casserole. Both made me want to go back for seconds. Overall I know KC is saturated with BBQ joints and we're constantly opening more but I'm certainly glad that this one opened. I hope it's here to stay.
(5)Gina M.
Yay! Add Slap's to the list of must-eat BBQ places in KC. There's been a-buzz about this place since it opened in June and there's good reason, it's absolutely delicious here. Slap's hours are clearly set at 11 am - 'til we sell out, so it was imperative for us to get there at or before 11 am to ensure they were open and had a good stock of meats. We got there at 10:55 am and there was already a line waiting--a good sign. While in line, my husband and I discussed what we were getting, when someone interrupts you and says, "Ugh, everything is good," you listen to them and get whatever you want. We ended up getting the 3-rib + 1-meat platter each. I got the brisket and my husband got the burnt ends. Between the two off us we got four sides: the beans, coleslaw, cheesy corn and fries. This particular platter cost $13.50 and for the amount of food you get, that is more than a fair price. Honestly, we could've have split a platter between the two of us and we would have been satiated. We both really enjoyed the meat, it was juicy, smokey and tender. Everything good BBQ is suppose to be. The sides need a little work. They were good, but compared to other KC BBQ places, they could be better. That's something that will probably get better over time. But really, who goes to a BBQ joint for the sides? If you get the meat, you'll be a happy camper. The sauce is different. I say that because it's not a thick sauce. It's sweet with a little spicy kick to it. I liked it. The restaurant itself is small and holds probably about 30 people in their sit-down area. The staff is very friendly and very eager to please. I expressed some sadness when seeing that the fat was being cut off the brisket. The man behind the counter happily gave me an extra big fatty piece of brisket, plus a fatty rib. I was a happy girl. Again, Slap's is a great place. The environment, the people and the food certainly reflect why there's such excitement around this place. It's good and you should go there.
(4)Josh M.
A- First off, kudos for the tastiest and most unique sauce in town.... Went to Slap's BBQ today at 11:50 and there was no line whatsoever. Ten minutes later it was out the door and around the corner. Come right near the end of a lunch shift and you can order and be eating in 5 minutes. Best ribs I've had in KC (aside from Guy and Mae's Tavern). Second best Burnt Ends. Third best beans. Fries are pretty terrible here. Best fountain coke though. Good job! Service is top notch. Served by the owners, rung up by their mom (sweet lady). Couldn't finish the four ribs and burnt ends dinner ($14 btw, not including drink). Can't wait to go back. Their turkey looked really good. Go to Slap's, friends!
(4)Stephanie E.
Wow!! Was totally blown away by this place. Extremely friendly staff, delicious food, good prices and quality ingredients. Wish I had tried it out sooner!
(5)Shane T.
I've been to Slap's numerous times now and am finally ready to declare them best BBQ in Kansas City. I've tried them all in this great BBQ city and Slap's is hands down the best. Seriously, there is not one bad item on the menu. So glad I work close to this amazing establishment!
(5)Michael B.
No offense to Q39 or Char Bar, but this Looks like what a bbq joint should look like. It's small and has limited seating but that's part of it's charm in my opinion. Stand in line, order at the counter and then pay at the end of the line similar to OK Joe's system. One small complaint is that the menu is sort of hard to read from a distance so it makes figuring out what you want while standing in line more difficult than it should be. On my visit, at noon, they were already out of burnt ends; which was disappointing but i get it and that's probably a sign that they are very good. I had the pulled pork sandwich with fries and added two ribs. you can add 1, 2 or 3 "bones" to any meal which is a nice bonus if you don't want a full or half slab but still want to sample them. On to the food itself. My pulled pork was good but there were large chunks that didn't pull apart. Also i really like a pulled pork that has SOME pieces of "bark" in it for the additional flavor. this had none. there wasn't really much smokey quality to the meat. it just pretty much tasted like pork that was maybe a bit dry on top of it. The bun was a kaiser roll which i don't think should be anywhere near bbq but it was also too much bun for the sandwich. The fries were sort of battered fries. i guess that's the word for them. they were crispy and ok. I would prefer fresh, hand cut, fries or even frozen fries w/o the batter but again they were at least executed properly for what they are. the ribs were just ok. they are a dry rub but i think they hold them in steam too long prior to serving. there is no bark to speak of again. and the meat just fell off the bone and that, contrary to popular belief, means they weren't cooked properly. The sandwich was served with sliced dill pickles and slicked pickled jalepenos on the side and both were good. i added a soft drink and my bill was about $16. I tried their new hot sauce and it was outstanding. i also tried their regular sauce and it was way to sweet for my palate. very different than normal kc style bbq sauces. i know it sounds like i'm being critical overall, and i am to an extent, but i actually like Slap's and would go back to try some other options. I don't think it's the best bbq in kc but it's a very solid place to put in your bbq rotation.
(3)Ariel M.
I'm a bit confused. I've been hearing great things about this place since it opened, having it compared to the greats of KC BBQ, but once I went there I was not impressed. Now don't get me wrong their BBQ wasn't bad it just wasn't phenomenal. I had the burnt ends and ribs with cheesy corn and baked beans. We had also gone a bit late, a little before 1pm and they still had quite a bit of meat left, though interestingly enough they still put the close sign up once 1pm rolled around. Sadly all the food was mediocre at best. Meat was poorly seasoned, corn was dry, beans had no flavor (contrary to what some may believe beans really can taste great if cooked right), and the sauce was over powering; I suppose they were compensating for the meat but for the price we paid (+$10) and the quantity we received it should have been better. The only redeeming quality was that the service was great. Also the way they cook their meat has a lot of variability so the quality of seasoning is likely to change from day to day (for the meat at least) so it is possible it was bad just that day, but do get a higher rating they should be able to be more consistent.
(3)Justin H.
Okay, where do I begin with what people will soon be calling the absolute best barbecue in Kansas City? Do I start with the potato salad, the best side dish I've had, not just at a barbecue restaurant, but at any restaurant? Do I start with the best ribs, burnt ends, and turkey I've ever had? Do I start with their sauce, a spin on a competition sauce-Kansas City sauce hybrid? Do I start with the rub, that I made sure to buy a canister of on my very first trip there? Or do I start with the awesome, cozy vibe of their KCK store? Or how about I start with THAT BURGER?!? No, I'll start with the pitmasters who make all these amazing entrees and sides. These are some of the nicest, kindest restaurateurs you will ever meet; they're knowledgeable, friendly, and just overall good guys (and with the size of the restaurant, you're going to have at least a few conversations with the whole crew). My wife and I hired these guys to cater our wedding, not just because of the quality of the food, but because of the quality of the guys who prepare it. This is one of the greatest decisions we've made as a couple. Every guest was blown away by the quality of the food, and every guest was glowing with praise for the two barbecue chefs. Go here, and enjoy every aspect of what a great dining experience should be, as long as you get there before they run out of ribs and potato salad.
(5)Eric M.
Awesome BBQ in a BBQ town! Easily the best burnt ends I've ever had at a restaurant, and the ribs were awesome. The beans and potato casserole were spot on as well. Great group of people there. Better get there before it gets on TV and the line is out the door.
(5)Alexandra D.
AMAZING BBQ!!!!!!!! Ribs and burnt ends are the thing to get with a side of potato casserole and sauce and extra sauce!! Get there right at 11 to beat the crowd.
(5)B H.
Good not great. Was very excited to try their burnt ends and ribs. Burnt ends were hit or miss in consistency and the ribs were good but not mind blowing like some other spots in town. Hush puppies and potato casserole were both awesome. Would go back but wouldn't make a special trip of it like we did today.
(3)Crys A.
The food at SLAPs BBQ is excellent. Every time we visit Kansas City, it's of course ALL about the BBQ. We usually head to OK Joe's, but after hearing that one of the finalists of BBQ Pitmasters had opened a new shop in KC, we had to try it. We were not disappointed! We had the burnt ends, ribs, and the slaw and warm potato salad sides. I'm all about the sides while my husband is all about the meat. The warm potato salad was delicious! Like a loaded baked potato in a cup. Slaw was also very good, but the star here were the ribs. They were perfectly prepared and candied in a way that made them very special. I loved them, and so did my discriminating BBQ loving husband. The burnt ends, on the other hand, were pretty dry and not especially impressive, so one star off for that. Maybe it was a bad day? The people behind the counter are awesome. They engage everybody and are extremely nice. In fact the whole experience was so good we wanted to buy shirts -- but they were all huge: 2XL and above. Maybe next time!
(4)John H.
Really like this barbecue joint. They just started up and they are trying to figure out the capacity for the day without having leftovers. Because if that, they're open until they run out of food. A great idea to but have leftovers since you always get fresh out the smoker deliciousness. Because of their popularity I recommended getting there early As in right when they open. I walked in the door and was sixth in line five minutes after they opened. 10 minutes later the line was out the door around the corner. The sides are pretty standard fair, didn't have all of them. The ribs can go head to head against Okie Joe's. Perfect seasoning, crispy outside, juicy inside.....the burnt ends were spectacular as well. I gave them four out of five only because of the sides. I am sure they will develop something uniquely them. Bottom line: the Guys from Squeal Like A Pig will have you filled like a pig and squealng in delight.
(4)David W.
There has been a buzz about this place and since I love BBQ and live in the dot I thought I gotta go. I got a brisket sandwich with fries. The sandwich was really good. The brisket is thick slicked yet still juicy and has a nice taste. The sauce is different but really good also. I hated the fries though they do taste like long john silvers and are horrible. The ribs were tender and had a great taste. I thought it was a little expensive but I will go back and try other things. I was really impressed and the Kansas City area has a new challenger for the best BBQ in town.
(5)Brian H.
What an awesome place, exactly what I was looking for. Joe and his staff are very accommodating and knowledgeable. Get their early, they run out quick, I was there at 1:00pm and took the last two racks of ribs Fall off the bone, juicy ribs with just a hint of sweet and spicy... Served dry with their yummy sauce on the side. They also let me sample what little Turkey they had left and it was outstanding. Can't wait for them to start selling rubs and injects.
(5)Patrick M.
The short: All the hype about this new amazing BBQ spot and they just fail and fail and fail! The long: I had heard about Slaps before I even got to KC and made sure I would get out to try this new "amazing" BBQ spot. Sure it is in a little shack in KCK but who cares if it is that good. When I showed up the lot was pretty empty but there was a line to the door from the inside. There was a sign that stated they opened at 11 and were open til they sold out. Well it was 1210 so figured we would be safe. We hopped into line and we were not standing there more than 2 minutes before some lady stuck her head out the door and told us that they were down to beef and chicken and only had enough left to feed the 10 people in front of us maybe. Are you kidding me they had only been open barely an hour! So I came back again the next day at 1140 and again they informed people in line they wouldn't have enough food to feed the few of us left in line. The THIRD time I came back it was 1125 when I got in line and you guessed it THEY SOLD OUT AGAIN!!!!! WTF!!!!!! 3 days in a row and you are selling out that fast .I think they need to work on the quantity of food they are making if they are planning on making this a real business. Not only would I not come back here anytime in the near future until they fix themselves. I sure as hell wouldn't be sending anyone there I wanted to be able to eat. Maybe I'll keep an eye out and see if they have fixed themselves 6-12 months down the road. If they make it that long. What works: How the hell is anyone going to find out when you run out of food 30 minutes after you open?!!? What to improve: Quantity of food they are making!!!!
(2)Jeff T.
Get there early! Great surprise, their food is amazing and the service is top notch. This is what KC BBQ is all about. If you want to show friends from out of town what KC BBQ is all about, take them here. If you want to correct your local friends about what the best really is, bring them by here for a comparison to the overhyped and overrated places around town. Love Slaps, and will be back regularly!
(5)Jeff L.
Out of the way but very much worth the trip. Burnt ends amazing and great and unique sauce, too.
(5)Steven H.
One of the best BBQ places in KC. Get there early they sell out fast and I do mean sell out! The potato salad is out standing can't get this anywhere else! Building is small but the service is bar none the best. The staff is out going and are top notch. I predict they will be the destination for great Q. The burnt ends are smoked to perfection, the sausage is tops, ribs fall off the bone. Slap's is my choice from now on, sorry Oklahoma Joes.
(5)Adam R.
You have probably seen these guys at one of the million competitions or on TV's bbq pitmasters. They know BBQ. Walking in, quickly greeted by Michael Pearce's robust laugh as he slices brisket to order. Speaking of the meat, I had brisket, burnt ends, tried a rib and sausage. My stomach complained there wasnt enough room for all the deliciousness I was enjoying. Great family based service, wonderful food and a welcome staple to this growing part of town. Dont wait too long to decide to try as it appears they sell out everyday!
(5)Ced L.
Pretty good Q...loved the burnt ends...I'm going to give the ribs another shot...sausage was VERY darn good!
(4)Daniel B.
Wow. Just wow. My two uncles, my grandma, and I all decided to take a Kansas City BBQ tour, trying 8 different places in 3 days. We had heard about Jay, one of the owners, who had recently won the 2013 Pitmaster Competition, and heard that he had opened this restaurant on 6/16/14, and we went at the beginning of August. This place was no more than a month and a half old. The place is very tiny and we read that they can run out of meat within a couple hours after they open, so we decided to go there right before it opened at about 10:45 on a Saturday morning. When we got there, there were only a couple people in line, but by the time we got to the counter when they opened, the line was out the door, and Slap's soon filled with customers. This was our 2nd stop on the tour, our first that day. We ordered Burnt Ends, Pulled Pork, and Brisket. We also had the potato salad and beans. All the food was absolutely incredible. In my opinion, there has never been a place that has come close to my favorite BBQ place in KC which is Oklahoma Joe's, but this place equals if not tops it. The burnt ends just melted in my mouth, and the pulled pork was some of the best food I've EVER EATEN! They have one molasses based BBQ sauce and it is sweet and D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S! The brisket was moist and wonderful as well. The Potato Salad is unlike any I've ever had before, and it was so yummy that I could eat multiple sides of it. Also, the beans were spectacular. I don't even really like BBQ beans but man I would order these again. Hats off to the guys here at Slap's. Hands down one of the best places in the world when it comes down to BBQ. Unbelievably amazing! I suggest you come when they open. Very short wait if you get there at about 10:45, The line could get very long as the day progresses, and again, they do run out of meat after a very short time. Do yourself a favor and get there ASAP! For a full review of all the BBQ stops we went to in KC, check out this video: youtube.com/watch?v=N6a2…
(5)Raffy K.
Incredibly smokey and just the right amount of Flavor and brisket great cut and good quality so why the 4 stars you ask. they do have a large sandwich option but it still seems not enough meat to fill that bun so have to drop one star. other than that great stuff. Will be back when I'm not that hungry.
(4)Ryan A.
Love it. Love the meat. Brisket heaven. Sausage is good, they say it's from Texas, but I've had a better sausage in Texas. This one lacks the pepperiness I'm looking for in a Texas-style sausage. Burnt ends are also great, fatty as you please. Ribs are perfection. So, why four stars? The sauce is terrible. I know, I know, some people like it sweet. That's great for them, but not me. What's worse is that this is easily the sweetest I've ever had, which de facto makes it the worst. There was a little hint of spiciness at the very back end, but the cloying and overwhelming sweetness just made this sauce gag-worthy. If you love sweet sauce, you'll probably be right at home! If you don't, don't bother with the sauce. But do come for the meat! Oh, and the sides ain't bad, either. Not the best cheesy corn I've had, but a damn solid effort. Nice warm potato salad. Only got fries once and they were super salty, but I assume that's just a one-off.
(4)Gabe E.
Wow their barbecue was the BOMB! Great meat, sauce and fries! Even they recently open it is a very popular place. Down Point, it is kind of small place and they close up after they run out of food.
(5)Dan D.
Stopped in on the 2nd day they were opened, I'm a fan. Here are some notes. The Good 1. The burnt ends are hilariously good, perfect taste and cooked right. 2. The pulled pork, again dynamite for seasoning and cook The OK 1. The sausage, they are bringing it up from Texas but with Krizman's down the street I would have hoped that they would embrace the neighborhood. 2. The space, this place fills up quick and the layout is a little clumpy but everything is clean and accessible. Need Improvement 1. The sauce, one variety is difficult because there are so many types out there. The one they have is a little sweet for my taste but I am sure this will progress as they get their feet underneath themselves. Overall this place is a great addition to the neighborhood and I think will continue to grow and succeed. The BBQ quality is very high and with the premise that they are only cooking for what they need that day, you will get the best of what they have. I will be back and will continue to support this business.
(4)Pat W.
Phenomenal BBQ without all the frills. Great sides, I recommend the Potatoe Casserole and Cheesy Corn. Get there early as quantities are limited. The Turkey is the beat I've ever had. Kudos!
(5)Tim D.
Our first visit to Slap's was 12 Sep 2014, arriving just after noon. The line was out the door, so this was a good sign. No parking in the small lot, but the street worked out well. It took approximately 10 minutes to get to the front of the line. Two of us split the ribs (4) and brisket combo with baked beans and cheesy corn as the sides. The third in our party opted for the small brisket sandwich. The portions are nice, and splitting the combo worked out well. Not too much, not too little. We all felt the brisked was tender and smoky. Actually the brisket on the sandwich was not just slices, but bigger pieces. Our ribs were also very tender. May have been a little too tender if applying the KCBS standards, but great taste with no downside.The sides were good and the sauce, only appears to be one variety, was interesting, but good. It is thinner than you get at most BBQ places around KC. It was sweet but had a little tang too. I'm not into tang, but this combination worked well. Word to the wise. When they sell out a particular meat, it is gone for the day. The lady in front of us (12:20 or so) got the last turkey. She also got the next to the last serving of sausage. And as we were eating, we heard the server say that the burnt ends were gone. Not a lot of eat-in space, but like most places, there is enough turnover of customers that finding a spot to sit wasn't an issue. Friendly people serving too. Bottom line, great KC BBQ joint. Out of the way for us, but will try it again when in the area.
(4)Josh K.
A must go while in Kansas City. This is authentic BBQ! The pits are right outside, they cut open each brisket and burnt end fresh out of the hot box. The fat is cut off after it is cooked to seal in the taste, moisture and goodness of the meat. The texture is exactly what you want out of BBq, tender with a crisp bark. I really can't say enough about this place other than go there now. Make plans and go! Here is a video about the place: youtube.com/watch?v=N6a2…
(5)Jeanne K.
Smokehouse BBQ is my favorite place to eat or take out. We love the ribs and order a full slab so we can take them home for a second meal. Everything at slaps tastes good!
(5)Katherine H.
Overall the food was great and the service was especially wonderful! We got there around noon on a Saturday and they were sold out of burnt ends and by the time we left (1ish), were pretty much sold out of everything. There was a line out the door so get there early! We sampled the pulled pork, brisket, ribs, turkey, cheesy corn, fries, and hush puppies. My two favorites were the ribs and hush puppies. My only complaint is that my fries were slightly undercooked (soft, not crispy). Not a huge deal and easy to fix. The sauce is almost like a sweet chili glaze...very unique and tasty! I do like sauces with a little more tang and spice (not as sweet) but not complaining (just personal preference). It would be cool if they added another sauce at some point but I appreciate the creativity of the one they have. We will be back (want to try those burnt ends) and I hope they continue to do well. Our neighborhood is happy to have Slaps!
(4)Mindy B.
WOW! We lucked into finding this place on a road trip that passed through KC. I had the Pork Sandwich and got to try my daughter's Turkey Sandwich. Both were amazing! The potato salad was like a cross between classic potato salad and a baked potato casserole, it was delicious! My only regret is that we don't have this option in Nashville! Congratulations guys on the new restaurant, Kansas City is lucky to have you!
(5)James M.
Excellent BBQ. I haven't tried everything yet, but what I have tried has been very good. The ooey gooey sandwich (provolone and brisket) has amazing flavor. Messy to eat, but definitely worth it. The pulled pork is quite tasty, and the ribs are by far some of the best I've had. In my opinion the ribs are much better here than at some of the more popular BBQ joints in KC (ie, Oklahoma Joes, Jack Stack, etc). As for the sides, the fries were good, but the potato salad steals the show. I highly recommend giving it a try. I am a huge fan of their BBQ sauce too. It's on the sweeter side and has excellent flavor. Not too spicy. About as good as a BBQ sauce can get. I would recommend calling in the order or getting there early. The food sells out quick and space inside the restaurant is limited.
(5)Ryan M.
I'd been by a few times to try but they were closed. Finally succeeded on a Wednesday afternoon. I had the 3 Rib plate with Burnt Ends and it was fantastic. The ribs were juicy and tender with a great flavor. The burnt ends were very good and the portions were big. The sides need a bit of work but at this point I won't penalize them for that. They're perfecting the art of cooking fresh BBQ for their many fans every day. These guys are gonna be around for quite a while.
(5)Andy H.
These guys know how to smoke meats. Possibly the best thing that could have filled the empty building at 553. They renovated the inside and it looks so, so much better inside now. The menu is short but sweet, which is always a good sign. I had the Grand sandwich, with pulled pork and sausage: as good as it gets. The sauce here is very sweet, but very runny, so you can apply it sparingly. The sausage was amazing and not too salty--apparently they get it from a butcher in TX. I'll definitely be back to Slap's--there's a line out the door for a reason.
(5)Mike B.
This is my first yelp review. As others do, I often use yelp as the Litmus Test for new places to try. To start off - I am a fan of the under dog when it comes to Kansas City BBQ. While Joe's Kansas City BBQ (formally Oklahoma Joe's) is in my top 5, I am not overly fond of the other big names in Kansas City (Gates, Jack Stack). I love to frequent the little guys and I think that you get a better product. After reading the glowing reviews about Slap's, I set out early (for lunch) on a cold Saturday morning to stake my place in line and ensure that I don't miss out (Open 11 till they're sold out). We arrived at 10:45 and we were the sole car in the parking lot, but within a few minutes several others started to show up. I was getting excited and thought this confirmed the reviews that I had read. At 11:00 the door was unlocked and we and were first in line. We were greeted by the owners and we ordered the sample platter w/ribs add on and 2 sides (beans and fries). With 2 fountain drinks that came in right at $30 and there was a lot of food. With all that being said......I found the food to be very "average". If there was a 2.5 star rating that is what I would have gone with. Not great, but not terrible. Brisket - My "go to" meat choice at most BBQ joints. Thick sliced and moist, but lacking in smoke and flavorful bark. Pot Roasty is the what came to mind by both my buddy and myself. Pulled Pork - Pulled Park at most places is pretty bland to me so Slaps had an edge here. First several bites, I noticed a sweet flavor in it. Overall, not great but better than average. Would have liked it to have a little more heat. Sausage - Another one of my "go to" meat choices. Average, nothing memorable. Again, would have liked more heat but that is just my taste pallet not everyone likes spicy and I understand that. Turkey - This was the gem in my opinion, very flavorful and very most. I don't get turkey at most places but I really liked the flavor they packed in this. Not your typical dry bland turkey. Ribs - Above average, had decent flavor all the way through. Very tender. This is a category that I think a lot of places do very poor with. So they fact that they were slightly above average might be great in some peoples books. Fries - I have to say I am not a fan of the way they do fries here. I kept trying to place the style and I think my friend hit it right on the nose. Long John Silver style. I haven't been there in a very long time so I can't vouch that is the current style, but these fries reminded me of eating there as a kid. I've had more than my fair share of fries in my life time according to my pant size, but Long John Silvers is not a style to mimic. Sauce - Enjoyed it quite a bit, very unique sweet heat. Made the fries bearable. By no means do I want to sound negative. Slap's was very middle of the road for me. It just doesn't rank as great on my score card. If you are currently satisfied with your favorite BBQ joint, then I would not kill yourself to get there. I used to always enjoy trying a new bbq joint, but after a run of sub par places I was a little gun shy and stuck with my favorite joint (if you think your favorite is tops, why try new?) This doesn't mean that I am lumping Slap's in with the bad, in my opinion they're just not good enough to pull me away from my current favorites. They were very nice people and the service was very good.
(3)M H.
Tried this restaurant after hearing it was among the nation's best new bbq joints. It is pretty good, but when comparing it to other faves in KC (Joe's, Q39), it just doesn't stack up in my opinion. True, the meat is cooked masterfully, but it just doesn't have the flavor of real elite barbecue. It's lacking something. I don't normally use much sauce on bbq, but I couldn't even try Slap's sauce because it isn't gluten-free. That really doesn't have anything to do with this review though. It's based solely on the flavor and quality of the meat. I tried the ribs, the burnt ends, and the sausage. The first two were very good, and in many other cities they would be unrivaled, but here in KC they may be receiving too much acclaim. The sausage left a lot to be desired. It just tasted like casing or something. No zip. No zing. No sausage I know. The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is classic bbq joint, but for now I will stick to the truly outstanding barbecue in Kansas City and give Slap's a little more time to catch up.
(3)Joseph G.
SLAP has quickly become my favorite BBQ in KC. The it's all incredibly fresh; they only stay open until that day's food had run out. The brisket is fall apart tender, and the ribs are delicious. The staff is the nicest of any restaurant I've been to. Just be prepared to wait in line a while if go for lunch on Saturday.
(5)Tracy L.
Good BBQ but quantity and quality Dont match!!!! Three bones,five burnt ends n two small sides 15.99 that was high !!!!
(3)Jonathan F.
I had the two meat sandwich with brisket and pulled pork. It was very good. The BBQ sauce was wonderful. Different - in a sweet way - but so good.
(4)Kristina C.
We visited this rustic place twice while on a 3 day work inspired trip. I cannot say enough about how much I loved this place. My boyfriend went separately while I was working on Friday. He thoughtfully brought me some back to enjoy after my meetings. I could not believe how amazing the ribs and brisket where It was to die for! Today we went for the burnt ends but they were out only an hour after they open! That did not detour me. Anything else you order there is just as amazing. We prefer the burnt end but that is a personal preference. The ribs are meaty and fall off the bone! And they are served dry so you can add their delicious homemade sauce for yourself. I don't even think to add it. They are good enough without. The brisket is tender and juicy and they give you bread to wrap around it but I couldn't help eat it with my figures. The sides are just perfect too. You will not have a bad meal here. The people that own the place are brothers and their mom helps them out to spend time with them! They topped off the visit with their friendly down to earth personalities. We vow to visit at least once whenever we go back to Kansas City.
(5)Dan H.
Extremely good BBQ and unbelievably nice people. I met the owners today and I was overwhelmed with how nice they were to me and my family. The ribs were some of the best I have ever had and the brisket was nice and moist without being fatty. The sauce was good but all of the meat was good enough to not need sauce. They spent a lot of time talking to us and treated my two boys very well.
(5)W R.
It was before 6 PM on a Saturday night. It looked completely closed down, and a cryptic sign on the door said sold out. there's nothing worse than driving out of your way and be starving to find a restaurant completely closed down, even before dinner time. i'm not gonna bother trying again. Good luck.
(1)B P.
The meat is perfect... The sides are above average (especially the warm potato salad and hushpuppies). The sauce is unusual...a little too syrupy sweet for my taste, but i still like it. A spicier, less sweet, sauce option would be my only suggestion. Prepare to stand in line if you go at lunch time.
(4)Jack K.
Great family owned joint with some of the best ribs in the city. Suggest you don't only stick with the standard ribs&ends, but try the smoked turkey (incredible). Everyone agreed the hot potato salad is awesome. It's not like a German potato salad at all, more like a smashed/creamy fully loaded baked potato. Note: get there early as the line starts quick and once something's gone...it's gone!
(5)Lee A.
The BBQ was so good. You can taste why the guys did so well on BBQ Pitmasters . We had the large combo with ends and ribs and it was all cooked to perfection. The ribs were perfect and no sauce was necessary. Was so happy to be able to bring the leftovers home to have a second great meal. Look in the dictionary under KC BBQ and there is a picture of the Slaps gang. Fort Calhoun. Ne. Loves ya.
(5)Andrew P.
I've been to Slap's twice now, this place is doing it right. One of the newer BBQ places in KC, they are quickly on their way to becoming one of the greats. They serve up the best burnt ends I've ever had, and the sauce is spot on. Head over to KCK and give Slap's a try, you won't regret it. Get there early it can get pretty busy!
(5)Darrell F.
Great Food --- Great Service - Best BBQ I've eaten in years - Might I add I eat BBQ Once a Week - WOW No wonder why they sell out daily - Its Just That Great!!
(5)Jon B.
Went to SLAP's on Saturday to try them out. Small little place with limited parking and a line that went into the parking lot. All good signs for a great place to eat. We were able to get a two person table in the corner, another good sign even though there were 4 of us. We ordered the sampler plate and a half rack of ribs. Yes, we were crammed in there like sardines, but after the first bite, none of that mattered. The aroma, the food and the atmosphere are all perfect for this tiny little place. The turkey is some of the best that I have had. The ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and sausage can not be forgotten either. Their sauce is sweat, but it compliments the food. The only complaint that I have is the food coma that ensued shortly after leaving.
(5)Nate M.
Great Kansas City BBQ joint. This is the closet that most people will get to competition BBQ. The brisket is thick cut and the burnt ends are on point. Great place for BBQ.
(5)Kai G.
Pretty awesome BBQ. Line was long during lunch hours. Meat fall right off the bones, although some people say that's a sign of amateur BBQ. I respectfully disagree. Sauces are on the sweeter side. But I'd list this BBQ joint as one of the top in town. Great job.
(4)Bryce A.
This place is where you wanna be eating! Meat so tender it's falling off the ribs. You can tell that they put some serious attention and work into smoking these meats to perfection! These guys are the real deal!
(5)Rhonda T.
Oh yum! We ordered the sampler with burnt ends and ribs. There was enough food for 3 or 4 people so the two of us will be eating good tomorrow too. Favorites are the turkey, brisket and burnt ends. Will go back for those items by the pound. Now the other meats were also very good and worth trying again. Sides we got were ok but not outstanding (corn and potato salad) next time will try hush puppies and coleslaw or beans. Definitely worth going to, but get there early we got there at 10:45 and were 5th in line by 11:40 the line was still into the parking lot. A lot have mentioned the sweet sauce but the meat really stands up on its own and doesn't need sauce. Finally service was friendly and fast, great experience.
(5)William S.
Slaps has great BBQ some of the best in KC. There is one bad review on here about being closed at 6PM. If they had done any research they would have known that they open at 11AM and close when they run out or 4PM so they should have been closed. The dining room is small and nothing fancy but the food makes up for it. One mark of good BBQ in my opinion is the meat is sliced by hand not machine sliced to cover up tough meat. Try it you will not be sorry. Joe and his staff do a great job. ( I do not know the owner other than from BBQ Pitmasters on TV )
(5)Connie Mistler D.
A group of us went to SLAPS for lunch and got great service. People are friendly and eager to help. Meats are sliced while you watch, which makes the service slower than some other places, but the meat hasn't been sitting and drying out. We got there a bit before opening at 11, and the line formed behind us. If you get there later, you will stand in line. Is it worth it? The meat is definitely worth the wait. It is well-smoked and tender. I tasted the ribs, burnt ends, pulled pork, brisket, and sausage. They were all tasty. The meat was tender, moist, and flavorful. The ribs were the star of the show. If meat and friendly service was all that counted, I would give SLAPS 5 or 6 stars. The side dishes drag the rating down. I would rate them between a two and a three star...probably closer to two. I asked for hot potato salad and coleslaw with my combo. Don't get me wrong, they were not horrible, but I have tasted better. They were just several notches below what I serve at home. I'm funny that way; when I go out to eat, I want the food to be better than what I serve at home. Our group sampled beans, cheesy corn, hot potato salad, hush puppies, and coleslaw. People liked the hush puppies. They were not impressed by the other side dishes. The hot potato salad was comparable to a potato casserole, but it didn't seem the least bit like potato salad. They do serve a better quality of white bread with their combo plates than most barbecue joints do. Sandwiches are of a truly heroic size! Some folks liked that thin, sweet and hot sauce, while others just thought it was too sweet. I liked it, but I prefer a thicker sauce like Rufus Teague, Oklahoma Joe's, or KC Masterpiece. I would go to SLAPS for the meat and leave their sides alone. They also have meats to go, which I ordered. I am looking forward to serving that succulent meat at home with my kind of sauce and some impressive side dishes. Other reviewers talked about how SLAPS sold out by 1 PM. They are now cooking about 700 pounds of meat, and they are able to stay open later, sometimes until 3 PM. I would call.
(4)James L.
Slap's catered our fortune 500 compsny picnic here and it was amazing. Has to be even better in their store! Had pulled pork, brisket, slaw, cheezy corn and potato salad. Amazing....another KC landmark for BBQ!
(5)Britt P.
I had the brisket sandwich and fries. I love KC BBQ and I loved this place. The brisket was phenomenal and the sauce was flavorful. The menu was populated only by standard options (except for hush puppies) and the fries were normal. But the meat and the sauce make BBQ great, so 4 out of 5!
(4)Amanda I.
Amazing! Delicious meat & a very interesting sauce (kind of sweet). Definitely the best BBQ in the downtown KCK area!
(5)Julie T.
A group of co-workers and I checked out this new bbq joint for lunch today. We were pleasantly surprised. You'll want to get there right when they open at 11:00 or soon thereafter if you want a table...it's a tiny restaurant. I ordered a burnt ends plate with a side of cheesy corn & baked beans. The baked beans were just blah and barely lukewarm...almost tasted like they came out of a can which they added some smoked meat to. Cheesy corn was pretty flavorful and something I would probably get again. I tried a few fries which were seasoned only with salt...I thought they were ok but unremarkable. The burnt ends though were fabulous...tender, juicy and not fatty at all. I really did not care for the bbq sauce they serve...it's too runny and way too sweet for my taste though the burnt ends really didn't need any sauce they were that good. I wanted to try their hush puppies but they were sold out of them and we arrived 10 minutes after they opened. Not sure how they were already sold out of them. I would like to see them create another sauce option that's not so sweet and that maybe has some spice/heat to it. I would definitely go again for the smoked meat if nothing else. The quality of the side dishes I tried is the only thing that kept me from giving this place a higher rating...the smoked meat is definitely the star of the show here.
(3)