I was hoping to go to a more local-feeling type of place for my first taste of KC BBQ, but this was close to my hotel and had good reviews. I don't regret it. I was first intimidated by what looked like a long wait, but I was able to go straight to the bar for my meal (and a beer). Having heard of KC's burnt ends, that's what I ordered. Half brisket and half sausage. It was yummy. I'm not educated enough on BBQ to talk about the complexity of the sauce, but it was sweet and yummy. They don't drench the meat in it either, which is fine, because the smokiness in the meat alone deserves some applause. The beans were on the sweeter side, which I like, and the creamy coleslaw was definitely creamy (haha, I'm not big on coleslaw). The beer I had was Boulevard's Short Stack - Nommo Dubbel. On the darker side, a little malty. Nice warm beer. Comparable to a Smithicks, I think. I'm a fan. (I later tried Boulevard's wheat beer at another place and found it way too light). Ambience was nice. It's a dressed up restaurant, yet marked casual by the TVs at the tables and, obviously, the casual cuisine. Everyone around me was from out of town, so not sure what the locals think of it. Found it perfectly enjoyable though.
(4)
Susan D.
I *heart* Fiorella's! Last week, I went to this plaza location for the first time but, I've been a fan of the downtown location for many years. Also for the first time, I didn't order bbq (love the brisket sandwich) but rather, their grilled shrimp dish. It was well prepared and presented. I enjoyed my spinach salad, cheesy corn, coleslaw and the 1/2 order of fried mushrooms we ordered for an appetizer as well. Carrot cake was the finishing touch and it was a perfect end to a delicious meal. The only problem was that our server was a lil absent. Normally not a biggie but when you're in a nice restaurant like that, you expect a lil more. We waited quite a while after we'd finished eating and finally had to request her so we could order dessert. Maybe it was just an unusually busy night for her, or she wasn't feeling well. I'd recommend Fiorella's for a date, nice family night, business meal or whatever. I'm a fan! See ya there! :)
(4)
Nate H.
So of course I went with the sampler, because who wouldn't? Great mix of all their precious babies: burnt ends, ribs, chicken, and sausage. This place was very cool, an urban feel with a backyard barbecue flavor. Would definitely recommend to anyone who's in Kansas City.
(4)
Joyce C.
We wanted KC BBQ, but we're traveling cross country with two small dogs, which limits our choices in 94 degree heat. Picked Jack Stack for their patio dining, where they allowed us to have our dogs. They even brought them water. I had the a combo of lamb and pork ribs with the hot sauce. Meat was tender and flavorful, sauce spicy enough for a little kick without obliterating the taste of meats. We saved room for a shared piece of their pudding-like carrot cake; well worth the calories. Service was friendly and efficient. If we're ever back in KC we'll visit Jack Stack again.
(5)
Stacie E.
Ask for the secret apatiser. 3 stuffed mushrooms 3 onion rings 11.95!!! Awesome
(5)
Ashley N.
This food was RIDIC. That's all I can say.
(5)
Erik S.
My family had a terrific meal here. We ended up having BBQ twice in a day: first Arthur Bryant's, then here. Jack Stack won our little contest in a blowout. We got some of the same items, including pork ribs, at both places, and the contrast was dramatic. Here, the meat was tender, the sides were excellent, the beer was good, and the service was quick and attentive. The menu and staff were both great for my nine-year-old, too. Outstanding all around.
(5)
Ernie K.
The Best BBQ ever!!! This is second time coming to this restaurant (I have been to one in Overland Park) and by far, this is the best BBQ restaurant I have ever been to and who cares if you have to wait an hour. You think Texas has a great BBQ, you need to think again (I now live in Dallas and you can't compare Jack Stack BBQ to anything in Dallas). I would fly to Kansas City just to eat here. Maybe eat here and to meet gorgeous KC girls :D
(5)
Heather W.
Had sampler chicken was amazing! Also had cheesy corn and beans very good! The smell when you first walk in is incredible!
(4)
Amy C.
My husband picked this place out while we were shopping at Country Club Plaza. I'm glad he did the picking. This place was phenomenal! My husband ended up getting burnt ends and BBQ chicken. I got prime rib sandwich which was amazing! The au jus hit the spot! I also got a loaded baked potato. The atmosphere was good. But it just seemed like a normal restaurant. Nothing spectacular. When we do see a Jack Stack's BBQ place...we will definitely come again!
(5)
Mary Z.
While visiting KC, my friend and I ate here both nights of our stay. It was the first night that convinced us to return: we are very tough critics of American food, but the food and service here would be difficult to improve. Both nights we came after 7 and had about a 20 minute wait. But it was graduation weekend, and the wait was shorter than the hostess told us it would be. And it's funny that both nights we ended up with the same waiter. Night 1, we both ordered the Jack Stack Combo with lamb ribs & burnt ends. I got broccoli for a side and she got beans, so we could taste each. For drinks, she had a Strawberry Shortcake cocktail and I the on-tap Boulevard Farmhouse Ale 7. Food arrived super fast, down to the extra side of spicy bbq sauce. Burnt ends were the big cubes of well-marbled, beefy goodness we expected, drizzled lightly with the same sauce. But those lamb ribs were a carnivore's ambrosia, possibly the most succulent lamb AND barbecue I have ever eaten...we were unable to refrain from making inappropriate noises while eating them. People stared and whispered about us. We didn't care. Try the lamb ribs and you will understand why. My broccoli was more tender than tender crisp, but bright green and dusted with parmesan...mmm. Her beans were tangy, piquant, and laced with some kind of pulled meat. As for the drinks, my ale tasted bright yet hearty. Her Strawberry Shortcake was waaaaaay too sweet for me but perfect for her. It was also alarmingly potent. We had to wait around a while for her to sober up sufficiently to make the hill climb back to our hotel. Jack Stack on Day 2 was equally exceptional. It strikes me that nothing arrived overly salted either day. That is so rare! As much as we try to be adventurous, we HAD to have those lamb ribs again. So we ordered the same combo but changed our veggies and our other meat: I tried the vegetable kabob and dark meat quarter chicken while she got the fire grilled veggies and white meat quarter chicken. Also, she opted for a mango martini while I stuck with water. This time, there seemed to be even more of the same scrumptious ribs. As for the chicken, all parts were juicy, fall-apart tender, smoky, and perfectly sauced. The vegetables were very similar, though the kabob included little corn cob wheels and the fire-grilled ones included sugar snap peas and that same parmesan. My friend savored her martini throughout the meal, having learned her lesson the hard way. It appeared even stronger than the Shortcake. Only two minor things didn't make sense: the toasted plain white bread accompanying our meals, and the white horseradish sauce that came with mine on day 2. They were unnecessary adornments.
(5)
Brian M.
First visit and would definitely be back. Good atmosphere great service and good was very good. Baby back ribs perfectly tender and chicken had great flavor.
(4)
Kyle F.
Ate here after taking a suggestion from a good friend who lived here. It was great advise. The food and service did not disappoint! They have a great selection of local brews and good wine list. I had the sampler so I could try a little of everything and all of it was good especially their beans, ribs, chicken and sausage. Make a reservation.
(4)
Funda W.
Yummy!!! Tasty BBQ and cheesy corn!
(5)
Tara F.
Ehhh... I don't really get what the fuss is about. My husband and I visited Jack Stack while on a cross country road trip... and after reading such great reviews on Yelp maybe I expected too much... it was pretty mediocre and our service wasn't great either. My husband and I drove to this cute Freight House Building and though WOW... this is a cute location and the inside proved to be just as high end BBQ place perfect in terms of decor and space layout. Exposed beams, impossibly high ceilings, cool art... it was rustic chic... and I like that. We cozied up to the bar, awaiting an open booth (we like to sit next to each other when we dine) and had a good chat with the bartender. He made wine recommendations and we took his advice... trying the Consentino Cigarzin Zinfandel... it was VERY GOOD and paired nicely with our BBQ (though the food was sort of a let down). About midway through our first glass of wine, our table was ready and we made our way to a nice booth that overlooked the entire restaurant... sort of a rounded bench type right in the corner... it was a great table and I like that! We started out with their Burnt Ends... Beef, Ham, or Pork that is seared until tender and cut into bite-size chunks for $7.95. They'd seem to get a lot of mention and they were pretty tasty. For the price, you get a decent size portion. Next we opted on splitting the Three Ribs on a Platter which includes Beef, Pork and Lamb Ribs as well as coleslaw and french fries for $19.95. They were all good, but nothing really exceptional. We were very curious to try the lamb ribs but the flavor (and we love lamb) was a little off. We finished off our meal with our favorite... creme brulee... but unbeknown to us, it was orange flavored and I am not a fan of flavored creme brulee. I wish it would have said this in their menu or that our server had made mention because I'd have tried something else. Finally we were ready to leave and our server was no where to be found. He wasn't really friendly, didn't ask us why we didn't eat the creme brulee, and was sort of curt. For a Zagat rated restaurant their food was not impressive and it's too bad because they have a lot going for them in terms of aesthetics and it's natural (well designed, actually) ambiance. I think I'll try Jack Stack's again and here's to hoping 'll have a better experience this time around.
(3)
Stephanie B.
This restaurant came highly recommended by another fellow yelper. Therefore, I came here expecting high quality eats and service. I am sad to say, that I can't say that I came away from my dining experience with the "warm & fuzzies". Before I get into the negative, let's discuss the positive: 1.) When you walk in, the wonderful smells of BBQ makes your mouth water. 2.) The decor is pleasing to the eye. It's all leather and bovine figurines/carvings/sculptures. It screams: "Our cows are delicious!" Let's go over my list of grievances. 1.) When you walk in, the wonderful smells of BBQ makes your mouth water. I know what you're thinking: "Stephanie, didn't you list this as a positive aspect?" YES. I did. THAT was false advertising. I expected the quality of the plated product to meet my olfactory expectations. It did not. From all of the photos, reviews, and tips, I was hoping that I too, would have a raving review to share. News Flash: I DO NOT. I ordered the 2 meat lunch combo, which seemed safe enough. I got the beef burnt ends, and the sliced turkey. As a side option, I ordered 2 small sides: potato salad, and cole slaw. The cost of aforementioned combo was roughly $14.00. The cost isn't unreasonable, but the QUALITY of the product had me coming away thinking this was severely overpriced. The burnt ends weren't too bad, but they were bland, and there was a dollop of equally bland BBQ sauce that was plopped on (yeah, that word doesn't make it sound appetizing, and trust me, it wasn't). Let's talk about the other "meat" that was dropped on the other side of my plate and brought to my table in a poor excuse for something appetizing. 2.) The other meat selection: "turkey". I use this term loosely. VERY LOOSELY. The menu advertised the "turkey" as "smoked". Now, I am no connoisseur, but I have had my fair share of many a "smoked meat". Every time that I have ordered smoked turkey, it has come typically as "thick cuts", tender, more on the dry end of moist, but moist nonetheless. That being said, the "turkey" that was displayed on my plate was thinly cut, and was "sweaty" (in other words, it had the consistency of thin cuts of turkey that you could find at your grocery deli counter, that was probably nuked in the microwave to take the chill from the fridge out of it). If you want me to elaborate on what it tasted like, I am sad to say I cannot report that, as I didn't dare touch that "meat" to my lips. It didn't even look appetizing enough to put in a "doggy bag" to take home to my neighborhood pooch, if you get my drift. 3.) Let's talk sides. As you'll recall, I ordered the potato salad, as well as the coleslaw. Remember how I said my "turkey" was reminiscent of my lunch meat I've seen at the deli counter? Well, the potato salad AND the coleslaw must've come from the same grocery store that they bought the "turkey" from. Not good. I'm quite certain I've had better from my local Safeway/Giant. Bland, unappetizing, and had me regretting my order. I would've rather gone without either option, had I had the chance. 4.) The service. Let's talk about the service. I won't bash my server too much, as he seemed to be new, and had a case of the jitters. He started out attentive, but became less so as the meal went on. At one point, my meal came out missing the coleslaw. Ok, that's an easy mistake, but what made this so bad was that it took almost 25 mins (after this mistake was brought to the server's attention) to get a small little bowl of coleslaw brought out to me. Seriously? How long does it take to scoop some colse slaw into a bowl? In this case, TWENTY FIVE minutes. Unacceptable. They weren't that busy, and at no point during the meal did anyone (not the table runners nor the server) apologize for the mistake. I wasn't expecting groveling, but just having someone acknowledge the slip up would've been nice. The only time that the server apologized was when he handed me the check, which to me, seemed like a last ditch effort to prevent a lower tip percentage. (And for the record, I still tipped 20%, because I chalked this up to a rookie mistake.) Another problem I had with the service: I felt that the server kept rushing us. Keep in mind that with all the mistakes (missing side items, lack of drink refills, etc) this prolonged our dining experience. There were several times our server came to our table to "take some of the plates out of the way", when instead, he should've been concerned with tracking down my missing coleslaw, or bringing me a coke refill. He brought our check to the table while 2 out of 3 of us were still eating (and had well over 50% of our food on our plates). You would've thought that it was near closing time with the way he was trying with the way he was trying to rush us out of there. Never mind that we could've been done 25 mins earlier, had my coleslaw not been M.I.A...just saying.
(1)
Brandon R.
Their cheesy corn and carrot cake are two of the best things I've ever experienced personally. Seriously that's really all I have to write about if you've experienced this personally. The only reason this review isn't going to be 5 stars is because the brisket I ordered was very high in fat content. The carrot cake is served warm and is a very large piece, the portion is plenty for 2 (stretch it to 3 easy). The cheesy corn is a side that could almost be converted to an entree. I wish I could convey all the points of the flavor. Smokey cheesy goodness with what I suspect may have been a hint of bacon. But overall everything I experienced there with a party of around 7 people total was delightful. Great service, and a guy with a handlebar mustache who was in his 20s. I'm Impressed and the food wasn't terribly priced either. So if you want to class it up without breaking the bank, I'd certainly recommend this place because of the atmosphere and this location had great service.
(4)
Jessica E.
Not too shabby, Fiorella. Giving four stars to a BBQ place is a pretty big step for me considering I'm not a HUGE fan of BBQ (hold those gasps). Yes, I'm a KC native...but slabs of meat drenched in thick sauces isn't my first choice for a meal. Regardless, the food was ridiculously good here. My boyfriend's brother was in town and we decided to give him a small taste (ha) of the KC BBQ scene. We sat at the bar to keep tabs on March Madness and even for 9pm on St. Patrick's Night, it wasn't too busy. Sat right away and ordered the two meat option (sausage and ham), fries, cheesy baked potatoes and a light Irish beer (awesome, btw). The meat was cooked to perfection, and unlike some restaurants, did not lack flavor nor was it dry. Props! Tried the hot sauce, should've gone spicy...I thought there would be more of a kick to it. The bartenders were impressively attentive and the manager did a great job of making sure our orders were perfect. Ate a spoonful (maybe more) of K's cheesy corn bake and yup, it's as awesome as everyone says. Yes, I've been to Oklahoma Joe's, Arthur Bryant's and Gate's. All have their unique takes, but I must say that I appreciate the clean, dining experience of Jack Stack. More importantly, I was able to use the bathroom without pouring hand sanitizer down my appendages afterwards. I will definitely be back for seconds.
(4)
Vince D.
Lamb ribs wow. Pork ribs, pretty good. Spices beans, yes mama. Jacks stack house is a solid BBQ experience, but is it a classic, not sure. The BBQ sauce was a big disappointment. The quality of the meat is close to a five star. The seasoning and sauces lack luster.
(3)
Toni M.
We are in Kansas City suddenly and unexpectedly for the funeral of our beloved sister-in-law, Lois. Last night after we arrived and checked in to our hotel we went over to the house to see the family, Bob and their two daughters, Linda and Betsy. A friend of Linda's had brought BBQ from Jack Stack, brisket, turkey, coleslaw and potato salad and that, along w/ assorted vegetables and cut up oranges and tangerines, was our dinner. The brisket was smokey and fork tender. We didn't taste the turkey, but Linda said positive things about it. I liked both the coleslaw and potato salad, which had a little more mayo than would please Tam, but had good flavor. It won't displace Danny Edwards at the top of our BBQ pantheon but it was damn good and a fitting gastronomic welcome back to KC.
(4)
Marc M.
This is the most recent location for a Kansas City and BBQ stable. This place seriously gets rated as THE top BBQ restaurant in all of the US. If you think that BBQ has to be a hole-in-wall, heart-attack-if-you-eat-it, middle-of-no-where place, after visiting here you will understand why it is so highly rated and yet in the middle of the upscale Country Club Plaza area of KC. We came for lunch and did not have to wait before noon on a Thursday, but as we left an hour later, there was a wait. This location is pretty big, but I can see how people would want to wait for the food. The bar area is big and well-stocked, so waiting may not be that hard... Our server was excellent. Again, this a BBQ restaurant. You don't expect to necessarily have attentive, knowledgeable, friendly service. She offered up the extra sauces when the food arrived, but we originally declined. After a few tastes, we were curious about the "spicy" and "hot" sauces. We asked for "spicy", which turned out to not be too hot/spicy, so we asked for the "hot", which had a pretty good zip to it. I had Baby Back Lunch [ribs], which were good. I went for the two most popular sides of beans and creamed-cheese-corn. I can see why they won awards for these. My coworker has turkey and pork platter with the beans a side of asparagus. The asparagus was the best thing we ate - not that anything was bad - but it was coated in olive oil and their special seasoning and then grilled over hickory. The flavor was incredible! I had been to another location, but this was the first time for my coworker - a native Texan BBQ eater. He was duly impressed and this meal made our day!
(5)
Tony P.
Brisket, Prime Beef Ribs, Pork Ribs, Beans, Cheesy Corn Bake, Onion Rings, and Fried Mushrooms are the cream of the crop here. Sauce is great too. Burnt ends are hit and miss 50/50. Fries could be better. This location is nice, but I prefer the original location.
(4)
Reed N.
Still great service here and attention to a lot of details. Excellent grilled Mahi Mahi was the fish of the day. And the spinach salad with roasted pecans and strawberries and feta is just awesome. Or did I mean the creme brulee. Oh... never mind! Good eats are here beyond the BBQ.
(4)
Stefanie P.
I did my research on KC BBQ and had gotten lots of recommendations. Only a few had mentioned "Jack Stack" so we took the risk and did it. It was awesome. We got the sampler/combo dinner place with Pork Ribs, Beef Ribs, Burnt Ends, sliced meat and sides of onion rings, fries, cheesy corn bake. Everything was very good, my favorite was PORK RIBS. So sweet, so juicy, just typing this makes me want to go back. The Cheesy Corn Bake was probably the best side I've ever had ever. Skip the bread, skip any appetizers, you'll have plenty of food with your dinner. This location got very busy with families around lunch time, so go early or make reservations. Dark wood atmosphere. Cool place. Price was about $13 a platter, but lunch menu is a bit more affordable. No lunch on Sundays.
(4)
The D.
Lamb ribs are awesome. Burnt ends were delicious. The sides (beans and cheesy corn) were amazing. The local Boulevard Brewing beer on draft is awesome. Lots of tourists here. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is I'm from Texas and that is were all bbq is done best.
(4)
Debra F.
We came here several years agao and the food was great so we had to go back We have the ribs with the cheesy corn and the beans. The lunch portion and cost is great as is the food. The ribs are meaty and tender with great flavor. The decor is beautiful and everything there is top notch.
(5)
Kip L.
Barbecued baked beans are amazingly good and smoky probably the best baked beans ever.
(5)
Kevin M.
I've grown up on some of the best southern barbeque in NC and Tennessee. This evening my taste buds were blown away by the most succulent, fall off the bone ribs I've ever eaten. My wife and I had to share this huge "Jack's Best" plate with their signature beans, coleslaw and corn. The patio was nicely laid out and Mathew was the most courteous and helpful waiter I've had in a long time.
(5)
Kristi D.
We checked out Jack Stack while in town, and I thought it was good, but I don't need to go back. The meat was fantastic. The cheesy corn everyone talks about? Picture corn kernels in a Velveeta soup. That's what it looks and tastes like - not at all what I, or my dining partners, imagined. And not worth the calories. The baked beans were terrific. The carrot cake - so, so. I've had better. A round chunk of moist cake, dripping with a cream cheese sauce and sprinkled with walnuts. It was fine but not impressive. The big issue was our waitress. I was shocked to get such rude service at a upper-end restaurant, much less a place known for its BBQ. The waitress was rude to members of our dining party, to the point of even arguing. It was nice, but next time I am in KC, I will check out other options. Maybe I'll go back someday.
(3)
Deborah G.
Ok, my family have been long time customers of Jack Stack ever since I was a kid.. While the food is always good, I have noticed over the years the meat has become fattier & the waitresses more bitter. IDK if it's because my palate has matured or that I notice the subtleties of poor service but the main reason I have not been back to this location for quite some time is due to the wait staff who can be quite rude at times. God forbid you ask for a refill of your drink before they offer it! I guess they figure they can get away with it because they always have a full house but to me, it's just not worth it.
(2)
Steven M.
I took at pic of my plate when it arrived and shot it out to a gal back in the Windy City. She immediately knew where I was and called me a Bitch! I had the Jack's Best so I could sample everything. The dinosaur bones that they brought out were pretty amazing! My favorite were the pork ribs. No fat and nice glaze over them. The burnt ends were explained to us as burnt on the outside only. Um, not really! Mine were little briquettes as well as others at the table. The baked was standard issue, but the baked beans got my attention. The onion ring tree was really good and not at all greasy. I was impressed with the servers ability to split the appetizer 7 ways on our checks. Nice atmosphere and great service.
(4)
Erin F.
No idea how the food tastes because we waited 15 minutes before we were even acknowledged by our waiter. This was after being ignored by 3 hostesses (who were doing nothing) when we entered the restaurant for around 5 minutes. Terrible service - we spent our money elsewhere.
(1)
Aubrey A.
Cannot be in KC without eating here. Normally love lamb and don't LOVE the lamb ribs, but everything else is UNREAL!!!!!!
(4)
Karen S.
Had high expectations and was disappointed. We shared a sliced meat platter and the meat looked terrible. Sliced turkey looked like it came out of a supermarket deli, sliced pork was an unappetizing shade of gray. Sauce was fine, but it was hard to enjoy after I had seen the meat I was eating. It was really bad Beans were good if you like wet, bbq-flavored beans. I felt like I was eating a cup of the sauce with a few beans, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Maybe the ribs and other dishes are a better bet here, but I don't think I'll be back given the other bbq places in KC.
(2)
Susan D.
If meat is murder than give me the death penalty! I'm guilty as charged! I was in the Kansas City/Lees Summit area for business and I made up my mind I wanted either steak or barbecue. I'd heard about how great either one was and I made up my mind I was gonna get me some. I also wanted an unpretentious place to eat at, so thank you Yelp. So since I had a rental car for the week, I made it all the way in from Lees Summit to eat here. Even if it meant going by myself. And baby, I wasn't disappointed. I went for hte 8oz filet mignon. Now I love a good steak, but there's no way I'd'a finished the 11oz-er. Their steaks are hickory grilled here and it shows. From the moment I bit into that succulent, well done hunk of beef I thought, "Man, this cow died and went to heaven." This was a steak to savor. My baked potato was so nice and soft, but not mushy. I don't know about you, but I like my baked potato with just a little bit of butter. Anything else kills the taste. And the spinach side salad was a great opener. Makes me glad my husband and I are doing an extended bike ride this weekend!
(5)
Sandyann G.
Why is BBQ a must have when in KC? If you are tired of the ubiquitous smoked baby back ribs then come here and try the Angus Steaks, Seafood and Lamb. You can't get much further from ordinary BBQ than this. You should also check out the other items on the menu. Notably the Fried Mushrooms. They could make a slider out of these they are that big. But even better is the flavor and texture. Next up was the 'Loaded Baked Potato'. My friends will tell you this is my favorite food and Jack Stack does it right. The skin is lightly salted and the potato is filled with butter, sour cream, chives and bacon. Please hold the bacon. The only place that has ever done a potato better was the one pounders on the Cache Creek River Rafting trip.
(4)
Sean S.
Great atmosphere, great service, great BBQ. I had the Sampler Platter - Burnt Tips were good not great more like a pot roast in texture. BBQ sauce was excellent and covered any flaws. Ribs were excellent. Would certainly recommend and eat at again!
(4)
Maggie F.
Have you ever been to a zoo where the grounds are gorgeous,,, but no matter how long you've walked around you can't for the life of you see any animals??? I felt the same kind of disappointment here :( The location was perfect, the service great, everything on the menu looked inviting! Unfortunately the BBQ was just not good. The chicken was cold, the burnt ends where fatty, 1/2 the ribs had almost no meat on them. I do have to give kudos for the stuffed mushrooms. I'm not a mushroom fan, but these where yummy!
(2)
Brittany S.
My hubby and I first tried this place after the desk clerk at the hotel we were staying at recommended it to us. We were hooked after the first bite! I don't eat pork and am always disappointed when I go to barbeque joints and am told they don't serve beef ribs... only pork. So, I was thrilled to find out this place serves beef ribs! The beef ribs, beef brisket and lamb ribs are all delicious! All the sides I've tried are amazing, too! This place will leave you stuffed and wishing you could have eaten more! I can't wait to go back to KC so I can have some more delicious BBQ from Jack Stack!
(5)
Eve C.
During a weekend in KC for a friend's wedding, I wanted to eat as much BBQ as I possibly could during my brief jaunt back to the midwest. Jack Stack on the Plaza was the culmination of my quest, and it was awesome. Some friends and I headed over for a relatively early Sunday night dinner. There were quite a few people there, so we had to wait a bit for a table. No worries, as we had a round of drinks at the bar. I opted for a Boulevard Smokehouse Series beer - the Saison. Little did I know the brewer of my all-time fave wheat beer had a series of limited quantity brews. It was very tasty, but only came by the 750ml bottle. On to the food. We ordered a stack of onion rings for a starter - they were huge!! I opted for the combo with brisket burnt ends and pork ribs, which came with 2 sides (I went with fries & coleslaw). Huge portions. I thought the burnt ends were a wee bit dry, but still tasty. The ribs were juicy, meaty, and pulled right away from the bone. One of my friends opted for the beef ribs, and they were HUGE. I'm talking Flintstones intro, brontosaurus bones huge. Which is why there were only 4 to an order. Four ribs, you say? Well, my friend only managed to eat 2, so it was all gravy. She got beans and the cheesy potato bake as sides. Both yummy. Friend #2 got the burnt ends combo with pork and brisket. He said the pork burnt ends was much juicer than the brisket. For sides, he opted for the cheesy corn bake, which was probably the best side of the night. Next time, screw the apps, I'm going for the ribs and the cheesy corn. It was Friend #1's birthday, so even though we were stuffed, we indulged in a molten chocolate-lava cake type dessert. A la mode, of course. Very rich, very gooey, very yummy. Overall, Jack Stack was a win. Classier than some of the more well-known BBQ joints around town (and you pay for that class), but it is on the Plaza, after all. I know I'll be back.
(4)
Louise H.
I have been to Jack Stack more times than I can count and have had great experiences every single time. The service is always up to par along with the wide variety of food. I would definitely have to recommend the pulled pork and vege kabob. WOW delicious. ooooohhhh and the beans and cheesy corn - ok... everything is good. definitely get a bunch and share with friends so you can experience everything! yum.
(5)
David A.
I agree with Max's review. I don't understand why others are rating it so highly. The only thing I can figure is that they don't like the grease pits that most GOOD bbq joints are. They bring you here for corporate lunches and meetings or "fine" dining. Don't get me wrong, the place is OK. I've just had better. MUCH better. Maybe even in Massachussets (sticks finger down throat). What I remember was: Everything was dairy heavy (even raved about the creamed spinach and creamy slaw). Of course, I couldn't try it, so I probably missed out. All the orders were quite plentiful with huge servings. However, the food was just OK. It reminded me of Brazilian all you can eat places where it's just meat after meat after meat and it's too much meat that isn't smoked or marinated well. This is a good size restaurant with quite a few people. No parking on site. You'll have to find street parking, garage, etc. It's right in the Plaza, so if you're staying at the Intercontinental as I was, it's quite convenient. I can't tell you how many people rave about this place and look at me crazy when I tell them it's overrated by a LOT. Those same people thik KC is dangerous and want to avoid the Arthur Bryants, Oklahoma Joes, Gates, and Rosedales. Their happy hour is decent. I polished off a few drinks while waiting for some of my peeps to show up. The staff was very nice, too.
(2)
Ryan D.
There is a reason this is known for being the best barbeque in the country - it is. And, it is well worth the wait. Last night at 530, there was a two and a half hour waiting list. We got there a little earlier and waited only 45 minutes. Well worth it! Give the "Jacks Best" a try. It includes generous portions of burnt ends, baby back ribs and the best crown prime rib you have ever had. The desserts were large. We had the carrot cake which was very well done. The only thing keeping this from five stars was the service. I suppose when your the best, it is easy to take good service for granted. However, our waitress was rude, even arguing with one of the people in our party. She also completely forgot to bring one drink, but didn't forget to charge us for it. This may be an isolated incident, but when you're the best, everything should be the best.
(4)
Annie K.
If you are visiting and you only have one day I highly recommend this place. Burnt ends are amazing, local beer is great and the staff is extremely nice!
(4)
Rebecca W.
First time having KC BBQ and being a southern girl, I wasn't too impressed. The sliced pork was tender and juicy and the beans were out of this world, just not my idea of BBQ, pulled pork wasn't even on the menu. Service was good though.
(3)
Caroline K.
Kansas Citians will arm wrestle you over barbecue favoritism. Most KC joints are small, stand in line and order at a greasy cash register affairs that make even the most mellow folks agitated and impatient, but always worth the hassle. Jack Stack uses a classy dining room and stellar service (and of course, cocktails) to help you enjoy a real dining experience. Oh, and the food is outstanding as well. I'm a frequent patron of Jack Stack, but a recent trip changed my perception of beef forever. Have you ever experienced a perfectly executed meal that makes you question if food will ever be the same to you again? I had this kind of experience with the Crown Prime Beef Rib at Jack Stack. This is NOT Prime Rib (though they do have it and it is outstanding). This is a delicious on-the-rib-bone cut slow smoked to perfection to give this fatty cut a melty quality that can't be matched. Delicious, renders-on-the-tongue, smoky beef goodness. This cut was part of a special with burnt ends the night of my visit, so it was really the best of both worlds, but it is a permanent fixture on the menu. If you truly want to experience a whole new level of smoked meats, get the Crown Prime Beef Rib. But one experience and one dish does not make a 5-star review. As I said earlier, Jack Stack is one of our go-to stops. I've never ordered or tasted something I didn't love. The sides are amazing (cheesy corn bake, beans and their ever-changing vegetables are all spectacular). You can even get dessert, a rare find at a barbecue place. In short, Jack Stack combines great food and an actual restaurant environment for a unique and satisfying dining experience that is sure to impress out of town guests and long-time residents alike.
(5)
Gary K.
The last few times I have been to this reateraunt it has not been very good. I went last night and decided to try their ribeye. It was over cooked, dry and had no flavor. For a steak that cost over $35 I expect much more. The bbq that i had the two visits before was really dry. I dont think I will be going back anytime soon.
(2)
Rasheda H.
Very upscale barbque place on the plaza. I definitley come here looking my best when I dine at jackstack. The barbque is good, but the ambiance makes this place what it really is. The potatoes are so yummy. The rib tips are amazing! The ribs are also amazing. This is the best place to come for a date!
(4)
Janelle M.
My husband and I were rolling through town on our way home from the Indianapolis 500. We happened to be here on Memorial Day, and our first choice BBQ place was closed. Man, am I glad it was - because this place was out of this world! We shared burnt ends (pork/beef only - YUM!). My husband ordered Blackened Prime Rib sandwich with fries (yum!) and their cheesy corn dish (that was weird, we didn't like it). I had their smoked prime rib with asparagus and a side salad. It was all amazing. I am definitely coming back the next time I am in the area. We even brought their catalog home, just in case! Highly recommend it - it was FABULOUS!
(5)
Stephen T.
Fantastic experience! Highly recommended!!
(5)
Derek L.
I'm a KC native my whole life and have had the pleasure of enjoying the World's best barbecue my entire life. In years past I have gone to Fiorella's Jack Stack barbecue and thought the food was good if not great. Recently I went into the Jack Stack on the Plaza and took a seat at the bar and had an entirely different experience. When I sat down the bartender came right over to me and took my beverage order and provided me a menu. I ordered a Boulevard Pale Ale and the beer was cold and refreshing. As I looked over the menu and decided between burnt ends or baby back ribs I eventually ordered the burnt ends (brisket and ham). While I waited for my food to be prepared I looked around the bar and noticed 3 HD Tv's that were showing the World Series. I noticed that the TV's were HD but the game was being displayed in standard def as shown in the letterbox on each side of the screen and the rather unclear picture. I was soon slid a dish of cole slaw that appeared to have been sitting for some time as evidenced by the top of the slaw being very dry and all the dressing sitting at the bottom of the bowl. I took a few bites and was not too impressed with its dry texture and mildly cool temperature. A few minutes later my food came on a large oval plate. The meat was stacked up on one side with a some jarred looking pickles that look like they could have came from a McDonalds cheeseburger. The cheesy corn bake I ordered was on the other side in a small bowl with a piece of toast finishing off the underwhelming presentation. I immediately dug into the cheesy corn which was delicious. Next I started on my burnt ends. They were pretty good despite some parts of the brisket being dried out and chewy. The toast it came with was very plain and unappetizing. I finished my meal and was still hungry so I ordered dessert. When the bread pudding I ordered came it was a HUGE portion and way too much for one person. The bartender had told me that it was hot but as I reached the center of one of the 3 large slices I noticed it was a microwaved product that was hot on the edge and still cool in the center. Overall, I have had better here and it seems that some corner cutting has taken place. The service was great but the bar which has immense potential was underwhleming and the presentation of the food left more to be desired.
(2)
Barb H.
Came for lunch. Server was knowledgeable and attentive, but perhaps too much so. Friend had trout and enjoyed. I had pulled pork and burnt ends sandwich. Quite tasty though bun was too big. Cole slaw tasty but not sure why it came out before our meal. Fries were excellent. Tasty BBQ but not the best I've ever had.
(3)
Robert M.
This is about as good as barbecue gets. The brisket is tender and juicy. Don't miss the prime beef rib (even if just the appetizer) and don't neglect the sides (the cheesy corn bake is oddly better than it sounds).
(5)
Joe D.
I had a combo platter with beef ribs, burnt ends, and spare ribs, and eveyrhing I had here was pretty good, but I definitely left feeling underwhelmed. The spare ribs were definitely lackluster, and the burnt ends were good but out of the 4 places I've eaten burnt ends in Kansas City, they were my least favorite. The beef ribs were the only thing in my meal that stood out. I wasn't a big fan of the setup either- to me BBQ and a white tablecloth environment just don't mix well.
(3)
Josh K.
I'm on a business trip and needed dinner so I searched here and found this great BBQ joint. I wasn't sure whether I wanted to dine in or order for take out but when I saw the special entrance and free parking for takeout customers, my mind was made! These are great conveniences for people on the run. I ordered the Southern Jack (being a Georgia boy and all) and some beans. The service was friendly as well as fast. The employee asked if I wanted anything to drink. This might seem like a small thing, but I'm a big customer service nut and I might have forgotten to order one (it's happened before). He also pointed out the silverware and condiments without me having to ask. The sandwich was good with plenty of meat, which was was very tender. They provided plenty of sauce on the side for slathering on the sandwich. Let me tell you, the beans were some of the best I've tasted. I say "some of the best" because I have to reserve "the best" for mom/granny of course. Overall a great experience and highly recommended!
(5)
ND U.
This is the place to go for barbecue! The prices are fair and the food is really good. A must try is the burnt ends and the carrot cake. I'm still dreaming of that darn cake. It's served warmed with cream cheese frosting melting and oozing goodness. The only reason why I did give five stars is because the wait staff never warned me on the portion size. These are very large portions and we had plenty of leftovers which I don't eat.
(4)
Rusty B.
This was my favorite place to eat while in Kansas City. The burnt ends were the highlight of a great meal. If you get a dessert try the carrot cake.
(5)
Amy B.
The fanciest barbeque joint I've ever been in, and the food was fantastic. As a table I think we ordered every meat they serve, plus vegetable skewers and mac and cheese. Everything was fantastic!
(5)
Glenn M.
brisket was fine but portions were puny given the price. smoked sausage was ok but slice really thin length wise. beans and cole slaw were fine.. there was nothing about this food that stood out as being impressive. way overprice for the portion size..
(3)
Brendan S.
This was my final stop on my Kansas City BBQ tour. I had the pork ribs and they were great. The side of beans was excellent and I really liked the sauce as well. I washed everything down with a Boulevard Pale Ale, a local brew. I gave this spot 4 stars - the food was great, the service was solid and everyone was prompt and nice. I'd definitely go back here, even though this is definitely a BBQ restaurant, not a dive. Does it really matter if the food is good?
(4)
Michael P.
The crown beef ribs were to die for. Ask for a side of the horseradish dip to use on them We will be back !!!!
(5)
Nick P.
The butt stack! People who eat here are tourists or have friends/family who are visiting kc. They have some kind of dumb catalog I keep getting in the mail too, I hate it...
(1)
Melisa V.
had friends in town for a long weekend who were devoted to eating as much barbeque as they possibly could... Jack Stack was next on their list, and since we were at the Nelson until they shoved us at the door at five, this location was ideal. (usually head out to Martin City) we headed over at 5:15 and I was amazed that we were seated right away. they were also very accommodating, bringing us a carrier sling and making sure that we were all comfortable with the seating arrangement. we all ordered the KC combo with different sides. (yes, you can choose anything - no need to just settle for the fries and slaw if that isn't what you're craving). I ordered the beef burnt ends and pork ribs with a veggie kabob (they are amazing if you haven't tried it yet), my husband ordered brisket and beef ribs with beans and cheesy corn. one of my friends also ordered the chicken and slaw instead of cheesy corn. I find it really hard to believe that even after growing up here, I never really tried burnt ends. what I've been missing all of these years! I will definitely be ordering them again (so much better than my husband's brisket). the ribs were good too, but I was so full of the rest of my meal, I left two to take home. my husband reminded me twice to grab my take away box, and only after we said goodbye to our friends and walked to our car did I realize it wasn't in my hands. I knew it was a long shot but I went back to the restaurant and found our server, Shawn. he told me that they already threw my to go box away but to wait and he was going to see if he could get me more. after waiting for a few minutes he returned with a box containing two ribs. that was totally unnecessary considering I was the one who left it and five minutes later realized it was missing. even though I still love the ambiance of Martin City much more, I would definitely come back to this location after our wonderful experience here.
(5)
Opinions Are My Own, G.
I am going to need to keep this short or I will fill the page. This place is very "clean" for a BBQ place. It has a chain-vibe about it. BUT.......it's hella good. So so good. Burnt ends. Baby back ribs. Lamb ribs. THE FREAKING BEANS OH MY GAWD. The cheesy corn. I hope I have some warning before I die so that I can get a big platter of my favorite things from here and die with a smile on my face. I don't live in KC (anymore) but visit a few times a year. I always come here. And it is like energy to my veins. Love. Happiness. Goodness. Warmness. Delishness. I'm going to rest now...
(5)
Kelsey C.
Jack Stack is regularly named the best BBQ is the country, let alone Kansas City. But sometimes I think that their awards and such have gone to their heads. The restaurant is overly fancy for a bbq joint- I felt like a big pig trying to eat my brisket sandwich, dripping sauce everywhere, while fancy music played in the background and as we sat in plush booths in the front alley (restaurant speak) of the dining room. My boyfriend and I like to go all out when we go out to eat, so our ticket was about $40. He got a sampler plate and I got brisket (like I said). He was fanatical about the corn bake, and I agree, it was really good, but I'm not a *huge* fan of creamed corn dishes. Just too...filling for me I guess. Besides, my belly was already full of MEAT! We went during lunch and it was packed with ties and suits on their lunch hour. Even though it was really busy, we got in right away and our server was attentive throughout the entire meal. The other servers and bussers also did a good job of clearing away empty plates that we were no longer using since we had ordered so much food-- I really appreciated it that, since you need room to eat BBQ! :) Anyway, Jack Stack IS the reigning champ of BBQ, like I said earlier, and I'm not going to be the one to contest it. Nice decor, good service, good FOOD-- that's pretty much all I can ask for in a restaurant.
(4)
Michelle H.
The baby back pork ribs were pretty dry , a bummer because I was looking for great KC BBQ. The only reason I even gave them a 2 was because the bartender made a great Manhattan. I would go back for drinks but not food.
(2)
Daddy F.
Second time to KC in a few years...went back to Jack Stack BBQ. To be honest I didn't really remember what the food was like the first time. 2nd time around was okay...nothing too spectacular. Couple of local folks raved about it so we decided to go check it out. The portions are ridiculously big...the food was fair in flavor. I've had much better BBQ in Texas. I would go back if it were a group event but wouldn't be my first choice if you are visiting KC.
(3)
Heather H.
BUYER BEWARE! the rating is a two sided coin. Shiny side: good service which had to be takeout because it would have been a 2 an a half hour wait. To go orders are exceptionally well organized.I was so excited to see lamb ribs and vegetable kabobs DARK SIDE: Why does such beautiful and EXPENSIVE food place have to be drowned in MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), even the vegetable kabobs. I am allergic to MSG and I watch and ask for it, to avoid it in my food. I am 43 years old and never have I run into that junky/cheap/Cheat ingredient in a high end restaurant! I would frequent this restaurant if they didn't use MSG. NO persons nervous system needs MSG, not just those sensitive to it.
(2)
P. Tinsley H.
If you want great BBQ go to Jack Stack's! It was a little loud, our group of 5 got put next to 2 groups of 8, but after eating here I would definitely go back. Burnt ends (the brisket was AWESOME), Baked Beans, and the Cheesy Corn. Now I never got to eat any of the Cheesy Corn but considering my wife eat almost 3 bowls of it I would have to assume it was really good.
(5)
Gary R.
The burnt ends here are amazing! The only thing that has ever been as moist and tender that I have ever tried would be Kobe steak in Japan. The sauces are great, but the real flavors are imparted in the different meats from the KC style smoking that occurs well before most are thinking about breakfast, let alone dinner. The BBQ baked beans are sinfully good. Best baked beans I can remember ever having. The Jack Stack rub is also pretty good. Of the KC BBQ places I have been too, this tops the list and also has the higher end ambience. It is a must have every time I travel to KC.
(5)
Adam M.
We go here with our 2 young children, 5 and 1, once a month or so. The service is always great and the food has never disappointed. I usually get the hatfield sandwitch but mix up the meat every visit. I like what I like. My wife gets either the ribs or pulled pork baked potato. Great Bloody marys, the grilled shrimp app is very good as well. Easily the best beans in town, they put freaking burt ends in them
(5)
Patrick F.
The smokey smell when you enter the joint is pretty intense. When we got to our hotel room, it was apparent it stayed with us. I suppose that's going to be the normal with bbq. I tried the pork ribs and the burnt ends on our waiters recommendation. I liked both, though the pork ribs were the clear winner. The baked beans were fantastic - after tasting them, I quickly polished off the whole bowl before returning to my meat plate. The cheesy corn bake was guaranteed to cause instant cardiac arrest. We managed to put down a couple of bites, but quickly abandoned it. The runaway favorite of our night was a southwestern chicken and bean soup. It was perfectly seasoned and topped with just the right amount of cheese. It's obviously strange to recommend a chicken soup at a barbeque place, but if it's on the menu when you're there - don't miss it!!!!
(4)
Max H.
I don't understand the allure of this place. It's bbq for those who don't want to get "dirty" going into your normal joints, I guess. The food is OK. Nothing is terrible, but what I've had doesn't stand out. The burnt end sandwich (Poor Russ) doesn't really taste "burnt" at all. It's chopped up brisket. The beans are good, but a little sweet for my tastes. You'll get better bbq and a better experience at many other places in town.
(2)
Brandon T.
I've ate at Jack Stack's a couple of times now. I took my girlfriend last night and it was excellent. We shared the Roundup meal. It was way more than enough food for the two of us and it was all delicious. The place also does a great job of customizing orders for you. We were able to switch out the ham for Burnt Ends and the coleslaw for cheesy baked potato. Very good service. I'll certainly come back when back in the KC area.
(5)
Amy S.
This place is not for vegetarians!!! Since we were in the KC area, we decided to "when in Rome" with the BBQ. We were able to be seated right away, despite how busy the entire restaurant was. As I was passing by tables, the plates of food were enormous! We had a hankering for ribs and BBQ chicken. Well, we started with Burnt Ends, (that the waiter recommended) which were basically pieces of rib that had either fallen off the bone or pulled off. Either way, if that was what was to come, well, we didn't need any further prompting at ordering. We got a combination of pork and beef burnt ends. I think we could have done without considering how big the portions were. So, I ordered the Kansas City Combo plate, which allowed me to choose 2 meats and came w/2 sides. I ordered the white BBW chicken and pork ribs. Pork ribs b/c they were so juicy and flavorful. I did order the cole slaw and cheesy corn bake (basically corn in a cheesy sauce with bits of ham) as sides and it was worth it b/c I felt like if I'm going to be eating like this, I might as well go all the way! My dinner partner (my husband) ordered the Combination Plate which had a smorgasboard of meat (with a side of broccoli) on it. When the manager came over to our table to check on us, my husband mentioned that we were from California visiting and we wanted to get BBQ and so then next thing we knew, the manager came over with the Crown Rib, which was a piece of prime rib attached to a bone in the meat. The manager said, "I'll let you have 5 minutes alone with this and I'll check back to you." Ha ha. After sampling (if you can call it that) this fine piece of beef rib, it just melted in our mouths and fell of the bone. Mmmmmmmm. Now mind you, my husband still had his OTHER plate to eat, too. Meanwhile, I'm nibbling on my pork ribs and dipping them in the BBQ sauce and getting elbow deep in the sauce. I was just impressed by the taste of the pork. It had an intense smoky flavor all on its own w/o the sauce and tasted like bacon. It came off the bone easily, too. That was my favorite part of the meal, for sure. I did take home the chicken breast and wing (did I mention that you get a bone-in breast AND wing?) and my husband's leftover pork rib. I don't know how we'll eat these leftovers b/c we don't have a microwave in the room, but I'm sure they'll be a way if there's a will. So, our experience at Jack Stack left us full of meat. You won't have room for dessert. If your eyes are bigger than your stomach, you'll be sorry later. Give it a try when you visit KC or are in the Country Club Plaza area. We're glad we did!
(5)
Blair E.
Good stuff. Loved the wings, back ribs ,and good beans. Great meal for ~50 - 60$ with a drink or 2. Hope you like it as much as I did. I'll be back!
(4)
Kevin B.
One of the very best BBQ places in Kansas City. I don't think OK Joes holds a candle to Jack Stack BBQ. Jack Stack has the greatest burnt ends and Ribs I have ever tasted. Plus the sides are absolutely amazing. The baked beans are loaded with bits of yummy bbq goodness, the beans are practically a meal. I don't think any place can come close to the amazing bbq beans they make! They also make a great cheesy corn bake and cheesy potatos, but the beans are amazing. And they have really good Caesar side salads too.
(4)
Jay G.
this place is just awesome. waited a few minutes to be seated but so worth the wait. our waiters was terrific. knew the menue cold and was able to direct us based upon on taste buds. The Grilled Jumbo Shrimp were just that. Then onto the main course for beef ribs. holy cow there were three of them and they were huge. walked out with one untouched. soft, tender and tasty. the best ever. the bakes potato was yummy and super tasty were the Cheesy corn bake. Lastly the waiter recommended The Triple chocolate brownie and it was mouth watering. this is surely a place i will eat again and again and again when i visit kansas city mo. Awesome job
(4)
Phillip M.
Meh. Burnt ends were not even close to being burnt. Ribs were drowned in sauce and pedestrian. Service was suspect. I almost had to get up and ask/find someone to take our order.
(3)
Pukar R.
I'm not a huge fan of BBQ as I favor more salty foods but this place had the best BBQ I've ever had! Granted, I haven't been all over the country trying BBQ but this is great food. The prices are extremely reasonable and the staff was friendly. The restaurant has a very nice classy vibe, like of those more expensive places. We had a huge plate of ribs and chopped/cubed pieces of pork and beef. I can't remember the names of the dishes but I really don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu. Our table near the bar had a small tv which I thought was cool. I will definitely be going back here and highly recommend this place for anyone in mood for great food.
(5)
Jeffrey S.
Super huge fan of their prime rib sandwich and smoked sweet corn. I eat here every opportunity I get.
(5)
David H.
Very much enjoyed their lunch special of burnt ends and short ribs. Excellent food and good service. I'm a sworn Memphis-style BBQ fan, but this KC BBQ is very good. You'll have plenty of options in KC for BBQ but this is definitely a good choice. Parking across the street at the parking deck. Convenient.
(4)
Peter C.
What a neat building to convert into a restaurant! The whole area has a great urban feel, but this converted freight house has great character. But I didn't go to Fiorella's to check out innovative renovation styles, I came for what I was expecting to be some of the best barbecue in Kansas City. I didn't get a chance to check to many places out while in town, but I don't think I needed to visit to many other joints to tell that the Jack Stack lived up to that expectation. I'm a poor student with not much money to spend, but for most of you more stable folks this is a place to go for some weekend excitement. I'm glad to have spent the money to have not missed this place. I got me some pork ribs and burnt ends and was as pleased as I could ever hope to be. The service was quite pleasant and very patient with a guy of my type who wants to tease out every option. I wouldn't mind going back to Kansas City for this place and to again tour the nearby art galleries.
(4)
Shawn K.
This is probably the best BBQ I have eaten in a long time. Service was excellent. The food came quickly and was perfectly cooked. They did not have extra BBQ sauce sitting at the table. You could probably ask for some extra if needed. The place seemed really well decorated. Much more of an upscale feeling to it rather than a traditional BBQ place. The four of us that went left the place with our clothing smelling like BBQ, which is the main reason this place loses a star.
(4)
Jared M.
Big fan of this place while in the Plaza...much more upscale that other notable bbq joints in KC (makes sense given the surroundings in this setting) and overall a great experience. Great bbq (burnt end sandwich, onion rings, Tank 7 to drink) and friendly staff. Priced reasonably as well.
(4)
Shane G.
Went for dinner last night, beautiful weather, great service and good BBQ, what else can you ask for. The BBQ was good but not great. What seperates this resturant from other BBQ joints is the service and the sides. They were extremely busy but our servicer did a great job and made a couple great recommendations. Loved the beef ribs but the burned ends were a little dry.
(4)
Larry H.
Went for a crazy 24 hour KC BBQ trip with my girl Tried and compared Jack stack's, Gates, and Oklahoma's all in one day! I think this place has fancy ribs, but overall, its not the best of the three. The sauce was good, but the meat was a bit over done. Get dressed up and go for the atmosphere... or wait in line for the best BBQ at....
(4)
Jeff P.
Great meat! Great burnt ends. Great pork ribs. Great beef ribs. Every selection of Boulevard you could want. Great service. Disappointing BBQ sauce...very ketchuppy.
(4)
Deana W.
If you, like me are on the eternal quest for the best BBQ beans, well look no further,. The best beans in the world are prepared at Fiorella's Jack Stack. I read the other reviews and they are right . There are some really great dive BBQs in town, but when you find something fabulous... I say, EAT IT. Embrace good food, when and where you find it, and for Gods' sake, tell me! The beans made my list for " The top 100 best things I ever put in my mouth". The ribs are meaty and nicely smoked. The pulled pork was tender and piled high. If you are looking for really creative Midwest side dishes, there's the cheesy corn. Kansas City''s answer to how to make a starchy vegetable more flavorful, all while alleviating any nutritional value, RAH team! The loaded baked potato looked good, as did the small salad and french fries. My husband swears by the onion rings, by which I mean he swears if you steal one off his plate. The outdoor patio is beautiful and relaxing. The inside is brick with mile high ceilings, a very comfortable place to eat them beans I referred to. So don't apologize for the lack of grease on the walls to those short sighted folks that feel it can't be good if it ain't dirty...if you find good food, I say Eat it, and for crying out load... try those beans.
The combination of burnt ends and cheesy potato bake is the absolute best. The service at this location is amazing, too, friendly and charming staff ready to accommodate. For always being crowded, our drinks were never empty and the food was ready quickly. Great atmosphere, and a fun place to take out of town guests.
(4)
Patrick M.
I don't want to be the a-hole that dogs on this Kansas City favorite, but this place was way below average. After the reviews on Yelp and the web we decided to go out of our way to stop by this "legendary bbq" joint. We left very sad. The bbq was mediocre, a little fatty, and if i'm being honest quite boring. The "burnt ends" were just pieces of pork and brisket cut small. They were neither "burnt" or ends? The beans were ok, Bush Smokehouse Grillin beans for $1.79 at the store are vvveerrryyy similar. The salads were great, the service was good, the corn cheese thing was unusual, but ok. The Bbq was just not that good. My wife tells me you can't compare Texas BBQ to KC BBQ because they are different. I've been to Aurther Bryant's and it was way better BBQ. If this is the best in KC I'll stick to eating BBQ south of the Red River.
(2)
Brice R.
best bbq in the world- we live in OK but whenever we are within 50 miles, we drive out of our way for the food! the beans are AMAZING because they cook them under neath the meat and have meat chunks in them- we've never had a bad meal there- they also will ship food in dry ice from thee web site !
(5)
Christyn K.
One may find it odd that a vegetarian such as myself is a HUGE advocate of Jack Stack. In fact, I myself find this odd. How is it that I am IN LOVE with this place, though have never even had their BBQ? Let me count the ways: 1st star - the ambiance of this place is killer. Dark, almost mysterious, yet white napkin refined to make you second guess that you are in a BBQ joint. Super clean, super chic, super duper. 2nd star - the service is amazing. The wait staff has always gone out of its way to make sure everyone in my group gets exactly what they want, exactly how they want it. Our food has always come out in a timely fashion and empty plates have always been taken away promptly. 3rd star - in my experience here, I have never had to wait excessively long for a table. Also, there is a parking lot just across the street - you know that for the Plaza, this is a blessing! Plus, if you get really bored while waiting, you can watch the kitchen do its thing at the back of the restaurant - quite entertaining in itself! 4th star - the menu is HUGE and and alcohol list is even bigger! My husband loves the burnt ends - which you can get in an array of combinations with other meats or sides. 5th star - THERE ARE VEGETARIAN OPTIONS! Yes, you read that correctly - there are tons of vegetarian options at this popular BBQ joint - much more than any other BBQ places in KC, in my experience! My favorites include the "side" potato bake (like scalloped potatoes but cheesier!); the spinach and blue cheese salad (HUGE and affordable!); the summer-time veggie skewer (peppers, mushrooms, corn and potatoes!); "side" baked potato (loaded!); and, of course, their onion ring mountain. HEAVEN! So, if you have a picky eater in your group, someone who doesn't like BBQ at all, a vegetarian, or an out of towner who may not be the "hole in the wall" dive type, this is the place to go. Seriously. Seriously.
(5)
David S.
I think that the bbq debate in KC is so large that it seems almost sariligeous for someone who "just visited" to give a bbq joint five stars. When I came to KC I had the opportunity to visit one bbq join and it was Jack Stack's. That is nothing against Arthur Bryant's or OK Joes, it just happened that I ended up at Jack Stack's and was treated to the most sumptuous, smoky, tender bbq that I had ever had. Their BBQ Beef ribs and burnt ends are insanely good. While their sides were nothing to write home about, any BBQ meat that I tried there was tender with the perfect amount of smoke. Jack Stack's is not the down home bbq joints that people may think of, but it is a fancier sit down restaurant that still churns out bbq with plenty of flavor. Since I have not yet visited Arthur Bryants or OK Joes I will not even attempt to compare them, all that I know is that you can't go wrong with Jack Stack and if Arthur Bryants and OK Joes are anywhere near as good than KC is indeed a lucky city.
(4)
Arindam P.
Kansas City is known for its barbecue and Jack Stack is truly one of the best. I liked their combo platter which came with beef, pork and lamb ribs. The lamb was not so good but the pork ribs very much made up for it. Nice selection of local beer and some imports. I was surprised to find Chimay on the list!
(4)
Shannon N.
Best BBQ ever! But truthfully, the sides are what make the meal, especially the corn and beans! The warm carrot cake is also amazing!
(5)
Krystal P.
Delicious! I was expecting a chain bbq restaurant similar to Famous Dave,s but was surprised when I walked in. Great vibe, great food. Be prepared to leave full! The cheesy corn is a must!
(5)
lovesmyanimals l.
This is the newest location for the Jack Stack family. My review is going to be short and simple b/c my experience along with my food was perfect. The service and food at Jack Stack's is unbelievable. I was there with a big group of people and our server for our table was extremely helpful and attentive from the moment we sat down to when we left. The food here.... a) Several choices. Not just beef and pork. They had chicken and a few different fish options as well. So there are plenty of options for the pickiest of eaters. b) the best sides dishes for a bbq joint. I had the pork n' beans and cheesy corn. To die for. If I had once option for a last meal this would be it. c) sauces. the original, spicy, mild... Flavor! So much flavor I could put it on everything.
(5)
Ainy H.
Not much to say about this place, it is another restaurant chain with just okay food. I had the beef and sausage burnt ends with baked corn, fries and potato salad for sides. I felt like I could have bought this from the local grocery store and prepared it myself.
(2)
Liz L.
I loved eating here! I'm a bbq fan so had to get some while in Kansas City. After reading Yelp reviews and seeing this was close to the Embassy Suites were we stayed, we chose Jack Stack on Wyandotte (there are several locations in KC). They have a free parking garage and there is some street parking. It's close to lots of shops and other restaurants (including The Cheesecake Factory, where we also ate). We went on a Wednesday night at about 7 p.m. and the wait was only 15-20 minutes. The hostess was friendly and the waitress was great. The waitress offered explanations and suggestions of menu items and we took her up on several suggestions and were glad we did. I had a Boulevard beer (brewed in KC) and pork baby back ribs with cheesy corn bake and fries. The ribs were delicious and the cheesy corn bake was amazing. My husband had a salad and "Jack's Best" (Crown Prime Beef Rib, Baby Back Ribs, and Beef Burnt Ends). All was delicious! I would definitely recommend eating here. I even bought bottles of their original BBQ sauce to bring home as gifts.
(5)
Igor C.
Went just after 6 on a Friday evening and was able to get a table for three with no wait. It was busy and there were people waiting but for some reason we got right in. We had the smoked chicken wing starter and it was some of the best wings I've ever had. We had the combo platter and lamb ribs. The combo platter has three ribs, half a chicken, sausage and some burnt ends and comes with fries and coleslaw. I subbed the cheesy corn for the fries and slaw. The ribs were outstanding, just the right combination of tender and good chew. The burnt ends had nice flavor but were too dry, one was almost hard. Sausage was very good with nice smoke flavor. I ended up taking the chicken home with a couple of my sons lamb ribs and had them for lunch the next day. The lamb was good but the chicken was the star of the entire meal for me. Deep smoke flavor while still being moist.
(4)
Jess W.
I had lunch with a friend here today and thought it was a nice place. We both had the Crown Prime Ribs and burnt ends. I am a rather healthy person so I just didn't eat much because they are so fatty. I wasn't expecting that. The check was $80 including two glasses of wine and a tip. Would I go back? Not sure as nothing sticks out about this place except maybe the nice wait staff and the bronze bull out front which I thought was cool.
(4)
Michael J.
One of our favorite places for BBQ.....
(4)
Steve W.
I love good Q. This isn't. It's ok. There were 10 people in our party- no one finished all of their food- not because there was too much, but because it was fatty and tough. We had burnt ends, ribs, and chicken- no one was impressed, we didn't even ask to take the left overs. I had to cut the rib meat with a knife. If you want good KC style barbecue, look elsewhere. I know, they have lots of good reviews and like I said, it's ok.
(2)
Sarah H.
What we have here is a "Fine Dining" barbeque establishment. It's fancy inside, all dark woods and booths and dim lighting. The food here is great, I love the variety of animal ribs you can indulge in, not just the standard pork, but they also serve gigantic beef ribs, and my personal favorite and what keeps me returning, the lamb ribs. (WHY do more restaurants not make lamb ribs? They're to DIE for, and melt like lamby butter in your mouth.) Service is pro, pricing is what you'd expect from a full-service restaurant that also serves steak. Absolutely worth a try.
(4)
Todd B.
Over rated! I'm from Memphis and this BBQ is average at best. Briquet was bland, sliced pork bland, spare ribs average. Slaw was good, beans were mush, cheese corn was tasty. My experience at Gates has always been good. Leave this place for the tourist.
(1)
Michelle L.
BBQ is one of those things that I love but haven't eaten enough of simply because I was raised to believe that there is such a thing as too much meat in one meal. As a complete BBQ noob I was really excited about eating some BBQ because let's face it. Good BBQ comes from the South and not Southern California. My friend had insisted on taking me and my boyfriend here and I loved how open the decor of the restaurant was. Instantly homey and comfortable. They have a pretty extensive menu and although my friend let us have control over what to order, the one thing she insisted on getting were the Fried Mushrooms appetizer. I had serious doubts because I'm not a HUGE fan of horseradish and how good can fried mushrooms really be? Let me tell you, they can be so darn good that you can make a meal out of them. They were huge, juicy, delicious and went along perfectly with the horseradish sauce. My boyfriend and I both agree that it was probably one of the best mushroom dishes we've ever had. For our entrees, we ordered The Sampler and and the Barbecue Baked Potato. My boyfriend had a choice of 2 sides and he chose the Creamy Coleslaw and Hickory Pit Beans. The Sampler came with BBQ Chicken, Pork Spare Ribs, Beef Burnt Ends and Polish Sausage. I tasted everything on the plate and I thought that the best were the Spare Ribs and Polish Sausage. However, my tastes might be biased since I tend to like sausages over most things. I thought the chicken while it had good flavor could have spent a little more time cooking. It was a little too rare and the Beef Burnt Ends were just too dry. My Baked Potato on the other hand was topped with Pulled Pork and was absolutely delicious. Quite possibly one of the best baked potatoes I've ever had. As for the sides, the coleslaw was good but nothing special, but the beans were fantastic. If you don't like BBQ, this place just might make you change your mind. Service is quick and it's a great environment to just eat some meat and chat. 4/5
(4)
Keith C.
Burnt ends were absolutely fantastic. I tried the beef ribs, pork ribs and the beef burnt ends. The burnt ends were probably the best that I have ever eaten. They completely melted in your mouth. The pork ribs were a little dry. They were not fall off the bone like at Oklahoma Joe's but they were still very good. I got the potato salad which was very good and the baked beans which had some shredded pork in it. The combination of the beans, shredded pork and sauce was simply fantastic. The restaurant itself is really nice. A lot better than Oklahoma Joe's. You can sit down and enjoy a good meal with your friends. Definitely worth coming back to for the burnt ends.
(4)
Kevin D.
Update: For carry-out, The Roundup (dinner for two) is excellent. Probably my favorite barbecue carry-out in town.
(4)
Justyn A.
I am in town for work and was looking for great BBQ close to our Sheraton Hotel. This place was absolutely amazing! The burnt ends and side dishes were all amazing. The BBQ Shrimp appetizer was also some of the best shrimp I've ever tasted. I came in with a party of 7 qnd was so pleased with our service that I told our waiter I was definitely going to leave a review when we left. Our waiters name was Jennie! She was hilarious, attentive, and gave great recommendations that all turned out to be amazing. Seriously...the best BBQ place I've ever been to...hands down. @MyCrazyGFMusic :) Love this spot...definitely coming back.
(5)
Layne R.
Jack Stack is one of the more refined dining experiences of the KC BBQ scene, ie the nicer facilities, but in my opinion, the food doesn't quite measure up with the best of best BBQ joints. This would be a great place to take your grandparents when they visit you in KC. But I'd much rather go somewhere a little more divey if it meant better food (See also Oklahoma Joe's). Let me say, I've never had anything remotely bad at Jack Stack. In fact, everything has been good at worst. The restaurant is nice, the staff good... In all reality, probably a 4 star type of place. BUT in Kansas City, home of some of the best barbecue in the world... It just doesn't measure up to some of the more outstanding places. I'm never going to crave Jack Stack. If someone says they want BBQ, Jack Stack isn't going to be my recommendation. I'd tell them to go to Oklahoma Joe's. That is the one that I crave. So Jack Stack is good. Perhaps even very good. But in a city with great barbecue, you can do better. If you want more upscale though, this is a good option.
(3)
Jennifer B.
Good bbq, but my boyfriend had cole slaw juice spilled on his shorts when the waiter took our plates away. :-p
(4)
Judy H.
Just get the pork spare ribs/pork baby back ribs. They're worth the four stars. Everything else was just okay. I've had better BBQ. Have local brews. We got the ultimate rib dinner because we were curious about the lamb ribs but wanted to sample the others. Everything was delicious. We also got Burnt Ends with brisket and sausage. Burnt Ends were...okay. I kind of wished they had more sauce to it or something. It was pretty dry. The sausage ...was sausage. I think we were sold from the awesome wait staff, but we really wanted the pork. The waitstaff was very knowledgeable and helpful though. Recommended yummy things.
(4)
Terry S.
Simply an amazing place! If your just visiting Kansas City and looking for good BBQ then JackStacks is where you need to be! #AmazingFood #AmazingAtmosphere #AmazingExperience
(5)
Stormi F.
MMMMMMMMM, pork ends are fabulous!!! I swear to myself each and every time that I'm only going to order the appetizer portion and low and behold, fat girl kicks in and I want everything!! Last time we ate here we shared the ends appetizer and the crown roast ribs. They were seriously the size of triceratops ribs!! I have never eaten anything so tender or fabulous.
(5)
Cathy V.
If you're in Kansas City you've got to go here. Really. This place is AMAZING!! Being from the south we love our BBQ but this is a whole different ballgame. It's tender, juicy and melts in your mouth. AND who ever knew that something called Burnt Ends could be so down right delicious! The atmosphere is upscale but people were dressed in just about everything. The staff is really nice and very knowledgable about everything from the appetizers to the body of the pig where the pork is coming from to the extensive wine list. It's just a nice relaxing night out resturant.
(5)
Jacqueline S.
My hubby and I ate at Jack Stacks BBQ out of recommendation from a friend and we really liked this place! Great food, great service and the ambiance was nice. We'll be back again!
(5)
William Patrick C.
We had a great time. We went on a Sunday late night. Thye had a full day with a chiefs game and the world series but the service was great. The food was exceptional. I cant compare with Gates and others yet but it was awesome. The creeze corn and the beans were a great addition to the BBQ Melanie or Megahan(manager) was so nice, she showed us the kitchen, took the time to introduce us to the history of the area and resturant and in general was amamzing. LOVED IT
(5)
Tricia H.
Yummm yum first time here!! I'm not sure why I haven't been here yet but it was delish and I can't wait to go back to try other things!!! The bean are amazing!!
(4)
Andrew M.
After trying their burnt ends at a recent Yelp event I was really excited to head to their home turf for a plate of the things. Maybe it was just an off night but I was not that impressed! The service was plenty good -- no one in our party had to wait long for anything and they took care of us. However, when they brought me my burnt ends dinner I was quite surprised by what I saw....literally 6 or 7 of them! But I digress...I wasn't completely famished so perhaps I could forgive the disappointingly small portions by biting into a delicious, tender piece of brisket burnt end. Not so! Unlike the burnt ends I tried at the Yelp event, these ones were quite dry and lackluster to say the least. What is even more ridiculous is that this plate of 6 or 7 dried burnt ends cost $16! I don't know about you but who in their right mind would feel like they got a good deal by paying about $2 for a bite of dry meat? My wife's prime rib sandwich was better, except for the fact that they put the meat on a very plain bun that you'd expect to get as an afterthought from a much less inexpensive barbecue joint that gives you loads of meat for a much lower price. I'd like to believe that they are capable of so much more so one day I may decide to go back. However, given that I can get consistently better burnt ends, many more of them, and for half the price elsewhere I don't think I'm in any hurry.
(2)
Adrian L.
Best place for Gluten-Free BBQ in town. Service is good, just double check the buns if you get the southern jack; once a waitress gave me a regular bun and didn't recognize the error when I first asked. I feel like the beef ribs sometimes have contamination.
I think all my reviews of KC will be colored by the fact that I was there as Guest of Honor for a convention and that tends to make everything amazing. Then again, when you're eating lamb ribs, and then you get a chocolate cake dessert that hits you like an semi into an irish setter, you're on the right track! The lamb ribs, perfect and incredibly flavorful, are wonderful, and you don't find them every BBQ place. It's pricey, but so worth it!
(5)
Kt D.
Loved everything I tried and staff was very patient with our extremely obnoxious toddler!
(5)
Calvin Y.
Housed inside the Country Club Plaza, Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ has Burnt Ends to die for! For those who might be overwhelmed like myself with the bountiful selection of BBQ, then you should get "Jack's Best," which truly is the best of Jack Stack -- one Crown Beef Ribs, Baby Back Ribs, Beef Burnt Ends and two sides (get the beans and cheesy corn bake!) for $28.
(5)
Jay Kay C.
The one thing about Kansas City is the variety of barbecue. The one thing Jack Stack doesn't stray away from is the quality of the meat. I cannot say this enough, and I've had friends visit from out of town who agree, you must order the burnt ends. Even if it is in the sampler, the burnt ends at this location are spectacular. Plenty of flavor every time you bring your teeth together. The sauces are unique as well. The sauce doesn't cover the flavor of the meat the way some sauces tend to, but it enhances it.
(5)
David C.
Delicious food and good selection of beers. Sat outside and enjoyed the area sights. A bit in the pricey side for a sandwich, but still recommended.
(4)
Brandon B.
We came here on a Wednesday evening. We were seated right away, even though there were people waiting in the lobby. We had a server right away asking for drink orders before we even saw a menu. I understand the need to seat people and get folks through quickly, but we didn't even know what was offered! We ordered a BBQ sampler, broccoli, cheesy corn and beans. The BBQ sampler had ribs, sausage, chicken and burnt ends. THe Chicken was fantastic, and sausage was good. The ribs and burnt ends were dry. We had the "spicy" BBQ sauce. We were completely surprised that there we weren't offered a sampler of BBQ sauces, and instead had to pick one. We hadn't been here. How would we know what BBQ sauce we wanted? The cheesy corn was kind of Velveeta-like in taste and texture (i.e., a little less than optimal). The beans were sweet. Good, but not a spicy baked bean. The broccoli was cooked perfectly. All in all, not bad, but not much better than Famous Dave's. Not Oklahoma Joe's by any stretch of the imagination. We will not be back.
(2)
Nannette M.
If you are looking for some of the best BBQ in Kansas City, go down to Country Club Plaza and go to Jack Stack's. It is a great lunch or dinner, spot after you have hit the stores, and are craving some Q. Though they could use some better lighting so the menu can be seen , the food is Primo. They also do a great job with the take out portion. They take care of the customers, and make sure that the customer will return with prompt service, in addition to the food. Check them out online also, they will not disappoint.
(4)
Jonah K.
I was in a hotel nearby, this is a nice place for it being in a commercial center and a BBQ spot. I sat at the bar had a couple good local beers and ordered a salad with some ends on it. The Caesar salad was very good, nice homemade dressing. The ends were quite good as well, I would come back to try more. The other plates people at the bar were ordering were massive, so I'm glad I opted for something a bit smaller. Bar staff was very nice and attentive, highly recommend this spot.
(4)
Christopher O.
I find it laughable that people have reviewed that they bring out-of-town people here so they can experience KC BBQ. This is NOT KC BBQ. This is KC BBQ Lite. It's the type of KC BBQ that you use to impress your friends with your ability to spend a lot of money, not show them what actual BBQ is all about. That is not to say the food isn't good. I ordered chicken and it was the absolute best chicken I have ever eaten in my entire life. And this is coming from someone who would eat chicken for every meal were it not so frowned-upon by society. I don't get everyone's obsession with the cheesy corn. It's... not good. Corn and cheese should never mix unless the corn has been pounded into a tortilla and fried. We call these nachos. Any other form of cheese plus corn is gross and should be avoided. If you want to spend quite a bit of money and take your friends here to eat when in KC, that's fine. You'll have a great meal, but let's not fool ourselves into thinking this is the type of BBQ KC is best known for having. This is Plah-za BBQ. It's cloth napkins and social status. KC BBQ is Gates or Oklahoma Joe's. It is not Jack Stack. It's dirty, it's messy. It gets all over your face and when you finish you feel like you have accomplished Herculean tasks and must retire to your couch to watch Cops or Family Feud. You do not walk to your Range Rover ot Hummer, drive to Leawood and watch cricket whilst speaking of dry martinis.
(3)
Banen C.
Well obviously Jack Stack is fantastic.. and may I just say that it is fine to have a favorite bbq meal at each of Kansas City's fine bbq establishments. For me, I choose the baby back ribs at Jack Stack. It's dependable. It's consistent. Why mess with something perfect? Baked beans and cheesy corn as your sides and you will be good to go. If you're lucky enough to have lunch at Jack Stack, I highly... wait... strongly recommend you try to BBQ Baked Potato at least once. My only disappointment with that menu item is that it is only available for lunch.
(5)
Kristen L.
My first time at Jack Stack in years and I'm still a fan. The food was delicious. Their sauce is a bit tangy, not sweet at all. I really liked it. Fortunately they don't drench their food in the sauce like some joints. They serve it in warm dishes on the side. Put on as much or as little as you like. They also have a spicy sauce and hot. The "hot" was the hottest of the 3. The baby back pork ribs were cooked perfectly, very tasty. Also consider their pork burnt ends and/or their lamb ribs. Can't decide, then their combo dish is perfect for variety and a companion. If you aren't in the mood for the typical bbq items the do have great wood grilled fish options too. They take reservations which are great for groups or the weekend. They got us a nice round table for 6 in the corner. I will say between the music and the people, it was a bit loud. Normally at a normal size table and with average age guests this isn't an issue. However I had my grandparents with us and they really had a hard time hearing across the table. It made the conversation difficult. I certainly recommend this place, especially if you want bbq, but in a slightly fancy venue than the typical joints.
(4)
Kim N.
Hands down my favorite BBQ place. I know it is expensive and fancy, but I don't understand why people knock it for that. They have the best burnt ends in town, my favorite sandwich is the poor russ which is chopped up burnt ends on a bun. The beans are to die for and they have health options too. The salads are great especially the salmon salad. The salmon plate and salmon sandwich are also a go to menu item for me. The shrimp appetizer is amazing. The service here is always spot on, and I always get a table right away. Now if you have a group larger than 4 you may have to wait a little while, but 4 or less you are usually seated immediately. We will stop here or the one on 95th and get pans of beans for holiday parties. The sliced meat by the pound is always reasonable. We even had them cater our wedding.
(5)
Mean Eyed C.
Some of the best bbq in the world KC is so lucky to have all the bbq they have Must try the crown beef ribs and brisket. Ribs are very good
(4)
Adam B.
When a lot of people think of Kansas City Barbecue, they then to think of divey spots. Like Arthur Bryant's looking kind of like a warehouse. Or Oklahoma Joe's which is situated in a gas station. Most great 'cue seems to come out of divey spots like these. Fiorella's Jack Stack? This is more like Tony Roma's. Or even Ruths Chris or Morton's. It's BBQ but in a high-end classy setting with prices to match. This place is by no means a bargain. Fortunately, the food is worth the investment. Had the Ribs, Ribs, Ribs and Ribs combo. Lamb Ribs, Baby Backs and St. Louis ribs. All great but no doubt, the star is the Crown Prime. The gigantic beef rib straight off the Prime Rib. It reminded me of when I used to live in Atlantic City and would go to the casino buffets. Occasionally, you could get something like the Crown Prime there. Only it was baked, not smoked. And that made up for the difference between the two. Smoked is definitely better. The fries were perfect. Thick, but not too much and hot and crispy. Great flavor throughout. The beans were very, very red. Good flavor but not much else added like Oklahoma Joe's does with their beans. Cole Slaw? Average, typical slaw I've had a lot of places. It actually reminded me of KFC's slaw. Yep. KFC. Not that it's really a bad thing. Service was great and wait, is that free WiFi? Why, yes. Got to do some work here too as a result. So it's pricey 'cue but worthwhile. And if you're in the Plaza, it's your only option. Fortunately, a very good option.
(5)
Diane E.
Amazing burnt ends and lamb ribs. Our service was off the charts great. Get there early to avoid the wait! Oh, the Boulevard chocolate beer is, by far, the best beer I've ever tasted!
(5)
Carl N.
The Martin city mayor is my favorite. I have always enjoyed Jack' Stack, they are one of the best barbecue places in Kansas City. We always have excellent service at this location on the plaza and we never have to wait for refills or food. We are usually seated fairly quickly and the staff is incredibly friendly. The baked beans and cheesy corn or beyond compare in the area. They also have good appetizers like the onion rings stack and the jumbo shrimp. We like to take family and friends here that are from out-of-town and visiting. Not only do you getting good barbecue but then you can wonder the plaza afterwards.
(4)
Kevin W.
Came out to Overland Park, Kansas/Kansas City, Missouri for a business trip and was told that this was the BBQ place I absolutely had to try before leaving. Turns out this place is AMAZING! I had the Burnt Ends (MUST GET THIS)! They were as tender and delicious as it gets! The melt in your mouth and are very juicy! They are bite sized and the name of it sounds like its unappetizing, but it is very deceptive! It is just something to get when you have BBQ. I'm from California, so we don't have much of the "real bbq" food. Been living off of Korean BBQ and this is just superior in every way. Pricing is fair I suppose, not sure what the living standards and costs are out here. But my cousin and I both ordered the Kansas City Combo where we got to choose 2 bbq items and get 2 sides for $17.99 each. I had the burnt ends and the lamb ribs and my cousin had the beef ribs and pork ribs. Beef ribs were huge but you only get 2. Pork ribs were ok. My lamb ribs were super small but had a great flavor. I mentioned this before, BURNT ENDS WERE AMAZING! They had 3 sauces to go with the ribs and burnt ends. BBQ, Original, and Spicy! I loved the regular BBQ sauce. Anyways, definitely the place to go to if you are in the area!
(5)
Sophie L.
YUMMY!! We went to all the top BBQ places when we were in town and Jack Stack's ribs were hands down the best. We had the Jack's Best as recommended and it did not disappoint! The prices here were higher than the other places but way better ambience and atmosphere.
(4)
Mary B.
The patio seating was nice. I was disappointed by the food. We spent a lot of money for not much food. The beef burnt ends were not very good, and the sausage burnt ends were too dry. The service left something to be desired as well!
(3)
T. J. K.
Awesome barbecue. Go for the burnt ends.
(5)
Julie D.
Located in the Country Club Plaza, we walked here from our hotel We passed a huge bronze bull outside the front door. The interior in dark with incredibly large circular lighting topped with numerous "lit" candles. Our server Parisa was super friendly and very helpful. We appreciated her recommendations and advice on what to order. BJ got the CK combo with baby backs and burnt ends. Yum. For his sides, he got hickory pit beans and cheesy corn bake. Even better, she was able to share recipes with us for the sides. I got a side salad. Not your average side salad, it had bacon and the best ever raspberry vinaigrette made with actual raspberries. Living in Western PA, we don't have the opportunity to enjoy real barbeque. Can you believe that you can order this online? Yes, they do mail order. Haven't tried it yet. Will post back to let you know how that goes. Dessert here is also amazing. We debated for awhile and decided to share the carrot cake. Unlike any carrot cake I have ever had, Jack has spoiled me from eating anyone else's. Individually baked with ooey gooey frosting and lots of nuts. I would love to have it tonight.
(5)
Kurt R.
Holly crap, flew in from Saudi Arabia and these ribs are heavenly, also have Guinness I might not leave. Must have when in KC.
(5)
Dan M.
I can't begin to encourage you enough to come here. Yes, Kansas City has a lot of bbq spots. And yes there are many that are less expensive. But if you are looking for great atmosphere (this is not a dumpy gas station), great bar, great service, great menu and unbelievably great food, this is your place. You will not be able to find anything on the menu that is not fantastic. This is high end bbq at it's very, very best.
(5)
Josh B.
Good BBQ, good service, good prices, great atmosphere. There isn't anything negative I can say about it. As always when it comes to KC bbq, I suggest getting the burnt ends. Jack Stack's does everything well, but I wouldn't say they do anything the best in the city, but by the same token, nothing they do is the worst in the city.
(5)
Cassie D.
I'm gonna say it....Not a huge fan. Been twice during my work trips to Kansas City. Two different locations-same result. Dry. My burnt ends were very dry and I was sad. The cheesey corn and the beans however were really good. And on my last visit I went with the Lamb Ribs and was pleased. They do serve the local KC Boulevard Brewery beer and I am a sucker for a good craft beer. Very classy joint, perfect for the work and tourist crowd, a tad pricey. I gotta believe that KC BBQ gets better than this. I am officially on a mission next time I'm in town for work...
(3)
Lindsey D.
During a visit to KC for a wedding, I was lucky enough to have a free lunch where I got to enjoy Jack Stack for the first time and I was happily pleased with the food and service! First off, I liked that they have a separate entrance for takeout so you can simply walk up and place your order without being required to go into the dining portion of the restaurant. I noticed that you can order food in bulk which would be great for catering but during my visit, I just ordered one sandwich. I ordered the beef brisket sandwich with french fries. The food was anything but healthy, but I have a feeling you don't eat BBQ if you're watching the waistline! The BBQ was extremely flavorful and while there are still other BBQ spots in KC that I like better, I can't complain about the quality and taste of this food. It was quick to receive and delicious to enjoy. I will definitely enjoy it again when I return.
(4)
Nicole O.
I have to say the care the staff and manager give to allergy friendly BBQ options was better than anywhere I have ever travelled in the country. I was so impressed with their knowledge of allergies from gluten to pepper! Thank you for making our dining experience comfortable. Oh and did I mention the BBQ - I tried several dishes was belong expectation. Great balance in their seasoning and sauce.
(5)
Anthony G.
This was one of the best places I have ate at in a long time. The service was perfect. They are very customer oriented. The beer was cold. If you are in KC you have to try this place it was great. Best BBQ I have ever had.
(5)
Pat S.
O' wow this place is yummy. It was 7:30 pm on Thursday the 3rd of July so kinda busy but worth it, ate at the bar because a table would have been 30 minutes. Michele (my sister) and I had the burnt ends dinner. You got to pick two kinds of meat so we choose beef brisket and pork with onion rings and a veggies. One dinner was enough for us to share the servings are so large. Two kinds of BBQ sauce regular and hot, both were great. The bartender was very polite and on top of things. Very noisy is the only thing. The neighborhood was safe and clean, would feel comfortable walking in the evening with friends. You should go.
(4)
Andrea H.
We took our family here (who was from out of town and wanted some good Kansas city bbq). We are huge fans of Oklahoma Joe's (Joe's Kansas City now) and took them to both restaurants. We had never been here before and it was on a Sunday night. Man, it was so busy! The staff was super nice and the food was AMAZING!!! We will definitely be back!! We found a new favorite place!
(5)
Ariel M.
Excellent food, the lunch specials are usually a good option if tight on money. Servers were good, kept our cups filled, answered all our questions, and genuinely seemed happy. Only downside was we weren't provided any hand wipes, last time I went to one they handed them out once we asked for the check, not sure if that's common or not. Meal totaled $10 and I felt fool afterwards, had the pork ribs.
(5)
Somany Q.
My first impression was that this place is very nice... Looks and feels more like an upscale steak house than a BBQ joint. I had the Kansas City Combo, with 1/4 chicken breast and sliced brisket along with coleslaw, fries and sweet tea. I did not like the sweet tea, and sent it back for a coke instead. My food came pretty fast, the server was very friendly and courteous. The brisket had a nice smoke ring and the chicken had a nice smoky taste as well. I would rate this food as very good. Not as good as Arthur Bryant's, but as good or maybe a little better than Gates.
(4)
Daniel K.
Pork ribs, beef brisket, and burnt ends... All amazing. Bit into the ribs and didn't realize I was eating some bone and marrow it was soooo soft... That or I'm a fricken weirdo! Brisket was fatty and tasty. Burnt ends... who needs BBQ sauce?!! Place was packed... ended up calling in the order (15 min) and eating in the car across the street in the free parking structure (unheard of in 808). More to come later... hehe
(4)
Sue D.
Come here if you're looking for fancy cattle...do NOT come here if you're hungry and looking for REAL bbq. The burnt ends were a joke. It barely had a crust on it and was extremely fatty. The baby back ribs were the only good thing I can suggest to order. If you want good bbq sauce, this place doesn't have it. Their flavor base is V8, which is ok, but that's all it tasted like. No spice, no kick...not bbq. Sides were nothing to write home about, bland cole slaw and freezer fries. Go to Oklahoma Joe's. They know bbq.
(2)
William P.
Great food, great ambiance. Try the beef ribs, which are quite difficult to prepare, but are done nicely here. Very positive dining experience. Highly recommended.
(5)
Jacqueline C.
I seriously always enjoy the BBQ here! I know it's not Arthur Bryant's or Gates and some might think Jack Stack is more like the fine dining of BBQ but I love it. The location in the Cross Roads Arts district is lovely and the service is always spot on. We started with the onion rings, battered daily in house and man these things are GOOD! Also decided to try the smoked salmon appetizer, wow if I ever go back (which I will) I might have this as my meal! it comes with these lovely little crostini, capers, red onions and a creamy sauce to compliment the lovely smoked salmon. Moving on.....my meal I opted for a salad knowing it was going to be a long day in KC. I added grilled chicken to the spinach salad and was in heaven as I ate and sipped Tank 7 from KC's favorite brewery Boulevard! My eating partner enjoyed lamb ribs smoked to perfection and served up hot with sauce on the side. In my previous visit I tried the smoked turkey, chicken and brisket. It was all so delicious it brought me back! Over, great time and can't wait to return, maybe I'll even sit outside!
(4)
Nick T.
Great place to bring out of towners for their first KC BBQ experience. Classy, but still true Kansas City BBQ. Love the cheesy corn and beans. Best sides in all of KC.
(5)
Tyler D.
If I could give it 3.5 I would. My burnt ends we're dryer than they should be and they cooked my gf's flattened chicken to quick and it was raw. The cheesy corn and beans were awesome! The carrot cake made the whole dinner. Hands down the best carrot cake I've ever had in my life. Overall a decent experience. They comped her chicken and the staff was informative and very nice. If I come back to KC I wouldn't mind trying it again.
(4)
Shawn H.
Great minds could sit and debate KC's best barbecue for eternity. Jack Stack has the "awards" and ratings to lay some claim to the title, but that's not what I'm here to discuss. Frankly, I've never met KC barbecue I couldn't eat. I'm here to own up to a delicious BBQ habit that has invaded my Sunday routine. I work near the Plaza on Sunday afternoons. I'm embarrassed to admit it took me a while to realize I could swing by Jack Stack on my way to work and get a sandwich and fries for about $8. Now I'm embarrassed to admit I want to do this every week. As it is, I usually talk myself out of it and pack a lunch, but this is my BBQ therapy. If I visit this location any other time, I have to eat outside due to the overwhelming sting of BBQ aroma. That's a nice way of saying it's kind of smoky in there. Maybe it depends on the time of day? Either way, the patio is nice and doesn't catch the sun during the dinner hour in the summer. To recap, I suggest calling ahead and ordering a sandwich for carry out. BBQ Therapy. I have the number programmed on my phone, and I reserve the right to use it whenever I see fit. :-)
(4)
HisHer R.
His: my favorite restaurant in the city. If you're here from out of town and want to have KCs best BBQ, you can't miss it. Other bbq places are fine for lunch - but this is dinner. Get the spare rib platter - it's ridiculous. Hers: ehh it's a lot of meat (I'm a vegetarian) I like the salmon salad, the interior is nice and staff is always exceptional. Not at the top of my list, but always a great place to take visitors.
(4)
Gabby A.
I ate at Fiorella's for the first time a couple of weekends ago, and it was a very great dining experience. We chose to sit on the heated patio, and it was gorgeous outside. They had the fire going and heaters around the tables, so it was the perfect temp. We looked over the menu (which is quite large) and finally decided on what to get. I ordered brisket and sausage and my boyfriend got pork and brisket. Our server seemed like he may have been new, and was friendly but extremely distracted. We got our food and the meats were amazing. My brisket was tender and juicy and the sausage had wonderful seasonings and flavors. I ordered coleslaw and cheesy corn as my side. The coleslaw was okay, nothing special, and the cheesy corn was pretty tasty. I do have to say, where's the cornbread?!?!?! I'm so used to having sinfully delicious and terrible for me cornbread on the side of every good BBQ meal, and there was none to be found at this BBQ place. My other complaint would be that we didn't receive any BBQ sauce on the side. There was a light drizzle on the meats, but I'm also used to getting extra BBQ sauce on the side. I think this may have been an error by our server, because we had a manager come up and say 'Oh, you don't have any extra BBQ sauce! I'm so sorry, would you like some?' At that point we'd eaten most of our meal, so we said no need. Overall, this was a great place for BBQ. I will definitely be back!
(4)
Ruthie H.
Great food! Great service! And wonderful atmosphere! Even sensitive to food allergies!
(5)
G. A.
Gosh. There's a great debate about the best BBQ in KC, and everyone I talk to mentioned Jack Stack. It feels sacrilegious to not like Jack's Stack, but I thought the beef burnt ends were a bit tougher in texture than I would have liked, and it was too oily. I wasn't a fan of the beans, which I thought were too sweet, and the cheesy corn wasn't for me either- it was almost like eating a cheddar/velveeta cheesy soup with bits of pork or bacon and corn. I dunno. So far, I'm on the Oklahoma Joe's bandwagon...
In KC for All Stars, really wanted BBQ. Asked a lot of locals where to go and this is one of the places recommended. Did not disappoint! Pork & Lamb ribs were amazing! Burnt ends to die for! I don't even know what adjective to use for the cheesy corn, but is was soooo good! Beans too! Would DEFINATELY go back. Kids loved it too! Thanks to all the locals for the recommendation!
(4)
Russ D.
Two words. Burnt Ends!
(4)
Katie S.
FRICKEN AMAZING CARROT CAKE. That is all!
(5)
Monica T.
Before I arrived in KC, no less than four friends insisted that I eat at Jack Stack during my visit. I chose this location because it was very close to the venue of a concert I was attending. Though I'm from Texas, I'm not usually overly enthusiastic about barbeque. However, this place really was amazing. I ordered the Kansas City Combo with pork ribs and brisket. The brisket was quite flavorful and so tender that I didn't need a knife to cut it. The ribs were the star, though. I think I might have shed a tear after that first bite. Talk about fall off the bone! I don't think I'll ever have ribs that good again...unless I come back here. The service was great and the atmosphere was a bit upscale without being unpretentious. You wouldn't think that would work for a barbeque place, but it certainly does here. So yes, folks. Everything you've heard is true. Highly recommended.
(5)
James G.
Great BBQ. Not your normal meat on butcher paper type restaurant. Place is more like a steak house than a BBQ joint. Try the burnt ends and the beef ribs.
(5)
Sasha R.
by far and away the star of the meal was the baked potato. and the coleslaw (which was the only vegetable we ate all weekend). the prime rib (app portion is plenty for 2 normal adults) was delectable. the 'burnt ends' and ribs were no great shakes. atmosphere is posh enough that you don't have to check your derriere for debris after getting up. and bathrooms are clean, which is key.
(4)
Mike B.
Traveling through KC and wanted to have some BBQ. I stopped here and had Jack's Plate, prime rib, tri-tip and Baby backs..! OMG Good! I had the spicy and sweet sauce on the side to try them both! Both Awesome! I live in Texas.. I was in Memphis last week... This is some of the tastiest BBQ I've had since I was at Paul L's house.!!
(5)
Kelli B.
We unfortunately had a poor experience tonight. My friend has been here in the past and had wonderful experiences, so we were excited to try it. We started with a drink in the bar while waiting for a table. When are buzzer went off, we could not find the bartender. We told the hostess that we had not yet paid for our drinks, if she could let him know and get us our bill. We were seated and a very nice lady came and explain the menu to us and make recommendations. Then she went to get us waters and a server named Samir came and very uncomfortably told us that she was not really our waitress and that he was going to be taking care of us. After he left, the bartender came storming up to the table and give us our check. We explained that we talked to the hostess and he kind of rudely told us that she never told him. Samir came back to take our order, and he talked two of us out of ordering what we had initially wanted to order. While the food was good, the service was poor and uncomfortable. At one point we saw Samir and the very nice lady appear to be arguing. Some of the staff clearly need better training.
(3)
Jesse H.
Meh. Let me just say that I absolutely love BBQ and was expecting the world. Jack Stack's said to be THE best BBQ and was I was left with a question on what people are thinking saying that this place is so great. I've had much better in my day. As for the cheesy corn that people love so much I say skip it cause that stuff is just odd. Ribs tasted like they had been boiled prior to smoking which is just absolutely wrong. All in all a thumbs down from me.
(2)
Taylor K.
This is the best place to take someone who has never experienced KC barbecue. I will definitely be taking my guests there when they are in town. My favorite dish is the burnt ends. They are so moist and so delicious.
(5)
James F.
This place has some amazing baked beans. Probably the best I've ever had. The meat portions were a little small compared to some BBQ places.
(4)
Chris S.
I come here each time I come through KC. It's a nice, sit-down BBQ place (two things that logic suggests have no business being together) with an expansive menu. On this occassion I got the sampler of meats - sliced beef, pulled pork and turkey - along with an appetizer of burnt ends (chunks of charred meat that are better than that description). Beef and pork are pretty good, but not the best I've had (Arthur Bryant's will provide a great BBQ beef sandwhich if that's what you're in to). Turkey was nothing special and I wouldn't order it again - stick to the beef. I've never tried the ribs, but it appears to be their specialty and probably worth a look when I return (along with the cheesy corn which has no business being good, but kind of is). Overall, the dining experience won't disappoint if you're looking for good meat.
(3)
jason h.
So I've gone here twice now. Both times it was between 5 and 6pm and I sat at the bar for a cocktail and some bbq. I'm not quite sure what it is with this place but the vibe is wrong. The bartenders are disinterested in the clientele, tend to focus on each other and when they do attend to you their timing is professionally off. By that I mean, they ask you for your drink order the second you sit down or they interrupt your conversation to "see how you are doing". Probably being too picky but for a place on the Plaza I guess I expect a little better service. This is probably an extension of their management, no idea just a guess. I give them a 2 out of 5 on service. The BBq is good but you shouldn't leave customers aggravated with poor service. You get one more try Jack....
(3)
Eazmg C.
I've eaten here a few times at this point, and overall the BBQ is pretty outstanding, but not quite up to par with Oklahoma Joe's. I would give a 4 star based on the food, but due to poor service by the staff we received on 2 of the occasions i felt obligated to come in at a "3". I would highly recommend the Martin City Mayor and/or any of the ribs.
(3)
Aaron A.
Clearly the "battle" between Fiorella's and OK Joe's is something that will be long debated. As an outsider (from Ohio), I thought I'd weigh in and throw some flames on the fire. I went to the original store in Overland Park. A quaint place, and you can tell its success by the many additions tacked on to the structure. The decor is typical of an American-style BBQ place, but not overdone, which was a plus. Service was prompt and efficient, and the menu is extensive. I'd recommend viewing the options online before going if you're a first-timer. In the end, I went with a burnt end sandwich and some pork ribs. Both were tasty and flavorful. You can tell they smoked their food, as the meat almost didn't need extra sauce on it. Alas, in my opinion, the tasty, flavorful meat did not surpass the depth of the flavor from OK Joe's. It was close, but different (a little more acidic). Either way, if you end up at OK Joe's or Fiorella's, you win out by having some of the best BBQ in your life.
(4)
Chris S.
Great Beef BBQ! Highly recommend. Burnt ends Are a must. note: If you are from the "South" avoid the Pork BBQ, you will be disappointed.
(4)
Amanda K.
Overall, this seems like a pretty classy joint. I went at quarter to noon on a Sunday and the bar was empty when I got there, so I didn't have to wait for a seat. Decor seems like it's sort of an upscale "steak house" type atmosphere, lots of dark wood and that sort of thing - nice. I ordered the "Poor Russ," or, chopped burnt ends on a sesame seed bun. It was... probably one of the strangest sandwiches I've ever had, but not necessarily bad. Looked like it was several different types of meat chopped very finely together - maybe a combination of beef brisket, pork, and smoked sausage? The bun was thinly spread with barbecue sauce, but no sauce was mixed in with the meat, so it was kind of a hard sandwich to eat, because it kept falling out all over the place. I don't know if that's how the "regular" burnt ends are here, but if so, I wasn't too impressed. I prefer larger chunks of a meat, and more sauce, but that's me. If you like a less saucy dish, it's probably up your alley. Fries were light, crispy, and tasty. My server was very nice, service was prompt, and prices were comparable to many of the hole-in-the-wall joints, or at least the sandwich prices were. Portions were good - the sandwich and fries I ordered could have fed two of me.
(4)
Marc P.
This continues to be the place for BBQ in the Plaza. This last trip was kind of a bust but I think it's because they had such a high volume of patrons. The ribs were great, albeit like warm, and the burnt ends were a bit dry, but the beans and corn pudding hit the spot.
(3)
Richie F.
Best baby backs I've ever had in my life! I ordered a full rack and shared Jackson best with my mom so I wag able to try all of the ribs (we also got a dude if lamb ribs). Food was fantastic and came out hot and perfect. The meat was so tender it almost slid off the bone. Service was a tad show but was very friendly and accommodating. Also have an amazing variety of barbecue sauce. Can't wait fir am excuse to come here again!
(5)
Faith B.
You know, Jack Stack is catered into our office constantly. The smell wafts through the building and smokes the joint up.I am not a carnivore, but I have sampled their slaw and sides repeatedly. I've eaten their fish. All in all, I've just never been impressed. When I dined in, the waitress spilled a glass of water all over me. My fish was under cooked. My onion rings were just average. The coleslaw is just fine. I don't hate them, but I don't love them. I think KC can do and has done better.
(2)
San T.
The ribs were amazing and the coleslaw and beans were also good. But my dinner would have been great if I were given napkins and utensil when I ordered take out. I really enjoyed the taste and the flavor, but not being able to enjoy the sides made it really frustrating. I couldn't finished the sides because I had to slurp it. When traveling and stay at a hotel, having the little things like napkins and utensils goes a long way.
(3)
Katie W.
I've never understood the hype around Jack Stack. Maybe it's just not my kind of BBQ. I do like their sauce, cheesy corn bake, baked beans, sliced beef and desserts. I've been to all Jack Stack locations. I've been to events where they've catered. Everyone's excited, "Oh, Jack Stack?!" Then, I'm over here like, "Oh. Jack Stack. Ok." Appetizers: the onion rings are great. The fried mushrooms aren't filled with anything which is totally OK, but pretty watery. The horseradish sauce was yummy. I've never been served anything more than warm meat. The turkey I ordered last night wasn't even warm and still has the clear jelly residue attached. The sliced meat with beef and turkey with a loaded potato was $15 and the portion size left much to be desired. Ribs, burnt ends, sliced beef. I didn't ask about the pulled pork sandwich that someone had. All just ok. The baked beans are great. I didn't get cheesy corn this time. Everyone ordered a dessert and we all shared. The brownie needed the ice cream it came with...super rich! The bread pudding was kind of blah. The carrot cake was uh-mazing! It was topped with what seemed like cream cheese icing with a little cinnamon and pecans. My mouth is watering now. Never bad service. Always clean. Just not my BBQ place.
(3)
Lena D.
Yaas! Meat! Patio seating! Meat! We had a lovely late lunch outside on the patio. We were seated immediately and both hostesses were friendly and accomodating. We had the beef burnt ends, they were delicious. Highly recommended. For my entree, I had the sliced meat plate with turkey and pork. Neither of these meats required any sauce, they were juicy all on their own. You're able to get one large side or 2 small, so I opted for the grilled veggie kabob. My husband had the pork ribs and lamb ribs. Yes yes yes get the lamb ribs. Fall off the bone, flavorful fantastic. Our server Miranda was quick efficient and kept my iced tea filled. We really had a lovely experience.
(5)
Rick R.
The sample platter is a lot of food and a good way to determine your favorite BBQ meats, ribs, beef or pork burnt ends, sausage, ham or chicken. I went with BBQ beef & pork burnt ends, ribs & chicken. The meat is tender, smoked and delicious. I do prefer lean cuts and therefore liked the chicken as much as anything. Anthony was my waiter. He was extremely attentive. The hostess stopped by as well. The food and service were impressive and memorable. The atmosphere was casual and friendly.
(5)
Trev W.
Kansas City BBQ Located in The Plaza district, Jacks BBQ is one of those landmark BBQ joints that really sums up the best of local cuisine. On most nights I would recommend maybe calling ahead to book a table, we arrived on a Friday night and it was packed with a 30min wait time. Split up into two parts, regular dining area and bar area with booths. I was not a fan tho of each booth having a TV inches away from your face. Dinner: -Burnt ends to start We were recommended these by a few locals before we went. Not bad, however they are nearly a meal in itself. - Ultimate Rib Dinner Wow, soo much food, the shank was massive and probably the second best I've ever had. The ribs were ok, not bad but really not the best I've had. I do recommend the beans as a side. - Carrot Cake Legit! Worth getting if you can stomach it after dinner. Worth it for sure! I like the decor, the staff were great and food was great. I know it's Kansas City BBQ and yes it was good, I personally think it was far to much food for one person. You really need to prepare before you go. Also your clothes may need dry cleaning after because you'll smell like ribs for days. Overall Food: 4-5 Drink: 5-5 (local beer is good) Service: 5-5 Coming back: yes
(4)
Benjamin B.
I love BBQ. I may display Carolina style preferences, but I'm pretty equal opportunity across the BBQ world. I was initially reluctant to try Jack Stack because of its more upscale atmosphere and multiple locations in trendy neighborhoods, but I I'm very glad I did. The one thing you can take away from this: TRY THE LAMB RIBS I wanted to get a sampling of everything on the menu and we were on our way to a KC Royals game, so I ordered the Ultimate Rib Dinner for us to share over some drinks. Everything was excellent, but more than any other item I loved the lamb ribs. They're a bit small... and we were sharing. If it hadn't been for time constraints I would have ordered an entire rack of them for myself. I'd like to note that like everywhere else I ate in town they seem to have a nice selection of local beers from Boulevard. Highly recommended!
(4)
Allister D.
So this was the first pit-stop to my BBQ adventure in KC. First off, I do love it's location. It's located inside The Plaza which is a beautiful Spanish-style outdoor shopping center. Jack Stack isn't too hard to find; it's literally within the first plaza. Jack Stack is sorta like an upscale restaurant with an intimate atmosphere. This would be a great place for a family gathering or a date with your gf/bf. The dim lighting creates this romantic vibe with the smell of BBQ ribs in the air; it all goes well! Since it was lunch time, I ended up having the baby back rib lunch special which were two short racks with their special BBQ sauce. The meat fell off the bone and was nice & tender. It was soft to chew and literally melted in my mouth. Their sauce was smoky but with an overall sweetened flavor. Their ribs is a must try! I ordered two sides to go along with my ribs; their hickory pit beans were on point! it was sweet yet it had a nice tang to give a better bite. My favorite was their cheesy corn bake!! OMG this was basically a cheesy macaroni & cheese side but using softly cooked corn instead of the macaroni pasta. This went well with everything. For $14 this was an ultimate steal for a great lunch price! I will def be coming back for more..
(4)
Michael H.
Can't beat the burnt ends and pit beans. Phenomenal KC style BBQ in a nice restaurant setting. Friendly staff and and great decor. Not a side of the road place for sure, but well worth a stop.
(5)
Stephen K.
Ordered this past weekend (Labor Day) multiple meals for a gathering. Ordered on the phone and was instructed to pickup in 20 minutes. Arrived, paid and drove off. All meals were correct, dang good as always and efficient. A reliable staple not only in the BBQ circuit but as a family meal that everyone can select from and find to their liking. Always safe with no surprises or disappointments.
(4)
Kristina G.
So. Wow. This was amazing. Truly amazing BBQ. We got the BBQ lunch combo with the crown rib and lamb. All the meat just melts away under your fork. And the spices were so packed full of flavor but not one bite was overwhelming or too much of any one flavor. The Burnt Ends are just as good as everyone hypes them up to be! We got half beef, half pork. :) We also noticed a lot of the staff being very attentive and friendly with patrons, not just their own tables. Our server-Daniel M, was helpful in what to try for our first visit and checked in regularly with us. He was a great first introduction to the staff there! Overall, we were very impressed with the atmosphere and the food. We travel a lot and we frequently return places/cities we enjoy. This is one we will be back on many occasions just to enjoy the entire package of this place. Only con: the meat is fatty, go with the salmon if you feel you want a lighter meal.
(5)
Caitlin M.
We were told we had to get BBQ in Kansas City and this was a place that was highly recommended. We are so glad we came here. Definitely gave us a good impression of KC BBQ! We were especially enamored with the Jack's Smokin' Mary. Their bloody mary mix is so good that they bottle it and sell it. The best part is the burnt-end stuffed olives! Full review at outforbloodies.com .
(5)
Jean L.
My friends have been raving about this place since I got off the plane. Needless to say, I was super excited to try it. The time came when we arrived on a Friday night around 7:30pm. The wait was about 45 minutes, which wasn't a big deal since there were couple of open seats at the bar and sports on tv to entertain. The service all around from getting a buzzer for seating to our waiter being super awesome, I give thumbs up for service. Finally, we were seated and let the eating begin! We started with chicken wings. Then one friend ordered beef/bacon/onion ring sandwich. My other friend and I shared a full order of beef ribs with 3 sides (potato salad, cheesy corn, and baked beans.) Perhaps our eyes were bigger than our stomach because the full order of the ribs were barely touched after 2 each. The flavors were really deep into the meat and the sides were super tasty especially the cheesy corn, there were even ham/bacon bits mixed in, and the baked beans went really well with the meat. Not to mention the original and spicy sauces to go with everything. Everything tasted fabulous going down, but a little over an hour later, my stomach wasn't too happy. In fact, the rest of the night and the next morning, I spent most of my time in the bathroom. One of my friends also had to release in the restroom, but her situation wasn't as bad as mine. The other friend had no problems. I don't know what the culprit could be since I was fine the whole day, but maybe I over ate or my stomach wasn't use to this type of food. Either way, I can't say that I'll be having bbq ribs any time soon.
(2)
Elizabeth A.
Loots of food, share the plates! The burnt ends were pretty good, actually everything was good. We went around 4:30pm on a Sunday and there was no wait. The staff was friendly and the local beer was good
(4)
Tyler S.
ack stack is one my favorites BBQ restaurants in KC. If you are looking for a great meal stop here and you wouldnt be disappointed. Get the sample platter, which is a good mixers of BBQ!
(5)
Melissa T H.
Annamari took great care of us! Hubby and I shared one entree: The 2 Crown Prime Rib dinner $29.99 - O.M.G. So unbelievably tender, full of deep marbled flavor, and HUGE: literally the size of my arm! And did I mention that it is oh-so-ridiculously tender succulent meat? Yeah. I want another one right now. One Crown Prime Rib is actually enough for me since it is basically a brisket cut on top of the rib. The sides were downright wonderful too: cheesy corn bake, BBQ beans and cheesy potatoes (we substituted cole slaw and fries) was amazing!!!!! Oh Jack Stack... please come to California!
(5)
Sebastien S.
Ribs and ribs and ribs. Don't forget the barbecue beans and creme brulee. Food coma! Our waitress Abi is the best!
(5)
Clarice O.
I should be ashamed of myself. Despite my denials of being narrow-minded, I am one sometimes. I held this longstanding bias against fancy BBQ joints. To me, "fancy BBQ joint" is a paradox and that people who go to fancy BBQ joints to have BBQ are heathens who would rather look nice than eat great BBQ. A great BBQ is as much about food as ambiance, which should be smoky and humble. If you want to start judging me for my narrow-mindedness, please do spare yourself the trouble, as I have already been schooled by Jack Stack. I heard a lot about Jack Stack while researching BBQ joints in Kansas City. Normally, I check out pictures more but my trip happened during busy season. So I made a list of purported legendary places to check out without really looking at pictures. Let me tell you how surprised and dismayed I was when I saw the nice, classy ambiance of the restaurant. True, I have a certain fondness for classy joints; and true, I am almost always dressed to be in a classy ambiance. But I so wanted to get stains on my pretty dress and this just was not the place to unleash my uncivilized meat-loving self. *sigh* Having said that, I was absolutely impressed with the friendliness and the welcoming attitude of the staff. Every single one we talked to was affable and the service was prompt and simply top-notch. The staff worked as a team and we were encouraged to feel free to ask help from anybody from the crew. But I was here for good BBQ that Kansas City is so renowned for. As mentioned, I was not optimistic about the food but I learnt that my narrow-mindedness was most definitely uncalled for. "Fancy" and "BBQ joint" are not necessarily mutually exclusive. We ordered the burnt ends, cheesy corn, Big Pig, and the baby back ribs. Every single one was just amazingly delicious. My least favorite of the bunch was the burnt ends, and only because my braces made eating them too much work. They were very tasty, though, and I know that I would love them more once the braces are off. The cheesy corn was simply addictive and I found myself needing a taste of it with my every bite. The ribs were also among the better ones I have had as of yet. But the Big Pig is what I can see myself going back repeatedly for. It is among my short list of foods I am willing to gain 6 sizes larger for. The ham, the bacon, the pulled pork...different delicious variations of my most favorite meat married with the creamy cheese and the onion ring.... On second thought, I would willingly gain 8 sizes for that sandwich. Fancy BBQ joints do exist and Jack Stack is proof. I have been schooled and I should be ashamed of being narrow-minded. Now if only I knew the meaning of the word "shame..."
(4)
Jess L.
I had high hopes for this place after reading all of the rave reviews here on Yelp - I am really impressed by the active Yelp community here in KC. I am sad to report that I was a bit underwhelmed by my experience today. Had a half sweet/half unsweet tea to start, which was grand in taste, but didn't help with the fact that the restaurant was FREEZING. I managed to take down four pints of the stuff, regardless of the fact that I was so cold. Ordered a side Caesar salad next, which was delightful. Croutons were crisp on the outside, chewy in the middle. House made dressing was tangy but not overly anchovy-heavy. Romaine was gorgeous and green, and the flakes of parmesan were divine. Next up was a burnt ends lunch, and sadly, this is where the tale gets a little sad. The ends were dry and reeeeeally fatty - several were solid fat, which was a little difficult for me to take down. Thanks to my Mom for raising me a picky eater. The fries were hot/fresh/crisp on the outside, but not cooked thoroughly. On the plus side, service was superb. Brett took excellent care of me, keeping my tea glass full. The rest of the staff swooped in to remove empty plates mere moments after I took my last bites. Just lovely. Many other people from my group had great meals and similar experiences with the exemplary service staff - I'm hopeful on my next trip through that the food kicks it up a notch from my experience.
(3)
Douglas W.
I guess I'm just not a fan of too much. Too much salt, too much smoke, too much heavy-handedness when it comes to their craft. I haven't had enough KC BBQ to say its a KC thing. There are those who say they have the best BBQ in the country. I've been here before and this is far from true. Great cooking no matter the cuisine takes fine ingredients and COMPLEMENTS them with the method of cooking and seasoning/smoke. It's a BALANCE of flavors. Great BBQ beef or pork should be tender, juicy, taste of the animal and then in the background smokey, never hot spicy but well seasoned. The lamb ribs were so salty I couldn't eat them. They were tender but black with smoke and over seasoned. Hickory is great in the background but theirs is too much and cloying. The burnt ends pork was dry and tough and I didn't love the original sauce. The spare ribs were tender but again I didn't like the seasoning. Your food shouldn't really be black. The slaw is ok, a little too sweet, the broccoli had too much garlic , the potato salad had too much relish and the beans were terrible with too much BBQ sauce and sugar. I didn't finish anything. I liked my wife's chicken 1/4 dark. Moist and not over smoked. I ordered some carrot cake and thought it was terrific. The bread pudding should be made from their toast NOT from croissant. It's not necessary. It's TOO MUCH. Disgusting and too dense. You do know croissants are 35% butter right? Maybe not. Following the theme? The fry seasoning contains GMOs and other ingredients that you shouldn't eat. Made me wonder what is in their rub and sauce. I don't think they know much about food. The service is great, the place is beautiful with prices to match. I wouldn't go back.
(2)
Rodrigo M.
The best american bbq place I've been to. I highly recommend the beef burnt ends with the baby ribs...and the service is top notch. If you're in Kansas City you have to check it out. Make sure to make a reservation otherwise you'll wait around 1 1/2 hour for a table.
(5)
David K.
We stopped here as we were passing through KC and boy was this a treat. I remember the bbq being pretty good and liking their seasonings but their cheesy potatoes were a thing of the gods! I always stop in to get those cheesy potatoes...yum
(5)
Zach G.
Jack Stack is a great place. I have been to a few of the locations, and consistency between them all is pretty good. It's definitely upscale BBQ joint of KC, as most people know, but the prices are still pretty fair in my book. Service here is friendly. A bit slow at times, but friendly. The bartenders are nice as well, and seem to know their stuff. It's not quite the bar expertise of, say, a Plaza III or some upscale steakhouse, but still...very good for a BBQ place! The menu has something for most people, even you (wacky) vegetarians. If your group is looking for a BBQ place in KC and you are a veg among meat eaters, this is the place you should go to. My most recent order was the burnt ends dinner with sides of green beans and cole slaw. The burnt ends were juicy, huge, and tasty. The smell and flavor on them were fantastic. That being said, I felt they could have been a little more "burnt", and a bit less fatty. However, I still devoured them. The green beans were delicious, but were served in an onion ring...so much for my one attempt at being healthy that night ;) Finally, the cole slaw was very good...but it was brought out a good 10-15 minutes before my entree, so by the time I actually ate it (it's cole slaw, not a salad, I'm going to wait for my entree) it was rather room temp which I did not enjoy. All in all - 2 or 3 beers, burnt ends dinner, two sides, tax = $25 or so. Not bad, I do say, not bad.
(4)
Dan G.
Having just arrived in KC, we were hungry. So, while everybody was hmming and hawwing about where we would eat. I whipped out.....my phone and fired up the trusty Yelp app and set our BBQ sights on Jack Stack's, located just a few blocks away. Score. It certainly was fancier than I would expect it to be. While I was tempted to get right to it and go all Chris Rock style "Gimme one rib!", it was far more orderly and we enjoyed a nice lunch. They have a lot of things that you can get on the menu, all different kinds of ribs, smoked meats and varying degrees of hotness sauce to douse them with. Brisket and burnt ends for me. Never had burnt ends before and I really enjoyed them. Brisket was good and the sauces were good. First BBQ I had in town was easily trumped by the other places I went to and put well in the rearview.
(3)
Jillian C.
The burnt ends are where it's at. Absolutely love them. I get their veggies on the side. Beware, they come with cheese on them so if you're dairy intolerant, just know that. I usually add on some of the house seasoning for a kick. As for their sauces, regular is nice but the spicy is where it is at. It's not spicy as in hot but just layered with flavor. Yummy!!
(4)
E P.
I wasnt impressed with my order. Everyone talks great things about the burnt ends. I ordered this as a meal - the burnt ends were very, very dry. The atmosphere and staff were great. I am disappointed I did not enjoy what so many people love here.
(2)
Chris C.
Great spot, cool look and feel and above average food. The only reason why I vote it 4 stars instead of 5 is because sometimes I want my BBQ without having to sit down. The deserts are truly 10 stars.
(4)
Matt U.
Just plain good should be Jack Stack's motto. That or "This the only place Chuck Norris asks for seconds". Either way, this place never gets old! You can get everything from a legit steak to some excellent rib and rack of lamb dinners to the classic take out dream - The Poor Russ! Our favorite way to dine is to grab a sandwich and some sides and head out to the fountains in the Plaza for some deliciousness whilst enjoying the surroundings. The Poor Russ and burnt ends here are simply stated - Amazing. With sides of cheesy corn (the kind they serve in heaven) and slaw, you can't go wrong. For those dining in, you gotta try the sampler - We recommend the Jack's Best for your eating pleasure. You sample the best they've got, get some sauce on your bid and leave a happy dude or dudette! Jack stack is the classiest of the local BBQ establishments and worth waiting for if you've got the time. Incredible service to go with incredible food, this is where we go when we're coming in from out of town and need to get our BBQ fix!
(5)
Drew S.
So, I hear about this place close to where my meetings are that is a KC BBQ institution. I didn't have time to sit down, so I grabbed take out. Sarah helped me out at the counter and was fantastic. She had good recommendations and even gave me a little extra since I explained my interest and experience in BBQ. I purchased a few pork ribs, sausage burnt ends and beef burnt ends (they were on special and sounded tasty). I also got beans and slaw for sides. A bit pricey though... I was so ready to eat when I got to a place to sit down and opened up my smoky and sauced prize. The aroma was fantastic, and I took my first bite of the sausage and was very pleased with that. A good level of spice, but it wasn't overly so. The sauce was smoky, had a slight hickory flavor, and wasn't too sweet. The sauce was probably the best part of the experience. After the sausage, I moved on to the ribs and found the meat to be bland and a bit over cooked. Maybe it was just the tip of the rib, so I moved to the center section. Same thing. Really? Come on KC, you can do better than this. How about the beef tips? Bland and over cooked... I thought this place was supposed to be better than this, especially for the price I paid. I was completely underwhelmed.
(2)
Chelsea B.
I compare ALL barbeque, and I mean ALL of it, to Oklahoma Joe's. If you're eating barbeque and it doesn't melt in your mouth, if it doesn't make you sit back in your chair and go "holy sh*t" after the first bite, if it doesn't make you say "THIS is what I've been waiting for all my life"... then it's not as good as Oklahoma Joe's. Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbeque falls in that category. Maybe I'm a hater because I don't get the whole fancy barbeque scene. Maybe I don't want to eat my barbeque on a plate... only styrofoam will do. Maybe I don't like getting seated right away and enjoy standing outside the door in a gas station parking lot for 45 minutes to get my barbeque. Maybe it's not you, it's me. The point is that when you walk into an "upscale" barbeque place you're necessarily expecting a higher quality of barbeque, and I have to say that I think Fiorella's is just okay.
(3)
Cade R.
This place is pretty amazing.
(5)
Andrew Q.
Some of the best BBQ I've had. KC is known for it and Fiorella's Jack Stack did not disappoint.
(5)
Ashley F.
Now I see why KC is the BBQ capital of the US. Decided to check this restaurant out based on other yelp reviews and the suggestion of a friend. Arrived at 7 pm on a Friday night and the wait was about an hour. Wonderful. Drove 3 hours to wait one more. But wait? Is that a couple I see signing a bill at the bar? Grabbing their coat? Yes! All manners aside, decided to swoop in and grab those two seats. An hour wait turned into a 5 min wait. The taste and quality of food did not disappoint. My friend and I decided to split the Jack's Best that included burnt ends, baby back ribs, and beef ribs with coleslaw and fries. This dish would make any vegetarian cheat on veggies for a night. The meat literally fell off the bone and the BBQ sauce added an extra kick. Service was so attentive and we were well taken care of. Both bartenders introduced themselves when we first sat down and were very prompt on meeting our requests (forgot the coleslaw? brought out an extra serving). One huge downside on top of the wait time is the parking. There is a parking lot located right in the same building as Jack Stack that gets really congested, especially on the top level where there is no turn-around to head back down to lower levels. A wet towelette would have been nice to for our sticky fingers too. Other than that, KC is still the BBQ capital in my book.
(4)
Bill J.
Absolutely delicious. Get the burnt ends or BBQ chicken. Clean friendly atmosphere. Our server was Joel and he was fast and attentive.
(5)
Nathan S.
I had a few days to explore KC and that ment a few BBQ joints to try. Jack stack was first on the list. Ask anyone about where to find good BBQ and this is what they seem to say " jack stack, but it's more upscale and expensive for BBQ". It is a little more la TE da than the others, but the food is great. The burnt ends are amazing, and as a side (you can substitute any of them) are wonderful. I had the cheesy corn, and it's more cheese than corn. Beware, I'm not kidding, if you are expecting corn you may find a little, but this is more of a cheese sauce that happens to have some corn in it.
(5)
Doug S.
The service is good, the food is ok. The prices are too high for what you get. I asked for prime rib rare, but they had medium rare. So I settled on burnt tips and back ribs combo. The sides were coleslaw and grilled veggies which were good. The meat portions were small for a$25 meal. The pork ribs had good flavor, but not even a half rack! The burnt ends did not do anything for me. They tended to be a little dry. They do not understand how to make a dirty martini. Mine was clear and they were out of Grey Goose. Disappointing.
(3)
Daniel V.
Jack Stake receives 3 Mehs. I'm not a big fan of gourmet BBQ. Just give me a pile of meat some sides and a bun. I don't need the black clothed waiters, candle chandelier, cloth napkins. The BBQ was good but not better than anywhere else I've been. Not impressed by the cheesy potatoes or cheesy corn.
(3)
Jon W.
Jon-- After a hardcore day of driving from Kentucky to Kansas City, we had to get some KC ribs. Jack Stack was the last stop for our KC rib tour (Oklahoma Joe's and Gates were already tried and enjoyed). While we are always grateful for a full slab after a long day on the road, Jack Stack didn't hold up to the other two venerable institutions. We started with the onion rings, which were pretty good. The batter was very light and tasty. However, the ribs were way too dry and stringy. Don't know if this was because we were there at the end of the night, but I was more than a little disappointed. The beans, which were excellent, couldn't even save the day. Nor the mild sauce, which was the best of the bunch. All in all, I'd stick with Oklahoma Joe's.
(3)
Devin H.
This bbq was delicious. I'm a San Francisco Giants fan who came here for the World Series, and I'm so glad I chose Jacks Stack. Ate a pulled pork sandwich that was out of this world. Our server was a really nice guy and gave us exceptional service. He had blonde facial hair and had a bigger build. Give that guy a raise! Best service I've had in a long, long time.
(5)
Stephen J.
Food was off the charts and the service was better. Tracy our server was very helpful as we tried to navigate the comprehensive menu. I have been to numerous bbq places and this one is right up there. Strongly recommend.
(5)
Ben M.
The server was overly insistent we try a certain wine, to shut him up we bought the bottle. It wasn't good, not even remotely good. He talked to much and carried on about how wonderful the plaza location was and how much better it was than the other locations. I thought it was a stupid thing to do. Food wasn't as good as it use to be when we ate at the Martin City location. The fact they were trying to be so pretentious about being on the Plaza ruined the meal. The plaza has gone really downhill and is nothing more than a mere tacky tourist trap. Horrible dining experience!
(1)
Phillip Y.
We stopped here for BBQ before heading back to Des Moines. At first, I thought the presentation was surprisingly good with the grilled vegetables. The batter dipped mushroom was juicy and delicious. However, the spare ribs were a bit on the dry side so it was okay. I still have to side with Knoxville's Rib Shack since I am use to it and prefer simple over fancy. That's just me but I'd rather find a hidden treasure like Rib Shack vs. a ritzy BBQ restaurant.
(3)
Joe L.
I had an excellent business meal here a few weeks ago. Our server was excellent and very attentive. We had onion rings for an appetizer and I had an excellent, flavorful caesar salad. Most of us ordered combo plates, and my consisted on burnt ends and baby back ribs with beans and french fries. Everything was really good. We agreed that Oklahoma Joes may have better sauce, but the beans here were top notch. My ribs were perfect.
(5)
Clifford S.
I rarely give a two but I was not happy with this place. Had Arthur Bryant's yesterday so I thought, cool, more great barbeque but in a more upscale location. Well, it was a more upscale location but the ribs were dry, the burnt ends were super fatty and they were out of the carrot cake. The beans were good. Nice waitress and comfy booths, big deal. I want the real deal barbeque. You should too.
(2)
Tim M.
Meh. Had the baby back ribs which were fine but tasted oven-baked without much smoke flavor. BBQ sauce tasted like spicy ketchup rather than a good vinegar-based tomato-flavored sauce. My wife had pork, which was sliced rather than pulled, and brisket which was fine. Bottom line - everything was ok, nothing great. Service was fast and polite.
(3)
John F.
Definitely a solid choice for good BBQ in Kansas City. The patio can be a bit cramped at peak hours, but once you get your food, your problems melt away with the beans!
(5)
Eric L.
Do yourself a favor and check this place out if you're in KC! I had the giant plate of food recommended by the waiter, "Jacks Best." It was way more food than I could have eaten by myself, but I knew that going in. The waiter said this one plate had everything they were known for on it, so I wanted to see what I liked best. Turns out, it was the Crown Prime Beef Rib. Fantastic! But really everything was good, from the kids' grilled cheeses to my wife's pork sandwich. Next time I'll just order the crown prime and skip the appetizer. Service was great. They were busy at 830 on Sunday night, but there was no wait. Highly recommended!
(5)
Garen M.
Met some friends here for Sunday lunch. The staff was very accomodating even though they had 3 young children with them. The lunch was good. I enjoyed the cheesy corn sides as much as I did my burnt pork ends. The rest of the table had pulled pork sandwiches and beef ribs. I coveted my friends cheesy potatoes. Not a top BBQ spot, but nicely served and great surroundings.
(4)
Stephanie C.
Best BBQ I've ever had! Brunt ends and short rib are so tender they are like pot roast! Jacks Best is a must have and enough for 2!!
(5)
Meghan M.
If you're scared of food served at a gas station or crossing the irrationally feared Troost Ave, then this bbq will suffice. I consider it fancy man bbq. It has cloth napkins, waiter service, intentional ambience, and higher prices. I like their rib platter, and I'm obsessed with their cheesy corn. Everything else is good to good enough, but for an authentic KC experience, I would recommend other places (first & foremost, OK Joe's).
(4)
Joey H.
The best BBQ I've had. Tender, but not greasy ribs, and a good selection of meats. Sauce was a bit too subtle for me, but the quality of the meat made up for it. Full service dining is also a plus.
(5)
Abbey A.
Parent-approved KC BBQ. I prefer the grittiness of a Gates or Arthur Bryant's or the great outdoor ambience of Woodyard, but there's no doubt Jack Stack makes some truly delicious, high quality food.
(4)
Leslie M.
Meats-recommend brisket, ribs and pork. Turkey was too deli-like. Sauce-mild = excellent, on the vinegary side. Spicey=overwhelmed with cayenne pepper, lost the flavor. Sides- beans were EXCELLENT (with meet and lots of bbq sauce). Coleslaw was sweet and great. Pass on the cheesy corn.. too liquidity.. Like corn in melted Velveeta, not very interesting. Bread wasn't anything special-toast, plain, not fresh (not worth extra cost on sandwiches). potato salad was very bland but fine. Staff was very friendly and helpful, thank you Justin G! Bathrooms were clean, new, and well maintained/clean.. Loved the faucets.
(4)
Nicole H.
Best BBQ! We could smell this place from everywhere on the plaza! If you are ever shopping downtown, seriously follow your nose! Great service and fantastic food. Their portions are large, and you'll have a to-go bag. It's conveniently located and they have a casual atmosphere. Delicious.
(4)
Wendy W.
I've been enjoying Jack Stack BBQ since its humble beginnings in Martin City, Mo. The attention to quality, flavor, service and atmosphere only gets richer! You can count on what you know as only true to Jack Stack BBQ. You can count on super attentive waiters. You can count on fare for all pallets, including vegetarians, fish-lovers and of course those who like to chow down on ribs, burnt ends and wings. I've ordered Jack Stack to be delivered to Texas for a show down. I've ordered massive pounds for my child's graduation in Omaha, and I've purchased it packaged at Costco. Same quality every time - and a hands down winner! Oh, and in case you didn't know it, you are missing the bloody mary of a lifetime if you don't try Jack's burnt-end stuffed olives in the bloody mary on an easy Sunday morning'. My only beef is, when will we get on in Omaha?
(5)
Leah W.
First things first: Lamb ribs and cheese corn = AMAZING! The ambiance of this place felt more high class, which fit with the Plaza area. The 3 of us all tried different items, but loved everything we ordered. We each tried a bit of everything (brisket, burnt ends, ribs, etc.) and were pleased with our meat choices. We tried both sauces offered, but neither was spicy. The sides were also great and well portioned with the meal. The loaded baked potato could have been its own meal. Not as "authentic" feeling as some other KC barbecue places, but delicious!!!
(4)
Mark G.
My 2nd favorite KC BBQ restaurant. Oklahoma Joes is #1. Burnt ends and ribs were excellent. Spicy BBQ sauce was awesome. Baked beans were pretty good but I've had better. They were a little too sweet. Honestly, they tasted better cold the next day. For some reason they forgot my coleslaw but I didn't even notice until I was nearly finished eating and didn't have room form it anyway.
(4)
Jemmie W.
Wow. Just wow. I lived in Texas for three years and one of the things I miss about Texas is the BBQ. This place addresses that issue. I had the full rack smoked beef ribs with three sides. They say it's enough for two people. I say they are right, and I eat like a killer whale. The full rack includes eight ribs. I ate six of them and could eat no more. I basically didn't touch the sides. The beef ribs are unbelievable and reminds me of the legendary BBQ in Texas. The meat is incredibly tender, flavorful, and not dry. I cannot recommend it enough.
(5)
Sophia L.
Been traveling for work through BBQ cities and loved jack stack's. The prime beef rib had the right amount of fat and flavor (beef rib, burnt ends, and baby back) was outstanding. If you're an onion ring lover, order a stack. Cornmeal in the batter made for a crunching coating with a perfect onion on the inside. Coleslaw was addicting -- I ate every bite. Too much food for one person so bring a friend.
(4)
Zach C.
Tried the combo with beef tips and lamb ribs. Ribs were slightly gamey in taste, and a little fatty but not bad for ribs. The tips were amazing! so were the beans as a side. Recommend tips and beans!
(4)
Ann W.
Two words for you: lamb ribs! Two more words for you: burnt ends! This is really all you need to know about Jack Stack. For all of the KC barbecue fanatics, I do understand that lamb ribs aren't traditional KC barbecue, but holy *&^$ those things are like crack! Especially paired with their extra spicy sauce which is spicy, but not killer spicy. For KC barbecue purists, you cannot argue with the most delightful brisket burnt ends ever to pass your lips. If you haven't tried them, you must. They're simply divine...moist, tender, flavorful. Oh good googly moogly, I'm salivating! I have heard many times about how wonderful the cheesy corn is. This is clearly a matter of taste because I find it to be foul beyond belief. But fortunately, Jack Stack has a great selection of sides to choose from including top notch barbecue-y baked beans. I have never had dessert at Jack Stack because I just can't eat that much. I generally walk out with a box with half of my food in it because the portions are really generous. In fact, I did just that last night and when I arrived home, my husband snatched the box from me and devoured my leftover ribs in less than five minutes. If that isn't a ringing endorsement, I don't know what is. They will only take reservations at this location if you have at least six in your party. Fortunately, they can usually accommodate most parties fairly quickly, but it would be really nice if they'd take reservations for those of us who prefer not to fly by the seat of our pants. Service here has ranged from tolerable to excellent. The last time I ate here, there were only two of us and our waitress was preoccupied with her bigger parties neglecting us when we needed more sauce or refills, but otherwise she was certainly pleasant. On the previous occasion I visited, we had a bigger party and had great service throughout the meal.
(4)
Jared D.
This was my initiation to authentic Kansas City-style barbecue, and I wasn't disappointed. I had received recommendations from plenty of people about which barbecue joint to try during my business trip but ultimately settled on Jack Stack because of its location on the Plaza. I have nothing to compare the food to, but it lived up to my expectations. Living in the New York area, burnt ends are a mythical foodstuff that are virtually impossible to find, so I was anxious to try them here. They were incredible and easily the best part of the meal -- even better than the Crown Prime beef rib that my server had hyped up. The entrees at Jack Stack are gluttonous and gigantic, which I suppose is what you would expect at a barbecue joint. But I'm glad I tried it, and I look forward to exploring other barbecue options in this city in the future. (Also, burnt ends.)
(4)
L. D.
OMG !!! Jack Stack Baby Backs can't be beat in the KC area! ! Holy S.O.B...... the Baby Back ribs and the Cheesy Baked Potatoes are HMMMMM GOOOOOODDDDD! ! This was my 3rd visit to Jack Stack and it did not disappoint. I will definitely be back to the Stack !!! I've also tried Gates, Hayward's and Smokehouse BBQ and JS is still on the top of my list. On my to do list are Oklahoma Joe's, Famous Dave's and Hereford's. So much BBQ, so little time.
(5)
Alex C.
My favorite place for BBQ in the nation so far, and that's saying a lot since i'm from Texas and my Dad's from North Carolina. The burnt tips, the brisket, sausage, ribs, oh, everything is great. Try the cheesy Mac, the cheesy potatoes, and the BBQ beans are to die for. Can seem pricy, but the best things in life usually are. Great location, whenever my family and I are in town we stop by for a meal, then order more to take home with us. The last word in Kansas City BBQ.
(5)
Holly Y.
BEST baked beans and cole slaw in Kansas City! BBQ is OK, but THE BEST baked beans and cole slaw I've EVER eaten! Love to go pick up & have at home with my own homemade pulled pork! Chunks of meat in their beans...honestly, I can't say enough good things about their beans and slaw!
(4)
M P.
My first experience with KC BBQ and holy wow it was delicious! We sampled the beef brisket, the chicken, and the beef ribs. All awesome. The sauces were perfect mix of tangy, sweet, and spicy. We also had the cheesy corn which I think now is going to be the only way my husband will eat corn! It was so good. And then there are the beans. Oh the beans. I'm not sure there are words to properly describe the perfection that was the beans, except "best ever."
(5)
Donna L.
Although a fancier kind of BBQ place, very good food, great service. Their ribs are the best on their menu. Carrot cake for dessert is to DIE for. Would definitely go there again when in KC.
(4)
Aldwin C.
probably this review is not needed. just go to the restaurant. free-smells.
(5)
Shaun W.
When I asked an Overland Park, KS friend for advice on the best BBQ in town, this is where I was pointed. Zagat and the other food awards seem to agree when it comes to a slightly more upscale eating experience. You can't help but smell the hickory smoke a block away and by the time you actually make it in the door, you're starving. All of the meats are topnotch, but what I keep coming back for is the beef brisket. Other reviews seem to all agree; get the beef brisket and the burnt ends. (I prefer the "Poor Russ" chopped burnt ends.) All of the sides are good, but I highly recommend the vegetable kabob. These skewers are grilled fresh and come out dripping in their natural juices. This side is served with a mild horseradish sauce that goes well with all of the veggies, but makes the mushrooms worth writing about. I'm generally not a BBQ fan as I've written in my other reviews, but the food coming out of the kitchen here makes me choose to visit any time I'm in the Kansas City area.
(5)
Jeremy K.
After a disappointing outing to Arthur Bryant's as part of a 4th of July KC excursion, our local host urged us to give KC barbecue a shot at redemption at Jack Stack. We stopped by there just to pick up some burnt ends and cheesy corn to go. The burnt ends here were delicious. I have to say, though, that they are virtually identical to good Texas barbecue brisket. I guess by the name, I expected them to be way more burnt. I'd say the burnt ends here were of the same quality as Rudy's extra lean brisket in Austin, which is my personal favorite barbecue. The cheesy corn was a love/hate dish. I didn't care for it at all, based on its texture, but 3 of the 5 of us absolutely loved it. I would come back here next time I am in KC and try some more of their meat.
(4)
Allen W.
Walking in you get hit by a mouth-watering smell that sets your mood. good sauce, amazing beans. We had the dinner for two meal with sliced pork(okay), brisket(very good), baby back ribs(a little tough and dry), and beef slice(okay). The sauce is what made it taste good. Good wine selection and the waiter was awesome.
(4)
Rosa J.
I usually decide if a BBQ place is good based not on its meat, but on its potato salad. While I didn't get to try the potato salad at Jack's I did try the cheesy corn...YUM!! I had never even heard of cheesy corn but I am a fan now! The BBQ was good. I had the Hatfield with brisket and turkey. It was a great combination and it wasn't overly stuffed with meat. It was just enough to fill me up! I also tasted some of the "Burnt Ends", which I had also never heard of, also a winner.
(3)
Liz S.
The burnt ends were fantastic! My favorite were the pork ribs and baked beans. We ate at the bar. Service was great and the food came really fast. I recommend this to anyone!
(4)
Kate G.
After many work trips to Kansas City, I finally whined enough to get some BBQ. Though I really want to try a real dive, this was a very nice restaurant and accommodated our large group well. Our server was WAY off all night, taking half the drink orders at a time, forgetting waters, forgetting sides, all sorts of stuff. But he was friendly so no one held it against him. I sampled the ginormous fried mushrooms, burnt ends, sliced beef and pork, chicken smothered with pulled pork and cheese, and a dinosaur bone - basically the biggest rib I have ever seen. All of it was great and the mild, medium and hot sauces just added to the smokey flavor and heat. My veggie kabob skewer was delicious with corn cobs, carrots, onions, bell peppers and squash served with what tasted like horseradish mayo for dipping. With all that delicious meat, I think the best part of the meal was the huge spinach salad topped with strawberries, goat cheese and BACON mmmm. I liked the selection of local beers and I will be back on a future trip for sure.
(4)
Debbie G.
Went to KC on a business trip and didn't know what to expect. All I kept hearing about was how you can't leave town until you try their BBQ! Luckily, the office I was at ordered from here for lunch one day - there was sooo much food and it was sooo good! BBQ pork chops, creamed corn, cole slaw, grilled veggies - it was a great lunch treat I'm sure I would've liked it even better at the restaurant itself and I probably would've tried even more BBQ items, but from what I sampled through the takeout - KC BBQ is no joke!
(3)
Steve W.
I was in town on business and decided to check out a couple of recommended BBQ places. It was a split decision on this one. We ordered an appetizer of burnt ends, because of the reviews. We weren't all that impressed. They seemed very dry, and not all that flavorful. However, after we had ordered them, we both decided on the Jack's Best, which is a sample of their top specialties. This also comes with the burnt ends, but for some reason, they were much better than the appetizer burnt ends. Very tender and much more flavorful. Our appetizer must have been the leftovers from the previous batch. Our favorite was the Crown Prime Beef rib. It's a lot of meat on a single rib. Very flavorful and very tender. It was excellent. The baby back pork ribs were good, but not great. The Cheesy Corn Bake was very good. Overall, it was definitely good food, but not our top BBQ choice in the area.
(4)
Jessette P.
Mmmm good. Rustic ambiance, good service, fair priced. Had the grilled salmon salad, a taste of the cheesy corn, the hickory beans and a big onion rings. My codiners had the burnt ends, the briisket and the pork sandwich, which they all agreed was tender and tasty. Recommend!
(4)
C B.
Got take out. Great service; even better food. Ribs were excellent, very meaty, tender. Also got beans and cole slaw that were very good also. If you want BBQ -- go here!
(5)
Chris F.
This restaurant proved to be the better one of the two BBQ places that I tried during my short stay in Kansas City. Sure, it has the "fancy" restaurant feel, but I didn't come for the atmosphere! First off, the burnt ends as an appetizer was in store. Oh my hell. Delicious! The meat was tender and charred just enough so that eating that wad of fat became just tolerable enough for myself. Compared to Arthur Bryant's, I liked that the meat wasn't already swimming in the sauce, so I actually got a chance to taste it for the flavor of the meat itself, and it was definitely great. Their original sauce hit the spot for me. As for the sides, the potato salad was great, and the corn bake was...interesting. Good flavor, but it was essentially cheese and corn soup. It was different, and I'm glad I tried it. I decided to get a full spectrum and try out the sampler, which included beef and pork ribs, chicken, and sausage. Ribs, good. Chicken, good. Sausage, good! Everything hit a home run for me. Tender, flavorful, and very smokey! I felt like I was smoking at a hookah bar after eating because of that unusual sensation that I got in the back of my mouth. Service was excellent too. The waiter was attentive and patient with us as we tried to be not indecisive with our choices.
(5)
Mike H.
I'm not a huge rib fan, but since I was in Kansas City I figured I had to give it a try. First, they had New Belgium beers on tap (Fat Tire), so that by itself was a huge bonus. The ribs were pretty outstanding and a large portion for the money. I prefer dry ribs, but I liked how these didnt use too much sauce that you couldnt taste the meat. The real highlight of the meal was the burnt end stew, which was so much better than I could have expected. The smoke flavor was much stronger here than the ribs. Also had a great choice of sides (I had the french fries and hickory beans)
(4)
Kristina M.
We'd give six stars if we could. This place was an unplanned stop in our multi-city bbq tasting tour and ended up being our top pick of the 5 KC places that we tried. And all three of us agreed on it. The place was conveniently near our hotel and it was packed even though it was Sunday night. We were seated reasonably quickly and had a great waitress who was friendly yet efficient. Then there was the food. It was what bbq should be smokey, tender, delicious. And the portions were huge. We had the babybacks and a mixed burnt ends. The beans where the best among all the bbq joints in all the cities we visited. Thank goodness they have a catalog because otherwise we might have to come up with reasons to travel to KC again. They weren't the cheapest but worth every penny. Eating with Allergies: They double checked the ingredients in the item's R ordered and ensured they didn't contain any of his problem ingredients allowing him to enjoy his meal without fear.
(5)
Kristian R.
I knew I wanted some BBQ when I got to KC and this place was within walking distance from my hotel. First, for those of you who are unaware (like I was) this place is a chain. In my experience, the best BBQ comes from local places where the original pit master is still working the pit. This place has the feel of your standard Chili's or TGIFridays (which I try to avoid at all costs). The menu is also HUGE. As far as BBQ places go, there only needs to be one page (Meats, Sandwiches, and Sides). I ordered the Jumbo sandwich (choice of 2 meats and one side). I got burnt ends and pulled pork with the cheesy corn. I had heard good things about the burnt ends and cheesy corn (I had heard good things). The burnt ends and pulled pork were a little tough and not much smoky flavor. The cheesy corn is exactly what it sounds like but nothing spectacular. My friend had the sandwich with polish sausage and smoked pork with fries. The sandwich was pretty weak but the fries were excellent. I did enjoy the wide selection of Boulevard beers on tap. Overall, it was mediocre BBQ that was not worth the price (about 8-10 per sandwich with side). I wouldn't go back again and would definitely look for some place small and locally owned.
(2)
Kelly W.
Great service and AMAZING food! I hadn't been to Jack Stack in several years, and this latest visit was everything I remembered and more! My husband and I got there right at 11 on Sunday, and were assured by our server that we would be getting the freshest of their amazing smoked meat, and we did! We had the Burnt Ends, and my husband added Ribs with the two-meat combo. Don't miss out on the corn bake while you're there! A large side is enough for two to share. The burnt ends were so tender, they fell apart at the touch of my fork. The meal was simply divine! The service was terrific too. Our waiter was very attentive, and frequently returned with soda refills. I can't wait till I'm back in the area, I know where I'll be getting my KC BBQ!
(5)
Fia R.
Caution: if you're sticking to that New Year's Resolution of yours, hint hint, I suggest that you read this after you already consumed your low-calorie/low-something meal, or you take responsibility of your salivation & temptation ;D. As a complete KC BBQ noob & after receiving recommendations from friends, the discovery of KC Restaurant Week right at Day One pinpointed to the place buckled into the Country Club Plaza (which, my Cali buddies, is similar to Santa Monica Promenade or the shops at La Jolla). DL and I waited--err, mostly strolled around the blocks--for about an hour before getting seated at a table widened enough that I postulated that our platters for 2 would cover almost all of it. We decided that one of us (okay, me) will select the $30 3-course dinner, composed of 3 Onion Rings; 4 different kinds of wet-rubbed meat with one large Cheesy Potato Bake; & a Carrot Cake. DL, meanwhile, ordered off from the titanic, regular menu: the Kansas City Combo ($17.45), consisted of Lamb Ribs and Beef Burnt Ends plus 2 small sides of Creamy Coleslaw & very appropriately named Hickory Pit Beans. Starting off with the protein descriptions, included in my 3-course were the Lamb Ribs, Crown Prime Beef Rib, Pork Spare Ribs, and Pork Baby Back Ribs. All this, plus DL's meat, had that invigoratingly smoky & subtly sweet taste--the latter being my super personal preference--most without necessarily drowning them with their famed BBQ sauces. Other than noticing the ribbed patterns, what I listed was intentionally my most favorite to least: sensuous lamb with gamey balance; excellently charred and just-right fatty & succulent, hunky piece of medium-rare beef; very pleasurable & flavorful spare of pig; & baby back ribs that not only they weren't really off-the-bone, but I find it not as worthy to save calories as the one in Phil's BBQ :P. Moreover, DL's Burnt Ends were downright delicious, except that some were moist, & some were dry that it did desire that deluge, whether in Original Sauce, Spicy, or Hot. Now expatiating on the non-meats, the Onion Rings were greatly breaded & not-at-all greasy. But that's all I'll write about, with a little quirk that I liked them best when dipped w/ Heinz ketchup. On the contrary, our 3 total sides AND our outrageously devilish, plumpy Carrot Cake were something it's difficult to write concisely o_o. I guess I can condense that these were so perfectly textured & so extraordinarily, perhaps panoramically yummy & 5-starred material that you for sure need to plan a rigorous, workout session (P90x maybe?!) before--and after--indulging guiltlessly. Finally, service might be fine at the hosting stage, but the on-site manager was absolutely accommodating & amiable, & our server Eric was the paragon of A-graded service. He even gave us a sample of their hottest BBQ sauce with no question that DL excitedly bought bottles of Spicy & Hot at $3.50 each. Some of the meats were something that I was blissful to try once, but if we revisited, I'd reorder the sides, the dessert, the Lamb, while I'll go for that Cheesy Corn Bake & the meats suited for their Sammies. In summary, at least THIS Fiorella's, whether during KCRW or not, is still worth going on your 1st KC vacay, with plenty of neighboring stores to walk around to prep up your hunger. Btw, eating the leftovers were still tasty; none of that weird, refrigerated undertone seeped in :P.
(4)
Scott H.
Best BBQ on our trip to KC. Beans were awesome. Ribs were great. Service was good. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
David S.
This was my first - no, second - KC BBQ experience. Since then I've had one more. How does Jack Straw measure up? It's quite nice. I think that unless you're from Texas, or KC, or North Carolina, or someplace else with a BBQ brain, you just love all BBQ and don't get caught up in the nuances of one vs. the other (at least I don't). I just love BBQ, and every place has things I would kill for, and things I'd pass on. So, first, this place is nice. As in, you're not going to a shack if that's what you're looking for. It's a sit down restaurant that goes out of it's way to make it a non-BBQish kind of place (aside from the individual booths with the individual TVs in the bar area - which was pushed on me because, I imagine, I am male, was alone, and perhaps looked freakish from the very cold walk over). So, the onion rings (which come stacked and sort of appear like a large anal dildo to be honest) were tasty, but I think undercooked. I like the onion to be more tender than these were. The ribs were moist and fall off the bone tender. 4 big bones. Flavor was all there. Not too much smoke. Beans were good, but not as good as Oklahoma Joe's in my view. Plenty in portion, a bit more pricey than most BBQ, and served quickly. An the burnt ends were so, so nice. Super juicy. Nice big chunks. Great smokey flavor. These on bread with sauce must be heaven. Next time. I look forward to trying the baby backs and the magnum meat on a bone chop, the name of which I can't remember. They have a nice beer list and plenty of seating. No waiting for me on a Wed night. Anyway, great BBQ. Can't wait to go back and try other meats.
(4)
Brock L.
Omg so good..Best BBQ I have ever had. Blows away the local place in the Boston Area that's good. I had to come out here for training for work. I was like Kansas...not vegas cali or Fla or NY..what's in Kansas...everyine said to me..well make sure you try the BBQ out there..like five people...I'm not even a big BBQ fan...well I went there on the first night...and made sure to go again the next night as I leave the following night...tip if your in town for business order take out..you save some. But the resturant and the whole experince is great.The Beef Burnt ends are un real..and the brisket is great..they made them leaner for me great service.The Prime Beef ribs are crazy...3 and your done.They are like Jurassic ribs. Dont be a sissy and get chicken. .Go big.if you come here..and its only a one time deal..maybe noy they do mail order. Def recommended this place
(5)
Gabe F.
Several people raved about Jack Stack's BBQ. Being a South Carolina native in Tennessee, I wasn't sure what to expect about KC bbq. I went here first. I ordered the burnt ends, pork ribs and corn bake. The meat was painfully smoky with no sweetness or help from the sauce. I assumed this was just my taste preference for bbq. The corn bake was excellent! It's like mac and cheese but with corn instead of noodles. The atmosphere was great and the service was fine, but it was a bit pricey for bbq. After almost giving up on KC barbecue I decided to check out Oklahoma Joe's. Go to Oklahoma Joe's! Go to Oklahoma Joe's! It's in a gas station but don't be fouled, this barbecue is excellent!
(2)
John M.
I think they may have lost a step since changing ownership, it didn't use to be called fiorellos jack stack OR the 22nd street jack stack is the best of the three locations. BTW expect them to be very busy during peak times. Anyways into the grub. Ordered a combo plate to enjoy on a mild summer day on the patio. Burnt ends kinda disappointed this time lacking that carmelized sweetness also they were very dry. The sausage was as I remembered, good, but the ribs suffered the same issue as the burnt ends, dry. The stand out was the BBQ chicken, great seasoning smoke ring and moist. The beans are burnt ends beans and their signature BBQ sauce, damn fine beans with those ingredients. A companion ordered the burnt end sandwich, good tasting bread, loaded with chopped burnt ends and coleslaw, which they really enjoyed. Bring an appetite for the sandwich it's a great deal. Also, the lamb ribs which I had on my first trip to jacks are very good. Another thing to note is if you don't like celery seed flavor, don't try the hot BBQ sauce, it had more celery seed than the coleslaw. Service is adequate for as busy as they are. Still I'd hit it again, just not this one.
(3)
Samantha C.
Came her a few months ago while I was in KC for training for work and I really liked this place. The restaurant was quite sophisticated and the ambiance was mature. I ordered the prime rib sandwich and it was so amazingly delicious. For 12 or 13 dollars, the portion was huge and it included french fries. It was an open face sandwich and it was probably the best prime rib I have ever had; super juicy and flavorful. However I was a bit disappointed in the burnt ends since they are so highly talked about on here. My co-worker order the appetizer portion of that and I had a piece which I thought was mediocre. It didn't really have much flavor, but maybe I just had a bad piece. Bummer. But overall, this place was great and if I'm ever in KC again, I will surely come back.
(4)
Jenny C.
A meal at Jack Stack's is a MUST whenever I am in Kansas City. In fact, I ate there twice during my last 4-day visit! Their baby back ribs and burnt ends are my absolute favorite plus they can substitute roasted vegetables (or a veggie kabob) in lieu of the usual carb heavy sides at no additional cost. I like my ribs dry so I appreciate the fact that they do not slather on a plethora of barbecue sauce that masks the actual flavor of the ribs. On my way back home, I stopped by their carry out section and ordered 1lb of pork burnt ends and 1/2lb of beef brisket (which came with a free full sized bottle of spicy barbecue sauce!). It was wrapped perfectly for travel so I was able to easily slip it into my suitcase without worrying that it would leak and spill in my luggage. See you again next year Jack Stack!
(4)
Qanelle J.
I love BBQ and the burnt ends here are delicious. The outdoor patio overlooks the water which is cool. I could eat bbq for days.
(5)
Dean D.
Great Kansas City BBQ! I got the Sampler platter which has chicken, ribs, burnt ends, and kielbasa. My cardiologist is gonna die if he finds out. Couldn't finish it. Everything was delicious. Highly recommend the burnt ends and you gotta try their baked beans and that cheesy corn...good stuff.
(4)
Kajal G.
Went here during lunchtime on a Saturday so it was really busy but we luckily got a booth at the bar which fit the four of us okay. We ordered waters and beers which took a surprisingly long time to come and between the 4 of us, we ordered The Round Up Sampler (sliced beef, pork, ham, and pork spare ribs, coleslaw, baked beans, fries) and the Jack's Best Sampler (features one crown prime beef rib, baby back ribs, and beef burnt ends, coleslaw and fries) oh and we also had the Spinach Salad Highlights: *Prime Beef Rib-amazing, falling off the bone and fork tender. YUM\ *Baked Beans- normally not a fan but these were cooked with a lot of bbq sauce and so good. Also helpful as a dip for the meat since they were lacking sauce and there was no extra bottle on the table *Coleslaw- again, normally not a fan but we had 3 orders on our table and they were demolished by the end of it *Sliced Beef- Yummo! Though could've used more sauce *Spinach Salad- could use less dressing but very good and a great starter if you get the small size or split the large with someone Bad Parts: *There was this blonde food runner who was very rude to us and rolling her eyes at us because we weren't moving the things on our table out of her way fast enough. Total Bitch who deserves to get smacked. She worked lunch shift Saturday and had her blonde hair in a bun and wore glasses. *Lack of sauce- the meat was missing a lot of flavor without extra sauce on the table. I ate with my hands and they were practically clean after *The wait. I know it's a Saturday at the Plaza but there was a wait for drinks, long wait for food and even a line for the bathroom! *Server was pretty inattentive but we were in the bar area so I guess that's what you get for not wanted to wait an hour for a regular table. Oh well. I had high hopes for KC BBQ and maybe I can try Omaha Joes or something else
(3)
Claudia P.
worst BBQ we have ever eaten....the chicken was dry,the ribs didn't have any sauce or seasoning and to make the experience even worse our waitress Belynda (got the name from receipt) was rude and inattentive....giving the place one star because yelp asked for a rating....unfortunately there are no options for horrible food
(1)
Seri M.
We had a group of 8 adults and 4 children without a reservation on a Saturday afternoon. Everyone was appropriately dressed and it could have been partly our fault for not making a reservation, but our wait was about 2 hours long. Imagine trying to entertain 3 kids under 5 years, plus a squirmy toddler for 2 hours. Once we were finally seated, our drinks were promptly brought to us by our server and our orders were efficiently taken. The barbecue was delicious, including the side orders of beans, potato salad, cole slaw, etc. The best thing I ate that day was the carrot cake and I am not even a fan of carrot cake! It was so delicious and the frosting/cake ratio was perfect. I thought since this was a "high end" barbecue restaurant, we would have needed to dress up a little, but I saw plenty of people in jeans and tees. The atmosphere wasn't too stuffy and was pretty loud inside; however, when we walked in with the screaming overly tired toddler, all eyes turned our way. Based on the food experience and not the people experience... If I ever return to Kansas City, I will definitely go back to Jack Stack.
(4)
Doug D.
One of the best BBQ experiences in the world. A must do when in KC!
(5)
Erick H.
I had been looking forward to going to Jack Stack for several years now, and so I was so excited to be in Kansas City for the American Royal BBQ Competition so that I could experience what had been touted as the "Best Barbeque in Kansas City." What a disappointment. We had wings to start off. They were the best part of the meal. Smoky flavor, not to spicy so that my wife could eat them. "Wonderful" I though. I was hoping the rest of the meal would be just as good. But it wasn't. We were seated right next to the kitchen, so it was a bit busy. And as I waited for our food, I was getting so excited. I had the Baby Back Ribs, Burnt Ends and Beef Rib. The Ribs were a bit dry, and very little hint of anything smoky. They were also overcooked and mushy. The Burnt Ends were just chunks of Brisket. Not real Burnt Ends. They were fattey and chewey. The Beef Rib was VERY fatty, and had little meat on it. The fat overpowered any meat I did actually find. Again, no hint of smoke anywhere. The Cheesy Corn was soupy, but the beans were decent. My wife had chicken and ribs, and her ribs were undercooked, and the chicken was dry. I have been told since then that I chose the wrong one. I should have gone to the original location that is still owned by the ex-wife of the owner of the place I went. Don't know if I'll even venture to that place, but who knows. Next time I'm in town I might just try it.
(2)
Ken B.
Jack Stack is good food but just OK barbeque! I don't get all the hype of this being great KC barbeque, but the one thing going for it is that it is always consistent. Consistent in a good and bad way. If the food is just ok, then it's always just ok. The customer service and waitstaff have always been excellent and it has never failed to be so. The food doesn't have the same soul as some other local bbq joints. I do love the beans but am not a fan of the poppy seed slaw. Even if this food is hand made, it misses that quality. If something is too burnt or too greasy it doesn't seem to be served. On one hand that is great consistency, but doesn't leave you with that hand made feeling. Some people like an extra crispy frie here and there and this place doesn't have that. But again, the food is not, nor ever has been bad. It's good food, just not great bbq to me. I believe variety is important in all aspects of life so that feeling carries through to bbq restaurants too. A bbq joint can be a hole in the wall or a nice dining establishment. Jack Stack definitely is on the nicer side of the spectrum. Again, I like a little more grit and soul to a bbq experience but if you prefer a nicer, cleaner space, Jack Stack would be perfect for you. It's all A-OK!
(3)
Kathleen M.
I not only love Yelp, but I am addicted to Facebook as well. I solicited opinions on what to see/do as well as where to eat from my FB friends and read up on Yelp. We were here for some Cubs games, wanted to eat barbeque at least twice. I settled on Arthur Bryant's and here; seemed to be a nice contrast in setting plus this was a short walk from our hotel. And the walk was nice! The restaurant was also cool, clean and comfy. I was feeling a bit disloyal to my new Arthur Bryant crush. The realization that this wasn't equally great barbeque in an upscale setting began right away with the burnt ends appetizer. I put my fork in one and it was completely soft, just all fat. I had trouble finding one that was more meat. And there was really no sauce, we had to ask for some. For entree, I got the rib trio and the good thing is that I tried beef and lamb and know that I am a pork rib girl; didn't know that before. But not these dried out pork ribs. I did love the baked beans. My initial glass of iced tea was fine but then they refilled it with sweet tea - wouldn't you ask first? Then the!y were out of the carrot cake. For twice the price, we got a tenth of the barbeque taste. No meat loving cave man orgy of sauce! Wish we had tried Oklahoma City barbeque instead. The walk home was nice, it helped quell a bit of my indigestion. Jack Stack, you look good but taste like grocery store precooked ribs.
(2)
Andrew F.
It takes less time to get a table than it takes to read half these reviews. BUT I am a local and can tell you Jack Stack has lowered their portions significantly in the last few months. Very noticable. Others agree. Same prices but 35-40% less food.
(2)
Jessica C.
I love ribs. Dry or wet, I don't care. I'll take them however I can get them. The pork ribs here were very tasty. A little fatty, but overall a nice wet rib. The chicken was nothing special. In fact, it tasted like sauce and nothing else. The beans were a bit of a disappointment. I was really looking forward to trying some KC beans with burnt ends in them, but these tasted overwhelmingly of the house sauce. I've definitely had better beans. Overall, this was good barbecue, but it didn't blow me away the way I thought Kansas City would.
(3)
Troy D.
There are some folks who must have BBQ when they visit KC. I take them here. The place is pretty upscale for a BBQ joint, and rightfully so. (I mean, it's on the Plaza.) The Q itself? Is pretty good. The sauce is just right for me, and the portions are pretty generous. The service is terrific and the atmosphere is good for a night out on the town. Is it the BEST BBQ in KC? That's really hard to say -- because tastes and experience vary so much. I will say this: it's polished, and the folks know what they're doing. Make reservations, 'cause the place gets BUSY on Friday and Saturday nights. Stop in, and you'll see why.
(4)
Brittany S.
Jack Stack has the most amazing beef ribs that I have ever had in my entire life! From the moment you walk through the door, your mouth starts watering because it smells so amazing! The beef ribs are smoked perfectly, and the meat falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. The beef brisket and the cheesy corn are equally amazing. Everything is seasoned perfectly. If you're going to eat some excellent Kansas City barbecue, this is your place... You will not leave disappointed!
(5)
Blondie R.
I loved this place! My daughter had just started med school in KC and had orientation all day. They were each given their coats and a box of human bones! Now, she was craving some ribs! We had dinner here, and it was close to the hotel where I was staying. We shared the Kansas City Combo with pork ribs, burnt ends, cole slaw, and hickory pit beans(we substitued beans for french fries). Burnt ends? Yeah, I never heard of them either, but they were dam good! Seared bite size chunks of brisket, ham, pork or sausage. I had a Jack's martini (dirty vodka) and it was wonderful. The service was OK, and the food was fabulous.
(5)
Justin R.
I'm not sure where all these positive reviews are coming from. Apparently folks who don't know good BBQ. The best way to describe the taste of the BBQ is that Jack has apparently discovered a cooking technique that removes the taste from meat. It was the most bland BBQ I have ever had. On top of that, our drink orders were wrong from the bar and they sat us at a table that required one of our party to duck out of the way of motoring servers constantly. Decor was nice, apps were good, BBQ was terrible. Never going back.
(2)
David V.
Ok. Came in reading it was pretty good, but expensive. So the wife had her salmon, and I had the three combo with beef ribs, pork ribs, dark meat chicken. White bread, fries and their beans on the side. The whole mess on my plate was $24, which isn't bad. And the plate they brought was huge and well proportioned. Now. Quality. Holy moly. All the meats were delicious, and the beans were the best. The wife is not a baked bean eater, yet she poached the plate. BBQ sauce. Not even necessary. And I didn't even get their "signature" plates. It just wasn't necessary. Excellent food. Great service. Minimal wait. Good drinks. Highly recommend.
(5)
Don J.
With its polished interior and upscale clientele, Jack Stack might be a city slicker's BBQ joint, but it serves up some great Kansas City style BBQ. Having lived in Texas for 15+ years, where the best BBQ is often served in run-down shacks by the side of a country road, the idea of a BBQ restaurant with valet parking really puzzled me. As the valet drove off with my vehicle and I walked past the brass statue of a bull in front of the entrance, I couldn't help feeling like a gullible tourist about to get suckered. I took some comfort in seeing that the place was packed - in fact, there was a 45 minute wait. Luckily, there were two seats just opening up at the bar, where you have access to the full menu. So much for the wait. I think I ordered something called "Jack's Platter" or "Jack's Choice". It's a great way to sample some of the excellent BBQ - it comes with pork ribs, "burnt ends" (delicious, but not really charred) and one beef rib, along with french fries and a side of your choice. I was wondering if one beef rib would be enough - but my doubt quickly disappeared when I saw the brontosaurus-sized slab that was placed in front of me. While Jack Stack does sauce their BBQ - a big "no no" in Texas - they wisely apply just enough to give some flavor, and not so much as to cover up the delicious hickory smokiness of the meat. If you're a sauce lover, you should say yes to the sauce on the side that is offered - but the meat is so well flavored that it's really unnecessary. The baked beans were absolutely amazing. The french fries were also great - hot and crispy without being overdone. Overall, a great meal.
(5)
Jack A.
For those who want to experience Kansas City barbecue, Jack's has great KC barbecue (speaking as a Chicagoan). Great food, great service at one of the area's hallmark barbecue destinations. We got there early and the place filled up quickly. I sensed the service didn't miss a beat even when most of the tables were occupied.
(5)
Thomas H.
Superb BBQ. I went twice during a recent trip and had the Crown Prime beef rib, the baby-backs, short ribs, burnt ends, sliced bbq beef, the beans, cheesy potato, cheesy corn, beans, fried mushrooms..... Jeezus I almost died. So, my suggestion- get the crown prime beef rib. It is amazing. The ribs are also great. The sides are all killer. I did not like their burnt ends- Joe's Kansas City's are better. Get the meat hammer and thank me later. Double up on your BP meds. It's a little spendy though...
(4)
Sam P.
This is my "Go To" BBQ joint in KC! As a matter of fact, the folks I work with laugh at me because each month when I'm there I eat at Jack Stack's EVERY DAY! Why? Because they serve the most amazing Burnt Ends (Beef) on the freakin' planet!!! Here are some of my other favorites (Yep, you guessed right. If you eat here every day sooner or later you try just about everything!): - Fire Kissed Wings (No frying here... Just rubbed and smoked to goodness!) - Half BBQ Chicken - Burnt End Lunch (Your choice of two: Beef, Pork, Ham or Sausage) - Martin City Mayor (Ok, I regressed) - Baby Back Lunch (or dinner!) - Burnt End Stew - Wood Fired Chicken & Sausage Gumbo (Yes, NOLA forgive me!) - Sliced Meat Lunch Special - Kansas City Combo And the crown achievement: - Crown Prime Beef Short Rib If you get one of these Crown's and don't like it, please write to me and let me know. One day, I had issue with the Burnt Ends and told the server. Over came the manager and wanted to take care of my entire bill (They take that much pride!) I told her that wasn't necessary, and she gave me a complementary Carrot Cake to go (She recommended eating it over three breakfasts with a cup of strong coffee... Sorry to say it only lasted two breakfasts!) Love, love, love Jack Stack's... Sorry, no pictures (I ate it all before I could snap any!)
(5)
Rachel S.
OMG good. Best BBQ we've ever had, but the carrot cake might have been the best part.
(5)
Chris J.
I am a Texas BBQ kind of guy. I grew up in Kansas as a child. Have been in Texas the last 30 years. Coming home to see family for the weekend reminds me of the things I miss. Jacks BBQ is some of the finest BBQ ever. I ordered one of the house combination plates that was outstanding. As a general rule I am not a fan of baked beans. The BBQ beans just blew me away. Absolutely the best. As my second side item I selected the old "stand by", coleslaw. Again, I was impressed. You typically find a vinegar slaw, buttermilk slaw and a unique slaw found only in TN, KY you find red slaw. Not a fan of the red slaw. The slaw at Jacks has a unique flavor that I couldn't figure out but loved it. Between the upscale atmosphere, the fabulous BBQ, and the two sides, I give Jacks a solid FIVE star rating.
(5)
Brad K.
Wow!!!! Where to start? I am here on business and this place was recommended and it didn't disappoint. I would recommend a particular item but they were all amazing. We ordered every side to try them all. Oh...maybe the French fries are a bit generic so skip those and order another side. Lastly, do yourself a favor and order the carrot cake for desert. 10 Stars!
(5)
Dan L.
I stopped here for an impromptu lunch today and couldn't have asked for more from a KC barbecue joint. Meat, meat, and more meat! And just as I suspected, the burnt ends are the way to go.
(4)
Lisa M.
We ordered the roundup which was an assortment if meats, it had very good flavor. We also ordered some smoked chicken white chili soup, delicious!!! We were supposed to get burnt ends with our order but those were not in the box when we got back to our hotel. Overall, very good flavor.
(4)
Jill T.
We were told this was "the" place to go for BBQ. We called ahead , they didn't take reservations for two, but said we could be seated in about 20 minutes if we came right away. So we did. Upon arriving the place was packed, they said we could wait in bar, the wait 45 minutes. The bar was packed hot and loud! Hard to get service. We waited and waited, for over an hour. Finally seated us, right outside the noisy bar door & kitchen. The service was mediocre as was the bar-be-que.. Our baby backs were salty, burnt, and lacking meat. The sides were also pretty plain. I would not recommend this place or return to it. I have had better experiences at small road side Bar-be-que stands.
(1)
Chris S.
This particular Jack Stack location isn't your typical Kansas City BBQ. You don't walk up, order at the counter and follow the trough line to the cashier. The food isn't served on a piece of paper of Styrofoam plate. And, is isn't cheap. Waiters don't sport white, BBQ stained aprons and you can't get a meal with a few dollar bills from your pocket. This Jack Stack (not all of them are like this) is the Mortons or Ruth Chris of BBQ. It's overpriced, it's a place to bring a date, not the family, has a high end feeling, dims their lights even at 3 in the afternoon, offers great service complete with dressed up wait staff and presentation is impressive. However, it all comes with a price-tag, one that you can decide it's net worth. Personally, I'd rather go to a more relaxed place, rather than feel like you're at a fancy restaurant - for BBQ. However, no one can argue the quality here. Jack Stack is hands down one of the best BBQ place in the country, but little value comes on each fancy plate. There's no cheap meal. A bowl of soup costs what a meal would at more laid back KC competitors. The portions are much smaller here, too. On the other hand, there's nothing at this Jack Stack that doesn't get a high grade. The meats, side dishes, staff and ambiance are top-notch when it comes to BBQ. You simply need to ask yourself if you're willing to pay $25 for a meal with a drink (yes, BBQ for that much, not a steak) and pay for service at atmosphere. If you do, come here. You can't go wrong.
(4)
Penny S.
GREAT food and service - our first time, and Matthew walked is through and got is a great BBQ platter - Jacks Best - Yum!
(5)
Samantha M.
Jack Stack's BBQ doesn't have that typical BBQ shack/gas station feel. It's a real sit down restaurant. Don't let that fool you into thinking it's not a real BBQ joint - it totally has the flavor to compete with the big guns. I ordered the ribs and burnt ends combo - it comes with coleslaw and fries and a slice of Texas toast. The burnt ends were a good size portion - at least an inch to an inch and a half sized cubes. They were so juicy - I almost thought that the BBQ sauce overpowered them! The ribs were great - falling off the bone. Would have liked to have had more sauce on them when they came out, but I was given a side dish of sauce to supplement. The Texas toast was lackluster and small but I wasn't at Jack Stack for for toast in the first place. Coleslaw and fries were typical - nothing out of the ordinary. The fries were more flavorful with the fries spices. Altogether, this place lived up to the hype.
(4)
Kristian D.
OK, this place was my first best BBQ in Kansas City - before Q39. This review is for their Kansas City Combo with pork spare ribs, lamb ribs, beans, and French Fries. It seemed like the standard combo in KC is ribs and fries, but I am not complaining! I did not eat in the restaurant, but instead used their curbside pickup which was very nice. This location is in the Country Club area, and pulling up to the curb with the server coming to the car door was very easy. The pork ribs are legit with lots of smoky flavor and a solid BBQ sauce - not too sweet, just right. The lamb ribs were an unexpected treat. They had the same smoky, sweet taste of the pork ribs, but the delicious lamb flavor was very present and made for a unique treat. Lamb needs to make it on more BBQ menus across the country! The beans are legendary and did not disappoint. I would almost call them more of a BBQ stew with beans and meat, but they are sweet and savory all at once and just delicious. I guess they smoke them under the meat to catch the drippings which only makes me want them more! The French fries were a disappointment. They seemed to be standard foodservice frozen and not fried crispy. I would order another side or just double down on the beans. Nevertheless, Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbeque deserves to be in the top echelon of Kansas City BBQ.
(5)
Marc T.
Always love Jack Stack on the Plaza- nice bar - great patio and good variety - the Crown ribs are fantastic ! As is the Jacks Martini - vodka olive juice and olives ! Ambience is good - great spot for a quick bite
(4)
Alexandra C.
Pretty good, but not great. Pulled pork was super salty, tasty, a tiny bit too dry. The bbq chicken could have been more tender and juicy. Sides of beans were very tasty and season vegetables- too much oil. Others at the table were raving about their dishes and sides (burnt ends, ribs, cheesy corn bake and potatoes), so perhaps I just didn't order the best hting.
(3)
Erika F.
WOW!!! Just.... WOW!!! Like... OMG... WOW!!! I've heard countless stories of how good this place is and how it's an "upscale BBQ" place and I never believed any of the stories until now. I went in here for dinner, I even got dressed up a little in a little red dress because of it's reputation. I walked in on a Tuesday night at 7pm expecting no wait or line... really, what place is crowded on a Tuesday night, right? THIS PLACE! This place had a 30 minute wait! I was flabbergasted. I put my name on the list and headed over to the bar for a drink before dinner. I ended up finding a place to sit at the bar and decided to have my meal there instead of waiting for a table - I was really hungry and only one person, so why waste an entire table on myself? I took my name off the wait list and ordered a Malbec and asked for a menu. The bartender was very helpful and super nice. I ordered a simple glass of wine and ended up getting a much larger pour than the traditional 5 oz.... this guy definitely knew the way to my heart, :-D. After thanking the gentlemen for the wine, I turned my attention to the menu... the delicious looking menu full of great choices. After much consideration and asking the option of the bartender and the gentlemen sitting next to me, I ordered the two meat plate. I chose the lamb ribs and the beef ribs with some extra original sauce on the side. I figured it was going to take a while since the place was so busy, but the bartender served me up my BBQ in 15 minutes. I was impressed. The lamb rib rack was a large amount for what I paid for the platter (a mere $20). And the beef ribs her HUGE! Like, a dinosaur rib... not really, but you get where I'm going with this. On the side was a grilled kabob of vegetables... YUM! I started out with the beef ribs since I've at least heard of beef ribs before. I bit into my first humongous rib and it put a smile on my face. The meat was tender and flavorful and it slid off the bone without being soggy... it was an absolute perfect combination. After devouring the first rib, I quickly ate the second in under .5 seconds. I took a second to eat some veggies - these were absolutely amazing but nothing compared to those ribs, LOL! I eyed the lamb ribs and sunk my teeth into the first rib. I was blown away with the flavor - they managed to not over power the lamb flavor while still incorporating their BBQ flavor. It was lovely. The entire experience was an absolutely charming one. The guy sitting next to me even offered to pay for my meal. I even managed to keep my dress BBQ free! I would absolutely recommend this place and will be going back again to try their other BBQ choices. Thank you!
(5)
Mark R.
Wow is an understatement. Awesome more adequately describes the superb dining experience and the delectable morsels. From the unique tower of rings to the side of beans and finely blackened burnt ends of beef the flavors explode in your mouth. Jack Stacks is the best place for your fun family meal and quality meat filled cuisine. Make sure you take home sauce and save room for dessert or you will be sorry. The exquisite triple chocolate brownie with ice cream will give you all the energy you need to make it home to pass out from the gastronomic indulgence that is truly world class.
(5)
Mike D.
And for my 200th review, I present, my favorite restaurant, Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ in the Plaza. I have been here nearly every time I've been to KC and there's lots of reasons for it. I absolutely love the Plaza and the atmosphere here, how can you not? Yeah, I can't afford to shop at 99% of the stores but it's beautiful down here and Jack Stack is the best part. The atmosphere in here is unbelievable, dimly lit, waiters and waitresses in all black and suits, fine wood and glass everywhere. Yet, I wore jeans and a t-shirt and didn't feel like I was out of place. All the staff are amazing from the hostess to your server. I've been here multiple times but the last trip for lunch is still fresh in my head. I ordered the baby back lunch with cheesy corn and baked beans. Ok fine I ordered a Boulevard 80 Acre too. It was hot and I just drove 200 miles, don't judge me. We sat outside and it was amazing looking around at the Plaza and the sounds while we ate. My ribs weren't the best I've ever had, but pretty darn close. Cheesy corn is phenomenal and the baked beans with pieces of brisket was also one of the best things I've ever had the pleasure of eating. I recall getting a french dip on an earlier trip here and it was easily the best french dip I've ever had. Jack Stack is not the best BBQ I've ever had (It's still 2nd!) but easily the best all around restaurant where you can count on anything you order to be amazing and service to be outstanding. I will continue to come here as much as I can and I hope I never move too far away!
(5)
R O.
A lot of people have knocked Jack Stack for being too fancy and upscale. I see what they mean, and those rustic picnic table places (Woodyard) do have a place in my heart.... But if we're just talking about the food, Jack Stack is where it is at in KC. The meat is the most tender and falls apart without needing a knife -- leagues better than the dry stuff at Joe's (sorry Joe's). My sister is a BBQ snob, living in NC for a while now, but she did think Jack Stack was great. If there is a weak point, it is the sauce -- a little sweet and not much complexity, even with the spicier versions. I think Arthur Bryants and Gates have more going on sauce-wise.
(5)
Kurt S.
I went to Fiorella's for the second time this past Saturday with the family. It's a very nice, intimate BBQ restaurant on the outskirts of the 'Plaza' in KC. It's pretty high-end. My wife and I decided to split the New Zealand Rack of Lamb. I would have wanted it cooked medium rare to rare, but my wife is preggo so we had to settle on medium. It was delicious. the thyme that they rub on it really comes out. It doesn't beat the lamb that my wife and I had in Switzerland, but it was still great. We ordered potato salad and their beans for our sides and I also ordered a side of their cheesy potato bake. All sides were great, but the standout to me, is the cheesy potato bake. Huge amounts of real cheese in a scallop potato bake. It was divine. The prices reflect the atmosphere and the food that you get. They are high, but you know it right when you step through the door. I had a bite of my dad's pork spare ribs and they were extremely tender and tasty. I also had a burnt end from my brother-in-law and that was okay, maybe a little tough. All in all, it was a terrific dinner and I can't wait to go back to experience Fiorella's again.
(4)
Rose P.
Yea it was ok. The burnt ends were burnt and dry. The ribs are ok. The ham was nice. Nothing too good but not too bad. had to wait an hour to get in though. Maybe normal KC process.
(3)
Sean B.
My niece was all about this place. She insisted we go when we all flew into KC to drive her to college at KU, an hour away. It's exactly what you'd think if you took the stereotypes of Kansas City BBQ, the positive ones, and put them into reality. Something about an obese server putting massive onion rings, BBQ ribs and steak and sausages, and huge iced drinks in front of you, sitting outside on a hot summer day, that makes you embrace the delicious American stereotypes. Everything was delicious, massively portioned, and fattening.
(5)
C G.
Have eaten here many times and it is always great. I have tried many different items on the menu and never have been disappointed! The soups are a meal in themselves. Although it looks like a pretty fancy place with lots of dark wood and big heavy tables you will find everything from flip flops to suits comfortably delving into the BBQ.
(5)
Michael H.
Pretty good meat. I have eaten at both locations. The meat was delicious but not the best you can find in KC. I recommend it to anyone looking for some smokey meats to add to the waist ring.
(4)
Dustin K.
By far the best BBQ i've ever had!!
(5)
Rac Leng S.
The ribs are very smokey and so tender. The portion is not big and BBQ sauce is average However the bake bean is one of the best I had as it is not too sweet.
(5)
Kolby K.
Great BBQ. Service was so-so, although I am pretty sure it was our waitress in particular. Food is reasonably priced. If you are looking for a restaurant style BBQ place this is a nice choice, however, the atmosphere was very loud and might not be good for a professional meeting.
(4)
Jenn D.
My lady took me here for my birthday last week and it was great. We had the fried mushrooms, which were HUGE and pretty good. They had a good horseradish sauce with them. Then we had the Caesar salad which was fresh and crisp and delicious. For out main course we shared the rack if Baby back Ribs, which came with fries, coleslaw and baked beans. The ribs were great. MUCH better than Gate's *yuck*. I don't like celery seed, so I wasn't too thrilled about the coleslaw, but I have never liked baked beans and I could have eaten them for days! The waitress was fantastic (her name was Kim, I'll request her when we go back) and she brought me a COMPLIMENTARY brownie ala mode and It was AMAZING. I highly recommend giving it a try!
(5)
T R.
Best BBQ in KC! They have various meats to choose from, the cheesy corn is outrageously good! Heck, all of their side items are good! Go there, get food, be happy, 'nuff said!
(5)
Jamie M.
I am a loyal Oklahoma Joe's devotee, but a friend convinced me to try Jack Stack last weekend. I was skeptical, but ultimately, pleasantly surprised. The first thing that you notice about Jack Stack is the smell. To me, it smells smoky and meat-tastic; however, be forewarned that you will reek of smoked meat for the rest of the day. We waited maybe 10 minutes for a table on a Friday night around 7:30. The interior was warm and inviting and the booth we were seated in was very cozy and plush (nothing at all like the pedestrian gas station charm of my beloved OK Joe's). I ended up getting the grilled chicken sandwich with the veggie kebab and the spinach salad. The salad was a mound of fresh spinach with red onions, feta cheese, bacon, pecans and strawberries. It came with a weird clear dressing on the side that looked disturbing but tasted really good. If you are a feta fan, you will heart this salad (I did). The server forgot to bring out our b-b-q sauce with our meals, so we were able to savor our first bites sauce-less, and I have to say, for pure meaty goodness, this place rocked. The chicken was served on a massive wheat bun, and came with a horseradish sauce that tasted great, but was basically a big wad of spicy mayo, so I didn't eat much of it. My kebab was delicious-baby portobellos, peppers, corn and zucchini all grilled to perfection. Sprinkle it with some of the Jack Stack seasoning (on every table) and it will make you think twice about eating your veggies...yum! The sauce (when we finally got it) was just all right-it was very tomato-y and really nothing special. But the superstar here is the meat-it really stands alone even with the mediocre sauce. I can only dream of Jack Stack meat covered on OK Joe's sauce...
(4)
Justin E.
Whenever my wife and I visit the Kansas City area to visit family, this is one of the places that we always eat at. I'm not a huge fan of barbeque, since it tends to run high in sugars, etc. but I can't pass up this place because their ribs, cream corn "bake," and pit BBQ beans are to die for. We've gone here for lunch and for dinners, and they are really good. If you want the best BBQ in Kansas City, go here.
(5)
El G.
Love this place, go for the burnt ends, sliced sausage is great also. Good bar if you're eating solo. you've also got to try the cheesy corn at least once.
(5)
amy s.
Our first KC BBQ experience was here...loved the sauce, great kid options, brisket was like velvelt, and the sevice was great. Cheesy corn was different-I expected more of a gratin and it arrived more like velveeta with canned corn. Not saying I did not like it-just not what I expected. Local beer was very cold and good. We would try again and liked much better than Arthur Bryant's even though we thought a less "dressy" location would be better, it was not the case with Jack Stack's.
(4)
Dave L.
This place is just plain good. It's the BBQ place you take granny when she comes to visit if you are afraid of taking her out to Bryant's or OK Joe's. It has the service ethic of a fancy restaurant. It is not unusual to wait at the Freight House location but they have a very nice bar area with couches and a fire place that's almost preferable to the dining area. You will pay for this experience but I have yet to eat unacceptable BBQ here. It is extremely consistent and delicious. For those who don;t need counter service, paper towels and wax paper, this will do very nicely.
(4)
Jean S.
My family and I have been going to the Freighthouse location for years and was so happy to see Jack Stack open on the Plaza, as it is a more convenient location for us. I agree with all the awesome reviews for this place, but just wanted to add that the main reason for coming to Jack Stack are the GIANT, juicy, fried mushroom appetizers. They come 4 on a skewer (a secret is that you can order a half-order) and are accompanied by a delicious horseradish sauce. I am drooling just thinking about it. I've just never seen mushrooms this big in an appetizer. It is a must-try if you're a fungi lover :) Another plus about this location is their carry-out service. You describe your car to them over the phone at the end of your order and they will bring out your food!
(4)
Danny S.
Some of the top BBQ to be had in Kansas City. Good Stuff here!!!
(4)
Arleen C.
So...we arrived in KC last Wednesday and, as usual, our first stop is finding some GOOD bar b que food...hubby had heard of this place and we went to ck it out...OMG!!! if I could give it more start I would...the place is great, the atmosphere wonderful, the service outstanding and the food...well, what can I say bout the food....MMM...MMM...MMM...MMM...MMM...MMM...MMM...Âdid you get my point??? there was not one disappointment in this place. Steve, our waiter was extremely nice and attentive and we had a wonderful meal. If you are ever in the area, you HAVE to ck it out....
(5)
Mike S.
Food was very good. I had a combo plate. Sliced beef, and pork ribs. Great smokey flavor on the ribs and the beef was very tender. The only thing that did not do it for me was the fact that it is upscale. I strongly believe that good BBQ needs to be on a tray or in newspaper, and the person serving you needs to intimidate you a bit before you get it. This place has white cloth napkins. I would not want to be the laundry guy after I ate ribs. Good service here, just a little to nice for BBQ.
(4)
Bryan H.
Went here for dinner late one night in Kansas City and ate a sampler platter at the bar. Get ready because this is a LOT of barbecue! It's very good and the restaurant lives up to the hype, with baked beans and cole slaw sides as expected. The only thing keeping this from a five-star review is that the female bartender ranged between indifferent to surly. But I'm sure a sitdown meal might have been a better experience.
(4)
Dave M.
While I love the food at Jack Stack- I just had a very frustrating experience with them that drops my score on them big time. Here's the scenario- I'm trying to order food for my sister-in-law's birthday- she's in KC, I'm in LA. I make a huge food order for her and the kids to pick up on the way home - aaannnnd they don't take credit cards over the phone! You have to come in and pay. Hello?! It's 2010! Even Pizza Hut will take a credit card order over the phone! Although the server did offer a suggestion- faxing in a copy of my credit card and DL- I turned it down- that sounds more than a little risky. I can just see that getting left somewhere for anyone to pick up. Very frustrating to say the least. Not happy.
(2)
Ali S.
Best bake beans! My boyfriend and I always get the ribs dinner for two and have left overs!
(5)
Shawn K.
Best BBQ in the U.S. hands down!!! Amazing food. Not the healthiest place around. But excellent food. You will not go wrong by going here. The nicest bbq restaurant I have ever been in as well.
(5)
Susan C.
As I am not big on BBQ this rating is based on my very picky 18 year old who practically licks his plate clean every time we go to any of the Jack Stack's! They lose a star for the pitiful turkey sliced meat platter I ordered...since I am not a meat eater for the most part I chose to go with the choose 2 sliced meat dinner choosing double turkey over the beef, pork or sausage options. I assumed I would be getting a pulled pork type turkey drenched in their famous bbq sauce but instead I was served an empty plate with 8 plain slices of what looked like Oscar Meyer lunch meat, not even Boars Head. I had to ask the waitress for a side dish of bbq sauce to put on this very boring meat. Bbq sauce was good but for $13.95 I was very disappointed with the quantity of meat I received, especially when my son got a 1/4 white meat chicken covered in sauce for just $10.25. Something didn' t seem right there. I guess I ordered the only skimpy item on the menu as I looked around the extremely packed restaurant and saw every other table with mounds of food so I wont take stars away for my stupidity. Carrot cake and brownie sundae are massive and delicious. All the sides were delicious and plentiful. My conclusion is that they must have run out of turkey since it was the day after Thanksgiving.
(4)
Melinda Y.
Fantastic food! I had the Kansas City strip cooked medium and it was so delicious I didn't even need steak sauce. My husband had the burnt ends and raved about them. Definitely try the spinach salad as well!
(5)
FoodLover S.
Is Fiorella's all it's cracked up to be? Almost. a five/five Well worth the visit. Good quality meat, wide selection, and a pretty darn good BBQ sauce to top off. It's Kansas City Bar-B-Q in a more upscale atmosphere. If you want to take your date out for good barbeque at a romantic/upscale atmosphere, but where it's still ok to dig into your ribs with your fingers, Fiorella's is your place . On day 7 of 8 in Kansas City, I made my 3rd BBQ restaurant stop for the week. Kansas City has not let me down. A local who sat next to me on my flight to KC recommended Fiorella's and a few other local BBQ joints, and was sure to point out that Fiorella's was one of the upscale BBQ places. He also recommended some "hole-in-the-walls", including Rosedale (See Review). After trying that on my first night, I was on a roll, and had to try others, including Benny's (See Review). But I had to try the place he spoke of with highest regard, Fiorella's Jack Stack. A fifteen minute drive from my hotel at Kauffman stadium, we found our way to the "Plaza" area, with all of the boutique shops, with Coach, Express, and fine jewelry shops lining the streets, in a Rodeo Drive style decor. Quite a nice area, I have to admit. A walk around, afer peeking in at some high-end watches, we finally walked into the restaurant. Thursday night wait at 7pm was not too bad, about 10 minutes for a table for two. We chose to sit at the bar. The decor inside the whole restaurant was very nice. The bar area was a bit more sports oriented, with TV's at the two person booths, and 3 other TV's around the bar. The staff was extremely courteous, and the bartender was excellent in waiting on us. He recommended the Kansas City Combo with a choice of two meats. The choices - Chicken (white or dark), pork ribs, sliced meat (any type), burnt ends - beef, sausage, lamb ribs, beef ribs. I went with lamb and sliced beef, together with a side of beans and au gratin potatoes. Everything was fabulous. I did have to ask for spicy BBQ sauce, as their house sauce was more sweet than spice - a vinegar based sauce, with a lot of good flavor, with a touch of hickory smoke flavor. It was very good, just better spicy. The meat was wonderful. The lamb melted in my mouth. And with a glass of Blue Moon to wash it all down, II have had better beans, but the au gratin potatoes were delicious. I would try the corn next time instead of the beans. The atmosphere was very nice. We were dressed pretty casually, and the place was nice, but it was not so upscale that we couldn't wear jeans and a polo into the restaurant. was extremely happy and content with my BBQ experience at Fiorella's. In fact, the servings were so large, we had to walk around 10-12 blocks just to make ourselves feel less guilty for eating so much. My entree was $15 and my total after tip was $24. It was well worth it. It is a place I would definitely take my wife to on a date. So why didn't it get a 5 star rating from me? Everything about this restaurant was wonderful. My only reservation about the final / 5th star was the meat. Although it was great, it wasn't as succulent or as filled flavorful as Rosedale's BBQ, and the restaurant had a little bit of that "chain restaurant" feel to it. otherwise it was great. So, to the fine young man who sat next to me on the plane and recommended Fiorella's - Live long and prosper, good sir, as you're a gentleman and a scholar (of gastronomy that is). This ends my tour of BBQ restaurants in Kansas City. Next time I'm in town, I will have to try more, and perhaps some of the ones I sampled this trip again.
(4)
David D.
Ranked as the top BBQ house in the nation. I don't know about that but I tell you what, it's right up there! I couldn't find one thing wrong. From the perfectly dry, ice cold martinis to the best Cole slaw I ever had to the BBQ is first rate. Try the "burnt ends". They are like the delectable end of that pot roast your mom used to make. You know the end piece that was dark brown with all the flavor that everybody fought over? Well you can get a whole plate of the little nuggets here. I also had the baby back ribs and they were excellent. I still will take Michelbob's over Jack Stack but why get picky? Only thing: be ready to taste BBQ for the next three days! You will still smell and taste Jack Stack long after you have left. It's a treat that just keeps on treating.
(4)
Dave N.
This is one of my top favorite BBQ places in KC!
(5)
Timothy G.
Very good BBQ is done here but the thing about Jack Stack is their BBQ baked beans and the cheesy corn. Dang! My preferred location is the Martin City restaurant
(4)
Chris N.
Oustanding!! These people know how to make BBQ and they know how to treat people. Baby back ribs, bbq beans and cheesy corn bake!
(5)
Jason C.
Considered the "fancy" BBQ in Kansas City, it still proves to be a great meal. She had the cheesy bake and I had the rack of ribs. We pretty much had about 15 minutes of absolute silence between us. No knife needed. The meat would literally fall right off the bone with the slightest of motion. The sides were more than generous. Slaw, corn bread, fries, it was all well above average. These pleasures are not without their costs though. Jack Stack can easily run a high bill, probably in the $50s. But, a trip to Kansas City is never complete without a good BBQ dinner. This is a great choice.
(4)
Bob F.
I was craving some good BBQ so I went to Jack Stack BBQ on the plaza. I went for lunch and I received a very filling lunch portion and the atmosphere was really nice. The burnt ends are pretty good, but the sliced meat is just alright. I felt like I could have gotten the same quality sliced meat from the grocery store. I was not impressed with their BBQ sauce at all. They have two flavors, spicy and regular. Neither one of them really hit the spot. Don't get me wrong, they were good, just not great. Needless to say that after I left I was hoping that would have cured my craving for BBQ, but it hasn't. It's been less than a week and I'm trying to find a GOOD BBQ joint to ease my hunger.
(3)
Greg G.
I don't see what all the 4 and 5 stars are for. We ate here on 6/2/11 and to me this place is overhyped and overpriced for what it is. I had the lamb ribs which you couldn't taste any of the lamb because it was over smoked. Also had the "burnt ends" that are said to be so good. These were like yesterday's leftovers chopped up, not ends nor burnt. My wife had the brisket which was like dried beef. As for the famous "cheesy corn", this tasted like creamed corn made with Kraft Mac n Cheese. If you want good BBQ in KC, go to L.C.'s
(1)
Tom Y.
We were taken here on a business trip by our hosts, and for a Seattlelite, this felt like a Ram Brewery/BBQ joint combo. One of the things we wanted to hit in KC was definitely BBQ, and so we came to Jack Stacks as well as Oklahoma Joe's. I liked the atmosphere of JS, with plenty of waitstaff with cheerful dispositions. Reminded me a little of Red Robin, in truth. Sitting down, my first order was the Tank 4 ale, which was pretty awesome. For some reason, it was served in a port snifter, but hey, it was really good. For starters, we had some onion rings and mushrooms. I wasn't sure about the mushrooms at first, as I like smaller sizes for the fact that they soak in flavor. These were large ones, breaded and fried, in a kabob. However, the frying definitely locked in the flavor, and they were very good inside. Coupled with some spicy bbq sauce, both the onion rings and mushrooms made a great start. For the main course, I got the three meat plate, with ham, brisket, and pork. My sides were fries and slaw. I've got to say, this was perhaps the most I'd eaten in a while. Each type of meat was at least a good quarter to half pound at least, with an entire half plate full of steak fries. The slaw was a bit on the wet side, but pretty tasty. The three meat platter was definitely a good choice, but the burgers and steaks my compatriots got definitely looked good as well. Apparently, the side of pork and beans, as well as the baked corn, were all hits. All in all, I'm glad I had a chance to try out Jack Stacks, which seemed to me like a great corporatized bbq joint. I'd definitely go back to try out some more of their different sides. Oh, and they ship many products as well :)
(4)
Eric F.
I've eaten here one time, and it seemed to be solid establishment, well situated to cater to the tourists shopping at the Plaza and to people staying at the nearby large hotels (Marriott and their ilk). The service seems to be quite modern and systematized, so I was surprised that they sat a party of five adults and a baby at a four-top booth. One of us had only had one cheek on the seat. We were told they'd move us in about twenty minutes, but never did. The BBQ was good, but not super. The prices were a little on the high side, I think; but they have to pay for all that brass livestock statuary somehow, I suppose.
(3)
Anush J.
One of our preferred BBQ options in KC. We love the sides too! Since I am not a big fan of thick meat (but want BBQ all the same!) - the standard items that i order are: Burnt ends, cheesy corn (or cheesy potato) and baked beans. For dessert: Chocolate cake or Carrot cake - so big that it feeds two. This satisfies by BBQ craving. I have never been disappointed and wouldn't order anything else.
(5)
jenn w.
As a visitor, I was skeptical about Kansas City bbq, but Jack Stack changed my mind. I had the beef brisket - so tender! - and pork ribs - fall off the bone! - along with the cheesy corn bake and baked beans (both delicious as well!). The portions were very generous, so you can have some left for lunch tomorrow. I liked that they also set regular and spicy bbq sauce on the cable in case you didn't have enough on your plate. This was the only bbq I had while in KC so I can't compare it to the other joints in town, but I was not disappointed with Jack Stack!
(5)
jenilee p.
jack stack is an upscale barbecue restaurant. is it possible? is it an oxymoron? no, such a thing exists! in addition to the upscale atmosphere, their menu consists of items which are slightly atypical to those that you would see at the more down home classic barbecue institutions spread around kansas city. since these items are offered, they are great to try. i opted for the crown prime beef ribs with a side of pit beans and a nice caesar salad. the beef ribs were huge, and different. while with regular ribs, you are given a good few bites of meat on each rib, this dish has an incredible amount of smokey meat on three to four huge short ribs. the texture is like that of a braised roast, but again, with the nice touch of smoke. also note, this is a large dish. come with a serious appetite. my bigger half ordered the lamb ribs, which were great. nice lamb flavor that you could immediately determine was different than that of the other ribs we had sampled around the city, it was a different way to enjoy barbecue. service was friendly and attentive. this restaurant, due to the slightly more formal atmosphere and full waitstaff, is more expensive than the other barbecue restaurants around kansas city. i think that if you are in town for a business meeting, and looking to sample barbecue with your colleagues, this is the place to go. just another nice option for a barbecue experience.
(4)
gordon h.
i travel alot and i found that is some damn good bbq. went there for dinner and the place was packed. i found that all the food was good, including the side dishes. it was fair priced and large portions. i realy liked it and will go back the next time i'm there. the service was good too. i liked the sauce.
(4)
Jason F.
WOW! This is one of the top BBQ restaurants I have ever been to!Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbeque is a fancy BBQ restaurant that serves amazing food that will stick to your ribs! This restaurant is at the Country Club Plaza which had a nice busy buzz going on while we were there. Since its so popular here with thought we would have to wait. We went around dinner time and were seated immediately! That was great. We were seated near the bar with a flat screen TV at our booth...how awesome is that! I had an amstel light to drink and ordered burnt ends as an appetizer. This was the first time I had ever had burnt ends! I'm now a devoted lover of burnt ends!!! The flavor was fantastic. For dinner I had the KC combo with beef brisket and beef ribs along with a corn bake. First off, way too much food! This was also the first time I had beef brisket and I loved it. The beef ribs were ginormous and had a ton of meat on them! The corn bake was delicious as well. The food and service here was superb! I would love to come back when I return to KC!
(5)
Luke F.
Everyone seems to rave about this place and Arthur Bryant's as being the best BBQ in Kansas City. If that is the case, then I am very disappointed at KC BBQ. I plan to still try Arthur Bryant's to give KC another chance. Anyway, my review: We started off with the beef burnt ends. These were by far the best part of the meal. This seemed like cubed pieces of brisket and it was some of the best brisket that I've had -- extremely tender and juicy. I highly recommend it. We also had the rib combo platter - beef, baby back, and lamb (just had to try it). Again, the beef ribs were very good (maybe their specialty is beef). However, it was a bit on the smoky side. Hours later, I could still taste the smokiness in my mouth. The baby back ribs ($2 extra) were extremely disappointing. It was on the dry side and did not fall off the bone as exceptional baby back ribs should do. The lamb ribs were also a very dry and excessively burnt, but I've never had lamb ribs before so maybe that's normal. The cole slaw was probably the best cole slaw I've had outside of KFC. The creamy corn bake was all right -- as the waiter explained, it was like macaroni and cheese with corn instead of pasta. Also, we got to try all four of their sauces. They were really nothing special to be honest. The southwest style was interesting, but I can't say I liked it.
(3)
Henry B.
A bit loud, but the food is the star - nice range of grilled or smoked flesh of beast and fowl served in "healthy" portions. Jokingly, I asked for the vegan menu and she actually was going to look for one! Four of us shared the onion rings - good choice to share. The pit beans are great, but the real star are their ribs.
(4)
Jaclyn E.
If you are looking for chain-type/corporate America BBQ, this is for you. We went for lunch and everyone was disappointed. I was told the meat was dry & overcooked. There was a ridiculous amount of cheese on everything (cheese corn was like nacho cheese soup- yuck). We all left with stomach aches. I only added a star because our server was nice & polite.
(2)
Philip L.
A very solid, cant-go-wrong franchise for hearty portions of bbq. The meat could have used a little more flavor (got burnt ends and roasted pork) but cant complain as everything is legit and done well. The sides were surprisingly tasty (cheddar potatoes were great).
(4)
Felicia S.
Great food, great service, with a much better environment than many other BBQ places I've tried since moving here. I had the special-a pulled chicken sandwich, and swapped out the fries for baked beans. Delicious. My friend got the burnt ends a a was less impressed with all the visible fat. Felt a little rushed to turn the table, but much better than the norm for KC BBQ. Server was a bit overwhelmed, but the place was completely full with a line for tables.
(5)
Nikki H.
Great location, great BBQ! We used to live in KC, but don't anymore, and there isn't much BBQ where we live now, so we're fans of pretty much any BBQ restaurant in KC, but we did really enjoy eating here. Food was great, service was great, and the portion sizes were large. We'll be back!
(4)
Noell C.
Started with the fire kissed wings. Seasoned perfectly with a little kick. Fall off the bone delicious. Next up I had the lamb ribs, simply amazing. Gotta get the cheesy corn. I tried the crown prime beef ribs and they are well worth the money spent.
(4)
E V.
I went here w/ my husband and sister Labor Day weekend for Sunday lunch. We waited about 20 minutes for a table, but there was plenty of room to sit while waiting, in addition to a bar. We requested a GF menu from the hostess, who spoke into her little mic on her shirt and said something like, "We have a gluten allergy coming to Table XX." Then the hostess said the manager would come over to talk to me about it. She did, but she just asked if I had any questions (I didn't) and said if we do, to ask for her. Our waiter was Justin, and he was excellent! He really gave us great service; I even found the manager after our meal to tell her how great he was. I ordered a bbq ham sandwich on a gluten-free bun, which they listed as a "Jumbo GLUTEN FREE" on the receipt. It only had one meat (a Jumbo has two according to the menu), but it is the least expensive sandwich, so I think they did me a favor. It was pretty messy, with the bun sliding off the ham, but I managed. There wasn't a lot of sauce, and I couldn't taste it, so I dipped it in an extra little bowl of sauce they provided (free) and that was really good. My side was a cheesy potato bake (the fries are not GF, so I subbed) and it was fabulous! It was basically thinly sliced red skin potatoes smothered in a garlic cheese sauce. It came piping hot and was just yummy! My sister and husband loved it too. It was enough for two people. My husband ordered the Hatfield, which is a sandwich w/ two bbq meats, with pork and beef brisket. (Note: He is a career butcher and meat dept mgr.) He said the pork was really good, and while the brisket was sliced, not shredded, it was excellent and not fatty at all. He got the baked beans with his, which he said were really good. I can't remember what my sister's main dish was, but she got the cheesy corn bake instead of fries, and they didn't charge her extra. It was lukewarm, but the flavor was good. We agreed it would be better if it had been hot. However, that was seriously the only slight disappointment of the whole meal. She also ended up ordering a small baked beans just b/c she loves them so much. She said they're very sweet. For dessert I got creme brulee, which good. My sister got the triple chocolate brownie, which came with a huge scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top. She and my husband both thought it was quite delicious. I tried the ice cream, and it tasted like Breyer's, which I love. My husband got the carrot cake, which he said may have ruined any other carrot cake for the rest of his life. He and my sister agreed it was the best they'd ever had. I did get to taste the cream cheese icing, and it was fab. Justin said they make all the desserts fresh, in house. Overall we give the restaurant a 10/10. I know a lot of folks say it's their favorite place to eat in KC, and we can see why. It isn't too pricey, either, which surprised me. All of the above plus coffee and a soda cost us, before tip, about $80.
(5)
Yvonne M.
We have eaten at this particular location several times. The food is always very good, and the service is friendly. I am not a fan of BBQ all that much, but the food here is wonderful. I live their pulled pork, baked beans and French fries. Great every time. The reason I didn't give it 5 stars at this last visit was because we had a party of 7, at 2pm in the afternoon, and we had a 45 minute wait. It didn't make much sense to me because the restaurant was not that busy, with many empty tables. I did not understand the rationale behind this, but nonetheless, the food is consistently good.
(4)
Daniel L.
Toni M's stellar review prompted fellow Yelper Fia R and I to come to dine at this BBQ restaurant. It was packed, crowded, and almost overwhelming. The cramped wait area had flooded into the bar where people can catch a game and grab a drink before heading to a table. The dining area in the back wasn't much better. There were plenty of booths and tables to host groups of all sizes while their staff roamed the walkways carrying platters of food, cleaning up the tables, and communicating with the host through the microphones attached to their shirts. In spite of the overwhelming feeling, there seemed to be a level of coherence, synergy, and formality among their staff. Our table was ready within 45 minutes, much sooner than the host had anticipated. This restaurant is located in a bustling shopping district so we walked around the Plaza before coming back to wait like all others. Once seated, our server Eric introduced us to the $30 dinner menu for the Kansas City Restaurant Week; and the list of items on the regular menu and ways the meats were prepared. Fia ordered from the three-course dinner menu ($30) that came with her choice of Onion Rings, Ultimate Ribs Dinner, and Mom's Carrot Cake. The onion rings were stacked high and they were thick, thinly battered, and crispy. The Ultimate Dinner was assembled with Pork Spare Ribs, Pork Baby Back Ribs, Lamb Ribs, and a Crown Prime Beef Rib, and her choice of Cheesy Potato Bake as the side item. The meats were sweet due to the wet rub to accompany a deep smoky flavor. I enjoyed the Pork Spare Ribs, and the medium rare Crown Prime Beef Rib was also tender and delicious. The regular price for the Ultimate Ribs Dinner alone is $28. What a great deal! My order of the Kansas City Combo ($17.45) came with my choice of two meats, which were Lamb Ribs and Beef Burnt Ends. A good friend back home had recommended the Lamb Ribs, and they were smoky, off the bone tender, and the flavor was complex. I haven't seen another place that serves BBQ lamb, so this is the place for it. The Beef Burnt Ends were their local specialty and highly popular among their customers. Essentially, the meats were shaved and cooked twice, leaving the outside crispy and moist on the inside. I thought there were many dry spots, but a dip into their BBQ sauce made it a little better. I wouldn't recommend the Burnt Ends since there are so many types of meats to choose from. My two sides of Hickory Pit Beans and Cole Slaw were the must haves. They were amazing as the Beans were refined and smooth, not too sweet, and had bits of pork to add a level of smokiness in the background. I also loved the Cole Slaw, as the textures were fresh, not too creamy, and perfectly sweet. These two items were the perfect sides because the repeated smokiness of the BBQ can be desensitizing after a while. The meats were good, albeit some imperfect dry spots here and there, but the sides were simply amazing. The Mom's Carrot Cake was homemade, served warm, with creamy frosting and pecans sprinkled on the top. This was by far the best Carrot Cake I've ever had. Not too sweet, lots of texture, light creamy frosting, and delicious when served warm. There must be 1,000 calories in it, but it was extremely addictive. Watch out! Service was one of the best I have experienced. Eric was professional, attentive, and very knowledgeable. Their floor manager also stopped by to check on us, and the meal was well orchestrated where the service was responsive despite the ultra busy evening. Overall, interested diners can expect a great smoky BBQ, delicious sides, and fantastic service. I would love to come back to try their other items, such as BBQ Chicken and hickory grilled seafood.
(4)
Travis J.
Jack Stack is easily the best BBQ EVER. I go to the Country club plaza Jack stack pretty often and it never disappoints. Great prices and always excellent service. So excited they are opening a Jack Stack restaurant in Lee's Summit at the Summit Woods Shopping Center. I will be there all the time.
(5)
Tyra W.
Kansas City is the land of barbecue and sure, Jack Stack is a little fancier, but it does not disappoint! A hot and heavy love affair has started with their cheesy corn bake...and I don't think I'll ever have the heart to end it! If you're going with a few people, I recommend the Jack's Best with the option to round up. It comes with a variety of meat options and sides of fries, slaw, and beans. Personally I think beans are my #1 judgement ruling when it comes to a barbecue joint and it makes or breaks a place in my mind. These were spot on! If you haven't blown the seam of your jeans yet and still have room, there's no better conclusion than ending your feast with bread pudding. The icing was well balanced and not overly sweet. Besides the food though, I was beyond impressed by our server. He was so knowledgable about anything and everything asked from beer to paleo friendly options. (He recommended the burnt ends trimmed with spinach salad and red wine dressing on the side, no cheese or bacon.) The only downside is they don't accept reservations.
(4)
Kurt M.
My son and I are on a BBQ road trip to KC. First stop, Jack Stack. We were underwhelmed. First the positives. The place is sleek and clean. Service was very good. Then the food arrived. I went with the 3 meat combo and at the urging of our server selected the lamb ribs, burnt ends and the beef prime rib together with beans and cheesy corn. The lamb ribs were tiny, dry, lacking in both texture and flavor. The burnt ends were also very dry and tough. The prime rib was fatty and stringy. Frankly, adding the prime rib for an extra $8 felt like a tourist trap. The Wilbur Beans at Famous Dave's are much superior and the cheesy corn, while savory loses a great deal of its appeal as it cools and congeals. A word about the sauces. Bland! I tried their regular, spicy and hot. There was astonishingly little variance to distinguish one from the others. My son had the prime and lamb ribs with fries and cole slaw. Fries were fine. Cole slaw not much different than what you might find at KFC. Add a coke and an iced tea (both promptly refilled) and the total for two with tip came to $85. I guess the good thing is that the bar going forward on our BBQ quest has been set pretty low. Nowhere to go but up. Right?
(2)
B S.
The burnt ends are suspect, but the lamb ribs, cheesy corn, and baked beans are off the hook.
(3)
andrea d.
The atmosphere and food are great! Low lighting and messy fingers from the ribs somehow go together at jack stack! We have always received great service and amazing smoked meats. The brisket is never fatty, and the burnt ends were the perfect chewy/crispy texture!
(5)
Zach T.
Always a good environment for family and friends. Please note, because you're on the plaza you're paying for the location as well. That said, totally worth the price. The bbq is great and so is the location.
(4)
Andrei K.
Insanely good. So far the best BBQ in Kansas City, Middle West and the whole US for me. It recieves lots of publicizing, but it is definitely not overrated.
(5)
Kaitlin M.
Definitely top 3 BBQ places in KC!!! Love the pulled pork! The sides are great as well. Very few things are better than a pulled pork sando, Blvd wheat, and cheesy corn. Just saying!
(4)
Melvin E.
We went to a couple of places in K.C and this was by far the best one. The food was smoked and seasoned perfectly. Don't pass on this one
(5)
Matt B.
Probably the best BBQ in town. Get the burnt ends with cheesy corn bake and the Pit beans, you'll leave satisfied. If you want a taste of good BBQ in Missouri there's no better place than here. The waitress was hilarious and our food came out quickly, even though there were about 35 in our group. I highly recommend.
(5)
Hal F.
I am back in Kansas City, MO. and I can't stay away from this place. Just love it. The burnt ends let in your mouth...crazy good! The BBQed chicken was perfection and of course the ribs...well, what can I say, Heavenly...really love this place!
(4)
Aaron S.
First time visiting Jack Stack. This was the beginning of a Bachelor Party, and we didn't spare a dime. Knowing it'd be packed on a Friday night at 7pm, 3 of our 13 person party arrived 3 hours early to check in and wait. The 3 of us planned on sitting there for 3 hours, ordering plenty of drinks, and waiting so we could get a table. The hostess, a guy with long hair, was intellectually incapable of performing the job function. It was almost funny to watch him try and figure out how to seat 13 people in one area. It baffled him to the core. So he told us we can't put our name down, can't make a reservstion, and they can't prepare for us at all. Nonetheless, we told him we'd be back at 7, with 13 people, since that was all we could do. Come 6:30 we showed up, still a half hour early. He of course hadn't done anything to prepare, and wouldn't let us put our names down since our entire party wasn't there waiting with us. Come 7 he put our names down on the list, but made us split our group into 3 parts. After waiting for about 45 minutes, he then sat us at 3 completely different times, spread out by about 10 minutes each, and completely separate from the other parts of our groups. I could not have been more disappointed. We did everything we could to make this go smoothly, including being 3 hours early, offering to spend whatever it took, and he didn't help us out in the least. Once we finally got tables, everything was awesome. The waitress was awesome, food was the best BBQ I've ever had hands down (Although slightly small on the portions), and the atmosphere was good. I just really wish they could have done more, rather done anything, to cater to our large party.
(2)
L B.
Pros: one of our favorite BBQ places, huge portions (always have leftovers), great sides with entrees, multiple locations, staff has always been friendly, huge menu, our favorite place to take out of town folks Cons: can be tough to get a table unless you find a spot at the bar
Delicious! You must have the onion rings as starters! Burnt ends are the way to go! With the corn and baked beans as sides. All three sauce were good as well! A little on the pricey side, but worth it.
(5)
Lola S.
I love this place, but we typically have to wait 45mins for a table, but we found 2 spots in the bar. The burnt ends were delicious, the coleslaw was fresh and the fries were hot and crispy !
(4)
Amy D.
5 stars for their beef rib, 2-3 stars for their other BBQ. If you a beef rib lover, you MUST come to Fiorella's Jack Stack and give their Crown Prime Beef Rib a try- it is worth that extra $8! Overall, we would rank this #3 out of 4 based on the BBQ restaurants we tried in KC- #1 goes to Woodyard for best overall BBQ, #2 to Oklahoma Joe's, and #4 to Arthur Bryant's. However, I don't believe any of the others offer a beef rib option, so you have to go to Jack Stack for this. We came in for an early lunch around 11:15am on a Friday, and were seated right away without a reservation. It started getting busier and busier though, so if possible, make a reservation just in case. We ordered: -BBQ Combo Lunch w/Burnt Ends & Sliced Brisket (Served w/Cheesy Corn Bake & Creamy Coleslaw, $13.95, yelp.com/biz_photos/fior… ): The burnt ends were dry and disappointing, but at least the brisket was tender and pretty good. The cheesy corn bake also wasn't bad, but not so amazing I would go out of my way to order it again. Their cole slaw was good, but they dice their cabbage instead of shred it. -BBQ Combo Lunch w/Pork Spare Ribs & Crown Prime Beef Rib [add $8] (Served w/French Fries, $13.95, yelp.com/biz_photos/fior… ): AMAZING beef rib, which was fall off the bone tender, with the perfect amount of fatty to lean ratio. A must order!! Unfortunately, the pork rib was on the dry side. The fries were too thickly cut for my preference, but they tasted good with their house French fry seasoning. The toast was mediocre (it was much better at Oklahoma Joe's), and the pickles weren't anything special. -3 Different BBQ Sauces (From L to R: Original, Spicy, Hot, yelp.com/biz_photos/fior… ): I couldn't taste much of a difference between the Hot and Spicy sauces, except I think the Spicy seemed more vinegary. I only liked the original sauce, which was one of the better ones that we tried. -Mom's Carrot Cake ($7, yelp.com/biz_photos/fior… ): Yum!! The carrot cake was super moist (there was a lot of vegetable oil and/or butter used), and the frosting wasn't too sweet. Although it was difficult to eat after all the BBQ, I still managed to enjoy it and we finished the entire plate. Our server was super friendly and accommodating, and we got our food in 10-15 minutes after we ordered. Jack Stack is definitely the nicest out of the BBQ joints we dined at in Kansas City, and the place where they have a good amount of power lunches. The prices aren't much higher than the other places, so if you're into ambiance, this is the place to head to. Overall, this is a good place to check out KC BBQ. There was a good amount of free street parking right outside of the restaurant that was available, and I believe there are parking structures around this area as well.
(4)
Mike N.
Great baby backs, burnt ends, lamb ribs & baked beans. Great sauces. Hard to improve.
(5)
Joseph P.
Being very close to Westport, of course you would know the infamous Jack Stack Barbeque. It was always packed and apparently there are some die-hard fans that pledged that they have the better BBQ in the region. Honestly, I was not as impressed by their BBQ as I was with their vegetable options. Don't get me wrong, the BBQ was definitely good, but it was not mind-blowing good. However, the complimentary grilled vegetables was definitely something to try! Not only were the vegetables sweet and fresh, it was grilled just the right amount so it also obtained enough of the grilled taste to enhance the vegetables' flavors. Another thing that blew my mind was their onion rings. Coming from the Chicago Suburb area, I had never seen such huge onion rings with actual onions in them! In addition to that, the sweetness of the onions within the onion rings were guaranteed! Definitely worth trying!
(3)
Vicky T.
busy busy busy on the Monday night my friends and I visited .I called the day before to make reservations but the lady at the other line said they were booked. "we accept walk-in's though!" i could not leave school until 5:30pm so i asked a friend to walk in and reserve a table for 6 to make it convenient for our on-duty nurse friend to comfortably make orders and maximize her time with our visiting friends from ohio. reception desk insisted the entire party arrive (i would arrive in10min). when i arrived i did not ask if we can have a table, i said we needed a table for 6 and one of the hosts found us a table. our waitress was training someone while serving us, and, remember, the place was busy busy busy. i say this to explain why it was difficult for us to get ahold of our waitress in between orders and meals. she also mistakenly served me the salmon dinner (whereas I asked her about either the salmon and salad or salmon sandwich menu item). to grab her attention I stood and waited awkwardly for 5+ min at the end of our booth. she saw me but did not acknowledge seeing me so brushed me aside to serve a different table. I understood she had priorities so I waited another 2minutes but then i saw she decided she was going to ignore me again and walk away had I not stepped in her path. I was already embarrassed but I told her the mistake of having served me the wrong order to which all she responded to me was a vexed raise of her brow and an "okay..?" to which I then I took the que and proceeded to ask, "so I guess I was wondering if you would be able to change my order? the dinner is not what I asked for and the price is more than I anticipated". "umm." - pause - "you can speak to my manager about it." she walks away. I didn't know if she meant to return or meant to shrug me off to speak with the manager. i returned to my seat and looked at my dish: I had taken two bites from the side dish but didn't want to continue.. I wish she knew I wasn't trying to rip them off like some may. the manager came by the booth to apologize for the mixup and changed my tab to reflect the price of the salmon sandwich. I was grateful but uncomfortable with my waitress for the rest of the my dinner. I was almost thankful, given the occurance, that we had so difficult a time getting her attention the majority of that night. no one wanted to pay us heed, we must've just been that troublesome (we really weren't though! they did themselves the favor of forgetting some items and checking up on us!). anyway, uncomfortable experience! good food. really good food. my friends ordered either the three-item kc combo dinner or the ultimate rib dinner to share amongst the five. I ordered (or meant to order) the salmon sandwich. I got a taste of both sandwich and the dinner (I mistaken as my sandwich option. my friends' favorite choice was the crown prime ribs. best they had.. they critiqued the meats' flavor and texture with animated description but it all went over my head. something about how perfect the meat was marbled, the tenderness, and the way the meat flakes or falls off the bones. I don't recall. I, too, enjoyed my dish. aside from the salmon steak I had a garden salad and broccoli side. in my confusion i asked another waitress why i was not given buns and the described items for my salmon sandwhich. she (though not so courteously) brought them out for me. I will say I make better salmon. it was a bit overcooked so the meat was tough. very heavy dinner -- i was able to finish only half the salmon steak. I was able to finish everything else though! my inability to complete, I wondered, could be attributed to the fact that I devoured a grapefruit, a candy bar, and some Costco dried figs right before dinner.. I was hungry! tip: 1. call more than 24hrs in advance for reservations. if you decide to talk in for dinner make sure you have your entire party present 2. combo platters feed many (group of 4 to 6) for cost and satisfaction effective experience. 3. crown prime rib 4. menu and pricing available online.
(4)
Jesse P.
Use to not like the place at all and couldn't understand what everyone loved so much. I use to get the brisket which is sub par. Then I tried their burnt ends, then their beef ribs, both are awesome. Crown beef rib is incredible. Beans are best in town.
(5)
Angela E.
Service was absolutely amazing, so fast and super friendly! My family got onion rings, burnt ends, ham, and ribs. I got a SthWst Salad no meat and coffee. All items were great, especially the coffee! Definitely a must visit when coming to Kansas City!
(5)
Nikki B.
Holy cow- this place is amazing. Highly recommend the burnt ends, cheesy corn, and the triple chocolate brownie. You'll leave absolutely full but it will be worth it!
(5)
EmaLes F.
The food in this place is delicious! We had the Kansas City Combo with 3 different meats ( baby back ribs, beef burnt ends and chicken) and we were satisfied. They were very tasty! And the cole slaw! Wow! The only reason we are not giving 5 stars is because the drinks were a little overpriced. Besides this, if you visit are in the area you must go to jack stack!
(4)
David T.
Good BBQ! We wanted to experience KC barbecue on our trip to the plaza and this didn't disappoint. I would recommend the burnt ends and the cheesy potato bake. Both were awesome. The fried mushroom appetizer was also good and the baby back ribs were decent. All in all we had a good experience here.
(4)
Emmit S.
The food is so good here! Anything is good. I try something new everytime and always happy. We like this location the best bc the decor is really cool. Service has been good too. The bartender(woman) during the day was great! Super nice and seemed to know lots of customers coming in.
(5)
James H.
Excellent. We tried the baby backs, beef burnt ends and fire seared chicken wings. All were very very good. The wings were a little overseasoned in my opinion, but I prefer the simple smoky flavor. Will definitely stop here again when in KC. Gave 4 stars cuz they didn't include silverware or napkins for our carryout order. Carryout cashier also got huffy when I asked for 2 ice waters after she offered me bottle water.
(4)
Brian G.
Good bbq, more on the fancier side. I was looking for more of a low key place but I was in the plaza area so I figured why not. I got their burnt ends and a half rack of baby back ribs combo with fries. The meat was delicious but the fries are nothing to write home about. I think if they spruced up their sides a little (for this area and setting it shouldn't be an issue) I would go with 5 stars.
(4)
Ryan S.
Wow. Some of the best barbecue I have ever had. Visiting Kansas City from California, I had high expectations that the food would be good. I didn't expect such amazing flavors! The service was amazing and everyone at the bar was nice. We ordered The brisket, pulled pork, and rib meal and we got the sides of the scalloped potatoes, french fries, and the baked potatoes. It was fantastic. The sides were unbelievably good. For dessert we got the Bread Pudding and the carrot cake. Both were amazing but I could barley eat them. All in all, a must try while you are in Kansas City
(5)
Linda B.
The service was wonderful and best of all the food was amazing. One of the best barbecue places I have ever tried. My boyfriend and I ordered Jacks Best and it was plenty enough for the both of us to share. I'm glad we found another BBQ place we really enjoyed besides Joe's! Which both are comparable in my book! Love love love!
(5)
Shadi A.
It was amazing from beginning to end. The appetizers: fried mushrooms were really yummy. Awesome pork ribs, cream of corn and cole slaw! Great service too. We will be back!!!
(5)
Moe T.
Oh yeah this is the real deal! We stopped off here on a road trip from Chicago to LA and went nuts! Prime crown beef ribs - Each one is a meal on a bone! Juicy and fall off the bone. I'm getting hungry just thinking about them Lamb ribs - smoking! I love lamb and this was some of the best I've ever had Burnt ends - delicious. Juicy, saucy and terrific. All of the sides were delicious too. Don't miss the carrot cake though! The best I've ever had without a doubt. We thought we didn't have any room left after dinner but we couldn't let one bite of this carrot cake go to waste with how good it was
(5)
James L.
My business travels rarely take me to exciting places, but I always try and seek out the culinary specialities in whatever town I happen to be in. If I'm in the West Coast, I'm all about Mexican food. Anywhere along the Northeast Corridor I'm eating Italian and Chinese cuisine, and in the Southeast I'm noshing on Cuban and fresh seafood. I happened to be in the mid-west and specificially in the mecca of BBQ, Kansas City, MO. I am not one of these "Evangelist" who ONLY eats BBQ from Texas, or North Carolina, or Memphis. I've sampled the smoked meats from all of these BBQ havens and enjoy them all. I refused to wait the 2-3 hours at the legendary Oklahoma Joe's, and didn't want to drive over to Arthur Bryant's, so took the advice of one of the locals and headed over to Fiorella's Jack Stack. I was told to have their burnt ends, and was happy with the suggestion. The ends of these briskets had an excellent char and were crisp with natural juices and spices. The dinosaur- sized beef ribs were also super meaty with an altogether different texture from the burnt ends. The meat from the ribs gently tore away, since unlike pork ribs the meat shouldn't really be "fall off the bone". Both cuts of meat had great smoky flavor, and the authentic sides of cole slaw and beans with bacon provided an excellent complement. If you don't want to endure the waits at some of Kansas City's other BBQ joints, come to Fiorella's Jack Stack - you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Vincent N.
Eh, ok ribs. Too dry. Also a bit more pricey than we have experienced at the other old time bbq joints. Bryant's was good. Best for us was KC BabyBack BBQ Ribs in Oak Grove.
(3)
Steven M.
This is quite commercialized compared to some KC staples. Nonetheless this is worth a visit. Ribs are what you should be interested in here!
(4)
Pete G.
Not bad, but they rely too much on sauce to mask marginal cuts of meat that are cooked too fast. If that's the kind of bbq you like, this is your place. The sides are fine and the atmosphere is ok. If you are hoping for something that tastes more like meat than sweet sauce, get the burnt ends with sauce on the side. Others I've been there with rave about the carrot cake. Other than the fact that it is huge, I didn't find it particularly special.
(3)
Viva C.
Impressive restaurant. Its reputation precedes itself. We braced ourselves thinking the wait would be long, considering how we were there on a weekend at early dinner hour. There were people waiting to be seated, but we waited for a very unexpectedly short period. The restaurant is easily packed, but the ambiance is delightfully moody. Because fellow Yelpers were keen on identifying the many great items on the menu, I had difficulty deciding what I wanted. Our waitress was very cordial in giving her recommendations and telling us what is most popular. We ordered the fried mushrooms as an appetizer then Burnt Ends and Rack of Lamb for our entrees. Our food came out amazingly fast. I was stunned. We went there expecting it to be a long arduous ordeal but the entire meal from start to finish was fast, efficient, and definitely tasty. The fried mushrooms with horseradish sauce were delightful. The crust was crisp and the large fried mushrooms were piping hot and had a fun bounce. I say bounce, but what I really mean is that it was al dente. I know, you usually reserve that for describing pasta, but in this case, it's the phrase that best describes these mushrooms when you bite into them. My burnt ends were tasty - a tad on the dry side, but that's understandable, considering they're the Ends. I took the recommendation of fellow Yelpers to ask for all three of the different sauces to accompany the meat. I liked the spiciest one. My friend's lamb was so tender, he didn't need a knife at all. He simply stabbed the meat with his fork, pulled the bone, and the meat simply slid off. Incredibly tender to say the least. The portions are pretty big, so you're lucky if you even have room for dessert. Well done, Fiorella's!
(4)
David W.
This is an overrated restaurant. Excited to have KC BBQ, we waited an hour for a table. The prime rib rib was all fat with little meat to find. The baby back ribs were tasteless.the server was friendly but made an excuse for the inedible prime rib and didn't offer a substitute
(2)
James P.
Did the Jack's Best Sampler and added a side of Sausage Burnt Ends. The waiter also suggested the two best sides - Cheesy Corn Bake (Yummy!) and Hickory Pit Beans (Amped up with Brisket and delicious. I've eaten a lot of BBQ all over the country and this ranks up there with the best - perfect amount of smoke and exact timing on the perfect cook!! If I lived here, I'd come often!!
(5)
Melaina C.
We wanted to try this BBQ since it is considered one of the best in KC. We weren't very hungry, so we just ordered the half pound of turkey from the Carry-Out window. We will not be returning to eat here in the future. The turkey was moist, but it tasted the same as turkey lunch meat that you get in the grocery store. It was even sliced like lunch meat. It did not have any seasoning on the meat at all. They only offered one type of sauce and it wasn't any good. Tasted like peppered ketchup.
(2)
Angie H.
we originally weren't going here, our reservation had a fire so we came here instead. there was a 25 minute wait for our 7 people but they got us in about 15 minutes and a private area. the waiter Cory, was not only hot but remembered our orders, the gluten order, refilled our drinks without asking, got us to go boxes and a to go order and straws!! he was perfect!!
(5)
Chris C.
I'm truly mixed about Jack Stacks. The food smells wonderful and does have a great taste. We ate there at lunch, so it was even affordable (about $45 for two adults and a child). My mixed feelings??? They use some of the fattiest meat (they like to call it marbled). My wife got the brisket. It was fairly lean. My daughter got ham and cheese off the kids menu, and I got burnt ends (it can always be a toss up) and some were chunks of fat. I also got the smoked pork. I had to send it back, because it had so much "marbling" there was very little meat (not to mention the thick veins in the fat always turn my stomach). They were gracious enough and brought me more burnt ends (these were leaner, but the damage was done), I couldn't finish them all. About an hour later, my stomach started to ache and cramp from the grease. I didn't eat a full order of ends... About 6 of the 10 they gave me. But the grease is pretty heavy. I love barbecue, and I like the flavor of Jack Stacks, but a little really does go a long ways.
(3)
Vincent Y.
Went on a BBQ tour of Kansas City this weekend. Some locals pointed out that Fiorella's Jack Stack is an oxymoron of sorts because they serve down-home grub for the everyman, but in an upscale, hoity-toity setting with higher pricing. I concurred, but this didn't detract from their food quality! Jack Stack has a unique lamb rib dish that the other joints (LC's, Oklahoma Joe's, Arthur Bryant) didn't have, and that's the lamb rib. At first taste, the lamb smell was overpoweringly gamey, but then I realized that the BBQ sauce they spread over it balanced-out the smell, so in the end it wasn't so bad. The best part about the rib was how moist it was, and how you get to rip it off the bone and had a nice texture to it. (I hate other establishments that overcook the meat just so that it falls off the bone only to find out it crumbles, is too dry, or both). Kudos also goes to their beef ribs, which were done right to perfection. Their broccoli was awesome thanks to garlic butter salt. (large grains, so I'm guessing Kosher). Not everything was perfect though: Burnt Ends were very, very dry. I would not recommend them, though the manager came by and said they weren't normally so dry. When we suggested he eat one of ours to back it up, he declined :) Service was good when it came to correcting food. Flagging down a bartender, like most places, may take several minutes.
(4)
Benjamin B.
Chain Bar-B-Q that doesn't suck. Jack stacks came highly recommended by several KCMO locals while I was in town, not ironically the staff mentioned their lack of marketing based on their effective homegrown word of mouth reputation. Jack stacks lived up to the hype. Upscale atmosphere with home style food. Surprisingly good cocktails with a knowledgable and friendly staff. Don't show up unless you've got an appetite. I recommend one of the sampler selections. Don't miss out on the cheesey corn or the "burnt ends." I also crushed a cucumber flavored margarita with jalapeños...boom...mind blown. If you're feeling real wild, take a picture riding the brass bull out front before you leave, some weird fat guy did when I went.
(4)
Marie F.
Outstanding beans, coleslaw, spicy BBQ sauce and meats. No mashed potatoes and cheesy corn too rich. I should have asked more about the cheesy corn. Fast service and yummy.
(4)
Kathy S.
I love Oklahoma Joe's more than anything on earth, but sometimes it's nice to change it up and remember that there are other excellent places as well. Jack Stack's location and decor are fancy, but honestly, the food is still good ol' KC BBQ. I've been here many times and it's a pretty consistent experience. Because they don't take reservations, you're usually waiting at least 30-45 minutes minimum during dinner, but sometimes it goes a little faster. For our bachelorette party on a Saturday night, we were seated within 30 min, while the other Union Station location quoted over an hour wait. (Granted, it was during the Memorial Day concert/festivities at the Station...) On other Saturday nights, we've had to wait the full hour or more. My food favorites: Meats - Burnt ends, sausage, and chicken are where it's at. I've never gone wrong with these. The menu is really flexible - decide how many meats you want and in which combination, and it'll be on the menu somewhere. Whatever you order, make sure to ask for extra sauce! Sides - Cheesy corn is always my go-to, though Smokehouse still has my favorite. Dessert - If you're looking for heaven, you'll find it in Jack Stack's carrot cake. YUM. My only grumbles are the portion sizes, given the high prices. I guess it comes with the Plaza location. Either way, Jack Stack's will forever be one of my favorites!
(4)
Grace L.
Had the beef and pork burnt ends, pork ribs, cheesy potatoes, veggie skewer, baked beans, and the carrots...everything was exceptional. The service was very fast once we were seated. My only regret is that I got too excited to eat and my food picture turned out blurry. Highly recommend all dishes, especially the unique and flavorful carrot dish.
(5)
Seth H.
We came here after it was recommended by a friend. I was impressed by the entire meal, however the Prime Beef Ribs really stood out as being top notch. They just fell off the bone and were extremely flavorful. The sauces were decent as well and the sides were delicious. We had the fried mushrooms for an appetizer - I would recommend but it's a large portion so don't let it kill your appetite before getting to the main meal.
(4)
Coal K.
Family and friends had recommended Jack Stack's BBQ to us as the best BBQ ever! As huge BBQ fan, that's a difficult claim to live up to. However, Fiorella's Jack lived up to its billing. They have the best baby back ribs I'd ever tasted. My wife had a sampler....The wings were phenonimal too. Jack Stack is not the hole-in-the-wall joint you typically find the best BBQ. The restaurant was clean and well-organized with a friendly staff. Recommend visiting during non peak times, (definately not a weekend night) to avoid a long wait.
(5)
Scott M.
Best ribs....worst service!
(1)
Allie K.
Hubby and I came here with his parents for dinner. We had the BEST server, Tracy. She was informative and funny. We never had to ask for anything. Drinks were always full. She checked on us regularly and was always friendly. In-laws were prepared to order the baby back ribs until they saw the crown beef short ribs at another table. They got that instead and went on and on about how good they were. Hubby and I got a plate with pork spare ribs, brisket, ham, and sliced pork. The meat was tender and delicious. The sides- between the 4 of us, we had carrots, beans, cheesy corn, cheesy potatoes, and broccoli. The sides were all good but the beans were amazing. So were the roasted carrots. We had dessert. We made the mistake of ordering one a piece. You can easily share. They are huge. The carrot cake is good but the brownie is outrageous! A wonderful experience. Good food and excellent service.
(5)
Jason A.
In town for business, and this was the closest and highest rated BBQ joint in walking distance. Definitely did not disappoint!!!! Jack's best all the way!!!
(4)
Jason V.
This was my first experience with Kansas City BBQ and though we ended up getting our food to-go (wait was an hour to an hour and half to be seated), it was so delicious and messy, the way BBQ should be. I ordered the KC combo with burnt ends (popular choice), baby back ribs and chicken (dark meat), along with their baked beans and cheesy corn as my sides. The ribs were amazing as well as the chicken. The burnt ends were also tasty, though I was expecting them to have a little crunch to their texture, instead they were fatty soft pieces of pork. Good flavor but again not what I thought I'd receive (maybe this is how they prepare and serve them). The sides were unbelievable and like nothing I've tasted. The service was friendly and helpful too! I'd definitely return on my next visit to KC!
(4)
Chris B.
So we came in a little late for a dinner/snack/watch-some-of-the-game bite to eat. We ended up ordering the KC combo with beef & pork tips along with the half chicken. Sides were fries and slaw. Our bartender (we ate at the bar) suggested the cheesy-corn deliciousness... And ended up adding it to our platter that we split. Wow, so glad he did, super good! We opted for two additionally sauces, house and spicy. House was great! Spicy had some tang but a little too sweet for our tastes. All in all, the KC combo was plenty for the two of us and landed about $35 for the two of us a few libations... Local brews, not exactly sure who's though. Tank 7 & a dark brown featured draft, either way they too were delicious. We opted not to order desert as we still had some "A la mode" cupcakes on hand but the options sounded fantastic. A great choice if you're in this neck of the woods.
(5)
Damien L.
Order the Jack's Best plate. It comes with a prime rib and pork rib. It is the best bbq in the world. Zagats rates them the best bow in the USA. The bbq beans are also the best that I ever had. I live in Texas and have visited 100 of restaurants for the best bbq. I would have never dreamed that I would find it in Kansas City,MO. I plan to order this food via the mail for special occasions. My wife agreed with my rating. I feel horrible that our number one bbq place is no longer in Texas.
My favorite BBQ in KC! This place has been around forever. I miss KC BBQ so much living down in the land of nasty Texas BBQ! We got a combo plate so that we could have it all! Their meat is so well smoked/seasoned/full of flavor, that you don't even need to add sauce. The cheesy corn is like WOW! And they have good onion rings too. Their beans are incredible and were toddler approved :)
(5)
Cindy B.
I grew up in KC and now live in Texas. So, I know KC-BBQ and Texas BBQ. This used to be KC Masterpiece BBQ and I loved that, too. Let's see, I'm a brisket girl, so anytime I can get a good brisket sandwich and some rockin' baked beans and potato salad, I'm in. For the reviewer that said it was a chain-type bbq, well, it IS a chain, but if I'm correct, there are only several in the MO/KS area. I would suggest giving them another try. When I'm in KC, I stay near the Plaza so that I am within walking distance of Jack Stack BBQ That way, I can walk there, to work up an appetite, then walk back to work off what I ate!
(5)
Matt A.
Great sit down barbecue restaurant. My family was there on a Friday and needed to accommodate kids and adults. It was packed and the front of house and bar staff were professional and helpful as we waited (about 40 minutes during dinner rush with no reservations). Our waiter was friendly and enthusiastic. I was thrilled with the "Kansas City" combo and selected pork ribs, burnt ends, and lamb ribs. The lamb ribs were a surprise and fantastic. We will return the next time we are in KC and highly recommend it to our friends. Try to make reservations, but worth the wait if you can't.
(4)
Sam A.
Came with friends and 2 of us shared a full slab of baby back ribs, $29 - OUTSTANDING! And I KNOW my BBQ. Full flavor, meaty, TENDER melt in your mouth ribs. A true delight in eating. Coke products which is always a plus for me. This plaza location is busy and parking a bit iffie but a bit of a wait you will find a spot. Service was good but not outstanding...a bit bitchy so maybe a bad table before or bad night? Every plate that went by I wanted to sample! Another of our party had Samoan sandwich and loved it. Fries, baked beans and coleslaw all good. Grab your napkins and PIG out!
(5)
Evan T.
Out of this world BBQ. Fast service, great value, amazing food. Lunch combo was one of the best I have ever eaten. Burnt ends and beef ribs. Do not miss this place when in KC.
(5)
Ll Y.
Great, as usual. Great staff, great food, sat outside on a beautiful early evening and had a wonderful time.
Jack Stack to me felt like a BBQ version of Cheesecake Factory or McCormick and Schmicks. This location is in Country Club Plaza, and has a great decor. Everything is modern and fairly classy. The bar has TVs everywhere, and appears to be a great place to watch a game. The BBQ itself is average, which was kind of a let down, since KC BBQ is supposed to be a big deal. I had the combo plate of brisket and ribs. The meats were solid, but nothing I couldn't get in Omaha. The beans were very good, and cheesy corn tasty. Service was fantastic, but waits here are pretty much a given. (Be prepared for a 25-30 minute wait for a table) They also have some amazing lunch specials from 11am-3pm everyday. This is not the most authentic BBQ, but it is located in a nice part of town that feels a bit safer. If you are looking for the real thing, and don't mind heading into a less gentrified area, hit Arthur Bryant's.
(3)
Brent B.
Happy hour-bound, I tried the 100% Ham burnt ends, side of crock baked beans and a HH martini. Bill, tax, tip & out with change from my $20. Choose beef, ham, sausage burnt ends, or have them mix them all for you. You can also choose from grilled wings, and other food items. Happy hour for meat-lovers runs till 6pm. For a special rib-treat, order the BBQ lamb ribs--you can order just one, or more. When I tried them they were a real bargain and taste-treat at $1.50 per lamb rib!!!
(4)
Amy R.
We went to Jack Stack last week on a whim and I'm so glad we did. I'm not a huge BBQ fan but can be talked into it. Our meal was fantastic. We narrowly avoided being behind a walk-in 40 top of athletic shorts wearing 15-17 year olds (maybe in town for some kind of tournament?) but once we were seated had great service and food. We sat outside and had the incredible onion rings to start...yum. I had The Big Pig, a sandwich featuring 3 types of pork (tenderloin, bacon and ham) and my husband had one of the ribs platters with lamb, beef and pork ribs. All were really well prepared and served. Our waiter was friendly and knowledgable. We couldn't have asked for a better experience...except for all of those athletic shorts.
(5)
Juli T.
My husband is a huge fan of barbecue and we were a little disappointed in the sliced meat plate. We sampled turkey, sliced sausage, and pork. The turkey was my favorite. The sides were great. We chose the beans and cheesy corn. We think that we may have just ordered the wrong meat. It was a very busy night but our service was still good. We ate in the bar to avoid the long wait.
(3)
Captain B.
I had been to the one down near the river and thought it was good. This experience was not so good. The place was packed as expected, but great for a Wednesday. Orders the prime rib and my co ordered the chicken. We waited quite a while for our meal and finally when the server came she informed us that THEY WERE OUT OF PRIME RIB AND CHICKEN!!!! I was surprised to find out it takes thirty minutes to figure out if you are capable of filling an order. Not good. So we ordered a substitute and left dissapointed.
(2)
Tony B.
Let's start off with the positives. The creamy cheese corn was fantastic. It really lives up to the expectations. I also really enjoyed the baked beans. They're sweet but with a lot of meat that gives it a smokey flavor. These two side dishes definitely deserve their own stars. The service was excellent, everybody very friendly, nice atmosphere, no complaints. So, one star for services well. I have heard so many great things about the burnt ends, I couldn't resist. I have to admit, I was actually greatly disappointed. Why yes it was brisket that was used, the wrong portion of the brisket was used. They used the flat! So, they were too dry and tough. Basically, over cooked. I have no idea about the other dishes, but since I'm visiting the area and don't live here, I'm going to try the other places in town.
(3)
Sandra E.
Love the atmosphere and location excellent baked beans and cole slaw, pleasant service, don't order the turkey it's just like processed lunch meat, I expected real turkey
(4)
Adebowale A.
This place was AMAZING! I had the opportunity to go during Restaurant Week 2015. I had the Beef Burnt Ends x Half Rack of Ribs x with a side of Fries. The meat was very saucy and very tasty. I stuffed myself to the limit, not due to hunger but due to the incredible service and the quality of the meat. The rush service wasn't a tradeoff for quality at all, as a result I enjoyed every minute. What separates this spot from most BBQ spots was the ambiance. Dimly light, and filled with laughter and good times....I recommend Jack Stacks-Plaza 100%.
(5)
Mark A.
Good BBQ... Great service.. Vegi kabob was cold and undercooked.. They took care of it right away and let the grill know as well.
(4)
M B.
Absolutely one of the best BBQ dinners I've ever had. We split the 4-meat platter, and with the three sides there was more than enough to eat. The ribs were succulent and smoky. The pork was incredibly moist. The ham was awesome. The brisket was flavorful, but a little on the dry side. Then there are the sides. The cole slaw was outstanding (the server actually brought us refills!). The pit beans were sweet and smoky. The cheesy potatoes had a subtle flavor to them that I enjoyed but couldn't pin down (rosemary maybe?) Anyway, the meal was a huge hit. THEN we took a piece of the carrot cake home....wow! Dense, moist, chock-full of pecans, with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting on top. I'm drooling as I type this! I will definitely have to make this a stop the next time I"m through KC.
(4)
Stephanie G.
Was in Kansas City for work and had to have some KC BBQ. This one fit the bill. I listened to other Yelp reviewers and had the lamb ribs, burnt ends, beans, and cheesy corn with a nice cold beer. Delicious! We sat on the patio and the weather was beautiful. My only criticism is that the server rushed us a bit, clearly wanting to turn over the table, and with such good food and weather, we were in no hurry.
(4)
Rob N.
I had the rack of baby back pork ribs, and they were meaty, perfectly smoked, and fall off the bone tender. I wish I ha asked for a side of sauce, as the flavor was a little weaker than I had hoped for. But overall they were great. For sides I had the beans, cheesy corn, and fries - all of which we're great. The local pale ale was great too. Definitely worth checking out. Would've gotten five stars if the prices were a bit lower and the sauce had a little more kick.
(4)
Ria R.
This is a pretty swank BBQ joint. Probably the most upscale location I've ever eaten BBQ. I can eat BBQ and walk right across the street and buy a Rolex. I had the chicken wing lunch and the cheesy potato bake. Way too many calories BUT EVERY BITE WAS WORTH IT! Large portions and so flavorful. The ambiance is clean, low lit, exposed wood beams with an aroma that is intoxicating. And.....this restaurant's menu is reasonably priced. Need I say more....
(5)
Keely G.
Located in the trendy "Plaza" area of Kansas City, Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ was only a short walk from my hotel. Because there was a 45 minute wait at around 8pm on a Sunday night, I decided to place a take out order to consume in the privacy of my hotel room. Despite being busy, the guy who took my order over the phone couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. And darn him for up-selling the carrot cake (it was almost as if he knew my weakness for dessert) -- more on that later. After making the short trek, I walked in to the take out area (accessible by a separate door with a convenient waiting room). I overheard one of the guys raving about the beef spare ribs and when I asked about changing my order, he was so accomodating and did so happily. Back in my hotel room, I could not tear into the bag fast enough ... starving and drooling from the smell, I tore into a combo plate of the aforementioned spare ribs and their famous "burnt ends," which are chunks of meat (you chose from pork, brisket, ham, turkey or sausage) that are cooked well done as to give it a hard exterior. I had the pork and I'm sorry to say, I wasn't a fan... too dry. The spare ribs on the other hand, were delicious, albeit a little bit fatty, but that was to be expected. I had a side of the cheesy potato bake, which was sinfully good and a side of cole slaw which rounded out the meal nicely. "Mom's Carrot Cake" gets it's own paragraph. OH.MY.GOD. Served warm, this is literally the best carrot cake I've ever had. IN.MY.LIFE. Picture a huge, round carrot cake, super moist (yet the outside edge had that nicely baked outer crisp), nice and warm, perfect ratio of nuts-to-cake and a delicious cream cheese frosting. I ate half for dessert and devoured the other half in the AM (too good to go to waste). Thanks, Mom! I'll be back again the next time in K.C.
(4)
Aditi K.
they had a long wait, and I heard some of the servers laughing about the people waiting. setting that aside, I am displeased at where we were seated: outside, near a stinky stinky manhole. even when we politely asked the server acted as if we wanted an upgrade even though we waited for more than an hour. absolute appetite killer, the stench of sewage.
(2)
Scott R.
Excellent BBQ. Beef ribs were perfect. Wine list was adequate and side dish choices were full of comfort foods. Good atmosphere but a bit noisy. Overall a very good place to eat if you want BBQ.
(4)
Drew S.
This place is great! Came here on vacation for shopping around the plaza and saw this place. Me and my family decided to stop in and try the famous KC BBQ. This place lived up to the hype! I had the Roundup: Beef,pork,ham, and ribs...all this with 3 sides! Ribs and beef were amazingly tender as were the pork and ham, even though im not a fan of pork i loved all of the meats! I highly recommend the ribs and beans...both were incredible! *Smoky taste on the beans so be careful if u try those
(5)
Stephen T.
Fantastic experience! Highly recommended!!
(5)
Zach G.
Jack Stack is a great place. I have been to a few of the locations, and consistency between them all is pretty good. It's definitely upscale BBQ joint of KC, as most people know, but the prices are still pretty fair in my book. Service here is friendly. A bit slow at times, but friendly. The bartenders are nice as well, and seem to know their stuff. It's not quite the bar expertise of, say, a Plaza III or some upscale steakhouse, but still...very good for a BBQ place! The menu has something for most people, even you (wacky) vegetarians. If your group is looking for a BBQ place in KC and you are a veg among meat eaters, this is the place you should go to. My most recent order was the burnt ends dinner with sides of green beans and cole slaw. The burnt ends were juicy, huge, and tasty. The smell and flavor on them were fantastic. That being said, I felt they could have been a little more "burnt", and a bit less fatty. However, I still devoured them. The green beans were delicious, but were served in an onion ring...so much for my one attempt at being healthy that night ;) Finally, the cole slaw was very good...but it was brought out a good 10-15 minutes before my entree, so by the time I actually ate it (it's cole slaw, not a salad, I'm going to wait for my entree) it was rather room temp which I did not enjoy. All in all - 2 or 3 beers, burnt ends dinner, two sides, tax = $25 or so. Not bad, I do say, not bad.
(4)
Dan G.
Having just arrived in KC, we were hungry. So, while everybody was hmming and hawwing about where we would eat. I whipped out.....my phone and fired up the trusty Yelp app and set our BBQ sights on Jack Stack's, located just a few blocks away. Score. It certainly was fancier than I would expect it to be. While I was tempted to get right to it and go all Chris Rock style "Gimme one rib!", it was far more orderly and we enjoyed a nice lunch. They have a lot of things that you can get on the menu, all different kinds of ribs, smoked meats and varying degrees of hotness sauce to douse them with. Brisket and burnt ends for me. Never had burnt ends before and I really enjoyed them. Brisket was good and the sauces were good. First BBQ I had in town was easily trumped by the other places I went to and put well in the rearview.
(3)
Jillian C.
The burnt ends are where it's at. Absolutely love them. I get their veggies on the side. Beware, they come with cheese on them so if you're dairy intolerant, just know that. I usually add on some of the house seasoning for a kick. As for their sauces, regular is nice but the spicy is where it is at. It's not spicy as in hot but just layered with flavor. Yummy!!
(4)
E P.
I wasnt impressed with my order. Everyone talks great things about the burnt ends. I ordered this as a meal - the burnt ends were very, very dry. The atmosphere and staff were great. I am disappointed I did not enjoy what so many people love here.
(2)
Chris C.
Great spot, cool look and feel and above average food. The only reason why I vote it 4 stars instead of 5 is because sometimes I want my BBQ without having to sit down. The deserts are truly 10 stars.
(4)
Matt U.
Just plain good should be Jack Stack's motto. That or "This the only place Chuck Norris asks for seconds". Either way, this place never gets old! You can get everything from a legit steak to some excellent rib and rack of lamb dinners to the classic take out dream - The Poor Russ! Our favorite way to dine is to grab a sandwich and some sides and head out to the fountains in the Plaza for some deliciousness whilst enjoying the surroundings. The Poor Russ and burnt ends here are simply stated - Amazing. With sides of cheesy corn (the kind they serve in heaven) and slaw, you can't go wrong. For those dining in, you gotta try the sampler - We recommend the Jack's Best for your eating pleasure. You sample the best they've got, get some sauce on your bid and leave a happy dude or dudette! Jack stack is the classiest of the local BBQ establishments and worth waiting for if you've got the time. Incredible service to go with incredible food, this is where we go when we're coming in from out of town and need to get our BBQ fix!
(5)
Drew S.
So, I hear about this place close to where my meetings are that is a KC BBQ institution. I didn't have time to sit down, so I grabbed take out. Sarah helped me out at the counter and was fantastic. She had good recommendations and even gave me a little extra since I explained my interest and experience in BBQ. I purchased a few pork ribs, sausage burnt ends and beef burnt ends (they were on special and sounded tasty). I also got beans and slaw for sides. A bit pricey though... I was so ready to eat when I got to a place to sit down and opened up my smoky and sauced prize. The aroma was fantastic, and I took my first bite of the sausage and was very pleased with that. A good level of spice, but it wasn't overly so. The sauce was smoky, had a slight hickory flavor, and wasn't too sweet. The sauce was probably the best part of the experience. After the sausage, I moved on to the ribs and found the meat to be bland and a bit over cooked. Maybe it was just the tip of the rib, so I moved to the center section. Same thing. Really? Come on KC, you can do better than this. How about the beef tips? Bland and over cooked... I thought this place was supposed to be better than this, especially for the price I paid. I was completely underwhelmed.
(2)
Chelsea B.
I compare ALL barbeque, and I mean ALL of it, to Oklahoma Joe's. If you're eating barbeque and it doesn't melt in your mouth, if it doesn't make you sit back in your chair and go "holy sh*t" after the first bite, if it doesn't make you say "THIS is what I've been waiting for all my life"... then it's not as good as Oklahoma Joe's. Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbeque falls in that category. Maybe I'm a hater because I don't get the whole fancy barbeque scene. Maybe I don't want to eat my barbeque on a plate... only styrofoam will do. Maybe I don't like getting seated right away and enjoy standing outside the door in a gas station parking lot for 45 minutes to get my barbeque. Maybe it's not you, it's me. The point is that when you walk into an "upscale" barbeque place you're necessarily expecting a higher quality of barbeque, and I have to say that I think Fiorella's is just okay.
(3)
Ashley F.
Now I see why KC is the BBQ capital of the US. Decided to check this restaurant out based on other yelp reviews and the suggestion of a friend. Arrived at 7 pm on a Friday night and the wait was about an hour. Wonderful. Drove 3 hours to wait one more. But wait? Is that a couple I see signing a bill at the bar? Grabbing their coat? Yes! All manners aside, decided to swoop in and grab those two seats. An hour wait turned into a 5 min wait. The taste and quality of food did not disappoint. My friend and I decided to split the Jack's Best that included burnt ends, baby back ribs, and beef ribs with coleslaw and fries. This dish would make any vegetarian cheat on veggies for a night. The meat literally fell off the bone and the BBQ sauce added an extra kick. Service was so attentive and we were well taken care of. Both bartenders introduced themselves when we first sat down and were very prompt on meeting our requests (forgot the coleslaw? brought out an extra serving). One huge downside on top of the wait time is the parking. There is a parking lot located right in the same building as Jack Stack that gets really congested, especially on the top level where there is no turn-around to head back down to lower levels. A wet towelette would have been nice to for our sticky fingers too. Other than that, KC is still the BBQ capital in my book.
(4)
Bill J.
Absolutely delicious. Get the burnt ends or BBQ chicken. Clean friendly atmosphere. Our server was Joel and he was fast and attentive.
(5)
Nathan S.
I had a few days to explore KC and that ment a few BBQ joints to try. Jack stack was first on the list. Ask anyone about where to find good BBQ and this is what they seem to say " jack stack, but it's more upscale and expensive for BBQ". It is a little more la TE da than the others, but the food is great. The burnt ends are amazing, and as a side (you can substitute any of them) are wonderful. I had the cheesy corn, and it's more cheese than corn. Beware, I'm not kidding, if you are expecting corn you may find a little, but this is more of a cheese sauce that happens to have some corn in it.
(5)
Doug S.
The service is good, the food is ok. The prices are too high for what you get. I asked for prime rib rare, but they had medium rare. So I settled on burnt tips and back ribs combo. The sides were coleslaw and grilled veggies which were good. The meat portions were small for a$25 meal. The pork ribs had good flavor, but not even a half rack! The burnt ends did not do anything for me. They tended to be a little dry. They do not understand how to make a dirty martini. Mine was clear and they were out of Grey Goose. Disappointing.
(3)
Jon W.
Jon-- After a hardcore day of driving from Kentucky to Kansas City, we had to get some KC ribs. Jack Stack was the last stop for our KC rib tour (Oklahoma Joe's and Gates were already tried and enjoyed). While we are always grateful for a full slab after a long day on the road, Jack Stack didn't hold up to the other two venerable institutions. We started with the onion rings, which were pretty good. The batter was very light and tasty. However, the ribs were way too dry and stringy. Don't know if this was because we were there at the end of the night, but I was more than a little disappointed. The beans, which were excellent, couldn't even save the day. Nor the mild sauce, which was the best of the bunch. All in all, I'd stick with Oklahoma Joe's.
(3)
Rodrigo M.
The best american bbq place I've been to. I highly recommend the beef burnt ends with the baby ribs...and the service is top notch. If you're in Kansas City you have to check it out. Make sure to make a reservation otherwise you'll wait around 1 1/2 hour for a table.
(5)
David K.
We stopped here as we were passing through KC and boy was this a treat. I remember the bbq being pretty good and liking their seasonings but their cheesy potatoes were a thing of the gods! I always stop in to get those cheesy potatoes...yum
(5)
Devin H.
This bbq was delicious. I'm a San Francisco Giants fan who came here for the World Series, and I'm so glad I chose Jacks Stack. Ate a pulled pork sandwich that was out of this world. Our server was a really nice guy and gave us exceptional service. He had blonde facial hair and had a bigger build. Give that guy a raise! Best service I've had in a long, long time.
(5)
Stephen J.
Food was off the charts and the service was better. Tracy our server was very helpful as we tried to navigate the comprehensive menu. I have been to numerous bbq places and this one is right up there. Strongly recommend.
(5)
Ben M.
The server was overly insistent we try a certain wine, to shut him up we bought the bottle. It wasn't good, not even remotely good. He talked to much and carried on about how wonderful the plaza location was and how much better it was than the other locations. I thought it was a stupid thing to do. Food wasn't as good as it use to be when we ate at the Martin City location. The fact they were trying to be so pretentious about being on the Plaza ruined the meal. The plaza has gone really downhill and is nothing more than a mere tacky tourist trap. Horrible dining experience!
(1)
Fia R.
Caution: if you're sticking to that New Year's Resolution of yours, hint hint, I suggest that you read this after you already consumed your low-calorie/low-something meal, or you take responsibility of your salivation & temptation ;D. As a complete KC BBQ noob & after receiving recommendations from friends, the discovery of KC Restaurant Week right at Day One pinpointed to the place buckled into the Country Club Plaza (which, my Cali buddies, is similar to Santa Monica Promenade or the shops at La Jolla). DL and I waited--err, mostly strolled around the blocks--for about an hour before getting seated at a table widened enough that I postulated that our platters for 2 would cover almost all of it. We decided that one of us (okay, me) will select the $30 3-course dinner, composed of 3 Onion Rings; 4 different kinds of wet-rubbed meat with one large Cheesy Potato Bake; & a Carrot Cake. DL, meanwhile, ordered off from the titanic, regular menu: the Kansas City Combo ($17.45), consisted of Lamb Ribs and Beef Burnt Ends plus 2 small sides of Creamy Coleslaw & very appropriately named Hickory Pit Beans. Starting off with the protein descriptions, included in my 3-course were the Lamb Ribs, Crown Prime Beef Rib, Pork Spare Ribs, and Pork Baby Back Ribs. All this, plus DL's meat, had that invigoratingly smoky & subtly sweet taste--the latter being my super personal preference--most without necessarily drowning them with their famed BBQ sauces. Other than noticing the ribbed patterns, what I listed was intentionally my most favorite to least: sensuous lamb with gamey balance; excellently charred and just-right fatty & succulent, hunky piece of medium-rare beef; very pleasurable & flavorful spare of pig; & baby back ribs that not only they weren't really off-the-bone, but I find it not as worthy to save calories as the one in Phil's BBQ :P. Moreover, DL's Burnt Ends were downright delicious, except that some were moist, & some were dry that it did desire that deluge, whether in Original Sauce, Spicy, or Hot. Now expatiating on the non-meats, the Onion Rings were greatly breaded & not-at-all greasy. But that's all I'll write about, with a little quirk that I liked them best when dipped w/ Heinz ketchup. On the contrary, our 3 total sides AND our outrageously devilish, plumpy Carrot Cake were something it's difficult to write concisely o_o. I guess I can condense that these were so perfectly textured & so extraordinarily, perhaps panoramically yummy & 5-starred material that you for sure need to plan a rigorous, workout session (P90x maybe?!) before--and after--indulging guiltlessly. Finally, service might be fine at the hosting stage, but the on-site manager was absolutely accommodating & amiable, & our server Eric was the paragon of A-graded service. He even gave us a sample of their hottest BBQ sauce with no question that DL excitedly bought bottles of Spicy & Hot at $3.50 each. Some of the meats were something that I was blissful to try once, but if we revisited, I'd reorder the sides, the dessert, the Lamb, while I'll go for that Cheesy Corn Bake & the meats suited for their Sammies. In summary, at least THIS Fiorella's, whether during KCRW or not, is still worth going on your 1st KC vacay, with plenty of neighboring stores to walk around to prep up your hunger. Btw, eating the leftovers were still tasty; none of that weird, refrigerated undertone seeped in :P.
(4)
Scott H.
Best BBQ on our trip to KC. Beans were awesome. Ribs were great. Service was good. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
David S.
This was my first - no, second - KC BBQ experience. Since then I've had one more. How does Jack Straw measure up? It's quite nice. I think that unless you're from Texas, or KC, or North Carolina, or someplace else with a BBQ brain, you just love all BBQ and don't get caught up in the nuances of one vs. the other (at least I don't). I just love BBQ, and every place has things I would kill for, and things I'd pass on. So, first, this place is nice. As in, you're not going to a shack if that's what you're looking for. It's a sit down restaurant that goes out of it's way to make it a non-BBQish kind of place (aside from the individual booths with the individual TVs in the bar area - which was pushed on me because, I imagine, I am male, was alone, and perhaps looked freakish from the very cold walk over). So, the onion rings (which come stacked and sort of appear like a large anal dildo to be honest) were tasty, but I think undercooked. I like the onion to be more tender than these were. The ribs were moist and fall off the bone tender. 4 big bones. Flavor was all there. Not too much smoke. Beans were good, but not as good as Oklahoma Joe's in my view. Plenty in portion, a bit more pricey than most BBQ, and served quickly. An the burnt ends were so, so nice. Super juicy. Nice big chunks. Great smokey flavor. These on bread with sauce must be heaven. Next time. I look forward to trying the baby backs and the magnum meat on a bone chop, the name of which I can't remember. They have a nice beer list and plenty of seating. No waiting for me on a Wed night. Anyway, great BBQ. Can't wait to go back and try other meats.
(4)
Brock L.
Omg so good..Best BBQ I have ever had. Blows away the local place in the Boston Area that's good. I had to come out here for training for work. I was like Kansas...not vegas cali or Fla or NY..what's in Kansas...everyine said to me..well make sure you try the BBQ out there..like five people...I'm not even a big BBQ fan...well I went there on the first night...and made sure to go again the next night as I leave the following night...tip if your in town for business order take out..you save some. But the resturant and the whole experince is great.The Beef Burnt ends are un real..and the brisket is great..they made them leaner for me great service.The Prime Beef ribs are crazy...3 and your done.They are like Jurassic ribs. Dont be a sissy and get chicken. .Go big.if you come here..and its only a one time deal..maybe noy they do mail order. Def recommended this place
(5)
Gabe F.
Several people raved about Jack Stack's BBQ. Being a South Carolina native in Tennessee, I wasn't sure what to expect about KC bbq. I went here first. I ordered the burnt ends, pork ribs and corn bake. The meat was painfully smoky with no sweetness or help from the sauce. I assumed this was just my taste preference for bbq. The corn bake was excellent! It's like mac and cheese but with corn instead of noodles. The atmosphere was great and the service was fine, but it was a bit pricey for bbq. After almost giving up on KC barbecue I decided to check out Oklahoma Joe's. Go to Oklahoma Joe's! Go to Oklahoma Joe's! It's in a gas station but don't be fouled, this barbecue is excellent!
(2)
John M.
I think they may have lost a step since changing ownership, it didn't use to be called fiorellos jack stack OR the 22nd street jack stack is the best of the three locations. BTW expect them to be very busy during peak times. Anyways into the grub. Ordered a combo plate to enjoy on a mild summer day on the patio. Burnt ends kinda disappointed this time lacking that carmelized sweetness also they were very dry. The sausage was as I remembered, good, but the ribs suffered the same issue as the burnt ends, dry. The stand out was the BBQ chicken, great seasoning smoke ring and moist. The beans are burnt ends beans and their signature BBQ sauce, damn fine beans with those ingredients. A companion ordered the burnt end sandwich, good tasting bread, loaded with chopped burnt ends and coleslaw, which they really enjoyed. Bring an appetite for the sandwich it's a great deal. Also, the lamb ribs which I had on my first trip to jacks are very good. Another thing to note is if you don't like celery seed flavor, don't try the hot BBQ sauce, it had more celery seed than the coleslaw. Service is adequate for as busy as they are. Still I'd hit it again, just not this one.
(3)
Samantha C.
Came her a few months ago while I was in KC for training for work and I really liked this place. The restaurant was quite sophisticated and the ambiance was mature. I ordered the prime rib sandwich and it was so amazingly delicious. For 12 or 13 dollars, the portion was huge and it included french fries. It was an open face sandwich and it was probably the best prime rib I have ever had; super juicy and flavorful. However I was a bit disappointed in the burnt ends since they are so highly talked about on here. My co-worker order the appetizer portion of that and I had a piece which I thought was mediocre. It didn't really have much flavor, but maybe I just had a bad piece. Bummer. But overall, this place was great and if I'm ever in KC again, I will surely come back.
(4)
Jenny C.
A meal at Jack Stack's is a MUST whenever I am in Kansas City. In fact, I ate there twice during my last 4-day visit! Their baby back ribs and burnt ends are my absolute favorite plus they can substitute roasted vegetables (or a veggie kabob) in lieu of the usual carb heavy sides at no additional cost. I like my ribs dry so I appreciate the fact that they do not slather on a plethora of barbecue sauce that masks the actual flavor of the ribs. On my way back home, I stopped by their carry out section and ordered 1lb of pork burnt ends and 1/2lb of beef brisket (which came with a free full sized bottle of spicy barbecue sauce!). It was wrapped perfectly for travel so I was able to easily slip it into my suitcase without worrying that it would leak and spill in my luggage. See you again next year Jack Stack!
(4)
Qanelle J.
I love BBQ and the burnt ends here are delicious. The outdoor patio overlooks the water which is cool. I could eat bbq for days.
(5)
Dean D.
Great Kansas City BBQ! I got the Sampler platter which has chicken, ribs, burnt ends, and kielbasa. My cardiologist is gonna die if he finds out. Couldn't finish it. Everything was delicious. Highly recommend the burnt ends and you gotta try their baked beans and that cheesy corn...good stuff.
(4)
Kajal G.
Went here during lunchtime on a Saturday so it was really busy but we luckily got a booth at the bar which fit the four of us okay. We ordered waters and beers which took a surprisingly long time to come and between the 4 of us, we ordered The Round Up Sampler (sliced beef, pork, ham, and pork spare ribs, coleslaw, baked beans, fries) and the Jack's Best Sampler (features one crown prime beef rib, baby back ribs, and beef burnt ends, coleslaw and fries) oh and we also had the Spinach Salad Highlights: *Prime Beef Rib-amazing, falling off the bone and fork tender. YUM\ *Baked Beans- normally not a fan but these were cooked with a lot of bbq sauce and so good. Also helpful as a dip for the meat since they were lacking sauce and there was no extra bottle on the table *Coleslaw- again, normally not a fan but we had 3 orders on our table and they were demolished by the end of it *Sliced Beef- Yummo! Though could've used more sauce *Spinach Salad- could use less dressing but very good and a great starter if you get the small size or split the large with someone Bad Parts: *There was this blonde food runner who was very rude to us and rolling her eyes at us because we weren't moving the things on our table out of her way fast enough. Total Bitch who deserves to get smacked. She worked lunch shift Saturday and had her blonde hair in a bun and wore glasses. *Lack of sauce- the meat was missing a lot of flavor without extra sauce on the table. I ate with my hands and they were practically clean after *The wait. I know it's a Saturday at the Plaza but there was a wait for drinks, long wait for food and even a line for the bathroom! *Server was pretty inattentive but we were in the bar area so I guess that's what you get for not wanted to wait an hour for a regular table. Oh well. I had high hopes for KC BBQ and maybe I can try Omaha Joes or something else
(3)
Claudia P.
worst BBQ we have ever eaten....the chicken was dry,the ribs didn't have any sauce or seasoning and to make the experience even worse our waitress Belynda (got the name from receipt) was rude and inattentive....giving the place one star because yelp asked for a rating....unfortunately there are no options for horrible food
(1)
Seri M.
We had a group of 8 adults and 4 children without a reservation on a Saturday afternoon. Everyone was appropriately dressed and it could have been partly our fault for not making a reservation, but our wait was about 2 hours long. Imagine trying to entertain 3 kids under 5 years, plus a squirmy toddler for 2 hours. Once we were finally seated, our drinks were promptly brought to us by our server and our orders were efficiently taken. The barbecue was delicious, including the side orders of beans, potato salad, cole slaw, etc. The best thing I ate that day was the carrot cake and I am not even a fan of carrot cake! It was so delicious and the frosting/cake ratio was perfect. I thought since this was a "high end" barbecue restaurant, we would have needed to dress up a little, but I saw plenty of people in jeans and tees. The atmosphere wasn't too stuffy and was pretty loud inside; however, when we walked in with the screaming overly tired toddler, all eyes turned our way. Based on the food experience and not the people experience... If I ever return to Kansas City, I will definitely go back to Jack Stack.
(4)
Doug D.
One of the best BBQ experiences in the world. A must do when in KC!
(5)
Phillip Y.
We stopped here for BBQ before heading back to Des Moines. At first, I thought the presentation was surprisingly good with the grilled vegetables. The batter dipped mushroom was juicy and delicious. However, the spare ribs were a bit on the dry side so it was okay. I still have to side with Knoxville's Rib Shack since I am use to it and prefer simple over fancy. That's just me but I'd rather find a hidden treasure like Rib Shack vs. a ritzy BBQ restaurant.
(3)
Kelly W.
Great service and AMAZING food! I hadn't been to Jack Stack in several years, and this latest visit was everything I remembered and more! My husband and I got there right at 11 on Sunday, and were assured by our server that we would be getting the freshest of their amazing smoked meat, and we did! We had the Burnt Ends, and my husband added Ribs with the two-meat combo. Don't miss out on the corn bake while you're there! A large side is enough for two to share. The burnt ends were so tender, they fell apart at the touch of my fork. The meal was simply divine! The service was terrific too. Our waiter was very attentive, and frequently returned with soda refills. I can't wait till I'm back in the area, I know where I'll be getting my KC BBQ!
(5)
Cade R.
This place is pretty amazing.
(5)
Andrew Q.
Some of the best BBQ I've had. KC is known for it and Fiorella's Jack Stack did not disappoint.
(5)
Daniel V.
Jack Stake receives 3 Mehs. I'm not a big fan of gourmet BBQ. Just give me a pile of meat some sides and a bun. I don't need the black clothed waiters, candle chandelier, cloth napkins. The BBQ was good but not better than anywhere else I've been. Not impressed by the cheesy potatoes or cheesy corn.
(3)
Erick H.
I had been looking forward to going to Jack Stack for several years now, and so I was so excited to be in Kansas City for the American Royal BBQ Competition so that I could experience what had been touted as the "Best Barbeque in Kansas City." What a disappointment. We had wings to start off. They were the best part of the meal. Smoky flavor, not to spicy so that my wife could eat them. "Wonderful" I though. I was hoping the rest of the meal would be just as good. But it wasn't. We were seated right next to the kitchen, so it was a bit busy. And as I waited for our food, I was getting so excited. I had the Baby Back Ribs, Burnt Ends and Beef Rib. The Ribs were a bit dry, and very little hint of anything smoky. They were also overcooked and mushy. The Burnt Ends were just chunks of Brisket. Not real Burnt Ends. They were fattey and chewey. The Beef Rib was VERY fatty, and had little meat on it. The fat overpowered any meat I did actually find. Again, no hint of smoke anywhere. The Cheesy Corn was soupy, but the beans were decent. My wife had chicken and ribs, and her ribs were undercooked, and the chicken was dry. I have been told since then that I chose the wrong one. I should have gone to the original location that is still owned by the ex-wife of the owner of the place I went. Don't know if I'll even venture to that place, but who knows. Next time I'm in town I might just try it.
(2)
Ken B.
Jack Stack is good food but just OK barbeque! I don't get all the hype of this being great KC barbeque, but the one thing going for it is that it is always consistent. Consistent in a good and bad way. If the food is just ok, then it's always just ok. The customer service and waitstaff have always been excellent and it has never failed to be so. The food doesn't have the same soul as some other local bbq joints. I do love the beans but am not a fan of the poppy seed slaw. Even if this food is hand made, it misses that quality. If something is too burnt or too greasy it doesn't seem to be served. On one hand that is great consistency, but doesn't leave you with that hand made feeling. Some people like an extra crispy frie here and there and this place doesn't have that. But again, the food is not, nor ever has been bad. It's good food, just not great bbq to me. I believe variety is important in all aspects of life so that feeling carries through to bbq restaurants too. A bbq joint can be a hole in the wall or a nice dining establishment. Jack Stack definitely is on the nicer side of the spectrum. Again, I like a little more grit and soul to a bbq experience but if you prefer a nicer, cleaner space, Jack Stack would be perfect for you. It's all A-OK!
(3)
Kathleen M.
I not only love Yelp, but I am addicted to Facebook as well. I solicited opinions on what to see/do as well as where to eat from my FB friends and read up on Yelp. We were here for some Cubs games, wanted to eat barbeque at least twice. I settled on Arthur Bryant's and here; seemed to be a nice contrast in setting plus this was a short walk from our hotel. And the walk was nice! The restaurant was also cool, clean and comfy. I was feeling a bit disloyal to my new Arthur Bryant crush. The realization that this wasn't equally great barbeque in an upscale setting began right away with the burnt ends appetizer. I put my fork in one and it was completely soft, just all fat. I had trouble finding one that was more meat. And there was really no sauce, we had to ask for some. For entree, I got the rib trio and the good thing is that I tried beef and lamb and know that I am a pork rib girl; didn't know that before. But not these dried out pork ribs. I did love the baked beans. My initial glass of iced tea was fine but then they refilled it with sweet tea - wouldn't you ask first? Then the!y were out of the carrot cake. For twice the price, we got a tenth of the barbeque taste. No meat loving cave man orgy of sauce! Wish we had tried Oklahoma City barbeque instead. The walk home was nice, it helped quell a bit of my indigestion. Jack Stack, you look good but taste like grocery store precooked ribs.
(2)
Cathy V.
If you're in Kansas City you've got to go here. Really. This place is AMAZING!! Being from the south we love our BBQ but this is a whole different ballgame. It's tender, juicy and melts in your mouth. AND who ever knew that something called Burnt Ends could be so down right delicious! The atmosphere is upscale but people were dressed in just about everything. The staff is really nice and very knowledgable about everything from the appetizers to the body of the pig where the pork is coming from to the extensive wine list. It's just a nice relaxing night out resturant.
(5)
Jacqueline S.
My hubby and I ate at Jack Stacks BBQ out of recommendation from a friend and we really liked this place! Great food, great service and the ambiance was nice. We'll be back again!
(5)
Tricia H.
Yummm yum first time here!! I'm not sure why I haven't been here yet but it was delish and I can't wait to go back to try other things!!! The bean are amazing!!
(4)
Andrew M.
After trying their burnt ends at a recent Yelp event I was really excited to head to their home turf for a plate of the things. Maybe it was just an off night but I was not that impressed! The service was plenty good -- no one in our party had to wait long for anything and they took care of us. However, when they brought me my burnt ends dinner I was quite surprised by what I saw....literally 6 or 7 of them! But I digress...I wasn't completely famished so perhaps I could forgive the disappointingly small portions by biting into a delicious, tender piece of brisket burnt end. Not so! Unlike the burnt ends I tried at the Yelp event, these ones were quite dry and lackluster to say the least. What is even more ridiculous is that this plate of 6 or 7 dried burnt ends cost $16! I don't know about you but who in their right mind would feel like they got a good deal by paying about $2 for a bite of dry meat? My wife's prime rib sandwich was better, except for the fact that they put the meat on a very plain bun that you'd expect to get as an afterthought from a much less inexpensive barbecue joint that gives you loads of meat for a much lower price. I'd like to believe that they are capable of so much more so one day I may decide to go back. However, given that I can get consistently better burnt ends, many more of them, and for half the price elsewhere I don't think I'm in any hurry.
(2)
Adrian L.
Best place for Gluten-Free BBQ in town. Service is good, just double check the buns if you get the southern jack; once a waitress gave me a regular bun and didn't recognize the error when I first asked. I feel like the beef ribs sometimes have contamination.
I think all my reviews of KC will be colored by the fact that I was there as Guest of Honor for a convention and that tends to make everything amazing. Then again, when you're eating lamb ribs, and then you get a chocolate cake dessert that hits you like an semi into an irish setter, you're on the right track! The lamb ribs, perfect and incredibly flavorful, are wonderful, and you don't find them every BBQ place. It's pricey, but so worth it!
(5)
Kt D.
Loved everything I tried and staff was very patient with our extremely obnoxious toddler!
(5)
William Patrick C.
We had a great time. We went on a Sunday late night. Thye had a full day with a chiefs game and the world series but the service was great. The food was exceptional. I cant compare with Gates and others yet but it was awesome. The creeze corn and the beans were a great addition to the BBQ Melanie or Megahan(manager) was so nice, she showed us the kitchen, took the time to introduce us to the history of the area and resturant and in general was amamzing. LOVED IT
(5)
Calvin Y.
Housed inside the Country Club Plaza, Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ has Burnt Ends to die for! For those who might be overwhelmed like myself with the bountiful selection of BBQ, then you should get "Jack's Best," which truly is the best of Jack Stack -- one Crown Beef Ribs, Baby Back Ribs, Beef Burnt Ends and two sides (get the beans and cheesy corn bake!) for $28.
(5)
Jay Kay C.
The one thing about Kansas City is the variety of barbecue. The one thing Jack Stack doesn't stray away from is the quality of the meat. I cannot say this enough, and I've had friends visit from out of town who agree, you must order the burnt ends. Even if it is in the sampler, the burnt ends at this location are spectacular. Plenty of flavor every time you bring your teeth together. The sauces are unique as well. The sauce doesn't cover the flavor of the meat the way some sauces tend to, but it enhances it.
(5)
David C.
Delicious food and good selection of beers. Sat outside and enjoyed the area sights. A bit in the pricey side for a sandwich, but still recommended.
(4)
Brandon B.
We came here on a Wednesday evening. We were seated right away, even though there were people waiting in the lobby. We had a server right away asking for drink orders before we even saw a menu. I understand the need to seat people and get folks through quickly, but we didn't even know what was offered! We ordered a BBQ sampler, broccoli, cheesy corn and beans. The BBQ sampler had ribs, sausage, chicken and burnt ends. THe Chicken was fantastic, and sausage was good. The ribs and burnt ends were dry. We had the "spicy" BBQ sauce. We were completely surprised that there we weren't offered a sampler of BBQ sauces, and instead had to pick one. We hadn't been here. How would we know what BBQ sauce we wanted? The cheesy corn was kind of Velveeta-like in taste and texture (i.e., a little less than optimal). The beans were sweet. Good, but not a spicy baked bean. The broccoli was cooked perfectly. All in all, not bad, but not much better than Famous Dave's. Not Oklahoma Joe's by any stretch of the imagination. We will not be back.
(2)
Nannette M.
If you are looking for some of the best BBQ in Kansas City, go down to Country Club Plaza and go to Jack Stack's. It is a great lunch or dinner, spot after you have hit the stores, and are craving some Q. Though they could use some better lighting so the menu can be seen , the food is Primo. They also do a great job with the take out portion. They take care of the customers, and make sure that the customer will return with prompt service, in addition to the food. Check them out online also, they will not disappoint.
(4)
Jonah K.
I was in a hotel nearby, this is a nice place for it being in a commercial center and a BBQ spot. I sat at the bar had a couple good local beers and ordered a salad with some ends on it. The Caesar salad was very good, nice homemade dressing. The ends were quite good as well, I would come back to try more. The other plates people at the bar were ordering were massive, so I'm glad I opted for something a bit smaller. Bar staff was very nice and attentive, highly recommend this spot.
(4)
Christopher O.
I find it laughable that people have reviewed that they bring out-of-town people here so they can experience KC BBQ. This is NOT KC BBQ. This is KC BBQ Lite. It's the type of KC BBQ that you use to impress your friends with your ability to spend a lot of money, not show them what actual BBQ is all about. That is not to say the food isn't good. I ordered chicken and it was the absolute best chicken I have ever eaten in my entire life. And this is coming from someone who would eat chicken for every meal were it not so frowned-upon by society. I don't get everyone's obsession with the cheesy corn. It's... not good. Corn and cheese should never mix unless the corn has been pounded into a tortilla and fried. We call these nachos. Any other form of cheese plus corn is gross and should be avoided. If you want to spend quite a bit of money and take your friends here to eat when in KC, that's fine. You'll have a great meal, but let's not fool ourselves into thinking this is the type of BBQ KC is best known for having. This is Plah-za BBQ. It's cloth napkins and social status. KC BBQ is Gates or Oklahoma Joe's. It is not Jack Stack. It's dirty, it's messy. It gets all over your face and when you finish you feel like you have accomplished Herculean tasks and must retire to your couch to watch Cops or Family Feud. You do not walk to your Range Rover ot Hummer, drive to Leawood and watch cricket whilst speaking of dry martinis.
(3)
Banen C.
Well obviously Jack Stack is fantastic.. and may I just say that it is fine to have a favorite bbq meal at each of Kansas City's fine bbq establishments. For me, I choose the baby back ribs at Jack Stack. It's dependable. It's consistent. Why mess with something perfect? Baked beans and cheesy corn as your sides and you will be good to go. If you're lucky enough to have lunch at Jack Stack, I highly... wait... strongly recommend you try to BBQ Baked Potato at least once. My only disappointment with that menu item is that it is only available for lunch.
(5)
Somany Q.
My first impression was that this place is very nice... Looks and feels more like an upscale steak house than a BBQ joint. I had the Kansas City Combo, with 1/4 chicken breast and sliced brisket along with coleslaw, fries and sweet tea. I did not like the sweet tea, and sent it back for a coke instead. My food came pretty fast, the server was very friendly and courteous. The brisket had a nice smoke ring and the chicken had a nice smoky taste as well. I would rate this food as very good. Not as good as Arthur Bryant's, but as good or maybe a little better than Gates.
(4)
Kristen L.
My first time at Jack Stack in years and I'm still a fan. The food was delicious. Their sauce is a bit tangy, not sweet at all. I really liked it. Fortunately they don't drench their food in the sauce like some joints. They serve it in warm dishes on the side. Put on as much or as little as you like. They also have a spicy sauce and hot. The "hot" was the hottest of the 3. The baby back pork ribs were cooked perfectly, very tasty. Also consider their pork burnt ends and/or their lamb ribs. Can't decide, then their combo dish is perfect for variety and a companion. If you aren't in the mood for the typical bbq items the do have great wood grilled fish options too. They take reservations which are great for groups or the weekend. They got us a nice round table for 6 in the corner. I will say between the music and the people, it was a bit loud. Normally at a normal size table and with average age guests this isn't an issue. However I had my grandparents with us and they really had a hard time hearing across the table. It made the conversation difficult. I certainly recommend this place, especially if you want bbq, but in a slightly fancy venue than the typical joints.
(4)
Kim N.
Hands down my favorite BBQ place. I know it is expensive and fancy, but I don't understand why people knock it for that. They have the best burnt ends in town, my favorite sandwich is the poor russ which is chopped up burnt ends on a bun. The beans are to die for and they have health options too. The salads are great especially the salmon salad. The salmon plate and salmon sandwich are also a go to menu item for me. The shrimp appetizer is amazing. The service here is always spot on, and I always get a table right away. Now if you have a group larger than 4 you may have to wait a little while, but 4 or less you are usually seated immediately. We will stop here or the one on 95th and get pans of beans for holiday parties. The sliced meat by the pound is always reasonable. We even had them cater our wedding.
(5)
Mean Eyed C.
Some of the best bbq in the world KC is so lucky to have all the bbq they have Must try the crown beef ribs and brisket. Ribs are very good
(4)
Cassie D.
I'm gonna say it....Not a huge fan. Been twice during my work trips to Kansas City. Two different locations-same result. Dry. My burnt ends were very dry and I was sad. The cheesey corn and the beans however were really good. And on my last visit I went with the Lamb Ribs and was pleased. They do serve the local KC Boulevard Brewery beer and I am a sucker for a good craft beer. Very classy joint, perfect for the work and tourist crowd, a tad pricey. I gotta believe that KC BBQ gets better than this. I am officially on a mission next time I'm in town for work...
(3)
Adam B.
When a lot of people think of Kansas City Barbecue, they then to think of divey spots. Like Arthur Bryant's looking kind of like a warehouse. Or Oklahoma Joe's which is situated in a gas station. Most great 'cue seems to come out of divey spots like these. Fiorella's Jack Stack? This is more like Tony Roma's. Or even Ruths Chris or Morton's. It's BBQ but in a high-end classy setting with prices to match. This place is by no means a bargain. Fortunately, the food is worth the investment. Had the Ribs, Ribs, Ribs and Ribs combo. Lamb Ribs, Baby Backs and St. Louis ribs. All great but no doubt, the star is the Crown Prime. The gigantic beef rib straight off the Prime Rib. It reminded me of when I used to live in Atlantic City and would go to the casino buffets. Occasionally, you could get something like the Crown Prime there. Only it was baked, not smoked. And that made up for the difference between the two. Smoked is definitely better. The fries were perfect. Thick, but not too much and hot and crispy. Great flavor throughout. The beans were very, very red. Good flavor but not much else added like Oklahoma Joe's does with their beans. Cole Slaw? Average, typical slaw I've had a lot of places. It actually reminded me of KFC's slaw. Yep. KFC. Not that it's really a bad thing. Service was great and wait, is that free WiFi? Why, yes. Got to do some work here too as a result. So it's pricey 'cue but worthwhile. And if you're in the Plaza, it's your only option. Fortunately, a very good option.
(5)
Diane E.
Amazing burnt ends and lamb ribs. Our service was off the charts great. Get there early to avoid the wait! Oh, the Boulevard chocolate beer is, by far, the best beer I've ever tasted!
(5)
Carl N.
The Martin city mayor is my favorite. I have always enjoyed Jack' Stack, they are one of the best barbecue places in Kansas City. We always have excellent service at this location on the plaza and we never have to wait for refills or food. We are usually seated fairly quickly and the staff is incredibly friendly. The baked beans and cheesy corn or beyond compare in the area. They also have good appetizers like the onion rings stack and the jumbo shrimp. We like to take family and friends here that are from out-of-town and visiting. Not only do you getting good barbecue but then you can wonder the plaza afterwards.
(4)
Dan M.
I can't begin to encourage you enough to come here. Yes, Kansas City has a lot of bbq spots. And yes there are many that are less expensive. But if you are looking for great atmosphere (this is not a dumpy gas station), great bar, great service, great menu and unbelievably great food, this is your place. You will not be able to find anything on the menu that is not fantastic. This is high end bbq at it's very, very best.
(5)
Josh B.
Good BBQ, good service, good prices, great atmosphere. There isn't anything negative I can say about it. As always when it comes to KC bbq, I suggest getting the burnt ends. Jack Stack's does everything well, but I wouldn't say they do anything the best in the city, but by the same token, nothing they do is the worst in the city.
(5)
Kevin W.
Came out to Overland Park, Kansas/Kansas City, Missouri for a business trip and was told that this was the BBQ place I absolutely had to try before leaving. Turns out this place is AMAZING! I had the Burnt Ends (MUST GET THIS)! They were as tender and delicious as it gets! The melt in your mouth and are very juicy! They are bite sized and the name of it sounds like its unappetizing, but it is very deceptive! It is just something to get when you have BBQ. I'm from California, so we don't have much of the "real bbq" food. Been living off of Korean BBQ and this is just superior in every way. Pricing is fair I suppose, not sure what the living standards and costs are out here. But my cousin and I both ordered the Kansas City Combo where we got to choose 2 bbq items and get 2 sides for $17.99 each. I had the burnt ends and the lamb ribs and my cousin had the beef ribs and pork ribs. Beef ribs were huge but you only get 2. Pork ribs were ok. My lamb ribs were super small but had a great flavor. I mentioned this before, BURNT ENDS WERE AMAZING! They had 3 sauces to go with the ribs and burnt ends. BBQ, Original, and Spicy! I loved the regular BBQ sauce. Anyways, definitely the place to go to if you are in the area!
(5)
Sophie L.
YUMMY!! We went to all the top BBQ places when we were in town and Jack Stack's ribs were hands down the best. We had the Jack's Best as recommended and it did not disappoint! The prices here were higher than the other places but way better ambience and atmosphere.
(4)
Mary B.
The patio seating was nice. I was disappointed by the food. We spent a lot of money for not much food. The beef burnt ends were not very good, and the sausage burnt ends were too dry. The service left something to be desired as well!
(3)
T. J. K.
Awesome barbecue. Go for the burnt ends.
(5)
Julie D.
Located in the Country Club Plaza, we walked here from our hotel We passed a huge bronze bull outside the front door. The interior in dark with incredibly large circular lighting topped with numerous "lit" candles. Our server Parisa was super friendly and very helpful. We appreciated her recommendations and advice on what to order. BJ got the CK combo with baby backs and burnt ends. Yum. For his sides, he got hickory pit beans and cheesy corn bake. Even better, she was able to share recipes with us for the sides. I got a side salad. Not your average side salad, it had bacon and the best ever raspberry vinaigrette made with actual raspberries. Living in Western PA, we don't have the opportunity to enjoy real barbeque. Can you believe that you can order this online? Yes, they do mail order. Haven't tried it yet. Will post back to let you know how that goes. Dessert here is also amazing. We debated for awhile and decided to share the carrot cake. Unlike any carrot cake I have ever had, Jack has spoiled me from eating anyone else's. Individually baked with ooey gooey frosting and lots of nuts. I would love to have it tonight.
(5)
Kurt R.
Holly crap, flew in from Saudi Arabia and these ribs are heavenly, also have Guinness I might not leave. Must have when in KC.
(5)
Lindsey D.
During a visit to KC for a wedding, I was lucky enough to have a free lunch where I got to enjoy Jack Stack for the first time and I was happily pleased with the food and service! First off, I liked that they have a separate entrance for takeout so you can simply walk up and place your order without being required to go into the dining portion of the restaurant. I noticed that you can order food in bulk which would be great for catering but during my visit, I just ordered one sandwich. I ordered the beef brisket sandwich with french fries. The food was anything but healthy, but I have a feeling you don't eat BBQ if you're watching the waistline! The BBQ was extremely flavorful and while there are still other BBQ spots in KC that I like better, I can't complain about the quality and taste of this food. It was quick to receive and delicious to enjoy. I will definitely enjoy it again when I return.
(4)
Nicole O.
I have to say the care the staff and manager give to allergy friendly BBQ options was better than anywhere I have ever travelled in the country. I was so impressed with their knowledge of allergies from gluten to pepper! Thank you for making our dining experience comfortable. Oh and did I mention the BBQ - I tried several dishes was belong expectation. Great balance in their seasoning and sauce.
(5)
Anthony G.
This was one of the best places I have ate at in a long time. The service was perfect. They are very customer oriented. The beer was cold. If you are in KC you have to try this place it was great. Best BBQ I have ever had.
(5)
Pat S.
O' wow this place is yummy. It was 7:30 pm on Thursday the 3rd of July so kinda busy but worth it, ate at the bar because a table would have been 30 minutes. Michele (my sister) and I had the burnt ends dinner. You got to pick two kinds of meat so we choose beef brisket and pork with onion rings and a veggies. One dinner was enough for us to share the servings are so large. Two kinds of BBQ sauce regular and hot, both were great. The bartender was very polite and on top of things. Very noisy is the only thing. The neighborhood was safe and clean, would feel comfortable walking in the evening with friends. You should go.
(4)
Andrea H.
We took our family here (who was from out of town and wanted some good Kansas city bbq). We are huge fans of Oklahoma Joe's (Joe's Kansas City now) and took them to both restaurants. We had never been here before and it was on a Sunday night. Man, it was so busy! The staff was super nice and the food was AMAZING!!! We will definitely be back!! We found a new favorite place!
(5)
Ariel M.
Excellent food, the lunch specials are usually a good option if tight on money. Servers were good, kept our cups filled, answered all our questions, and genuinely seemed happy. Only downside was we weren't provided any hand wipes, last time I went to one they handed them out once we asked for the check, not sure if that's common or not. Meal totaled $10 and I felt fool afterwards, had the pork ribs.
(5)
Daniel K.
Pork ribs, beef brisket, and burnt ends... All amazing. Bit into the ribs and didn't realize I was eating some bone and marrow it was soooo soft... That or I'm a fricken weirdo! Brisket was fatty and tasty. Burnt ends... who needs BBQ sauce?!! Place was packed... ended up calling in the order (15 min) and eating in the car across the street in the free parking structure (unheard of in 808). More to come later... hehe
(4)
Justyn A.
I am in town for work and was looking for great BBQ close to our Sheraton Hotel. This place was absolutely amazing! The burnt ends and side dishes were all amazing. The BBQ Shrimp appetizer was also some of the best shrimp I've ever tasted. I came in with a party of 7 qnd was so pleased with our service that I told our waiter I was definitely going to leave a review when we left. Our waiters name was Jennie! She was hilarious, attentive, and gave great recommendations that all turned out to be amazing. Seriously...the best BBQ place I've ever been to...hands down. @MyCrazyGFMusic :) Love this spot...definitely coming back.
(5)
Sarah H.
What we have here is a "Fine Dining" barbeque establishment. It's fancy inside, all dark woods and booths and dim lighting. The food here is great, I love the variety of animal ribs you can indulge in, not just the standard pork, but they also serve gigantic beef ribs, and my personal favorite and what keeps me returning, the lamb ribs. (WHY do more restaurants not make lamb ribs? They're to DIE for, and melt like lamby butter in your mouth.) Service is pro, pricing is what you'd expect from a full-service restaurant that also serves steak. Absolutely worth a try.
(4)
Todd B.
Over rated! I'm from Memphis and this BBQ is average at best. Briquet was bland, sliced pork bland, spare ribs average. Slaw was good, beans were mush, cheese corn was tasty. My experience at Gates has always been good. Leave this place for the tourist.
(1)
Rob N.
I had the rack of baby back pork ribs, and they were meaty, perfectly smoked, and fall off the bone tender. I wish I ha asked for a side of sauce, as the flavor was a little weaker than I had hoped for. But overall they were great. For sides I had the beans, cheesy corn, and fries - all of which we're great. The local pale ale was great too. Definitely worth checking out. Would've gotten five stars if the prices were a bit lower and the sauce had a little more kick.
(4)
Ria R.
This is a pretty swank BBQ joint. Probably the most upscale location I've ever eaten BBQ. I can eat BBQ and walk right across the street and buy a Rolex. I had the chicken wing lunch and the cheesy potato bake. Way too many calories BUT EVERY BITE WAS WORTH IT! Large portions and so flavorful. The ambiance is clean, low lit, exposed wood beams with an aroma that is intoxicating. And.....this restaurant's menu is reasonably priced. Need I say more....
(5)
Layne R.
Jack Stack is one of the more refined dining experiences of the KC BBQ scene, ie the nicer facilities, but in my opinion, the food doesn't quite measure up with the best of best BBQ joints. This would be a great place to take your grandparents when they visit you in KC. But I'd much rather go somewhere a little more divey if it meant better food (See also Oklahoma Joe's). Let me say, I've never had anything remotely bad at Jack Stack. In fact, everything has been good at worst. The restaurant is nice, the staff good... In all reality, probably a 4 star type of place. BUT in Kansas City, home of some of the best barbecue in the world... It just doesn't measure up to some of the more outstanding places. I'm never going to crave Jack Stack. If someone says they want BBQ, Jack Stack isn't going to be my recommendation. I'd tell them to go to Oklahoma Joe's. That is the one that I crave. So Jack Stack is good. Perhaps even very good. But in a city with great barbecue, you can do better. If you want more upscale though, this is a good option.
(3)
Jennifer B.
Good bbq, but my boyfriend had cole slaw juice spilled on his shorts when the waiter took our plates away. :-p
(4)
Judy H.
Just get the pork spare ribs/pork baby back ribs. They're worth the four stars. Everything else was just okay. I've had better BBQ. Have local brews. We got the ultimate rib dinner because we were curious about the lamb ribs but wanted to sample the others. Everything was delicious. We also got Burnt Ends with brisket and sausage. Burnt Ends were...okay. I kind of wished they had more sauce to it or something. It was pretty dry. The sausage ...was sausage. I think we were sold from the awesome wait staff, but we really wanted the pork. The waitstaff was very knowledgeable and helpful though. Recommended yummy things.
(4)
Terry S.
Simply an amazing place! If your just visiting Kansas City and looking for good BBQ then JackStacks is where you need to be! #AmazingFood #AmazingAtmosphere #AmazingExperience
(5)
Stormi F.
MMMMMMMMM, pork ends are fabulous!!! I swear to myself each and every time that I'm only going to order the appetizer portion and low and behold, fat girl kicks in and I want everything!! Last time we ate here we shared the ends appetizer and the crown roast ribs. They were seriously the size of triceratops ribs!! I have never eaten anything so tender or fabulous.
(5)
Kelli B.
We unfortunately had a poor experience tonight. My friend has been here in the past and had wonderful experiences, so we were excited to try it. We started with a drink in the bar while waiting for a table. When are buzzer went off, we could not find the bartender. We told the hostess that we had not yet paid for our drinks, if she could let him know and get us our bill. We were seated and a very nice lady came and explain the menu to us and make recommendations. Then she went to get us waters and a server named Samir came and very uncomfortably told us that she was not really our waitress and that he was going to be taking care of us. After he left, the bartender came storming up to the table and give us our check. We explained that we talked to the hostess and he kind of rudely told us that she never told him. Samir came back to take our order, and he talked two of us out of ordering what we had initially wanted to order. While the food was good, the service was poor and uncomfortable. At one point we saw Samir and the very nice lady appear to be arguing. Some of the staff clearly need better training.
(3)
Jesse H.
Meh. Let me just say that I absolutely love BBQ and was expecting the world. Jack Stack's said to be THE best BBQ and was I was left with a question on what people are thinking saying that this place is so great. I've had much better in my day. As for the cheesy corn that people love so much I say skip it cause that stuff is just odd. Ribs tasted like they had been boiled prior to smoking which is just absolutely wrong. All in all a thumbs down from me.
(2)
Taylor K.
This is the best place to take someone who has never experienced KC barbecue. I will definitely be taking my guests there when they are in town. My favorite dish is the burnt ends. They are so moist and so delicious.
(5)
James F.
This place has some amazing baked beans. Probably the best I've ever had. The meat portions were a little small compared to some BBQ places.
(4)
Chris S.
I come here each time I come through KC. It's a nice, sit-down BBQ place (two things that logic suggests have no business being together) with an expansive menu. On this occassion I got the sampler of meats - sliced beef, pulled pork and turkey - along with an appetizer of burnt ends (chunks of charred meat that are better than that description). Beef and pork are pretty good, but not the best I've had (Arthur Bryant's will provide a great BBQ beef sandwhich if that's what you're in to). Turkey was nothing special and I wouldn't order it again - stick to the beef. I've never tried the ribs, but it appears to be their specialty and probably worth a look when I return (along with the cheesy corn which has no business being good, but kind of is). Overall, the dining experience won't disappoint if you're looking for good meat.
(3)
jason h.
So I've gone here twice now. Both times it was between 5 and 6pm and I sat at the bar for a cocktail and some bbq. I'm not quite sure what it is with this place but the vibe is wrong. The bartenders are disinterested in the clientele, tend to focus on each other and when they do attend to you their timing is professionally off. By that I mean, they ask you for your drink order the second you sit down or they interrupt your conversation to "see how you are doing". Probably being too picky but for a place on the Plaza I guess I expect a little better service. This is probably an extension of their management, no idea just a guess. I give them a 2 out of 5 on service. The BBq is good but you shouldn't leave customers aggravated with poor service. You get one more try Jack....
(3)
Eazmg C.
I've eaten here a few times at this point, and overall the BBQ is pretty outstanding, but not quite up to par with Oklahoma Joe's. I would give a 4 star based on the food, but due to poor service by the staff we received on 2 of the occasions i felt obligated to come in at a "3". I would highly recommend the Martin City Mayor and/or any of the ribs.
(3)
Aaron A.
Clearly the "battle" between Fiorella's and OK Joe's is something that will be long debated. As an outsider (from Ohio), I thought I'd weigh in and throw some flames on the fire. I went to the original store in Overland Park. A quaint place, and you can tell its success by the many additions tacked on to the structure. The decor is typical of an American-style BBQ place, but not overdone, which was a plus. Service was prompt and efficient, and the menu is extensive. I'd recommend viewing the options online before going if you're a first-timer. In the end, I went with a burnt end sandwich and some pork ribs. Both were tasty and flavorful. You can tell they smoked their food, as the meat almost didn't need extra sauce on it. Alas, in my opinion, the tasty, flavorful meat did not surpass the depth of the flavor from OK Joe's. It was close, but different (a little more acidic). Either way, if you end up at OK Joe's or Fiorella's, you win out by having some of the best BBQ in your life.
(4)
Chris S.
Great Beef BBQ! Highly recommend. Burnt ends Are a must. note: If you are from the "South" avoid the Pork BBQ, you will be disappointed.
(4)
Larry H.
Went for a crazy 24 hour KC BBQ trip with my girl Tried and compared Jack stack's, Gates, and Oklahoma's all in one day! I think this place has fancy ribs, but overall, its not the best of the three. The sauce was good, but the meat was a bit over done. Get dressed up and go for the atmosphere... or wait in line for the best BBQ at....
(4)
Jeff P.
Great meat! Great burnt ends. Great pork ribs. Great beef ribs. Every selection of Boulevard you could want. Great service. Disappointing BBQ sauce...very ketchuppy.
(4)
Amanda K.
Overall, this seems like a pretty classy joint. I went at quarter to noon on a Sunday and the bar was empty when I got there, so I didn't have to wait for a seat. Decor seems like it's sort of an upscale "steak house" type atmosphere, lots of dark wood and that sort of thing - nice. I ordered the "Poor Russ," or, chopped burnt ends on a sesame seed bun. It was... probably one of the strangest sandwiches I've ever had, but not necessarily bad. Looked like it was several different types of meat chopped very finely together - maybe a combination of beef brisket, pork, and smoked sausage? The bun was thinly spread with barbecue sauce, but no sauce was mixed in with the meat, so it was kind of a hard sandwich to eat, because it kept falling out all over the place. I don't know if that's how the "regular" burnt ends are here, but if so, I wasn't too impressed. I prefer larger chunks of a meat, and more sauce, but that's me. If you like a less saucy dish, it's probably up your alley. Fries were light, crispy, and tasty. My server was very nice, service was prompt, and prices were comparable to many of the hole-in-the-wall joints, or at least the sandwich prices were. Portions were good - the sandwich and fries I ordered could have fed two of me.
(4)
Marc P.
This continues to be the place for BBQ in the Plaza. This last trip was kind of a bust but I think it's because they had such a high volume of patrons. The ribs were great, albeit like warm, and the burnt ends were a bit dry, but the beans and corn pudding hit the spot.
(3)
Kelsey C.
Jack Stack is regularly named the best BBQ is the country, let alone Kansas City. But sometimes I think that their awards and such have gone to their heads. The restaurant is overly fancy for a bbq joint- I felt like a big pig trying to eat my brisket sandwich, dripping sauce everywhere, while fancy music played in the background and as we sat in plush booths in the front alley (restaurant speak) of the dining room. My boyfriend and I like to go all out when we go out to eat, so our ticket was about $40. He got a sampler plate and I got brisket (like I said). He was fanatical about the corn bake, and I agree, it was really good, but I'm not a *huge* fan of creamed corn dishes. Just too...filling for me I guess. Besides, my belly was already full of MEAT! We went during lunch and it was packed with ties and suits on their lunch hour. Even though it was really busy, we got in right away and our server was attentive throughout the entire meal. The other servers and bussers also did a good job of clearing away empty plates that we were no longer using since we had ordered so much food-- I really appreciated it that, since you need room to eat BBQ! :) Anyway, Jack Stack IS the reigning champ of BBQ, like I said earlier, and I'm not going to be the one to contest it. Nice decor, good service, good FOOD-- that's pretty much all I can ask for in a restaurant.
(4)
Susan D.
If meat is murder than give me the death penalty! I'm guilty as charged! I was in the Kansas City/Lees Summit area for business and I made up my mind I wanted either steak or barbecue. I'd heard about how great either one was and I made up my mind I was gonna get me some. I also wanted an unpretentious place to eat at, so thank you Yelp. So since I had a rental car for the week, I made it all the way in from Lees Summit to eat here. Even if it meant going by myself. And baby, I wasn't disappointed. I went for hte 8oz filet mignon. Now I love a good steak, but there's no way I'd'a finished the 11oz-er. Their steaks are hickory grilled here and it shows. From the moment I bit into that succulent, well done hunk of beef I thought, "Man, this cow died and went to heaven." This was a steak to savor. My baked potato was so nice and soft, but not mushy. I don't know about you, but I like my baked potato with just a little bit of butter. Anything else kills the taste. And the spinach side salad was a great opener. Makes me glad my husband and I are doing an extended bike ride this weekend!
(5)
Sandyann G.
Why is BBQ a must have when in KC? If you are tired of the ubiquitous smoked baby back ribs then come here and try the Angus Steaks, Seafood and Lamb. You can't get much further from ordinary BBQ than this. You should also check out the other items on the menu. Notably the Fried Mushrooms. They could make a slider out of these they are that big. But even better is the flavor and texture. Next up was the 'Loaded Baked Potato'. My friends will tell you this is my favorite food and Jack Stack does it right. The skin is lightly salted and the potato is filled with butter, sour cream, chives and bacon. Please hold the bacon. The only place that has ever done a potato better was the one pounders on the Cache Creek River Rafting trip.
(4)
Sean S.
Great atmosphere, great service, great BBQ. I had the Sampler Platter - Burnt Tips were good not great more like a pot roast in texture. BBQ sauce was excellent and covered any flaws. Ribs were excellent. Would certainly recommend and eat at again!
(4)
Maggie F.
Have you ever been to a zoo where the grounds are gorgeous,,, but no matter how long you've walked around you can't for the life of you see any animals??? I felt the same kind of disappointment here :( The location was perfect, the service great, everything on the menu looked inviting! Unfortunately the BBQ was just not good. The chicken was cold, the burnt ends where fatty, 1/2 the ribs had almost no meat on them. I do have to give kudos for the stuffed mushrooms. I'm not a mushroom fan, but these where yummy!
(2)
Jay G.
this place is just awesome. waited a few minutes to be seated but so worth the wait. our waiters was terrific. knew the menue cold and was able to direct us based upon on taste buds. The Grilled Jumbo Shrimp were just that. Then onto the main course for beef ribs. holy cow there were three of them and they were huge. walked out with one untouched. soft, tender and tasty. the best ever. the bakes potato was yummy and super tasty were the Cheesy corn bake. Lastly the waiter recommended The Triple chocolate brownie and it was mouth watering. this is surely a place i will eat again and again and again when i visit kansas city mo. Awesome job
(4)
Eve C.
During a weekend in KC for a friend's wedding, I wanted to eat as much BBQ as I possibly could during my brief jaunt back to the midwest. Jack Stack on the Plaza was the culmination of my quest, and it was awesome. Some friends and I headed over for a relatively early Sunday night dinner. There were quite a few people there, so we had to wait a bit for a table. No worries, as we had a round of drinks at the bar. I opted for a Boulevard Smokehouse Series beer - the Saison. Little did I know the brewer of my all-time fave wheat beer had a series of limited quantity brews. It was very tasty, but only came by the 750ml bottle. On to the food. We ordered a stack of onion rings for a starter - they were huge!! I opted for the combo with brisket burnt ends and pork ribs, which came with 2 sides (I went with fries & coleslaw). Huge portions. I thought the burnt ends were a wee bit dry, but still tasty. The ribs were juicy, meaty, and pulled right away from the bone. One of my friends opted for the beef ribs, and they were HUGE. I'm talking Flintstones intro, brontosaurus bones huge. Which is why there were only 4 to an order. Four ribs, you say? Well, my friend only managed to eat 2, so it was all gravy. She got beans and the cheesy potato bake as sides. Both yummy. Friend #2 got the burnt ends combo with pork and brisket. He said the pork burnt ends was much juicer than the brisket. For sides, he opted for the cheesy corn bake, which was probably the best side of the night. Next time, screw the apps, I'm going for the ribs and the cheesy corn. It was Friend #1's birthday, so even though we were stuffed, we indulged in a molten chocolate-lava cake type dessert. A la mode, of course. Very rich, very gooey, very yummy. Overall, Jack Stack was a win. Classier than some of the more well-known BBQ joints around town (and you pay for that class), but it is on the Plaza, after all. I know I'll be back.
(4)
Louise H.
I have been to Jack Stack more times than I can count and have had great experiences every single time. The service is always up to par along with the wide variety of food. I would definitely have to recommend the pulled pork and vege kabob. WOW delicious. ooooohhhh and the beans and cheesy corn - ok... everything is good. definitely get a bunch and share with friends so you can experience everything! yum.
(5)
Adam M.
We go here with our 2 young children, 5 and 1, once a month or so. The service is always great and the food has never disappointed. I usually get the hatfield sandwitch but mix up the meat every visit. I like what I like. My wife gets either the ribs or pulled pork baked potato. Great Bloody marys, the grilled shrimp app is very good as well. Easily the best beans in town, they put freaking burt ends in them
(5)
Mike S.
Food was very good. I had a combo plate. Sliced beef, and pork ribs. Great smokey flavor on the ribs and the beef was very tender. The only thing that did not do it for me was the fact that it is upscale. I strongly believe that good BBQ needs to be on a tray or in newspaper, and the person serving you needs to intimidate you a bit before you get it. This place has white cloth napkins. I would not want to be the laundry guy after I ate ribs. Good service here, just a little to nice for BBQ.
(4)
David A.
I agree with Max's review. I don't understand why others are rating it so highly. The only thing I can figure is that they don't like the grease pits that most GOOD bbq joints are. They bring you here for corporate lunches and meetings or "fine" dining. Don't get me wrong, the place is OK. I've just had better. MUCH better. Maybe even in Massachussets (sticks finger down throat). What I remember was: Everything was dairy heavy (even raved about the creamed spinach and creamy slaw). Of course, I couldn't try it, so I probably missed out. All the orders were quite plentiful with huge servings. However, the food was just OK. It reminded me of Brazilian all you can eat places where it's just meat after meat after meat and it's too much meat that isn't smoked or marinated well. This is a good size restaurant with quite a few people. No parking on site. You'll have to find street parking, garage, etc. It's right in the Plaza, so if you're staying at the Intercontinental as I was, it's quite convenient. I can't tell you how many people rave about this place and look at me crazy when I tell them it's overrated by a LOT. Those same people thik KC is dangerous and want to avoid the Arthur Bryants, Oklahoma Joes, Gates, and Rosedales. Their happy hour is decent. I polished off a few drinks while waiting for some of my peeps to show up. The staff was very nice, too.
(2)
Ryan D.
There is a reason this is known for being the best barbeque in the country - it is. And, it is well worth the wait. Last night at 530, there was a two and a half hour waiting list. We got there a little earlier and waited only 45 minutes. Well worth it! Give the "Jacks Best" a try. It includes generous portions of burnt ends, baby back ribs and the best crown prime rib you have ever had. The desserts were large. We had the carrot cake which was very well done. The only thing keeping this from five stars was the service. I suppose when your the best, it is easy to take good service for granted. However, our waitress was rude, even arguing with one of the people in our party. She also completely forgot to bring one drink, but didn't forget to charge us for it. This may be an isolated incident, but when you're the best, everything should be the best.
(4)
Annie K.
If you are visiting and you only have one day I highly recommend this place. Burnt ends are amazing, local beer is great and the staff is extremely nice!
(4)
Rebecca W.
First time having KC BBQ and being a southern girl, I wasn't too impressed. The sliced pork was tender and juicy and the beans were out of this world, just not my idea of BBQ, pulled pork wasn't even on the menu. Service was good though.
(3)
Brandon T.
I've ate at Jack Stack's a couple of times now. I took my girlfriend last night and it was excellent. We shared the Roundup meal. It was way more than enough food for the two of us and it was all delicious. The place also does a great job of customizing orders for you. We were able to switch out the ham for Burnt Ends and the coleslaw for cheesy baked potato. Very good service. I'll certainly come back when back in the KC area.
(5)
Gary R.
The burnt ends here are amazing! The only thing that has ever been as moist and tender that I have ever tried would be Kobe steak in Japan. The sauces are great, but the real flavors are imparted in the different meats from the KC style smoking that occurs well before most are thinking about breakfast, let alone dinner. The BBQ baked beans are sinfully good. Best baked beans I can remember ever having. The Jack Stack rub is also pretty good. Of the KC BBQ places I have been too, this tops the list and also has the higher end ambience. It is a must have every time I travel to KC.
(5)
Phillip M.
Meh. Burnt ends were not even close to being burnt. Ribs were drowned in sauce and pedestrian. Service was suspect. I almost had to get up and ask/find someone to take our order.
(3)
Pukar R.
I'm not a huge fan of BBQ as I favor more salty foods but this place had the best BBQ I've ever had! Granted, I haven't been all over the country trying BBQ but this is great food. The prices are extremely reasonable and the staff was friendly. The restaurant has a very nice classy vibe, like of those more expensive places. We had a huge plate of ribs and chopped/cubed pieces of pork and beef. I can't remember the names of the dishes but I really don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu. Our table near the bar had a small tv which I thought was cool. I will definitely be going back here and highly recommend this place for anyone in mood for great food.
(5)
Jeffrey S.
Super huge fan of their prime rib sandwich and smoked sweet corn. I eat here every opportunity I get.
(5)
David H.
Very much enjoyed their lunch special of burnt ends and short ribs. Excellent food and good service. I'm a sworn Memphis-style BBQ fan, but this KC BBQ is very good. You'll have plenty of options in KC for BBQ but this is definitely a good choice. Parking across the street at the parking deck. Convenient.
(4)
Peter C.
What a neat building to convert into a restaurant! The whole area has a great urban feel, but this converted freight house has great character. But I didn't go to Fiorella's to check out innovative renovation styles, I came for what I was expecting to be some of the best barbecue in Kansas City. I didn't get a chance to check to many places out while in town, but I don't think I needed to visit to many other joints to tell that the Jack Stack lived up to that expectation. I'm a poor student with not much money to spend, but for most of you more stable folks this is a place to go for some weekend excitement. I'm glad to have spent the money to have not missed this place. I got me some pork ribs and burnt ends and was as pleased as I could ever hope to be. The service was quite pleasant and very patient with a guy of my type who wants to tease out every option. I wouldn't mind going back to Kansas City for this place and to again tour the nearby art galleries.
(4)
Shawn K.
This is probably the best BBQ I have eaten in a long time. Service was excellent. The food came quickly and was perfectly cooked. They did not have extra BBQ sauce sitting at the table. You could probably ask for some extra if needed. The place seemed really well decorated. Much more of an upscale feeling to it rather than a traditional BBQ place. The four of us that went left the place with our clothing smelling like BBQ, which is the main reason this place loses a star.
(4)
Jared M.
Big fan of this place while in the Plaza...much more upscale that other notable bbq joints in KC (makes sense given the surroundings in this setting) and overall a great experience. Great bbq (burnt end sandwich, onion rings, Tank 7 to drink) and friendly staff. Priced reasonably as well.
(4)
Shane G.
Went for dinner last night, beautiful weather, great service and good BBQ, what else can you ask for. The BBQ was good but not great. What seperates this resturant from other BBQ joints is the service and the sides. They were extremely busy but our servicer did a great job and made a couple great recommendations. Loved the beef ribs but the burned ends were a little dry.
(4)
Kevin B.
One of the very best BBQ places in Kansas City. I don't think OK Joes holds a candle to Jack Stack BBQ. Jack Stack has the greatest burnt ends and Ribs I have ever tasted. Plus the sides are absolutely amazing. The baked beans are loaded with bits of yummy bbq goodness, the beans are practically a meal. I don't think any place can come close to the amazing bbq beans they make! They also make a great cheesy corn bake and cheesy potatos, but the beans are amazing. And they have really good Caesar side salads too.
(4)
Deana W.
If you, like me are on the eternal quest for the best BBQ beans, well look no further,. The best beans in the world are prepared at Fiorella's Jack Stack. I read the other reviews and they are right . There are some really great dive BBQs in town, but when you find something fabulous... I say, EAT IT. Embrace good food, when and where you find it, and for Gods' sake, tell me! The beans made my list for " The top 100 best things I ever put in my mouth". The ribs are meaty and nicely smoked. The pulled pork was tender and piled high. If you are looking for really creative Midwest side dishes, there's the cheesy corn. Kansas City''s answer to how to make a starchy vegetable more flavorful, all while alleviating any nutritional value, RAH team! The loaded baked potato looked good, as did the small salad and french fries. My husband swears by the onion rings, by which I mean he swears if you steal one off his plate. The outdoor patio is beautiful and relaxing. The inside is brick with mile high ceilings, a very comfortable place to eat them beans I referred to. So don't apologize for the lack of grease on the walls to those short sighted folks that feel it can't be good if it ain't dirty...if you find good food, I say Eat it, and for crying out load... try those beans.
The combination of burnt ends and cheesy potato bake is the absolute best. The service at this location is amazing, too, friendly and charming staff ready to accommodate. For always being crowded, our drinks were never empty and the food was ready quickly. Great atmosphere, and a fun place to take out of town guests.
(4)
Patrick M.
I don't want to be the a-hole that dogs on this Kansas City favorite, but this place was way below average. After the reviews on Yelp and the web we decided to go out of our way to stop by this "legendary bbq" joint. We left very sad. The bbq was mediocre, a little fatty, and if i'm being honest quite boring. The "burnt ends" were just pieces of pork and brisket cut small. They were neither "burnt" or ends? The beans were ok, Bush Smokehouse Grillin beans for $1.79 at the store are vvveerrryyy similar. The salads were great, the service was good, the corn cheese thing was unusual, but ok. The Bbq was just not that good. My wife tells me you can't compare Texas BBQ to KC BBQ because they are different. I've been to Aurther Bryant's and it was way better BBQ. If this is the best in KC I'll stick to eating BBQ south of the Red River.
(2)
Brice R.
best bbq in the world- we live in OK but whenever we are within 50 miles, we drive out of our way for the food! the beans are AMAZING because they cook them under neath the meat and have meat chunks in them- we've never had a bad meal there- they also will ship food in dry ice from thee web site !
(5)
Christyn K.
One may find it odd that a vegetarian such as myself is a HUGE advocate of Jack Stack. In fact, I myself find this odd. How is it that I am IN LOVE with this place, though have never even had their BBQ? Let me count the ways: 1st star - the ambiance of this place is killer. Dark, almost mysterious, yet white napkin refined to make you second guess that you are in a BBQ joint. Super clean, super chic, super duper. 2nd star - the service is amazing. The wait staff has always gone out of its way to make sure everyone in my group gets exactly what they want, exactly how they want it. Our food has always come out in a timely fashion and empty plates have always been taken away promptly. 3rd star - in my experience here, I have never had to wait excessively long for a table. Also, there is a parking lot just across the street - you know that for the Plaza, this is a blessing! Plus, if you get really bored while waiting, you can watch the kitchen do its thing at the back of the restaurant - quite entertaining in itself! 4th star - the menu is HUGE and and alcohol list is even bigger! My husband loves the burnt ends - which you can get in an array of combinations with other meats or sides. 5th star - THERE ARE VEGETARIAN OPTIONS! Yes, you read that correctly - there are tons of vegetarian options at this popular BBQ joint - much more than any other BBQ places in KC, in my experience! My favorites include the "side" potato bake (like scalloped potatoes but cheesier!); the spinach and blue cheese salad (HUGE and affordable!); the summer-time veggie skewer (peppers, mushrooms, corn and potatoes!); "side" baked potato (loaded!); and, of course, their onion ring mountain. HEAVEN! So, if you have a picky eater in your group, someone who doesn't like BBQ at all, a vegetarian, or an out of towner who may not be the "hole in the wall" dive type, this is the place to go. Seriously. Seriously.
(5)
David S.
I think that the bbq debate in KC is so large that it seems almost sariligeous for someone who "just visited" to give a bbq joint five stars. When I came to KC I had the opportunity to visit one bbq join and it was Jack Stack's. That is nothing against Arthur Bryant's or OK Joes, it just happened that I ended up at Jack Stack's and was treated to the most sumptuous, smoky, tender bbq that I had ever had. Their BBQ Beef ribs and burnt ends are insanely good. While their sides were nothing to write home about, any BBQ meat that I tried there was tender with the perfect amount of smoke. Jack Stack's is not the down home bbq joints that people may think of, but it is a fancier sit down restaurant that still churns out bbq with plenty of flavor. Since I have not yet visited Arthur Bryants or OK Joes I will not even attempt to compare them, all that I know is that you can't go wrong with Jack Stack and if Arthur Bryants and OK Joes are anywhere near as good than KC is indeed a lucky city.
(4)
Arindam P.
Kansas City is known for its barbecue and Jack Stack is truly one of the best. I liked their combo platter which came with beef, pork and lamb ribs. The lamb was not so good but the pork ribs very much made up for it. Nice selection of local beer and some imports. I was surprised to find Chimay on the list!
(4)
Shannon N.
Best BBQ ever! But truthfully, the sides are what make the meal, especially the corn and beans! The warm carrot cake is also amazing!
(5)
Krystal P.
Delicious! I was expecting a chain bbq restaurant similar to Famous Dave,s but was surprised when I walked in. Great vibe, great food. Be prepared to leave full! The cheesy corn is a must!
(5)
lovesmyanimals l.
This is the newest location for the Jack Stack family. My review is going to be short and simple b/c my experience along with my food was perfect. The service and food at Jack Stack's is unbelievable. I was there with a big group of people and our server for our table was extremely helpful and attentive from the moment we sat down to when we left. The food here.... a) Several choices. Not just beef and pork. They had chicken and a few different fish options as well. So there are plenty of options for the pickiest of eaters. b) the best sides dishes for a bbq joint. I had the pork n' beans and cheesy corn. To die for. If I had once option for a last meal this would be it. c) sauces. the original, spicy, mild... Flavor! So much flavor I could put it on everything.
(5)
Ainy H.
Not much to say about this place, it is another restaurant chain with just okay food. I had the beef and sausage burnt ends with baked corn, fries and potato salad for sides. I felt like I could have bought this from the local grocery store and prepared it myself.
(2)
Liz L.
I loved eating here! I'm a bbq fan so had to get some while in Kansas City. After reading Yelp reviews and seeing this was close to the Embassy Suites were we stayed, we chose Jack Stack on Wyandotte (there are several locations in KC). They have a free parking garage and there is some street parking. It's close to lots of shops and other restaurants (including The Cheesecake Factory, where we also ate). We went on a Wednesday night at about 7 p.m. and the wait was only 15-20 minutes. The hostess was friendly and the waitress was great. The waitress offered explanations and suggestions of menu items and we took her up on several suggestions and were glad we did. I had a Boulevard beer (brewed in KC) and pork baby back ribs with cheesy corn bake and fries. The ribs were delicious and the cheesy corn bake was amazing. My husband had a salad and "Jack's Best" (Crown Prime Beef Rib, Baby Back Ribs, and Beef Burnt Ends). All was delicious! I would definitely recommend eating here. I even bought bottles of their original BBQ sauce to bring home as gifts.
(5)
L. D.
OMG !!! Jack Stack Baby Backs can't be beat in the KC area! ! Holy S.O.B...... the Baby Back ribs and the Cheesy Baked Potatoes are HMMMMM GOOOOOODDDDD! ! This was my 3rd visit to Jack Stack and it did not disappoint. I will definitely be back to the Stack !!! I've also tried Gates, Hayward's and Smokehouse BBQ and JS is still on the top of my list. On my to do list are Oklahoma Joe's, Famous Dave's and Hereford's. So much BBQ, so little time.
(5)
Alex C.
My favorite place for BBQ in the nation so far, and that's saying a lot since i'm from Texas and my Dad's from North Carolina. The burnt tips, the brisket, sausage, ribs, oh, everything is great. Try the cheesy Mac, the cheesy potatoes, and the BBQ beans are to die for. Can seem pricy, but the best things in life usually are. Great location, whenever my family and I are in town we stop by for a meal, then order more to take home with us. The last word in Kansas City BBQ.
(5)
Holly Y.
BEST baked beans and cole slaw in Kansas City! BBQ is OK, but THE BEST baked beans and cole slaw I've EVER eaten! Love to go pick up & have at home with my own homemade pulled pork! Chunks of meat in their beans...honestly, I can't say enough good things about their beans and slaw!
(4)
M P.
My first experience with KC BBQ and holy wow it was delicious! We sampled the beef brisket, the chicken, and the beef ribs. All awesome. The sauces were perfect mix of tangy, sweet, and spicy. We also had the cheesy corn which I think now is going to be the only way my husband will eat corn! It was so good. And then there are the beans. Oh the beans. I'm not sure there are words to properly describe the perfection that was the beans, except "best ever."
(5)
Donna L.
Although a fancier kind of BBQ place, very good food, great service. Their ribs are the best on their menu. Carrot cake for dessert is to DIE for. Would definitely go there again when in KC.
(4)
Aldwin C.
probably this review is not needed. just go to the restaurant. free-smells.
(5)
Shaun W.
When I asked an Overland Park, KS friend for advice on the best BBQ in town, this is where I was pointed. Zagat and the other food awards seem to agree when it comes to a slightly more upscale eating experience. You can't help but smell the hickory smoke a block away and by the time you actually make it in the door, you're starving. All of the meats are topnotch, but what I keep coming back for is the beef brisket. Other reviews seem to all agree; get the beef brisket and the burnt ends. (I prefer the "Poor Russ" chopped burnt ends.) All of the sides are good, but I highly recommend the vegetable kabob. These skewers are grilled fresh and come out dripping in their natural juices. This side is served with a mild horseradish sauce that goes well with all of the veggies, but makes the mushrooms worth writing about. I'm generally not a BBQ fan as I've written in my other reviews, but the food coming out of the kitchen here makes me choose to visit any time I'm in the Kansas City area.
(5)
Jeremy K.
After a disappointing outing to Arthur Bryant's as part of a 4th of July KC excursion, our local host urged us to give KC barbecue a shot at redemption at Jack Stack. We stopped by there just to pick up some burnt ends and cheesy corn to go. The burnt ends here were delicious. I have to say, though, that they are virtually identical to good Texas barbecue brisket. I guess by the name, I expected them to be way more burnt. I'd say the burnt ends here were of the same quality as Rudy's extra lean brisket in Austin, which is my personal favorite barbecue. The cheesy corn was a love/hate dish. I didn't care for it at all, based on its texture, but 3 of the 5 of us absolutely loved it. I would come back here next time I am in KC and try some more of their meat.
(4)
Allen W.
Walking in you get hit by a mouth-watering smell that sets your mood. good sauce, amazing beans. We had the dinner for two meal with sliced pork(okay), brisket(very good), baby back ribs(a little tough and dry), and beef slice(okay). The sauce is what made it taste good. Good wine selection and the waiter was awesome.
(4)
Rosa J.
I usually decide if a BBQ place is good based not on its meat, but on its potato salad. While I didn't get to try the potato salad at Jack's I did try the cheesy corn...YUM!! I had never even heard of cheesy corn but I am a fan now! The BBQ was good. I had the Hatfield with brisket and turkey. It was a great combination and it wasn't overly stuffed with meat. It was just enough to fill me up! I also tasted some of the "Burnt Ends", which I had also never heard of, also a winner.
(3)
Liz S.
The burnt ends were fantastic! My favorite were the pork ribs and baked beans. We ate at the bar. Service was great and the food came really fast. I recommend this to anyone!
(4)
Kate G.
After many work trips to Kansas City, I finally whined enough to get some BBQ. Though I really want to try a real dive, this was a very nice restaurant and accommodated our large group well. Our server was WAY off all night, taking half the drink orders at a time, forgetting waters, forgetting sides, all sorts of stuff. But he was friendly so no one held it against him. I sampled the ginormous fried mushrooms, burnt ends, sliced beef and pork, chicken smothered with pulled pork and cheese, and a dinosaur bone - basically the biggest rib I have ever seen. All of it was great and the mild, medium and hot sauces just added to the smokey flavor and heat. My veggie kabob skewer was delicious with corn cobs, carrots, onions, bell peppers and squash served with what tasted like horseradish mayo for dipping. With all that delicious meat, I think the best part of the meal was the huge spinach salad topped with strawberries, goat cheese and BACON mmmm. I liked the selection of local beers and I will be back on a future trip for sure.
(4)
Debbie G.
Went to KC on a business trip and didn't know what to expect. All I kept hearing about was how you can't leave town until you try their BBQ! Luckily, the office I was at ordered from here for lunch one day - there was sooo much food and it was sooo good! BBQ pork chops, creamed corn, cole slaw, grilled veggies - it was a great lunch treat I'm sure I would've liked it even better at the restaurant itself and I probably would've tried even more BBQ items, but from what I sampled through the takeout - KC BBQ is no joke!
(3)
Steve W.
I was in town on business and decided to check out a couple of recommended BBQ places. It was a split decision on this one. We ordered an appetizer of burnt ends, because of the reviews. We weren't all that impressed. They seemed very dry, and not all that flavorful. However, after we had ordered them, we both decided on the Jack's Best, which is a sample of their top specialties. This also comes with the burnt ends, but for some reason, they were much better than the appetizer burnt ends. Very tender and much more flavorful. Our appetizer must have been the leftovers from the previous batch. Our favorite was the Crown Prime Beef rib. It's a lot of meat on a single rib. Very flavorful and very tender. It was excellent. The baby back pork ribs were good, but not great. The Cheesy Corn Bake was very good. Overall, it was definitely good food, but not our top BBQ choice in the area.
(4)
Jessette P.
Mmmm good. Rustic ambiance, good service, fair priced. Had the grilled salmon salad, a taste of the cheesy corn, the hickory beans and a big onion rings. My codiners had the burnt ends, the briisket and the pork sandwich, which they all agreed was tender and tasty. Recommend!
(4)
C B.
Got take out. Great service; even better food. Ribs were excellent, very meaty, tender. Also got beans and cole slaw that were very good also. If you want BBQ -- go here!
(5)
Chris F.
This restaurant proved to be the better one of the two BBQ places that I tried during my short stay in Kansas City. Sure, it has the "fancy" restaurant feel, but I didn't come for the atmosphere! First off, the burnt ends as an appetizer was in store. Oh my hell. Delicious! The meat was tender and charred just enough so that eating that wad of fat became just tolerable enough for myself. Compared to Arthur Bryant's, I liked that the meat wasn't already swimming in the sauce, so I actually got a chance to taste it for the flavor of the meat itself, and it was definitely great. Their original sauce hit the spot for me. As for the sides, the potato salad was great, and the corn bake was...interesting. Good flavor, but it was essentially cheese and corn soup. It was different, and I'm glad I tried it. I decided to get a full spectrum and try out the sampler, which included beef and pork ribs, chicken, and sausage. Ribs, good. Chicken, good. Sausage, good! Everything hit a home run for me. Tender, flavorful, and very smokey! I felt like I was smoking at a hookah bar after eating because of that unusual sensation that I got in the back of my mouth. Service was excellent too. The waiter was attentive and patient with us as we tried to be not indecisive with our choices.
(5)
Mike H.
I'm not a huge rib fan, but since I was in Kansas City I figured I had to give it a try. First, they had New Belgium beers on tap (Fat Tire), so that by itself was a huge bonus. The ribs were pretty outstanding and a large portion for the money. I prefer dry ribs, but I liked how these didnt use too much sauce that you couldnt taste the meat. The real highlight of the meal was the burnt end stew, which was so much better than I could have expected. The smoke flavor was much stronger here than the ribs. Also had a great choice of sides (I had the french fries and hickory beans)
(4)
Kristina M.
We'd give six stars if we could. This place was an unplanned stop in our multi-city bbq tasting tour and ended up being our top pick of the 5 KC places that we tried. And all three of us agreed on it. The place was conveniently near our hotel and it was packed even though it was Sunday night. We were seated reasonably quickly and had a great waitress who was friendly yet efficient. Then there was the food. It was what bbq should be smokey, tender, delicious. And the portions were huge. We had the babybacks and a mixed burnt ends. The beans where the best among all the bbq joints in all the cities we visited. Thank goodness they have a catalog because otherwise we might have to come up with reasons to travel to KC again. They weren't the cheapest but worth every penny. Eating with Allergies: They double checked the ingredients in the item's R ordered and ensured they didn't contain any of his problem ingredients allowing him to enjoy his meal without fear.
(5)
Kristian R.
I knew I wanted some BBQ when I got to KC and this place was within walking distance from my hotel. First, for those of you who are unaware (like I was) this place is a chain. In my experience, the best BBQ comes from local places where the original pit master is still working the pit. This place has the feel of your standard Chili's or TGIFridays (which I try to avoid at all costs). The menu is also HUGE. As far as BBQ places go, there only needs to be one page (Meats, Sandwiches, and Sides). I ordered the Jumbo sandwich (choice of 2 meats and one side). I got burnt ends and pulled pork with the cheesy corn. I had heard good things about the burnt ends and cheesy corn (I had heard good things). The burnt ends and pulled pork were a little tough and not much smoky flavor. The cheesy corn is exactly what it sounds like but nothing spectacular. My friend had the sandwich with polish sausage and smoked pork with fries. The sandwich was pretty weak but the fries were excellent. I did enjoy the wide selection of Boulevard beers on tap. Overall, it was mediocre BBQ that was not worth the price (about 8-10 per sandwich with side). I wouldn't go back again and would definitely look for some place small and locally owned.
(2)
Michelle H.
The baby back pork ribs were pretty dry , a bummer because I was looking for great KC BBQ. The only reason I even gave them a 2 was because the bartender made a great Manhattan. I would go back for drinks but not food.
(2)
Daddy F.
Second time to KC in a few years...went back to Jack Stack BBQ. To be honest I didn't really remember what the food was like the first time. 2nd time around was okay...nothing too spectacular. Couple of local folks raved about it so we decided to go check it out. The portions are ridiculously big...the food was fair in flavor. I've had much better BBQ in Texas. I would go back if it were a group event but wouldn't be my first choice if you are visiting KC.
(3)
Heather H.
BUYER BEWARE! the rating is a two sided coin. Shiny side: good service which had to be takeout because it would have been a 2 an a half hour wait. To go orders are exceptionally well organized.I was so excited to see lamb ribs and vegetable kabobs DARK SIDE: Why does such beautiful and EXPENSIVE food place have to be drowned in MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), even the vegetable kabobs. I am allergic to MSG and I watch and ask for it, to avoid it in my food. I am 43 years old and never have I run into that junky/cheap/Cheat ingredient in a high end restaurant! I would frequent this restaurant if they didn't use MSG. NO persons nervous system needs MSG, not just those sensitive to it.
(2)
P. Tinsley H.
If you want great BBQ go to Jack Stack's! It was a little loud, our group of 5 got put next to 2 groups of 8, but after eating here I would definitely go back. Burnt ends (the brisket was AWESOME), Baked Beans, and the Cheesy Corn. Now I never got to eat any of the Cheesy Corn but considering my wife eat almost 3 bowls of it I would have to assume it was really good.
(5)
Amy S.
This place is not for vegetarians!!! Since we were in the KC area, we decided to "when in Rome" with the BBQ. We were able to be seated right away, despite how busy the entire restaurant was. As I was passing by tables, the plates of food were enormous! We had a hankering for ribs and BBQ chicken. Well, we started with Burnt Ends, (that the waiter recommended) which were basically pieces of rib that had either fallen off the bone or pulled off. Either way, if that was what was to come, well, we didn't need any further prompting at ordering. We got a combination of pork and beef burnt ends. I think we could have done without considering how big the portions were. So, I ordered the Kansas City Combo plate, which allowed me to choose 2 meats and came w/2 sides. I ordered the white BBW chicken and pork ribs. Pork ribs b/c they were so juicy and flavorful. I did order the cole slaw and cheesy corn bake (basically corn in a cheesy sauce with bits of ham) as sides and it was worth it b/c I felt like if I'm going to be eating like this, I might as well go all the way! My dinner partner (my husband) ordered the Combination Plate which had a smorgasboard of meat (with a side of broccoli) on it. When the manager came over to our table to check on us, my husband mentioned that we were from California visiting and we wanted to get BBQ and so then next thing we knew, the manager came over with the Crown Rib, which was a piece of prime rib attached to a bone in the meat. The manager said, "I'll let you have 5 minutes alone with this and I'll check back to you." Ha ha. After sampling (if you can call it that) this fine piece of beef rib, it just melted in our mouths and fell of the bone. Mmmmmmmm. Now mind you, my husband still had his OTHER plate to eat, too. Meanwhile, I'm nibbling on my pork ribs and dipping them in the BBQ sauce and getting elbow deep in the sauce. I was just impressed by the taste of the pork. It had an intense smoky flavor all on its own w/o the sauce and tasted like bacon. It came off the bone easily, too. That was my favorite part of the meal, for sure. I did take home the chicken breast and wing (did I mention that you get a bone-in breast AND wing?) and my husband's leftover pork rib. I don't know how we'll eat these leftovers b/c we don't have a microwave in the room, but I'm sure they'll be a way if there's a will. So, our experience at Jack Stack left us full of meat. You won't have room for dessert. If your eyes are bigger than your stomach, you'll be sorry later. Give it a try when you visit KC or are in the Country Club Plaza area. We're glad we did!
(5)
Blair E.
Good stuff. Loved the wings, back ribs ,and good beans. Great meal for ~50 - 60$ with a drink or 2. Hope you like it as much as I did. I'll be back!
(4)
Danny S.
Some of the top BBQ to be had in Kansas City. Good Stuff here!!!
(4)
Arleen C.
So...we arrived in KC last Wednesday and, as usual, our first stop is finding some GOOD bar b que food...hubby had heard of this place and we went to ck it out...OMG!!! if I could give it more start I would...the place is great, the atmosphere wonderful, the service outstanding and the food...well, what can I say bout the food....MMM...MMM...MMM...MMM...MMM...MMM...MMM...Âdid you get my point??? there was not one disappointment in this place. Steve, our waiter was extremely nice and attentive and we had a wonderful meal. If you are ever in the area, you HAVE to ck it out....
(5)
Patrick F.
The smokey smell when you enter the joint is pretty intense. When we got to our hotel room, it was apparent it stayed with us. I suppose that's going to be the normal with bbq. I tried the pork ribs and the burnt ends on our waiters recommendation. I liked both, though the pork ribs were the clear winner. The baked beans were fantastic - after tasting them, I quickly polished off the whole bowl before returning to my meat plate. The cheesy corn bake was guaranteed to cause instant cardiac arrest. We managed to put down a couple of bites, but quickly abandoned it. The runaway favorite of our night was a southwestern chicken and bean soup. It was perfectly seasoned and topped with just the right amount of cheese. It's obviously strange to recommend a chicken soup at a barbeque place, but if it's on the menu when you're there - don't miss it!!!!
(4)
Max H.
I don't understand the allure of this place. It's bbq for those who don't want to get "dirty" going into your normal joints, I guess. The food is OK. Nothing is terrible, but what I've had doesn't stand out. The burnt end sandwich (Poor Russ) doesn't really taste "burnt" at all. It's chopped up brisket. The beans are good, but a little sweet for my tastes. You'll get better bbq and a better experience at many other places in town.
(2)
amy s.
Our first KC BBQ experience was here...loved the sauce, great kid options, brisket was like velvelt, and the sevice was great. Cheesy corn was different-I expected more of a gratin and it arrived more like velveeta with canned corn. Not saying I did not like it-just not what I expected. Local beer was very cold and good. We would try again and liked much better than Arthur Bryant's even though we thought a less "dressy" location would be better, it was not the case with Jack Stack's.
(4)
Dave L.
This place is just plain good. It's the BBQ place you take granny when she comes to visit if you are afraid of taking her out to Bryant's or OK Joe's. It has the service ethic of a fancy restaurant. It is not unusual to wait at the Freight House location but they have a very nice bar area with couches and a fire place that's almost preferable to the dining area. You will pay for this experience but I have yet to eat unacceptable BBQ here. It is extremely consistent and delicious. For those who don;t need counter service, paper towels and wax paper, this will do very nicely.
(4)
Jean S.
My family and I have been going to the Freighthouse location for years and was so happy to see Jack Stack open on the Plaza, as it is a more convenient location for us. I agree with all the awesome reviews for this place, but just wanted to add that the main reason for coming to Jack Stack are the GIANT, juicy, fried mushroom appetizers. They come 4 on a skewer (a secret is that you can order a half-order) and are accompanied by a delicious horseradish sauce. I am drooling just thinking about it. I've just never seen mushrooms this big in an appetizer. It is a must-try if you're a fungi lover :) Another plus about this location is their carry-out service. You describe your car to them over the phone at the end of your order and they will bring out your food!
(4)
Bryan H.
Went here for dinner late one night in Kansas City and ate a sampler platter at the bar. Get ready because this is a LOT of barbecue! It's very good and the restaurant lives up to the hype, with baked beans and cole slaw sides as expected. The only thing keeping this from a five-star review is that the female bartender ranged between indifferent to surly. But I'm sure a sitdown meal might have been a better experience.
(4)
Dave M.
While I love the food at Jack Stack- I just had a very frustrating experience with them that drops my score on them big time. Here's the scenario- I'm trying to order food for my sister-in-law's birthday- she's in KC, I'm in LA. I make a huge food order for her and the kids to pick up on the way home - aaannnnd they don't take credit cards over the phone! You have to come in and pay. Hello?! It's 2010! Even Pizza Hut will take a credit card order over the phone! Although the server did offer a suggestion- faxing in a copy of my credit card and DL- I turned it down- that sounds more than a little risky. I can just see that getting left somewhere for anyone to pick up. Very frustrating to say the least. Not happy.
(2)
Ali S.
Best bake beans! My boyfriend and I always get the ribs dinner for two and have left overs!
(5)
Shawn K.
Best BBQ in the U.S. hands down!!! Amazing food. Not the healthiest place around. But excellent food. You will not go wrong by going here. The nicest bbq restaurant I have ever been in as well.
(5)
Susan C.
As I am not big on BBQ this rating is based on my very picky 18 year old who practically licks his plate clean every time we go to any of the Jack Stack's! They lose a star for the pitiful turkey sliced meat platter I ordered...since I am not a meat eater for the most part I chose to go with the choose 2 sliced meat dinner choosing double turkey over the beef, pork or sausage options. I assumed I would be getting a pulled pork type turkey drenched in their famous bbq sauce but instead I was served an empty plate with 8 plain slices of what looked like Oscar Meyer lunch meat, not even Boars Head. I had to ask the waitress for a side dish of bbq sauce to put on this very boring meat. Bbq sauce was good but for $13.95 I was very disappointed with the quantity of meat I received, especially when my son got a 1/4 white meat chicken covered in sauce for just $10.25. Something didn' t seem right there. I guess I ordered the only skimpy item on the menu as I looked around the extremely packed restaurant and saw every other table with mounds of food so I wont take stars away for my stupidity. Carrot cake and brownie sundae are massive and delicious. All the sides were delicious and plentiful. My conclusion is that they must have run out of turkey since it was the day after Thanksgiving.
(4)
FoodLover S.
Is Fiorella's all it's cracked up to be? Almost. a five/five Well worth the visit. Good quality meat, wide selection, and a pretty darn good BBQ sauce to top off. It's Kansas City Bar-B-Q in a more upscale atmosphere. If you want to take your date out for good barbeque at a romantic/upscale atmosphere, but where it's still ok to dig into your ribs with your fingers, Fiorella's is your place . On day 7 of 8 in Kansas City, I made my 3rd BBQ restaurant stop for the week. Kansas City has not let me down. A local who sat next to me on my flight to KC recommended Fiorella's and a few other local BBQ joints, and was sure to point out that Fiorella's was one of the upscale BBQ places. He also recommended some "hole-in-the-walls", including Rosedale (See Review). After trying that on my first night, I was on a roll, and had to try others, including Benny's (See Review). But I had to try the place he spoke of with highest regard, Fiorella's Jack Stack. A fifteen minute drive from my hotel at Kauffman stadium, we found our way to the "Plaza" area, with all of the boutique shops, with Coach, Express, and fine jewelry shops lining the streets, in a Rodeo Drive style decor. Quite a nice area, I have to admit. A walk around, afer peeking in at some high-end watches, we finally walked into the restaurant. Thursday night wait at 7pm was not too bad, about 10 minutes for a table for two. We chose to sit at the bar. The decor inside the whole restaurant was very nice. The bar area was a bit more sports oriented, with TV's at the two person booths, and 3 other TV's around the bar. The staff was extremely courteous, and the bartender was excellent in waiting on us. He recommended the Kansas City Combo with a choice of two meats. The choices - Chicken (white or dark), pork ribs, sliced meat (any type), burnt ends - beef, sausage, lamb ribs, beef ribs. I went with lamb and sliced beef, together with a side of beans and au gratin potatoes. Everything was fabulous. I did have to ask for spicy BBQ sauce, as their house sauce was more sweet than spice - a vinegar based sauce, with a lot of good flavor, with a touch of hickory smoke flavor. It was very good, just better spicy. The meat was wonderful. The lamb melted in my mouth. And with a glass of Blue Moon to wash it all down, II have had better beans, but the au gratin potatoes were delicious. I would try the corn next time instead of the beans. The atmosphere was very nice. We were dressed pretty casually, and the place was nice, but it was not so upscale that we couldn't wear jeans and a polo into the restaurant. was extremely happy and content with my BBQ experience at Fiorella's. In fact, the servings were so large, we had to walk around 10-12 blocks just to make ourselves feel less guilty for eating so much. My entree was $15 and my total after tip was $24. It was well worth it. It is a place I would definitely take my wife to on a date. So why didn't it get a 5 star rating from me? Everything about this restaurant was wonderful. My only reservation about the final / 5th star was the meat. Although it was great, it wasn't as succulent or as filled flavorful as Rosedale's BBQ, and the restaurant had a little bit of that "chain restaurant" feel to it. otherwise it was great. So, to the fine young man who sat next to me on the plane and recommended Fiorella's - Live long and prosper, good sir, as you're a gentleman and a scholar (of gastronomy that is). This ends my tour of BBQ restaurants in Kansas City. Next time I'm in town, I will have to try more, and perhaps some of the ones I sampled this trip again.
(4)
David D.
Ranked as the top BBQ house in the nation. I don't know about that but I tell you what, it's right up there! I couldn't find one thing wrong. From the perfectly dry, ice cold martinis to the best Cole slaw I ever had to the BBQ is first rate. Try the "burnt ends". They are like the delectable end of that pot roast your mom used to make. You know the end piece that was dark brown with all the flavor that everybody fought over? Well you can get a whole plate of the little nuggets here. I also had the baby back ribs and they were excellent. I still will take Michelbob's over Jack Stack but why get picky? Only thing: be ready to taste BBQ for the next three days! You will still smell and taste Jack Stack long after you have left. It's a treat that just keeps on treating.
(4)
Dave N.
This is one of my top favorite BBQ places in KC!
(5)
Timothy G.
Very good BBQ is done here but the thing about Jack Stack is their BBQ baked beans and the cheesy corn. Dang! My preferred location is the Martin City restaurant
(4)
Chris N.
Oustanding!! These people know how to make BBQ and they know how to treat people. Baby back ribs, bbq beans and cheesy corn bake!
(5)
Jason C.
Considered the "fancy" BBQ in Kansas City, it still proves to be a great meal. She had the cheesy bake and I had the rack of ribs. We pretty much had about 15 minutes of absolute silence between us. No knife needed. The meat would literally fall right off the bone with the slightest of motion. The sides were more than generous. Slaw, corn bread, fries, it was all well above average. These pleasures are not without their costs though. Jack Stack can easily run a high bill, probably in the $50s. But, a trip to Kansas City is never complete without a good BBQ dinner. This is a great choice.
(4)
Bob F.
I was craving some good BBQ so I went to Jack Stack BBQ on the plaza. I went for lunch and I received a very filling lunch portion and the atmosphere was really nice. The burnt ends are pretty good, but the sliced meat is just alright. I felt like I could have gotten the same quality sliced meat from the grocery store. I was not impressed with their BBQ sauce at all. They have two flavors, spicy and regular. Neither one of them really hit the spot. Don't get me wrong, they were good, just not great. Needless to say that after I left I was hoping that would have cured my craving for BBQ, but it hasn't. It's been less than a week and I'm trying to find a GOOD BBQ joint to ease my hunger.
(3)
Greg G.
I don't see what all the 4 and 5 stars are for. We ate here on 6/2/11 and to me this place is overhyped and overpriced for what it is. I had the lamb ribs which you couldn't taste any of the lamb because it was over smoked. Also had the "burnt ends" that are said to be so good. These were like yesterday's leftovers chopped up, not ends nor burnt. My wife had the brisket which was like dried beef. As for the famous "cheesy corn", this tasted like creamed corn made with Kraft Mac n Cheese. If you want good BBQ in KC, go to L.C.'s
(1)
Tom Y.
We were taken here on a business trip by our hosts, and for a Seattlelite, this felt like a Ram Brewery/BBQ joint combo. One of the things we wanted to hit in KC was definitely BBQ, and so we came to Jack Stacks as well as Oklahoma Joe's. I liked the atmosphere of JS, with plenty of waitstaff with cheerful dispositions. Reminded me a little of Red Robin, in truth. Sitting down, my first order was the Tank 4 ale, which was pretty awesome. For some reason, it was served in a port snifter, but hey, it was really good. For starters, we had some onion rings and mushrooms. I wasn't sure about the mushrooms at first, as I like smaller sizes for the fact that they soak in flavor. These were large ones, breaded and fried, in a kabob. However, the frying definitely locked in the flavor, and they were very good inside. Coupled with some spicy bbq sauce, both the onion rings and mushrooms made a great start. For the main course, I got the three meat plate, with ham, brisket, and pork. My sides were fries and slaw. I've got to say, this was perhaps the most I'd eaten in a while. Each type of meat was at least a good quarter to half pound at least, with an entire half plate full of steak fries. The slaw was a bit on the wet side, but pretty tasty. The three meat platter was definitely a good choice, but the burgers and steaks my compatriots got definitely looked good as well. Apparently, the side of pork and beans, as well as the baked corn, were all hits. All in all, I'm glad I had a chance to try out Jack Stacks, which seemed to me like a great corporatized bbq joint. I'd definitely go back to try out some more of their different sides. Oh, and they ship many products as well :)
(4)
Eric F.
I've eaten here one time, and it seemed to be solid establishment, well situated to cater to the tourists shopping at the Plaza and to people staying at the nearby large hotels (Marriott and their ilk). The service seems to be quite modern and systematized, so I was surprised that they sat a party of five adults and a baby at a four-top booth. One of us had only had one cheek on the seat. We were told they'd move us in about twenty minutes, but never did. The BBQ was good, but not super. The prices were a little on the high side, I think; but they have to pay for all that brass livestock statuary somehow, I suppose.
(3)
Anush J.
One of our preferred BBQ options in KC. We love the sides too! Since I am not a big fan of thick meat (but want BBQ all the same!) - the standard items that i order are: Burnt ends, cheesy corn (or cheesy potato) and baked beans. For dessert: Chocolate cake or Carrot cake - so big that it feeds two. This satisfies by BBQ craving. I have never been disappointed and wouldn't order anything else.
(5)
jenn w.
As a visitor, I was skeptical about Kansas City bbq, but Jack Stack changed my mind. I had the beef brisket - so tender! - and pork ribs - fall off the bone! - along with the cheesy corn bake and baked beans (both delicious as well!). The portions were very generous, so you can have some left for lunch tomorrow. I liked that they also set regular and spicy bbq sauce on the cable in case you didn't have enough on your plate. This was the only bbq I had while in KC so I can't compare it to the other joints in town, but I was not disappointed with Jack Stack!
(5)
Melinda Y.
Fantastic food! I had the Kansas City strip cooked medium and it was so delicious I didn't even need steak sauce. My husband had the burnt ends and raved about them. Definitely try the spinach salad as well!
(5)
jenilee p.
jack stack is an upscale barbecue restaurant. is it possible? is it an oxymoron? no, such a thing exists! in addition to the upscale atmosphere, their menu consists of items which are slightly atypical to those that you would see at the more down home classic barbecue institutions spread around kansas city. since these items are offered, they are great to try. i opted for the crown prime beef ribs with a side of pit beans and a nice caesar salad. the beef ribs were huge, and different. while with regular ribs, you are given a good few bites of meat on each rib, this dish has an incredible amount of smokey meat on three to four huge short ribs. the texture is like that of a braised roast, but again, with the nice touch of smoke. also note, this is a large dish. come with a serious appetite. my bigger half ordered the lamb ribs, which were great. nice lamb flavor that you could immediately determine was different than that of the other ribs we had sampled around the city, it was a different way to enjoy barbecue. service was friendly and attentive. this restaurant, due to the slightly more formal atmosphere and full waitstaff, is more expensive than the other barbecue restaurants around kansas city. i think that if you are in town for a business meeting, and looking to sample barbecue with your colleagues, this is the place to go. just another nice option for a barbecue experience.
(4)
gordon h.
i travel alot and i found that is some damn good bbq. went there for dinner and the place was packed. i found that all the food was good, including the side dishes. it was fair priced and large portions. i realy liked it and will go back the next time i'm there. the service was good too. i liked the sauce.
(4)
Jason F.
WOW! This is one of the top BBQ restaurants I have ever been to!Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbeque is a fancy BBQ restaurant that serves amazing food that will stick to your ribs! This restaurant is at the Country Club Plaza which had a nice busy buzz going on while we were there. Since its so popular here with thought we would have to wait. We went around dinner time and were seated immediately! That was great. We were seated near the bar with a flat screen TV at our booth...how awesome is that! I had an amstel light to drink and ordered burnt ends as an appetizer. This was the first time I had ever had burnt ends! I'm now a devoted lover of burnt ends!!! The flavor was fantastic. For dinner I had the KC combo with beef brisket and beef ribs along with a corn bake. First off, way too much food! This was also the first time I had beef brisket and I loved it. The beef ribs were ginormous and had a ton of meat on them! The corn bake was delicious as well. The food and service here was superb! I would love to come back when I return to KC!
(5)
Luke F.
Everyone seems to rave about this place and Arthur Bryant's as being the best BBQ in Kansas City. If that is the case, then I am very disappointed at KC BBQ. I plan to still try Arthur Bryant's to give KC another chance. Anyway, my review: We started off with the beef burnt ends. These were by far the best part of the meal. This seemed like cubed pieces of brisket and it was some of the best brisket that I've had -- extremely tender and juicy. I highly recommend it. We also had the rib combo platter - beef, baby back, and lamb (just had to try it). Again, the beef ribs were very good (maybe their specialty is beef). However, it was a bit on the smoky side. Hours later, I could still taste the smokiness in my mouth. The baby back ribs ($2 extra) were extremely disappointing. It was on the dry side and did not fall off the bone as exceptional baby back ribs should do. The lamb ribs were also a very dry and excessively burnt, but I've never had lamb ribs before so maybe that's normal. The cole slaw was probably the best cole slaw I've had outside of KFC. The creamy corn bake was all right -- as the waiter explained, it was like macaroni and cheese with corn instead of pasta. Also, we got to try all four of their sauces. They were really nothing special to be honest. The southwest style was interesting, but I can't say I liked it.
(3)
C G.
Have eaten here many times and it is always great. I have tried many different items on the menu and never have been disappointed! The soups are a meal in themselves. Although it looks like a pretty fancy place with lots of dark wood and big heavy tables you will find everything from flip flops to suits comfortably delving into the BBQ.
(5)
Michael H.
Pretty good meat. I have eaten at both locations. The meat was delicious but not the best you can find in KC. I recommend it to anyone looking for some smokey meats to add to the waist ring.
(4)
Dustin K.
By far the best BBQ i've ever had!!
(5)
Rac Leng S.
The ribs are very smokey and so tender. The portion is not big and BBQ sauce is average However the bake bean is one of the best I had as it is not too sweet.
(5)
Kolby K.
Great BBQ. Service was so-so, although I am pretty sure it was our waitress in particular. Food is reasonably priced. If you are looking for a restaurant style BBQ place this is a nice choice, however, the atmosphere was very loud and might not be good for a professional meeting.
(4)
Jenn D.
My lady took me here for my birthday last week and it was great. We had the fried mushrooms, which were HUGE and pretty good. They had a good horseradish sauce with them. Then we had the Caesar salad which was fresh and crisp and delicious. For out main course we shared the rack if Baby back Ribs, which came with fries, coleslaw and baked beans. The ribs were great. MUCH better than Gate's *yuck*. I don't like celery seed, so I wasn't too thrilled about the coleslaw, but I have never liked baked beans and I could have eaten them for days! The waitress was fantastic (her name was Kim, I'll request her when we go back) and she brought me a COMPLIMENTARY brownie ala mode and It was AMAZING. I highly recommend giving it a try!
(5)
T R.
Best BBQ in KC! They have various meats to choose from, the cheesy corn is outrageously good! Heck, all of their side items are good! Go there, get food, be happy, 'nuff said!
(5)
Jamie M.
I am a loyal Oklahoma Joe's devotee, but a friend convinced me to try Jack Stack last weekend. I was skeptical, but ultimately, pleasantly surprised. The first thing that you notice about Jack Stack is the smell. To me, it smells smoky and meat-tastic; however, be forewarned that you will reek of smoked meat for the rest of the day. We waited maybe 10 minutes for a table on a Friday night around 7:30. The interior was warm and inviting and the booth we were seated in was very cozy and plush (nothing at all like the pedestrian gas station charm of my beloved OK Joe's). I ended up getting the grilled chicken sandwich with the veggie kebab and the spinach salad. The salad was a mound of fresh spinach with red onions, feta cheese, bacon, pecans and strawberries. It came with a weird clear dressing on the side that looked disturbing but tasted really good. If you are a feta fan, you will heart this salad (I did). The server forgot to bring out our b-b-q sauce with our meals, so we were able to savor our first bites sauce-less, and I have to say, for pure meaty goodness, this place rocked. The chicken was served on a massive wheat bun, and came with a horseradish sauce that tasted great, but was basically a big wad of spicy mayo, so I didn't eat much of it. My kebab was delicious-baby portobellos, peppers, corn and zucchini all grilled to perfection. Sprinkle it with some of the Jack Stack seasoning (on every table) and it will make you think twice about eating your veggies...yum! The sauce (when we finally got it) was just all right-it was very tomato-y and really nothing special. But the superstar here is the meat-it really stands alone even with the mediocre sauce. I can only dream of Jack Stack meat covered on OK Joe's sauce...
(4)
Justin E.
Whenever my wife and I visit the Kansas City area to visit family, this is one of the places that we always eat at. I'm not a huge fan of barbeque, since it tends to run high in sugars, etc. but I can't pass up this place because their ribs, cream corn "bake," and pit BBQ beans are to die for. We've gone here for lunch and for dinners, and they are really good. If you want the best BBQ in Kansas City, go here.
(5)
El G.
Love this place, go for the burnt ends, sliced sausage is great also. Good bar if you're eating solo. you've also got to try the cheesy corn at least once.
(5)
Viva C.
Impressive restaurant. Its reputation precedes itself. We braced ourselves thinking the wait would be long, considering how we were there on a weekend at early dinner hour. There were people waiting to be seated, but we waited for a very unexpectedly short period. The restaurant is easily packed, but the ambiance is delightfully moody. Because fellow Yelpers were keen on identifying the many great items on the menu, I had difficulty deciding what I wanted. Our waitress was very cordial in giving her recommendations and telling us what is most popular. We ordered the fried mushrooms as an appetizer then Burnt Ends and Rack of Lamb for our entrees. Our food came out amazingly fast. I was stunned. We went there expecting it to be a long arduous ordeal but the entire meal from start to finish was fast, efficient, and definitely tasty. The fried mushrooms with horseradish sauce were delightful. The crust was crisp and the large fried mushrooms were piping hot and had a fun bounce. I say bounce, but what I really mean is that it was al dente. I know, you usually reserve that for describing pasta, but in this case, it's the phrase that best describes these mushrooms when you bite into them. My burnt ends were tasty - a tad on the dry side, but that's understandable, considering they're the Ends. I took the recommendation of fellow Yelpers to ask for all three of the different sauces to accompany the meat. I liked the spiciest one. My friend's lamb was so tender, he didn't need a knife at all. He simply stabbed the meat with his fork, pulled the bone, and the meat simply slid off. Incredibly tender to say the least. The portions are pretty big, so you're lucky if you even have room for dessert. Well done, Fiorella's!
(4)
David W.
This is an overrated restaurant. Excited to have KC BBQ, we waited an hour for a table. The prime rib rib was all fat with little meat to find. The baby back ribs were tasteless.the server was friendly but made an excuse for the inedible prime rib and didn't offer a substitute
(2)
James P.
Did the Jack's Best Sampler and added a side of Sausage Burnt Ends. The waiter also suggested the two best sides - Cheesy Corn Bake (Yummy!) and Hickory Pit Beans (Amped up with Brisket and delicious. I've eaten a lot of BBQ all over the country and this ranks up there with the best - perfect amount of smoke and exact timing on the perfect cook!! If I lived here, I'd come often!!
(5)
Melaina C.
We wanted to try this BBQ since it is considered one of the best in KC. We weren't very hungry, so we just ordered the half pound of turkey from the Carry-Out window. We will not be returning to eat here in the future. The turkey was moist, but it tasted the same as turkey lunch meat that you get in the grocery store. It was even sliced like lunch meat. It did not have any seasoning on the meat at all. They only offered one type of sauce and it wasn't any good. Tasted like peppered ketchup.
(2)
Angie H.
we originally weren't going here, our reservation had a fire so we came here instead. there was a 25 minute wait for our 7 people but they got us in about 15 minutes and a private area. the waiter Cory, was not only hot but remembered our orders, the gluten order, refilled our drinks without asking, got us to go boxes and a to go order and straws!! he was perfect!!
(5)
Chris C.
I'm truly mixed about Jack Stacks. The food smells wonderful and does have a great taste. We ate there at lunch, so it was even affordable (about $45 for two adults and a child). My mixed feelings??? They use some of the fattiest meat (they like to call it marbled). My wife got the brisket. It was fairly lean. My daughter got ham and cheese off the kids menu, and I got burnt ends (it can always be a toss up) and some were chunks of fat. I also got the smoked pork. I had to send it back, because it had so much "marbling" there was very little meat (not to mention the thick veins in the fat always turn my stomach). They were gracious enough and brought me more burnt ends (these were leaner, but the damage was done), I couldn't finish them all. About an hour later, my stomach started to ache and cramp from the grease. I didn't eat a full order of ends... About 6 of the 10 they gave me. But the grease is pretty heavy. I love barbecue, and I like the flavor of Jack Stacks, but a little really does go a long ways.
(3)
Vincent Y.
Went on a BBQ tour of Kansas City this weekend. Some locals pointed out that Fiorella's Jack Stack is an oxymoron of sorts because they serve down-home grub for the everyman, but in an upscale, hoity-toity setting with higher pricing. I concurred, but this didn't detract from their food quality! Jack Stack has a unique lamb rib dish that the other joints (LC's, Oklahoma Joe's, Arthur Bryant) didn't have, and that's the lamb rib. At first taste, the lamb smell was overpoweringly gamey, but then I realized that the BBQ sauce they spread over it balanced-out the smell, so in the end it wasn't so bad. The best part about the rib was how moist it was, and how you get to rip it off the bone and had a nice texture to it. (I hate other establishments that overcook the meat just so that it falls off the bone only to find out it crumbles, is too dry, or both). Kudos also goes to their beef ribs, which were done right to perfection. Their broccoli was awesome thanks to garlic butter salt. (large grains, so I'm guessing Kosher). Not everything was perfect though: Burnt Ends were very, very dry. I would not recommend them, though the manager came by and said they weren't normally so dry. When we suggested he eat one of ours to back it up, he declined :) Service was good when it came to correcting food. Flagging down a bartender, like most places, may take several minutes.
(4)
Benjamin B.
Chain Bar-B-Q that doesn't suck. Jack stacks came highly recommended by several KCMO locals while I was in town, not ironically the staff mentioned their lack of marketing based on their effective homegrown word of mouth reputation. Jack stacks lived up to the hype. Upscale atmosphere with home style food. Surprisingly good cocktails with a knowledgable and friendly staff. Don't show up unless you've got an appetite. I recommend one of the sampler selections. Don't miss out on the cheesey corn or the "burnt ends." I also crushed a cucumber flavored margarita with jalapeños...boom...mind blown. If you're feeling real wild, take a picture riding the brass bull out front before you leave, some weird fat guy did when I went.
(4)
Marie F.
Outstanding beans, coleslaw, spicy BBQ sauce and meats. No mashed potatoes and cheesy corn too rich. I should have asked more about the cheesy corn. Fast service and yummy.
(4)
Leslie M.
Meats-recommend brisket, ribs and pork. Turkey was too deli-like. Sauce-mild = excellent, on the vinegary side. Spicey=overwhelmed with cayenne pepper, lost the flavor. Sides- beans were EXCELLENT (with meet and lots of bbq sauce). Coleslaw was sweet and great. Pass on the cheesy corn.. too liquidity.. Like corn in melted Velveeta, not very interesting. Bread wasn't anything special-toast, plain, not fresh (not worth extra cost on sandwiches). potato salad was very bland but fine. Staff was very friendly and helpful, thank you Justin G! Bathrooms were clean, new, and well maintained/clean.. Loved the faucets.
(4)
Brittany S.
Jack Stack has the most amazing beef ribs that I have ever had in my entire life! From the moment you walk through the door, your mouth starts watering because it smells so amazing! The beef ribs are smoked perfectly, and the meat falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. The beef brisket and the cheesy corn are equally amazing. Everything is seasoned perfectly. If you're going to eat some excellent Kansas City barbecue, this is your place... You will not leave disappointed!
(5)
Blondie R.
I loved this place! My daughter had just started med school in KC and had orientation all day. They were each given their coats and a box of human bones! Now, she was craving some ribs! We had dinner here, and it was close to the hotel where I was staying. We shared the Kansas City Combo with pork ribs, burnt ends, cole slaw, and hickory pit beans(we substitued beans for french fries). Burnt ends? Yeah, I never heard of them either, but they were dam good! Seared bite size chunks of brisket, ham, pork or sausage. I had a Jack's martini (dirty vodka) and it was wonderful. The service was OK, and the food was fabulous.
(5)
Justin R.
I'm not sure where all these positive reviews are coming from. Apparently folks who don't know good BBQ. The best way to describe the taste of the BBQ is that Jack has apparently discovered a cooking technique that removes the taste from meat. It was the most bland BBQ I have ever had. On top of that, our drink orders were wrong from the bar and they sat us at a table that required one of our party to duck out of the way of motoring servers constantly. Decor was nice, apps were good, BBQ was terrible. Never going back.
(2)
Troy D.
There are some folks who must have BBQ when they visit KC. I take them here. The place is pretty upscale for a BBQ joint, and rightfully so. (I mean, it's on the Plaza.) The Q itself? Is pretty good. The sauce is just right for me, and the portions are pretty generous. The service is terrific and the atmosphere is good for a night out on the town. Is it the BEST BBQ in KC? That's really hard to say -- because tastes and experience vary so much. I will say this: it's polished, and the folks know what they're doing. Make reservations, 'cause the place gets BUSY on Friday and Saturday nights. Stop in, and you'll see why.
(4)
Andrew F.
It takes less time to get a table than it takes to read half these reviews. BUT I am a local and can tell you Jack Stack has lowered their portions significantly in the last few months. Very noticable. Others agree. Same prices but 35-40% less food.
(2)
Jessica C.
I love ribs. Dry or wet, I don't care. I'll take them however I can get them. The pork ribs here were very tasty. A little fatty, but overall a nice wet rib. The chicken was nothing special. In fact, it tasted like sauce and nothing else. The beans were a bit of a disappointment. I was really looking forward to trying some KC beans with burnt ends in them, but these tasted overwhelmingly of the house sauce. I've definitely had better beans. Overall, this was good barbecue, but it didn't blow me away the way I thought Kansas City would.
(3)
Joe L.
I had an excellent business meal here a few weeks ago. Our server was excellent and very attentive. We had onion rings for an appetizer and I had an excellent, flavorful caesar salad. Most of us ordered combo plates, and my consisted on burnt ends and baby back ribs with beans and french fries. Everything was really good. We agreed that Oklahoma Joes may have better sauce, but the beans here were top notch. My ribs were perfect.
(5)
Clifford S.
I rarely give a two but I was not happy with this place. Had Arthur Bryant's yesterday so I thought, cool, more great barbeque but in a more upscale location. Well, it was a more upscale location but the ribs were dry, the burnt ends were super fatty and they were out of the carrot cake. The beans were good. Nice waitress and comfy booths, big deal. I want the real deal barbeque. You should too.
(2)
Tim M.
Meh. Had the baby back ribs which were fine but tasted oven-baked without much smoke flavor. BBQ sauce tasted like spicy ketchup rather than a good vinegar-based tomato-flavored sauce. My wife had pork, which was sliced rather than pulled, and brisket which was fine. Bottom line - everything was ok, nothing great. Service was fast and polite.
(3)
John F.
Definitely a solid choice for good BBQ in Kansas City. The patio can be a bit cramped at peak hours, but once you get your food, your problems melt away with the beans!
(5)
Eric L.
Do yourself a favor and check this place out if you're in KC! I had the giant plate of food recommended by the waiter, "Jacks Best." It was way more food than I could have eaten by myself, but I knew that going in. The waiter said this one plate had everything they were known for on it, so I wanted to see what I liked best. Turns out, it was the Crown Prime Beef Rib. Fantastic! But really everything was good, from the kids' grilled cheeses to my wife's pork sandwich. Next time I'll just order the crown prime and skip the appetizer. Service was great. They were busy at 830 on Sunday night, but there was no wait. Highly recommended!
(5)
Garen M.
Met some friends here for Sunday lunch. The staff was very accomodating even though they had 3 young children with them. The lunch was good. I enjoyed the cheesy corn sides as much as I did my burnt pork ends. The rest of the table had pulled pork sandwiches and beef ribs. I coveted my friends cheesy potatoes. Not a top BBQ spot, but nicely served and great surroundings.
(4)
Stephanie C.
Best BBQ I've ever had! Brunt ends and short rib are so tender they are like pot roast! Jacks Best is a must have and enough for 2!!
(5)
Meghan M.
If you're scared of food served at a gas station or crossing the irrationally feared Troost Ave, then this bbq will suffice. I consider it fancy man bbq. It has cloth napkins, waiter service, intentional ambience, and higher prices. I like their rib platter, and I'm obsessed with their cheesy corn. Everything else is good to good enough, but for an authentic KC experience, I would recommend other places (first & foremost, OK Joe's).
(4)
Joey H.
The best BBQ I've had. Tender, but not greasy ribs, and a good selection of meats. Sauce was a bit too subtle for me, but the quality of the meat made up for it. Full service dining is also a plus.
(5)
Abbey A.
Parent-approved KC BBQ. I prefer the grittiness of a Gates or Arthur Bryant's or the great outdoor ambience of Woodyard, but there's no doubt Jack Stack makes some truly delicious, high quality food.
(4)
Ray L.
I was hoping to go to a more local-feeling type of place for my first taste of KC BBQ, but this was close to my hotel and had good reviews. I don't regret it. I was first intimidated by what looked like a long wait, but I was able to go straight to the bar for my meal (and a beer). Having heard of KC's burnt ends, that's what I ordered. Half brisket and half sausage. It was yummy. I'm not educated enough on BBQ to talk about the complexity of the sauce, but it was sweet and yummy. They don't drench the meat in it either, which is fine, because the smokiness in the meat alone deserves some applause. The beans were on the sweeter side, which I like, and the creamy coleslaw was definitely creamy (haha, I'm not big on coleslaw). The beer I had was Boulevard's Short Stack - Nommo Dubbel. On the darker side, a little malty. Nice warm beer. Comparable to a Smithicks, I think. I'm a fan. (I later tried Boulevard's wheat beer at another place and found it way too light). Ambience was nice. It's a dressed up restaurant, yet marked casual by the TVs at the tables and, obviously, the casual cuisine. Everyone around me was from out of town, so not sure what the locals think of it. Found it perfectly enjoyable though.
(4)
Susan D.
I *heart* Fiorella's! Last week, I went to this plaza location for the first time but, I've been a fan of the downtown location for many years. Also for the first time, I didn't order bbq (love the brisket sandwich) but rather, their grilled shrimp dish. It was well prepared and presented. I enjoyed my spinach salad, cheesy corn, coleslaw and the 1/2 order of fried mushrooms we ordered for an appetizer as well. Carrot cake was the finishing touch and it was a perfect end to a delicious meal. The only problem was that our server was a lil absent. Normally not a biggie but when you're in a nice restaurant like that, you expect a lil more. We waited quite a while after we'd finished eating and finally had to request her so we could order dessert. Maybe it was just an unusually busy night for her, or she wasn't feeling well. I'd recommend Fiorella's for a date, nice family night, business meal or whatever. I'm a fan! See ya there! :)
(4)
Nate H.
So of course I went with the sampler, because who wouldn't? Great mix of all their precious babies: burnt ends, ribs, chicken, and sausage. This place was very cool, an urban feel with a backyard barbecue flavor. Would definitely recommend to anyone who's in Kansas City.
(4)
Joyce C.
We wanted KC BBQ, but we're traveling cross country with two small dogs, which limits our choices in 94 degree heat. Picked Jack Stack for their patio dining, where they allowed us to have our dogs. They even brought them water. I had the a combo of lamb and pork ribs with the hot sauce. Meat was tender and flavorful, sauce spicy enough for a little kick without obliterating the taste of meats. We saved room for a shared piece of their pudding-like carrot cake; well worth the calories. Service was friendly and efficient. If we're ever back in KC we'll visit Jack Stack again.
(5)
Stacie E.
Ask for the secret apatiser. 3 stuffed mushrooms 3 onion rings 11.95!!! Awesome
(5)
Ashley N.
This food was RIDIC. That's all I can say.
(5)
Mary Z.
While visiting KC, my friend and I ate here both nights of our stay. It was the first night that convinced us to return: we are very tough critics of American food, but the food and service here would be difficult to improve. Both nights we came after 7 and had about a 20 minute wait. But it was graduation weekend, and the wait was shorter than the hostess told us it would be. And it's funny that both nights we ended up with the same waiter. Night 1, we both ordered the Jack Stack Combo with lamb ribs & burnt ends. I got broccoli for a side and she got beans, so we could taste each. For drinks, she had a Strawberry Shortcake cocktail and I the on-tap Boulevard Farmhouse Ale 7. Food arrived super fast, down to the extra side of spicy bbq sauce. Burnt ends were the big cubes of well-marbled, beefy goodness we expected, drizzled lightly with the same sauce. But those lamb ribs were a carnivore's ambrosia, possibly the most succulent lamb AND barbecue I have ever eaten...we were unable to refrain from making inappropriate noises while eating them. People stared and whispered about us. We didn't care. Try the lamb ribs and you will understand why. My broccoli was more tender than tender crisp, but bright green and dusted with parmesan...mmm. Her beans were tangy, piquant, and laced with some kind of pulled meat. As for the drinks, my ale tasted bright yet hearty. Her Strawberry Shortcake was waaaaaay too sweet for me but perfect for her. It was also alarmingly potent. We had to wait around a while for her to sober up sufficiently to make the hill climb back to our hotel. Jack Stack on Day 2 was equally exceptional. It strikes me that nothing arrived overly salted either day. That is so rare! As much as we try to be adventurous, we HAD to have those lamb ribs again. So we ordered the same combo but changed our veggies and our other meat: I tried the vegetable kabob and dark meat quarter chicken while she got the fire grilled veggies and white meat quarter chicken. Also, she opted for a mango martini while I stuck with water. This time, there seemed to be even more of the same scrumptious ribs. As for the chicken, all parts were juicy, fall-apart tender, smoky, and perfectly sauced. The vegetables were very similar, though the kabob included little corn cob wheels and the fire-grilled ones included sugar snap peas and that same parmesan. My friend savored her martini throughout the meal, having learned her lesson the hard way. It appeared even stronger than the Shortcake. Only two minor things didn't make sense: the toasted plain white bread accompanying our meals, and the white horseradish sauce that came with mine on day 2. They were unnecessary adornments.
(5)
Tara F.
Ehhh... I don't really get what the fuss is about. My husband and I visited Jack Stack while on a cross country road trip... and after reading such great reviews on Yelp maybe I expected too much... it was pretty mediocre and our service wasn't great either. My husband and I drove to this cute Freight House Building and though WOW... this is a cute location and the inside proved to be just as high end BBQ place perfect in terms of decor and space layout. Exposed beams, impossibly high ceilings, cool art... it was rustic chic... and I like that. We cozied up to the bar, awaiting an open booth (we like to sit next to each other when we dine) and had a good chat with the bartender. He made wine recommendations and we took his advice... trying the Consentino Cigarzin Zinfandel... it was VERY GOOD and paired nicely with our BBQ (though the food was sort of a let down). About midway through our first glass of wine, our table was ready and we made our way to a nice booth that overlooked the entire restaurant... sort of a rounded bench type right in the corner... it was a great table and I like that! We started out with their Burnt Ends... Beef, Ham, or Pork that is seared until tender and cut into bite-size chunks for $7.95. They'd seem to get a lot of mention and they were pretty tasty. For the price, you get a decent size portion. Next we opted on splitting the Three Ribs on a Platter which includes Beef, Pork and Lamb Ribs as well as coleslaw and french fries for $19.95. They were all good, but nothing really exceptional. We were very curious to try the lamb ribs but the flavor (and we love lamb) was a little off. We finished off our meal with our favorite... creme brulee... but unbeknown to us, it was orange flavored and I am not a fan of flavored creme brulee. I wish it would have said this in their menu or that our server had made mention because I'd have tried something else. Finally we were ready to leave and our server was no where to be found. He wasn't really friendly, didn't ask us why we didn't eat the creme brulee, and was sort of curt. For a Zagat rated restaurant their food was not impressive and it's too bad because they have a lot going for them in terms of aesthetics and it's natural (well designed, actually) ambiance. I think I'll try Jack Stack's again and here's to hoping 'll have a better experience this time around.
(3)
Stephanie B.
This restaurant came highly recommended by another fellow yelper. Therefore, I came here expecting high quality eats and service. I am sad to say, that I can't say that I came away from my dining experience with the "warm & fuzzies". Before I get into the negative, let's discuss the positive: 1.) When you walk in, the wonderful smells of BBQ makes your mouth water. 2.) The decor is pleasing to the eye. It's all leather and bovine figurines/carvings/sculptures. It screams: "Our cows are delicious!" Let's go over my list of grievances. 1.) When you walk in, the wonderful smells of BBQ makes your mouth water. I know what you're thinking: "Stephanie, didn't you list this as a positive aspect?" YES. I did. THAT was false advertising. I expected the quality of the plated product to meet my olfactory expectations. It did not. From all of the photos, reviews, and tips, I was hoping that I too, would have a raving review to share. News Flash: I DO NOT. I ordered the 2 meat lunch combo, which seemed safe enough. I got the beef burnt ends, and the sliced turkey. As a side option, I ordered 2 small sides: potato salad, and cole slaw. The cost of aforementioned combo was roughly $14.00. The cost isn't unreasonable, but the QUALITY of the product had me coming away thinking this was severely overpriced. The burnt ends weren't too bad, but they were bland, and there was a dollop of equally bland BBQ sauce that was plopped on (yeah, that word doesn't make it sound appetizing, and trust me, it wasn't). Let's talk about the other "meat" that was dropped on the other side of my plate and brought to my table in a poor excuse for something appetizing. 2.) The other meat selection: "turkey". I use this term loosely. VERY LOOSELY. The menu advertised the "turkey" as "smoked". Now, I am no connoisseur, but I have had my fair share of many a "smoked meat". Every time that I have ordered smoked turkey, it has come typically as "thick cuts", tender, more on the dry end of moist, but moist nonetheless. That being said, the "turkey" that was displayed on my plate was thinly cut, and was "sweaty" (in other words, it had the consistency of thin cuts of turkey that you could find at your grocery deli counter, that was probably nuked in the microwave to take the chill from the fridge out of it). If you want me to elaborate on what it tasted like, I am sad to say I cannot report that, as I didn't dare touch that "meat" to my lips. It didn't even look appetizing enough to put in a "doggy bag" to take home to my neighborhood pooch, if you get my drift. 3.) Let's talk sides. As you'll recall, I ordered the potato salad, as well as the coleslaw. Remember how I said my "turkey" was reminiscent of my lunch meat I've seen at the deli counter? Well, the potato salad AND the coleslaw must've come from the same grocery store that they bought the "turkey" from. Not good. I'm quite certain I've had better from my local Safeway/Giant. Bland, unappetizing, and had me regretting my order. I would've rather gone without either option, had I had the chance. 4.) The service. Let's talk about the service. I won't bash my server too much, as he seemed to be new, and had a case of the jitters. He started out attentive, but became less so as the meal went on. At one point, my meal came out missing the coleslaw. Ok, that's an easy mistake, but what made this so bad was that it took almost 25 mins (after this mistake was brought to the server's attention) to get a small little bowl of coleslaw brought out to me. Seriously? How long does it take to scoop some colse slaw into a bowl? In this case, TWENTY FIVE minutes. Unacceptable. They weren't that busy, and at no point during the meal did anyone (not the table runners nor the server) apologize for the mistake. I wasn't expecting groveling, but just having someone acknowledge the slip up would've been nice. The only time that the server apologized was when he handed me the check, which to me, seemed like a last ditch effort to prevent a lower tip percentage. (And for the record, I still tipped 20%, because I chalked this up to a rookie mistake.) Another problem I had with the service: I felt that the server kept rushing us. Keep in mind that with all the mistakes (missing side items, lack of drink refills, etc) this prolonged our dining experience. There were several times our server came to our table to "take some of the plates out of the way", when instead, he should've been concerned with tracking down my missing coleslaw, or bringing me a coke refill. He brought our check to the table while 2 out of 3 of us were still eating (and had well over 50% of our food on our plates). You would've thought that it was near closing time with the way he was trying with the way he was trying to rush us out of there. Never mind that we could've been done 25 mins earlier, had my coleslaw not been M.I.A...just saying.
(1)
Brandon R.
Their cheesy corn and carrot cake are two of the best things I've ever experienced personally. Seriously that's really all I have to write about if you've experienced this personally. The only reason this review isn't going to be 5 stars is because the brisket I ordered was very high in fat content. The carrot cake is served warm and is a very large piece, the portion is plenty for 2 (stretch it to 3 easy). The cheesy corn is a side that could almost be converted to an entree. I wish I could convey all the points of the flavor. Smokey cheesy goodness with what I suspect may have been a hint of bacon. But overall everything I experienced there with a party of around 7 people total was delightful. Great service, and a guy with a handlebar mustache who was in his 20s. I'm Impressed and the food wasn't terribly priced either. So if you want to class it up without breaking the bank, I'd certainly recommend this place because of the atmosphere and this location had great service.
(4)
Brian M.
First visit and would definitely be back. Good atmosphere great service and good was very good. Baby back ribs perfectly tender and chicken had great flavor.
(4)
Kyle F.
Ate here after taking a suggestion from a good friend who lived here. It was great advise. The food and service did not disappoint! They have a great selection of local brews and good wine list. I had the sampler so I could try a little of everything and all of it was good especially their beans, ribs, chicken and sausage. Make a reservation.
(4)
Funda W.
Yummy!!! Tasty BBQ and cheesy corn!
(5)
Erik S.
My family had a terrific meal here. We ended up having BBQ twice in a day: first Arthur Bryant's, then here. Jack Stack won our little contest in a blowout. We got some of the same items, including pork ribs, at both places, and the contrast was dramatic. Here, the meat was tender, the sides were excellent, the beer was good, and the service was quick and attentive. The menu and staff were both great for my nine-year-old, too. Outstanding all around.
(5)
Ernie K.
The Best BBQ ever!!! This is second time coming to this restaurant (I have been to one in Overland Park) and by far, this is the best BBQ restaurant I have ever been to and who cares if you have to wait an hour. You think Texas has a great BBQ, you need to think again (I now live in Dallas and you can't compare Jack Stack BBQ to anything in Dallas). I would fly to Kansas City just to eat here. Maybe eat here and to meet gorgeous KC girls :D
(5)
Heather W.
Had sampler chicken was amazing! Also had cheesy corn and beans very good! The smell when you first walk in is incredible!
(4)
Amy C.
My husband picked this place out while we were shopping at Country Club Plaza. I'm glad he did the picking. This place was phenomenal! My husband ended up getting burnt ends and BBQ chicken. I got prime rib sandwich which was amazing! The au jus hit the spot! I also got a loaded baked potato. The atmosphere was good. But it just seemed like a normal restaurant. Nothing spectacular. When we do see a Jack Stack's BBQ place...we will definitely come again!
(5)
Jessica E.
Not too shabby, Fiorella. Giving four stars to a BBQ place is a pretty big step for me considering I'm not a HUGE fan of BBQ (hold those gasps). Yes, I'm a KC native...but slabs of meat drenched in thick sauces isn't my first choice for a meal. Regardless, the food was ridiculously good here. My boyfriend's brother was in town and we decided to give him a small taste (ha) of the KC BBQ scene. We sat at the bar to keep tabs on March Madness and even for 9pm on St. Patrick's Night, it wasn't too busy. Sat right away and ordered the two meat option (sausage and ham), fries, cheesy baked potatoes and a light Irish beer (awesome, btw). The meat was cooked to perfection, and unlike some restaurants, did not lack flavor nor was it dry. Props! Tried the hot sauce, should've gone spicy...I thought there would be more of a kick to it. The bartenders were impressively attentive and the manager did a great job of making sure our orders were perfect. Ate a spoonful (maybe more) of K's cheesy corn bake and yup, it's as awesome as everyone says. Yes, I've been to Oklahoma Joe's, Arthur Bryant's and Gate's. All have their unique takes, but I must say that I appreciate the clean, dining experience of Jack Stack. More importantly, I was able to use the bathroom without pouring hand sanitizer down my appendages afterwards. I will definitely be back for seconds.
(4)
Vince D.
Lamb ribs wow. Pork ribs, pretty good. Spices beans, yes mama. Jacks stack house is a solid BBQ experience, but is it a classic, not sure. The BBQ sauce was a big disappointment. The quality of the meat is close to a five star. The seasoning and sauces lack luster.
(3)
Toni M.
We are in Kansas City suddenly and unexpectedly for the funeral of our beloved sister-in-law, Lois. Last night after we arrived and checked in to our hotel we went over to the house to see the family, Bob and their two daughters, Linda and Betsy. A friend of Linda's had brought BBQ from Jack Stack, brisket, turkey, coleslaw and potato salad and that, along w/ assorted vegetables and cut up oranges and tangerines, was our dinner. The brisket was smokey and fork tender. We didn't taste the turkey, but Linda said positive things about it. I liked both the coleslaw and potato salad, which had a little more mayo than would please Tam, but had good flavor. It won't displace Danny Edwards at the top of our BBQ pantheon but it was damn good and a fitting gastronomic welcome back to KC.
(4)
Marc M.
This is the most recent location for a Kansas City and BBQ stable. This place seriously gets rated as THE top BBQ restaurant in all of the US. If you think that BBQ has to be a hole-in-wall, heart-attack-if-you-eat-it, middle-of-no-where place, after visiting here you will understand why it is so highly rated and yet in the middle of the upscale Country Club Plaza area of KC. We came for lunch and did not have to wait before noon on a Thursday, but as we left an hour later, there was a wait. This location is pretty big, but I can see how people would want to wait for the food. The bar area is big and well-stocked, so waiting may not be that hard... Our server was excellent. Again, this a BBQ restaurant. You don't expect to necessarily have attentive, knowledgeable, friendly service. She offered up the extra sauces when the food arrived, but we originally declined. After a few tastes, we were curious about the "spicy" and "hot" sauces. We asked for "spicy", which turned out to not be too hot/spicy, so we asked for the "hot", which had a pretty good zip to it. I had Baby Back Lunch [ribs], which were good. I went for the two most popular sides of beans and creamed-cheese-corn. I can see why they won awards for these. My coworker has turkey and pork platter with the beans a side of asparagus. The asparagus was the best thing we ate - not that anything was bad - but it was coated in olive oil and their special seasoning and then grilled over hickory. The flavor was incredible! I had been to another location, but this was the first time for my coworker - a native Texan BBQ eater. He was duly impressed and this meal made our day!
(5)
Tony P.
Brisket, Prime Beef Ribs, Pork Ribs, Beans, Cheesy Corn Bake, Onion Rings, and Fried Mushrooms are the cream of the crop here. Sauce is great too. Burnt ends are hit and miss 50/50. Fries could be better. This location is nice, but I prefer the original location.
(4)
Reed N.
Still great service here and attention to a lot of details. Excellent grilled Mahi Mahi was the fish of the day. And the spinach salad with roasted pecans and strawberries and feta is just awesome. Or did I mean the creme brulee. Oh... never mind! Good eats are here beyond the BBQ.
(4)
Stefanie P.
I did my research on KC BBQ and had gotten lots of recommendations. Only a few had mentioned "Jack Stack" so we took the risk and did it. It was awesome. We got the sampler/combo dinner place with Pork Ribs, Beef Ribs, Burnt Ends, sliced meat and sides of onion rings, fries, cheesy corn bake. Everything was very good, my favorite was PORK RIBS. So sweet, so juicy, just typing this makes me want to go back. The Cheesy Corn Bake was probably the best side I've ever had ever. Skip the bread, skip any appetizers, you'll have plenty of food with your dinner. This location got very busy with families around lunch time, so go early or make reservations. Dark wood atmosphere. Cool place. Price was about $13 a platter, but lunch menu is a bit more affordable. No lunch on Sundays.
(4)
Richie F.
Best baby backs I've ever had in my life! I ordered a full rack and shared Jackson best with my mom so I wag able to try all of the ribs (we also got a dude if lamb ribs). Food was fantastic and came out hot and perfect. The meat was so tender it almost slid off the bone. Service was a tad show but was very friendly and accommodating. Also have an amazing variety of barbecue sauce. Can't wait fir am excuse to come here again!
(5)
Faith B.
You know, Jack Stack is catered into our office constantly. The smell wafts through the building and smokes the joint up.I am not a carnivore, but I have sampled their slaw and sides repeatedly. I've eaten their fish. All in all, I've just never been impressed. When I dined in, the waitress spilled a glass of water all over me. My fish was under cooked. My onion rings were just average. The coleslaw is just fine. I don't hate them, but I don't love them. I think KC can do and has done better.
(2)
San T.
The ribs were amazing and the coleslaw and beans were also good. But my dinner would have been great if I were given napkins and utensil when I ordered take out. I really enjoyed the taste and the flavor, but not being able to enjoy the sides made it really frustrating. I couldn't finished the sides because I had to slurp it. When traveling and stay at a hotel, having the little things like napkins and utensils goes a long way.
(3)
Katie W.
I've never understood the hype around Jack Stack. Maybe it's just not my kind of BBQ. I do like their sauce, cheesy corn bake, baked beans, sliced beef and desserts. I've been to all Jack Stack locations. I've been to events where they've catered. Everyone's excited, "Oh, Jack Stack?!" Then, I'm over here like, "Oh. Jack Stack. Ok." Appetizers: the onion rings are great. The fried mushrooms aren't filled with anything which is totally OK, but pretty watery. The horseradish sauce was yummy. I've never been served anything more than warm meat. The turkey I ordered last night wasn't even warm and still has the clear jelly residue attached. The sliced meat with beef and turkey with a loaded potato was $15 and the portion size left much to be desired. Ribs, burnt ends, sliced beef. I didn't ask about the pulled pork sandwich that someone had. All just ok. The baked beans are great. I didn't get cheesy corn this time. Everyone ordered a dessert and we all shared. The brownie needed the ice cream it came with...super rich! The bread pudding was kind of blah. The carrot cake was uh-mazing! It was topped with what seemed like cream cheese icing with a little cinnamon and pecans. My mouth is watering now. Never bad service. Always clean. Just not my BBQ place.
(3)
David V.
Ok. Came in reading it was pretty good, but expensive. So the wife had her salmon, and I had the three combo with beef ribs, pork ribs, dark meat chicken. White bread, fries and their beans on the side. The whole mess on my plate was $24, which isn't bad. And the plate they brought was huge and well proportioned. Now. Quality. Holy moly. All the meats were delicious, and the beans were the best. The wife is not a baked bean eater, yet she poached the plate. BBQ sauce. Not even necessary. And I didn't even get their "signature" plates. It just wasn't necessary. Excellent food. Great service. Minimal wait. Good drinks. Highly recommend.
(5)
Lena D.
Yaas! Meat! Patio seating! Meat! We had a lovely late lunch outside on the patio. We were seated immediately and both hostesses were friendly and accomodating. We had the beef burnt ends, they were delicious. Highly recommended. For my entree, I had the sliced meat plate with turkey and pork. Neither of these meats required any sauce, they were juicy all on their own. You're able to get one large side or 2 small, so I opted for the grilled veggie kabob. My husband had the pork ribs and lamb ribs. Yes yes yes get the lamb ribs. Fall off the bone, flavorful fantastic. Our server Miranda was quick efficient and kept my iced tea filled. We really had a lovely experience.
(5)
Rick R.
The sample platter is a lot of food and a good way to determine your favorite BBQ meats, ribs, beef or pork burnt ends, sausage, ham or chicken. I went with BBQ beef & pork burnt ends, ribs & chicken. The meat is tender, smoked and delicious. I do prefer lean cuts and therefore liked the chicken as much as anything. Anthony was my waiter. He was extremely attentive. The hostess stopped by as well. The food and service were impressive and memorable. The atmosphere was casual and friendly.
(5)
Trev W.
Kansas City BBQ Located in The Plaza district, Jacks BBQ is one of those landmark BBQ joints that really sums up the best of local cuisine. On most nights I would recommend maybe calling ahead to book a table, we arrived on a Friday night and it was packed with a 30min wait time. Split up into two parts, regular dining area and bar area with booths. I was not a fan tho of each booth having a TV inches away from your face. Dinner: -Burnt ends to start We were recommended these by a few locals before we went. Not bad, however they are nearly a meal in itself. - Ultimate Rib Dinner Wow, soo much food, the shank was massive and probably the second best I've ever had. The ribs were ok, not bad but really not the best I've had. I do recommend the beans as a side. - Carrot Cake Legit! Worth getting if you can stomach it after dinner. Worth it for sure! I like the decor, the staff were great and food was great. I know it's Kansas City BBQ and yes it was good, I personally think it was far to much food for one person. You really need to prepare before you go. Also your clothes may need dry cleaning after because you'll smell like ribs for days. Overall Food: 4-5 Drink: 5-5 (local beer is good) Service: 5-5 Coming back: yes
(4)
Benjamin B.
I love BBQ. I may display Carolina style preferences, but I'm pretty equal opportunity across the BBQ world. I was initially reluctant to try Jack Stack because of its more upscale atmosphere and multiple locations in trendy neighborhoods, but I I'm very glad I did. The one thing you can take away from this: TRY THE LAMB RIBS I wanted to get a sampling of everything on the menu and we were on our way to a KC Royals game, so I ordered the Ultimate Rib Dinner for us to share over some drinks. Everything was excellent, but more than any other item I loved the lamb ribs. They're a bit small... and we were sharing. If it hadn't been for time constraints I would have ordered an entire rack of them for myself. I'd like to note that like everywhere else I ate in town they seem to have a nice selection of local beers from Boulevard. Highly recommended!
(4)
Allister D.
So this was the first pit-stop to my BBQ adventure in KC. First off, I do love it's location. It's located inside The Plaza which is a beautiful Spanish-style outdoor shopping center. Jack Stack isn't too hard to find; it's literally within the first plaza. Jack Stack is sorta like an upscale restaurant with an intimate atmosphere. This would be a great place for a family gathering or a date with your gf/bf. The dim lighting creates this romantic vibe with the smell of BBQ ribs in the air; it all goes well! Since it was lunch time, I ended up having the baby back rib lunch special which were two short racks with their special BBQ sauce. The meat fell off the bone and was nice & tender. It was soft to chew and literally melted in my mouth. Their sauce was smoky but with an overall sweetened flavor. Their ribs is a must try! I ordered two sides to go along with my ribs; their hickory pit beans were on point! it was sweet yet it had a nice tang to give a better bite. My favorite was their cheesy corn bake!! OMG this was basically a cheesy macaroni & cheese side but using softly cooked corn instead of the macaroni pasta. This went well with everything. For $14 this was an ultimate steal for a great lunch price! I will def be coming back for more..
(4)
Michael H.
Can't beat the burnt ends and pit beans. Phenomenal KC style BBQ in a nice restaurant setting. Friendly staff and and great decor. Not a side of the road place for sure, but well worth a stop.
(5)
Stephen K.
Ordered this past weekend (Labor Day) multiple meals for a gathering. Ordered on the phone and was instructed to pickup in 20 minutes. Arrived, paid and drove off. All meals were correct, dang good as always and efficient. A reliable staple not only in the BBQ circuit but as a family meal that everyone can select from and find to their liking. Always safe with no surprises or disappointments.
(4)
Kristina G.
So. Wow. This was amazing. Truly amazing BBQ. We got the BBQ lunch combo with the crown rib and lamb. All the meat just melts away under your fork. And the spices were so packed full of flavor but not one bite was overwhelming or too much of any one flavor. The Burnt Ends are just as good as everyone hypes them up to be! We got half beef, half pork. :) We also noticed a lot of the staff being very attentive and friendly with patrons, not just their own tables. Our server-Daniel M, was helpful in what to try for our first visit and checked in regularly with us. He was a great first introduction to the staff there! Overall, we were very impressed with the atmosphere and the food. We travel a lot and we frequently return places/cities we enjoy. This is one we will be back on many occasions just to enjoy the entire package of this place. Only con: the meat is fatty, go with the salmon if you feel you want a lighter meal.
(5)
Caitlin M.
We were told we had to get BBQ in Kansas City and this was a place that was highly recommended. We are so glad we came here. Definitely gave us a good impression of KC BBQ! We were especially enamored with the Jack's Smokin' Mary. Their bloody mary mix is so good that they bottle it and sell it. The best part is the burnt-end stuffed olives! Full review at outforbloodies.com .
(5)
Jean L.
My friends have been raving about this place since I got off the plane. Needless to say, I was super excited to try it. The time came when we arrived on a Friday night around 7:30pm. The wait was about 45 minutes, which wasn't a big deal since there were couple of open seats at the bar and sports on tv to entertain. The service all around from getting a buzzer for seating to our waiter being super awesome, I give thumbs up for service. Finally, we were seated and let the eating begin! We started with chicken wings. Then one friend ordered beef/bacon/onion ring sandwich. My other friend and I shared a full order of beef ribs with 3 sides (potato salad, cheesy corn, and baked beans.) Perhaps our eyes were bigger than our stomach because the full order of the ribs were barely touched after 2 each. The flavors were really deep into the meat and the sides were super tasty especially the cheesy corn, there were even ham/bacon bits mixed in, and the baked beans went really well with the meat. Not to mention the original and spicy sauces to go with everything. Everything tasted fabulous going down, but a little over an hour later, my stomach wasn't too happy. In fact, the rest of the night and the next morning, I spent most of my time in the bathroom. One of my friends also had to release in the restroom, but her situation wasn't as bad as mine. The other friend had no problems. I don't know what the culprit could be since I was fine the whole day, but maybe I over ate or my stomach wasn't use to this type of food. Either way, I can't say that I'll be having bbq ribs any time soon.
(2)
Elizabeth A.
Loots of food, share the plates! The burnt ends were pretty good, actually everything was good. We went around 4:30pm on a Sunday and there was no wait. The staff was friendly and the local beer was good
(4)
Tyler S.
ack stack is one my favorites BBQ restaurants in KC. If you are looking for a great meal stop here and you wouldnt be disappointed. Get the sample platter, which is a good mixers of BBQ!
(5)
Melissa T H.
Annamari took great care of us! Hubby and I shared one entree: The 2 Crown Prime Rib dinner $29.99 - O.M.G. So unbelievably tender, full of deep marbled flavor, and HUGE: literally the size of my arm! And did I mention that it is oh-so-ridiculously tender succulent meat? Yeah. I want another one right now. One Crown Prime Rib is actually enough for me since it is basically a brisket cut on top of the rib. The sides were downright wonderful too: cheesy corn bake, BBQ beans and cheesy potatoes (we substituted cole slaw and fries) was amazing!!!!! Oh Jack Stack... please come to California!
(5)
Sebastien S.
Ribs and ribs and ribs. Don't forget the barbecue beans and creme brulee. Food coma! Our waitress Abi is the best!
(5)
Clarice O.
I should be ashamed of myself. Despite my denials of being narrow-minded, I am one sometimes. I held this longstanding bias against fancy BBQ joints. To me, "fancy BBQ joint" is a paradox and that people who go to fancy BBQ joints to have BBQ are heathens who would rather look nice than eat great BBQ. A great BBQ is as much about food as ambiance, which should be smoky and humble. If you want to start judging me for my narrow-mindedness, please do spare yourself the trouble, as I have already been schooled by Jack Stack. I heard a lot about Jack Stack while researching BBQ joints in Kansas City. Normally, I check out pictures more but my trip happened during busy season. So I made a list of purported legendary places to check out without really looking at pictures. Let me tell you how surprised and dismayed I was when I saw the nice, classy ambiance of the restaurant. True, I have a certain fondness for classy joints; and true, I am almost always dressed to be in a classy ambiance. But I so wanted to get stains on my pretty dress and this just was not the place to unleash my uncivilized meat-loving self. *sigh* Having said that, I was absolutely impressed with the friendliness and the welcoming attitude of the staff. Every single one we talked to was affable and the service was prompt and simply top-notch. The staff worked as a team and we were encouraged to feel free to ask help from anybody from the crew. But I was here for good BBQ that Kansas City is so renowned for. As mentioned, I was not optimistic about the food but I learnt that my narrow-mindedness was most definitely uncalled for. "Fancy" and "BBQ joint" are not necessarily mutually exclusive. We ordered the burnt ends, cheesy corn, Big Pig, and the baby back ribs. Every single one was just amazingly delicious. My least favorite of the bunch was the burnt ends, and only because my braces made eating them too much work. They were very tasty, though, and I know that I would love them more once the braces are off. The cheesy corn was simply addictive and I found myself needing a taste of it with my every bite. The ribs were also among the better ones I have had as of yet. But the Big Pig is what I can see myself going back repeatedly for. It is among my short list of foods I am willing to gain 6 sizes larger for. The ham, the bacon, the pulled pork...different delicious variations of my most favorite meat married with the creamy cheese and the onion ring.... On second thought, I would willingly gain 8 sizes for that sandwich. Fancy BBQ joints do exist and Jack Stack is proof. I have been schooled and I should be ashamed of being narrow-minded. Now if only I knew the meaning of the word "shame..."
(4)
Jess L.
I had high hopes for this place after reading all of the rave reviews here on Yelp - I am really impressed by the active Yelp community here in KC. I am sad to report that I was a bit underwhelmed by my experience today. Had a half sweet/half unsweet tea to start, which was grand in taste, but didn't help with the fact that the restaurant was FREEZING. I managed to take down four pints of the stuff, regardless of the fact that I was so cold. Ordered a side Caesar salad next, which was delightful. Croutons were crisp on the outside, chewy in the middle. House made dressing was tangy but not overly anchovy-heavy. Romaine was gorgeous and green, and the flakes of parmesan were divine. Next up was a burnt ends lunch, and sadly, this is where the tale gets a little sad. The ends were dry and reeeeeally fatty - several were solid fat, which was a little difficult for me to take down. Thanks to my Mom for raising me a picky eater. The fries were hot/fresh/crisp on the outside, but not cooked thoroughly. On the plus side, service was superb. Brett took excellent care of me, keeping my tea glass full. The rest of the staff swooped in to remove empty plates mere moments after I took my last bites. Just lovely. Many other people from my group had great meals and similar experiences with the exemplary service staff - I'm hopeful on my next trip through that the food kicks it up a notch from my experience.
(3)
Douglas W.
I guess I'm just not a fan of too much. Too much salt, too much smoke, too much heavy-handedness when it comes to their craft. I haven't had enough KC BBQ to say its a KC thing. There are those who say they have the best BBQ in the country. I've been here before and this is far from true. Great cooking no matter the cuisine takes fine ingredients and COMPLEMENTS them with the method of cooking and seasoning/smoke. It's a BALANCE of flavors. Great BBQ beef or pork should be tender, juicy, taste of the animal and then in the background smokey, never hot spicy but well seasoned. The lamb ribs were so salty I couldn't eat them. They were tender but black with smoke and over seasoned. Hickory is great in the background but theirs is too much and cloying. The burnt ends pork was dry and tough and I didn't love the original sauce. The spare ribs were tender but again I didn't like the seasoning. Your food shouldn't really be black. The slaw is ok, a little too sweet, the broccoli had too much garlic , the potato salad had too much relish and the beans were terrible with too much BBQ sauce and sugar. I didn't finish anything. I liked my wife's chicken 1/4 dark. Moist and not over smoked. I ordered some carrot cake and thought it was terrific. The bread pudding should be made from their toast NOT from croissant. It's not necessary. It's TOO MUCH. Disgusting and too dense. You do know croissants are 35% butter right? Maybe not. Following the theme? The fry seasoning contains GMOs and other ingredients that you shouldn't eat. Made me wonder what is in their rub and sauce. I don't think they know much about food. The service is great, the place is beautiful with prices to match. I wouldn't go back.
(2)
Don J.
With its polished interior and upscale clientele, Jack Stack might be a city slicker's BBQ joint, but it serves up some great Kansas City style BBQ. Having lived in Texas for 15+ years, where the best BBQ is often served in run-down shacks by the side of a country road, the idea of a BBQ restaurant with valet parking really puzzled me. As the valet drove off with my vehicle and I walked past the brass statue of a bull in front of the entrance, I couldn't help feeling like a gullible tourist about to get suckered. I took some comfort in seeing that the place was packed - in fact, there was a 45 minute wait. Luckily, there were two seats just opening up at the bar, where you have access to the full menu. So much for the wait. I think I ordered something called "Jack's Platter" or "Jack's Choice". It's a great way to sample some of the excellent BBQ - it comes with pork ribs, "burnt ends" (delicious, but not really charred) and one beef rib, along with french fries and a side of your choice. I was wondering if one beef rib would be enough - but my doubt quickly disappeared when I saw the brontosaurus-sized slab that was placed in front of me. While Jack Stack does sauce their BBQ - a big "no no" in Texas - they wisely apply just enough to give some flavor, and not so much as to cover up the delicious hickory smokiness of the meat. If you're a sauce lover, you should say yes to the sauce on the side that is offered - but the meat is so well flavored that it's really unnecessary. The baked beans were absolutely amazing. The french fries were also great - hot and crispy without being overdone. Overall, a great meal.
(5)
Jack A.
For those who want to experience Kansas City barbecue, Jack's has great KC barbecue (speaking as a Chicagoan). Great food, great service at one of the area's hallmark barbecue destinations. We got there early and the place filled up quickly. I sensed the service didn't miss a beat even when most of the tables were occupied.
(5)
Sam P.
This is my "Go To" BBQ joint in KC! As a matter of fact, the folks I work with laugh at me because each month when I'm there I eat at Jack Stack's EVERY DAY! Why? Because they serve the most amazing Burnt Ends (Beef) on the freakin' planet!!! Here are some of my other favorites (Yep, you guessed right. If you eat here every day sooner or later you try just about everything!): - Fire Kissed Wings (No frying here... Just rubbed and smoked to goodness!) - Half BBQ Chicken - Burnt End Lunch (Your choice of two: Beef, Pork, Ham or Sausage) - Martin City Mayor (Ok, I regressed) - Baby Back Lunch (or dinner!) - Burnt End Stew - Wood Fired Chicken & Sausage Gumbo (Yes, NOLA forgive me!) - Sliced Meat Lunch Special - Kansas City Combo And the crown achievement: - Crown Prime Beef Short Rib If you get one of these Crown's and don't like it, please write to me and let me know. One day, I had issue with the Burnt Ends and told the server. Over came the manager and wanted to take care of my entire bill (They take that much pride!) I told her that wasn't necessary, and she gave me a complementary Carrot Cake to go (She recommended eating it over three breakfasts with a cup of strong coffee... Sorry to say it only lasted two breakfasts!) Love, love, love Jack Stack's... Sorry, no pictures (I ate it all before I could snap any!)
(5)
Rachel S.
OMG good. Best BBQ we've ever had, but the carrot cake might have been the best part.
(5)
Chris J.
I am a Texas BBQ kind of guy. I grew up in Kansas as a child. Have been in Texas the last 30 years. Coming home to see family for the weekend reminds me of the things I miss. Jacks BBQ is some of the finest BBQ ever. I ordered one of the house combination plates that was outstanding. As a general rule I am not a fan of baked beans. The BBQ beans just blew me away. Absolutely the best. As my second side item I selected the old "stand by", coleslaw. Again, I was impressed. You typically find a vinegar slaw, buttermilk slaw and a unique slaw found only in TN, KY you find red slaw. Not a fan of the red slaw. The slaw at Jacks has a unique flavor that I couldn't figure out but loved it. Between the upscale atmosphere, the fabulous BBQ, and the two sides, I give Jacks a solid FIVE star rating.
(5)
Brad K.
Wow!!!! Where to start? I am here on business and this place was recommended and it didn't disappoint. I would recommend a particular item but they were all amazing. We ordered every side to try them all. Oh...maybe the French fries are a bit generic so skip those and order another side. Lastly, do yourself a favor and order the carrot cake for desert. 10 Stars!
(5)
Dan L.
I stopped here for an impromptu lunch today and couldn't have asked for more from a KC barbecue joint. Meat, meat, and more meat! And just as I suspected, the burnt ends are the way to go.
(4)
Lisa M.
We ordered the roundup which was an assortment if meats, it had very good flavor. We also ordered some smoked chicken white chili soup, delicious!!! We were supposed to get burnt ends with our order but those were not in the box when we got back to our hotel. Overall, very good flavor.
(4)
Thomas H.
Superb BBQ. I went twice during a recent trip and had the Crown Prime beef rib, the baby-backs, short ribs, burnt ends, sliced bbq beef, the beans, cheesy potato, cheesy corn, beans, fried mushrooms..... Jeezus I almost died. So, my suggestion- get the crown prime beef rib. It is amazing. The ribs are also great. The sides are all killer. I did not like their burnt ends- Joe's Kansas City's are better. Get the meat hammer and thank me later. Double up on your BP meds. It's a little spendy though...
(4)
Jill T.
We were told this was "the" place to go for BBQ. We called ahead , they didn't take reservations for two, but said we could be seated in about 20 minutes if we came right away. So we did. Upon arriving the place was packed, they said we could wait in bar, the wait 45 minutes. The bar was packed hot and loud! Hard to get service. We waited and waited, for over an hour. Finally seated us, right outside the noisy bar door & kitchen. The service was mediocre as was the bar-be-que.. Our baby backs were salty, burnt, and lacking meat. The sides were also pretty plain. I would not recommend this place or return to it. I have had better experiences at small road side Bar-be-que stands.
(1)
Chris S.
This particular Jack Stack location isn't your typical Kansas City BBQ. You don't walk up, order at the counter and follow the trough line to the cashier. The food isn't served on a piece of paper of Styrofoam plate. And, is isn't cheap. Waiters don't sport white, BBQ stained aprons and you can't get a meal with a few dollar bills from your pocket. This Jack Stack (not all of them are like this) is the Mortons or Ruth Chris of BBQ. It's overpriced, it's a place to bring a date, not the family, has a high end feeling, dims their lights even at 3 in the afternoon, offers great service complete with dressed up wait staff and presentation is impressive. However, it all comes with a price-tag, one that you can decide it's net worth. Personally, I'd rather go to a more relaxed place, rather than feel like you're at a fancy restaurant - for BBQ. However, no one can argue the quality here. Jack Stack is hands down one of the best BBQ place in the country, but little value comes on each fancy plate. There's no cheap meal. A bowl of soup costs what a meal would at more laid back KC competitors. The portions are much smaller here, too. On the other hand, there's nothing at this Jack Stack that doesn't get a high grade. The meats, side dishes, staff and ambiance are top-notch when it comes to BBQ. You simply need to ask yourself if you're willing to pay $25 for a meal with a drink (yes, BBQ for that much, not a steak) and pay for service at atmosphere. If you do, come here. You can't go wrong.
(4)
Penny S.
GREAT food and service - our first time, and Matthew walked is through and got is a great BBQ platter - Jacks Best - Yum!
(5)
Samantha M.
Jack Stack's BBQ doesn't have that typical BBQ shack/gas station feel. It's a real sit down restaurant. Don't let that fool you into thinking it's not a real BBQ joint - it totally has the flavor to compete with the big guns. I ordered the ribs and burnt ends combo - it comes with coleslaw and fries and a slice of Texas toast. The burnt ends were a good size portion - at least an inch to an inch and a half sized cubes. They were so juicy - I almost thought that the BBQ sauce overpowered them! The ribs were great - falling off the bone. Would have liked to have had more sauce on them when they came out, but I was given a side dish of sauce to supplement. The Texas toast was lackluster and small but I wasn't at Jack Stack for for toast in the first place. Coleslaw and fries were typical - nothing out of the ordinary. The fries were more flavorful with the fries spices. Altogether, this place lived up to the hype.
(4)
Kristian D.
OK, this place was my first best BBQ in Kansas City - before Q39. This review is for their Kansas City Combo with pork spare ribs, lamb ribs, beans, and French Fries. It seemed like the standard combo in KC is ribs and fries, but I am not complaining! I did not eat in the restaurant, but instead used their curbside pickup which was very nice. This location is in the Country Club area, and pulling up to the curb with the server coming to the car door was very easy. The pork ribs are legit with lots of smoky flavor and a solid BBQ sauce - not too sweet, just right. The lamb ribs were an unexpected treat. They had the same smoky, sweet taste of the pork ribs, but the delicious lamb flavor was very present and made for a unique treat. Lamb needs to make it on more BBQ menus across the country! The beans are legendary and did not disappoint. I would almost call them more of a BBQ stew with beans and meat, but they are sweet and savory all at once and just delicious. I guess they smoke them under the meat to catch the drippings which only makes me want them more! The French fries were a disappointment. They seemed to be standard foodservice frozen and not fried crispy. I would order another side or just double down on the beans. Nevertheless, Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbeque deserves to be in the top echelon of Kansas City BBQ.
(5)
Marc T.
Always love Jack Stack on the Plaza- nice bar - great patio and good variety - the Crown ribs are fantastic ! As is the Jacks Martini - vodka olive juice and olives ! Ambience is good - great spot for a quick bite
(4)
Alexandra C.
Pretty good, but not great. Pulled pork was super salty, tasty, a tiny bit too dry. The bbq chicken could have been more tender and juicy. Sides of beans were very tasty and season vegetables- too much oil. Others at the table were raving about their dishes and sides (burnt ends, ribs, cheesy corn bake and potatoes), so perhaps I just didn't order the best hting.
(3)
Erika F.
WOW!!! Just.... WOW!!! Like... OMG... WOW!!! I've heard countless stories of how good this place is and how it's an "upscale BBQ" place and I never believed any of the stories until now. I went in here for dinner, I even got dressed up a little in a little red dress because of it's reputation. I walked in on a Tuesday night at 7pm expecting no wait or line... really, what place is crowded on a Tuesday night, right? THIS PLACE! This place had a 30 minute wait! I was flabbergasted. I put my name on the list and headed over to the bar for a drink before dinner. I ended up finding a place to sit at the bar and decided to have my meal there instead of waiting for a table - I was really hungry and only one person, so why waste an entire table on myself? I took my name off the wait list and ordered a Malbec and asked for a menu. The bartender was very helpful and super nice. I ordered a simple glass of wine and ended up getting a much larger pour than the traditional 5 oz.... this guy definitely knew the way to my heart, :-D. After thanking the gentlemen for the wine, I turned my attention to the menu... the delicious looking menu full of great choices. After much consideration and asking the option of the bartender and the gentlemen sitting next to me, I ordered the two meat plate. I chose the lamb ribs and the beef ribs with some extra original sauce on the side. I figured it was going to take a while since the place was so busy, but the bartender served me up my BBQ in 15 minutes. I was impressed. The lamb rib rack was a large amount for what I paid for the platter (a mere $20). And the beef ribs her HUGE! Like, a dinosaur rib... not really, but you get where I'm going with this. On the side was a grilled kabob of vegetables... YUM! I started out with the beef ribs since I've at least heard of beef ribs before. I bit into my first humongous rib and it put a smile on my face. The meat was tender and flavorful and it slid off the bone without being soggy... it was an absolute perfect combination. After devouring the first rib, I quickly ate the second in under .5 seconds. I took a second to eat some veggies - these were absolutely amazing but nothing compared to those ribs, LOL! I eyed the lamb ribs and sunk my teeth into the first rib. I was blown away with the flavor - they managed to not over power the lamb flavor while still incorporating their BBQ flavor. It was lovely. The entire experience was an absolutely charming one. The guy sitting next to me even offered to pay for my meal. I even managed to keep my dress BBQ free! I would absolutely recommend this place and will be going back again to try their other BBQ choices. Thank you!
(5)
Mark R.
Wow is an understatement. Awesome more adequately describes the superb dining experience and the delectable morsels. From the unique tower of rings to the side of beans and finely blackened burnt ends of beef the flavors explode in your mouth. Jack Stacks is the best place for your fun family meal and quality meat filled cuisine. Make sure you take home sauce and save room for dessert or you will be sorry. The exquisite triple chocolate brownie with ice cream will give you all the energy you need to make it home to pass out from the gastronomic indulgence that is truly world class.
(5)
Coal K.
Family and friends had recommended Jack Stack's BBQ to us as the best BBQ ever! As huge BBQ fan, that's a difficult claim to live up to. However, Fiorella's Jack lived up to its billing. They have the best baby back ribs I'd ever tasted. My wife had a sampler....The wings were phenonimal too. Jack Stack is not the hole-in-the-wall joint you typically find the best BBQ. The restaurant was clean and well-organized with a friendly staff. Recommend visiting during non peak times, (definately not a weekend night) to avoid a long wait.
(5)
Rose P.
Yea it was ok. The burnt ends were burnt and dry. The ribs are ok. The ham was nice. Nothing too good but not too bad. had to wait an hour to get in though. Maybe normal KC process.
(3)
Kathy S.
I love Oklahoma Joe's more than anything on earth, but sometimes it's nice to change it up and remember that there are other excellent places as well. Jack Stack's location and decor are fancy, but honestly, the food is still good ol' KC BBQ. I've been here many times and it's a pretty consistent experience. Because they don't take reservations, you're usually waiting at least 30-45 minutes minimum during dinner, but sometimes it goes a little faster. For our bachelorette party on a Saturday night, we were seated within 30 min, while the other Union Station location quoted over an hour wait. (Granted, it was during the Memorial Day concert/festivities at the Station...) On other Saturday nights, we've had to wait the full hour or more. My food favorites: Meats - Burnt ends, sausage, and chicken are where it's at. I've never gone wrong with these. The menu is really flexible - decide how many meats you want and in which combination, and it'll be on the menu somewhere. Whatever you order, make sure to ask for extra sauce! Sides - Cheesy corn is always my go-to, though Smokehouse still has my favorite. Dessert - If you're looking for heaven, you'll find it in Jack Stack's carrot cake. YUM. My only grumbles are the portion sizes, given the high prices. I guess it comes with the Plaza location. Either way, Jack Stack's will forever be one of my favorites!
(4)
Grace L.
Had the beef and pork burnt ends, pork ribs, cheesy potatoes, veggie skewer, baked beans, and the carrots...everything was exceptional. The service was very fast once we were seated. My only regret is that I got too excited to eat and my food picture turned out blurry. Highly recommend all dishes, especially the unique and flavorful carrot dish.
(5)
Seth H.
We came here after it was recommended by a friend. I was impressed by the entire meal, however the Prime Beef Ribs really stood out as being top notch. They just fell off the bone and were extremely flavorful. The sauces were decent as well and the sides were delicious. We had the fried mushrooms for an appetizer - I would recommend but it's a large portion so don't let it kill your appetite before getting to the main meal.
(4)
Allie K.
Hubby and I came here with his parents for dinner. We had the BEST server, Tracy. She was informative and funny. We never had to ask for anything. Drinks were always full. She checked on us regularly and was always friendly. In-laws were prepared to order the baby back ribs until they saw the crown beef short ribs at another table. They got that instead and went on and on about how good they were. Hubby and I got a plate with pork spare ribs, brisket, ham, and sliced pork. The meat was tender and delicious. The sides- between the 4 of us, we had carrots, beans, cheesy corn, cheesy potatoes, and broccoli. The sides were all good but the beans were amazing. So were the roasted carrots. We had dessert. We made the mistake of ordering one a piece. You can easily share. They are huge. The carrot cake is good but the brownie is outrageous! A wonderful experience. Good food and excellent service.
(5)
Jason A.
In town for business, and this was the closest and highest rated BBQ joint in walking distance. Definitely did not disappoint!!!! Jack's best all the way!!!
This was my first experience with Kansas City BBQ and though we ended up getting our food to-go (wait was an hour to an hour and half to be seated), it was so delicious and messy, the way BBQ should be. I ordered the KC combo with burnt ends (popular choice), baby back ribs and chicken (dark meat), along with their baked beans and cheesy corn as my sides. The ribs were amazing as well as the chicken. The burnt ends were also tasty, though I was expecting them to have a little crunch to their texture, instead they were fatty soft pieces of pork. Good flavor but again not what I thought I'd receive (maybe this is how they prepare and serve them). The sides were unbelievable and like nothing I've tasted. The service was friendly and helpful too! I'd definitely return on my next visit to KC!
(4)
Chris B.
So we came in a little late for a dinner/snack/watch-some-of-the-game bite to eat. We ended up ordering the KC combo with beef & pork tips along with the half chicken. Sides were fries and slaw. Our bartender (we ate at the bar) suggested the cheesy-corn deliciousness... And ended up adding it to our platter that we split. Wow, so glad he did, super good! We opted for two additionally sauces, house and spicy. House was great! Spicy had some tang but a little too sweet for our tastes. All in all, the KC combo was plenty for the two of us and landed about $35 for the two of us a few libations... Local brews, not exactly sure who's though. Tank 7 & a dark brown featured draft, either way they too were delicious. We opted not to order desert as we still had some "A la mode" cupcakes on hand but the options sounded fantastic. A great choice if you're in this neck of the woods.
(5)
Damien L.
Order the Jack's Best plate. It comes with a prime rib and pork rib. It is the best bbq in the world. Zagats rates them the best bow in the USA. The bbq beans are also the best that I ever had. I live in Texas and have visited 100 of restaurants for the best bbq. I would have never dreamed that I would find it in Kansas City,MO. I plan to order this food via the mail for special occasions. My wife agreed with my rating. I feel horrible that our number one bbq place is no longer in Texas.
(5)
Sean B.
My niece was all about this place. She insisted we go when we all flew into KC to drive her to college at KU, an hour away. It's exactly what you'd think if you took the stereotypes of Kansas City BBQ, the positive ones, and put them into reality. Something about an obese server putting massive onion rings, BBQ ribs and steak and sausages, and huge iced drinks in front of you, sitting outside on a hot summer day, that makes you embrace the delicious American stereotypes. Everything was delicious, massively portioned, and fattening.
(5)
Mike D.
And for my 200th review, I present, my favorite restaurant, Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ in the Plaza. I have been here nearly every time I've been to KC and there's lots of reasons for it. I absolutely love the Plaza and the atmosphere here, how can you not? Yeah, I can't afford to shop at 99% of the stores but it's beautiful down here and Jack Stack is the best part. The atmosphere in here is unbelievable, dimly lit, waiters and waitresses in all black and suits, fine wood and glass everywhere. Yet, I wore jeans and a t-shirt and didn't feel like I was out of place. All the staff are amazing from the hostess to your server. I've been here multiple times but the last trip for lunch is still fresh in my head. I ordered the baby back lunch with cheesy corn and baked beans. Ok fine I ordered a Boulevard 80 Acre too. It was hot and I just drove 200 miles, don't judge me. We sat outside and it was amazing looking around at the Plaza and the sounds while we ate. My ribs weren't the best I've ever had, but pretty darn close. Cheesy corn is phenomenal and the baked beans with pieces of brisket was also one of the best things I've ever had the pleasure of eating. I recall getting a french dip on an earlier trip here and it was easily the best french dip I've ever had. Jack Stack is not the best BBQ I've ever had (It's still 2nd!) but easily the best all around restaurant where you can count on anything you order to be amazing and service to be outstanding. I will continue to come here as much as I can and I hope I never move too far away!
(5)
R O.
A lot of people have knocked Jack Stack for being too fancy and upscale. I see what they mean, and those rustic picnic table places (Woodyard) do have a place in my heart.... But if we're just talking about the food, Jack Stack is where it is at in KC. The meat is the most tender and falls apart without needing a knife -- leagues better than the dry stuff at Joe's (sorry Joe's). My sister is a BBQ snob, living in NC for a while now, but she did think Jack Stack was great. If there is a weak point, it is the sauce -- a little sweet and not much complexity, even with the spicier versions. I think Arthur Bryants and Gates have more going on sauce-wise.
(5)
Kurt S.
I went to Fiorella's for the second time this past Saturday with the family. It's a very nice, intimate BBQ restaurant on the outskirts of the 'Plaza' in KC. It's pretty high-end. My wife and I decided to split the New Zealand Rack of Lamb. I would have wanted it cooked medium rare to rare, but my wife is preggo so we had to settle on medium. It was delicious. the thyme that they rub on it really comes out. It doesn't beat the lamb that my wife and I had in Switzerland, but it was still great. We ordered potato salad and their beans for our sides and I also ordered a side of their cheesy potato bake. All sides were great, but the standout to me, is the cheesy potato bake. Huge amounts of real cheese in a scallop potato bake. It was divine. The prices reflect the atmosphere and the food that you get. They are high, but you know it right when you step through the door. I had a bite of my dad's pork spare ribs and they were extremely tender and tasty. I also had a burnt end from my brother-in-law and that was okay, maybe a little tough. All in all, it was a terrific dinner and I can't wait to go back to experience Fiorella's again.
(4)
Kurt M.
My son and I are on a BBQ road trip to KC. First stop, Jack Stack. We were underwhelmed. First the positives. The place is sleek and clean. Service was very good. Then the food arrived. I went with the 3 meat combo and at the urging of our server selected the lamb ribs, burnt ends and the beef prime rib together with beans and cheesy corn. The lamb ribs were tiny, dry, lacking in both texture and flavor. The burnt ends were also very dry and tough. The prime rib was fatty and stringy. Frankly, adding the prime rib for an extra $8 felt like a tourist trap. The Wilbur Beans at Famous Dave's are much superior and the cheesy corn, while savory loses a great deal of its appeal as it cools and congeals. A word about the sauces. Bland! I tried their regular, spicy and hot. There was astonishingly little variance to distinguish one from the others. My son had the prime and lamb ribs with fries and cole slaw. Fries were fine. Cole slaw not much different than what you might find at KFC. Add a coke and an iced tea (both promptly refilled) and the total for two with tip came to $85. I guess the good thing is that the bar going forward on our BBQ quest has been set pretty low. Nowhere to go but up. Right?
(2)
B S.
The burnt ends are suspect, but the lamb ribs, cheesy corn, and baked beans are off the hook.
(3)
andrea d.
The atmosphere and food are great! Low lighting and messy fingers from the ribs somehow go together at jack stack! We have always received great service and amazing smoked meats. The brisket is never fatty, and the burnt ends were the perfect chewy/crispy texture!
(5)
Zach T.
Always a good environment for family and friends. Please note, because you're on the plaza you're paying for the location as well. That said, totally worth the price. The bbq is great and so is the location.
(4)
Andrei K.
Insanely good. So far the best BBQ in Kansas City, Middle West and the whole US for me. It recieves lots of publicizing, but it is definitely not overrated.
(5)
Kaitlin M.
Definitely top 3 BBQ places in KC!!! Love the pulled pork! The sides are great as well. Very few things are better than a pulled pork sando, Blvd wheat, and cheesy corn. Just saying!
(4)
Melvin E.
We went to a couple of places in K.C and this was by far the best one. The food was smoked and seasoned perfectly. Don't pass on this one
(5)
Matt B.
Probably the best BBQ in town. Get the burnt ends with cheesy corn bake and the Pit beans, you'll leave satisfied. If you want a taste of good BBQ in Missouri there's no better place than here. The waitress was hilarious and our food came out quickly, even though there were about 35 in our group. I highly recommend.
(5)
Hal F.
I am back in Kansas City, MO. and I can't stay away from this place. Just love it. The burnt ends let in your mouth...crazy good! The BBQed chicken was perfection and of course the ribs...well, what can I say, Heavenly...really love this place!
(4)
Aaron S.
First time visiting Jack Stack. This was the beginning of a Bachelor Party, and we didn't spare a dime. Knowing it'd be packed on a Friday night at 7pm, 3 of our 13 person party arrived 3 hours early to check in and wait. The 3 of us planned on sitting there for 3 hours, ordering plenty of drinks, and waiting so we could get a table. The hostess, a guy with long hair, was intellectually incapable of performing the job function. It was almost funny to watch him try and figure out how to seat 13 people in one area. It baffled him to the core. So he told us we can't put our name down, can't make a reservstion, and they can't prepare for us at all. Nonetheless, we told him we'd be back at 7, with 13 people, since that was all we could do. Come 6:30 we showed up, still a half hour early. He of course hadn't done anything to prepare, and wouldn't let us put our names down since our entire party wasn't there waiting with us. Come 7 he put our names down on the list, but made us split our group into 3 parts. After waiting for about 45 minutes, he then sat us at 3 completely different times, spread out by about 10 minutes each, and completely separate from the other parts of our groups. I could not have been more disappointed. We did everything we could to make this go smoothly, including being 3 hours early, offering to spend whatever it took, and he didn't help us out in the least. Once we finally got tables, everything was awesome. The waitress was awesome, food was the best BBQ I've ever had hands down (Although slightly small on the portions), and the atmosphere was good. I just really wish they could have done more, rather done anything, to cater to our large party.
(2)
L B.
Pros: one of our favorite BBQ places, huge portions (always have leftovers), great sides with entrees, multiple locations, staff has always been friendly, huge menu, our favorite place to take out of town folks Cons: can be tough to get a table unless you find a spot at the bar
Delicious! You must have the onion rings as starters! Burnt ends are the way to go! With the corn and baked beans as sides. All three sauce were good as well! A little on the pricey side, but worth it.
(5)
Lola S.
I love this place, but we typically have to wait 45mins for a table, but we found 2 spots in the bar. The burnt ends were delicious, the coleslaw was fresh and the fries were hot and crispy !
(4)
Ann W.
Two words for you: lamb ribs! Two more words for you: burnt ends! This is really all you need to know about Jack Stack. For all of the KC barbecue fanatics, I do understand that lamb ribs aren't traditional KC barbecue, but holy *&^$ those things are like crack! Especially paired with their extra spicy sauce which is spicy, but not killer spicy. For KC barbecue purists, you cannot argue with the most delightful brisket burnt ends ever to pass your lips. If you haven't tried them, you must. They're simply divine...moist, tender, flavorful. Oh good googly moogly, I'm salivating! I have heard many times about how wonderful the cheesy corn is. This is clearly a matter of taste because I find it to be foul beyond belief. But fortunately, Jack Stack has a great selection of sides to choose from including top notch barbecue-y baked beans. I have never had dessert at Jack Stack because I just can't eat that much. I generally walk out with a box with half of my food in it because the portions are really generous. In fact, I did just that last night and when I arrived home, my husband snatched the box from me and devoured my leftover ribs in less than five minutes. If that isn't a ringing endorsement, I don't know what is. They will only take reservations at this location if you have at least six in your party. Fortunately, they can usually accommodate most parties fairly quickly, but it would be really nice if they'd take reservations for those of us who prefer not to fly by the seat of our pants. Service here has ranged from tolerable to excellent. The last time I ate here, there were only two of us and our waitress was preoccupied with her bigger parties neglecting us when we needed more sauce or refills, but otherwise she was certainly pleasant. On the previous occasion I visited, we had a bigger party and had great service throughout the meal.
(4)
Jared D.
This was my initiation to authentic Kansas City-style barbecue, and I wasn't disappointed. I had received recommendations from plenty of people about which barbecue joint to try during my business trip but ultimately settled on Jack Stack because of its location on the Plaza. I have nothing to compare the food to, but it lived up to my expectations. Living in the New York area, burnt ends are a mythical foodstuff that are virtually impossible to find, so I was anxious to try them here. They were incredible and easily the best part of the meal -- even better than the Crown Prime beef rib that my server had hyped up. The entrees at Jack Stack are gluttonous and gigantic, which I suppose is what you would expect at a barbecue joint. But I'm glad I tried it, and I look forward to exploring other barbecue options in this city in the future. (Also, burnt ends.)
(4)
Henry B.
A bit loud, but the food is the star - nice range of grilled or smoked flesh of beast and fowl served in "healthy" portions. Jokingly, I asked for the vegan menu and she actually was going to look for one! Four of us shared the onion rings - good choice to share. The pit beans are great, but the real star are their ribs.
(4)
Jaclyn E.
If you are looking for chain-type/corporate America BBQ, this is for you. We went for lunch and everyone was disappointed. I was told the meat was dry & overcooked. There was a ridiculous amount of cheese on everything (cheese corn was like nacho cheese soup- yuck). We all left with stomach aches. I only added a star because our server was nice & polite.
(2)
E V.
I went here w/ my husband and sister Labor Day weekend for Sunday lunch. We waited about 20 minutes for a table, but there was plenty of room to sit while waiting, in addition to a bar. We requested a GF menu from the hostess, who spoke into her little mic on her shirt and said something like, "We have a gluten allergy coming to Table XX." Then the hostess said the manager would come over to talk to me about it. She did, but she just asked if I had any questions (I didn't) and said if we do, to ask for her. Our waiter was Justin, and he was excellent! He really gave us great service; I even found the manager after our meal to tell her how great he was. I ordered a bbq ham sandwich on a gluten-free bun, which they listed as a "Jumbo GLUTEN FREE" on the receipt. It only had one meat (a Jumbo has two according to the menu), but it is the least expensive sandwich, so I think they did me a favor. It was pretty messy, with the bun sliding off the ham, but I managed. There wasn't a lot of sauce, and I couldn't taste it, so I dipped it in an extra little bowl of sauce they provided (free) and that was really good. My side was a cheesy potato bake (the fries are not GF, so I subbed) and it was fabulous! It was basically thinly sliced red skin potatoes smothered in a garlic cheese sauce. It came piping hot and was just yummy! My sister and husband loved it too. It was enough for two people. My husband ordered the Hatfield, which is a sandwich w/ two bbq meats, with pork and beef brisket. (Note: He is a career butcher and meat dept mgr.) He said the pork was really good, and while the brisket was sliced, not shredded, it was excellent and not fatty at all. He got the baked beans with his, which he said were really good. I can't remember what my sister's main dish was, but she got the cheesy corn bake instead of fries, and they didn't charge her extra. It was lukewarm, but the flavor was good. We agreed it would be better if it had been hot. However, that was seriously the only slight disappointment of the whole meal. She also ended up ordering a small baked beans just b/c she loves them so much. She said they're very sweet. For dessert I got creme brulee, which good. My sister got the triple chocolate brownie, which came with a huge scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top. She and my husband both thought it was quite delicious. I tried the ice cream, and it tasted like Breyer's, which I love. My husband got the carrot cake, which he said may have ruined any other carrot cake for the rest of his life. He and my sister agreed it was the best they'd ever had. I did get to taste the cream cheese icing, and it was fab. Justin said they make all the desserts fresh, in house. Overall we give the restaurant a 10/10. I know a lot of folks say it's their favorite place to eat in KC, and we can see why. It isn't too pricey, either, which surprised me. All of the above plus coffee and a soda cost us, before tip, about $80.
(5)
Yvonne M.
We have eaten at this particular location several times. The food is always very good, and the service is friendly. I am not a fan of BBQ all that much, but the food here is wonderful. I live their pulled pork, baked beans and French fries. Great every time. The reason I didn't give it 5 stars at this last visit was because we had a party of 7, at 2pm in the afternoon, and we had a 45 minute wait. It didn't make much sense to me because the restaurant was not that busy, with many empty tables. I did not understand the rationale behind this, but nonetheless, the food is consistently good.
(4)
Daniel L.
Toni M's stellar review prompted fellow Yelper Fia R and I to come to dine at this BBQ restaurant. It was packed, crowded, and almost overwhelming. The cramped wait area had flooded into the bar where people can catch a game and grab a drink before heading to a table. The dining area in the back wasn't much better. There were plenty of booths and tables to host groups of all sizes while their staff roamed the walkways carrying platters of food, cleaning up the tables, and communicating with the host through the microphones attached to their shirts. In spite of the overwhelming feeling, there seemed to be a level of coherence, synergy, and formality among their staff. Our table was ready within 45 minutes, much sooner than the host had anticipated. This restaurant is located in a bustling shopping district so we walked around the Plaza before coming back to wait like all others. Once seated, our server Eric introduced us to the $30 dinner menu for the Kansas City Restaurant Week; and the list of items on the regular menu and ways the meats were prepared. Fia ordered from the three-course dinner menu ($30) that came with her choice of Onion Rings, Ultimate Ribs Dinner, and Mom's Carrot Cake. The onion rings were stacked high and they were thick, thinly battered, and crispy. The Ultimate Dinner was assembled with Pork Spare Ribs, Pork Baby Back Ribs, Lamb Ribs, and a Crown Prime Beef Rib, and her choice of Cheesy Potato Bake as the side item. The meats were sweet due to the wet rub to accompany a deep smoky flavor. I enjoyed the Pork Spare Ribs, and the medium rare Crown Prime Beef Rib was also tender and delicious. The regular price for the Ultimate Ribs Dinner alone is $28. What a great deal! My order of the Kansas City Combo ($17.45) came with my choice of two meats, which were Lamb Ribs and Beef Burnt Ends. A good friend back home had recommended the Lamb Ribs, and they were smoky, off the bone tender, and the flavor was complex. I haven't seen another place that serves BBQ lamb, so this is the place for it. The Beef Burnt Ends were their local specialty and highly popular among their customers. Essentially, the meats were shaved and cooked twice, leaving the outside crispy and moist on the inside. I thought there were many dry spots, but a dip into their BBQ sauce made it a little better. I wouldn't recommend the Burnt Ends since there are so many types of meats to choose from. My two sides of Hickory Pit Beans and Cole Slaw were the must haves. They were amazing as the Beans were refined and smooth, not too sweet, and had bits of pork to add a level of smokiness in the background. I also loved the Cole Slaw, as the textures were fresh, not too creamy, and perfectly sweet. These two items were the perfect sides because the repeated smokiness of the BBQ can be desensitizing after a while. The meats were good, albeit some imperfect dry spots here and there, but the sides were simply amazing. The Mom's Carrot Cake was homemade, served warm, with creamy frosting and pecans sprinkled on the top. This was by far the best Carrot Cake I've ever had. Not too sweet, lots of texture, light creamy frosting, and delicious when served warm. There must be 1,000 calories in it, but it was extremely addictive. Watch out! Service was one of the best I have experienced. Eric was professional, attentive, and very knowledgeable. Their floor manager also stopped by to check on us, and the meal was well orchestrated where the service was responsive despite the ultra busy evening. Overall, interested diners can expect a great smoky BBQ, delicious sides, and fantastic service. I would love to come back to try their other items, such as BBQ Chicken and hickory grilled seafood.
(4)
Travis J.
Jack Stack is easily the best BBQ EVER. I go to the Country club plaza Jack stack pretty often and it never disappoints. Great prices and always excellent service. So excited they are opening a Jack Stack restaurant in Lee's Summit at the Summit Woods Shopping Center. I will be there all the time.
(5)
Tyra W.
Kansas City is the land of barbecue and sure, Jack Stack is a little fancier, but it does not disappoint! A hot and heavy love affair has started with their cheesy corn bake...and I don't think I'll ever have the heart to end it! If you're going with a few people, I recommend the Jack's Best with the option to round up. It comes with a variety of meat options and sides of fries, slaw, and beans. Personally I think beans are my #1 judgement ruling when it comes to a barbecue joint and it makes or breaks a place in my mind. These were spot on! If you haven't blown the seam of your jeans yet and still have room, there's no better conclusion than ending your feast with bread pudding. The icing was well balanced and not overly sweet. Besides the food though, I was beyond impressed by our server. He was so knowledgable about anything and everything asked from beer to paleo friendly options. (He recommended the burnt ends trimmed with spinach salad and red wine dressing on the side, no cheese or bacon.) The only downside is they don't accept reservations.
(4)
Cindy B.
I grew up in KC and now live in Texas. So, I know KC-BBQ and Texas BBQ. This used to be KC Masterpiece BBQ and I loved that, too. Let's see, I'm a brisket girl, so anytime I can get a good brisket sandwich and some rockin' baked beans and potato salad, I'm in. For the reviewer that said it was a chain-type bbq, well, it IS a chain, but if I'm correct, there are only several in the MO/KS area. I would suggest giving them another try. When I'm in KC, I stay near the Plaza so that I am within walking distance of Jack Stack BBQ That way, I can walk there, to work up an appetite, then walk back to work off what I ate!
(5)
Jamie F.
My favorite BBQ in KC! This place has been around forever. I miss KC BBQ so much living down in the land of nasty Texas BBQ! We got a combo plate so that we could have it all! Their meat is so well smoked/seasoned/full of flavor, that you don't even need to add sauce. The cheesy corn is like WOW! And they have good onion rings too. Their beans are incredible and were toddler approved :)
(5)
Matt A.
Great sit down barbecue restaurant. My family was there on a Friday and needed to accommodate kids and adults. It was packed and the front of house and bar staff were professional and helpful as we waited (about 40 minutes during dinner rush with no reservations). Our waiter was friendly and enthusiastic. I was thrilled with the "Kansas City" combo and selected pork ribs, burnt ends, and lamb ribs. The lamb ribs were a surprise and fantastic. We will return the next time we are in KC and highly recommend it to our friends. Try to make reservations, but worth the wait if you can't.
(4)
Sam A.
Came with friends and 2 of us shared a full slab of baby back ribs, $29 - OUTSTANDING! And I KNOW my BBQ. Full flavor, meaty, TENDER melt in your mouth ribs. A true delight in eating. Coke products which is always a plus for me. This plaza location is busy and parking a bit iffie but a bit of a wait you will find a spot. Service was good but not outstanding...a bit bitchy so maybe a bad table before or bad night? Every plate that went by I wanted to sample! Another of our party had Samoan sandwich and loved it. Fries, baked beans and coleslaw all good. Grab your napkins and PIG out!
(5)
Evan T.
Out of this world BBQ. Fast service, great value, amazing food. Lunch combo was one of the best I have ever eaten. Burnt ends and beef ribs. Do not miss this place when in KC.
(5)
Ll Y.
Great, as usual. Great staff, great food, sat outside on a beautiful early evening and had a wonderful time.
Jack Stack to me felt like a BBQ version of Cheesecake Factory or McCormick and Schmicks. This location is in Country Club Plaza, and has a great decor. Everything is modern and fairly classy. The bar has TVs everywhere, and appears to be a great place to watch a game. The BBQ itself is average, which was kind of a let down, since KC BBQ is supposed to be a big deal. I had the combo plate of brisket and ribs. The meats were solid, but nothing I couldn't get in Omaha. The beans were very good, and cheesy corn tasty. Service was fantastic, but waits here are pretty much a given. (Be prepared for a 25-30 minute wait for a table) They also have some amazing lunch specials from 11am-3pm everyday. This is not the most authentic BBQ, but it is located in a nice part of town that feels a bit safer. If you are looking for the real thing, and don't mind heading into a less gentrified area, hit Arthur Bryant's.
(3)
Brent B.
Happy hour-bound, I tried the 100% Ham burnt ends, side of crock baked beans and a HH martini. Bill, tax, tip & out with change from my $20. Choose beef, ham, sausage burnt ends, or have them mix them all for you. You can also choose from grilled wings, and other food items. Happy hour for meat-lovers runs till 6pm. For a special rib-treat, order the BBQ lamb ribs--you can order just one, or more. When I tried them they were a real bargain and taste-treat at $1.50 per lamb rib!!!
(4)
Amy R.
We went to Jack Stack last week on a whim and I'm so glad we did. I'm not a huge BBQ fan but can be talked into it. Our meal was fantastic. We narrowly avoided being behind a walk-in 40 top of athletic shorts wearing 15-17 year olds (maybe in town for some kind of tournament?) but once we were seated had great service and food. We sat outside and had the incredible onion rings to start...yum. I had The Big Pig, a sandwich featuring 3 types of pork (tenderloin, bacon and ham) and my husband had one of the ribs platters with lamb, beef and pork ribs. All were really well prepared and served. Our waiter was friendly and knowledgable. We couldn't have asked for a better experience...except for all of those athletic shorts.
(5)
Juli T.
My husband is a huge fan of barbecue and we were a little disappointed in the sliced meat plate. We sampled turkey, sliced sausage, and pork. The turkey was my favorite. The sides were great. We chose the beans and cheesy corn. We think that we may have just ordered the wrong meat. It was a very busy night but our service was still good. We ate in the bar to avoid the long wait.
(3)
Captain B.
I had been to the one down near the river and thought it was good. This experience was not so good. The place was packed as expected, but great for a Wednesday. Orders the prime rib and my co ordered the chicken. We waited quite a while for our meal and finally when the server came she informed us that THEY WERE OUT OF PRIME RIB AND CHICKEN!!!! I was surprised to find out it takes thirty minutes to figure out if you are capable of filling an order. Not good. So we ordered a substitute and left dissapointed.
(2)
Tony B.
Let's start off with the positives. The creamy cheese corn was fantastic. It really lives up to the expectations. I also really enjoyed the baked beans. They're sweet but with a lot of meat that gives it a smokey flavor. These two side dishes definitely deserve their own stars. The service was excellent, everybody very friendly, nice atmosphere, no complaints. So, one star for services well. I have heard so many great things about the burnt ends, I couldn't resist. I have to admit, I was actually greatly disappointed. Why yes it was brisket that was used, the wrong portion of the brisket was used. They used the flat! So, they were too dry and tough. Basically, over cooked. I have no idea about the other dishes, but since I'm visiting the area and don't live here, I'm going to try the other places in town.
(3)
Sandra E.
Love the atmosphere and location excellent baked beans and cole slaw, pleasant service, don't order the turkey it's just like processed lunch meat, I expected real turkey
(4)
Adebowale A.
This place was AMAZING! I had the opportunity to go during Restaurant Week 2015. I had the Beef Burnt Ends x Half Rack of Ribs x with a side of Fries. The meat was very saucy and very tasty. I stuffed myself to the limit, not due to hunger but due to the incredible service and the quality of the meat. The rush service wasn't a tradeoff for quality at all, as a result I enjoyed every minute. What separates this spot from most BBQ spots was the ambiance. Dimly light, and filled with laughter and good times....I recommend Jack Stacks-Plaza 100%.
(5)
Mark A.
Good BBQ... Great service.. Vegi kabob was cold and undercooked.. They took care of it right away and let the grill know as well.
(4)
M B.
Absolutely one of the best BBQ dinners I've ever had. We split the 4-meat platter, and with the three sides there was more than enough to eat. The ribs were succulent and smoky. The pork was incredibly moist. The ham was awesome. The brisket was flavorful, but a little on the dry side. Then there are the sides. The cole slaw was outstanding (the server actually brought us refills!). The pit beans were sweet and smoky. The cheesy potatoes had a subtle flavor to them that I enjoyed but couldn't pin down (rosemary maybe?) Anyway, the meal was a huge hit. THEN we took a piece of the carrot cake home....wow! Dense, moist, chock-full of pecans, with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting on top. I'm drooling as I type this! I will definitely have to make this a stop the next time I"m through KC.
(4)
Stephanie G.
Was in Kansas City for work and had to have some KC BBQ. This one fit the bill. I listened to other Yelp reviewers and had the lamb ribs, burnt ends, beans, and cheesy corn with a nice cold beer. Delicious! We sat on the patio and the weather was beautiful. My only criticism is that the server rushed us a bit, clearly wanting to turn over the table, and with such good food and weather, we were in no hurry.
(4)
Keely G.
Located in the trendy "Plaza" area of Kansas City, Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ was only a short walk from my hotel. Because there was a 45 minute wait at around 8pm on a Sunday night, I decided to place a take out order to consume in the privacy of my hotel room. Despite being busy, the guy who took my order over the phone couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. And darn him for up-selling the carrot cake (it was almost as if he knew my weakness for dessert) -- more on that later. After making the short trek, I walked in to the take out area (accessible by a separate door with a convenient waiting room). I overheard one of the guys raving about the beef spare ribs and when I asked about changing my order, he was so accomodating and did so happily. Back in my hotel room, I could not tear into the bag fast enough ... starving and drooling from the smell, I tore into a combo plate of the aforementioned spare ribs and their famous "burnt ends," which are chunks of meat (you chose from pork, brisket, ham, turkey or sausage) that are cooked well done as to give it a hard exterior. I had the pork and I'm sorry to say, I wasn't a fan... too dry. The spare ribs on the other hand, were delicious, albeit a little bit fatty, but that was to be expected. I had a side of the cheesy potato bake, which was sinfully good and a side of cole slaw which rounded out the meal nicely. "Mom's Carrot Cake" gets it's own paragraph. OH.MY.GOD. Served warm, this is literally the best carrot cake I've ever had. IN.MY.LIFE. Picture a huge, round carrot cake, super moist (yet the outside edge had that nicely baked outer crisp), nice and warm, perfect ratio of nuts-to-cake and a delicious cream cheese frosting. I ate half for dessert and devoured the other half in the AM (too good to go to waste). Thanks, Mom! I'll be back again the next time in K.C.
(4)
Aditi K.
they had a long wait, and I heard some of the servers laughing about the people waiting. setting that aside, I am displeased at where we were seated: outside, near a stinky stinky manhole. even when we politely asked the server acted as if we wanted an upgrade even though we waited for more than an hour. absolute appetite killer, the stench of sewage.
(2)
Scott R.
Excellent BBQ. Beef ribs were perfect. Wine list was adequate and side dish choices were full of comfort foods. Good atmosphere but a bit noisy. Overall a very good place to eat if you want BBQ.
(4)
Drew S.
This place is great! Came here on vacation for shopping around the plaza and saw this place. Me and my family decided to stop in and try the famous KC BBQ. This place lived up to the hype! I had the Roundup: Beef,pork,ham, and ribs...all this with 3 sides! Ribs and beef were amazingly tender as were the pork and ham, even though im not a fan of pork i loved all of the meats! I highly recommend the ribs and beans...both were incredible! *Smoky taste on the beans so be careful if u try those
(5)
Igor C.
Went just after 6 on a Friday evening and was able to get a table for three with no wait. It was busy and there were people waiting but for some reason we got right in. We had the smoked chicken wing starter and it was some of the best wings I've ever had. We had the combo platter and lamb ribs. The combo platter has three ribs, half a chicken, sausage and some burnt ends and comes with fries and coleslaw. I subbed the cheesy corn for the fries and slaw. The ribs were outstanding, just the right combination of tender and good chew. The burnt ends had nice flavor but were too dry, one was almost hard. Sausage was very good with nice smoke flavor. I ended up taking the chicken home with a couple of my sons lamb ribs and had them for lunch the next day. The lamb was good but the chicken was the star of the entire meal for me. Deep smoke flavor while still being moist.
(4)
Jess W.
I had lunch with a friend here today and thought it was a nice place. We both had the Crown Prime Ribs and burnt ends. I am a rather healthy person so I just didn't eat much because they are so fatty. I wasn't expecting that. The check was $80 including two glasses of wine and a tip. Would I go back? Not sure as nothing sticks out about this place except maybe the nice wait staff and the bronze bull out front which I thought was cool.
(4)
Michael J.
One of our favorite places for BBQ.....
(4)
Steve W.
I love good Q. This isn't. It's ok. There were 10 people in our party- no one finished all of their food- not because there was too much, but because it was fatty and tough. We had burnt ends, ribs, and chicken- no one was impressed, we didn't even ask to take the left overs. I had to cut the rib meat with a knife. If you want good KC style barbecue, look elsewhere. I know, they have lots of good reviews and like I said, it's ok.
(2)
Michelle L.
BBQ is one of those things that I love but haven't eaten enough of simply because I was raised to believe that there is such a thing as too much meat in one meal. As a complete BBQ noob I was really excited about eating some BBQ because let's face it. Good BBQ comes from the South and not Southern California. My friend had insisted on taking me and my boyfriend here and I loved how open the decor of the restaurant was. Instantly homey and comfortable. They have a pretty extensive menu and although my friend let us have control over what to order, the one thing she insisted on getting were the Fried Mushrooms appetizer. I had serious doubts because I'm not a HUGE fan of horseradish and how good can fried mushrooms really be? Let me tell you, they can be so darn good that you can make a meal out of them. They were huge, juicy, delicious and went along perfectly with the horseradish sauce. My boyfriend and I both agree that it was probably one of the best mushroom dishes we've ever had. For our entrees, we ordered The Sampler and and the Barbecue Baked Potato. My boyfriend had a choice of 2 sides and he chose the Creamy Coleslaw and Hickory Pit Beans. The Sampler came with BBQ Chicken, Pork Spare Ribs, Beef Burnt Ends and Polish Sausage. I tasted everything on the plate and I thought that the best were the Spare Ribs and Polish Sausage. However, my tastes might be biased since I tend to like sausages over most things. I thought the chicken while it had good flavor could have spent a little more time cooking. It was a little too rare and the Beef Burnt Ends were just too dry. My Baked Potato on the other hand was topped with Pulled Pork and was absolutely delicious. Quite possibly one of the best baked potatoes I've ever had. As for the sides, the coleslaw was good but nothing special, but the beans were fantastic. If you don't like BBQ, this place just might make you change your mind. Service is quick and it's a great environment to just eat some meat and chat. 4/5
(4)
Keith C.
Burnt ends were absolutely fantastic. I tried the beef ribs, pork ribs and the beef burnt ends. The burnt ends were probably the best that I have ever eaten. They completely melted in your mouth. The pork ribs were a little dry. They were not fall off the bone like at Oklahoma Joe's but they were still very good. I got the potato salad which was very good and the baked beans which had some shredded pork in it. The combination of the beans, shredded pork and sauce was simply fantastic. The restaurant itself is really nice. A lot better than Oklahoma Joe's. You can sit down and enjoy a good meal with your friends. Definitely worth coming back to for the burnt ends.
(4)
Kevin D.
Update: For carry-out, The Roundup (dinner for two) is excellent. Probably my favorite barbecue carry-out in town.
(4)
Amy D.
5 stars for their beef rib, 2-3 stars for their other BBQ. If you a beef rib lover, you MUST come to Fiorella's Jack Stack and give their Crown Prime Beef Rib a try- it is worth that extra $8! Overall, we would rank this #3 out of 4 based on the BBQ restaurants we tried in KC- #1 goes to Woodyard for best overall BBQ, #2 to Oklahoma Joe's, and #4 to Arthur Bryant's. However, I don't believe any of the others offer a beef rib option, so you have to go to Jack Stack for this. We came in for an early lunch around 11:15am on a Friday, and were seated right away without a reservation. It started getting busier and busier though, so if possible, make a reservation just in case. We ordered: -BBQ Combo Lunch w/Burnt Ends & Sliced Brisket (Served w/Cheesy Corn Bake & Creamy Coleslaw, $13.95, yelp.com/biz_photos/fior… ): The burnt ends were dry and disappointing, but at least the brisket was tender and pretty good. The cheesy corn bake also wasn't bad, but not so amazing I would go out of my way to order it again. Their cole slaw was good, but they dice their cabbage instead of shred it. -BBQ Combo Lunch w/Pork Spare Ribs & Crown Prime Beef Rib [add $8] (Served w/French Fries, $13.95, yelp.com/biz_photos/fior… ): AMAZING beef rib, which was fall off the bone tender, with the perfect amount of fatty to lean ratio. A must order!! Unfortunately, the pork rib was on the dry side. The fries were too thickly cut for my preference, but they tasted good with their house French fry seasoning. The toast was mediocre (it was much better at Oklahoma Joe's), and the pickles weren't anything special. -3 Different BBQ Sauces (From L to R: Original, Spicy, Hot, yelp.com/biz_photos/fior… ): I couldn't taste much of a difference between the Hot and Spicy sauces, except I think the Spicy seemed more vinegary. I only liked the original sauce, which was one of the better ones that we tried. -Mom's Carrot Cake ($7, yelp.com/biz_photos/fior… ): Yum!! The carrot cake was super moist (there was a lot of vegetable oil and/or butter used), and the frosting wasn't too sweet. Although it was difficult to eat after all the BBQ, I still managed to enjoy it and we finished the entire plate. Our server was super friendly and accommodating, and we got our food in 10-15 minutes after we ordered. Jack Stack is definitely the nicest out of the BBQ joints we dined at in Kansas City, and the place where they have a good amount of power lunches. The prices aren't much higher than the other places, so if you're into ambiance, this is the place to head to. Overall, this is a good place to check out KC BBQ. There was a good amount of free street parking right outside of the restaurant that was available, and I believe there are parking structures around this area as well.
(4)
Mike N.
Great baby backs, burnt ends, lamb ribs & baked beans. Great sauces. Hard to improve.
(5)
James H.
Excellent. We tried the baby backs, beef burnt ends and fire seared chicken wings. All were very very good. The wings were a little overseasoned in my opinion, but I prefer the simple smoky flavor. Will definitely stop here again when in KC. Gave 4 stars cuz they didn't include silverware or napkins for our carryout order. Carryout cashier also got huffy when I asked for 2 ice waters after she offered me bottle water.
(4)
Joseph P.
Being very close to Westport, of course you would know the infamous Jack Stack Barbeque. It was always packed and apparently there are some die-hard fans that pledged that they have the better BBQ in the region. Honestly, I was not as impressed by their BBQ as I was with their vegetable options. Don't get me wrong, the BBQ was definitely good, but it was not mind-blowing good. However, the complimentary grilled vegetables was definitely something to try! Not only were the vegetables sweet and fresh, it was grilled just the right amount so it also obtained enough of the grilled taste to enhance the vegetables' flavors. Another thing that blew my mind was their onion rings. Coming from the Chicago Suburb area, I had never seen such huge onion rings with actual onions in them! In addition to that, the sweetness of the onions within the onion rings were guaranteed! Definitely worth trying!
(3)
Vicky T.
busy busy busy on the Monday night my friends and I visited .I called the day before to make reservations but the lady at the other line said they were booked. "we accept walk-in's though!" i could not leave school until 5:30pm so i asked a friend to walk in and reserve a table for 6 to make it convenient for our on-duty nurse friend to comfortably make orders and maximize her time with our visiting friends from ohio. reception desk insisted the entire party arrive (i would arrive in10min). when i arrived i did not ask if we can have a table, i said we needed a table for 6 and one of the hosts found us a table. our waitress was training someone while serving us, and, remember, the place was busy busy busy. i say this to explain why it was difficult for us to get ahold of our waitress in between orders and meals. she also mistakenly served me the salmon dinner (whereas I asked her about either the salmon and salad or salmon sandwich menu item). to grab her attention I stood and waited awkwardly for 5+ min at the end of our booth. she saw me but did not acknowledge seeing me so brushed me aside to serve a different table. I understood she had priorities so I waited another 2minutes but then i saw she decided she was going to ignore me again and walk away had I not stepped in her path. I was already embarrassed but I told her the mistake of having served me the wrong order to which all she responded to me was a vexed raise of her brow and an "okay..?" to which I then I took the que and proceeded to ask, "so I guess I was wondering if you would be able to change my order? the dinner is not what I asked for and the price is more than I anticipated". "umm." - pause - "you can speak to my manager about it." she walks away. I didn't know if she meant to return or meant to shrug me off to speak with the manager. i returned to my seat and looked at my dish: I had taken two bites from the side dish but didn't want to continue.. I wish she knew I wasn't trying to rip them off like some may. the manager came by the booth to apologize for the mixup and changed my tab to reflect the price of the salmon sandwich. I was grateful but uncomfortable with my waitress for the rest of the my dinner. I was almost thankful, given the occurance, that we had so difficult a time getting her attention the majority of that night. no one wanted to pay us heed, we must've just been that troublesome (we really weren't though! they did themselves the favor of forgetting some items and checking up on us!). anyway, uncomfortable experience! good food. really good food. my friends ordered either the three-item kc combo dinner or the ultimate rib dinner to share amongst the five. I ordered (or meant to order) the salmon sandwich. I got a taste of both sandwich and the dinner (I mistaken as my sandwich option. my friends' favorite choice was the crown prime ribs. best they had.. they critiqued the meats' flavor and texture with animated description but it all went over my head. something about how perfect the meat was marbled, the tenderness, and the way the meat flakes or falls off the bones. I don't recall. I, too, enjoyed my dish. aside from the salmon steak I had a garden salad and broccoli side. in my confusion i asked another waitress why i was not given buns and the described items for my salmon sandwhich. she (though not so courteously) brought them out for me. I will say I make better salmon. it was a bit overcooked so the meat was tough. very heavy dinner -- i was able to finish only half the salmon steak. I was able to finish everything else though! my inability to complete, I wondered, could be attributed to the fact that I devoured a grapefruit, a candy bar, and some Costco dried figs right before dinner.. I was hungry! tip: 1. call more than 24hrs in advance for reservations. if you decide to talk in for dinner make sure you have your entire party present 2. combo platters feed many (group of 4 to 6) for cost and satisfaction effective experience. 3. crown prime rib 4. menu and pricing available online.
(4)
Jesse P.
Use to not like the place at all and couldn't understand what everyone loved so much. I use to get the brisket which is sub par. Then I tried their burnt ends, then their beef ribs, both are awesome. Crown beef rib is incredible. Beans are best in town.
(5)
Angela E.
Service was absolutely amazing, so fast and super friendly! My family got onion rings, burnt ends, ham, and ribs. I got a SthWst Salad no meat and coffee. All items were great, especially the coffee! Definitely a must visit when coming to Kansas City!
(5)
Nikki B.
Holy cow- this place is amazing. Highly recommend the burnt ends, cheesy corn, and the triple chocolate brownie. You'll leave absolutely full but it will be worth it!
(5)
EmaLes F.
The food in this place is delicious! We had the Kansas City Combo with 3 different meats ( baby back ribs, beef burnt ends and chicken) and we were satisfied. They were very tasty! And the cole slaw! Wow! The only reason we are not giving 5 stars is because the drinks were a little overpriced. Besides this, if you visit are in the area you must go to jack stack!
(4)
David T.
Good BBQ! We wanted to experience KC barbecue on our trip to the plaza and this didn't disappoint. I would recommend the burnt ends and the cheesy potato bake. Both were awesome. The fried mushroom appetizer was also good and the baby back ribs were decent. All in all we had a good experience here.
(4)
Emmit S.
The food is so good here! Anything is good. I try something new everytime and always happy. We like this location the best bc the decor is really cool. Service has been good too. The bartender(woman) during the day was great! Super nice and seemed to know lots of customers coming in.
(5)
Brian G.
Good bbq, more on the fancier side. I was looking for more of a low key place but I was in the plaza area so I figured why not. I got their burnt ends and a half rack of baby back ribs combo with fries. The meat was delicious but the fries are nothing to write home about. I think if they spruced up their sides a little (for this area and setting it shouldn't be an issue) I would go with 5 stars.
(4)
Ryan S.
Wow. Some of the best barbecue I have ever had. Visiting Kansas City from California, I had high expectations that the food would be good. I didn't expect such amazing flavors! The service was amazing and everyone at the bar was nice. We ordered The brisket, pulled pork, and rib meal and we got the sides of the scalloped potatoes, french fries, and the baked potatoes. It was fantastic. The sides were unbelievably good. For dessert we got the Bread Pudding and the carrot cake. Both were amazing but I could barley eat them. All in all, a must try while you are in Kansas City
(5)
Linda B.
The service was wonderful and best of all the food was amazing. One of the best barbecue places I have ever tried. My boyfriend and I ordered Jacks Best and it was plenty enough for the both of us to share. I'm glad we found another BBQ place we really enjoyed besides Joe's! Which both are comparable in my book! Love love love!
(5)
Shadi A.
It was amazing from beginning to end. The appetizers: fried mushrooms were really yummy. Awesome pork ribs, cream of corn and cole slaw! Great service too. We will be back!!!
(5)
Scott M.
Best ribs....worst service!
(1)
Moe T.
Oh yeah this is the real deal! We stopped off here on a road trip from Chicago to LA and went nuts! Prime crown beef ribs - Each one is a meal on a bone! Juicy and fall off the bone. I'm getting hungry just thinking about them Lamb ribs - smoking! I love lamb and this was some of the best I've ever had Burnt ends - delicious. Juicy, saucy and terrific. All of the sides were delicious too. Don't miss the carrot cake though! The best I've ever had without a doubt. We thought we didn't have any room left after dinner but we couldn't let one bite of this carrot cake go to waste with how good it was
(5)
James L.
My business travels rarely take me to exciting places, but I always try and seek out the culinary specialities in whatever town I happen to be in. If I'm in the West Coast, I'm all about Mexican food. Anywhere along the Northeast Corridor I'm eating Italian and Chinese cuisine, and in the Southeast I'm noshing on Cuban and fresh seafood. I happened to be in the mid-west and specificially in the mecca of BBQ, Kansas City, MO. I am not one of these "Evangelist" who ONLY eats BBQ from Texas, or North Carolina, or Memphis. I've sampled the smoked meats from all of these BBQ havens and enjoy them all. I refused to wait the 2-3 hours at the legendary Oklahoma Joe's, and didn't want to drive over to Arthur Bryant's, so took the advice of one of the locals and headed over to Fiorella's Jack Stack. I was told to have their burnt ends, and was happy with the suggestion. The ends of these briskets had an excellent char and were crisp with natural juices and spices. The dinosaur- sized beef ribs were also super meaty with an altogether different texture from the burnt ends. The meat from the ribs gently tore away, since unlike pork ribs the meat shouldn't really be "fall off the bone". Both cuts of meat had great smoky flavor, and the authentic sides of cole slaw and beans with bacon provided an excellent complement. If you don't want to endure the waits at some of Kansas City's other BBQ joints, come to Fiorella's Jack Stack - you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Vincent N.
Eh, ok ribs. Too dry. Also a bit more pricey than we have experienced at the other old time bbq joints. Bryant's was good. Best for us was KC BabyBack BBQ Ribs in Oak Grove.
(3)
Steven M.
This is quite commercialized compared to some KC staples. Nonetheless this is worth a visit. Ribs are what you should be interested in here!
(4)
Pete G.
Not bad, but they rely too much on sauce to mask marginal cuts of meat that are cooked too fast. If that's the kind of bbq you like, this is your place. The sides are fine and the atmosphere is ok. If you are hoping for something that tastes more like meat than sweet sauce, get the burnt ends with sauce on the side. Others I've been there with rave about the carrot cake. Other than the fact that it is huge, I didn't find it particularly special.
(3)
Nicole H.
Best BBQ! We could smell this place from everywhere on the plaza! If you are ever shopping downtown, seriously follow your nose! Great service and fantastic food. Their portions are large, and you'll have a to-go bag. It's conveniently located and they have a casual atmosphere. Delicious.
(4)
Wendy W.
I've been enjoying Jack Stack BBQ since its humble beginnings in Martin City, Mo. The attention to quality, flavor, service and atmosphere only gets richer! You can count on what you know as only true to Jack Stack BBQ. You can count on super attentive waiters. You can count on fare for all pallets, including vegetarians, fish-lovers and of course those who like to chow down on ribs, burnt ends and wings. I've ordered Jack Stack to be delivered to Texas for a show down. I've ordered massive pounds for my child's graduation in Omaha, and I've purchased it packaged at Costco. Same quality every time - and a hands down winner! Oh, and in case you didn't know it, you are missing the bloody mary of a lifetime if you don't try Jack's burnt-end stuffed olives in the bloody mary on an easy Sunday morning'. My only beef is, when will we get on in Omaha?
(5)
Leah W.
First things first: Lamb ribs and cheese corn = AMAZING! The ambiance of this place felt more high class, which fit with the Plaza area. The 3 of us all tried different items, but loved everything we ordered. We each tried a bit of everything (brisket, burnt ends, ribs, etc.) and were pleased with our meat choices. We tried both sauces offered, but neither was spicy. The sides were also great and well portioned with the meal. The loaded baked potato could have been its own meal. Not as "authentic" feeling as some other KC barbecue places, but delicious!!!
(4)
Mark G.
My 2nd favorite KC BBQ restaurant. Oklahoma Joes is #1. Burnt ends and ribs were excellent. Spicy BBQ sauce was awesome. Baked beans were pretty good but I've had better. They were a little too sweet. Honestly, they tasted better cold the next day. For some reason they forgot my coleslaw but I didn't even notice until I was nearly finished eating and didn't have room form it anyway.
(4)
Jemmie W.
Wow. Just wow. I lived in Texas for three years and one of the things I miss about Texas is the BBQ. This place addresses that issue. I had the full rack smoked beef ribs with three sides. They say it's enough for two people. I say they are right, and I eat like a killer whale. The full rack includes eight ribs. I ate six of them and could eat no more. I basically didn't touch the sides. The beef ribs are unbelievable and reminds me of the legendary BBQ in Texas. The meat is incredibly tender, flavorful, and not dry. I cannot recommend it enough.
(5)
Sophia L.
Been traveling for work through BBQ cities and loved jack stack's. The prime beef rib had the right amount of fat and flavor (beef rib, burnt ends, and baby back) was outstanding. If you're an onion ring lover, order a stack. Cornmeal in the batter made for a crunching coating with a perfect onion on the inside. Coleslaw was addicting -- I ate every bite. Too much food for one person so bring a friend.
(4)
Zach C.
Tried the combo with beef tips and lamb ribs. Ribs were slightly gamey in taste, and a little fatty but not bad for ribs. The tips were amazing! so were the beans as a side. Recommend tips and beans!
(4)
Philip L.
A very solid, cant-go-wrong franchise for hearty portions of bbq. The meat could have used a little more flavor (got burnt ends and roasted pork) but cant complain as everything is legit and done well. The sides were surprisingly tasty (cheddar potatoes were great).
(4)
Felicia S.
Great food, great service, with a much better environment than many other BBQ places I've tried since moving here. I had the special-a pulled chicken sandwich, and swapped out the fries for baked beans. Delicious. My friend got the burnt ends a a was less impressed with all the visible fat. Felt a little rushed to turn the table, but much better than the norm for KC BBQ. Server was a bit overwhelmed, but the place was completely full with a line for tables.
(5)
Nikki H.
Great location, great BBQ! We used to live in KC, but don't anymore, and there isn't much BBQ where we live now, so we're fans of pretty much any BBQ restaurant in KC, but we did really enjoy eating here. Food was great, service was great, and the portion sizes were large. We'll be back!
(4)
Noell C.
Started with the fire kissed wings. Seasoned perfectly with a little kick. Fall off the bone delicious. Next up I had the lamb ribs, simply amazing. Gotta get the cheesy corn. I tried the crown prime beef ribs and they are well worth the money spent.
(4)
The D.
Lamb ribs are awesome. Burnt ends were delicious. The sides (beans and cheesy corn) were amazing. The local Boulevard Brewing beer on draft is awesome. Lots of tourists here. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is I'm from Texas and that is were all bbq is done best.
(4)
Debra F.
We came here several years agao and the food was great so we had to go back We have the ribs with the cheesy corn and the beans. The lunch portion and cost is great as is the food. The ribs are meaty and tender with great flavor. The decor is beautiful and everything there is top notch.
(5)
Kip L.
Barbecued baked beans are amazingly good and smoky probably the best baked beans ever.
(5)
Kevin M.
I've grown up on some of the best southern barbeque in NC and Tennessee. This evening my taste buds were blown away by the most succulent, fall off the bone ribs I've ever eaten. My wife and I had to share this huge "Jack's Best" plate with their signature beans, coleslaw and corn. The patio was nicely laid out and Mathew was the most courteous and helpful waiter I've had in a long time.
(5)
Kristi D.
We checked out Jack Stack while in town, and I thought it was good, but I don't need to go back. The meat was fantastic. The cheesy corn everyone talks about? Picture corn kernels in a Velveeta soup. That's what it looks and tastes like - not at all what I, or my dining partners, imagined. And not worth the calories. The baked beans were terrific. The carrot cake - so, so. I've had better. A round chunk of moist cake, dripping with a cream cheese sauce and sprinkled with walnuts. It was fine but not impressive. The big issue was our waitress. I was shocked to get such rude service at a upper-end restaurant, much less a place known for its BBQ. The waitress was rude to members of our dining party, to the point of even arguing. It was nice, but next time I am in KC, I will check out other options. Maybe I'll go back someday.
(3)
Deborah G.
Ok, my family have been long time customers of Jack Stack ever since I was a kid.. While the food is always good, I have noticed over the years the meat has become fattier & the waitresses more bitter. IDK if it's because my palate has matured or that I notice the subtleties of poor service but the main reason I have not been back to this location for quite some time is due to the wait staff who can be quite rude at times. God forbid you ask for a refill of your drink before they offer it! I guess they figure they can get away with it because they always have a full house but to me, it's just not worth it.
(2)
Steven M.
I took at pic of my plate when it arrived and shot it out to a gal back in the Windy City. She immediately knew where I was and called me a Bitch! I had the Jack's Best so I could sample everything. The dinosaur bones that they brought out were pretty amazing! My favorite were the pork ribs. No fat and nice glaze over them. The burnt ends were explained to us as burnt on the outside only. Um, not really! Mine were little briquettes as well as others at the table. The baked was standard issue, but the baked beans got my attention. The onion ring tree was really good and not at all greasy. I was impressed with the servers ability to split the appetizer 7 ways on our checks. Nice atmosphere and great service.
(4)
Erin F.
No idea how the food tastes because we waited 15 minutes before we were even acknowledged by our waiter. This was after being ignored by 3 hostesses (who were doing nothing) when we entered the restaurant for around 5 minutes. Terrible service - we spent our money elsewhere.
(1)
Aubrey A.
Cannot be in KC without eating here. Normally love lamb and don't LOVE the lamb ribs, but everything else is UNREAL!!!!!!
(4)
Karen S.
Had high expectations and was disappointed. We shared a sliced meat platter and the meat looked terrible. Sliced turkey looked like it came out of a supermarket deli, sliced pork was an unappetizing shade of gray. Sauce was fine, but it was hard to enjoy after I had seen the meat I was eating. It was really bad Beans were good if you like wet, bbq-flavored beans. I felt like I was eating a cup of the sauce with a few beans, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Maybe the ribs and other dishes are a better bet here, but I don't think I'll be back given the other bbq places in KC.
(2)
Rasheda H.
Very upscale barbque place on the plaza. I definitley come here looking my best when I dine at jackstack. The barbque is good, but the ambiance makes this place what it really is. The potatoes are so yummy. The rib tips are amazing! The ribs are also amazing. This is the best place to come for a date!
(4)
Janelle M.
My husband and I were rolling through town on our way home from the Indianapolis 500. We happened to be here on Memorial Day, and our first choice BBQ place was closed. Man, am I glad it was - because this place was out of this world! We shared burnt ends (pork/beef only - YUM!). My husband ordered Blackened Prime Rib sandwich with fries (yum!) and their cheesy corn dish (that was weird, we didn't like it). I had their smoked prime rib with asparagus and a side salad. It was all amazing. I am definitely coming back the next time I am in the area. We even brought their catalog home, just in case! Highly recommend it - it was FABULOUS!
(5)
Brittany S.
My hubby and I first tried this place after the desk clerk at the hotel we were staying at recommended it to us. We were hooked after the first bite! I don't eat pork and am always disappointed when I go to barbeque joints and am told they don't serve beef ribs... only pork. So, I was thrilled to find out this place serves beef ribs! The beef ribs, beef brisket and lamb ribs are all delicious! All the sides I've tried are amazing, too! This place will leave you stuffed and wishing you could have eaten more! I can't wait to go back to KC so I can have some more delicious BBQ from Jack Stack!
(5)
Caroline K.
Kansas Citians will arm wrestle you over barbecue favoritism. Most KC joints are small, stand in line and order at a greasy cash register affairs that make even the most mellow folks agitated and impatient, but always worth the hassle. Jack Stack uses a classy dining room and stellar service (and of course, cocktails) to help you enjoy a real dining experience. Oh, and the food is outstanding as well. I'm a frequent patron of Jack Stack, but a recent trip changed my perception of beef forever. Have you ever experienced a perfectly executed meal that makes you question if food will ever be the same to you again? I had this kind of experience with the Crown Prime Beef Rib at Jack Stack. This is NOT Prime Rib (though they do have it and it is outstanding). This is a delicious on-the-rib-bone cut slow smoked to perfection to give this fatty cut a melty quality that can't be matched. Delicious, renders-on-the-tongue, smoky beef goodness. This cut was part of a special with burnt ends the night of my visit, so it was really the best of both worlds, but it is a permanent fixture on the menu. If you truly want to experience a whole new level of smoked meats, get the Crown Prime Beef Rib. But one experience and one dish does not make a 5-star review. As I said earlier, Jack Stack is one of our go-to stops. I've never ordered or tasted something I didn't love. The sides are amazing (cheesy corn bake, beans and their ever-changing vegetables are all spectacular). You can even get dessert, a rare find at a barbecue place. In short, Jack Stack combines great food and an actual restaurant environment for a unique and satisfying dining experience that is sure to impress out of town guests and long-time residents alike.
(5)
Gary K.
The last few times I have been to this reateraunt it has not been very good. I went last night and decided to try their ribeye. It was over cooked, dry and had no flavor. For a steak that cost over $35 I expect much more. The bbq that i had the two visits before was really dry. I dont think I will be going back anytime soon.
(2)
Derek L.
I'm a KC native my whole life and have had the pleasure of enjoying the World's best barbecue my entire life. In years past I have gone to Fiorella's Jack Stack barbecue and thought the food was good if not great. Recently I went into the Jack Stack on the Plaza and took a seat at the bar and had an entirely different experience. When I sat down the bartender came right over to me and took my beverage order and provided me a menu. I ordered a Boulevard Pale Ale and the beer was cold and refreshing. As I looked over the menu and decided between burnt ends or baby back ribs I eventually ordered the burnt ends (brisket and ham). While I waited for my food to be prepared I looked around the bar and noticed 3 HD Tv's that were showing the World Series. I noticed that the TV's were HD but the game was being displayed in standard def as shown in the letterbox on each side of the screen and the rather unclear picture. I was soon slid a dish of cole slaw that appeared to have been sitting for some time as evidenced by the top of the slaw being very dry and all the dressing sitting at the bottom of the bowl. I took a few bites and was not too impressed with its dry texture and mildly cool temperature. A few minutes later my food came on a large oval plate. The meat was stacked up on one side with a some jarred looking pickles that look like they could have came from a McDonalds cheeseburger. The cheesy corn bake I ordered was on the other side in a small bowl with a piece of toast finishing off the underwhelming presentation. I immediately dug into the cheesy corn which was delicious. Next I started on my burnt ends. They were pretty good despite some parts of the brisket being dried out and chewy. The toast it came with was very plain and unappetizing. I finished my meal and was still hungry so I ordered dessert. When the bread pudding I ordered came it was a HUGE portion and way too much for one person. The bartender had told me that it was hot but as I reached the center of one of the 3 large slices I noticed it was a microwaved product that was hot on the edge and still cool in the center. Overall, I have had better here and it seems that some corner cutting has taken place. The service was great but the bar which has immense potential was underwhleming and the presentation of the food left more to be desired.
(2)
Barb H.
Came for lunch. Server was knowledgeable and attentive, but perhaps too much so. Friend had trout and enjoyed. I had pulled pork and burnt ends sandwich. Quite tasty though bun was too big. Cole slaw tasty but not sure why it came out before our meal. Fries were excellent. Tasty BBQ but not the best I've ever had.
(3)
Robert M.
This is about as good as barbecue gets. The brisket is tender and juicy. Don't miss the prime beef rib (even if just the appetizer) and don't neglect the sides (the cheesy corn bake is oddly better than it sounds).
(5)
Joe D.
I had a combo platter with beef ribs, burnt ends, and spare ribs, and eveyrhing I had here was pretty good, but I definitely left feeling underwhelmed. The spare ribs were definitely lackluster, and the burnt ends were good but out of the 4 places I've eaten burnt ends in Kansas City, they were my least favorite. The beef ribs were the only thing in my meal that stood out. I wasn't a big fan of the setup either- to me BBQ and a white tablecloth environment just don't mix well.
(3)
Josh K.
I'm on a business trip and needed dinner so I searched here and found this great BBQ joint. I wasn't sure whether I wanted to dine in or order for take out but when I saw the special entrance and free parking for takeout customers, my mind was made! These are great conveniences for people on the run. I ordered the Southern Jack (being a Georgia boy and all) and some beans. The service was friendly as well as fast. The employee asked if I wanted anything to drink. This might seem like a small thing, but I'm a big customer service nut and I might have forgotten to order one (it's happened before). He also pointed out the silverware and condiments without me having to ask. The sandwich was good with plenty of meat, which was was very tender. They provided plenty of sauce on the side for slathering on the sandwich. Let me tell you, the beans were some of the best I've tasted. I say "some of the best" because I have to reserve "the best" for mom/granny of course. Overall a great experience and highly recommended!
(5)
ND U.
This is the place to go for barbecue! The prices are fair and the food is really good. A must try is the burnt ends and the carrot cake. I'm still dreaming of that darn cake. It's served warmed with cream cheese frosting melting and oozing goodness. The only reason why I did give five stars is because the wait staff never warned me on the portion size. These are very large portions and we had plenty of leftovers which I don't eat.
(4)
Rusty B.
This was my favorite place to eat while in Kansas City. The burnt ends were the highlight of a great meal. If you get a dessert try the carrot cake.
(5)
Amy B.
The fanciest barbeque joint I've ever been in, and the food was fantastic. As a table I think we ordered every meat they serve, plus vegetable skewers and mac and cheese. Everything was fantastic!
(5)
Glenn M.
brisket was fine but portions were puny given the price. smoked sausage was ok but slice really thin length wise. beans and cole slaw were fine.. there was nothing about this food that stood out as being impressive. way overprice for the portion size..
(3)
Brendan S.
This was my final stop on my Kansas City BBQ tour. I had the pork ribs and they were great. The side of beans was excellent and I really liked the sauce as well. I washed everything down with a Boulevard Pale Ale, a local brew. I gave this spot 4 stars - the food was great, the service was solid and everyone was prompt and nice. I'd definitely go back here, even though this is definitely a BBQ restaurant, not a dive. Does it really matter if the food is good?
(4)
Michael P.
The crown beef ribs were to die for. Ask for a side of the horseradish dip to use on them We will be back !!!!
(5)
Nick P.
The butt stack! People who eat here are tourists or have friends/family who are visiting kc. They have some kind of dumb catalog I keep getting in the mail too, I hate it...
(1)
Melisa V.
had friends in town for a long weekend who were devoted to eating as much barbeque as they possibly could... Jack Stack was next on their list, and since we were at the Nelson until they shoved us at the door at five, this location was ideal. (usually head out to Martin City) we headed over at 5:15 and I was amazed that we were seated right away. they were also very accommodating, bringing us a carrier sling and making sure that we were all comfortable with the seating arrangement. we all ordered the KC combo with different sides. (yes, you can choose anything - no need to just settle for the fries and slaw if that isn't what you're craving). I ordered the beef burnt ends and pork ribs with a veggie kabob (they are amazing if you haven't tried it yet), my husband ordered brisket and beef ribs with beans and cheesy corn. one of my friends also ordered the chicken and slaw instead of cheesy corn. I find it really hard to believe that even after growing up here, I never really tried burnt ends. what I've been missing all of these years! I will definitely be ordering them again (so much better than my husband's brisket). the ribs were good too, but I was so full of the rest of my meal, I left two to take home. my husband reminded me twice to grab my take away box, and only after we said goodbye to our friends and walked to our car did I realize it wasn't in my hands. I knew it was a long shot but I went back to the restaurant and found our server, Shawn. he told me that they already threw my to go box away but to wait and he was going to see if he could get me more. after waiting for a few minutes he returned with a box containing two ribs. that was totally unnecessary considering I was the one who left it and five minutes later realized it was missing. even though I still love the ambiance of Martin City much more, I would definitely come back to this location after our wonderful experience here.
(5)
Opinions Are My Own, G.
I am going to need to keep this short or I will fill the page. This place is very "clean" for a BBQ place. It has a chain-vibe about it. BUT.......it's hella good. So so good. Burnt ends. Baby back ribs. Lamb ribs. THE FREAKING BEANS OH MY GAWD. The cheesy corn. I hope I have some warning before I die so that I can get a big platter of my favorite things from here and die with a smile on my face. I don't live in KC (anymore) but visit a few times a year. I always come here. And it is like energy to my veins. Love. Happiness. Goodness. Warmness. Delishness. I'm going to rest now...
(5)
Jacqueline C.
I seriously always enjoy the BBQ here! I know it's not Arthur Bryant's or Gates and some might think Jack Stack is more like the fine dining of BBQ but I love it. The location in the Cross Roads Arts district is lovely and the service is always spot on. We started with the onion rings, battered daily in house and man these things are GOOD! Also decided to try the smoked salmon appetizer, wow if I ever go back (which I will) I might have this as my meal! it comes with these lovely little crostini, capers, red onions and a creamy sauce to compliment the lovely smoked salmon. Moving on.....my meal I opted for a salad knowing it was going to be a long day in KC. I added grilled chicken to the spinach salad and was in heaven as I ate and sipped Tank 7 from KC's favorite brewery Boulevard! My eating partner enjoyed lamb ribs smoked to perfection and served up hot with sauce on the side. In my previous visit I tried the smoked turkey, chicken and brisket. It was all so delicious it brought me back! Over, great time and can't wait to return, maybe I'll even sit outside!
(4)
Nick T.
Great place to bring out of towners for their first KC BBQ experience. Classy, but still true Kansas City BBQ. Love the cheesy corn and beans. Best sides in all of KC.
(5)
Tyler D.
If I could give it 3.5 I would. My burnt ends we're dryer than they should be and they cooked my gf's flattened chicken to quick and it was raw. The cheesy corn and beans were awesome! The carrot cake made the whole dinner. Hands down the best carrot cake I've ever had in my life. Overall a decent experience. They comped her chicken and the staff was informative and very nice. If I come back to KC I wouldn't mind trying it again.
(4)
Shawn H.
Great minds could sit and debate KC's best barbecue for eternity. Jack Stack has the "awards" and ratings to lay some claim to the title, but that's not what I'm here to discuss. Frankly, I've never met KC barbecue I couldn't eat. I'm here to own up to a delicious BBQ habit that has invaded my Sunday routine. I work near the Plaza on Sunday afternoons. I'm embarrassed to admit it took me a while to realize I could swing by Jack Stack on my way to work and get a sandwich and fries for about $8. Now I'm embarrassed to admit I want to do this every week. As it is, I usually talk myself out of it and pack a lunch, but this is my BBQ therapy. If I visit this location any other time, I have to eat outside due to the overwhelming sting of BBQ aroma. That's a nice way of saying it's kind of smoky in there. Maybe it depends on the time of day? Either way, the patio is nice and doesn't catch the sun during the dinner hour in the summer. To recap, I suggest calling ahead and ordering a sandwich for carry out. BBQ Therapy. I have the number programmed on my phone, and I reserve the right to use it whenever I see fit. :-)
(4)
HisHer R.
His: my favorite restaurant in the city. If you're here from out of town and want to have KCs best BBQ, you can't miss it. Other bbq places are fine for lunch - but this is dinner. Get the spare rib platter - it's ridiculous. Hers: ehh it's a lot of meat (I'm a vegetarian) I like the salmon salad, the interior is nice and staff is always exceptional. Not at the top of my list, but always a great place to take visitors.
(4)
Gabby A.
I ate at Fiorella's for the first time a couple of weekends ago, and it was a very great dining experience. We chose to sit on the heated patio, and it was gorgeous outside. They had the fire going and heaters around the tables, so it was the perfect temp. We looked over the menu (which is quite large) and finally decided on what to get. I ordered brisket and sausage and my boyfriend got pork and brisket. Our server seemed like he may have been new, and was friendly but extremely distracted. We got our food and the meats were amazing. My brisket was tender and juicy and the sausage had wonderful seasonings and flavors. I ordered coleslaw and cheesy corn as my side. The coleslaw was okay, nothing special, and the cheesy corn was pretty tasty. I do have to say, where's the cornbread?!?!?! I'm so used to having sinfully delicious and terrible for me cornbread on the side of every good BBQ meal, and there was none to be found at this BBQ place. My other complaint would be that we didn't receive any BBQ sauce on the side. There was a light drizzle on the meats, but I'm also used to getting extra BBQ sauce on the side. I think this may have been an error by our server, because we had a manager come up and say 'Oh, you don't have any extra BBQ sauce! I'm so sorry, would you like some?' At that point we'd eaten most of our meal, so we said no need. Overall, this was a great place for BBQ. I will definitely be back!
(4)
Ruthie H.
Great food! Great service! And wonderful atmosphere! Even sensitive to food allergies!
(5)
G. A.
Gosh. There's a great debate about the best BBQ in KC, and everyone I talk to mentioned Jack Stack. It feels sacrilegious to not like Jack's Stack, but I thought the beef burnt ends were a bit tougher in texture than I would have liked, and it was too oily. I wasn't a fan of the beans, which I thought were too sweet, and the cheesy corn wasn't for me either- it was almost like eating a cheddar/velveeta cheesy soup with bits of pork or bacon and corn. I dunno. So far, I'm on the Oklahoma Joe's bandwagon...
In KC for All Stars, really wanted BBQ. Asked a lot of locals where to go and this is one of the places recommended. Did not disappoint! Pork & Lamb ribs were amazing! Burnt ends to die for! I don't even know what adjective to use for the cheesy corn, but is was soooo good! Beans too! Would DEFINATELY go back. Kids loved it too! Thanks to all the locals for the recommendation!
(4)
Russ D.
Two words. Burnt Ends!
(4)
Sue D.
Come here if you're looking for fancy cattle...do NOT come here if you're hungry and looking for REAL bbq. The burnt ends were a joke. It barely had a crust on it and was extremely fatty. The baby back ribs were the only good thing I can suggest to order. If you want good bbq sauce, this place doesn't have it. Their flavor base is V8, which is ok, but that's all it tasted like. No spice, no kick...not bbq. Sides were nothing to write home about, bland cole slaw and freezer fries. Go to Oklahoma Joe's. They know bbq.
(2)
William P.
Great food, great ambiance. Try the beef ribs, which are quite difficult to prepare, but are done nicely here. Very positive dining experience. Highly recommended.
(5)
Katie S.
FRICKEN AMAZING CARROT CAKE. That is all!
(5)
Monica T.
Before I arrived in KC, no less than four friends insisted that I eat at Jack Stack during my visit. I chose this location because it was very close to the venue of a concert I was attending. Though I'm from Texas, I'm not usually overly enthusiastic about barbeque. However, this place really was amazing. I ordered the Kansas City Combo with pork ribs and brisket. The brisket was quite flavorful and so tender that I didn't need a knife to cut it. The ribs were the star, though. I think I might have shed a tear after that first bite. Talk about fall off the bone! I don't think I'll ever have ribs that good again...unless I come back here. The service was great and the atmosphere was a bit upscale without being unpretentious. You wouldn't think that would work for a barbeque place, but it certainly does here. So yes, folks. Everything you've heard is true. Highly recommended.
(5)
James G.
Great BBQ. Not your normal meat on butcher paper type restaurant. Place is more like a steak house than a BBQ joint. Try the burnt ends and the beef ribs.
(5)
Sasha R.
by far and away the star of the meal was the baked potato. and the coleslaw (which was the only vegetable we ate all weekend). the prime rib (app portion is plenty for 2 normal adults) was delectable. the 'burnt ends' and ribs were no great shakes. atmosphere is posh enough that you don't have to check your derriere for debris after getting up. and bathrooms are clean, which is key.
(4)
Mike B.
Traveling through KC and wanted to have some BBQ. I stopped here and had Jack's Plate, prime rib, tri-tip and Baby backs..! OMG Good! I had the spicy and sweet sauce on the side to try them both! Both Awesome! I live in Texas.. I was in Memphis last week... This is some of the tastiest BBQ I've had since I was at Paul L's house.!!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Garage, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Ray L.
I was hoping to go to a more local-feeling type of place for my first taste of KC BBQ, but this was close to my hotel and had good reviews. I don't regret it. I was first intimidated by what looked like a long wait, but I was able to go straight to the bar for my meal (and a beer). Having heard of KC's burnt ends, that's what I ordered. Half brisket and half sausage. It was yummy. I'm not educated enough on BBQ to talk about the complexity of the sauce, but it was sweet and yummy. They don't drench the meat in it either, which is fine, because the smokiness in the meat alone deserves some applause. The beans were on the sweeter side, which I like, and the creamy coleslaw was definitely creamy (haha, I'm not big on coleslaw). The beer I had was Boulevard's Short Stack - Nommo Dubbel. On the darker side, a little malty. Nice warm beer. Comparable to a Smithicks, I think. I'm a fan. (I later tried Boulevard's wheat beer at another place and found it way too light). Ambience was nice. It's a dressed up restaurant, yet marked casual by the TVs at the tables and, obviously, the casual cuisine. Everyone around me was from out of town, so not sure what the locals think of it. Found it perfectly enjoyable though.
(4)Susan D.
I *heart* Fiorella's! Last week, I went to this plaza location for the first time but, I've been a fan of the downtown location for many years. Also for the first time, I didn't order bbq (love the brisket sandwich) but rather, their grilled shrimp dish. It was well prepared and presented. I enjoyed my spinach salad, cheesy corn, coleslaw and the 1/2 order of fried mushrooms we ordered for an appetizer as well. Carrot cake was the finishing touch and it was a perfect end to a delicious meal. The only problem was that our server was a lil absent. Normally not a biggie but when you're in a nice restaurant like that, you expect a lil more. We waited quite a while after we'd finished eating and finally had to request her so we could order dessert. Maybe it was just an unusually busy night for her, or she wasn't feeling well. I'd recommend Fiorella's for a date, nice family night, business meal or whatever. I'm a fan! See ya there! :)
(4)Nate H.
So of course I went with the sampler, because who wouldn't? Great mix of all their precious babies: burnt ends, ribs, chicken, and sausage. This place was very cool, an urban feel with a backyard barbecue flavor. Would definitely recommend to anyone who's in Kansas City.
(4)Joyce C.
We wanted KC BBQ, but we're traveling cross country with two small dogs, which limits our choices in 94 degree heat. Picked Jack Stack for their patio dining, where they allowed us to have our dogs. They even brought them water. I had the a combo of lamb and pork ribs with the hot sauce. Meat was tender and flavorful, sauce spicy enough for a little kick without obliterating the taste of meats. We saved room for a shared piece of their pudding-like carrot cake; well worth the calories. Service was friendly and efficient. If we're ever back in KC we'll visit Jack Stack again.
(5)Stacie E.
Ask for the secret apatiser. 3 stuffed mushrooms 3 onion rings 11.95!!! Awesome
(5)Ashley N.
This food was RIDIC. That's all I can say.
(5)Erik S.
My family had a terrific meal here. We ended up having BBQ twice in a day: first Arthur Bryant's, then here. Jack Stack won our little contest in a blowout. We got some of the same items, including pork ribs, at both places, and the contrast was dramatic. Here, the meat was tender, the sides were excellent, the beer was good, and the service was quick and attentive. The menu and staff were both great for my nine-year-old, too. Outstanding all around.
(5)Ernie K.
The Best BBQ ever!!! This is second time coming to this restaurant (I have been to one in Overland Park) and by far, this is the best BBQ restaurant I have ever been to and who cares if you have to wait an hour. You think Texas has a great BBQ, you need to think again (I now live in Dallas and you can't compare Jack Stack BBQ to anything in Dallas). I would fly to Kansas City just to eat here. Maybe eat here and to meet gorgeous KC girls :D
(5)Heather W.
Had sampler chicken was amazing! Also had cheesy corn and beans very good! The smell when you first walk in is incredible!
(4)Amy C.
My husband picked this place out while we were shopping at Country Club Plaza. I'm glad he did the picking. This place was phenomenal! My husband ended up getting burnt ends and BBQ chicken. I got prime rib sandwich which was amazing! The au jus hit the spot! I also got a loaded baked potato. The atmosphere was good. But it just seemed like a normal restaurant. Nothing spectacular. When we do see a Jack Stack's BBQ place...we will definitely come again!
(5)Mary Z.
While visiting KC, my friend and I ate here both nights of our stay. It was the first night that convinced us to return: we are very tough critics of American food, but the food and service here would be difficult to improve. Both nights we came after 7 and had about a 20 minute wait. But it was graduation weekend, and the wait was shorter than the hostess told us it would be. And it's funny that both nights we ended up with the same waiter. Night 1, we both ordered the Jack Stack Combo with lamb ribs & burnt ends. I got broccoli for a side and she got beans, so we could taste each. For drinks, she had a Strawberry Shortcake cocktail and I the on-tap Boulevard Farmhouse Ale 7. Food arrived super fast, down to the extra side of spicy bbq sauce. Burnt ends were the big cubes of well-marbled, beefy goodness we expected, drizzled lightly with the same sauce. But those lamb ribs were a carnivore's ambrosia, possibly the most succulent lamb AND barbecue I have ever eaten...we were unable to refrain from making inappropriate noises while eating them. People stared and whispered about us. We didn't care. Try the lamb ribs and you will understand why. My broccoli was more tender than tender crisp, but bright green and dusted with parmesan...mmm. Her beans were tangy, piquant, and laced with some kind of pulled meat. As for the drinks, my ale tasted bright yet hearty. Her Strawberry Shortcake was waaaaaay too sweet for me but perfect for her. It was also alarmingly potent. We had to wait around a while for her to sober up sufficiently to make the hill climb back to our hotel. Jack Stack on Day 2 was equally exceptional. It strikes me that nothing arrived overly salted either day. That is so rare! As much as we try to be adventurous, we HAD to have those lamb ribs again. So we ordered the same combo but changed our veggies and our other meat: I tried the vegetable kabob and dark meat quarter chicken while she got the fire grilled veggies and white meat quarter chicken. Also, she opted for a mango martini while I stuck with water. This time, there seemed to be even more of the same scrumptious ribs. As for the chicken, all parts were juicy, fall-apart tender, smoky, and perfectly sauced. The vegetables were very similar, though the kabob included little corn cob wheels and the fire-grilled ones included sugar snap peas and that same parmesan. My friend savored her martini throughout the meal, having learned her lesson the hard way. It appeared even stronger than the Shortcake. Only two minor things didn't make sense: the toasted plain white bread accompanying our meals, and the white horseradish sauce that came with mine on day 2. They were unnecessary adornments.
(5)Brian M.
First visit and would definitely be back. Good atmosphere great service and good was very good. Baby back ribs perfectly tender and chicken had great flavor.
(4)Kyle F.
Ate here after taking a suggestion from a good friend who lived here. It was great advise. The food and service did not disappoint! They have a great selection of local brews and good wine list. I had the sampler so I could try a little of everything and all of it was good especially their beans, ribs, chicken and sausage. Make a reservation.
(4)Funda W.
Yummy!!! Tasty BBQ and cheesy corn!
(5)Tara F.
Ehhh... I don't really get what the fuss is about. My husband and I visited Jack Stack while on a cross country road trip... and after reading such great reviews on Yelp maybe I expected too much... it was pretty mediocre and our service wasn't great either. My husband and I drove to this cute Freight House Building and though WOW... this is a cute location and the inside proved to be just as high end BBQ place perfect in terms of decor and space layout. Exposed beams, impossibly high ceilings, cool art... it was rustic chic... and I like that. We cozied up to the bar, awaiting an open booth (we like to sit next to each other when we dine) and had a good chat with the bartender. He made wine recommendations and we took his advice... trying the Consentino Cigarzin Zinfandel... it was VERY GOOD and paired nicely with our BBQ (though the food was sort of a let down). About midway through our first glass of wine, our table was ready and we made our way to a nice booth that overlooked the entire restaurant... sort of a rounded bench type right in the corner... it was a great table and I like that! We started out with their Burnt Ends... Beef, Ham, or Pork that is seared until tender and cut into bite-size chunks for $7.95. They'd seem to get a lot of mention and they were pretty tasty. For the price, you get a decent size portion. Next we opted on splitting the Three Ribs on a Platter which includes Beef, Pork and Lamb Ribs as well as coleslaw and french fries for $19.95. They were all good, but nothing really exceptional. We were very curious to try the lamb ribs but the flavor (and we love lamb) was a little off. We finished off our meal with our favorite... creme brulee... but unbeknown to us, it was orange flavored and I am not a fan of flavored creme brulee. I wish it would have said this in their menu or that our server had made mention because I'd have tried something else. Finally we were ready to leave and our server was no where to be found. He wasn't really friendly, didn't ask us why we didn't eat the creme brulee, and was sort of curt. For a Zagat rated restaurant their food was not impressive and it's too bad because they have a lot going for them in terms of aesthetics and it's natural (well designed, actually) ambiance. I think I'll try Jack Stack's again and here's to hoping 'll have a better experience this time around.
(3)Stephanie B.
This restaurant came highly recommended by another fellow yelper. Therefore, I came here expecting high quality eats and service. I am sad to say, that I can't say that I came away from my dining experience with the "warm & fuzzies". Before I get into the negative, let's discuss the positive: 1.) When you walk in, the wonderful smells of BBQ makes your mouth water. 2.) The decor is pleasing to the eye. It's all leather and bovine figurines/carvings/sculptures. It screams: "Our cows are delicious!" Let's go over my list of grievances. 1.) When you walk in, the wonderful smells of BBQ makes your mouth water. I know what you're thinking: "Stephanie, didn't you list this as a positive aspect?" YES. I did. THAT was false advertising. I expected the quality of the plated product to meet my olfactory expectations. It did not. From all of the photos, reviews, and tips, I was hoping that I too, would have a raving review to share. News Flash: I DO NOT. I ordered the 2 meat lunch combo, which seemed safe enough. I got the beef burnt ends, and the sliced turkey. As a side option, I ordered 2 small sides: potato salad, and cole slaw. The cost of aforementioned combo was roughly $14.00. The cost isn't unreasonable, but the QUALITY of the product had me coming away thinking this was severely overpriced. The burnt ends weren't too bad, but they were bland, and there was a dollop of equally bland BBQ sauce that was plopped on (yeah, that word doesn't make it sound appetizing, and trust me, it wasn't). Let's talk about the other "meat" that was dropped on the other side of my plate and brought to my table in a poor excuse for something appetizing. 2.) The other meat selection: "turkey". I use this term loosely. VERY LOOSELY. The menu advertised the "turkey" as "smoked". Now, I am no connoisseur, but I have had my fair share of many a "smoked meat". Every time that I have ordered smoked turkey, it has come typically as "thick cuts", tender, more on the dry end of moist, but moist nonetheless. That being said, the "turkey" that was displayed on my plate was thinly cut, and was "sweaty" (in other words, it had the consistency of thin cuts of turkey that you could find at your grocery deli counter, that was probably nuked in the microwave to take the chill from the fridge out of it). If you want me to elaborate on what it tasted like, I am sad to say I cannot report that, as I didn't dare touch that "meat" to my lips. It didn't even look appetizing enough to put in a "doggy bag" to take home to my neighborhood pooch, if you get my drift. 3.) Let's talk sides. As you'll recall, I ordered the potato salad, as well as the coleslaw. Remember how I said my "turkey" was reminiscent of my lunch meat I've seen at the deli counter? Well, the potato salad AND the coleslaw must've come from the same grocery store that they bought the "turkey" from. Not good. I'm quite certain I've had better from my local Safeway/Giant. Bland, unappetizing, and had me regretting my order. I would've rather gone without either option, had I had the chance. 4.) The service. Let's talk about the service. I won't bash my server too much, as he seemed to be new, and had a case of the jitters. He started out attentive, but became less so as the meal went on. At one point, my meal came out missing the coleslaw. Ok, that's an easy mistake, but what made this so bad was that it took almost 25 mins (after this mistake was brought to the server's attention) to get a small little bowl of coleslaw brought out to me. Seriously? How long does it take to scoop some colse slaw into a bowl? In this case, TWENTY FIVE minutes. Unacceptable. They weren't that busy, and at no point during the meal did anyone (not the table runners nor the server) apologize for the mistake. I wasn't expecting groveling, but just having someone acknowledge the slip up would've been nice. The only time that the server apologized was when he handed me the check, which to me, seemed like a last ditch effort to prevent a lower tip percentage. (And for the record, I still tipped 20%, because I chalked this up to a rookie mistake.) Another problem I had with the service: I felt that the server kept rushing us. Keep in mind that with all the mistakes (missing side items, lack of drink refills, etc) this prolonged our dining experience. There were several times our server came to our table to "take some of the plates out of the way", when instead, he should've been concerned with tracking down my missing coleslaw, or bringing me a coke refill. He brought our check to the table while 2 out of 3 of us were still eating (and had well over 50% of our food on our plates). You would've thought that it was near closing time with the way he was trying with the way he was trying to rush us out of there. Never mind that we could've been done 25 mins earlier, had my coleslaw not been M.I.A...just saying.
(1)Brandon R.
Their cheesy corn and carrot cake are two of the best things I've ever experienced personally. Seriously that's really all I have to write about if you've experienced this personally. The only reason this review isn't going to be 5 stars is because the brisket I ordered was very high in fat content. The carrot cake is served warm and is a very large piece, the portion is plenty for 2 (stretch it to 3 easy). The cheesy corn is a side that could almost be converted to an entree. I wish I could convey all the points of the flavor. Smokey cheesy goodness with what I suspect may have been a hint of bacon. But overall everything I experienced there with a party of around 7 people total was delightful. Great service, and a guy with a handlebar mustache who was in his 20s. I'm Impressed and the food wasn't terribly priced either. So if you want to class it up without breaking the bank, I'd certainly recommend this place because of the atmosphere and this location had great service.
(4)Jessica E.
Not too shabby, Fiorella. Giving four stars to a BBQ place is a pretty big step for me considering I'm not a HUGE fan of BBQ (hold those gasps). Yes, I'm a KC native...but slabs of meat drenched in thick sauces isn't my first choice for a meal. Regardless, the food was ridiculously good here. My boyfriend's brother was in town and we decided to give him a small taste (ha) of the KC BBQ scene. We sat at the bar to keep tabs on March Madness and even for 9pm on St. Patrick's Night, it wasn't too busy. Sat right away and ordered the two meat option (sausage and ham), fries, cheesy baked potatoes and a light Irish beer (awesome, btw). The meat was cooked to perfection, and unlike some restaurants, did not lack flavor nor was it dry. Props! Tried the hot sauce, should've gone spicy...I thought there would be more of a kick to it. The bartenders were impressively attentive and the manager did a great job of making sure our orders were perfect. Ate a spoonful (maybe more) of K's cheesy corn bake and yup, it's as awesome as everyone says. Yes, I've been to Oklahoma Joe's, Arthur Bryant's and Gate's. All have their unique takes, but I must say that I appreciate the clean, dining experience of Jack Stack. More importantly, I was able to use the bathroom without pouring hand sanitizer down my appendages afterwards. I will definitely be back for seconds.
(4)Vince D.
Lamb ribs wow. Pork ribs, pretty good. Spices beans, yes mama. Jacks stack house is a solid BBQ experience, but is it a classic, not sure. The BBQ sauce was a big disappointment. The quality of the meat is close to a five star. The seasoning and sauces lack luster.
(3)Toni M.
We are in Kansas City suddenly and unexpectedly for the funeral of our beloved sister-in-law, Lois. Last night after we arrived and checked in to our hotel we went over to the house to see the family, Bob and their two daughters, Linda and Betsy. A friend of Linda's had brought BBQ from Jack Stack, brisket, turkey, coleslaw and potato salad and that, along w/ assorted vegetables and cut up oranges and tangerines, was our dinner. The brisket was smokey and fork tender. We didn't taste the turkey, but Linda said positive things about it. I liked both the coleslaw and potato salad, which had a little more mayo than would please Tam, but had good flavor. It won't displace Danny Edwards at the top of our BBQ pantheon but it was damn good and a fitting gastronomic welcome back to KC.
(4)Marc M.
This is the most recent location for a Kansas City and BBQ stable. This place seriously gets rated as THE top BBQ restaurant in all of the US. If you think that BBQ has to be a hole-in-wall, heart-attack-if-you-eat-it, middle-of-no-where place, after visiting here you will understand why it is so highly rated and yet in the middle of the upscale Country Club Plaza area of KC. We came for lunch and did not have to wait before noon on a Thursday, but as we left an hour later, there was a wait. This location is pretty big, but I can see how people would want to wait for the food. The bar area is big and well-stocked, so waiting may not be that hard... Our server was excellent. Again, this a BBQ restaurant. You don't expect to necessarily have attentive, knowledgeable, friendly service. She offered up the extra sauces when the food arrived, but we originally declined. After a few tastes, we were curious about the "spicy" and "hot" sauces. We asked for "spicy", which turned out to not be too hot/spicy, so we asked for the "hot", which had a pretty good zip to it. I had Baby Back Lunch [ribs], which were good. I went for the two most popular sides of beans and creamed-cheese-corn. I can see why they won awards for these. My coworker has turkey and pork platter with the beans a side of asparagus. The asparagus was the best thing we ate - not that anything was bad - but it was coated in olive oil and their special seasoning and then grilled over hickory. The flavor was incredible! I had been to another location, but this was the first time for my coworker - a native Texan BBQ eater. He was duly impressed and this meal made our day!
(5)Tony P.
Brisket, Prime Beef Ribs, Pork Ribs, Beans, Cheesy Corn Bake, Onion Rings, and Fried Mushrooms are the cream of the crop here. Sauce is great too. Burnt ends are hit and miss 50/50. Fries could be better. This location is nice, but I prefer the original location.
(4)Reed N.
Still great service here and attention to a lot of details. Excellent grilled Mahi Mahi was the fish of the day. And the spinach salad with roasted pecans and strawberries and feta is just awesome. Or did I mean the creme brulee. Oh... never mind! Good eats are here beyond the BBQ.
(4)Stefanie P.
I did my research on KC BBQ and had gotten lots of recommendations. Only a few had mentioned "Jack Stack" so we took the risk and did it. It was awesome. We got the sampler/combo dinner place with Pork Ribs, Beef Ribs, Burnt Ends, sliced meat and sides of onion rings, fries, cheesy corn bake. Everything was very good, my favorite was PORK RIBS. So sweet, so juicy, just typing this makes me want to go back. The Cheesy Corn Bake was probably the best side I've ever had ever. Skip the bread, skip any appetizers, you'll have plenty of food with your dinner. This location got very busy with families around lunch time, so go early or make reservations. Dark wood atmosphere. Cool place. Price was about $13 a platter, but lunch menu is a bit more affordable. No lunch on Sundays.
(4)The D.
Lamb ribs are awesome. Burnt ends were delicious. The sides (beans and cheesy corn) were amazing. The local Boulevard Brewing beer on draft is awesome. Lots of tourists here. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is I'm from Texas and that is were all bbq is done best.
(4)Debra F.
We came here several years agao and the food was great so we had to go back We have the ribs with the cheesy corn and the beans. The lunch portion and cost is great as is the food. The ribs are meaty and tender with great flavor. The decor is beautiful and everything there is top notch.
(5)Kip L.
Barbecued baked beans are amazingly good and smoky probably the best baked beans ever.
(5)Kevin M.
I've grown up on some of the best southern barbeque in NC and Tennessee. This evening my taste buds were blown away by the most succulent, fall off the bone ribs I've ever eaten. My wife and I had to share this huge "Jack's Best" plate with their signature beans, coleslaw and corn. The patio was nicely laid out and Mathew was the most courteous and helpful waiter I've had in a long time.
(5)Kristi D.
We checked out Jack Stack while in town, and I thought it was good, but I don't need to go back. The meat was fantastic. The cheesy corn everyone talks about? Picture corn kernels in a Velveeta soup. That's what it looks and tastes like - not at all what I, or my dining partners, imagined. And not worth the calories. The baked beans were terrific. The carrot cake - so, so. I've had better. A round chunk of moist cake, dripping with a cream cheese sauce and sprinkled with walnuts. It was fine but not impressive. The big issue was our waitress. I was shocked to get such rude service at a upper-end restaurant, much less a place known for its BBQ. The waitress was rude to members of our dining party, to the point of even arguing. It was nice, but next time I am in KC, I will check out other options. Maybe I'll go back someday.
(3)Deborah G.
Ok, my family have been long time customers of Jack Stack ever since I was a kid.. While the food is always good, I have noticed over the years the meat has become fattier & the waitresses more bitter. IDK if it's because my palate has matured or that I notice the subtleties of poor service but the main reason I have not been back to this location for quite some time is due to the wait staff who can be quite rude at times. God forbid you ask for a refill of your drink before they offer it! I guess they figure they can get away with it because they always have a full house but to me, it's just not worth it.
(2)Steven M.
I took at pic of my plate when it arrived and shot it out to a gal back in the Windy City. She immediately knew where I was and called me a Bitch! I had the Jack's Best so I could sample everything. The dinosaur bones that they brought out were pretty amazing! My favorite were the pork ribs. No fat and nice glaze over them. The burnt ends were explained to us as burnt on the outside only. Um, not really! Mine were little briquettes as well as others at the table. The baked was standard issue, but the baked beans got my attention. The onion ring tree was really good and not at all greasy. I was impressed with the servers ability to split the appetizer 7 ways on our checks. Nice atmosphere and great service.
(4)Erin F.
No idea how the food tastes because we waited 15 minutes before we were even acknowledged by our waiter. This was after being ignored by 3 hostesses (who were doing nothing) when we entered the restaurant for around 5 minutes. Terrible service - we spent our money elsewhere.
(1)Aubrey A.
Cannot be in KC without eating here. Normally love lamb and don't LOVE the lamb ribs, but everything else is UNREAL!!!!!!
(4)Karen S.
Had high expectations and was disappointed. We shared a sliced meat platter and the meat looked terrible. Sliced turkey looked like it came out of a supermarket deli, sliced pork was an unappetizing shade of gray. Sauce was fine, but it was hard to enjoy after I had seen the meat I was eating. It was really bad Beans were good if you like wet, bbq-flavored beans. I felt like I was eating a cup of the sauce with a few beans, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Maybe the ribs and other dishes are a better bet here, but I don't think I'll be back given the other bbq places in KC.
(2)Susan D.
If meat is murder than give me the death penalty! I'm guilty as charged! I was in the Kansas City/Lees Summit area for business and I made up my mind I wanted either steak or barbecue. I'd heard about how great either one was and I made up my mind I was gonna get me some. I also wanted an unpretentious place to eat at, so thank you Yelp. So since I had a rental car for the week, I made it all the way in from Lees Summit to eat here. Even if it meant going by myself. And baby, I wasn't disappointed. I went for hte 8oz filet mignon. Now I love a good steak, but there's no way I'd'a finished the 11oz-er. Their steaks are hickory grilled here and it shows. From the moment I bit into that succulent, well done hunk of beef I thought, "Man, this cow died and went to heaven." This was a steak to savor. My baked potato was so nice and soft, but not mushy. I don't know about you, but I like my baked potato with just a little bit of butter. Anything else kills the taste. And the spinach side salad was a great opener. Makes me glad my husband and I are doing an extended bike ride this weekend!
(5)Sandyann G.
Why is BBQ a must have when in KC? If you are tired of the ubiquitous smoked baby back ribs then come here and try the Angus Steaks, Seafood and Lamb. You can't get much further from ordinary BBQ than this. You should also check out the other items on the menu. Notably the Fried Mushrooms. They could make a slider out of these they are that big. But even better is the flavor and texture. Next up was the 'Loaded Baked Potato'. My friends will tell you this is my favorite food and Jack Stack does it right. The skin is lightly salted and the potato is filled with butter, sour cream, chives and bacon. Please hold the bacon. The only place that has ever done a potato better was the one pounders on the Cache Creek River Rafting trip.
(4)Sean S.
Great atmosphere, great service, great BBQ. I had the Sampler Platter - Burnt Tips were good not great more like a pot roast in texture. BBQ sauce was excellent and covered any flaws. Ribs were excellent. Would certainly recommend and eat at again!
(4)Maggie F.
Have you ever been to a zoo where the grounds are gorgeous,,, but no matter how long you've walked around you can't for the life of you see any animals??? I felt the same kind of disappointment here :( The location was perfect, the service great, everything on the menu looked inviting! Unfortunately the BBQ was just not good. The chicken was cold, the burnt ends where fatty, 1/2 the ribs had almost no meat on them. I do have to give kudos for the stuffed mushrooms. I'm not a mushroom fan, but these where yummy!
(2)Brittany S.
My hubby and I first tried this place after the desk clerk at the hotel we were staying at recommended it to us. We were hooked after the first bite! I don't eat pork and am always disappointed when I go to barbeque joints and am told they don't serve beef ribs... only pork. So, I was thrilled to find out this place serves beef ribs! The beef ribs, beef brisket and lamb ribs are all delicious! All the sides I've tried are amazing, too! This place will leave you stuffed and wishing you could have eaten more! I can't wait to go back to KC so I can have some more delicious BBQ from Jack Stack!
(5)Eve C.
During a weekend in KC for a friend's wedding, I wanted to eat as much BBQ as I possibly could during my brief jaunt back to the midwest. Jack Stack on the Plaza was the culmination of my quest, and it was awesome. Some friends and I headed over for a relatively early Sunday night dinner. There were quite a few people there, so we had to wait a bit for a table. No worries, as we had a round of drinks at the bar. I opted for a Boulevard Smokehouse Series beer - the Saison. Little did I know the brewer of my all-time fave wheat beer had a series of limited quantity brews. It was very tasty, but only came by the 750ml bottle. On to the food. We ordered a stack of onion rings for a starter - they were huge!! I opted for the combo with brisket burnt ends and pork ribs, which came with 2 sides (I went with fries & coleslaw). Huge portions. I thought the burnt ends were a wee bit dry, but still tasty. The ribs were juicy, meaty, and pulled right away from the bone. One of my friends opted for the beef ribs, and they were HUGE. I'm talking Flintstones intro, brontosaurus bones huge. Which is why there were only 4 to an order. Four ribs, you say? Well, my friend only managed to eat 2, so it was all gravy. She got beans and the cheesy potato bake as sides. Both yummy. Friend #2 got the burnt ends combo with pork and brisket. He said the pork burnt ends was much juicer than the brisket. For sides, he opted for the cheesy corn bake, which was probably the best side of the night. Next time, screw the apps, I'm going for the ribs and the cheesy corn. It was Friend #1's birthday, so even though we were stuffed, we indulged in a molten chocolate-lava cake type dessert. A la mode, of course. Very rich, very gooey, very yummy. Overall, Jack Stack was a win. Classier than some of the more well-known BBQ joints around town (and you pay for that class), but it is on the Plaza, after all. I know I'll be back.
(4)Louise H.
I have been to Jack Stack more times than I can count and have had great experiences every single time. The service is always up to par along with the wide variety of food. I would definitely have to recommend the pulled pork and vege kabob. WOW delicious. ooooohhhh and the beans and cheesy corn - ok... everything is good. definitely get a bunch and share with friends so you can experience everything! yum.
(5)David A.
I agree with Max's review. I don't understand why others are rating it so highly. The only thing I can figure is that they don't like the grease pits that most GOOD bbq joints are. They bring you here for corporate lunches and meetings or "fine" dining. Don't get me wrong, the place is OK. I've just had better. MUCH better. Maybe even in Massachussets (sticks finger down throat). What I remember was: Everything was dairy heavy (even raved about the creamed spinach and creamy slaw). Of course, I couldn't try it, so I probably missed out. All the orders were quite plentiful with huge servings. However, the food was just OK. It reminded me of Brazilian all you can eat places where it's just meat after meat after meat and it's too much meat that isn't smoked or marinated well. This is a good size restaurant with quite a few people. No parking on site. You'll have to find street parking, garage, etc. It's right in the Plaza, so if you're staying at the Intercontinental as I was, it's quite convenient. I can't tell you how many people rave about this place and look at me crazy when I tell them it's overrated by a LOT. Those same people thik KC is dangerous and want to avoid the Arthur Bryants, Oklahoma Joes, Gates, and Rosedales. Their happy hour is decent. I polished off a few drinks while waiting for some of my peeps to show up. The staff was very nice, too.
(2)Ryan D.
There is a reason this is known for being the best barbeque in the country - it is. And, it is well worth the wait. Last night at 530, there was a two and a half hour waiting list. We got there a little earlier and waited only 45 minutes. Well worth it! Give the "Jacks Best" a try. It includes generous portions of burnt ends, baby back ribs and the best crown prime rib you have ever had. The desserts were large. We had the carrot cake which was very well done. The only thing keeping this from five stars was the service. I suppose when your the best, it is easy to take good service for granted. However, our waitress was rude, even arguing with one of the people in our party. She also completely forgot to bring one drink, but didn't forget to charge us for it. This may be an isolated incident, but when you're the best, everything should be the best.
(4)Annie K.
If you are visiting and you only have one day I highly recommend this place. Burnt ends are amazing, local beer is great and the staff is extremely nice!
(4)Rebecca W.
First time having KC BBQ and being a southern girl, I wasn't too impressed. The sliced pork was tender and juicy and the beans were out of this world, just not my idea of BBQ, pulled pork wasn't even on the menu. Service was good though.
(3)Caroline K.
Kansas Citians will arm wrestle you over barbecue favoritism. Most KC joints are small, stand in line and order at a greasy cash register affairs that make even the most mellow folks agitated and impatient, but always worth the hassle. Jack Stack uses a classy dining room and stellar service (and of course, cocktails) to help you enjoy a real dining experience. Oh, and the food is outstanding as well. I'm a frequent patron of Jack Stack, but a recent trip changed my perception of beef forever. Have you ever experienced a perfectly executed meal that makes you question if food will ever be the same to you again? I had this kind of experience with the Crown Prime Beef Rib at Jack Stack. This is NOT Prime Rib (though they do have it and it is outstanding). This is a delicious on-the-rib-bone cut slow smoked to perfection to give this fatty cut a melty quality that can't be matched. Delicious, renders-on-the-tongue, smoky beef goodness. This cut was part of a special with burnt ends the night of my visit, so it was really the best of both worlds, but it is a permanent fixture on the menu. If you truly want to experience a whole new level of smoked meats, get the Crown Prime Beef Rib. But one experience and one dish does not make a 5-star review. As I said earlier, Jack Stack is one of our go-to stops. I've never ordered or tasted something I didn't love. The sides are amazing (cheesy corn bake, beans and their ever-changing vegetables are all spectacular). You can even get dessert, a rare find at a barbecue place. In short, Jack Stack combines great food and an actual restaurant environment for a unique and satisfying dining experience that is sure to impress out of town guests and long-time residents alike.
(5)Gary K.
The last few times I have been to this reateraunt it has not been very good. I went last night and decided to try their ribeye. It was over cooked, dry and had no flavor. For a steak that cost over $35 I expect much more. The bbq that i had the two visits before was really dry. I dont think I will be going back anytime soon.
(2)Rasheda H.
Very upscale barbque place on the plaza. I definitley come here looking my best when I dine at jackstack. The barbque is good, but the ambiance makes this place what it really is. The potatoes are so yummy. The rib tips are amazing! The ribs are also amazing. This is the best place to come for a date!
(4)Janelle M.
My husband and I were rolling through town on our way home from the Indianapolis 500. We happened to be here on Memorial Day, and our first choice BBQ place was closed. Man, am I glad it was - because this place was out of this world! We shared burnt ends (pork/beef only - YUM!). My husband ordered Blackened Prime Rib sandwich with fries (yum!) and their cheesy corn dish (that was weird, we didn't like it). I had their smoked prime rib with asparagus and a side salad. It was all amazing. I am definitely coming back the next time I am in the area. We even brought their catalog home, just in case! Highly recommend it - it was FABULOUS!
(5)Stephen T.
Fantastic experience! Highly recommended!!
(5)Derek L.
I'm a KC native my whole life and have had the pleasure of enjoying the World's best barbecue my entire life. In years past I have gone to Fiorella's Jack Stack barbecue and thought the food was good if not great. Recently I went into the Jack Stack on the Plaza and took a seat at the bar and had an entirely different experience. When I sat down the bartender came right over to me and took my beverage order and provided me a menu. I ordered a Boulevard Pale Ale and the beer was cold and refreshing. As I looked over the menu and decided between burnt ends or baby back ribs I eventually ordered the burnt ends (brisket and ham). While I waited for my food to be prepared I looked around the bar and noticed 3 HD Tv's that were showing the World Series. I noticed that the TV's were HD but the game was being displayed in standard def as shown in the letterbox on each side of the screen and the rather unclear picture. I was soon slid a dish of cole slaw that appeared to have been sitting for some time as evidenced by the top of the slaw being very dry and all the dressing sitting at the bottom of the bowl. I took a few bites and was not too impressed with its dry texture and mildly cool temperature. A few minutes later my food came on a large oval plate. The meat was stacked up on one side with a some jarred looking pickles that look like they could have came from a McDonalds cheeseburger. The cheesy corn bake I ordered was on the other side in a small bowl with a piece of toast finishing off the underwhelming presentation. I immediately dug into the cheesy corn which was delicious. Next I started on my burnt ends. They were pretty good despite some parts of the brisket being dried out and chewy. The toast it came with was very plain and unappetizing. I finished my meal and was still hungry so I ordered dessert. When the bread pudding I ordered came it was a HUGE portion and way too much for one person. The bartender had told me that it was hot but as I reached the center of one of the 3 large slices I noticed it was a microwaved product that was hot on the edge and still cool in the center. Overall, I have had better here and it seems that some corner cutting has taken place. The service was great but the bar which has immense potential was underwhleming and the presentation of the food left more to be desired.
(2)Barb H.
Came for lunch. Server was knowledgeable and attentive, but perhaps too much so. Friend had trout and enjoyed. I had pulled pork and burnt ends sandwich. Quite tasty though bun was too big. Cole slaw tasty but not sure why it came out before our meal. Fries were excellent. Tasty BBQ but not the best I've ever had.
(3)Robert M.
This is about as good as barbecue gets. The brisket is tender and juicy. Don't miss the prime beef rib (even if just the appetizer) and don't neglect the sides (the cheesy corn bake is oddly better than it sounds).
(5)Joe D.
I had a combo platter with beef ribs, burnt ends, and spare ribs, and eveyrhing I had here was pretty good, but I definitely left feeling underwhelmed. The spare ribs were definitely lackluster, and the burnt ends were good but out of the 4 places I've eaten burnt ends in Kansas City, they were my least favorite. The beef ribs were the only thing in my meal that stood out. I wasn't a big fan of the setup either- to me BBQ and a white tablecloth environment just don't mix well.
(3)Josh K.
I'm on a business trip and needed dinner so I searched here and found this great BBQ joint. I wasn't sure whether I wanted to dine in or order for take out but when I saw the special entrance and free parking for takeout customers, my mind was made! These are great conveniences for people on the run. I ordered the Southern Jack (being a Georgia boy and all) and some beans. The service was friendly as well as fast. The employee asked if I wanted anything to drink. This might seem like a small thing, but I'm a big customer service nut and I might have forgotten to order one (it's happened before). He also pointed out the silverware and condiments without me having to ask. The sandwich was good with plenty of meat, which was was very tender. They provided plenty of sauce on the side for slathering on the sandwich. Let me tell you, the beans were some of the best I've tasted. I say "some of the best" because I have to reserve "the best" for mom/granny of course. Overall a great experience and highly recommended!
(5)ND U.
This is the place to go for barbecue! The prices are fair and the food is really good. A must try is the burnt ends and the carrot cake. I'm still dreaming of that darn cake. It's served warmed with cream cheese frosting melting and oozing goodness. The only reason why I did give five stars is because the wait staff never warned me on the portion size. These are very large portions and we had plenty of leftovers which I don't eat.
(4)Rusty B.
This was my favorite place to eat while in Kansas City. The burnt ends were the highlight of a great meal. If you get a dessert try the carrot cake.
(5)Amy B.
The fanciest barbeque joint I've ever been in, and the food was fantastic. As a table I think we ordered every meat they serve, plus vegetable skewers and mac and cheese. Everything was fantastic!
(5)Glenn M.
brisket was fine but portions were puny given the price. smoked sausage was ok but slice really thin length wise. beans and cole slaw were fine.. there was nothing about this food that stood out as being impressive. way overprice for the portion size..
(3)Brendan S.
This was my final stop on my Kansas City BBQ tour. I had the pork ribs and they were great. The side of beans was excellent and I really liked the sauce as well. I washed everything down with a Boulevard Pale Ale, a local brew. I gave this spot 4 stars - the food was great, the service was solid and everyone was prompt and nice. I'd definitely go back here, even though this is definitely a BBQ restaurant, not a dive. Does it really matter if the food is good?
(4)Michael P.
The crown beef ribs were to die for. Ask for a side of the horseradish dip to use on them We will be back !!!!
(5)Nick P.
The butt stack! People who eat here are tourists or have friends/family who are visiting kc. They have some kind of dumb catalog I keep getting in the mail too, I hate it...
(1)Melisa V.
had friends in town for a long weekend who were devoted to eating as much barbeque as they possibly could... Jack Stack was next on their list, and since we were at the Nelson until they shoved us at the door at five, this location was ideal. (usually head out to Martin City) we headed over at 5:15 and I was amazed that we were seated right away. they were also very accommodating, bringing us a carrier sling and making sure that we were all comfortable with the seating arrangement. we all ordered the KC combo with different sides. (yes, you can choose anything - no need to just settle for the fries and slaw if that isn't what you're craving). I ordered the beef burnt ends and pork ribs with a veggie kabob (they are amazing if you haven't tried it yet), my husband ordered brisket and beef ribs with beans and cheesy corn. one of my friends also ordered the chicken and slaw instead of cheesy corn. I find it really hard to believe that even after growing up here, I never really tried burnt ends. what I've been missing all of these years! I will definitely be ordering them again (so much better than my husband's brisket). the ribs were good too, but I was so full of the rest of my meal, I left two to take home. my husband reminded me twice to grab my take away box, and only after we said goodbye to our friends and walked to our car did I realize it wasn't in my hands. I knew it was a long shot but I went back to the restaurant and found our server, Shawn. he told me that they already threw my to go box away but to wait and he was going to see if he could get me more. after waiting for a few minutes he returned with a box containing two ribs. that was totally unnecessary considering I was the one who left it and five minutes later realized it was missing. even though I still love the ambiance of Martin City much more, I would definitely come back to this location after our wonderful experience here.
(5)Opinions Are My Own, G.
I am going to need to keep this short or I will fill the page. This place is very "clean" for a BBQ place. It has a chain-vibe about it. BUT.......it's hella good. So so good. Burnt ends. Baby back ribs. Lamb ribs. THE FREAKING BEANS OH MY GAWD. The cheesy corn. I hope I have some warning before I die so that I can get a big platter of my favorite things from here and die with a smile on my face. I don't live in KC (anymore) but visit a few times a year. I always come here. And it is like energy to my veins. Love. Happiness. Goodness. Warmness. Delishness. I'm going to rest now...
(5)Kelsey C.
Jack Stack is regularly named the best BBQ is the country, let alone Kansas City. But sometimes I think that their awards and such have gone to their heads. The restaurant is overly fancy for a bbq joint- I felt like a big pig trying to eat my brisket sandwich, dripping sauce everywhere, while fancy music played in the background and as we sat in plush booths in the front alley (restaurant speak) of the dining room. My boyfriend and I like to go all out when we go out to eat, so our ticket was about $40. He got a sampler plate and I got brisket (like I said). He was fanatical about the corn bake, and I agree, it was really good, but I'm not a *huge* fan of creamed corn dishes. Just too...filling for me I guess. Besides, my belly was already full of MEAT! We went during lunch and it was packed with ties and suits on their lunch hour. Even though it was really busy, we got in right away and our server was attentive throughout the entire meal. The other servers and bussers also did a good job of clearing away empty plates that we were no longer using since we had ordered so much food-- I really appreciated it that, since you need room to eat BBQ! :) Anyway, Jack Stack IS the reigning champ of BBQ, like I said earlier, and I'm not going to be the one to contest it. Nice decor, good service, good FOOD-- that's pretty much all I can ask for in a restaurant.
(4)Michelle H.
The baby back pork ribs were pretty dry , a bummer because I was looking for great KC BBQ. The only reason I even gave them a 2 was because the bartender made a great Manhattan. I would go back for drinks but not food.
(2)Daddy F.
Second time to KC in a few years...went back to Jack Stack BBQ. To be honest I didn't really remember what the food was like the first time. 2nd time around was okay...nothing too spectacular. Couple of local folks raved about it so we decided to go check it out. The portions are ridiculously big...the food was fair in flavor. I've had much better BBQ in Texas. I would go back if it were a group event but wouldn't be my first choice if you are visiting KC.
(3)Heather H.
BUYER BEWARE! the rating is a two sided coin. Shiny side: good service which had to be takeout because it would have been a 2 an a half hour wait. To go orders are exceptionally well organized.I was so excited to see lamb ribs and vegetable kabobs DARK SIDE: Why does such beautiful and EXPENSIVE food place have to be drowned in MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), even the vegetable kabobs. I am allergic to MSG and I watch and ask for it, to avoid it in my food. I am 43 years old and never have I run into that junky/cheap/Cheat ingredient in a high end restaurant! I would frequent this restaurant if they didn't use MSG. NO persons nervous system needs MSG, not just those sensitive to it.
(2)P. Tinsley H.
If you want great BBQ go to Jack Stack's! It was a little loud, our group of 5 got put next to 2 groups of 8, but after eating here I would definitely go back. Burnt ends (the brisket was AWESOME), Baked Beans, and the Cheesy Corn. Now I never got to eat any of the Cheesy Corn but considering my wife eat almost 3 bowls of it I would have to assume it was really good.
(5)Gary R.
The burnt ends here are amazing! The only thing that has ever been as moist and tender that I have ever tried would be Kobe steak in Japan. The sauces are great, but the real flavors are imparted in the different meats from the KC style smoking that occurs well before most are thinking about breakfast, let alone dinner. The BBQ baked beans are sinfully good. Best baked beans I can remember ever having. The Jack Stack rub is also pretty good. Of the KC BBQ places I have been too, this tops the list and also has the higher end ambience. It is a must have every time I travel to KC.
(5)Adam M.
We go here with our 2 young children, 5 and 1, once a month or so. The service is always great and the food has never disappointed. I usually get the hatfield sandwitch but mix up the meat every visit. I like what I like. My wife gets either the ribs or pulled pork baked potato. Great Bloody marys, the grilled shrimp app is very good as well. Easily the best beans in town, they put freaking burt ends in them
(5)Patrick F.
The smokey smell when you enter the joint is pretty intense. When we got to our hotel room, it was apparent it stayed with us. I suppose that's going to be the normal with bbq. I tried the pork ribs and the burnt ends on our waiters recommendation. I liked both, though the pork ribs were the clear winner. The baked beans were fantastic - after tasting them, I quickly polished off the whole bowl before returning to my meat plate. The cheesy corn bake was guaranteed to cause instant cardiac arrest. We managed to put down a couple of bites, but quickly abandoned it. The runaway favorite of our night was a southwestern chicken and bean soup. It was perfectly seasoned and topped with just the right amount of cheese. It's obviously strange to recommend a chicken soup at a barbeque place, but if it's on the menu when you're there - don't miss it!!!!
(4)Max H.
I don't understand the allure of this place. It's bbq for those who don't want to get "dirty" going into your normal joints, I guess. The food is OK. Nothing is terrible, but what I've had doesn't stand out. The burnt end sandwich (Poor Russ) doesn't really taste "burnt" at all. It's chopped up brisket. The beans are good, but a little sweet for my tastes. You'll get better bbq and a better experience at many other places in town.
(2)Brandon T.
I've ate at Jack Stack's a couple of times now. I took my girlfriend last night and it was excellent. We shared the Roundup meal. It was way more than enough food for the two of us and it was all delicious. The place also does a great job of customizing orders for you. We were able to switch out the ham for Burnt Ends and the coleslaw for cheesy baked potato. Very good service. I'll certainly come back when back in the KC area.
(5)Amy S.
This place is not for vegetarians!!! Since we were in the KC area, we decided to "when in Rome" with the BBQ. We were able to be seated right away, despite how busy the entire restaurant was. As I was passing by tables, the plates of food were enormous! We had a hankering for ribs and BBQ chicken. Well, we started with Burnt Ends, (that the waiter recommended) which were basically pieces of rib that had either fallen off the bone or pulled off. Either way, if that was what was to come, well, we didn't need any further prompting at ordering. We got a combination of pork and beef burnt ends. I think we could have done without considering how big the portions were. So, I ordered the Kansas City Combo plate, which allowed me to choose 2 meats and came w/2 sides. I ordered the white BBW chicken and pork ribs. Pork ribs b/c they were so juicy and flavorful. I did order the cole slaw and cheesy corn bake (basically corn in a cheesy sauce with bits of ham) as sides and it was worth it b/c I felt like if I'm going to be eating like this, I might as well go all the way! My dinner partner (my husband) ordered the Combination Plate which had a smorgasboard of meat (with a side of broccoli) on it. When the manager came over to our table to check on us, my husband mentioned that we were from California visiting and we wanted to get BBQ and so then next thing we knew, the manager came over with the Crown Rib, which was a piece of prime rib attached to a bone in the meat. The manager said, "I'll let you have 5 minutes alone with this and I'll check back to you." Ha ha. After sampling (if you can call it that) this fine piece of beef rib, it just melted in our mouths and fell of the bone. Mmmmmmmm. Now mind you, my husband still had his OTHER plate to eat, too. Meanwhile, I'm nibbling on my pork ribs and dipping them in the BBQ sauce and getting elbow deep in the sauce. I was just impressed by the taste of the pork. It had an intense smoky flavor all on its own w/o the sauce and tasted like bacon. It came off the bone easily, too. That was my favorite part of the meal, for sure. I did take home the chicken breast and wing (did I mention that you get a bone-in breast AND wing?) and my husband's leftover pork rib. I don't know how we'll eat these leftovers b/c we don't have a microwave in the room, but I'm sure they'll be a way if there's a will. So, our experience at Jack Stack left us full of meat. You won't have room for dessert. If your eyes are bigger than your stomach, you'll be sorry later. Give it a try when you visit KC or are in the Country Club Plaza area. We're glad we did!
(5)Blair E.
Good stuff. Loved the wings, back ribs ,and good beans. Great meal for ~50 - 60$ with a drink or 2. Hope you like it as much as I did. I'll be back!
(4)Kevin B.
One of the very best BBQ places in Kansas City. I don't think OK Joes holds a candle to Jack Stack BBQ. Jack Stack has the greatest burnt ends and Ribs I have ever tasted. Plus the sides are absolutely amazing. The baked beans are loaded with bits of yummy bbq goodness, the beans are practically a meal. I don't think any place can come close to the amazing bbq beans they make! They also make a great cheesy corn bake and cheesy potatos, but the beans are amazing. And they have really good Caesar side salads too.
(4)Jay G.
this place is just awesome. waited a few minutes to be seated but so worth the wait. our waiters was terrific. knew the menue cold and was able to direct us based upon on taste buds. The Grilled Jumbo Shrimp were just that. Then onto the main course for beef ribs. holy cow there were three of them and they were huge. walked out with one untouched. soft, tender and tasty. the best ever. the bakes potato was yummy and super tasty were the Cheesy corn bake. Lastly the waiter recommended The Triple chocolate brownie and it was mouth watering. this is surely a place i will eat again and again and again when i visit kansas city mo. Awesome job
(4)Phillip M.
Meh. Burnt ends were not even close to being burnt. Ribs were drowned in sauce and pedestrian. Service was suspect. I almost had to get up and ask/find someone to take our order.
(3)Pukar R.
I'm not a huge fan of BBQ as I favor more salty foods but this place had the best BBQ I've ever had! Granted, I haven't been all over the country trying BBQ but this is great food. The prices are extremely reasonable and the staff was friendly. The restaurant has a very nice classy vibe, like of those more expensive places. We had a huge plate of ribs and chopped/cubed pieces of pork and beef. I can't remember the names of the dishes but I really don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu. Our table near the bar had a small tv which I thought was cool. I will definitely be going back here and highly recommend this place for anyone in mood for great food.
(5)Jeffrey S.
Super huge fan of their prime rib sandwich and smoked sweet corn. I eat here every opportunity I get.
(5)David H.
Very much enjoyed their lunch special of burnt ends and short ribs. Excellent food and good service. I'm a sworn Memphis-style BBQ fan, but this KC BBQ is very good. You'll have plenty of options in KC for BBQ but this is definitely a good choice. Parking across the street at the parking deck. Convenient.
(4)Peter C.
What a neat building to convert into a restaurant! The whole area has a great urban feel, but this converted freight house has great character. But I didn't go to Fiorella's to check out innovative renovation styles, I came for what I was expecting to be some of the best barbecue in Kansas City. I didn't get a chance to check to many places out while in town, but I don't think I needed to visit to many other joints to tell that the Jack Stack lived up to that expectation. I'm a poor student with not much money to spend, but for most of you more stable folks this is a place to go for some weekend excitement. I'm glad to have spent the money to have not missed this place. I got me some pork ribs and burnt ends and was as pleased as I could ever hope to be. The service was quite pleasant and very patient with a guy of my type who wants to tease out every option. I wouldn't mind going back to Kansas City for this place and to again tour the nearby art galleries.
(4)Shawn K.
This is probably the best BBQ I have eaten in a long time. Service was excellent. The food came quickly and was perfectly cooked. They did not have extra BBQ sauce sitting at the table. You could probably ask for some extra if needed. The place seemed really well decorated. Much more of an upscale feeling to it rather than a traditional BBQ place. The four of us that went left the place with our clothing smelling like BBQ, which is the main reason this place loses a star.
(4)Jared M.
Big fan of this place while in the Plaza...much more upscale that other notable bbq joints in KC (makes sense given the surroundings in this setting) and overall a great experience. Great bbq (burnt end sandwich, onion rings, Tank 7 to drink) and friendly staff. Priced reasonably as well.
(4)Shane G.
Went for dinner last night, beautiful weather, great service and good BBQ, what else can you ask for. The BBQ was good but not great. What seperates this resturant from other BBQ joints is the service and the sides. They were extremely busy but our servicer did a great job and made a couple great recommendations. Loved the beef ribs but the burned ends were a little dry.
(4)Larry H.
Went for a crazy 24 hour KC BBQ trip with my girl Tried and compared Jack stack's, Gates, and Oklahoma's all in one day! I think this place has fancy ribs, but overall, its not the best of the three. The sauce was good, but the meat was a bit over done. Get dressed up and go for the atmosphere... or wait in line for the best BBQ at....
(4)Jeff P.
Great meat! Great burnt ends. Great pork ribs. Great beef ribs. Every selection of Boulevard you could want. Great service. Disappointing BBQ sauce...very ketchuppy.
(4)Deana W.
If you, like me are on the eternal quest for the best BBQ beans, well look no further,. The best beans in the world are prepared at Fiorella's Jack Stack. I read the other reviews and they are right . There are some really great dive BBQs in town, but when you find something fabulous... I say, EAT IT. Embrace good food, when and where you find it, and for Gods' sake, tell me! The beans made my list for " The top 100 best things I ever put in my mouth". The ribs are meaty and nicely smoked. The pulled pork was tender and piled high. If you are looking for really creative Midwest side dishes, there's the cheesy corn. Kansas City''s answer to how to make a starchy vegetable more flavorful, all while alleviating any nutritional value, RAH team! The loaded baked potato looked good, as did the small salad and french fries. My husband swears by the onion rings, by which I mean he swears if you steal one off his plate. The outdoor patio is beautiful and relaxing. The inside is brick with mile high ceilings, a very comfortable place to eat them beans I referred to. So don't apologize for the lack of grease on the walls to those short sighted folks that feel it can't be good if it ain't dirty...if you find good food, I say Eat it, and for crying out load... try those beans.
(4)K J.
Barbeque and steaks are what Kansas City is known for, and with good reason. And this restaurant excels at both. However, my review is limited to the large beef brisket sandwich so that I can compare to other restaurants of this type more easily. I have eaten in, and the décor and service is outstanding. But far more often, I have had my food via takeout, curbside delivery, or some other means such as catering. I believe that they have the best beef and fries available in KC. The meat is of high quality, cooked to perfection. The fries are always HOT, with a generous portion. The sauce is the crowning touch; to my taste it is just right. I really cannot find fault with any of this, and in comparison to places such as Gates, there IS NO comparison- Fiorella's Jack Stack is the winner, hands down. Take the sandwich apart and LOOK at the beef if you are skeptical: this is not overly fat, tough and barely enough to fill the bun the way some other places are. And the service, no matter if curbside or dine in is absolutely the winner. I do not enjoy being yelled at the way they do at Gates; if that is your thing, then go for it. But for a taste of what KC's BBQ reputation is all about, my vote is for this joint, all the way! Oh, I should mention that I have had this sandwich probably in the hundreds of times by now- the restaurant goes back many years at different locations. This country club plaza location is newer than the original and was once the space where KC Masterpiece occupied.
(5)Carla L.
The combination of burnt ends and cheesy potato bake is the absolute best. The service at this location is amazing, too, friendly and charming staff ready to accommodate. For always being crowded, our drinks were never empty and the food was ready quickly. Great atmosphere, and a fun place to take out of town guests.
(4)Patrick M.
I don't want to be the a-hole that dogs on this Kansas City favorite, but this place was way below average. After the reviews on Yelp and the web we decided to go out of our way to stop by this "legendary bbq" joint. We left very sad. The bbq was mediocre, a little fatty, and if i'm being honest quite boring. The "burnt ends" were just pieces of pork and brisket cut small. They were neither "burnt" or ends? The beans were ok, Bush Smokehouse Grillin beans for $1.79 at the store are vvveerrryyy similar. The salads were great, the service was good, the corn cheese thing was unusual, but ok. The Bbq was just not that good. My wife tells me you can't compare Texas BBQ to KC BBQ because they are different. I've been to Aurther Bryant's and it was way better BBQ. If this is the best in KC I'll stick to eating BBQ south of the Red River.
(2)Brice R.
best bbq in the world- we live in OK but whenever we are within 50 miles, we drive out of our way for the food! the beans are AMAZING because they cook them under neath the meat and have meat chunks in them- we've never had a bad meal there- they also will ship food in dry ice from thee web site !
(5)Christyn K.
One may find it odd that a vegetarian such as myself is a HUGE advocate of Jack Stack. In fact, I myself find this odd. How is it that I am IN LOVE with this place, though have never even had their BBQ? Let me count the ways: 1st star - the ambiance of this place is killer. Dark, almost mysterious, yet white napkin refined to make you second guess that you are in a BBQ joint. Super clean, super chic, super duper. 2nd star - the service is amazing. The wait staff has always gone out of its way to make sure everyone in my group gets exactly what they want, exactly how they want it. Our food has always come out in a timely fashion and empty plates have always been taken away promptly. 3rd star - in my experience here, I have never had to wait excessively long for a table. Also, there is a parking lot just across the street - you know that for the Plaza, this is a blessing! Plus, if you get really bored while waiting, you can watch the kitchen do its thing at the back of the restaurant - quite entertaining in itself! 4th star - the menu is HUGE and and alcohol list is even bigger! My husband loves the burnt ends - which you can get in an array of combinations with other meats or sides. 5th star - THERE ARE VEGETARIAN OPTIONS! Yes, you read that correctly - there are tons of vegetarian options at this popular BBQ joint - much more than any other BBQ places in KC, in my experience! My favorites include the "side" potato bake (like scalloped potatoes but cheesier!); the spinach and blue cheese salad (HUGE and affordable!); the summer-time veggie skewer (peppers, mushrooms, corn and potatoes!); "side" baked potato (loaded!); and, of course, their onion ring mountain. HEAVEN! So, if you have a picky eater in your group, someone who doesn't like BBQ at all, a vegetarian, or an out of towner who may not be the "hole in the wall" dive type, this is the place to go. Seriously. Seriously.
(5)David S.
I think that the bbq debate in KC is so large that it seems almost sariligeous for someone who "just visited" to give a bbq joint five stars. When I came to KC I had the opportunity to visit one bbq join and it was Jack Stack's. That is nothing against Arthur Bryant's or OK Joes, it just happened that I ended up at Jack Stack's and was treated to the most sumptuous, smoky, tender bbq that I had ever had. Their BBQ Beef ribs and burnt ends are insanely good. While their sides were nothing to write home about, any BBQ meat that I tried there was tender with the perfect amount of smoke. Jack Stack's is not the down home bbq joints that people may think of, but it is a fancier sit down restaurant that still churns out bbq with plenty of flavor. Since I have not yet visited Arthur Bryants or OK Joes I will not even attempt to compare them, all that I know is that you can't go wrong with Jack Stack and if Arthur Bryants and OK Joes are anywhere near as good than KC is indeed a lucky city.
(4)Arindam P.
Kansas City is known for its barbecue and Jack Stack is truly one of the best. I liked their combo platter which came with beef, pork and lamb ribs. The lamb was not so good but the pork ribs very much made up for it. Nice selection of local beer and some imports. I was surprised to find Chimay on the list!
(4)Shannon N.
Best BBQ ever! But truthfully, the sides are what make the meal, especially the corn and beans! The warm carrot cake is also amazing!
(5)Krystal P.
Delicious! I was expecting a chain bbq restaurant similar to Famous Dave,s but was surprised when I walked in. Great vibe, great food. Be prepared to leave full! The cheesy corn is a must!
(5)lovesmyanimals l.
This is the newest location for the Jack Stack family. My review is going to be short and simple b/c my experience along with my food was perfect. The service and food at Jack Stack's is unbelievable. I was there with a big group of people and our server for our table was extremely helpful and attentive from the moment we sat down to when we left. The food here.... a) Several choices. Not just beef and pork. They had chicken and a few different fish options as well. So there are plenty of options for the pickiest of eaters. b) the best sides dishes for a bbq joint. I had the pork n' beans and cheesy corn. To die for. If I had once option for a last meal this would be it. c) sauces. the original, spicy, mild... Flavor! So much flavor I could put it on everything.
(5)Ainy H.
Not much to say about this place, it is another restaurant chain with just okay food. I had the beef and sausage burnt ends with baked corn, fries and potato salad for sides. I felt like I could have bought this from the local grocery store and prepared it myself.
(2)Liz L.
I loved eating here! I'm a bbq fan so had to get some while in Kansas City. After reading Yelp reviews and seeing this was close to the Embassy Suites were we stayed, we chose Jack Stack on Wyandotte (there are several locations in KC). They have a free parking garage and there is some street parking. It's close to lots of shops and other restaurants (including The Cheesecake Factory, where we also ate). We went on a Wednesday night at about 7 p.m. and the wait was only 15-20 minutes. The hostess was friendly and the waitress was great. The waitress offered explanations and suggestions of menu items and we took her up on several suggestions and were glad we did. I had a Boulevard beer (brewed in KC) and pork baby back ribs with cheesy corn bake and fries. The ribs were delicious and the cheesy corn bake was amazing. My husband had a salad and "Jack's Best" (Crown Prime Beef Rib, Baby Back Ribs, and Beef Burnt Ends). All was delicious! I would definitely recommend eating here. I even bought bottles of their original BBQ sauce to bring home as gifts.
(5)Igor C.
Went just after 6 on a Friday evening and was able to get a table for three with no wait. It was busy and there were people waiting but for some reason we got right in. We had the smoked chicken wing starter and it was some of the best wings I've ever had. We had the combo platter and lamb ribs. The combo platter has three ribs, half a chicken, sausage and some burnt ends and comes with fries and coleslaw. I subbed the cheesy corn for the fries and slaw. The ribs were outstanding, just the right combination of tender and good chew. The burnt ends had nice flavor but were too dry, one was almost hard. Sausage was very good with nice smoke flavor. I ended up taking the chicken home with a couple of my sons lamb ribs and had them for lunch the next day. The lamb was good but the chicken was the star of the entire meal for me. Deep smoke flavor while still being moist.
(4)Jess W.
I had lunch with a friend here today and thought it was a nice place. We both had the Crown Prime Ribs and burnt ends. I am a rather healthy person so I just didn't eat much because they are so fatty. I wasn't expecting that. The check was $80 including two glasses of wine and a tip. Would I go back? Not sure as nothing sticks out about this place except maybe the nice wait staff and the bronze bull out front which I thought was cool.
(4)Michael J.
One of our favorite places for BBQ.....
(4)Steve W.
I love good Q. This isn't. It's ok. There were 10 people in our party- no one finished all of their food- not because there was too much, but because it was fatty and tough. We had burnt ends, ribs, and chicken- no one was impressed, we didn't even ask to take the left overs. I had to cut the rib meat with a knife. If you want good KC style barbecue, look elsewhere. I know, they have lots of good reviews and like I said, it's ok.
(2)Sarah H.
What we have here is a "Fine Dining" barbeque establishment. It's fancy inside, all dark woods and booths and dim lighting. The food here is great, I love the variety of animal ribs you can indulge in, not just the standard pork, but they also serve gigantic beef ribs, and my personal favorite and what keeps me returning, the lamb ribs. (WHY do more restaurants not make lamb ribs? They're to DIE for, and melt like lamby butter in your mouth.) Service is pro, pricing is what you'd expect from a full-service restaurant that also serves steak. Absolutely worth a try.
(4)Todd B.
Over rated! I'm from Memphis and this BBQ is average at best. Briquet was bland, sliced pork bland, spare ribs average. Slaw was good, beans were mush, cheese corn was tasty. My experience at Gates has always been good. Leave this place for the tourist.
(1)Michelle L.
BBQ is one of those things that I love but haven't eaten enough of simply because I was raised to believe that there is such a thing as too much meat in one meal. As a complete BBQ noob I was really excited about eating some BBQ because let's face it. Good BBQ comes from the South and not Southern California. My friend had insisted on taking me and my boyfriend here and I loved how open the decor of the restaurant was. Instantly homey and comfortable. They have a pretty extensive menu and although my friend let us have control over what to order, the one thing she insisted on getting were the Fried Mushrooms appetizer. I had serious doubts because I'm not a HUGE fan of horseradish and how good can fried mushrooms really be? Let me tell you, they can be so darn good that you can make a meal out of them. They were huge, juicy, delicious and went along perfectly with the horseradish sauce. My boyfriend and I both agree that it was probably one of the best mushroom dishes we've ever had. For our entrees, we ordered The Sampler and and the Barbecue Baked Potato. My boyfriend had a choice of 2 sides and he chose the Creamy Coleslaw and Hickory Pit Beans. The Sampler came with BBQ Chicken, Pork Spare Ribs, Beef Burnt Ends and Polish Sausage. I tasted everything on the plate and I thought that the best were the Spare Ribs and Polish Sausage. However, my tastes might be biased since I tend to like sausages over most things. I thought the chicken while it had good flavor could have spent a little more time cooking. It was a little too rare and the Beef Burnt Ends were just too dry. My Baked Potato on the other hand was topped with Pulled Pork and was absolutely delicious. Quite possibly one of the best baked potatoes I've ever had. As for the sides, the coleslaw was good but nothing special, but the beans were fantastic. If you don't like BBQ, this place just might make you change your mind. Service is quick and it's a great environment to just eat some meat and chat. 4/5
(4)Keith C.
Burnt ends were absolutely fantastic. I tried the beef ribs, pork ribs and the beef burnt ends. The burnt ends were probably the best that I have ever eaten. They completely melted in your mouth. The pork ribs were a little dry. They were not fall off the bone like at Oklahoma Joe's but they were still very good. I got the potato salad which was very good and the baked beans which had some shredded pork in it. The combination of the beans, shredded pork and sauce was simply fantastic. The restaurant itself is really nice. A lot better than Oklahoma Joe's. You can sit down and enjoy a good meal with your friends. Definitely worth coming back to for the burnt ends.
(4)Kevin D.
Update: For carry-out, The Roundup (dinner for two) is excellent. Probably my favorite barbecue carry-out in town.
(4)Justyn A.
I am in town for work and was looking for great BBQ close to our Sheraton Hotel. This place was absolutely amazing! The burnt ends and side dishes were all amazing. The BBQ Shrimp appetizer was also some of the best shrimp I've ever tasted. I came in with a party of 7 qnd was so pleased with our service that I told our waiter I was definitely going to leave a review when we left. Our waiters name was Jennie! She was hilarious, attentive, and gave great recommendations that all turned out to be amazing. Seriously...the best BBQ place I've ever been to...hands down. @MyCrazyGFMusic :) Love this spot...definitely coming back.
(5)Layne R.
Jack Stack is one of the more refined dining experiences of the KC BBQ scene, ie the nicer facilities, but in my opinion, the food doesn't quite measure up with the best of best BBQ joints. This would be a great place to take your grandparents when they visit you in KC. But I'd much rather go somewhere a little more divey if it meant better food (See also Oklahoma Joe's). Let me say, I've never had anything remotely bad at Jack Stack. In fact, everything has been good at worst. The restaurant is nice, the staff good... In all reality, probably a 4 star type of place. BUT in Kansas City, home of some of the best barbecue in the world... It just doesn't measure up to some of the more outstanding places. I'm never going to crave Jack Stack. If someone says they want BBQ, Jack Stack isn't going to be my recommendation. I'd tell them to go to Oklahoma Joe's. That is the one that I crave. So Jack Stack is good. Perhaps even very good. But in a city with great barbecue, you can do better. If you want more upscale though, this is a good option.
(3)Jennifer B.
Good bbq, but my boyfriend had cole slaw juice spilled on his shorts when the waiter took our plates away. :-p
(4)Judy H.
Just get the pork spare ribs/pork baby back ribs. They're worth the four stars. Everything else was just okay. I've had better BBQ. Have local brews. We got the ultimate rib dinner because we were curious about the lamb ribs but wanted to sample the others. Everything was delicious. We also got Burnt Ends with brisket and sausage. Burnt Ends were...okay. I kind of wished they had more sauce to it or something. It was pretty dry. The sausage ...was sausage. I think we were sold from the awesome wait staff, but we really wanted the pork. The waitstaff was very knowledgeable and helpful though. Recommended yummy things.
(4)Terry S.
Simply an amazing place! If your just visiting Kansas City and looking for good BBQ then JackStacks is where you need to be! #AmazingFood #AmazingAtmosphere #AmazingExperience
(5)Stormi F.
MMMMMMMMM, pork ends are fabulous!!! I swear to myself each and every time that I'm only going to order the appetizer portion and low and behold, fat girl kicks in and I want everything!! Last time we ate here we shared the ends appetizer and the crown roast ribs. They were seriously the size of triceratops ribs!! I have never eaten anything so tender or fabulous.
(5)Cathy V.
If you're in Kansas City you've got to go here. Really. This place is AMAZING!! Being from the south we love our BBQ but this is a whole different ballgame. It's tender, juicy and melts in your mouth. AND who ever knew that something called Burnt Ends could be so down right delicious! The atmosphere is upscale but people were dressed in just about everything. The staff is really nice and very knowledgable about everything from the appetizers to the body of the pig where the pork is coming from to the extensive wine list. It's just a nice relaxing night out resturant.
(5)Jacqueline S.
My hubby and I ate at Jack Stacks BBQ out of recommendation from a friend and we really liked this place! Great food, great service and the ambiance was nice. We'll be back again!
(5)William Patrick C.
We had a great time. We went on a Sunday late night. Thye had a full day with a chiefs game and the world series but the service was great. The food was exceptional. I cant compare with Gates and others yet but it was awesome. The creeze corn and the beans were a great addition to the BBQ Melanie or Megahan(manager) was so nice, she showed us the kitchen, took the time to introduce us to the history of the area and resturant and in general was amamzing. LOVED IT
(5)Tricia H.
Yummm yum first time here!! I'm not sure why I haven't been here yet but it was delish and I can't wait to go back to try other things!!! The bean are amazing!!
(4)Andrew M.
After trying their burnt ends at a recent Yelp event I was really excited to head to their home turf for a plate of the things. Maybe it was just an off night but I was not that impressed! The service was plenty good -- no one in our party had to wait long for anything and they took care of us. However, when they brought me my burnt ends dinner I was quite surprised by what I saw....literally 6 or 7 of them! But I digress...I wasn't completely famished so perhaps I could forgive the disappointingly small portions by biting into a delicious, tender piece of brisket burnt end. Not so! Unlike the burnt ends I tried at the Yelp event, these ones were quite dry and lackluster to say the least. What is even more ridiculous is that this plate of 6 or 7 dried burnt ends cost $16! I don't know about you but who in their right mind would feel like they got a good deal by paying about $2 for a bite of dry meat? My wife's prime rib sandwich was better, except for the fact that they put the meat on a very plain bun that you'd expect to get as an afterthought from a much less inexpensive barbecue joint that gives you loads of meat for a much lower price. I'd like to believe that they are capable of so much more so one day I may decide to go back. However, given that I can get consistently better burnt ends, many more of them, and for half the price elsewhere I don't think I'm in any hurry.
(2)Adrian L.
Best place for Gluten-Free BBQ in town. Service is good, just double check the buns if you get the southern jack; once a waitress gave me a regular bun and didn't recognize the error when I first asked. I feel like the beef ribs sometimes have contamination.
(4)Carl H.
The burnt ends were good and my rib eye was ok too. My side of beans were good but nothing to write home about. The prices matched the atmosphere, upscale and expensive. It is located in the Plaza area, which is a tourist driven area. It was highly recommended by my business associates in Kansas City. The above with ice tea was over $70. It is a great place for those of you who love to show how much money you can spend. Bon Appétit The service was good and this BBQ did not need sauce.
(3)Rev. Dr. Christopher J. G.
I think all my reviews of KC will be colored by the fact that I was there as Guest of Honor for a convention and that tends to make everything amazing. Then again, when you're eating lamb ribs, and then you get a chocolate cake dessert that hits you like an semi into an irish setter, you're on the right track! The lamb ribs, perfect and incredibly flavorful, are wonderful, and you don't find them every BBQ place. It's pricey, but so worth it!
(5)Kt D.
Loved everything I tried and staff was very patient with our extremely obnoxious toddler!
(5)Calvin Y.
Housed inside the Country Club Plaza, Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ has Burnt Ends to die for! For those who might be overwhelmed like myself with the bountiful selection of BBQ, then you should get "Jack's Best," which truly is the best of Jack Stack -- one Crown Beef Ribs, Baby Back Ribs, Beef Burnt Ends and two sides (get the beans and cheesy corn bake!) for $28.
(5)Jay Kay C.
The one thing about Kansas City is the variety of barbecue. The one thing Jack Stack doesn't stray away from is the quality of the meat. I cannot say this enough, and I've had friends visit from out of town who agree, you must order the burnt ends. Even if it is in the sampler, the burnt ends at this location are spectacular. Plenty of flavor every time you bring your teeth together. The sauces are unique as well. The sauce doesn't cover the flavor of the meat the way some sauces tend to, but it enhances it.
(5)David C.
Delicious food and good selection of beers. Sat outside and enjoyed the area sights. A bit in the pricey side for a sandwich, but still recommended.
(4)Brandon B.
We came here on a Wednesday evening. We were seated right away, even though there were people waiting in the lobby. We had a server right away asking for drink orders before we even saw a menu. I understand the need to seat people and get folks through quickly, but we didn't even know what was offered! We ordered a BBQ sampler, broccoli, cheesy corn and beans. The BBQ sampler had ribs, sausage, chicken and burnt ends. THe Chicken was fantastic, and sausage was good. The ribs and burnt ends were dry. We had the "spicy" BBQ sauce. We were completely surprised that there we weren't offered a sampler of BBQ sauces, and instead had to pick one. We hadn't been here. How would we know what BBQ sauce we wanted? The cheesy corn was kind of Velveeta-like in taste and texture (i.e., a little less than optimal). The beans were sweet. Good, but not a spicy baked bean. The broccoli was cooked perfectly. All in all, not bad, but not much better than Famous Dave's. Not Oklahoma Joe's by any stretch of the imagination. We will not be back.
(2)Nannette M.
If you are looking for some of the best BBQ in Kansas City, go down to Country Club Plaza and go to Jack Stack's. It is a great lunch or dinner, spot after you have hit the stores, and are craving some Q. Though they could use some better lighting so the menu can be seen , the food is Primo. They also do a great job with the take out portion. They take care of the customers, and make sure that the customer will return with prompt service, in addition to the food. Check them out online also, they will not disappoint.
(4)Jonah K.
I was in a hotel nearby, this is a nice place for it being in a commercial center and a BBQ spot. I sat at the bar had a couple good local beers and ordered a salad with some ends on it. The Caesar salad was very good, nice homemade dressing. The ends were quite good as well, I would come back to try more. The other plates people at the bar were ordering were massive, so I'm glad I opted for something a bit smaller. Bar staff was very nice and attentive, highly recommend this spot.
(4)Christopher O.
I find it laughable that people have reviewed that they bring out-of-town people here so they can experience KC BBQ. This is NOT KC BBQ. This is KC BBQ Lite. It's the type of KC BBQ that you use to impress your friends with your ability to spend a lot of money, not show them what actual BBQ is all about. That is not to say the food isn't good. I ordered chicken and it was the absolute best chicken I have ever eaten in my entire life. And this is coming from someone who would eat chicken for every meal were it not so frowned-upon by society. I don't get everyone's obsession with the cheesy corn. It's... not good. Corn and cheese should never mix unless the corn has been pounded into a tortilla and fried. We call these nachos. Any other form of cheese plus corn is gross and should be avoided. If you want to spend quite a bit of money and take your friends here to eat when in KC, that's fine. You'll have a great meal, but let's not fool ourselves into thinking this is the type of BBQ KC is best known for having. This is Plah-za BBQ. It's cloth napkins and social status. KC BBQ is Gates or Oklahoma Joe's. It is not Jack Stack. It's dirty, it's messy. It gets all over your face and when you finish you feel like you have accomplished Herculean tasks and must retire to your couch to watch Cops or Family Feud. You do not walk to your Range Rover ot Hummer, drive to Leawood and watch cricket whilst speaking of dry martinis.
(3)Banen C.
Well obviously Jack Stack is fantastic.. and may I just say that it is fine to have a favorite bbq meal at each of Kansas City's fine bbq establishments. For me, I choose the baby back ribs at Jack Stack. It's dependable. It's consistent. Why mess with something perfect? Baked beans and cheesy corn as your sides and you will be good to go. If you're lucky enough to have lunch at Jack Stack, I highly... wait... strongly recommend you try to BBQ Baked Potato at least once. My only disappointment with that menu item is that it is only available for lunch.
(5)Kristen L.
My first time at Jack Stack in years and I'm still a fan. The food was delicious. Their sauce is a bit tangy, not sweet at all. I really liked it. Fortunately they don't drench their food in the sauce like some joints. They serve it in warm dishes on the side. Put on as much or as little as you like. They also have a spicy sauce and hot. The "hot" was the hottest of the 3. The baby back pork ribs were cooked perfectly, very tasty. Also consider their pork burnt ends and/or their lamb ribs. Can't decide, then their combo dish is perfect for variety and a companion. If you aren't in the mood for the typical bbq items the do have great wood grilled fish options too. They take reservations which are great for groups or the weekend. They got us a nice round table for 6 in the corner. I will say between the music and the people, it was a bit loud. Normally at a normal size table and with average age guests this isn't an issue. However I had my grandparents with us and they really had a hard time hearing across the table. It made the conversation difficult. I certainly recommend this place, especially if you want bbq, but in a slightly fancy venue than the typical joints.
(4)Kim N.
Hands down my favorite BBQ place. I know it is expensive and fancy, but I don't understand why people knock it for that. They have the best burnt ends in town, my favorite sandwich is the poor russ which is chopped up burnt ends on a bun. The beans are to die for and they have health options too. The salads are great especially the salmon salad. The salmon plate and salmon sandwich are also a go to menu item for me. The shrimp appetizer is amazing. The service here is always spot on, and I always get a table right away. Now if you have a group larger than 4 you may have to wait a little while, but 4 or less you are usually seated immediately. We will stop here or the one on 95th and get pans of beans for holiday parties. The sliced meat by the pound is always reasonable. We even had them cater our wedding.
(5)Mean Eyed C.
Some of the best bbq in the world KC is so lucky to have all the bbq they have Must try the crown beef ribs and brisket. Ribs are very good
(4)Adam B.
When a lot of people think of Kansas City Barbecue, they then to think of divey spots. Like Arthur Bryant's looking kind of like a warehouse. Or Oklahoma Joe's which is situated in a gas station. Most great 'cue seems to come out of divey spots like these. Fiorella's Jack Stack? This is more like Tony Roma's. Or even Ruths Chris or Morton's. It's BBQ but in a high-end classy setting with prices to match. This place is by no means a bargain. Fortunately, the food is worth the investment. Had the Ribs, Ribs, Ribs and Ribs combo. Lamb Ribs, Baby Backs and St. Louis ribs. All great but no doubt, the star is the Crown Prime. The gigantic beef rib straight off the Prime Rib. It reminded me of when I used to live in Atlantic City and would go to the casino buffets. Occasionally, you could get something like the Crown Prime there. Only it was baked, not smoked. And that made up for the difference between the two. Smoked is definitely better. The fries were perfect. Thick, but not too much and hot and crispy. Great flavor throughout. The beans were very, very red. Good flavor but not much else added like Oklahoma Joe's does with their beans. Cole Slaw? Average, typical slaw I've had a lot of places. It actually reminded me of KFC's slaw. Yep. KFC. Not that it's really a bad thing. Service was great and wait, is that free WiFi? Why, yes. Got to do some work here too as a result. So it's pricey 'cue but worthwhile. And if you're in the Plaza, it's your only option. Fortunately, a very good option.
(5)Diane E.
Amazing burnt ends and lamb ribs. Our service was off the charts great. Get there early to avoid the wait! Oh, the Boulevard chocolate beer is, by far, the best beer I've ever tasted!
(5)Carl N.
The Martin city mayor is my favorite. I have always enjoyed Jack' Stack, they are one of the best barbecue places in Kansas City. We always have excellent service at this location on the plaza and we never have to wait for refills or food. We are usually seated fairly quickly and the staff is incredibly friendly. The baked beans and cheesy corn or beyond compare in the area. They also have good appetizers like the onion rings stack and the jumbo shrimp. We like to take family and friends here that are from out-of-town and visiting. Not only do you getting good barbecue but then you can wonder the plaza afterwards.
(4)Kevin W.
Came out to Overland Park, Kansas/Kansas City, Missouri for a business trip and was told that this was the BBQ place I absolutely had to try before leaving. Turns out this place is AMAZING! I had the Burnt Ends (MUST GET THIS)! They were as tender and delicious as it gets! The melt in your mouth and are very juicy! They are bite sized and the name of it sounds like its unappetizing, but it is very deceptive! It is just something to get when you have BBQ. I'm from California, so we don't have much of the "real bbq" food. Been living off of Korean BBQ and this is just superior in every way. Pricing is fair I suppose, not sure what the living standards and costs are out here. But my cousin and I both ordered the Kansas City Combo where we got to choose 2 bbq items and get 2 sides for $17.99 each. I had the burnt ends and the lamb ribs and my cousin had the beef ribs and pork ribs. Beef ribs were huge but you only get 2. Pork ribs were ok. My lamb ribs were super small but had a great flavor. I mentioned this before, BURNT ENDS WERE AMAZING! They had 3 sauces to go with the ribs and burnt ends. BBQ, Original, and Spicy! I loved the regular BBQ sauce. Anyways, definitely the place to go to if you are in the area!
(5)Sophie L.
YUMMY!! We went to all the top BBQ places when we were in town and Jack Stack's ribs were hands down the best. We had the Jack's Best as recommended and it did not disappoint! The prices here were higher than the other places but way better ambience and atmosphere.
(4)Mary B.
The patio seating was nice. I was disappointed by the food. We spent a lot of money for not much food. The beef burnt ends were not very good, and the sausage burnt ends were too dry. The service left something to be desired as well!
(3)T. J. K.
Awesome barbecue. Go for the burnt ends.
(5)Julie D.
Located in the Country Club Plaza, we walked here from our hotel We passed a huge bronze bull outside the front door. The interior in dark with incredibly large circular lighting topped with numerous "lit" candles. Our server Parisa was super friendly and very helpful. We appreciated her recommendations and advice on what to order. BJ got the CK combo with baby backs and burnt ends. Yum. For his sides, he got hickory pit beans and cheesy corn bake. Even better, she was able to share recipes with us for the sides. I got a side salad. Not your average side salad, it had bacon and the best ever raspberry vinaigrette made with actual raspberries. Living in Western PA, we don't have the opportunity to enjoy real barbeque. Can you believe that you can order this online? Yes, they do mail order. Haven't tried it yet. Will post back to let you know how that goes. Dessert here is also amazing. We debated for awhile and decided to share the carrot cake. Unlike any carrot cake I have ever had, Jack has spoiled me from eating anyone else's. Individually baked with ooey gooey frosting and lots of nuts. I would love to have it tonight.
(5)Kurt R.
Holly crap, flew in from Saudi Arabia and these ribs are heavenly, also have Guinness I might not leave. Must have when in KC.
(5)Dan M.
I can't begin to encourage you enough to come here. Yes, Kansas City has a lot of bbq spots. And yes there are many that are less expensive. But if you are looking for great atmosphere (this is not a dumpy gas station), great bar, great service, great menu and unbelievably great food, this is your place. You will not be able to find anything on the menu that is not fantastic. This is high end bbq at it's very, very best.
(5)Josh B.
Good BBQ, good service, good prices, great atmosphere. There isn't anything negative I can say about it. As always when it comes to KC bbq, I suggest getting the burnt ends. Jack Stack's does everything well, but I wouldn't say they do anything the best in the city, but by the same token, nothing they do is the worst in the city.
(5)Cassie D.
I'm gonna say it....Not a huge fan. Been twice during my work trips to Kansas City. Two different locations-same result. Dry. My burnt ends were very dry and I was sad. The cheesey corn and the beans however were really good. And on my last visit I went with the Lamb Ribs and was pleased. They do serve the local KC Boulevard Brewery beer and I am a sucker for a good craft beer. Very classy joint, perfect for the work and tourist crowd, a tad pricey. I gotta believe that KC BBQ gets better than this. I am officially on a mission next time I'm in town for work...
(3)Lindsey D.
During a visit to KC for a wedding, I was lucky enough to have a free lunch where I got to enjoy Jack Stack for the first time and I was happily pleased with the food and service! First off, I liked that they have a separate entrance for takeout so you can simply walk up and place your order without being required to go into the dining portion of the restaurant. I noticed that you can order food in bulk which would be great for catering but during my visit, I just ordered one sandwich. I ordered the beef brisket sandwich with french fries. The food was anything but healthy, but I have a feeling you don't eat BBQ if you're watching the waistline! The BBQ was extremely flavorful and while there are still other BBQ spots in KC that I like better, I can't complain about the quality and taste of this food. It was quick to receive and delicious to enjoy. I will definitely enjoy it again when I return.
(4)Nicole O.
I have to say the care the staff and manager give to allergy friendly BBQ options was better than anywhere I have ever travelled in the country. I was so impressed with their knowledge of allergies from gluten to pepper! Thank you for making our dining experience comfortable. Oh and did I mention the BBQ - I tried several dishes was belong expectation. Great balance in their seasoning and sauce.
(5)Anthony G.
This was one of the best places I have ate at in a long time. The service was perfect. They are very customer oriented. The beer was cold. If you are in KC you have to try this place it was great. Best BBQ I have ever had.
(5)Pat S.
O' wow this place is yummy. It was 7:30 pm on Thursday the 3rd of July so kinda busy but worth it, ate at the bar because a table would have been 30 minutes. Michele (my sister) and I had the burnt ends dinner. You got to pick two kinds of meat so we choose beef brisket and pork with onion rings and a veggies. One dinner was enough for us to share the servings are so large. Two kinds of BBQ sauce regular and hot, both were great. The bartender was very polite and on top of things. Very noisy is the only thing. The neighborhood was safe and clean, would feel comfortable walking in the evening with friends. You should go.
(4)Andrea H.
We took our family here (who was from out of town and wanted some good Kansas city bbq). We are huge fans of Oklahoma Joe's (Joe's Kansas City now) and took them to both restaurants. We had never been here before and it was on a Sunday night. Man, it was so busy! The staff was super nice and the food was AMAZING!!! We will definitely be back!! We found a new favorite place!
(5)Ariel M.
Excellent food, the lunch specials are usually a good option if tight on money. Servers were good, kept our cups filled, answered all our questions, and genuinely seemed happy. Only downside was we weren't provided any hand wipes, last time I went to one they handed them out once we asked for the check, not sure if that's common or not. Meal totaled $10 and I felt fool afterwards, had the pork ribs.
(5)Somany Q.
My first impression was that this place is very nice... Looks and feels more like an upscale steak house than a BBQ joint. I had the Kansas City Combo, with 1/4 chicken breast and sliced brisket along with coleslaw, fries and sweet tea. I did not like the sweet tea, and sent it back for a coke instead. My food came pretty fast, the server was very friendly and courteous. The brisket had a nice smoke ring and the chicken had a nice smoky taste as well. I would rate this food as very good. Not as good as Arthur Bryant's, but as good or maybe a little better than Gates.
(4)Daniel K.
Pork ribs, beef brisket, and burnt ends... All amazing. Bit into the ribs and didn't realize I was eating some bone and marrow it was soooo soft... That or I'm a fricken weirdo! Brisket was fatty and tasty. Burnt ends... who needs BBQ sauce?!! Place was packed... ended up calling in the order (15 min) and eating in the car across the street in the free parking structure (unheard of in 808). More to come later... hehe
(4)Sue D.
Come here if you're looking for fancy cattle...do NOT come here if you're hungry and looking for REAL bbq. The burnt ends were a joke. It barely had a crust on it and was extremely fatty. The baby back ribs were the only good thing I can suggest to order. If you want good bbq sauce, this place doesn't have it. Their flavor base is V8, which is ok, but that's all it tasted like. No spice, no kick...not bbq. Sides were nothing to write home about, bland cole slaw and freezer fries. Go to Oklahoma Joe's. They know bbq.
(2)William P.
Great food, great ambiance. Try the beef ribs, which are quite difficult to prepare, but are done nicely here. Very positive dining experience. Highly recommended.
(5)Jacqueline C.
I seriously always enjoy the BBQ here! I know it's not Arthur Bryant's or Gates and some might think Jack Stack is more like the fine dining of BBQ but I love it. The location in the Cross Roads Arts district is lovely and the service is always spot on. We started with the onion rings, battered daily in house and man these things are GOOD! Also decided to try the smoked salmon appetizer, wow if I ever go back (which I will) I might have this as my meal! it comes with these lovely little crostini, capers, red onions and a creamy sauce to compliment the lovely smoked salmon. Moving on.....my meal I opted for a salad knowing it was going to be a long day in KC. I added grilled chicken to the spinach salad and was in heaven as I ate and sipped Tank 7 from KC's favorite brewery Boulevard! My eating partner enjoyed lamb ribs smoked to perfection and served up hot with sauce on the side. In my previous visit I tried the smoked turkey, chicken and brisket. It was all so delicious it brought me back! Over, great time and can't wait to return, maybe I'll even sit outside!
(4)Nick T.
Great place to bring out of towners for their first KC BBQ experience. Classy, but still true Kansas City BBQ. Love the cheesy corn and beans. Best sides in all of KC.
(5)Tyler D.
If I could give it 3.5 I would. My burnt ends we're dryer than they should be and they cooked my gf's flattened chicken to quick and it was raw. The cheesy corn and beans were awesome! The carrot cake made the whole dinner. Hands down the best carrot cake I've ever had in my life. Overall a decent experience. They comped her chicken and the staff was informative and very nice. If I come back to KC I wouldn't mind trying it again.
(4)Shawn H.
Great minds could sit and debate KC's best barbecue for eternity. Jack Stack has the "awards" and ratings to lay some claim to the title, but that's not what I'm here to discuss. Frankly, I've never met KC barbecue I couldn't eat. I'm here to own up to a delicious BBQ habit that has invaded my Sunday routine. I work near the Plaza on Sunday afternoons. I'm embarrassed to admit it took me a while to realize I could swing by Jack Stack on my way to work and get a sandwich and fries for about $8. Now I'm embarrassed to admit I want to do this every week. As it is, I usually talk myself out of it and pack a lunch, but this is my BBQ therapy. If I visit this location any other time, I have to eat outside due to the overwhelming sting of BBQ aroma. That's a nice way of saying it's kind of smoky in there. Maybe it depends on the time of day? Either way, the patio is nice and doesn't catch the sun during the dinner hour in the summer. To recap, I suggest calling ahead and ordering a sandwich for carry out. BBQ Therapy. I have the number programmed on my phone, and I reserve the right to use it whenever I see fit. :-)
(4)HisHer R.
His: my favorite restaurant in the city. If you're here from out of town and want to have KCs best BBQ, you can't miss it. Other bbq places are fine for lunch - but this is dinner. Get the spare rib platter - it's ridiculous. Hers: ehh it's a lot of meat (I'm a vegetarian) I like the salmon salad, the interior is nice and staff is always exceptional. Not at the top of my list, but always a great place to take visitors.
(4)Gabby A.
I ate at Fiorella's for the first time a couple of weekends ago, and it was a very great dining experience. We chose to sit on the heated patio, and it was gorgeous outside. They had the fire going and heaters around the tables, so it was the perfect temp. We looked over the menu (which is quite large) and finally decided on what to get. I ordered brisket and sausage and my boyfriend got pork and brisket. Our server seemed like he may have been new, and was friendly but extremely distracted. We got our food and the meats were amazing. My brisket was tender and juicy and the sausage had wonderful seasonings and flavors. I ordered coleslaw and cheesy corn as my side. The coleslaw was okay, nothing special, and the cheesy corn was pretty tasty. I do have to say, where's the cornbread?!?!?! I'm so used to having sinfully delicious and terrible for me cornbread on the side of every good BBQ meal, and there was none to be found at this BBQ place. My other complaint would be that we didn't receive any BBQ sauce on the side. There was a light drizzle on the meats, but I'm also used to getting extra BBQ sauce on the side. I think this may have been an error by our server, because we had a manager come up and say 'Oh, you don't have any extra BBQ sauce! I'm so sorry, would you like some?' At that point we'd eaten most of our meal, so we said no need. Overall, this was a great place for BBQ. I will definitely be back!
(4)Ruthie H.
Great food! Great service! And wonderful atmosphere! Even sensitive to food allergies!
(5)G. A.
Gosh. There's a great debate about the best BBQ in KC, and everyone I talk to mentioned Jack Stack. It feels sacrilegious to not like Jack's Stack, but I thought the beef burnt ends were a bit tougher in texture than I would have liked, and it was too oily. I wasn't a fan of the beans, which I thought were too sweet, and the cheesy corn wasn't for me either- it was almost like eating a cheddar/velveeta cheesy soup with bits of pork or bacon and corn. I dunno. So far, I'm on the Oklahoma Joe's bandwagon...
(4)E L.
Baby back ribs - 4 stars Burnt ends - 4 stars Sliced meat - 4 stars BBQ chicken - 4 stars Service - 5 stars
(4)Darlene H.
In KC for All Stars, really wanted BBQ. Asked a lot of locals where to go and this is one of the places recommended. Did not disappoint! Pork & Lamb ribs were amazing! Burnt ends to die for! I don't even know what adjective to use for the cheesy corn, but is was soooo good! Beans too! Would DEFINATELY go back. Kids loved it too! Thanks to all the locals for the recommendation!
(4)Russ D.
Two words. Burnt Ends!
(4)Katie S.
FRICKEN AMAZING CARROT CAKE. That is all!
(5)Monica T.
Before I arrived in KC, no less than four friends insisted that I eat at Jack Stack during my visit. I chose this location because it was very close to the venue of a concert I was attending. Though I'm from Texas, I'm not usually overly enthusiastic about barbeque. However, this place really was amazing. I ordered the Kansas City Combo with pork ribs and brisket. The brisket was quite flavorful and so tender that I didn't need a knife to cut it. The ribs were the star, though. I think I might have shed a tear after that first bite. Talk about fall off the bone! I don't think I'll ever have ribs that good again...unless I come back here. The service was great and the atmosphere was a bit upscale without being unpretentious. You wouldn't think that would work for a barbeque place, but it certainly does here. So yes, folks. Everything you've heard is true. Highly recommended.
(5)James G.
Great BBQ. Not your normal meat on butcher paper type restaurant. Place is more like a steak house than a BBQ joint. Try the burnt ends and the beef ribs.
(5)Sasha R.
by far and away the star of the meal was the baked potato. and the coleslaw (which was the only vegetable we ate all weekend). the prime rib (app portion is plenty for 2 normal adults) was delectable. the 'burnt ends' and ribs were no great shakes. atmosphere is posh enough that you don't have to check your derriere for debris after getting up. and bathrooms are clean, which is key.
(4)Mike B.
Traveling through KC and wanted to have some BBQ. I stopped here and had Jack's Plate, prime rib, tri-tip and Baby backs..! OMG Good! I had the spicy and sweet sauce on the side to try them both! Both Awesome! I live in Texas.. I was in Memphis last week... This is some of the tastiest BBQ I've had since I was at Paul L's house.!!
(5)Kelli B.
We unfortunately had a poor experience tonight. My friend has been here in the past and had wonderful experiences, so we were excited to try it. We started with a drink in the bar while waiting for a table. When are buzzer went off, we could not find the bartender. We told the hostess that we had not yet paid for our drinks, if she could let him know and get us our bill. We were seated and a very nice lady came and explain the menu to us and make recommendations. Then she went to get us waters and a server named Samir came and very uncomfortably told us that she was not really our waitress and that he was going to be taking care of us. After he left, the bartender came storming up to the table and give us our check. We explained that we talked to the hostess and he kind of rudely told us that she never told him. Samir came back to take our order, and he talked two of us out of ordering what we had initially wanted to order. While the food was good, the service was poor and uncomfortable. At one point we saw Samir and the very nice lady appear to be arguing. Some of the staff clearly need better training.
(3)Jesse H.
Meh. Let me just say that I absolutely love BBQ and was expecting the world. Jack Stack's said to be THE best BBQ and was I was left with a question on what people are thinking saying that this place is so great. I've had much better in my day. As for the cheesy corn that people love so much I say skip it cause that stuff is just odd. Ribs tasted like they had been boiled prior to smoking which is just absolutely wrong. All in all a thumbs down from me.
(2)Taylor K.
This is the best place to take someone who has never experienced KC barbecue. I will definitely be taking my guests there when they are in town. My favorite dish is the burnt ends. They are so moist and so delicious.
(5)James F.
This place has some amazing baked beans. Probably the best I've ever had. The meat portions were a little small compared to some BBQ places.
(4)Chris S.
I come here each time I come through KC. It's a nice, sit-down BBQ place (two things that logic suggests have no business being together) with an expansive menu. On this occassion I got the sampler of meats - sliced beef, pulled pork and turkey - along with an appetizer of burnt ends (chunks of charred meat that are better than that description). Beef and pork are pretty good, but not the best I've had (Arthur Bryant's will provide a great BBQ beef sandwhich if that's what you're in to). Turkey was nothing special and I wouldn't order it again - stick to the beef. I've never tried the ribs, but it appears to be their specialty and probably worth a look when I return (along with the cheesy corn which has no business being good, but kind of is). Overall, the dining experience won't disappoint if you're looking for good meat.
(3)jason h.
So I've gone here twice now. Both times it was between 5 and 6pm and I sat at the bar for a cocktail and some bbq. I'm not quite sure what it is with this place but the vibe is wrong. The bartenders are disinterested in the clientele, tend to focus on each other and when they do attend to you their timing is professionally off. By that I mean, they ask you for your drink order the second you sit down or they interrupt your conversation to "see how you are doing". Probably being too picky but for a place on the Plaza I guess I expect a little better service. This is probably an extension of their management, no idea just a guess. I give them a 2 out of 5 on service. The BBq is good but you shouldn't leave customers aggravated with poor service. You get one more try Jack....
(3)Eazmg C.
I've eaten here a few times at this point, and overall the BBQ is pretty outstanding, but not quite up to par with Oklahoma Joe's. I would give a 4 star based on the food, but due to poor service by the staff we received on 2 of the occasions i felt obligated to come in at a "3". I would highly recommend the Martin City Mayor and/or any of the ribs.
(3)Aaron A.
Clearly the "battle" between Fiorella's and OK Joe's is something that will be long debated. As an outsider (from Ohio), I thought I'd weigh in and throw some flames on the fire. I went to the original store in Overland Park. A quaint place, and you can tell its success by the many additions tacked on to the structure. The decor is typical of an American-style BBQ place, but not overdone, which was a plus. Service was prompt and efficient, and the menu is extensive. I'd recommend viewing the options online before going if you're a first-timer. In the end, I went with a burnt end sandwich and some pork ribs. Both were tasty and flavorful. You can tell they smoked their food, as the meat almost didn't need extra sauce on it. Alas, in my opinion, the tasty, flavorful meat did not surpass the depth of the flavor from OK Joe's. It was close, but different (a little more acidic). Either way, if you end up at OK Joe's or Fiorella's, you win out by having some of the best BBQ in your life.
(4)Chris S.
Great Beef BBQ! Highly recommend. Burnt ends Are a must. note: If you are from the "South" avoid the Pork BBQ, you will be disappointed.
(4)Amanda K.
Overall, this seems like a pretty classy joint. I went at quarter to noon on a Sunday and the bar was empty when I got there, so I didn't have to wait for a seat. Decor seems like it's sort of an upscale "steak house" type atmosphere, lots of dark wood and that sort of thing - nice. I ordered the "Poor Russ," or, chopped burnt ends on a sesame seed bun. It was... probably one of the strangest sandwiches I've ever had, but not necessarily bad. Looked like it was several different types of meat chopped very finely together - maybe a combination of beef brisket, pork, and smoked sausage? The bun was thinly spread with barbecue sauce, but no sauce was mixed in with the meat, so it was kind of a hard sandwich to eat, because it kept falling out all over the place. I don't know if that's how the "regular" burnt ends are here, but if so, I wasn't too impressed. I prefer larger chunks of a meat, and more sauce, but that's me. If you like a less saucy dish, it's probably up your alley. Fries were light, crispy, and tasty. My server was very nice, service was prompt, and prices were comparable to many of the hole-in-the-wall joints, or at least the sandwich prices were. Portions were good - the sandwich and fries I ordered could have fed two of me.
(4)Marc P.
This continues to be the place for BBQ in the Plaza. This last trip was kind of a bust but I think it's because they had such a high volume of patrons. The ribs were great, albeit like warm, and the burnt ends were a bit dry, but the beans and corn pudding hit the spot.
(3)Richie F.
Best baby backs I've ever had in my life! I ordered a full rack and shared Jackson best with my mom so I wag able to try all of the ribs (we also got a dude if lamb ribs). Food was fantastic and came out hot and perfect. The meat was so tender it almost slid off the bone. Service was a tad show but was very friendly and accommodating. Also have an amazing variety of barbecue sauce. Can't wait fir am excuse to come here again!
(5)Faith B.
You know, Jack Stack is catered into our office constantly. The smell wafts through the building and smokes the joint up.I am not a carnivore, but I have sampled their slaw and sides repeatedly. I've eaten their fish. All in all, I've just never been impressed. When I dined in, the waitress spilled a glass of water all over me. My fish was under cooked. My onion rings were just average. The coleslaw is just fine. I don't hate them, but I don't love them. I think KC can do and has done better.
(2)San T.
The ribs were amazing and the coleslaw and beans were also good. But my dinner would have been great if I were given napkins and utensil when I ordered take out. I really enjoyed the taste and the flavor, but not being able to enjoy the sides made it really frustrating. I couldn't finished the sides because I had to slurp it. When traveling and stay at a hotel, having the little things like napkins and utensils goes a long way.
(3)Katie W.
I've never understood the hype around Jack Stack. Maybe it's just not my kind of BBQ. I do like their sauce, cheesy corn bake, baked beans, sliced beef and desserts. I've been to all Jack Stack locations. I've been to events where they've catered. Everyone's excited, "Oh, Jack Stack?!" Then, I'm over here like, "Oh. Jack Stack. Ok." Appetizers: the onion rings are great. The fried mushrooms aren't filled with anything which is totally OK, but pretty watery. The horseradish sauce was yummy. I've never been served anything more than warm meat. The turkey I ordered last night wasn't even warm and still has the clear jelly residue attached. The sliced meat with beef and turkey with a loaded potato was $15 and the portion size left much to be desired. Ribs, burnt ends, sliced beef. I didn't ask about the pulled pork sandwich that someone had. All just ok. The baked beans are great. I didn't get cheesy corn this time. Everyone ordered a dessert and we all shared. The brownie needed the ice cream it came with...super rich! The bread pudding was kind of blah. The carrot cake was uh-mazing! It was topped with what seemed like cream cheese icing with a little cinnamon and pecans. My mouth is watering now. Never bad service. Always clean. Just not my BBQ place.
(3)Lena D.
Yaas! Meat! Patio seating! Meat! We had a lovely late lunch outside on the patio. We were seated immediately and both hostesses were friendly and accomodating. We had the beef burnt ends, they were delicious. Highly recommended. For my entree, I had the sliced meat plate with turkey and pork. Neither of these meats required any sauce, they were juicy all on their own. You're able to get one large side or 2 small, so I opted for the grilled veggie kabob. My husband had the pork ribs and lamb ribs. Yes yes yes get the lamb ribs. Fall off the bone, flavorful fantastic. Our server Miranda was quick efficient and kept my iced tea filled. We really had a lovely experience.
(5)Rick R.
The sample platter is a lot of food and a good way to determine your favorite BBQ meats, ribs, beef or pork burnt ends, sausage, ham or chicken. I went with BBQ beef & pork burnt ends, ribs & chicken. The meat is tender, smoked and delicious. I do prefer lean cuts and therefore liked the chicken as much as anything. Anthony was my waiter. He was extremely attentive. The hostess stopped by as well. The food and service were impressive and memorable. The atmosphere was casual and friendly.
(5)Trev W.
Kansas City BBQ Located in The Plaza district, Jacks BBQ is one of those landmark BBQ joints that really sums up the best of local cuisine. On most nights I would recommend maybe calling ahead to book a table, we arrived on a Friday night and it was packed with a 30min wait time. Split up into two parts, regular dining area and bar area with booths. I was not a fan tho of each booth having a TV inches away from your face. Dinner: -Burnt ends to start We were recommended these by a few locals before we went. Not bad, however they are nearly a meal in itself. - Ultimate Rib Dinner Wow, soo much food, the shank was massive and probably the second best I've ever had. The ribs were ok, not bad but really not the best I've had. I do recommend the beans as a side. - Carrot Cake Legit! Worth getting if you can stomach it after dinner. Worth it for sure! I like the decor, the staff were great and food was great. I know it's Kansas City BBQ and yes it was good, I personally think it was far to much food for one person. You really need to prepare before you go. Also your clothes may need dry cleaning after because you'll smell like ribs for days. Overall Food: 4-5 Drink: 5-5 (local beer is good) Service: 5-5 Coming back: yes
(4)Benjamin B.
I love BBQ. I may display Carolina style preferences, but I'm pretty equal opportunity across the BBQ world. I was initially reluctant to try Jack Stack because of its more upscale atmosphere and multiple locations in trendy neighborhoods, but I I'm very glad I did. The one thing you can take away from this: TRY THE LAMB RIBS I wanted to get a sampling of everything on the menu and we were on our way to a KC Royals game, so I ordered the Ultimate Rib Dinner for us to share over some drinks. Everything was excellent, but more than any other item I loved the lamb ribs. They're a bit small... and we were sharing. If it hadn't been for time constraints I would have ordered an entire rack of them for myself. I'd like to note that like everywhere else I ate in town they seem to have a nice selection of local beers from Boulevard. Highly recommended!
(4)Allister D.
So this was the first pit-stop to my BBQ adventure in KC. First off, I do love it's location. It's located inside The Plaza which is a beautiful Spanish-style outdoor shopping center. Jack Stack isn't too hard to find; it's literally within the first plaza. Jack Stack is sorta like an upscale restaurant with an intimate atmosphere. This would be a great place for a family gathering or a date with your gf/bf. The dim lighting creates this romantic vibe with the smell of BBQ ribs in the air; it all goes well! Since it was lunch time, I ended up having the baby back rib lunch special which were two short racks with their special BBQ sauce. The meat fell off the bone and was nice & tender. It was soft to chew and literally melted in my mouth. Their sauce was smoky but with an overall sweetened flavor. Their ribs is a must try! I ordered two sides to go along with my ribs; their hickory pit beans were on point! it was sweet yet it had a nice tang to give a better bite. My favorite was their cheesy corn bake!! OMG this was basically a cheesy macaroni & cheese side but using softly cooked corn instead of the macaroni pasta. This went well with everything. For $14 this was an ultimate steal for a great lunch price! I will def be coming back for more..
(4)Michael H.
Can't beat the burnt ends and pit beans. Phenomenal KC style BBQ in a nice restaurant setting. Friendly staff and and great decor. Not a side of the road place for sure, but well worth a stop.
(5)Stephen K.
Ordered this past weekend (Labor Day) multiple meals for a gathering. Ordered on the phone and was instructed to pickup in 20 minutes. Arrived, paid and drove off. All meals were correct, dang good as always and efficient. A reliable staple not only in the BBQ circuit but as a family meal that everyone can select from and find to their liking. Always safe with no surprises or disappointments.
(4)Kristina G.
So. Wow. This was amazing. Truly amazing BBQ. We got the BBQ lunch combo with the crown rib and lamb. All the meat just melts away under your fork. And the spices were so packed full of flavor but not one bite was overwhelming or too much of any one flavor. The Burnt Ends are just as good as everyone hypes them up to be! We got half beef, half pork. :) We also noticed a lot of the staff being very attentive and friendly with patrons, not just their own tables. Our server-Daniel M, was helpful in what to try for our first visit and checked in regularly with us. He was a great first introduction to the staff there! Overall, we were very impressed with the atmosphere and the food. We travel a lot and we frequently return places/cities we enjoy. This is one we will be back on many occasions just to enjoy the entire package of this place. Only con: the meat is fatty, go with the salmon if you feel you want a lighter meal.
(5)Caitlin M.
We were told we had to get BBQ in Kansas City and this was a place that was highly recommended. We are so glad we came here. Definitely gave us a good impression of KC BBQ! We were especially enamored with the Jack's Smokin' Mary. Their bloody mary mix is so good that they bottle it and sell it. The best part is the burnt-end stuffed olives! Full review at outforbloodies.com .
(5)Jean L.
My friends have been raving about this place since I got off the plane. Needless to say, I was super excited to try it. The time came when we arrived on a Friday night around 7:30pm. The wait was about 45 minutes, which wasn't a big deal since there were couple of open seats at the bar and sports on tv to entertain. The service all around from getting a buzzer for seating to our waiter being super awesome, I give thumbs up for service. Finally, we were seated and let the eating begin! We started with chicken wings. Then one friend ordered beef/bacon/onion ring sandwich. My other friend and I shared a full order of beef ribs with 3 sides (potato salad, cheesy corn, and baked beans.) Perhaps our eyes were bigger than our stomach because the full order of the ribs were barely touched after 2 each. The flavors were really deep into the meat and the sides were super tasty especially the cheesy corn, there were even ham/bacon bits mixed in, and the baked beans went really well with the meat. Not to mention the original and spicy sauces to go with everything. Everything tasted fabulous going down, but a little over an hour later, my stomach wasn't too happy. In fact, the rest of the night and the next morning, I spent most of my time in the bathroom. One of my friends also had to release in the restroom, but her situation wasn't as bad as mine. The other friend had no problems. I don't know what the culprit could be since I was fine the whole day, but maybe I over ate or my stomach wasn't use to this type of food. Either way, I can't say that I'll be having bbq ribs any time soon.
(2)Elizabeth A.
Loots of food, share the plates! The burnt ends were pretty good, actually everything was good. We went around 4:30pm on a Sunday and there was no wait. The staff was friendly and the local beer was good
(4)Tyler S.
ack stack is one my favorites BBQ restaurants in KC. If you are looking for a great meal stop here and you wouldnt be disappointed. Get the sample platter, which is a good mixers of BBQ!
(5)Melissa T H.
Annamari took great care of us! Hubby and I shared one entree: The 2 Crown Prime Rib dinner $29.99 - O.M.G. So unbelievably tender, full of deep marbled flavor, and HUGE: literally the size of my arm! And did I mention that it is oh-so-ridiculously tender succulent meat? Yeah. I want another one right now. One Crown Prime Rib is actually enough for me since it is basically a brisket cut on top of the rib. The sides were downright wonderful too: cheesy corn bake, BBQ beans and cheesy potatoes (we substituted cole slaw and fries) was amazing!!!!! Oh Jack Stack... please come to California!
(5)Sebastien S.
Ribs and ribs and ribs. Don't forget the barbecue beans and creme brulee. Food coma! Our waitress Abi is the best!
(5)Clarice O.
I should be ashamed of myself. Despite my denials of being narrow-minded, I am one sometimes. I held this longstanding bias against fancy BBQ joints. To me, "fancy BBQ joint" is a paradox and that people who go to fancy BBQ joints to have BBQ are heathens who would rather look nice than eat great BBQ. A great BBQ is as much about food as ambiance, which should be smoky and humble. If you want to start judging me for my narrow-mindedness, please do spare yourself the trouble, as I have already been schooled by Jack Stack. I heard a lot about Jack Stack while researching BBQ joints in Kansas City. Normally, I check out pictures more but my trip happened during busy season. So I made a list of purported legendary places to check out without really looking at pictures. Let me tell you how surprised and dismayed I was when I saw the nice, classy ambiance of the restaurant. True, I have a certain fondness for classy joints; and true, I am almost always dressed to be in a classy ambiance. But I so wanted to get stains on my pretty dress and this just was not the place to unleash my uncivilized meat-loving self. *sigh* Having said that, I was absolutely impressed with the friendliness and the welcoming attitude of the staff. Every single one we talked to was affable and the service was prompt and simply top-notch. The staff worked as a team and we were encouraged to feel free to ask help from anybody from the crew. But I was here for good BBQ that Kansas City is so renowned for. As mentioned, I was not optimistic about the food but I learnt that my narrow-mindedness was most definitely uncalled for. "Fancy" and "BBQ joint" are not necessarily mutually exclusive. We ordered the burnt ends, cheesy corn, Big Pig, and the baby back ribs. Every single one was just amazingly delicious. My least favorite of the bunch was the burnt ends, and only because my braces made eating them too much work. They were very tasty, though, and I know that I would love them more once the braces are off. The cheesy corn was simply addictive and I found myself needing a taste of it with my every bite. The ribs were also among the better ones I have had as of yet. But the Big Pig is what I can see myself going back repeatedly for. It is among my short list of foods I am willing to gain 6 sizes larger for. The ham, the bacon, the pulled pork...different delicious variations of my most favorite meat married with the creamy cheese and the onion ring.... On second thought, I would willingly gain 8 sizes for that sandwich. Fancy BBQ joints do exist and Jack Stack is proof. I have been schooled and I should be ashamed of being narrow-minded. Now if only I knew the meaning of the word "shame..."
(4)Jess L.
I had high hopes for this place after reading all of the rave reviews here on Yelp - I am really impressed by the active Yelp community here in KC. I am sad to report that I was a bit underwhelmed by my experience today. Had a half sweet/half unsweet tea to start, which was grand in taste, but didn't help with the fact that the restaurant was FREEZING. I managed to take down four pints of the stuff, regardless of the fact that I was so cold. Ordered a side Caesar salad next, which was delightful. Croutons were crisp on the outside, chewy in the middle. House made dressing was tangy but not overly anchovy-heavy. Romaine was gorgeous and green, and the flakes of parmesan were divine. Next up was a burnt ends lunch, and sadly, this is where the tale gets a little sad. The ends were dry and reeeeeally fatty - several were solid fat, which was a little difficult for me to take down. Thanks to my Mom for raising me a picky eater. The fries were hot/fresh/crisp on the outside, but not cooked thoroughly. On the plus side, service was superb. Brett took excellent care of me, keeping my tea glass full. The rest of the staff swooped in to remove empty plates mere moments after I took my last bites. Just lovely. Many other people from my group had great meals and similar experiences with the exemplary service staff - I'm hopeful on my next trip through that the food kicks it up a notch from my experience.
(3)Douglas W.
I guess I'm just not a fan of too much. Too much salt, too much smoke, too much heavy-handedness when it comes to their craft. I haven't had enough KC BBQ to say its a KC thing. There are those who say they have the best BBQ in the country. I've been here before and this is far from true. Great cooking no matter the cuisine takes fine ingredients and COMPLEMENTS them with the method of cooking and seasoning/smoke. It's a BALANCE of flavors. Great BBQ beef or pork should be tender, juicy, taste of the animal and then in the background smokey, never hot spicy but well seasoned. The lamb ribs were so salty I couldn't eat them. They were tender but black with smoke and over seasoned. Hickory is great in the background but theirs is too much and cloying. The burnt ends pork was dry and tough and I didn't love the original sauce. The spare ribs were tender but again I didn't like the seasoning. Your food shouldn't really be black. The slaw is ok, a little too sweet, the broccoli had too much garlic , the potato salad had too much relish and the beans were terrible with too much BBQ sauce and sugar. I didn't finish anything. I liked my wife's chicken 1/4 dark. Moist and not over smoked. I ordered some carrot cake and thought it was terrific. The bread pudding should be made from their toast NOT from croissant. It's not necessary. It's TOO MUCH. Disgusting and too dense. You do know croissants are 35% butter right? Maybe not. Following the theme? The fry seasoning contains GMOs and other ingredients that you shouldn't eat. Made me wonder what is in their rub and sauce. I don't think they know much about food. The service is great, the place is beautiful with prices to match. I wouldn't go back.
(2)Rodrigo M.
The best american bbq place I've been to. I highly recommend the beef burnt ends with the baby ribs...and the service is top notch. If you're in Kansas City you have to check it out. Make sure to make a reservation otherwise you'll wait around 1 1/2 hour for a table.
(5)David K.
We stopped here as we were passing through KC and boy was this a treat. I remember the bbq being pretty good and liking their seasonings but their cheesy potatoes were a thing of the gods! I always stop in to get those cheesy potatoes...yum
(5)Zach G.
Jack Stack is a great place. I have been to a few of the locations, and consistency between them all is pretty good. It's definitely upscale BBQ joint of KC, as most people know, but the prices are still pretty fair in my book. Service here is friendly. A bit slow at times, but friendly. The bartenders are nice as well, and seem to know their stuff. It's not quite the bar expertise of, say, a Plaza III or some upscale steakhouse, but still...very good for a BBQ place! The menu has something for most people, even you (wacky) vegetarians. If your group is looking for a BBQ place in KC and you are a veg among meat eaters, this is the place you should go to. My most recent order was the burnt ends dinner with sides of green beans and cole slaw. The burnt ends were juicy, huge, and tasty. The smell and flavor on them were fantastic. That being said, I felt they could have been a little more "burnt", and a bit less fatty. However, I still devoured them. The green beans were delicious, but were served in an onion ring...so much for my one attempt at being healthy that night ;) Finally, the cole slaw was very good...but it was brought out a good 10-15 minutes before my entree, so by the time I actually ate it (it's cole slaw, not a salad, I'm going to wait for my entree) it was rather room temp which I did not enjoy. All in all - 2 or 3 beers, burnt ends dinner, two sides, tax = $25 or so. Not bad, I do say, not bad.
(4)Dan G.
Having just arrived in KC, we were hungry. So, while everybody was hmming and hawwing about where we would eat. I whipped out.....my phone and fired up the trusty Yelp app and set our BBQ sights on Jack Stack's, located just a few blocks away. Score. It certainly was fancier than I would expect it to be. While I was tempted to get right to it and go all Chris Rock style "Gimme one rib!", it was far more orderly and we enjoyed a nice lunch. They have a lot of things that you can get on the menu, all different kinds of ribs, smoked meats and varying degrees of hotness sauce to douse them with. Brisket and burnt ends for me. Never had burnt ends before and I really enjoyed them. Brisket was good and the sauces were good. First BBQ I had in town was easily trumped by the other places I went to and put well in the rearview.
(3)Jillian C.
The burnt ends are where it's at. Absolutely love them. I get their veggies on the side. Beware, they come with cheese on them so if you're dairy intolerant, just know that. I usually add on some of the house seasoning for a kick. As for their sauces, regular is nice but the spicy is where it is at. It's not spicy as in hot but just layered with flavor. Yummy!!
(4)E P.
I wasnt impressed with my order. Everyone talks great things about the burnt ends. I ordered this as a meal - the burnt ends were very, very dry. The atmosphere and staff were great. I am disappointed I did not enjoy what so many people love here.
(2)Chris C.
Great spot, cool look and feel and above average food. The only reason why I vote it 4 stars instead of 5 is because sometimes I want my BBQ without having to sit down. The deserts are truly 10 stars.
(4)Matt U.
Just plain good should be Jack Stack's motto. That or "This the only place Chuck Norris asks for seconds". Either way, this place never gets old! You can get everything from a legit steak to some excellent rib and rack of lamb dinners to the classic take out dream - The Poor Russ! Our favorite way to dine is to grab a sandwich and some sides and head out to the fountains in the Plaza for some deliciousness whilst enjoying the surroundings. The Poor Russ and burnt ends here are simply stated - Amazing. With sides of cheesy corn (the kind they serve in heaven) and slaw, you can't go wrong. For those dining in, you gotta try the sampler - We recommend the Jack's Best for your eating pleasure. You sample the best they've got, get some sauce on your bid and leave a happy dude or dudette! Jack stack is the classiest of the local BBQ establishments and worth waiting for if you've got the time. Incredible service to go with incredible food, this is where we go when we're coming in from out of town and need to get our BBQ fix!
(5)Drew S.
So, I hear about this place close to where my meetings are that is a KC BBQ institution. I didn't have time to sit down, so I grabbed take out. Sarah helped me out at the counter and was fantastic. She had good recommendations and even gave me a little extra since I explained my interest and experience in BBQ. I purchased a few pork ribs, sausage burnt ends and beef burnt ends (they were on special and sounded tasty). I also got beans and slaw for sides. A bit pricey though... I was so ready to eat when I got to a place to sit down and opened up my smoky and sauced prize. The aroma was fantastic, and I took my first bite of the sausage and was very pleased with that. A good level of spice, but it wasn't overly so. The sauce was smoky, had a slight hickory flavor, and wasn't too sweet. The sauce was probably the best part of the experience. After the sausage, I moved on to the ribs and found the meat to be bland and a bit over cooked. Maybe it was just the tip of the rib, so I moved to the center section. Same thing. Really? Come on KC, you can do better than this. How about the beef tips? Bland and over cooked... I thought this place was supposed to be better than this, especially for the price I paid. I was completely underwhelmed.
(2)Chelsea B.
I compare ALL barbeque, and I mean ALL of it, to Oklahoma Joe's. If you're eating barbeque and it doesn't melt in your mouth, if it doesn't make you sit back in your chair and go "holy sh*t" after the first bite, if it doesn't make you say "THIS is what I've been waiting for all my life"... then it's not as good as Oklahoma Joe's. Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbeque falls in that category. Maybe I'm a hater because I don't get the whole fancy barbeque scene. Maybe I don't want to eat my barbeque on a plate... only styrofoam will do. Maybe I don't like getting seated right away and enjoy standing outside the door in a gas station parking lot for 45 minutes to get my barbeque. Maybe it's not you, it's me. The point is that when you walk into an "upscale" barbeque place you're necessarily expecting a higher quality of barbeque, and I have to say that I think Fiorella's is just okay.
(3)Cade R.
This place is pretty amazing.
(5)Andrew Q.
Some of the best BBQ I've had. KC is known for it and Fiorella's Jack Stack did not disappoint.
(5)Ashley F.
Now I see why KC is the BBQ capital of the US. Decided to check this restaurant out based on other yelp reviews and the suggestion of a friend. Arrived at 7 pm on a Friday night and the wait was about an hour. Wonderful. Drove 3 hours to wait one more. But wait? Is that a couple I see signing a bill at the bar? Grabbing their coat? Yes! All manners aside, decided to swoop in and grab those two seats. An hour wait turned into a 5 min wait. The taste and quality of food did not disappoint. My friend and I decided to split the Jack's Best that included burnt ends, baby back ribs, and beef ribs with coleslaw and fries. This dish would make any vegetarian cheat on veggies for a night. The meat literally fell off the bone and the BBQ sauce added an extra kick. Service was so attentive and we were well taken care of. Both bartenders introduced themselves when we first sat down and were very prompt on meeting our requests (forgot the coleslaw? brought out an extra serving). One huge downside on top of the wait time is the parking. There is a parking lot located right in the same building as Jack Stack that gets really congested, especially on the top level where there is no turn-around to head back down to lower levels. A wet towelette would have been nice to for our sticky fingers too. Other than that, KC is still the BBQ capital in my book.
(4)Bill J.
Absolutely delicious. Get the burnt ends or BBQ chicken. Clean friendly atmosphere. Our server was Joel and he was fast and attentive.
(5)Nathan S.
I had a few days to explore KC and that ment a few BBQ joints to try. Jack stack was first on the list. Ask anyone about where to find good BBQ and this is what they seem to say " jack stack, but it's more upscale and expensive for BBQ". It is a little more la TE da than the others, but the food is great. The burnt ends are amazing, and as a side (you can substitute any of them) are wonderful. I had the cheesy corn, and it's more cheese than corn. Beware, I'm not kidding, if you are expecting corn you may find a little, but this is more of a cheese sauce that happens to have some corn in it.
(5)Doug S.
The service is good, the food is ok. The prices are too high for what you get. I asked for prime rib rare, but they had medium rare. So I settled on burnt tips and back ribs combo. The sides were coleslaw and grilled veggies which were good. The meat portions were small for a$25 meal. The pork ribs had good flavor, but not even a half rack! The burnt ends did not do anything for me. They tended to be a little dry. They do not understand how to make a dirty martini. Mine was clear and they were out of Grey Goose. Disappointing.
(3)Daniel V.
Jack Stake receives 3 Mehs. I'm not a big fan of gourmet BBQ. Just give me a pile of meat some sides and a bun. I don't need the black clothed waiters, candle chandelier, cloth napkins. The BBQ was good but not better than anywhere else I've been. Not impressed by the cheesy potatoes or cheesy corn.
(3)Jon W.
Jon-- After a hardcore day of driving from Kentucky to Kansas City, we had to get some KC ribs. Jack Stack was the last stop for our KC rib tour (Oklahoma Joe's and Gates were already tried and enjoyed). While we are always grateful for a full slab after a long day on the road, Jack Stack didn't hold up to the other two venerable institutions. We started with the onion rings, which were pretty good. The batter was very light and tasty. However, the ribs were way too dry and stringy. Don't know if this was because we were there at the end of the night, but I was more than a little disappointed. The beans, which were excellent, couldn't even save the day. Nor the mild sauce, which was the best of the bunch. All in all, I'd stick with Oklahoma Joe's.
(3)Devin H.
This bbq was delicious. I'm a San Francisco Giants fan who came here for the World Series, and I'm so glad I chose Jacks Stack. Ate a pulled pork sandwich that was out of this world. Our server was a really nice guy and gave us exceptional service. He had blonde facial hair and had a bigger build. Give that guy a raise! Best service I've had in a long, long time.
(5)Stephen J.
Food was off the charts and the service was better. Tracy our server was very helpful as we tried to navigate the comprehensive menu. I have been to numerous bbq places and this one is right up there. Strongly recommend.
(5)Ben M.
The server was overly insistent we try a certain wine, to shut him up we bought the bottle. It wasn't good, not even remotely good. He talked to much and carried on about how wonderful the plaza location was and how much better it was than the other locations. I thought it was a stupid thing to do. Food wasn't as good as it use to be when we ate at the Martin City location. The fact they were trying to be so pretentious about being on the Plaza ruined the meal. The plaza has gone really downhill and is nothing more than a mere tacky tourist trap. Horrible dining experience!
(1)Phillip Y.
We stopped here for BBQ before heading back to Des Moines. At first, I thought the presentation was surprisingly good with the grilled vegetables. The batter dipped mushroom was juicy and delicious. However, the spare ribs were a bit on the dry side so it was okay. I still have to side with Knoxville's Rib Shack since I am use to it and prefer simple over fancy. That's just me but I'd rather find a hidden treasure like Rib Shack vs. a ritzy BBQ restaurant.
(3)Joe L.
I had an excellent business meal here a few weeks ago. Our server was excellent and very attentive. We had onion rings for an appetizer and I had an excellent, flavorful caesar salad. Most of us ordered combo plates, and my consisted on burnt ends and baby back ribs with beans and french fries. Everything was really good. We agreed that Oklahoma Joes may have better sauce, but the beans here were top notch. My ribs were perfect.
(5)Clifford S.
I rarely give a two but I was not happy with this place. Had Arthur Bryant's yesterday so I thought, cool, more great barbeque but in a more upscale location. Well, it was a more upscale location but the ribs were dry, the burnt ends were super fatty and they were out of the carrot cake. The beans were good. Nice waitress and comfy booths, big deal. I want the real deal barbeque. You should too.
(2)Tim M.
Meh. Had the baby back ribs which were fine but tasted oven-baked without much smoke flavor. BBQ sauce tasted like spicy ketchup rather than a good vinegar-based tomato-flavored sauce. My wife had pork, which was sliced rather than pulled, and brisket which was fine. Bottom line - everything was ok, nothing great. Service was fast and polite.
(3)John F.
Definitely a solid choice for good BBQ in Kansas City. The patio can be a bit cramped at peak hours, but once you get your food, your problems melt away with the beans!
(5)Eric L.
Do yourself a favor and check this place out if you're in KC! I had the giant plate of food recommended by the waiter, "Jacks Best." It was way more food than I could have eaten by myself, but I knew that going in. The waiter said this one plate had everything they were known for on it, so I wanted to see what I liked best. Turns out, it was the Crown Prime Beef Rib. Fantastic! But really everything was good, from the kids' grilled cheeses to my wife's pork sandwich. Next time I'll just order the crown prime and skip the appetizer. Service was great. They were busy at 830 on Sunday night, but there was no wait. Highly recommended!
(5)Garen M.
Met some friends here for Sunday lunch. The staff was very accomodating even though they had 3 young children with them. The lunch was good. I enjoyed the cheesy corn sides as much as I did my burnt pork ends. The rest of the table had pulled pork sandwiches and beef ribs. I coveted my friends cheesy potatoes. Not a top BBQ spot, but nicely served and great surroundings.
(4)Stephanie C.
Best BBQ I've ever had! Brunt ends and short rib are so tender they are like pot roast! Jacks Best is a must have and enough for 2!!
(5)Meghan M.
If you're scared of food served at a gas station or crossing the irrationally feared Troost Ave, then this bbq will suffice. I consider it fancy man bbq. It has cloth napkins, waiter service, intentional ambience, and higher prices. I like their rib platter, and I'm obsessed with their cheesy corn. Everything else is good to good enough, but for an authentic KC experience, I would recommend other places (first & foremost, OK Joe's).
(4)Joey H.
The best BBQ I've had. Tender, but not greasy ribs, and a good selection of meats. Sauce was a bit too subtle for me, but the quality of the meat made up for it. Full service dining is also a plus.
(5)Abbey A.
Parent-approved KC BBQ. I prefer the grittiness of a Gates or Arthur Bryant's or the great outdoor ambience of Woodyard, but there's no doubt Jack Stack makes some truly delicious, high quality food.
(4)Leslie M.
Meats-recommend brisket, ribs and pork. Turkey was too deli-like. Sauce-mild = excellent, on the vinegary side. Spicey=overwhelmed with cayenne pepper, lost the flavor. Sides- beans were EXCELLENT (with meet and lots of bbq sauce). Coleslaw was sweet and great. Pass on the cheesy corn.. too liquidity.. Like corn in melted Velveeta, not very interesting. Bread wasn't anything special-toast, plain, not fresh (not worth extra cost on sandwiches). potato salad was very bland but fine. Staff was very friendly and helpful, thank you Justin G! Bathrooms were clean, new, and well maintained/clean.. Loved the faucets.
(4)Nicole H.
Best BBQ! We could smell this place from everywhere on the plaza! If you are ever shopping downtown, seriously follow your nose! Great service and fantastic food. Their portions are large, and you'll have a to-go bag. It's conveniently located and they have a casual atmosphere. Delicious.
(4)Wendy W.
I've been enjoying Jack Stack BBQ since its humble beginnings in Martin City, Mo. The attention to quality, flavor, service and atmosphere only gets richer! You can count on what you know as only true to Jack Stack BBQ. You can count on super attentive waiters. You can count on fare for all pallets, including vegetarians, fish-lovers and of course those who like to chow down on ribs, burnt ends and wings. I've ordered Jack Stack to be delivered to Texas for a show down. I've ordered massive pounds for my child's graduation in Omaha, and I've purchased it packaged at Costco. Same quality every time - and a hands down winner! Oh, and in case you didn't know it, you are missing the bloody mary of a lifetime if you don't try Jack's burnt-end stuffed olives in the bloody mary on an easy Sunday morning'. My only beef is, when will we get on in Omaha?
(5)Leah W.
First things first: Lamb ribs and cheese corn = AMAZING! The ambiance of this place felt more high class, which fit with the Plaza area. The 3 of us all tried different items, but loved everything we ordered. We each tried a bit of everything (brisket, burnt ends, ribs, etc.) and were pleased with our meat choices. We tried both sauces offered, but neither was spicy. The sides were also great and well portioned with the meal. The loaded baked potato could have been its own meal. Not as "authentic" feeling as some other KC barbecue places, but delicious!!!
(4)Mark G.
My 2nd favorite KC BBQ restaurant. Oklahoma Joes is #1. Burnt ends and ribs were excellent. Spicy BBQ sauce was awesome. Baked beans were pretty good but I've had better. They were a little too sweet. Honestly, they tasted better cold the next day. For some reason they forgot my coleslaw but I didn't even notice until I was nearly finished eating and didn't have room form it anyway.
(4)Jemmie W.
Wow. Just wow. I lived in Texas for three years and one of the things I miss about Texas is the BBQ. This place addresses that issue. I had the full rack smoked beef ribs with three sides. They say it's enough for two people. I say they are right, and I eat like a killer whale. The full rack includes eight ribs. I ate six of them and could eat no more. I basically didn't touch the sides. The beef ribs are unbelievable and reminds me of the legendary BBQ in Texas. The meat is incredibly tender, flavorful, and not dry. I cannot recommend it enough.
(5)Sophia L.
Been traveling for work through BBQ cities and loved jack stack's. The prime beef rib had the right amount of fat and flavor (beef rib, burnt ends, and baby back) was outstanding. If you're an onion ring lover, order a stack. Cornmeal in the batter made for a crunching coating with a perfect onion on the inside. Coleslaw was addicting -- I ate every bite. Too much food for one person so bring a friend.
(4)Zach C.
Tried the combo with beef tips and lamb ribs. Ribs were slightly gamey in taste, and a little fatty but not bad for ribs. The tips were amazing! so were the beans as a side. Recommend tips and beans!
(4)Ann W.
Two words for you: lamb ribs! Two more words for you: burnt ends! This is really all you need to know about Jack Stack. For all of the KC barbecue fanatics, I do understand that lamb ribs aren't traditional KC barbecue, but holy *&^$ those things are like crack! Especially paired with their extra spicy sauce which is spicy, but not killer spicy. For KC barbecue purists, you cannot argue with the most delightful brisket burnt ends ever to pass your lips. If you haven't tried them, you must. They're simply divine...moist, tender, flavorful. Oh good googly moogly, I'm salivating! I have heard many times about how wonderful the cheesy corn is. This is clearly a matter of taste because I find it to be foul beyond belief. But fortunately, Jack Stack has a great selection of sides to choose from including top notch barbecue-y baked beans. I have never had dessert at Jack Stack because I just can't eat that much. I generally walk out with a box with half of my food in it because the portions are really generous. In fact, I did just that last night and when I arrived home, my husband snatched the box from me and devoured my leftover ribs in less than five minutes. If that isn't a ringing endorsement, I don't know what is. They will only take reservations at this location if you have at least six in your party. Fortunately, they can usually accommodate most parties fairly quickly, but it would be really nice if they'd take reservations for those of us who prefer not to fly by the seat of our pants. Service here has ranged from tolerable to excellent. The last time I ate here, there were only two of us and our waitress was preoccupied with her bigger parties neglecting us when we needed more sauce or refills, but otherwise she was certainly pleasant. On the previous occasion I visited, we had a bigger party and had great service throughout the meal.
(4)Jared D.
This was my initiation to authentic Kansas City-style barbecue, and I wasn't disappointed. I had received recommendations from plenty of people about which barbecue joint to try during my business trip but ultimately settled on Jack Stack because of its location on the Plaza. I have nothing to compare the food to, but it lived up to my expectations. Living in the New York area, burnt ends are a mythical foodstuff that are virtually impossible to find, so I was anxious to try them here. They were incredible and easily the best part of the meal -- even better than the Crown Prime beef rib that my server had hyped up. The entrees at Jack Stack are gluttonous and gigantic, which I suppose is what you would expect at a barbecue joint. But I'm glad I tried it, and I look forward to exploring other barbecue options in this city in the future. (Also, burnt ends.)
(4)L. D.
OMG !!! Jack Stack Baby Backs can't be beat in the KC area! ! Holy S.O.B...... the Baby Back ribs and the Cheesy Baked Potatoes are HMMMMM GOOOOOODDDDD! ! This was my 3rd visit to Jack Stack and it did not disappoint. I will definitely be back to the Stack !!! I've also tried Gates, Hayward's and Smokehouse BBQ and JS is still on the top of my list. On my to do list are Oklahoma Joe's, Famous Dave's and Hereford's. So much BBQ, so little time.
(5)Alex C.
My favorite place for BBQ in the nation so far, and that's saying a lot since i'm from Texas and my Dad's from North Carolina. The burnt tips, the brisket, sausage, ribs, oh, everything is great. Try the cheesy Mac, the cheesy potatoes, and the BBQ beans are to die for. Can seem pricy, but the best things in life usually are. Great location, whenever my family and I are in town we stop by for a meal, then order more to take home with us. The last word in Kansas City BBQ.
(5)Holly Y.
BEST baked beans and cole slaw in Kansas City! BBQ is OK, but THE BEST baked beans and cole slaw I've EVER eaten! Love to go pick up & have at home with my own homemade pulled pork! Chunks of meat in their beans...honestly, I can't say enough good things about their beans and slaw!
(4)M P.
My first experience with KC BBQ and holy wow it was delicious! We sampled the beef brisket, the chicken, and the beef ribs. All awesome. The sauces were perfect mix of tangy, sweet, and spicy. We also had the cheesy corn which I think now is going to be the only way my husband will eat corn! It was so good. And then there are the beans. Oh the beans. I'm not sure there are words to properly describe the perfection that was the beans, except "best ever."
(5)Donna L.
Although a fancier kind of BBQ place, very good food, great service. Their ribs are the best on their menu. Carrot cake for dessert is to DIE for. Would definitely go there again when in KC.
(4)Aldwin C.
probably this review is not needed. just go to the restaurant. free-smells.
(5)Shaun W.
When I asked an Overland Park, KS friend for advice on the best BBQ in town, this is where I was pointed. Zagat and the other food awards seem to agree when it comes to a slightly more upscale eating experience. You can't help but smell the hickory smoke a block away and by the time you actually make it in the door, you're starving. All of the meats are topnotch, but what I keep coming back for is the beef brisket. Other reviews seem to all agree; get the beef brisket and the burnt ends. (I prefer the "Poor Russ" chopped burnt ends.) All of the sides are good, but I highly recommend the vegetable kabob. These skewers are grilled fresh and come out dripping in their natural juices. This side is served with a mild horseradish sauce that goes well with all of the veggies, but makes the mushrooms worth writing about. I'm generally not a BBQ fan as I've written in my other reviews, but the food coming out of the kitchen here makes me choose to visit any time I'm in the Kansas City area.
(5)Jeremy K.
After a disappointing outing to Arthur Bryant's as part of a 4th of July KC excursion, our local host urged us to give KC barbecue a shot at redemption at Jack Stack. We stopped by there just to pick up some burnt ends and cheesy corn to go. The burnt ends here were delicious. I have to say, though, that they are virtually identical to good Texas barbecue brisket. I guess by the name, I expected them to be way more burnt. I'd say the burnt ends here were of the same quality as Rudy's extra lean brisket in Austin, which is my personal favorite barbecue. The cheesy corn was a love/hate dish. I didn't care for it at all, based on its texture, but 3 of the 5 of us absolutely loved it. I would come back here next time I am in KC and try some more of their meat.
(4)Allen W.
Walking in you get hit by a mouth-watering smell that sets your mood. good sauce, amazing beans. We had the dinner for two meal with sliced pork(okay), brisket(very good), baby back ribs(a little tough and dry), and beef slice(okay). The sauce is what made it taste good. Good wine selection and the waiter was awesome.
(4)Rosa J.
I usually decide if a BBQ place is good based not on its meat, but on its potato salad. While I didn't get to try the potato salad at Jack's I did try the cheesy corn...YUM!! I had never even heard of cheesy corn but I am a fan now! The BBQ was good. I had the Hatfield with brisket and turkey. It was a great combination and it wasn't overly stuffed with meat. It was just enough to fill me up! I also tasted some of the "Burnt Ends", which I had also never heard of, also a winner.
(3)Liz S.
The burnt ends were fantastic! My favorite were the pork ribs and baked beans. We ate at the bar. Service was great and the food came really fast. I recommend this to anyone!
(4)Kate G.
After many work trips to Kansas City, I finally whined enough to get some BBQ. Though I really want to try a real dive, this was a very nice restaurant and accommodated our large group well. Our server was WAY off all night, taking half the drink orders at a time, forgetting waters, forgetting sides, all sorts of stuff. But he was friendly so no one held it against him. I sampled the ginormous fried mushrooms, burnt ends, sliced beef and pork, chicken smothered with pulled pork and cheese, and a dinosaur bone - basically the biggest rib I have ever seen. All of it was great and the mild, medium and hot sauces just added to the smokey flavor and heat. My veggie kabob skewer was delicious with corn cobs, carrots, onions, bell peppers and squash served with what tasted like horseradish mayo for dipping. With all that delicious meat, I think the best part of the meal was the huge spinach salad topped with strawberries, goat cheese and BACON mmmm. I liked the selection of local beers and I will be back on a future trip for sure.
(4)Debbie G.
Went to KC on a business trip and didn't know what to expect. All I kept hearing about was how you can't leave town until you try their BBQ! Luckily, the office I was at ordered from here for lunch one day - there was sooo much food and it was sooo good! BBQ pork chops, creamed corn, cole slaw, grilled veggies - it was a great lunch treat I'm sure I would've liked it even better at the restaurant itself and I probably would've tried even more BBQ items, but from what I sampled through the takeout - KC BBQ is no joke!
(3)Steve W.
I was in town on business and decided to check out a couple of recommended BBQ places. It was a split decision on this one. We ordered an appetizer of burnt ends, because of the reviews. We weren't all that impressed. They seemed very dry, and not all that flavorful. However, after we had ordered them, we both decided on the Jack's Best, which is a sample of their top specialties. This also comes with the burnt ends, but for some reason, they were much better than the appetizer burnt ends. Very tender and much more flavorful. Our appetizer must have been the leftovers from the previous batch. Our favorite was the Crown Prime Beef rib. It's a lot of meat on a single rib. Very flavorful and very tender. It was excellent. The baby back pork ribs were good, but not great. The Cheesy Corn Bake was very good. Overall, it was definitely good food, but not our top BBQ choice in the area.
(4)Jessette P.
Mmmm good. Rustic ambiance, good service, fair priced. Had the grilled salmon salad, a taste of the cheesy corn, the hickory beans and a big onion rings. My codiners had the burnt ends, the briisket and the pork sandwich, which they all agreed was tender and tasty. Recommend!
(4)C B.
Got take out. Great service; even better food. Ribs were excellent, very meaty, tender. Also got beans and cole slaw that were very good also. If you want BBQ -- go here!
(5)Chris F.
This restaurant proved to be the better one of the two BBQ places that I tried during my short stay in Kansas City. Sure, it has the "fancy" restaurant feel, but I didn't come for the atmosphere! First off, the burnt ends as an appetizer was in store. Oh my hell. Delicious! The meat was tender and charred just enough so that eating that wad of fat became just tolerable enough for myself. Compared to Arthur Bryant's, I liked that the meat wasn't already swimming in the sauce, so I actually got a chance to taste it for the flavor of the meat itself, and it was definitely great. Their original sauce hit the spot for me. As for the sides, the potato salad was great, and the corn bake was...interesting. Good flavor, but it was essentially cheese and corn soup. It was different, and I'm glad I tried it. I decided to get a full spectrum and try out the sampler, which included beef and pork ribs, chicken, and sausage. Ribs, good. Chicken, good. Sausage, good! Everything hit a home run for me. Tender, flavorful, and very smokey! I felt like I was smoking at a hookah bar after eating because of that unusual sensation that I got in the back of my mouth. Service was excellent too. The waiter was attentive and patient with us as we tried to be not indecisive with our choices.
(5)Mike H.
I'm not a huge rib fan, but since I was in Kansas City I figured I had to give it a try. First, they had New Belgium beers on tap (Fat Tire), so that by itself was a huge bonus. The ribs were pretty outstanding and a large portion for the money. I prefer dry ribs, but I liked how these didnt use too much sauce that you couldnt taste the meat. The real highlight of the meal was the burnt end stew, which was so much better than I could have expected. The smoke flavor was much stronger here than the ribs. Also had a great choice of sides (I had the french fries and hickory beans)
(4)Kristina M.
We'd give six stars if we could. This place was an unplanned stop in our multi-city bbq tasting tour and ended up being our top pick of the 5 KC places that we tried. And all three of us agreed on it. The place was conveniently near our hotel and it was packed even though it was Sunday night. We were seated reasonably quickly and had a great waitress who was friendly yet efficient. Then there was the food. It was what bbq should be smokey, tender, delicious. And the portions were huge. We had the babybacks and a mixed burnt ends. The beans where the best among all the bbq joints in all the cities we visited. Thank goodness they have a catalog because otherwise we might have to come up with reasons to travel to KC again. They weren't the cheapest but worth every penny. Eating with Allergies: They double checked the ingredients in the item's R ordered and ensured they didn't contain any of his problem ingredients allowing him to enjoy his meal without fear.
(5)Kristian R.
I knew I wanted some BBQ when I got to KC and this place was within walking distance from my hotel. First, for those of you who are unaware (like I was) this place is a chain. In my experience, the best BBQ comes from local places where the original pit master is still working the pit. This place has the feel of your standard Chili's or TGIFridays (which I try to avoid at all costs). The menu is also HUGE. As far as BBQ places go, there only needs to be one page (Meats, Sandwiches, and Sides). I ordered the Jumbo sandwich (choice of 2 meats and one side). I got burnt ends and pulled pork with the cheesy corn. I had heard good things about the burnt ends and cheesy corn (I had heard good things). The burnt ends and pulled pork were a little tough and not much smoky flavor. The cheesy corn is exactly what it sounds like but nothing spectacular. My friend had the sandwich with polish sausage and smoked pork with fries. The sandwich was pretty weak but the fries were excellent. I did enjoy the wide selection of Boulevard beers on tap. Overall, it was mediocre BBQ that was not worth the price (about 8-10 per sandwich with side). I wouldn't go back again and would definitely look for some place small and locally owned.
(2)Kelly W.
Great service and AMAZING food! I hadn't been to Jack Stack in several years, and this latest visit was everything I remembered and more! My husband and I got there right at 11 on Sunday, and were assured by our server that we would be getting the freshest of their amazing smoked meat, and we did! We had the Burnt Ends, and my husband added Ribs with the two-meat combo. Don't miss out on the corn bake while you're there! A large side is enough for two to share. The burnt ends were so tender, they fell apart at the touch of my fork. The meal was simply divine! The service was terrific too. Our waiter was very attentive, and frequently returned with soda refills. I can't wait till I'm back in the area, I know where I'll be getting my KC BBQ!
(5)Fia R.
Caution: if you're sticking to that New Year's Resolution of yours, hint hint, I suggest that you read this after you already consumed your low-calorie/low-something meal, or you take responsibility of your salivation & temptation ;D. As a complete KC BBQ noob & after receiving recommendations from friends, the discovery of KC Restaurant Week right at Day One pinpointed to the place buckled into the Country Club Plaza (which, my Cali buddies, is similar to Santa Monica Promenade or the shops at La Jolla). DL and I waited--err, mostly strolled around the blocks--for about an hour before getting seated at a table widened enough that I postulated that our platters for 2 would cover almost all of it. We decided that one of us (okay, me) will select the $30 3-course dinner, composed of 3 Onion Rings; 4 different kinds of wet-rubbed meat with one large Cheesy Potato Bake; & a Carrot Cake. DL, meanwhile, ordered off from the titanic, regular menu: the Kansas City Combo ($17.45), consisted of Lamb Ribs and Beef Burnt Ends plus 2 small sides of Creamy Coleslaw & very appropriately named Hickory Pit Beans. Starting off with the protein descriptions, included in my 3-course were the Lamb Ribs, Crown Prime Beef Rib, Pork Spare Ribs, and Pork Baby Back Ribs. All this, plus DL's meat, had that invigoratingly smoky & subtly sweet taste--the latter being my super personal preference--most without necessarily drowning them with their famed BBQ sauces. Other than noticing the ribbed patterns, what I listed was intentionally my most favorite to least: sensuous lamb with gamey balance; excellently charred and just-right fatty & succulent, hunky piece of medium-rare beef; very pleasurable & flavorful spare of pig; & baby back ribs that not only they weren't really off-the-bone, but I find it not as worthy to save calories as the one in Phil's BBQ :P. Moreover, DL's Burnt Ends were downright delicious, except that some were moist, & some were dry that it did desire that deluge, whether in Original Sauce, Spicy, or Hot. Now expatiating on the non-meats, the Onion Rings were greatly breaded & not-at-all greasy. But that's all I'll write about, with a little quirk that I liked them best when dipped w/ Heinz ketchup. On the contrary, our 3 total sides AND our outrageously devilish, plumpy Carrot Cake were something it's difficult to write concisely o_o. I guess I can condense that these were so perfectly textured & so extraordinarily, perhaps panoramically yummy & 5-starred material that you for sure need to plan a rigorous, workout session (P90x maybe?!) before--and after--indulging guiltlessly. Finally, service might be fine at the hosting stage, but the on-site manager was absolutely accommodating & amiable, & our server Eric was the paragon of A-graded service. He even gave us a sample of their hottest BBQ sauce with no question that DL excitedly bought bottles of Spicy & Hot at $3.50 each. Some of the meats were something that I was blissful to try once, but if we revisited, I'd reorder the sides, the dessert, the Lamb, while I'll go for that Cheesy Corn Bake & the meats suited for their Sammies. In summary, at least THIS Fiorella's, whether during KCRW or not, is still worth going on your 1st KC vacay, with plenty of neighboring stores to walk around to prep up your hunger. Btw, eating the leftovers were still tasty; none of that weird, refrigerated undertone seeped in :P.
(4)Scott H.
Best BBQ on our trip to KC. Beans were awesome. Ribs were great. Service was good. You won't be disappointed.
(5)David S.
This was my first - no, second - KC BBQ experience. Since then I've had one more. How does Jack Straw measure up? It's quite nice. I think that unless you're from Texas, or KC, or North Carolina, or someplace else with a BBQ brain, you just love all BBQ and don't get caught up in the nuances of one vs. the other (at least I don't). I just love BBQ, and every place has things I would kill for, and things I'd pass on. So, first, this place is nice. As in, you're not going to a shack if that's what you're looking for. It's a sit down restaurant that goes out of it's way to make it a non-BBQish kind of place (aside from the individual booths with the individual TVs in the bar area - which was pushed on me because, I imagine, I am male, was alone, and perhaps looked freakish from the very cold walk over). So, the onion rings (which come stacked and sort of appear like a large anal dildo to be honest) were tasty, but I think undercooked. I like the onion to be more tender than these were. The ribs were moist and fall off the bone tender. 4 big bones. Flavor was all there. Not too much smoke. Beans were good, but not as good as Oklahoma Joe's in my view. Plenty in portion, a bit more pricey than most BBQ, and served quickly. An the burnt ends were so, so nice. Super juicy. Nice big chunks. Great smokey flavor. These on bread with sauce must be heaven. Next time. I look forward to trying the baby backs and the magnum meat on a bone chop, the name of which I can't remember. They have a nice beer list and plenty of seating. No waiting for me on a Wed night. Anyway, great BBQ. Can't wait to go back and try other meats.
(4)Brock L.
Omg so good..Best BBQ I have ever had. Blows away the local place in the Boston Area that's good. I had to come out here for training for work. I was like Kansas...not vegas cali or Fla or NY..what's in Kansas...everyine said to me..well make sure you try the BBQ out there..like five people...I'm not even a big BBQ fan...well I went there on the first night...and made sure to go again the next night as I leave the following night...tip if your in town for business order take out..you save some. But the resturant and the whole experince is great.The Beef Burnt ends are un real..and the brisket is great..they made them leaner for me great service.The Prime Beef ribs are crazy...3 and your done.They are like Jurassic ribs. Dont be a sissy and get chicken. .Go big.if you come here..and its only a one time deal..maybe noy they do mail order. Def recommended this place
(5)Gabe F.
Several people raved about Jack Stack's BBQ. Being a South Carolina native in Tennessee, I wasn't sure what to expect about KC bbq. I went here first. I ordered the burnt ends, pork ribs and corn bake. The meat was painfully smoky with no sweetness or help from the sauce. I assumed this was just my taste preference for bbq. The corn bake was excellent! It's like mac and cheese but with corn instead of noodles. The atmosphere was great and the service was fine, but it was a bit pricey for bbq. After almost giving up on KC barbecue I decided to check out Oklahoma Joe's. Go to Oklahoma Joe's! Go to Oklahoma Joe's! It's in a gas station but don't be fouled, this barbecue is excellent!
(2)John M.
I think they may have lost a step since changing ownership, it didn't use to be called fiorellos jack stack OR the 22nd street jack stack is the best of the three locations. BTW expect them to be very busy during peak times. Anyways into the grub. Ordered a combo plate to enjoy on a mild summer day on the patio. Burnt ends kinda disappointed this time lacking that carmelized sweetness also they were very dry. The sausage was as I remembered, good, but the ribs suffered the same issue as the burnt ends, dry. The stand out was the BBQ chicken, great seasoning smoke ring and moist. The beans are burnt ends beans and their signature BBQ sauce, damn fine beans with those ingredients. A companion ordered the burnt end sandwich, good tasting bread, loaded with chopped burnt ends and coleslaw, which they really enjoyed. Bring an appetite for the sandwich it's a great deal. Also, the lamb ribs which I had on my first trip to jacks are very good. Another thing to note is if you don't like celery seed flavor, don't try the hot BBQ sauce, it had more celery seed than the coleslaw. Service is adequate for as busy as they are. Still I'd hit it again, just not this one.
(3)Samantha C.
Came her a few months ago while I was in KC for training for work and I really liked this place. The restaurant was quite sophisticated and the ambiance was mature. I ordered the prime rib sandwich and it was so amazingly delicious. For 12 or 13 dollars, the portion was huge and it included french fries. It was an open face sandwich and it was probably the best prime rib I have ever had; super juicy and flavorful. However I was a bit disappointed in the burnt ends since they are so highly talked about on here. My co-worker order the appetizer portion of that and I had a piece which I thought was mediocre. It didn't really have much flavor, but maybe I just had a bad piece. Bummer. But overall, this place was great and if I'm ever in KC again, I will surely come back.
(4)Jenny C.
A meal at Jack Stack's is a MUST whenever I am in Kansas City. In fact, I ate there twice during my last 4-day visit! Their baby back ribs and burnt ends are my absolute favorite plus they can substitute roasted vegetables (or a veggie kabob) in lieu of the usual carb heavy sides at no additional cost. I like my ribs dry so I appreciate the fact that they do not slather on a plethora of barbecue sauce that masks the actual flavor of the ribs. On my way back home, I stopped by their carry out section and ordered 1lb of pork burnt ends and 1/2lb of beef brisket (which came with a free full sized bottle of spicy barbecue sauce!). It was wrapped perfectly for travel so I was able to easily slip it into my suitcase without worrying that it would leak and spill in my luggage. See you again next year Jack Stack!
(4)Qanelle J.
I love BBQ and the burnt ends here are delicious. The outdoor patio overlooks the water which is cool. I could eat bbq for days.
(5)Dean D.
Great Kansas City BBQ! I got the Sampler platter which has chicken, ribs, burnt ends, and kielbasa. My cardiologist is gonna die if he finds out. Couldn't finish it. Everything was delicious. Highly recommend the burnt ends and you gotta try their baked beans and that cheesy corn...good stuff.
(4)Kajal G.
Went here during lunchtime on a Saturday so it was really busy but we luckily got a booth at the bar which fit the four of us okay. We ordered waters and beers which took a surprisingly long time to come and between the 4 of us, we ordered The Round Up Sampler (sliced beef, pork, ham, and pork spare ribs, coleslaw, baked beans, fries) and the Jack's Best Sampler (features one crown prime beef rib, baby back ribs, and beef burnt ends, coleslaw and fries) oh and we also had the Spinach Salad Highlights: *Prime Beef Rib-amazing, falling off the bone and fork tender. YUM\ *Baked Beans- normally not a fan but these were cooked with a lot of bbq sauce and so good. Also helpful as a dip for the meat since they were lacking sauce and there was no extra bottle on the table *Coleslaw- again, normally not a fan but we had 3 orders on our table and they were demolished by the end of it *Sliced Beef- Yummo! Though could've used more sauce *Spinach Salad- could use less dressing but very good and a great starter if you get the small size or split the large with someone Bad Parts: *There was this blonde food runner who was very rude to us and rolling her eyes at us because we weren't moving the things on our table out of her way fast enough. Total Bitch who deserves to get smacked. She worked lunch shift Saturday and had her blonde hair in a bun and wore glasses. *Lack of sauce- the meat was missing a lot of flavor without extra sauce on the table. I ate with my hands and they were practically clean after *The wait. I know it's a Saturday at the Plaza but there was a wait for drinks, long wait for food and even a line for the bathroom! *Server was pretty inattentive but we were in the bar area so I guess that's what you get for not wanted to wait an hour for a regular table. Oh well. I had high hopes for KC BBQ and maybe I can try Omaha Joes or something else
(3)Claudia P.
worst BBQ we have ever eaten....the chicken was dry,the ribs didn't have any sauce or seasoning and to make the experience even worse our waitress Belynda (got the name from receipt) was rude and inattentive....giving the place one star because yelp asked for a rating....unfortunately there are no options for horrible food
(1)Seri M.
We had a group of 8 adults and 4 children without a reservation on a Saturday afternoon. Everyone was appropriately dressed and it could have been partly our fault for not making a reservation, but our wait was about 2 hours long. Imagine trying to entertain 3 kids under 5 years, plus a squirmy toddler for 2 hours. Once we were finally seated, our drinks were promptly brought to us by our server and our orders were efficiently taken. The barbecue was delicious, including the side orders of beans, potato salad, cole slaw, etc. The best thing I ate that day was the carrot cake and I am not even a fan of carrot cake! It was so delicious and the frosting/cake ratio was perfect. I thought since this was a "high end" barbecue restaurant, we would have needed to dress up a little, but I saw plenty of people in jeans and tees. The atmosphere wasn't too stuffy and was pretty loud inside; however, when we walked in with the screaming overly tired toddler, all eyes turned our way. Based on the food experience and not the people experience... If I ever return to Kansas City, I will definitely go back to Jack Stack.
(4)Doug D.
One of the best BBQ experiences in the world. A must do when in KC!
(5)Erick H.
I had been looking forward to going to Jack Stack for several years now, and so I was so excited to be in Kansas City for the American Royal BBQ Competition so that I could experience what had been touted as the "Best Barbeque in Kansas City." What a disappointment. We had wings to start off. They were the best part of the meal. Smoky flavor, not to spicy so that my wife could eat them. "Wonderful" I though. I was hoping the rest of the meal would be just as good. But it wasn't. We were seated right next to the kitchen, so it was a bit busy. And as I waited for our food, I was getting so excited. I had the Baby Back Ribs, Burnt Ends and Beef Rib. The Ribs were a bit dry, and very little hint of anything smoky. They were also overcooked and mushy. The Burnt Ends were just chunks of Brisket. Not real Burnt Ends. They were fattey and chewey. The Beef Rib was VERY fatty, and had little meat on it. The fat overpowered any meat I did actually find. Again, no hint of smoke anywhere. The Cheesy Corn was soupy, but the beans were decent. My wife had chicken and ribs, and her ribs were undercooked, and the chicken was dry. I have been told since then that I chose the wrong one. I should have gone to the original location that is still owned by the ex-wife of the owner of the place I went. Don't know if I'll even venture to that place, but who knows. Next time I'm in town I might just try it.
(2)Ken B.
Jack Stack is good food but just OK barbeque! I don't get all the hype of this being great KC barbeque, but the one thing going for it is that it is always consistent. Consistent in a good and bad way. If the food is just ok, then it's always just ok. The customer service and waitstaff have always been excellent and it has never failed to be so. The food doesn't have the same soul as some other local bbq joints. I do love the beans but am not a fan of the poppy seed slaw. Even if this food is hand made, it misses that quality. If something is too burnt or too greasy it doesn't seem to be served. On one hand that is great consistency, but doesn't leave you with that hand made feeling. Some people like an extra crispy frie here and there and this place doesn't have that. But again, the food is not, nor ever has been bad. It's good food, just not great bbq to me. I believe variety is important in all aspects of life so that feeling carries through to bbq restaurants too. A bbq joint can be a hole in the wall or a nice dining establishment. Jack Stack definitely is on the nicer side of the spectrum. Again, I like a little more grit and soul to a bbq experience but if you prefer a nicer, cleaner space, Jack Stack would be perfect for you. It's all A-OK!
(3)Kathleen M.
I not only love Yelp, but I am addicted to Facebook as well. I solicited opinions on what to see/do as well as where to eat from my FB friends and read up on Yelp. We were here for some Cubs games, wanted to eat barbeque at least twice. I settled on Arthur Bryant's and here; seemed to be a nice contrast in setting plus this was a short walk from our hotel. And the walk was nice! The restaurant was also cool, clean and comfy. I was feeling a bit disloyal to my new Arthur Bryant crush. The realization that this wasn't equally great barbeque in an upscale setting began right away with the burnt ends appetizer. I put my fork in one and it was completely soft, just all fat. I had trouble finding one that was more meat. And there was really no sauce, we had to ask for some. For entree, I got the rib trio and the good thing is that I tried beef and lamb and know that I am a pork rib girl; didn't know that before. But not these dried out pork ribs. I did love the baked beans. My initial glass of iced tea was fine but then they refilled it with sweet tea - wouldn't you ask first? Then the!y were out of the carrot cake. For twice the price, we got a tenth of the barbeque taste. No meat loving cave man orgy of sauce! Wish we had tried Oklahoma City barbeque instead. The walk home was nice, it helped quell a bit of my indigestion. Jack Stack, you look good but taste like grocery store precooked ribs.
(2)Andrew F.
It takes less time to get a table than it takes to read half these reviews. BUT I am a local and can tell you Jack Stack has lowered their portions significantly in the last few months. Very noticable. Others agree. Same prices but 35-40% less food.
(2)Jessica C.
I love ribs. Dry or wet, I don't care. I'll take them however I can get them. The pork ribs here were very tasty. A little fatty, but overall a nice wet rib. The chicken was nothing special. In fact, it tasted like sauce and nothing else. The beans were a bit of a disappointment. I was really looking forward to trying some KC beans with burnt ends in them, but these tasted overwhelmingly of the house sauce. I've definitely had better beans. Overall, this was good barbecue, but it didn't blow me away the way I thought Kansas City would.
(3)Troy D.
There are some folks who must have BBQ when they visit KC. I take them here. The place is pretty upscale for a BBQ joint, and rightfully so. (I mean, it's on the Plaza.) The Q itself? Is pretty good. The sauce is just right for me, and the portions are pretty generous. The service is terrific and the atmosphere is good for a night out on the town. Is it the BEST BBQ in KC? That's really hard to say -- because tastes and experience vary so much. I will say this: it's polished, and the folks know what they're doing. Make reservations, 'cause the place gets BUSY on Friday and Saturday nights. Stop in, and you'll see why.
(4)Brittany S.
Jack Stack has the most amazing beef ribs that I have ever had in my entire life! From the moment you walk through the door, your mouth starts watering because it smells so amazing! The beef ribs are smoked perfectly, and the meat falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. The beef brisket and the cheesy corn are equally amazing. Everything is seasoned perfectly. If you're going to eat some excellent Kansas City barbecue, this is your place... You will not leave disappointed!
(5)Blondie R.
I loved this place! My daughter had just started med school in KC and had orientation all day. They were each given their coats and a box of human bones! Now, she was craving some ribs! We had dinner here, and it was close to the hotel where I was staying. We shared the Kansas City Combo with pork ribs, burnt ends, cole slaw, and hickory pit beans(we substitued beans for french fries). Burnt ends? Yeah, I never heard of them either, but they were dam good! Seared bite size chunks of brisket, ham, pork or sausage. I had a Jack's martini (dirty vodka) and it was wonderful. The service was OK, and the food was fabulous.
(5)Justin R.
I'm not sure where all these positive reviews are coming from. Apparently folks who don't know good BBQ. The best way to describe the taste of the BBQ is that Jack has apparently discovered a cooking technique that removes the taste from meat. It was the most bland BBQ I have ever had. On top of that, our drink orders were wrong from the bar and they sat us at a table that required one of our party to duck out of the way of motoring servers constantly. Decor was nice, apps were good, BBQ was terrible. Never going back.
(2)David V.
Ok. Came in reading it was pretty good, but expensive. So the wife had her salmon, and I had the three combo with beef ribs, pork ribs, dark meat chicken. White bread, fries and their beans on the side. The whole mess on my plate was $24, which isn't bad. And the plate they brought was huge and well proportioned. Now. Quality. Holy moly. All the meats were delicious, and the beans were the best. The wife is not a baked bean eater, yet she poached the plate. BBQ sauce. Not even necessary. And I didn't even get their "signature" plates. It just wasn't necessary. Excellent food. Great service. Minimal wait. Good drinks. Highly recommend.
(5)Don J.
With its polished interior and upscale clientele, Jack Stack might be a city slicker's BBQ joint, but it serves up some great Kansas City style BBQ. Having lived in Texas for 15+ years, where the best BBQ is often served in run-down shacks by the side of a country road, the idea of a BBQ restaurant with valet parking really puzzled me. As the valet drove off with my vehicle and I walked past the brass statue of a bull in front of the entrance, I couldn't help feeling like a gullible tourist about to get suckered. I took some comfort in seeing that the place was packed - in fact, there was a 45 minute wait. Luckily, there were two seats just opening up at the bar, where you have access to the full menu. So much for the wait. I think I ordered something called "Jack's Platter" or "Jack's Choice". It's a great way to sample some of the excellent BBQ - it comes with pork ribs, "burnt ends" (delicious, but not really charred) and one beef rib, along with french fries and a side of your choice. I was wondering if one beef rib would be enough - but my doubt quickly disappeared when I saw the brontosaurus-sized slab that was placed in front of me. While Jack Stack does sauce their BBQ - a big "no no" in Texas - they wisely apply just enough to give some flavor, and not so much as to cover up the delicious hickory smokiness of the meat. If you're a sauce lover, you should say yes to the sauce on the side that is offered - but the meat is so well flavored that it's really unnecessary. The baked beans were absolutely amazing. The french fries were also great - hot and crispy without being overdone. Overall, a great meal.
(5)Jack A.
For those who want to experience Kansas City barbecue, Jack's has great KC barbecue (speaking as a Chicagoan). Great food, great service at one of the area's hallmark barbecue destinations. We got there early and the place filled up quickly. I sensed the service didn't miss a beat even when most of the tables were occupied.
(5)Thomas H.
Superb BBQ. I went twice during a recent trip and had the Crown Prime beef rib, the baby-backs, short ribs, burnt ends, sliced bbq beef, the beans, cheesy potato, cheesy corn, beans, fried mushrooms..... Jeezus I almost died. So, my suggestion- get the crown prime beef rib. It is amazing. The ribs are also great. The sides are all killer. I did not like their burnt ends- Joe's Kansas City's are better. Get the meat hammer and thank me later. Double up on your BP meds. It's a little spendy though...
(4)Sam P.
This is my "Go To" BBQ joint in KC! As a matter of fact, the folks I work with laugh at me because each month when I'm there I eat at Jack Stack's EVERY DAY! Why? Because they serve the most amazing Burnt Ends (Beef) on the freakin' planet!!! Here are some of my other favorites (Yep, you guessed right. If you eat here every day sooner or later you try just about everything!): - Fire Kissed Wings (No frying here... Just rubbed and smoked to goodness!) - Half BBQ Chicken - Burnt End Lunch (Your choice of two: Beef, Pork, Ham or Sausage) - Martin City Mayor (Ok, I regressed) - Baby Back Lunch (or dinner!) - Burnt End Stew - Wood Fired Chicken & Sausage Gumbo (Yes, NOLA forgive me!) - Sliced Meat Lunch Special - Kansas City Combo And the crown achievement: - Crown Prime Beef Short Rib If you get one of these Crown's and don't like it, please write to me and let me know. One day, I had issue with the Burnt Ends and told the server. Over came the manager and wanted to take care of my entire bill (They take that much pride!) I told her that wasn't necessary, and she gave me a complementary Carrot Cake to go (She recommended eating it over three breakfasts with a cup of strong coffee... Sorry to say it only lasted two breakfasts!) Love, love, love Jack Stack's... Sorry, no pictures (I ate it all before I could snap any!)
(5)Rachel S.
OMG good. Best BBQ we've ever had, but the carrot cake might have been the best part.
(5)Chris J.
I am a Texas BBQ kind of guy. I grew up in Kansas as a child. Have been in Texas the last 30 years. Coming home to see family for the weekend reminds me of the things I miss. Jacks BBQ is some of the finest BBQ ever. I ordered one of the house combination plates that was outstanding. As a general rule I am not a fan of baked beans. The BBQ beans just blew me away. Absolutely the best. As my second side item I selected the old "stand by", coleslaw. Again, I was impressed. You typically find a vinegar slaw, buttermilk slaw and a unique slaw found only in TN, KY you find red slaw. Not a fan of the red slaw. The slaw at Jacks has a unique flavor that I couldn't figure out but loved it. Between the upscale atmosphere, the fabulous BBQ, and the two sides, I give Jacks a solid FIVE star rating.
(5)Brad K.
Wow!!!! Where to start? I am here on business and this place was recommended and it didn't disappoint. I would recommend a particular item but they were all amazing. We ordered every side to try them all. Oh...maybe the French fries are a bit generic so skip those and order another side. Lastly, do yourself a favor and order the carrot cake for desert. 10 Stars!
(5)Dan L.
I stopped here for an impromptu lunch today and couldn't have asked for more from a KC barbecue joint. Meat, meat, and more meat! And just as I suspected, the burnt ends are the way to go.
(4)Lisa M.
We ordered the roundup which was an assortment if meats, it had very good flavor. We also ordered some smoked chicken white chili soup, delicious!!! We were supposed to get burnt ends with our order but those were not in the box when we got back to our hotel. Overall, very good flavor.
(4)Jill T.
We were told this was "the" place to go for BBQ. We called ahead , they didn't take reservations for two, but said we could be seated in about 20 minutes if we came right away. So we did. Upon arriving the place was packed, they said we could wait in bar, the wait 45 minutes. The bar was packed hot and loud! Hard to get service. We waited and waited, for over an hour. Finally seated us, right outside the noisy bar door & kitchen. The service was mediocre as was the bar-be-que.. Our baby backs were salty, burnt, and lacking meat. The sides were also pretty plain. I would not recommend this place or return to it. I have had better experiences at small road side Bar-be-que stands.
(1)Chris S.
This particular Jack Stack location isn't your typical Kansas City BBQ. You don't walk up, order at the counter and follow the trough line to the cashier. The food isn't served on a piece of paper of Styrofoam plate. And, is isn't cheap. Waiters don't sport white, BBQ stained aprons and you can't get a meal with a few dollar bills from your pocket. This Jack Stack (not all of them are like this) is the Mortons or Ruth Chris of BBQ. It's overpriced, it's a place to bring a date, not the family, has a high end feeling, dims their lights even at 3 in the afternoon, offers great service complete with dressed up wait staff and presentation is impressive. However, it all comes with a price-tag, one that you can decide it's net worth. Personally, I'd rather go to a more relaxed place, rather than feel like you're at a fancy restaurant - for BBQ. However, no one can argue the quality here. Jack Stack is hands down one of the best BBQ place in the country, but little value comes on each fancy plate. There's no cheap meal. A bowl of soup costs what a meal would at more laid back KC competitors. The portions are much smaller here, too. On the other hand, there's nothing at this Jack Stack that doesn't get a high grade. The meats, side dishes, staff and ambiance are top-notch when it comes to BBQ. You simply need to ask yourself if you're willing to pay $25 for a meal with a drink (yes, BBQ for that much, not a steak) and pay for service at atmosphere. If you do, come here. You can't go wrong.
(4)Penny S.
GREAT food and service - our first time, and Matthew walked is through and got is a great BBQ platter - Jacks Best - Yum!
(5)Samantha M.
Jack Stack's BBQ doesn't have that typical BBQ shack/gas station feel. It's a real sit down restaurant. Don't let that fool you into thinking it's not a real BBQ joint - it totally has the flavor to compete with the big guns. I ordered the ribs and burnt ends combo - it comes with coleslaw and fries and a slice of Texas toast. The burnt ends were a good size portion - at least an inch to an inch and a half sized cubes. They were so juicy - I almost thought that the BBQ sauce overpowered them! The ribs were great - falling off the bone. Would have liked to have had more sauce on them when they came out, but I was given a side dish of sauce to supplement. The Texas toast was lackluster and small but I wasn't at Jack Stack for for toast in the first place. Coleslaw and fries were typical - nothing out of the ordinary. The fries were more flavorful with the fries spices. Altogether, this place lived up to the hype.
(4)Kristian D.
OK, this place was my first best BBQ in Kansas City - before Q39. This review is for their Kansas City Combo with pork spare ribs, lamb ribs, beans, and French Fries. It seemed like the standard combo in KC is ribs and fries, but I am not complaining! I did not eat in the restaurant, but instead used their curbside pickup which was very nice. This location is in the Country Club area, and pulling up to the curb with the server coming to the car door was very easy. The pork ribs are legit with lots of smoky flavor and a solid BBQ sauce - not too sweet, just right. The lamb ribs were an unexpected treat. They had the same smoky, sweet taste of the pork ribs, but the delicious lamb flavor was very present and made for a unique treat. Lamb needs to make it on more BBQ menus across the country! The beans are legendary and did not disappoint. I would almost call them more of a BBQ stew with beans and meat, but they are sweet and savory all at once and just delicious. I guess they smoke them under the meat to catch the drippings which only makes me want them more! The French fries were a disappointment. They seemed to be standard foodservice frozen and not fried crispy. I would order another side or just double down on the beans. Nevertheless, Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbeque deserves to be in the top echelon of Kansas City BBQ.
(5)Marc T.
Always love Jack Stack on the Plaza- nice bar - great patio and good variety - the Crown ribs are fantastic ! As is the Jacks Martini - vodka olive juice and olives ! Ambience is good - great spot for a quick bite
(4)Alexandra C.
Pretty good, but not great. Pulled pork was super salty, tasty, a tiny bit too dry. The bbq chicken could have been more tender and juicy. Sides of beans were very tasty and season vegetables- too much oil. Others at the table were raving about their dishes and sides (burnt ends, ribs, cheesy corn bake and potatoes), so perhaps I just didn't order the best hting.
(3)Erika F.
WOW!!! Just.... WOW!!! Like... OMG... WOW!!! I've heard countless stories of how good this place is and how it's an "upscale BBQ" place and I never believed any of the stories until now. I went in here for dinner, I even got dressed up a little in a little red dress because of it's reputation. I walked in on a Tuesday night at 7pm expecting no wait or line... really, what place is crowded on a Tuesday night, right? THIS PLACE! This place had a 30 minute wait! I was flabbergasted. I put my name on the list and headed over to the bar for a drink before dinner. I ended up finding a place to sit at the bar and decided to have my meal there instead of waiting for a table - I was really hungry and only one person, so why waste an entire table on myself? I took my name off the wait list and ordered a Malbec and asked for a menu. The bartender was very helpful and super nice. I ordered a simple glass of wine and ended up getting a much larger pour than the traditional 5 oz.... this guy definitely knew the way to my heart, :-D. After thanking the gentlemen for the wine, I turned my attention to the menu... the delicious looking menu full of great choices. After much consideration and asking the option of the bartender and the gentlemen sitting next to me, I ordered the two meat plate. I chose the lamb ribs and the beef ribs with some extra original sauce on the side. I figured it was going to take a while since the place was so busy, but the bartender served me up my BBQ in 15 minutes. I was impressed. The lamb rib rack was a large amount for what I paid for the platter (a mere $20). And the beef ribs her HUGE! Like, a dinosaur rib... not really, but you get where I'm going with this. On the side was a grilled kabob of vegetables... YUM! I started out with the beef ribs since I've at least heard of beef ribs before. I bit into my first humongous rib and it put a smile on my face. The meat was tender and flavorful and it slid off the bone without being soggy... it was an absolute perfect combination. After devouring the first rib, I quickly ate the second in under .5 seconds. I took a second to eat some veggies - these were absolutely amazing but nothing compared to those ribs, LOL! I eyed the lamb ribs and sunk my teeth into the first rib. I was blown away with the flavor - they managed to not over power the lamb flavor while still incorporating their BBQ flavor. It was lovely. The entire experience was an absolutely charming one. The guy sitting next to me even offered to pay for my meal. I even managed to keep my dress BBQ free! I would absolutely recommend this place and will be going back again to try their other BBQ choices. Thank you!
(5)Mark R.
Wow is an understatement. Awesome more adequately describes the superb dining experience and the delectable morsels. From the unique tower of rings to the side of beans and finely blackened burnt ends of beef the flavors explode in your mouth. Jack Stacks is the best place for your fun family meal and quality meat filled cuisine. Make sure you take home sauce and save room for dessert or you will be sorry. The exquisite triple chocolate brownie with ice cream will give you all the energy you need to make it home to pass out from the gastronomic indulgence that is truly world class.
(5)Mike D.
And for my 200th review, I present, my favorite restaurant, Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ in the Plaza. I have been here nearly every time I've been to KC and there's lots of reasons for it. I absolutely love the Plaza and the atmosphere here, how can you not? Yeah, I can't afford to shop at 99% of the stores but it's beautiful down here and Jack Stack is the best part. The atmosphere in here is unbelievable, dimly lit, waiters and waitresses in all black and suits, fine wood and glass everywhere. Yet, I wore jeans and a t-shirt and didn't feel like I was out of place. All the staff are amazing from the hostess to your server. I've been here multiple times but the last trip for lunch is still fresh in my head. I ordered the baby back lunch with cheesy corn and baked beans. Ok fine I ordered a Boulevard 80 Acre too. It was hot and I just drove 200 miles, don't judge me. We sat outside and it was amazing looking around at the Plaza and the sounds while we ate. My ribs weren't the best I've ever had, but pretty darn close. Cheesy corn is phenomenal and the baked beans with pieces of brisket was also one of the best things I've ever had the pleasure of eating. I recall getting a french dip on an earlier trip here and it was easily the best french dip I've ever had. Jack Stack is not the best BBQ I've ever had (It's still 2nd!) but easily the best all around restaurant where you can count on anything you order to be amazing and service to be outstanding. I will continue to come here as much as I can and I hope I never move too far away!
(5)R O.
A lot of people have knocked Jack Stack for being too fancy and upscale. I see what they mean, and those rustic picnic table places (Woodyard) do have a place in my heart.... But if we're just talking about the food, Jack Stack is where it is at in KC. The meat is the most tender and falls apart without needing a knife -- leagues better than the dry stuff at Joe's (sorry Joe's). My sister is a BBQ snob, living in NC for a while now, but she did think Jack Stack was great. If there is a weak point, it is the sauce -- a little sweet and not much complexity, even with the spicier versions. I think Arthur Bryants and Gates have more going on sauce-wise.
(5)Kurt S.
I went to Fiorella's for the second time this past Saturday with the family. It's a very nice, intimate BBQ restaurant on the outskirts of the 'Plaza' in KC. It's pretty high-end. My wife and I decided to split the New Zealand Rack of Lamb. I would have wanted it cooked medium rare to rare, but my wife is preggo so we had to settle on medium. It was delicious. the thyme that they rub on it really comes out. It doesn't beat the lamb that my wife and I had in Switzerland, but it was still great. We ordered potato salad and their beans for our sides and I also ordered a side of their cheesy potato bake. All sides were great, but the standout to me, is the cheesy potato bake. Huge amounts of real cheese in a scallop potato bake. It was divine. The prices reflect the atmosphere and the food that you get. They are high, but you know it right when you step through the door. I had a bite of my dad's pork spare ribs and they were extremely tender and tasty. I also had a burnt end from my brother-in-law and that was okay, maybe a little tough. All in all, it was a terrific dinner and I can't wait to go back to experience Fiorella's again.
(4)Rose P.
Yea it was ok. The burnt ends were burnt and dry. The ribs are ok. The ham was nice. Nothing too good but not too bad. had to wait an hour to get in though. Maybe normal KC process.
(3)Sean B.
My niece was all about this place. She insisted we go when we all flew into KC to drive her to college at KU, an hour away. It's exactly what you'd think if you took the stereotypes of Kansas City BBQ, the positive ones, and put them into reality. Something about an obese server putting massive onion rings, BBQ ribs and steak and sausages, and huge iced drinks in front of you, sitting outside on a hot summer day, that makes you embrace the delicious American stereotypes. Everything was delicious, massively portioned, and fattening.
(5)C G.
Have eaten here many times and it is always great. I have tried many different items on the menu and never have been disappointed! The soups are a meal in themselves. Although it looks like a pretty fancy place with lots of dark wood and big heavy tables you will find everything from flip flops to suits comfortably delving into the BBQ.
(5)Michael H.
Pretty good meat. I have eaten at both locations. The meat was delicious but not the best you can find in KC. I recommend it to anyone looking for some smokey meats to add to the waist ring.
(4)Dustin K.
By far the best BBQ i've ever had!!
(5)Rac Leng S.
The ribs are very smokey and so tender. The portion is not big and BBQ sauce is average However the bake bean is one of the best I had as it is not too sweet.
(5)Kolby K.
Great BBQ. Service was so-so, although I am pretty sure it was our waitress in particular. Food is reasonably priced. If you are looking for a restaurant style BBQ place this is a nice choice, however, the atmosphere was very loud and might not be good for a professional meeting.
(4)Jenn D.
My lady took me here for my birthday last week and it was great. We had the fried mushrooms, which were HUGE and pretty good. They had a good horseradish sauce with them. Then we had the Caesar salad which was fresh and crisp and delicious. For out main course we shared the rack if Baby back Ribs, which came with fries, coleslaw and baked beans. The ribs were great. MUCH better than Gate's *yuck*. I don't like celery seed, so I wasn't too thrilled about the coleslaw, but I have never liked baked beans and I could have eaten them for days! The waitress was fantastic (her name was Kim, I'll request her when we go back) and she brought me a COMPLIMENTARY brownie ala mode and It was AMAZING. I highly recommend giving it a try!
(5)T R.
Best BBQ in KC! They have various meats to choose from, the cheesy corn is outrageously good! Heck, all of their side items are good! Go there, get food, be happy, 'nuff said!
(5)Jamie M.
I am a loyal Oklahoma Joe's devotee, but a friend convinced me to try Jack Stack last weekend. I was skeptical, but ultimately, pleasantly surprised. The first thing that you notice about Jack Stack is the smell. To me, it smells smoky and meat-tastic; however, be forewarned that you will reek of smoked meat for the rest of the day. We waited maybe 10 minutes for a table on a Friday night around 7:30. The interior was warm and inviting and the booth we were seated in was very cozy and plush (nothing at all like the pedestrian gas station charm of my beloved OK Joe's). I ended up getting the grilled chicken sandwich with the veggie kebab and the spinach salad. The salad was a mound of fresh spinach with red onions, feta cheese, bacon, pecans and strawberries. It came with a weird clear dressing on the side that looked disturbing but tasted really good. If you are a feta fan, you will heart this salad (I did). The server forgot to bring out our b-b-q sauce with our meals, so we were able to savor our first bites sauce-less, and I have to say, for pure meaty goodness, this place rocked. The chicken was served on a massive wheat bun, and came with a horseradish sauce that tasted great, but was basically a big wad of spicy mayo, so I didn't eat much of it. My kebab was delicious-baby portobellos, peppers, corn and zucchini all grilled to perfection. Sprinkle it with some of the Jack Stack seasoning (on every table) and it will make you think twice about eating your veggies...yum! The sauce (when we finally got it) was just all right-it was very tomato-y and really nothing special. But the superstar here is the meat-it really stands alone even with the mediocre sauce. I can only dream of Jack Stack meat covered on OK Joe's sauce...
(4)Justin E.
Whenever my wife and I visit the Kansas City area to visit family, this is one of the places that we always eat at. I'm not a huge fan of barbeque, since it tends to run high in sugars, etc. but I can't pass up this place because their ribs, cream corn "bake," and pit BBQ beans are to die for. We've gone here for lunch and for dinners, and they are really good. If you want the best BBQ in Kansas City, go here.
(5)El G.
Love this place, go for the burnt ends, sliced sausage is great also. Good bar if you're eating solo. you've also got to try the cheesy corn at least once.
(5)amy s.
Our first KC BBQ experience was here...loved the sauce, great kid options, brisket was like velvelt, and the sevice was great. Cheesy corn was different-I expected more of a gratin and it arrived more like velveeta with canned corn. Not saying I did not like it-just not what I expected. Local beer was very cold and good. We would try again and liked much better than Arthur Bryant's even though we thought a less "dressy" location would be better, it was not the case with Jack Stack's.
(4)Dave L.
This place is just plain good. It's the BBQ place you take granny when she comes to visit if you are afraid of taking her out to Bryant's or OK Joe's. It has the service ethic of a fancy restaurant. It is not unusual to wait at the Freight House location but they have a very nice bar area with couches and a fire place that's almost preferable to the dining area. You will pay for this experience but I have yet to eat unacceptable BBQ here. It is extremely consistent and delicious. For those who don;t need counter service, paper towels and wax paper, this will do very nicely.
(4)Jean S.
My family and I have been going to the Freighthouse location for years and was so happy to see Jack Stack open on the Plaza, as it is a more convenient location for us. I agree with all the awesome reviews for this place, but just wanted to add that the main reason for coming to Jack Stack are the GIANT, juicy, fried mushroom appetizers. They come 4 on a skewer (a secret is that you can order a half-order) and are accompanied by a delicious horseradish sauce. I am drooling just thinking about it. I've just never seen mushrooms this big in an appetizer. It is a must-try if you're a fungi lover :) Another plus about this location is their carry-out service. You describe your car to them over the phone at the end of your order and they will bring out your food!
(4)Danny S.
Some of the top BBQ to be had in Kansas City. Good Stuff here!!!
(4)Arleen C.
So...we arrived in KC last Wednesday and, as usual, our first stop is finding some GOOD bar b que food...hubby had heard of this place and we went to ck it out...OMG!!! if I could give it more start I would...the place is great, the atmosphere wonderful, the service outstanding and the food...well, what can I say bout the food....MMM...MMM...MMM...MMM...MMM...MMM...MMM...Âdid you get my point??? there was not one disappointment in this place. Steve, our waiter was extremely nice and attentive and we had a wonderful meal. If you are ever in the area, you HAVE to ck it out....
(5)Mike S.
Food was very good. I had a combo plate. Sliced beef, and pork ribs. Great smokey flavor on the ribs and the beef was very tender. The only thing that did not do it for me was the fact that it is upscale. I strongly believe that good BBQ needs to be on a tray or in newspaper, and the person serving you needs to intimidate you a bit before you get it. This place has white cloth napkins. I would not want to be the laundry guy after I ate ribs. Good service here, just a little to nice for BBQ.
(4)Bryan H.
Went here for dinner late one night in Kansas City and ate a sampler platter at the bar. Get ready because this is a LOT of barbecue! It's very good and the restaurant lives up to the hype, with baked beans and cole slaw sides as expected. The only thing keeping this from a five-star review is that the female bartender ranged between indifferent to surly. But I'm sure a sitdown meal might have been a better experience.
(4)Dave M.
While I love the food at Jack Stack- I just had a very frustrating experience with them that drops my score on them big time. Here's the scenario- I'm trying to order food for my sister-in-law's birthday- she's in KC, I'm in LA. I make a huge food order for her and the kids to pick up on the way home - aaannnnd they don't take credit cards over the phone! You have to come in and pay. Hello?! It's 2010! Even Pizza Hut will take a credit card order over the phone! Although the server did offer a suggestion- faxing in a copy of my credit card and DL- I turned it down- that sounds more than a little risky. I can just see that getting left somewhere for anyone to pick up. Very frustrating to say the least. Not happy.
(2)Ali S.
Best bake beans! My boyfriend and I always get the ribs dinner for two and have left overs!
(5)Shawn K.
Best BBQ in the U.S. hands down!!! Amazing food. Not the healthiest place around. But excellent food. You will not go wrong by going here. The nicest bbq restaurant I have ever been in as well.
(5)Susan C.
As I am not big on BBQ this rating is based on my very picky 18 year old who practically licks his plate clean every time we go to any of the Jack Stack's! They lose a star for the pitiful turkey sliced meat platter I ordered...since I am not a meat eater for the most part I chose to go with the choose 2 sliced meat dinner choosing double turkey over the beef, pork or sausage options. I assumed I would be getting a pulled pork type turkey drenched in their famous bbq sauce but instead I was served an empty plate with 8 plain slices of what looked like Oscar Meyer lunch meat, not even Boars Head. I had to ask the waitress for a side dish of bbq sauce to put on this very boring meat. Bbq sauce was good but for $13.95 I was very disappointed with the quantity of meat I received, especially when my son got a 1/4 white meat chicken covered in sauce for just $10.25. Something didn' t seem right there. I guess I ordered the only skimpy item on the menu as I looked around the extremely packed restaurant and saw every other table with mounds of food so I wont take stars away for my stupidity. Carrot cake and brownie sundae are massive and delicious. All the sides were delicious and plentiful. My conclusion is that they must have run out of turkey since it was the day after Thanksgiving.
(4)Melinda Y.
Fantastic food! I had the Kansas City strip cooked medium and it was so delicious I didn't even need steak sauce. My husband had the burnt ends and raved about them. Definitely try the spinach salad as well!
(5)FoodLover S.
Is Fiorella's all it's cracked up to be? Almost. a five/five Well worth the visit. Good quality meat, wide selection, and a pretty darn good BBQ sauce to top off. It's Kansas City Bar-B-Q in a more upscale atmosphere. If you want to take your date out for good barbeque at a romantic/upscale atmosphere, but where it's still ok to dig into your ribs with your fingers, Fiorella's is your place . On day 7 of 8 in Kansas City, I made my 3rd BBQ restaurant stop for the week. Kansas City has not let me down. A local who sat next to me on my flight to KC recommended Fiorella's and a few other local BBQ joints, and was sure to point out that Fiorella's was one of the upscale BBQ places. He also recommended some "hole-in-the-walls", including Rosedale (See Review). After trying that on my first night, I was on a roll, and had to try others, including Benny's (See Review). But I had to try the place he spoke of with highest regard, Fiorella's Jack Stack. A fifteen minute drive from my hotel at Kauffman stadium, we found our way to the "Plaza" area, with all of the boutique shops, with Coach, Express, and fine jewelry shops lining the streets, in a Rodeo Drive style decor. Quite a nice area, I have to admit. A walk around, afer peeking in at some high-end watches, we finally walked into the restaurant. Thursday night wait at 7pm was not too bad, about 10 minutes for a table for two. We chose to sit at the bar. The decor inside the whole restaurant was very nice. The bar area was a bit more sports oriented, with TV's at the two person booths, and 3 other TV's around the bar. The staff was extremely courteous, and the bartender was excellent in waiting on us. He recommended the Kansas City Combo with a choice of two meats. The choices - Chicken (white or dark), pork ribs, sliced meat (any type), burnt ends - beef, sausage, lamb ribs, beef ribs. I went with lamb and sliced beef, together with a side of beans and au gratin potatoes. Everything was fabulous. I did have to ask for spicy BBQ sauce, as their house sauce was more sweet than spice - a vinegar based sauce, with a lot of good flavor, with a touch of hickory smoke flavor. It was very good, just better spicy. The meat was wonderful. The lamb melted in my mouth. And with a glass of Blue Moon to wash it all down, II have had better beans, but the au gratin potatoes were delicious. I would try the corn next time instead of the beans. The atmosphere was very nice. We were dressed pretty casually, and the place was nice, but it was not so upscale that we couldn't wear jeans and a polo into the restaurant. was extremely happy and content with my BBQ experience at Fiorella's. In fact, the servings were so large, we had to walk around 10-12 blocks just to make ourselves feel less guilty for eating so much. My entree was $15 and my total after tip was $24. It was well worth it. It is a place I would definitely take my wife to on a date. So why didn't it get a 5 star rating from me? Everything about this restaurant was wonderful. My only reservation about the final / 5th star was the meat. Although it was great, it wasn't as succulent or as filled flavorful as Rosedale's BBQ, and the restaurant had a little bit of that "chain restaurant" feel to it. otherwise it was great. So, to the fine young man who sat next to me on the plane and recommended Fiorella's - Live long and prosper, good sir, as you're a gentleman and a scholar (of gastronomy that is). This ends my tour of BBQ restaurants in Kansas City. Next time I'm in town, I will have to try more, and perhaps some of the ones I sampled this trip again.
(4)David D.
Ranked as the top BBQ house in the nation. I don't know about that but I tell you what, it's right up there! I couldn't find one thing wrong. From the perfectly dry, ice cold martinis to the best Cole slaw I ever had to the BBQ is first rate. Try the "burnt ends". They are like the delectable end of that pot roast your mom used to make. You know the end piece that was dark brown with all the flavor that everybody fought over? Well you can get a whole plate of the little nuggets here. I also had the baby back ribs and they were excellent. I still will take Michelbob's over Jack Stack but why get picky? Only thing: be ready to taste BBQ for the next three days! You will still smell and taste Jack Stack long after you have left. It's a treat that just keeps on treating.
(4)Dave N.
This is one of my top favorite BBQ places in KC!
(5)Timothy G.
Very good BBQ is done here but the thing about Jack Stack is their BBQ baked beans and the cheesy corn. Dang! My preferred location is the Martin City restaurant
(4)Chris N.
Oustanding!! These people know how to make BBQ and they know how to treat people. Baby back ribs, bbq beans and cheesy corn bake!
(5)Jason C.
Considered the "fancy" BBQ in Kansas City, it still proves to be a great meal. She had the cheesy bake and I had the rack of ribs. We pretty much had about 15 minutes of absolute silence between us. No knife needed. The meat would literally fall right off the bone with the slightest of motion. The sides were more than generous. Slaw, corn bread, fries, it was all well above average. These pleasures are not without their costs though. Jack Stack can easily run a high bill, probably in the $50s. But, a trip to Kansas City is never complete without a good BBQ dinner. This is a great choice.
(4)Bob F.
I was craving some good BBQ so I went to Jack Stack BBQ on the plaza. I went for lunch and I received a very filling lunch portion and the atmosphere was really nice. The burnt ends are pretty good, but the sliced meat is just alright. I felt like I could have gotten the same quality sliced meat from the grocery store. I was not impressed with their BBQ sauce at all. They have two flavors, spicy and regular. Neither one of them really hit the spot. Don't get me wrong, they were good, just not great. Needless to say that after I left I was hoping that would have cured my craving for BBQ, but it hasn't. It's been less than a week and I'm trying to find a GOOD BBQ joint to ease my hunger.
(3)Greg G.
I don't see what all the 4 and 5 stars are for. We ate here on 6/2/11 and to me this place is overhyped and overpriced for what it is. I had the lamb ribs which you couldn't taste any of the lamb because it was over smoked. Also had the "burnt ends" that are said to be so good. These were like yesterday's leftovers chopped up, not ends nor burnt. My wife had the brisket which was like dried beef. As for the famous "cheesy corn", this tasted like creamed corn made with Kraft Mac n Cheese. If you want good BBQ in KC, go to L.C.'s
(1)Tom Y.
We were taken here on a business trip by our hosts, and for a Seattlelite, this felt like a Ram Brewery/BBQ joint combo. One of the things we wanted to hit in KC was definitely BBQ, and so we came to Jack Stacks as well as Oklahoma Joe's. I liked the atmosphere of JS, with plenty of waitstaff with cheerful dispositions. Reminded me a little of Red Robin, in truth. Sitting down, my first order was the Tank 4 ale, which was pretty awesome. For some reason, it was served in a port snifter, but hey, it was really good. For starters, we had some onion rings and mushrooms. I wasn't sure about the mushrooms at first, as I like smaller sizes for the fact that they soak in flavor. These were large ones, breaded and fried, in a kabob. However, the frying definitely locked in the flavor, and they were very good inside. Coupled with some spicy bbq sauce, both the onion rings and mushrooms made a great start. For the main course, I got the three meat plate, with ham, brisket, and pork. My sides were fries and slaw. I've got to say, this was perhaps the most I'd eaten in a while. Each type of meat was at least a good quarter to half pound at least, with an entire half plate full of steak fries. The slaw was a bit on the wet side, but pretty tasty. The three meat platter was definitely a good choice, but the burgers and steaks my compatriots got definitely looked good as well. Apparently, the side of pork and beans, as well as the baked corn, were all hits. All in all, I'm glad I had a chance to try out Jack Stacks, which seemed to me like a great corporatized bbq joint. I'd definitely go back to try out some more of their different sides. Oh, and they ship many products as well :)
(4)Eric F.
I've eaten here one time, and it seemed to be solid establishment, well situated to cater to the tourists shopping at the Plaza and to people staying at the nearby large hotels (Marriott and their ilk). The service seems to be quite modern and systematized, so I was surprised that they sat a party of five adults and a baby at a four-top booth. One of us had only had one cheek on the seat. We were told they'd move us in about twenty minutes, but never did. The BBQ was good, but not super. The prices were a little on the high side, I think; but they have to pay for all that brass livestock statuary somehow, I suppose.
(3)Anush J.
One of our preferred BBQ options in KC. We love the sides too! Since I am not a big fan of thick meat (but want BBQ all the same!) - the standard items that i order are: Burnt ends, cheesy corn (or cheesy potato) and baked beans. For dessert: Chocolate cake or Carrot cake - so big that it feeds two. This satisfies by BBQ craving. I have never been disappointed and wouldn't order anything else.
(5)jenn w.
As a visitor, I was skeptical about Kansas City bbq, but Jack Stack changed my mind. I had the beef brisket - so tender! - and pork ribs - fall off the bone! - along with the cheesy corn bake and baked beans (both delicious as well!). The portions were very generous, so you can have some left for lunch tomorrow. I liked that they also set regular and spicy bbq sauce on the cable in case you didn't have enough on your plate. This was the only bbq I had while in KC so I can't compare it to the other joints in town, but I was not disappointed with Jack Stack!
(5)jenilee p.
jack stack is an upscale barbecue restaurant. is it possible? is it an oxymoron? no, such a thing exists! in addition to the upscale atmosphere, their menu consists of items which are slightly atypical to those that you would see at the more down home classic barbecue institutions spread around kansas city. since these items are offered, they are great to try. i opted for the crown prime beef ribs with a side of pit beans and a nice caesar salad. the beef ribs were huge, and different. while with regular ribs, you are given a good few bites of meat on each rib, this dish has an incredible amount of smokey meat on three to four huge short ribs. the texture is like that of a braised roast, but again, with the nice touch of smoke. also note, this is a large dish. come with a serious appetite. my bigger half ordered the lamb ribs, which were great. nice lamb flavor that you could immediately determine was different than that of the other ribs we had sampled around the city, it was a different way to enjoy barbecue. service was friendly and attentive. this restaurant, due to the slightly more formal atmosphere and full waitstaff, is more expensive than the other barbecue restaurants around kansas city. i think that if you are in town for a business meeting, and looking to sample barbecue with your colleagues, this is the place to go. just another nice option for a barbecue experience.
(4)gordon h.
i travel alot and i found that is some damn good bbq. went there for dinner and the place was packed. i found that all the food was good, including the side dishes. it was fair priced and large portions. i realy liked it and will go back the next time i'm there. the service was good too. i liked the sauce.
(4)Jason F.
WOW! This is one of the top BBQ restaurants I have ever been to!Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbeque is a fancy BBQ restaurant that serves amazing food that will stick to your ribs! This restaurant is at the Country Club Plaza which had a nice busy buzz going on while we were there. Since its so popular here with thought we would have to wait. We went around dinner time and were seated immediately! That was great. We were seated near the bar with a flat screen TV at our booth...how awesome is that! I had an amstel light to drink and ordered burnt ends as an appetizer. This was the first time I had ever had burnt ends! I'm now a devoted lover of burnt ends!!! The flavor was fantastic. For dinner I had the KC combo with beef brisket and beef ribs along with a corn bake. First off, way too much food! This was also the first time I had beef brisket and I loved it. The beef ribs were ginormous and had a ton of meat on them! The corn bake was delicious as well. The food and service here was superb! I would love to come back when I return to KC!
(5)Luke F.
Everyone seems to rave about this place and Arthur Bryant's as being the best BBQ in Kansas City. If that is the case, then I am very disappointed at KC BBQ. I plan to still try Arthur Bryant's to give KC another chance. Anyway, my review: We started off with the beef burnt ends. These were by far the best part of the meal. This seemed like cubed pieces of brisket and it was some of the best brisket that I've had -- extremely tender and juicy. I highly recommend it. We also had the rib combo platter - beef, baby back, and lamb (just had to try it). Again, the beef ribs were very good (maybe their specialty is beef). However, it was a bit on the smoky side. Hours later, I could still taste the smokiness in my mouth. The baby back ribs ($2 extra) were extremely disappointing. It was on the dry side and did not fall off the bone as exceptional baby back ribs should do. The lamb ribs were also a very dry and excessively burnt, but I've never had lamb ribs before so maybe that's normal. The cole slaw was probably the best cole slaw I've had outside of KFC. The creamy corn bake was all right -- as the waiter explained, it was like macaroni and cheese with corn instead of pasta. Also, we got to try all four of their sauces. They were really nothing special to be honest. The southwest style was interesting, but I can't say I liked it.
(3)Henry B.
A bit loud, but the food is the star - nice range of grilled or smoked flesh of beast and fowl served in "healthy" portions. Jokingly, I asked for the vegan menu and she actually was going to look for one! Four of us shared the onion rings - good choice to share. The pit beans are great, but the real star are their ribs.
(4)Jaclyn E.
If you are looking for chain-type/corporate America BBQ, this is for you. We went for lunch and everyone was disappointed. I was told the meat was dry & overcooked. There was a ridiculous amount of cheese on everything (cheese corn was like nacho cheese soup- yuck). We all left with stomach aches. I only added a star because our server was nice & polite.
(2)Philip L.
A very solid, cant-go-wrong franchise for hearty portions of bbq. The meat could have used a little more flavor (got burnt ends and roasted pork) but cant complain as everything is legit and done well. The sides were surprisingly tasty (cheddar potatoes were great).
(4)Felicia S.
Great food, great service, with a much better environment than many other BBQ places I've tried since moving here. I had the special-a pulled chicken sandwich, and swapped out the fries for baked beans. Delicious. My friend got the burnt ends a a was less impressed with all the visible fat. Felt a little rushed to turn the table, but much better than the norm for KC BBQ. Server was a bit overwhelmed, but the place was completely full with a line for tables.
(5)Nikki H.
Great location, great BBQ! We used to live in KC, but don't anymore, and there isn't much BBQ where we live now, so we're fans of pretty much any BBQ restaurant in KC, but we did really enjoy eating here. Food was great, service was great, and the portion sizes were large. We'll be back!
(4)Noell C.
Started with the fire kissed wings. Seasoned perfectly with a little kick. Fall off the bone delicious. Next up I had the lamb ribs, simply amazing. Gotta get the cheesy corn. I tried the crown prime beef ribs and they are well worth the money spent.
(4)E V.
I went here w/ my husband and sister Labor Day weekend for Sunday lunch. We waited about 20 minutes for a table, but there was plenty of room to sit while waiting, in addition to a bar. We requested a GF menu from the hostess, who spoke into her little mic on her shirt and said something like, "We have a gluten allergy coming to Table XX." Then the hostess said the manager would come over to talk to me about it. She did, but she just asked if I had any questions (I didn't) and said if we do, to ask for her. Our waiter was Justin, and he was excellent! He really gave us great service; I even found the manager after our meal to tell her how great he was. I ordered a bbq ham sandwich on a gluten-free bun, which they listed as a "Jumbo GLUTEN FREE" on the receipt. It only had one meat (a Jumbo has two according to the menu), but it is the least expensive sandwich, so I think they did me a favor. It was pretty messy, with the bun sliding off the ham, but I managed. There wasn't a lot of sauce, and I couldn't taste it, so I dipped it in an extra little bowl of sauce they provided (free) and that was really good. My side was a cheesy potato bake (the fries are not GF, so I subbed) and it was fabulous! It was basically thinly sliced red skin potatoes smothered in a garlic cheese sauce. It came piping hot and was just yummy! My sister and husband loved it too. It was enough for two people. My husband ordered the Hatfield, which is a sandwich w/ two bbq meats, with pork and beef brisket. (Note: He is a career butcher and meat dept mgr.) He said the pork was really good, and while the brisket was sliced, not shredded, it was excellent and not fatty at all. He got the baked beans with his, which he said were really good. I can't remember what my sister's main dish was, but she got the cheesy corn bake instead of fries, and they didn't charge her extra. It was lukewarm, but the flavor was good. We agreed it would be better if it had been hot. However, that was seriously the only slight disappointment of the whole meal. She also ended up ordering a small baked beans just b/c she loves them so much. She said they're very sweet. For dessert I got creme brulee, which good. My sister got the triple chocolate brownie, which came with a huge scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top. She and my husband both thought it was quite delicious. I tried the ice cream, and it tasted like Breyer's, which I love. My husband got the carrot cake, which he said may have ruined any other carrot cake for the rest of his life. He and my sister agreed it was the best they'd ever had. I did get to taste the cream cheese icing, and it was fab. Justin said they make all the desserts fresh, in house. Overall we give the restaurant a 10/10. I know a lot of folks say it's their favorite place to eat in KC, and we can see why. It isn't too pricey, either, which surprised me. All of the above plus coffee and a soda cost us, before tip, about $80.
(5)Yvonne M.
We have eaten at this particular location several times. The food is always very good, and the service is friendly. I am not a fan of BBQ all that much, but the food here is wonderful. I live their pulled pork, baked beans and French fries. Great every time. The reason I didn't give it 5 stars at this last visit was because we had a party of 7, at 2pm in the afternoon, and we had a 45 minute wait. It didn't make much sense to me because the restaurant was not that busy, with many empty tables. I did not understand the rationale behind this, but nonetheless, the food is consistently good.
(4)Daniel L.
Toni M's stellar review prompted fellow Yelper Fia R and I to come to dine at this BBQ restaurant. It was packed, crowded, and almost overwhelming. The cramped wait area had flooded into the bar where people can catch a game and grab a drink before heading to a table. The dining area in the back wasn't much better. There were plenty of booths and tables to host groups of all sizes while their staff roamed the walkways carrying platters of food, cleaning up the tables, and communicating with the host through the microphones attached to their shirts. In spite of the overwhelming feeling, there seemed to be a level of coherence, synergy, and formality among their staff. Our table was ready within 45 minutes, much sooner than the host had anticipated. This restaurant is located in a bustling shopping district so we walked around the Plaza before coming back to wait like all others. Once seated, our server Eric introduced us to the $30 dinner menu for the Kansas City Restaurant Week; and the list of items on the regular menu and ways the meats were prepared. Fia ordered from the three-course dinner menu ($30) that came with her choice of Onion Rings, Ultimate Ribs Dinner, and Mom's Carrot Cake. The onion rings were stacked high and they were thick, thinly battered, and crispy. The Ultimate Dinner was assembled with Pork Spare Ribs, Pork Baby Back Ribs, Lamb Ribs, and a Crown Prime Beef Rib, and her choice of Cheesy Potato Bake as the side item. The meats were sweet due to the wet rub to accompany a deep smoky flavor. I enjoyed the Pork Spare Ribs, and the medium rare Crown Prime Beef Rib was also tender and delicious. The regular price for the Ultimate Ribs Dinner alone is $28. What a great deal! My order of the Kansas City Combo ($17.45) came with my choice of two meats, which were Lamb Ribs and Beef Burnt Ends. A good friend back home had recommended the Lamb Ribs, and they were smoky, off the bone tender, and the flavor was complex. I haven't seen another place that serves BBQ lamb, so this is the place for it. The Beef Burnt Ends were their local specialty and highly popular among their customers. Essentially, the meats were shaved and cooked twice, leaving the outside crispy and moist on the inside. I thought there were many dry spots, but a dip into their BBQ sauce made it a little better. I wouldn't recommend the Burnt Ends since there are so many types of meats to choose from. My two sides of Hickory Pit Beans and Cole Slaw were the must haves. They were amazing as the Beans were refined and smooth, not too sweet, and had bits of pork to add a level of smokiness in the background. I also loved the Cole Slaw, as the textures were fresh, not too creamy, and perfectly sweet. These two items were the perfect sides because the repeated smokiness of the BBQ can be desensitizing after a while. The meats were good, albeit some imperfect dry spots here and there, but the sides were simply amazing. The Mom's Carrot Cake was homemade, served warm, with creamy frosting and pecans sprinkled on the top. This was by far the best Carrot Cake I've ever had. Not too sweet, lots of texture, light creamy frosting, and delicious when served warm. There must be 1,000 calories in it, but it was extremely addictive. Watch out! Service was one of the best I have experienced. Eric was professional, attentive, and very knowledgeable. Their floor manager also stopped by to check on us, and the meal was well orchestrated where the service was responsive despite the ultra busy evening. Overall, interested diners can expect a great smoky BBQ, delicious sides, and fantastic service. I would love to come back to try their other items, such as BBQ Chicken and hickory grilled seafood.
(4)Travis J.
Jack Stack is easily the best BBQ EVER. I go to the Country club plaza Jack stack pretty often and it never disappoints. Great prices and always excellent service. So excited they are opening a Jack Stack restaurant in Lee's Summit at the Summit Woods Shopping Center. I will be there all the time.
(5)Tyra W.
Kansas City is the land of barbecue and sure, Jack Stack is a little fancier, but it does not disappoint! A hot and heavy love affair has started with their cheesy corn bake...and I don't think I'll ever have the heart to end it! If you're going with a few people, I recommend the Jack's Best with the option to round up. It comes with a variety of meat options and sides of fries, slaw, and beans. Personally I think beans are my #1 judgement ruling when it comes to a barbecue joint and it makes or breaks a place in my mind. These were spot on! If you haven't blown the seam of your jeans yet and still have room, there's no better conclusion than ending your feast with bread pudding. The icing was well balanced and not overly sweet. Besides the food though, I was beyond impressed by our server. He was so knowledgable about anything and everything asked from beer to paleo friendly options. (He recommended the burnt ends trimmed with spinach salad and red wine dressing on the side, no cheese or bacon.) The only downside is they don't accept reservations.
(4)Kurt M.
My son and I are on a BBQ road trip to KC. First stop, Jack Stack. We were underwhelmed. First the positives. The place is sleek and clean. Service was very good. Then the food arrived. I went with the 3 meat combo and at the urging of our server selected the lamb ribs, burnt ends and the beef prime rib together with beans and cheesy corn. The lamb ribs were tiny, dry, lacking in both texture and flavor. The burnt ends were also very dry and tough. The prime rib was fatty and stringy. Frankly, adding the prime rib for an extra $8 felt like a tourist trap. The Wilbur Beans at Famous Dave's are much superior and the cheesy corn, while savory loses a great deal of its appeal as it cools and congeals. A word about the sauces. Bland! I tried their regular, spicy and hot. There was astonishingly little variance to distinguish one from the others. My son had the prime and lamb ribs with fries and cole slaw. Fries were fine. Cole slaw not much different than what you might find at KFC. Add a coke and an iced tea (both promptly refilled) and the total for two with tip came to $85. I guess the good thing is that the bar going forward on our BBQ quest has been set pretty low. Nowhere to go but up. Right?
(2)B S.
The burnt ends are suspect, but the lamb ribs, cheesy corn, and baked beans are off the hook.
(3)andrea d.
The atmosphere and food are great! Low lighting and messy fingers from the ribs somehow go together at jack stack! We have always received great service and amazing smoked meats. The brisket is never fatty, and the burnt ends were the perfect chewy/crispy texture!
(5)Zach T.
Always a good environment for family and friends. Please note, because you're on the plaza you're paying for the location as well. That said, totally worth the price. The bbq is great and so is the location.
(4)Andrei K.
Insanely good. So far the best BBQ in Kansas City, Middle West and the whole US for me. It recieves lots of publicizing, but it is definitely not overrated.
(5)Kaitlin M.
Definitely top 3 BBQ places in KC!!! Love the pulled pork! The sides are great as well. Very few things are better than a pulled pork sando, Blvd wheat, and cheesy corn. Just saying!
(4)Melvin E.
We went to a couple of places in K.C and this was by far the best one. The food was smoked and seasoned perfectly. Don't pass on this one
(5)Matt B.
Probably the best BBQ in town. Get the burnt ends with cheesy corn bake and the Pit beans, you'll leave satisfied. If you want a taste of good BBQ in Missouri there's no better place than here. The waitress was hilarious and our food came out quickly, even though there were about 35 in our group. I highly recommend.
(5)Hal F.
I am back in Kansas City, MO. and I can't stay away from this place. Just love it. The burnt ends let in your mouth...crazy good! The BBQed chicken was perfection and of course the ribs...well, what can I say, Heavenly...really love this place!
(4)Aaron S.
First time visiting Jack Stack. This was the beginning of a Bachelor Party, and we didn't spare a dime. Knowing it'd be packed on a Friday night at 7pm, 3 of our 13 person party arrived 3 hours early to check in and wait. The 3 of us planned on sitting there for 3 hours, ordering plenty of drinks, and waiting so we could get a table. The hostess, a guy with long hair, was intellectually incapable of performing the job function. It was almost funny to watch him try and figure out how to seat 13 people in one area. It baffled him to the core. So he told us we can't put our name down, can't make a reservstion, and they can't prepare for us at all. Nonetheless, we told him we'd be back at 7, with 13 people, since that was all we could do. Come 6:30 we showed up, still a half hour early. He of course hadn't done anything to prepare, and wouldn't let us put our names down since our entire party wasn't there waiting with us. Come 7 he put our names down on the list, but made us split our group into 3 parts. After waiting for about 45 minutes, he then sat us at 3 completely different times, spread out by about 10 minutes each, and completely separate from the other parts of our groups. I could not have been more disappointed. We did everything we could to make this go smoothly, including being 3 hours early, offering to spend whatever it took, and he didn't help us out in the least. Once we finally got tables, everything was awesome. The waitress was awesome, food was the best BBQ I've ever had hands down (Although slightly small on the portions), and the atmosphere was good. I just really wish they could have done more, rather done anything, to cater to our large party.
(2)L B.
Pros: one of our favorite BBQ places, huge portions (always have leftovers), great sides with entrees, multiple locations, staff has always been friendly, huge menu, our favorite place to take out of town folks Cons: can be tough to get a table unless you find a spot at the bar
(5)Beth E.
Flavorful, perfectly smoked and seasoned, crown prime rib dinner for two. Sides were tasty baked beans, delicious cole slaw, and a cheesy corn bake all washed down with the Dunkel beer. The perfect finish was the creme brûlée. Yummmm!
(5)Amanda J.
Delicious! You must have the onion rings as starters! Burnt ends are the way to go! With the corn and baked beans as sides. All three sauce were good as well! A little on the pricey side, but worth it.
(5)Lola S.
I love this place, but we typically have to wait 45mins for a table, but we found 2 spots in the bar. The burnt ends were delicious, the coleslaw was fresh and the fries were hot and crispy !
(4)Amy D.
5 stars for their beef rib, 2-3 stars for their other BBQ. If you a beef rib lover, you MUST come to Fiorella's Jack Stack and give their Crown Prime Beef Rib a try- it is worth that extra $8! Overall, we would rank this #3 out of 4 based on the BBQ restaurants we tried in KC- #1 goes to Woodyard for best overall BBQ, #2 to Oklahoma Joe's, and #4 to Arthur Bryant's. However, I don't believe any of the others offer a beef rib option, so you have to go to Jack Stack for this. We came in for an early lunch around 11:15am on a Friday, and were seated right away without a reservation. It started getting busier and busier though, so if possible, make a reservation just in case. We ordered: -BBQ Combo Lunch w/Burnt Ends & Sliced Brisket (Served w/Cheesy Corn Bake & Creamy Coleslaw, $13.95, yelp.com/biz_photos/fior… ): The burnt ends were dry and disappointing, but at least the brisket was tender and pretty good. The cheesy corn bake also wasn't bad, but not so amazing I would go out of my way to order it again. Their cole slaw was good, but they dice their cabbage instead of shred it. -BBQ Combo Lunch w/Pork Spare Ribs & Crown Prime Beef Rib [add $8] (Served w/French Fries, $13.95, yelp.com/biz_photos/fior… ): AMAZING beef rib, which was fall off the bone tender, with the perfect amount of fatty to lean ratio. A must order!! Unfortunately, the pork rib was on the dry side. The fries were too thickly cut for my preference, but they tasted good with their house French fry seasoning. The toast was mediocre (it was much better at Oklahoma Joe's), and the pickles weren't anything special. -3 Different BBQ Sauces (From L to R: Original, Spicy, Hot, yelp.com/biz_photos/fior… ): I couldn't taste much of a difference between the Hot and Spicy sauces, except I think the Spicy seemed more vinegary. I only liked the original sauce, which was one of the better ones that we tried. -Mom's Carrot Cake ($7, yelp.com/biz_photos/fior… ): Yum!! The carrot cake was super moist (there was a lot of vegetable oil and/or butter used), and the frosting wasn't too sweet. Although it was difficult to eat after all the BBQ, I still managed to enjoy it and we finished the entire plate. Our server was super friendly and accommodating, and we got our food in 10-15 minutes after we ordered. Jack Stack is definitely the nicest out of the BBQ joints we dined at in Kansas City, and the place where they have a good amount of power lunches. The prices aren't much higher than the other places, so if you're into ambiance, this is the place to head to. Overall, this is a good place to check out KC BBQ. There was a good amount of free street parking right outside of the restaurant that was available, and I believe there are parking structures around this area as well.
(4)Mike N.
Great baby backs, burnt ends, lamb ribs & baked beans. Great sauces. Hard to improve.
(5)Joseph P.
Being very close to Westport, of course you would know the infamous Jack Stack Barbeque. It was always packed and apparently there are some die-hard fans that pledged that they have the better BBQ in the region. Honestly, I was not as impressed by their BBQ as I was with their vegetable options. Don't get me wrong, the BBQ was definitely good, but it was not mind-blowing good. However, the complimentary grilled vegetables was definitely something to try! Not only were the vegetables sweet and fresh, it was grilled just the right amount so it also obtained enough of the grilled taste to enhance the vegetables' flavors. Another thing that blew my mind was their onion rings. Coming from the Chicago Suburb area, I had never seen such huge onion rings with actual onions in them! In addition to that, the sweetness of the onions within the onion rings were guaranteed! Definitely worth trying!
(3)Vicky T.
busy busy busy on the Monday night my friends and I visited .I called the day before to make reservations but the lady at the other line said they were booked. "we accept walk-in's though!" i could not leave school until 5:30pm so i asked a friend to walk in and reserve a table for 6 to make it convenient for our on-duty nurse friend to comfortably make orders and maximize her time with our visiting friends from ohio. reception desk insisted the entire party arrive (i would arrive in10min). when i arrived i did not ask if we can have a table, i said we needed a table for 6 and one of the hosts found us a table. our waitress was training someone while serving us, and, remember, the place was busy busy busy. i say this to explain why it was difficult for us to get ahold of our waitress in between orders and meals. she also mistakenly served me the salmon dinner (whereas I asked her about either the salmon and salad or salmon sandwich menu item). to grab her attention I stood and waited awkwardly for 5+ min at the end of our booth. she saw me but did not acknowledge seeing me so brushed me aside to serve a different table. I understood she had priorities so I waited another 2minutes but then i saw she decided she was going to ignore me again and walk away had I not stepped in her path. I was already embarrassed but I told her the mistake of having served me the wrong order to which all she responded to me was a vexed raise of her brow and an "okay..?" to which I then I took the que and proceeded to ask, "so I guess I was wondering if you would be able to change my order? the dinner is not what I asked for and the price is more than I anticipated". "umm." - pause - "you can speak to my manager about it." she walks away. I didn't know if she meant to return or meant to shrug me off to speak with the manager. i returned to my seat and looked at my dish: I had taken two bites from the side dish but didn't want to continue.. I wish she knew I wasn't trying to rip them off like some may. the manager came by the booth to apologize for the mixup and changed my tab to reflect the price of the salmon sandwich. I was grateful but uncomfortable with my waitress for the rest of the my dinner. I was almost thankful, given the occurance, that we had so difficult a time getting her attention the majority of that night. no one wanted to pay us heed, we must've just been that troublesome (we really weren't though! they did themselves the favor of forgetting some items and checking up on us!). anyway, uncomfortable experience! good food. really good food. my friends ordered either the three-item kc combo dinner or the ultimate rib dinner to share amongst the five. I ordered (or meant to order) the salmon sandwich. I got a taste of both sandwich and the dinner (I mistaken as my sandwich option. my friends' favorite choice was the crown prime ribs. best they had.. they critiqued the meats' flavor and texture with animated description but it all went over my head. something about how perfect the meat was marbled, the tenderness, and the way the meat flakes or falls off the bones. I don't recall. I, too, enjoyed my dish. aside from the salmon steak I had a garden salad and broccoli side. in my confusion i asked another waitress why i was not given buns and the described items for my salmon sandwhich. she (though not so courteously) brought them out for me. I will say I make better salmon. it was a bit overcooked so the meat was tough. very heavy dinner -- i was able to finish only half the salmon steak. I was able to finish everything else though! my inability to complete, I wondered, could be attributed to the fact that I devoured a grapefruit, a candy bar, and some Costco dried figs right before dinner.. I was hungry! tip: 1. call more than 24hrs in advance for reservations. if you decide to talk in for dinner make sure you have your entire party present 2. combo platters feed many (group of 4 to 6) for cost and satisfaction effective experience. 3. crown prime rib 4. menu and pricing available online.
(4)Jesse P.
Use to not like the place at all and couldn't understand what everyone loved so much. I use to get the brisket which is sub par. Then I tried their burnt ends, then their beef ribs, both are awesome. Crown beef rib is incredible. Beans are best in town.
(5)Angela E.
Service was absolutely amazing, so fast and super friendly! My family got onion rings, burnt ends, ham, and ribs. I got a SthWst Salad no meat and coffee. All items were great, especially the coffee! Definitely a must visit when coming to Kansas City!
(5)Nikki B.
Holy cow- this place is amazing. Highly recommend the burnt ends, cheesy corn, and the triple chocolate brownie. You'll leave absolutely full but it will be worth it!
(5)EmaLes F.
The food in this place is delicious! We had the Kansas City Combo with 3 different meats ( baby back ribs, beef burnt ends and chicken) and we were satisfied. They were very tasty! And the cole slaw! Wow! The only reason we are not giving 5 stars is because the drinks were a little overpriced. Besides this, if you visit are in the area you must go to jack stack!
(4)David T.
Good BBQ! We wanted to experience KC barbecue on our trip to the plaza and this didn't disappoint. I would recommend the burnt ends and the cheesy potato bake. Both were awesome. The fried mushroom appetizer was also good and the baby back ribs were decent. All in all we had a good experience here.
(4)Emmit S.
The food is so good here! Anything is good. I try something new everytime and always happy. We like this location the best bc the decor is really cool. Service has been good too. The bartender(woman) during the day was great! Super nice and seemed to know lots of customers coming in.
(5)James H.
Excellent. We tried the baby backs, beef burnt ends and fire seared chicken wings. All were very very good. The wings were a little overseasoned in my opinion, but I prefer the simple smoky flavor. Will definitely stop here again when in KC. Gave 4 stars cuz they didn't include silverware or napkins for our carryout order. Carryout cashier also got huffy when I asked for 2 ice waters after she offered me bottle water.
(4)Brian G.
Good bbq, more on the fancier side. I was looking for more of a low key place but I was in the plaza area so I figured why not. I got their burnt ends and a half rack of baby back ribs combo with fries. The meat was delicious but the fries are nothing to write home about. I think if they spruced up their sides a little (for this area and setting it shouldn't be an issue) I would go with 5 stars.
(4)Ryan S.
Wow. Some of the best barbecue I have ever had. Visiting Kansas City from California, I had high expectations that the food would be good. I didn't expect such amazing flavors! The service was amazing and everyone at the bar was nice. We ordered The brisket, pulled pork, and rib meal and we got the sides of the scalloped potatoes, french fries, and the baked potatoes. It was fantastic. The sides were unbelievably good. For dessert we got the Bread Pudding and the carrot cake. Both were amazing but I could barley eat them. All in all, a must try while you are in Kansas City
(5)Linda B.
The service was wonderful and best of all the food was amazing. One of the best barbecue places I have ever tried. My boyfriend and I ordered Jacks Best and it was plenty enough for the both of us to share. I'm glad we found another BBQ place we really enjoyed besides Joe's! Which both are comparable in my book! Love love love!
(5)Shadi A.
It was amazing from beginning to end. The appetizers: fried mushrooms were really yummy. Awesome pork ribs, cream of corn and cole slaw! Great service too. We will be back!!!
(5)Moe T.
Oh yeah this is the real deal! We stopped off here on a road trip from Chicago to LA and went nuts! Prime crown beef ribs - Each one is a meal on a bone! Juicy and fall off the bone. I'm getting hungry just thinking about them Lamb ribs - smoking! I love lamb and this was some of the best I've ever had Burnt ends - delicious. Juicy, saucy and terrific. All of the sides were delicious too. Don't miss the carrot cake though! The best I've ever had without a doubt. We thought we didn't have any room left after dinner but we couldn't let one bite of this carrot cake go to waste with how good it was
(5)James L.
My business travels rarely take me to exciting places, but I always try and seek out the culinary specialities in whatever town I happen to be in. If I'm in the West Coast, I'm all about Mexican food. Anywhere along the Northeast Corridor I'm eating Italian and Chinese cuisine, and in the Southeast I'm noshing on Cuban and fresh seafood. I happened to be in the mid-west and specificially in the mecca of BBQ, Kansas City, MO. I am not one of these "Evangelist" who ONLY eats BBQ from Texas, or North Carolina, or Memphis. I've sampled the smoked meats from all of these BBQ havens and enjoy them all. I refused to wait the 2-3 hours at the legendary Oklahoma Joe's, and didn't want to drive over to Arthur Bryant's, so took the advice of one of the locals and headed over to Fiorella's Jack Stack. I was told to have their burnt ends, and was happy with the suggestion. The ends of these briskets had an excellent char and were crisp with natural juices and spices. The dinosaur- sized beef ribs were also super meaty with an altogether different texture from the burnt ends. The meat from the ribs gently tore away, since unlike pork ribs the meat shouldn't really be "fall off the bone". Both cuts of meat had great smoky flavor, and the authentic sides of cole slaw and beans with bacon provided an excellent complement. If you don't want to endure the waits at some of Kansas City's other BBQ joints, come to Fiorella's Jack Stack - you won't be disappointed.
(4)Vincent N.
Eh, ok ribs. Too dry. Also a bit more pricey than we have experienced at the other old time bbq joints. Bryant's was good. Best for us was KC BabyBack BBQ Ribs in Oak Grove.
(3)Steven M.
This is quite commercialized compared to some KC staples. Nonetheless this is worth a visit. Ribs are what you should be interested in here!
(4)Pete G.
Not bad, but they rely too much on sauce to mask marginal cuts of meat that are cooked too fast. If that's the kind of bbq you like, this is your place. The sides are fine and the atmosphere is ok. If you are hoping for something that tastes more like meat than sweet sauce, get the burnt ends with sauce on the side. Others I've been there with rave about the carrot cake. Other than the fact that it is huge, I didn't find it particularly special.
(3)Viva C.
Impressive restaurant. Its reputation precedes itself. We braced ourselves thinking the wait would be long, considering how we were there on a weekend at early dinner hour. There were people waiting to be seated, but we waited for a very unexpectedly short period. The restaurant is easily packed, but the ambiance is delightfully moody. Because fellow Yelpers were keen on identifying the many great items on the menu, I had difficulty deciding what I wanted. Our waitress was very cordial in giving her recommendations and telling us what is most popular. We ordered the fried mushrooms as an appetizer then Burnt Ends and Rack of Lamb for our entrees. Our food came out amazingly fast. I was stunned. We went there expecting it to be a long arduous ordeal but the entire meal from start to finish was fast, efficient, and definitely tasty. The fried mushrooms with horseradish sauce were delightful. The crust was crisp and the large fried mushrooms were piping hot and had a fun bounce. I say bounce, but what I really mean is that it was al dente. I know, you usually reserve that for describing pasta, but in this case, it's the phrase that best describes these mushrooms when you bite into them. My burnt ends were tasty - a tad on the dry side, but that's understandable, considering they're the Ends. I took the recommendation of fellow Yelpers to ask for all three of the different sauces to accompany the meat. I liked the spiciest one. My friend's lamb was so tender, he didn't need a knife at all. He simply stabbed the meat with his fork, pulled the bone, and the meat simply slid off. Incredibly tender to say the least. The portions are pretty big, so you're lucky if you even have room for dessert. Well done, Fiorella's!
(4)David W.
This is an overrated restaurant. Excited to have KC BBQ, we waited an hour for a table. The prime rib rib was all fat with little meat to find. The baby back ribs were tasteless.the server was friendly but made an excuse for the inedible prime rib and didn't offer a substitute
(2)James P.
Did the Jack's Best Sampler and added a side of Sausage Burnt Ends. The waiter also suggested the two best sides - Cheesy Corn Bake (Yummy!) and Hickory Pit Beans (Amped up with Brisket and delicious. I've eaten a lot of BBQ all over the country and this ranks up there with the best - perfect amount of smoke and exact timing on the perfect cook!! If I lived here, I'd come often!!
(5)Melaina C.
We wanted to try this BBQ since it is considered one of the best in KC. We weren't very hungry, so we just ordered the half pound of turkey from the Carry-Out window. We will not be returning to eat here in the future. The turkey was moist, but it tasted the same as turkey lunch meat that you get in the grocery store. It was even sliced like lunch meat. It did not have any seasoning on the meat at all. They only offered one type of sauce and it wasn't any good. Tasted like peppered ketchup.
(2)Angie H.
we originally weren't going here, our reservation had a fire so we came here instead. there was a 25 minute wait for our 7 people but they got us in about 15 minutes and a private area. the waiter Cory, was not only hot but remembered our orders, the gluten order, refilled our drinks without asking, got us to go boxes and a to go order and straws!! he was perfect!!
(5)Chris C.
I'm truly mixed about Jack Stacks. The food smells wonderful and does have a great taste. We ate there at lunch, so it was even affordable (about $45 for two adults and a child). My mixed feelings??? They use some of the fattiest meat (they like to call it marbled). My wife got the brisket. It was fairly lean. My daughter got ham and cheese off the kids menu, and I got burnt ends (it can always be a toss up) and some were chunks of fat. I also got the smoked pork. I had to send it back, because it had so much "marbling" there was very little meat (not to mention the thick veins in the fat always turn my stomach). They were gracious enough and brought me more burnt ends (these were leaner, but the damage was done), I couldn't finish them all. About an hour later, my stomach started to ache and cramp from the grease. I didn't eat a full order of ends... About 6 of the 10 they gave me. But the grease is pretty heavy. I love barbecue, and I like the flavor of Jack Stacks, but a little really does go a long ways.
(3)Vincent Y.
Went on a BBQ tour of Kansas City this weekend. Some locals pointed out that Fiorella's Jack Stack is an oxymoron of sorts because they serve down-home grub for the everyman, but in an upscale, hoity-toity setting with higher pricing. I concurred, but this didn't detract from their food quality! Jack Stack has a unique lamb rib dish that the other joints (LC's, Oklahoma Joe's, Arthur Bryant) didn't have, and that's the lamb rib. At first taste, the lamb smell was overpoweringly gamey, but then I realized that the BBQ sauce they spread over it balanced-out the smell, so in the end it wasn't so bad. The best part about the rib was how moist it was, and how you get to rip it off the bone and had a nice texture to it. (I hate other establishments that overcook the meat just so that it falls off the bone only to find out it crumbles, is too dry, or both). Kudos also goes to their beef ribs, which were done right to perfection. Their broccoli was awesome thanks to garlic butter salt. (large grains, so I'm guessing Kosher). Not everything was perfect though: Burnt Ends were very, very dry. I would not recommend them, though the manager came by and said they weren't normally so dry. When we suggested he eat one of ours to back it up, he declined :) Service was good when it came to correcting food. Flagging down a bartender, like most places, may take several minutes.
(4)Benjamin B.
Chain Bar-B-Q that doesn't suck. Jack stacks came highly recommended by several KCMO locals while I was in town, not ironically the staff mentioned their lack of marketing based on their effective homegrown word of mouth reputation. Jack stacks lived up to the hype. Upscale atmosphere with home style food. Surprisingly good cocktails with a knowledgable and friendly staff. Don't show up unless you've got an appetite. I recommend one of the sampler selections. Don't miss out on the cheesey corn or the "burnt ends." I also crushed a cucumber flavored margarita with jalapeños...boom...mind blown. If you're feeling real wild, take a picture riding the brass bull out front before you leave, some weird fat guy did when I went.
(4)Marie F.
Outstanding beans, coleslaw, spicy BBQ sauce and meats. No mashed potatoes and cheesy corn too rich. I should have asked more about the cheesy corn. Fast service and yummy.
(4)Kathy S.
I love Oklahoma Joe's more than anything on earth, but sometimes it's nice to change it up and remember that there are other excellent places as well. Jack Stack's location and decor are fancy, but honestly, the food is still good ol' KC BBQ. I've been here many times and it's a pretty consistent experience. Because they don't take reservations, you're usually waiting at least 30-45 minutes minimum during dinner, but sometimes it goes a little faster. For our bachelorette party on a Saturday night, we were seated within 30 min, while the other Union Station location quoted over an hour wait. (Granted, it was during the Memorial Day concert/festivities at the Station...) On other Saturday nights, we've had to wait the full hour or more. My food favorites: Meats - Burnt ends, sausage, and chicken are where it's at. I've never gone wrong with these. The menu is really flexible - decide how many meats you want and in which combination, and it'll be on the menu somewhere. Whatever you order, make sure to ask for extra sauce! Sides - Cheesy corn is always my go-to, though Smokehouse still has my favorite. Dessert - If you're looking for heaven, you'll find it in Jack Stack's carrot cake. YUM. My only grumbles are the portion sizes, given the high prices. I guess it comes with the Plaza location. Either way, Jack Stack's will forever be one of my favorites!
(4)Grace L.
Had the beef and pork burnt ends, pork ribs, cheesy potatoes, veggie skewer, baked beans, and the carrots...everything was exceptional. The service was very fast once we were seated. My only regret is that I got too excited to eat and my food picture turned out blurry. Highly recommend all dishes, especially the unique and flavorful carrot dish.
(5)Seth H.
We came here after it was recommended by a friend. I was impressed by the entire meal, however the Prime Beef Ribs really stood out as being top notch. They just fell off the bone and were extremely flavorful. The sauces were decent as well and the sides were delicious. We had the fried mushrooms for an appetizer - I would recommend but it's a large portion so don't let it kill your appetite before getting to the main meal.
(4)Coal K.
Family and friends had recommended Jack Stack's BBQ to us as the best BBQ ever! As huge BBQ fan, that's a difficult claim to live up to. However, Fiorella's Jack lived up to its billing. They have the best baby back ribs I'd ever tasted. My wife had a sampler....The wings were phenonimal too. Jack Stack is not the hole-in-the-wall joint you typically find the best BBQ. The restaurant was clean and well-organized with a friendly staff. Recommend visiting during non peak times, (definately not a weekend night) to avoid a long wait.
(5)Scott M.
Best ribs....worst service!
(1)Allie K.
Hubby and I came here with his parents for dinner. We had the BEST server, Tracy. She was informative and funny. We never had to ask for anything. Drinks were always full. She checked on us regularly and was always friendly. In-laws were prepared to order the baby back ribs until they saw the crown beef short ribs at another table. They got that instead and went on and on about how good they were. Hubby and I got a plate with pork spare ribs, brisket, ham, and sliced pork. The meat was tender and delicious. The sides- between the 4 of us, we had carrots, beans, cheesy corn, cheesy potatoes, and broccoli. The sides were all good but the beans were amazing. So were the roasted carrots. We had dessert. We made the mistake of ordering one a piece. You can easily share. They are huge. The carrot cake is good but the brownie is outrageous! A wonderful experience. Good food and excellent service.
(5)Jason A.
In town for business, and this was the closest and highest rated BBQ joint in walking distance. Definitely did not disappoint!!!! Jack's best all the way!!!
(4)Jason V.
This was my first experience with Kansas City BBQ and though we ended up getting our food to-go (wait was an hour to an hour and half to be seated), it was so delicious and messy, the way BBQ should be. I ordered the KC combo with burnt ends (popular choice), baby back ribs and chicken (dark meat), along with their baked beans and cheesy corn as my sides. The ribs were amazing as well as the chicken. The burnt ends were also tasty, though I was expecting them to have a little crunch to their texture, instead they were fatty soft pieces of pork. Good flavor but again not what I thought I'd receive (maybe this is how they prepare and serve them). The sides were unbelievable and like nothing I've tasted. The service was friendly and helpful too! I'd definitely return on my next visit to KC!
(4)Chris B.
So we came in a little late for a dinner/snack/watch-some-of-the-game bite to eat. We ended up ordering the KC combo with beef & pork tips along with the half chicken. Sides were fries and slaw. Our bartender (we ate at the bar) suggested the cheesy-corn deliciousness... And ended up adding it to our platter that we split. Wow, so glad he did, super good! We opted for two additionally sauces, house and spicy. House was great! Spicy had some tang but a little too sweet for our tastes. All in all, the KC combo was plenty for the two of us and landed about $35 for the two of us a few libations... Local brews, not exactly sure who's though. Tank 7 & a dark brown featured draft, either way they too were delicious. We opted not to order desert as we still had some "A la mode" cupcakes on hand but the options sounded fantastic. A great choice if you're in this neck of the woods.
(5)Damien L.
Order the Jack's Best plate. It comes with a prime rib and pork rib. It is the best bbq in the world. Zagats rates them the best bow in the USA. The bbq beans are also the best that I ever had. I live in Texas and have visited 100 of restaurants for the best bbq. I would have never dreamed that I would find it in Kansas City,MO. I plan to order this food via the mail for special occasions. My wife agreed with my rating. I feel horrible that our number one bbq place is no longer in Texas.
(5)Angela K.
Oh my! KC is renowned for their commitment to BBQ. We have, other the years, been to many but Fiorella's Jack Stack takes the prize. Settle in and let me tell you ALL about, just in case you are silly enough to ignore this review and go some place else. At least this way you live vicariously through Yelp, which is pretty much the whole point any way. We arrived at 7:30 on a Friday night and we were told there was a 20 minute wait. Not bad. We sat in the bar, where we could have had our meal. TVs with basketball, plenty of seating. We were contemplating getting a drink when our buzzer went off, a mere 10 minutes after we arrived. It was our first indication that time does indeed accelerate in parts of the universe. Where is Steven Hawking when you need him? We were seated at a table in the middle of the dining room, even though I would have preferred a comfy booth. The first of my two minor complaints is the table. The dining room is not very big and our table seemed to be right in the traffic pattern for everything from the kitchen to the bathroom. I was jostled and pushed into at least four times throughout our meal. We ordered a Sam Adams (eh) and a Sangrini, which was a delicious cross between a sangria and martini with Pinot noir, vodka, strawberry purée and lemonade. It packed a very yummy punch. I would recommend only one if you tend to be a light weight. But so delicious. Their wine list was impressive, including offering from the often hard-to-find Caymus label. Congrats if you understand the significance of that. Our server was great. She gave a great lesson on the different types of meats/ribs, giving us the pros and cons of each so we could find what suited our tastes. I was impressed with her knowledge of the menu (and I never comment on that). We ordered the full slab of baby back pork ribs with original sauce. We got three sides for which we chose the much balley-hooed cheesy corn, baked beans and baked potato. The ribs were excellent. Juicy, almost (which is perfect) falling off the bone, meaty ribs. After every third bite, one of us said "these are awesome" or some variation thereof. The sides were great too. My guy loved and devoured the baked beans. I hate beans of any sort and after 21 years of marriage, he knows this. That he would even SUGGEST I try them is the ultimate testimony to how delicious they were. The cheesy corn was delicious too. The cheesy corn raves here on Yelp are many and I think all of that hype might have set the expectation too high. Delicious, yes. Order again, yes. Recommend, yes. Heavenly, nope. The baked potato was huge; plenty to share. It was everything you'd expect from a tater. The second minor thing is that our food arrived less than 10 minutes. No joke. It arrived. Our mouths gaped open. It took us a few seconds to even comprehend what was actually happening. I can't really say if this is a good or bad thing. Once it was delivered, we just sat back and took our time enjoying BBQ. The restaurant on the Plaza is small-to-moderate in size. On Friday night, it was a little loud. One last thing...the cloth napkins are a maroon/burgundy color...which is BRILLIANT. Why? Because it camouflages your BBQ mess. Way to think it through, Jack Stack. Way to think it through.
(5)Jamie F.
My favorite BBQ in KC! This place has been around forever. I miss KC BBQ so much living down in the land of nasty Texas BBQ! We got a combo plate so that we could have it all! Their meat is so well smoked/seasoned/full of flavor, that you don't even need to add sauce. The cheesy corn is like WOW! And they have good onion rings too. Their beans are incredible and were toddler approved :)
(5)Cindy B.
I grew up in KC and now live in Texas. So, I know KC-BBQ and Texas BBQ. This used to be KC Masterpiece BBQ and I loved that, too. Let's see, I'm a brisket girl, so anytime I can get a good brisket sandwich and some rockin' baked beans and potato salad, I'm in. For the reviewer that said it was a chain-type bbq, well, it IS a chain, but if I'm correct, there are only several in the MO/KS area. I would suggest giving them another try. When I'm in KC, I stay near the Plaza so that I am within walking distance of Jack Stack BBQ That way, I can walk there, to work up an appetite, then walk back to work off what I ate!
(5)Matt A.
Great sit down barbecue restaurant. My family was there on a Friday and needed to accommodate kids and adults. It was packed and the front of house and bar staff were professional and helpful as we waited (about 40 minutes during dinner rush with no reservations). Our waiter was friendly and enthusiastic. I was thrilled with the "Kansas City" combo and selected pork ribs, burnt ends, and lamb ribs. The lamb ribs were a surprise and fantastic. We will return the next time we are in KC and highly recommend it to our friends. Try to make reservations, but worth the wait if you can't.
(4)Sam A.
Came with friends and 2 of us shared a full slab of baby back ribs, $29 - OUTSTANDING! And I KNOW my BBQ. Full flavor, meaty, TENDER melt in your mouth ribs. A true delight in eating. Coke products which is always a plus for me. This plaza location is busy and parking a bit iffie but a bit of a wait you will find a spot. Service was good but not outstanding...a bit bitchy so maybe a bad table before or bad night? Every plate that went by I wanted to sample! Another of our party had Samoan sandwich and loved it. Fries, baked beans and coleslaw all good. Grab your napkins and PIG out!
(5)Evan T.
Out of this world BBQ. Fast service, great value, amazing food. Lunch combo was one of the best I have ever eaten. Burnt ends and beef ribs. Do not miss this place when in KC.
(5)Ll Y.
Great, as usual. Great staff, great food, sat outside on a beautiful early evening and had a wonderful time.
(4)Mike C.
So what's a visit to Kansas City without visiting a BBQ joint. I wanted something a little bit unusual like BBQ donuts, but I couldn't find that so I had to go with something a little bit more traditional instead. Based on some friends recommendations, Jack Stack was the only way to go. But with a lot of stuff to choose from on the menu, I had no clue what to order. Luckily, the barkeep told me to get the Pièce de résistance, which was the Jack's Best. You'll just have to try it to actually get the full story out of it. But I can tell you that I definitely recommend this. If you're only here in KC for a few nights and you're starving to death, then yah, get the Jack's Best plate. Otherwise, get something a lot smaller because the Jack Stack plate is a behemoth. Comes with 2 sides. Make sure you choose cheesy corn as one of your sides. They accidentally forgot one of my sides so they threw in a 3rd side. Yah, so it was really a behemoth and a half. yelp.com/biz_photos/TW1F… If I had to compare BBQ, it would be difficult since I have limited knowledge on this field, but I would rank Phil's and Coops in San Diego higher than Jack's. For Kansas City, BBQ should be top of the line, but I guess I wasn't feeling it here. But my gastronomic experience didn't end with the ribs or the juicy burnt ends. I had to get some dessert as well. And with a happy ending, the warm chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream delivered a whopping finish to my visit here in Kansas City. yelp.com/biz_photos/TW1F… Overall, a great experience. It does get busy and crampy up at the bar so be prepared to rub elbows (literally) with random people throughout your 2 hour visit here.
(4)Tres D.
Been craveN a steak & had a friend give us a giftCard. Heard many good things & have enjoyed the sauce & visited the Martin City location quite sometime ago. This was our 1st Plaza location visit, it was Sat. Night late dinner time on the plaza & made for an understandable wait and the atmosphere was loud & crowded. I was able to get into the bar for drinks while waitN 4 our table and the drink selections R top of the line. Amy had a Tropical Paradise & I a Stella. Once seated we were well taken care of. The food was served promptly, presented wonderfully, & tasted delicious. I ordered & can now recommend the house salad, KC Strip (12oz of perfection), loaded Potato, Creme Brûlée(superb) & coffee. My only complaint was how I felt from eating so much.
(4)Michael M.
Jack Stack to me felt like a BBQ version of Cheesecake Factory or McCormick and Schmicks. This location is in Country Club Plaza, and has a great decor. Everything is modern and fairly classy. The bar has TVs everywhere, and appears to be a great place to watch a game. The BBQ itself is average, which was kind of a let down, since KC BBQ is supposed to be a big deal. I had the combo plate of brisket and ribs. The meats were solid, but nothing I couldn't get in Omaha. The beans were very good, and cheesy corn tasty. Service was fantastic, but waits here are pretty much a given. (Be prepared for a 25-30 minute wait for a table) They also have some amazing lunch specials from 11am-3pm everyday. This is not the most authentic BBQ, but it is located in a nice part of town that feels a bit safer. If you are looking for the real thing, and don't mind heading into a less gentrified area, hit Arthur Bryant's.
(3)Brent B.
Happy hour-bound, I tried the 100% Ham burnt ends, side of crock baked beans and a HH martini. Bill, tax, tip & out with change from my $20. Choose beef, ham, sausage burnt ends, or have them mix them all for you. You can also choose from grilled wings, and other food items. Happy hour for meat-lovers runs till 6pm. For a special rib-treat, order the BBQ lamb ribs--you can order just one, or more. When I tried them they were a real bargain and taste-treat at $1.50 per lamb rib!!!
(4)Amy R.
We went to Jack Stack last week on a whim and I'm so glad we did. I'm not a huge BBQ fan but can be talked into it. Our meal was fantastic. We narrowly avoided being behind a walk-in 40 top of athletic shorts wearing 15-17 year olds (maybe in town for some kind of tournament?) but once we were seated had great service and food. We sat outside and had the incredible onion rings to start...yum. I had The Big Pig, a sandwich featuring 3 types of pork (tenderloin, bacon and ham) and my husband had one of the ribs platters with lamb, beef and pork ribs. All were really well prepared and served. Our waiter was friendly and knowledgable. We couldn't have asked for a better experience...except for all of those athletic shorts.
(5)Juli T.
My husband is a huge fan of barbecue and we were a little disappointed in the sliced meat plate. We sampled turkey, sliced sausage, and pork. The turkey was my favorite. The sides were great. We chose the beans and cheesy corn. We think that we may have just ordered the wrong meat. It was a very busy night but our service was still good. We ate in the bar to avoid the long wait.
(3)Captain B.
I had been to the one down near the river and thought it was good. This experience was not so good. The place was packed as expected, but great for a Wednesday. Orders the prime rib and my co ordered the chicken. We waited quite a while for our meal and finally when the server came she informed us that THEY WERE OUT OF PRIME RIB AND CHICKEN!!!! I was surprised to find out it takes thirty minutes to figure out if you are capable of filling an order. Not good. So we ordered a substitute and left dissapointed.
(2)Tony B.
Let's start off with the positives. The creamy cheese corn was fantastic. It really lives up to the expectations. I also really enjoyed the baked beans. They're sweet but with a lot of meat that gives it a smokey flavor. These two side dishes definitely deserve their own stars. The service was excellent, everybody very friendly, nice atmosphere, no complaints. So, one star for services well. I have heard so many great things about the burnt ends, I couldn't resist. I have to admit, I was actually greatly disappointed. Why yes it was brisket that was used, the wrong portion of the brisket was used. They used the flat! So, they were too dry and tough. Basically, over cooked. I have no idea about the other dishes, but since I'm visiting the area and don't live here, I'm going to try the other places in town.
(3)Sandra E.
Love the atmosphere and location excellent baked beans and cole slaw, pleasant service, don't order the turkey it's just like processed lunch meat, I expected real turkey
(4)Adebowale A.
This place was AMAZING! I had the opportunity to go during Restaurant Week 2015. I had the Beef Burnt Ends x Half Rack of Ribs x with a side of Fries. The meat was very saucy and very tasty. I stuffed myself to the limit, not due to hunger but due to the incredible service and the quality of the meat. The rush service wasn't a tradeoff for quality at all, as a result I enjoyed every minute. What separates this spot from most BBQ spots was the ambiance. Dimly light, and filled with laughter and good times....I recommend Jack Stacks-Plaza 100%.
(5)Mark A.
Good BBQ... Great service.. Vegi kabob was cold and undercooked.. They took care of it right away and let the grill know as well.
(4)M B.
Absolutely one of the best BBQ dinners I've ever had. We split the 4-meat platter, and with the three sides there was more than enough to eat. The ribs were succulent and smoky. The pork was incredibly moist. The ham was awesome. The brisket was flavorful, but a little on the dry side. Then there are the sides. The cole slaw was outstanding (the server actually brought us refills!). The pit beans were sweet and smoky. The cheesy potatoes had a subtle flavor to them that I enjoyed but couldn't pin down (rosemary maybe?) Anyway, the meal was a huge hit. THEN we took a piece of the carrot cake home....wow! Dense, moist, chock-full of pecans, with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting on top. I'm drooling as I type this! I will definitely have to make this a stop the next time I"m through KC.
(4)Stephanie G.
Was in Kansas City for work and had to have some KC BBQ. This one fit the bill. I listened to other Yelp reviewers and had the lamb ribs, burnt ends, beans, and cheesy corn with a nice cold beer. Delicious! We sat on the patio and the weather was beautiful. My only criticism is that the server rushed us a bit, clearly wanting to turn over the table, and with such good food and weather, we were in no hurry.
(4)Rob N.
I had the rack of baby back pork ribs, and they were meaty, perfectly smoked, and fall off the bone tender. I wish I ha asked for a side of sauce, as the flavor was a little weaker than I had hoped for. But overall they were great. For sides I had the beans, cheesy corn, and fries - all of which we're great. The local pale ale was great too. Definitely worth checking out. Would've gotten five stars if the prices were a bit lower and the sauce had a little more kick.
(4)Ria R.
This is a pretty swank BBQ joint. Probably the most upscale location I've ever eaten BBQ. I can eat BBQ and walk right across the street and buy a Rolex. I had the chicken wing lunch and the cheesy potato bake. Way too many calories BUT EVERY BITE WAS WORTH IT! Large portions and so flavorful. The ambiance is clean, low lit, exposed wood beams with an aroma that is intoxicating. And.....this restaurant's menu is reasonably priced. Need I say more....
(5)Keely G.
Located in the trendy "Plaza" area of Kansas City, Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ was only a short walk from my hotel. Because there was a 45 minute wait at around 8pm on a Sunday night, I decided to place a take out order to consume in the privacy of my hotel room. Despite being busy, the guy who took my order over the phone couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. And darn him for up-selling the carrot cake (it was almost as if he knew my weakness for dessert) -- more on that later. After making the short trek, I walked in to the take out area (accessible by a separate door with a convenient waiting room). I overheard one of the guys raving about the beef spare ribs and when I asked about changing my order, he was so accomodating and did so happily. Back in my hotel room, I could not tear into the bag fast enough ... starving and drooling from the smell, I tore into a combo plate of the aforementioned spare ribs and their famous "burnt ends," which are chunks of meat (you chose from pork, brisket, ham, turkey or sausage) that are cooked well done as to give it a hard exterior. I had the pork and I'm sorry to say, I wasn't a fan... too dry. The spare ribs on the other hand, were delicious, albeit a little bit fatty, but that was to be expected. I had a side of the cheesy potato bake, which was sinfully good and a side of cole slaw which rounded out the meal nicely. "Mom's Carrot Cake" gets it's own paragraph. OH.MY.GOD. Served warm, this is literally the best carrot cake I've ever had. IN.MY.LIFE. Picture a huge, round carrot cake, super moist (yet the outside edge had that nicely baked outer crisp), nice and warm, perfect ratio of nuts-to-cake and a delicious cream cheese frosting. I ate half for dessert and devoured the other half in the AM (too good to go to waste). Thanks, Mom! I'll be back again the next time in K.C.
(4)Aditi K.
they had a long wait, and I heard some of the servers laughing about the people waiting. setting that aside, I am displeased at where we were seated: outside, near a stinky stinky manhole. even when we politely asked the server acted as if we wanted an upgrade even though we waited for more than an hour. absolute appetite killer, the stench of sewage.
(2)Scott R.
Excellent BBQ. Beef ribs were perfect. Wine list was adequate and side dish choices were full of comfort foods. Good atmosphere but a bit noisy. Overall a very good place to eat if you want BBQ.
(4)Drew S.
This place is great! Came here on vacation for shopping around the plaza and saw this place. Me and my family decided to stop in and try the famous KC BBQ. This place lived up to the hype! I had the Roundup: Beef,pork,ham, and ribs...all this with 3 sides! Ribs and beef were amazingly tender as were the pork and ham, even though im not a fan of pork i loved all of the meats! I highly recommend the ribs and beans...both were incredible! *Smoky taste on the beans so be careful if u try those
(5)Stephen T.
Fantastic experience! Highly recommended!!
(5)Zach G.
Jack Stack is a great place. I have been to a few of the locations, and consistency between them all is pretty good. It's definitely upscale BBQ joint of KC, as most people know, but the prices are still pretty fair in my book. Service here is friendly. A bit slow at times, but friendly. The bartenders are nice as well, and seem to know their stuff. It's not quite the bar expertise of, say, a Plaza III or some upscale steakhouse, but still...very good for a BBQ place! The menu has something for most people, even you (wacky) vegetarians. If your group is looking for a BBQ place in KC and you are a veg among meat eaters, this is the place you should go to. My most recent order was the burnt ends dinner with sides of green beans and cole slaw. The burnt ends were juicy, huge, and tasty. The smell and flavor on them were fantastic. That being said, I felt they could have been a little more "burnt", and a bit less fatty. However, I still devoured them. The green beans were delicious, but were served in an onion ring...so much for my one attempt at being healthy that night ;) Finally, the cole slaw was very good...but it was brought out a good 10-15 minutes before my entree, so by the time I actually ate it (it's cole slaw, not a salad, I'm going to wait for my entree) it was rather room temp which I did not enjoy. All in all - 2 or 3 beers, burnt ends dinner, two sides, tax = $25 or so. Not bad, I do say, not bad.
(4)Dan G.
Having just arrived in KC, we were hungry. So, while everybody was hmming and hawwing about where we would eat. I whipped out.....my phone and fired up the trusty Yelp app and set our BBQ sights on Jack Stack's, located just a few blocks away. Score. It certainly was fancier than I would expect it to be. While I was tempted to get right to it and go all Chris Rock style "Gimme one rib!", it was far more orderly and we enjoyed a nice lunch. They have a lot of things that you can get on the menu, all different kinds of ribs, smoked meats and varying degrees of hotness sauce to douse them with. Brisket and burnt ends for me. Never had burnt ends before and I really enjoyed them. Brisket was good and the sauces were good. First BBQ I had in town was easily trumped by the other places I went to and put well in the rearview.
(3)Jillian C.
The burnt ends are where it's at. Absolutely love them. I get their veggies on the side. Beware, they come with cheese on them so if you're dairy intolerant, just know that. I usually add on some of the house seasoning for a kick. As for their sauces, regular is nice but the spicy is where it is at. It's not spicy as in hot but just layered with flavor. Yummy!!
(4)E P.
I wasnt impressed with my order. Everyone talks great things about the burnt ends. I ordered this as a meal - the burnt ends were very, very dry. The atmosphere and staff were great. I am disappointed I did not enjoy what so many people love here.
(2)Chris C.
Great spot, cool look and feel and above average food. The only reason why I vote it 4 stars instead of 5 is because sometimes I want my BBQ without having to sit down. The deserts are truly 10 stars.
(4)Matt U.
Just plain good should be Jack Stack's motto. That or "This the only place Chuck Norris asks for seconds". Either way, this place never gets old! You can get everything from a legit steak to some excellent rib and rack of lamb dinners to the classic take out dream - The Poor Russ! Our favorite way to dine is to grab a sandwich and some sides and head out to the fountains in the Plaza for some deliciousness whilst enjoying the surroundings. The Poor Russ and burnt ends here are simply stated - Amazing. With sides of cheesy corn (the kind they serve in heaven) and slaw, you can't go wrong. For those dining in, you gotta try the sampler - We recommend the Jack's Best for your eating pleasure. You sample the best they've got, get some sauce on your bid and leave a happy dude or dudette! Jack stack is the classiest of the local BBQ establishments and worth waiting for if you've got the time. Incredible service to go with incredible food, this is where we go when we're coming in from out of town and need to get our BBQ fix!
(5)Drew S.
So, I hear about this place close to where my meetings are that is a KC BBQ institution. I didn't have time to sit down, so I grabbed take out. Sarah helped me out at the counter and was fantastic. She had good recommendations and even gave me a little extra since I explained my interest and experience in BBQ. I purchased a few pork ribs, sausage burnt ends and beef burnt ends (they were on special and sounded tasty). I also got beans and slaw for sides. A bit pricey though... I was so ready to eat when I got to a place to sit down and opened up my smoky and sauced prize. The aroma was fantastic, and I took my first bite of the sausage and was very pleased with that. A good level of spice, but it wasn't overly so. The sauce was smoky, had a slight hickory flavor, and wasn't too sweet. The sauce was probably the best part of the experience. After the sausage, I moved on to the ribs and found the meat to be bland and a bit over cooked. Maybe it was just the tip of the rib, so I moved to the center section. Same thing. Really? Come on KC, you can do better than this. How about the beef tips? Bland and over cooked... I thought this place was supposed to be better than this, especially for the price I paid. I was completely underwhelmed.
(2)Chelsea B.
I compare ALL barbeque, and I mean ALL of it, to Oklahoma Joe's. If you're eating barbeque and it doesn't melt in your mouth, if it doesn't make you sit back in your chair and go "holy sh*t" after the first bite, if it doesn't make you say "THIS is what I've been waiting for all my life"... then it's not as good as Oklahoma Joe's. Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbeque falls in that category. Maybe I'm a hater because I don't get the whole fancy barbeque scene. Maybe I don't want to eat my barbeque on a plate... only styrofoam will do. Maybe I don't like getting seated right away and enjoy standing outside the door in a gas station parking lot for 45 minutes to get my barbeque. Maybe it's not you, it's me. The point is that when you walk into an "upscale" barbeque place you're necessarily expecting a higher quality of barbeque, and I have to say that I think Fiorella's is just okay.
(3)Ashley F.
Now I see why KC is the BBQ capital of the US. Decided to check this restaurant out based on other yelp reviews and the suggestion of a friend. Arrived at 7 pm on a Friday night and the wait was about an hour. Wonderful. Drove 3 hours to wait one more. But wait? Is that a couple I see signing a bill at the bar? Grabbing their coat? Yes! All manners aside, decided to swoop in and grab those two seats. An hour wait turned into a 5 min wait. The taste and quality of food did not disappoint. My friend and I decided to split the Jack's Best that included burnt ends, baby back ribs, and beef ribs with coleslaw and fries. This dish would make any vegetarian cheat on veggies for a night. The meat literally fell off the bone and the BBQ sauce added an extra kick. Service was so attentive and we were well taken care of. Both bartenders introduced themselves when we first sat down and were very prompt on meeting our requests (forgot the coleslaw? brought out an extra serving). One huge downside on top of the wait time is the parking. There is a parking lot located right in the same building as Jack Stack that gets really congested, especially on the top level where there is no turn-around to head back down to lower levels. A wet towelette would have been nice to for our sticky fingers too. Other than that, KC is still the BBQ capital in my book.
(4)Bill J.
Absolutely delicious. Get the burnt ends or BBQ chicken. Clean friendly atmosphere. Our server was Joel and he was fast and attentive.
(5)Nathan S.
I had a few days to explore KC and that ment a few BBQ joints to try. Jack stack was first on the list. Ask anyone about where to find good BBQ and this is what they seem to say " jack stack, but it's more upscale and expensive for BBQ". It is a little more la TE da than the others, but the food is great. The burnt ends are amazing, and as a side (you can substitute any of them) are wonderful. I had the cheesy corn, and it's more cheese than corn. Beware, I'm not kidding, if you are expecting corn you may find a little, but this is more of a cheese sauce that happens to have some corn in it.
(5)Doug S.
The service is good, the food is ok. The prices are too high for what you get. I asked for prime rib rare, but they had medium rare. So I settled on burnt tips and back ribs combo. The sides were coleslaw and grilled veggies which were good. The meat portions were small for a$25 meal. The pork ribs had good flavor, but not even a half rack! The burnt ends did not do anything for me. They tended to be a little dry. They do not understand how to make a dirty martini. Mine was clear and they were out of Grey Goose. Disappointing.
(3)Jon W.
Jon-- After a hardcore day of driving from Kentucky to Kansas City, we had to get some KC ribs. Jack Stack was the last stop for our KC rib tour (Oklahoma Joe's and Gates were already tried and enjoyed). While we are always grateful for a full slab after a long day on the road, Jack Stack didn't hold up to the other two venerable institutions. We started with the onion rings, which were pretty good. The batter was very light and tasty. However, the ribs were way too dry and stringy. Don't know if this was because we were there at the end of the night, but I was more than a little disappointed. The beans, which were excellent, couldn't even save the day. Nor the mild sauce, which was the best of the bunch. All in all, I'd stick with Oklahoma Joe's.
(3)Rodrigo M.
The best american bbq place I've been to. I highly recommend the beef burnt ends with the baby ribs...and the service is top notch. If you're in Kansas City you have to check it out. Make sure to make a reservation otherwise you'll wait around 1 1/2 hour for a table.
(5)David K.
We stopped here as we were passing through KC and boy was this a treat. I remember the bbq being pretty good and liking their seasonings but their cheesy potatoes were a thing of the gods! I always stop in to get those cheesy potatoes...yum
(5)Devin H.
This bbq was delicious. I'm a San Francisco Giants fan who came here for the World Series, and I'm so glad I chose Jacks Stack. Ate a pulled pork sandwich that was out of this world. Our server was a really nice guy and gave us exceptional service. He had blonde facial hair and had a bigger build. Give that guy a raise! Best service I've had in a long, long time.
(5)Stephen J.
Food was off the charts and the service was better. Tracy our server was very helpful as we tried to navigate the comprehensive menu. I have been to numerous bbq places and this one is right up there. Strongly recommend.
(5)Ben M.
The server was overly insistent we try a certain wine, to shut him up we bought the bottle. It wasn't good, not even remotely good. He talked to much and carried on about how wonderful the plaza location was and how much better it was than the other locations. I thought it was a stupid thing to do. Food wasn't as good as it use to be when we ate at the Martin City location. The fact they were trying to be so pretentious about being on the Plaza ruined the meal. The plaza has gone really downhill and is nothing more than a mere tacky tourist trap. Horrible dining experience!
(1)Fia R.
Caution: if you're sticking to that New Year's Resolution of yours, hint hint, I suggest that you read this after you already consumed your low-calorie/low-something meal, or you take responsibility of your salivation & temptation ;D. As a complete KC BBQ noob & after receiving recommendations from friends, the discovery of KC Restaurant Week right at Day One pinpointed to the place buckled into the Country Club Plaza (which, my Cali buddies, is similar to Santa Monica Promenade or the shops at La Jolla). DL and I waited--err, mostly strolled around the blocks--for about an hour before getting seated at a table widened enough that I postulated that our platters for 2 would cover almost all of it. We decided that one of us (okay, me) will select the $30 3-course dinner, composed of 3 Onion Rings; 4 different kinds of wet-rubbed meat with one large Cheesy Potato Bake; & a Carrot Cake. DL, meanwhile, ordered off from the titanic, regular menu: the Kansas City Combo ($17.45), consisted of Lamb Ribs and Beef Burnt Ends plus 2 small sides of Creamy Coleslaw & very appropriately named Hickory Pit Beans. Starting off with the protein descriptions, included in my 3-course were the Lamb Ribs, Crown Prime Beef Rib, Pork Spare Ribs, and Pork Baby Back Ribs. All this, plus DL's meat, had that invigoratingly smoky & subtly sweet taste--the latter being my super personal preference--most without necessarily drowning them with their famed BBQ sauces. Other than noticing the ribbed patterns, what I listed was intentionally my most favorite to least: sensuous lamb with gamey balance; excellently charred and just-right fatty & succulent, hunky piece of medium-rare beef; very pleasurable & flavorful spare of pig; & baby back ribs that not only they weren't really off-the-bone, but I find it not as worthy to save calories as the one in Phil's BBQ :P. Moreover, DL's Burnt Ends were downright delicious, except that some were moist, & some were dry that it did desire that deluge, whether in Original Sauce, Spicy, or Hot. Now expatiating on the non-meats, the Onion Rings were greatly breaded & not-at-all greasy. But that's all I'll write about, with a little quirk that I liked them best when dipped w/ Heinz ketchup. On the contrary, our 3 total sides AND our outrageously devilish, plumpy Carrot Cake were something it's difficult to write concisely o_o. I guess I can condense that these were so perfectly textured & so extraordinarily, perhaps panoramically yummy & 5-starred material that you for sure need to plan a rigorous, workout session (P90x maybe?!) before--and after--indulging guiltlessly. Finally, service might be fine at the hosting stage, but the on-site manager was absolutely accommodating & amiable, & our server Eric was the paragon of A-graded service. He even gave us a sample of their hottest BBQ sauce with no question that DL excitedly bought bottles of Spicy & Hot at $3.50 each. Some of the meats were something that I was blissful to try once, but if we revisited, I'd reorder the sides, the dessert, the Lamb, while I'll go for that Cheesy Corn Bake & the meats suited for their Sammies. In summary, at least THIS Fiorella's, whether during KCRW or not, is still worth going on your 1st KC vacay, with plenty of neighboring stores to walk around to prep up your hunger. Btw, eating the leftovers were still tasty; none of that weird, refrigerated undertone seeped in :P.
(4)Scott H.
Best BBQ on our trip to KC. Beans were awesome. Ribs were great. Service was good. You won't be disappointed.
(5)David S.
This was my first - no, second - KC BBQ experience. Since then I've had one more. How does Jack Straw measure up? It's quite nice. I think that unless you're from Texas, or KC, or North Carolina, or someplace else with a BBQ brain, you just love all BBQ and don't get caught up in the nuances of one vs. the other (at least I don't). I just love BBQ, and every place has things I would kill for, and things I'd pass on. So, first, this place is nice. As in, you're not going to a shack if that's what you're looking for. It's a sit down restaurant that goes out of it's way to make it a non-BBQish kind of place (aside from the individual booths with the individual TVs in the bar area - which was pushed on me because, I imagine, I am male, was alone, and perhaps looked freakish from the very cold walk over). So, the onion rings (which come stacked and sort of appear like a large anal dildo to be honest) were tasty, but I think undercooked. I like the onion to be more tender than these were. The ribs were moist and fall off the bone tender. 4 big bones. Flavor was all there. Not too much smoke. Beans were good, but not as good as Oklahoma Joe's in my view. Plenty in portion, a bit more pricey than most BBQ, and served quickly. An the burnt ends were so, so nice. Super juicy. Nice big chunks. Great smokey flavor. These on bread with sauce must be heaven. Next time. I look forward to trying the baby backs and the magnum meat on a bone chop, the name of which I can't remember. They have a nice beer list and plenty of seating. No waiting for me on a Wed night. Anyway, great BBQ. Can't wait to go back and try other meats.
(4)Brock L.
Omg so good..Best BBQ I have ever had. Blows away the local place in the Boston Area that's good. I had to come out here for training for work. I was like Kansas...not vegas cali or Fla or NY..what's in Kansas...everyine said to me..well make sure you try the BBQ out there..like five people...I'm not even a big BBQ fan...well I went there on the first night...and made sure to go again the next night as I leave the following night...tip if your in town for business order take out..you save some. But the resturant and the whole experince is great.The Beef Burnt ends are un real..and the brisket is great..they made them leaner for me great service.The Prime Beef ribs are crazy...3 and your done.They are like Jurassic ribs. Dont be a sissy and get chicken. .Go big.if you come here..and its only a one time deal..maybe noy they do mail order. Def recommended this place
(5)Gabe F.
Several people raved about Jack Stack's BBQ. Being a South Carolina native in Tennessee, I wasn't sure what to expect about KC bbq. I went here first. I ordered the burnt ends, pork ribs and corn bake. The meat was painfully smoky with no sweetness or help from the sauce. I assumed this was just my taste preference for bbq. The corn bake was excellent! It's like mac and cheese but with corn instead of noodles. The atmosphere was great and the service was fine, but it was a bit pricey for bbq. After almost giving up on KC barbecue I decided to check out Oklahoma Joe's. Go to Oklahoma Joe's! Go to Oklahoma Joe's! It's in a gas station but don't be fouled, this barbecue is excellent!
(2)John M.
I think they may have lost a step since changing ownership, it didn't use to be called fiorellos jack stack OR the 22nd street jack stack is the best of the three locations. BTW expect them to be very busy during peak times. Anyways into the grub. Ordered a combo plate to enjoy on a mild summer day on the patio. Burnt ends kinda disappointed this time lacking that carmelized sweetness also they were very dry. The sausage was as I remembered, good, but the ribs suffered the same issue as the burnt ends, dry. The stand out was the BBQ chicken, great seasoning smoke ring and moist. The beans are burnt ends beans and their signature BBQ sauce, damn fine beans with those ingredients. A companion ordered the burnt end sandwich, good tasting bread, loaded with chopped burnt ends and coleslaw, which they really enjoyed. Bring an appetite for the sandwich it's a great deal. Also, the lamb ribs which I had on my first trip to jacks are very good. Another thing to note is if you don't like celery seed flavor, don't try the hot BBQ sauce, it had more celery seed than the coleslaw. Service is adequate for as busy as they are. Still I'd hit it again, just not this one.
(3)Samantha C.
Came her a few months ago while I was in KC for training for work and I really liked this place. The restaurant was quite sophisticated and the ambiance was mature. I ordered the prime rib sandwich and it was so amazingly delicious. For 12 or 13 dollars, the portion was huge and it included french fries. It was an open face sandwich and it was probably the best prime rib I have ever had; super juicy and flavorful. However I was a bit disappointed in the burnt ends since they are so highly talked about on here. My co-worker order the appetizer portion of that and I had a piece which I thought was mediocre. It didn't really have much flavor, but maybe I just had a bad piece. Bummer. But overall, this place was great and if I'm ever in KC again, I will surely come back.
(4)Jenny C.
A meal at Jack Stack's is a MUST whenever I am in Kansas City. In fact, I ate there twice during my last 4-day visit! Their baby back ribs and burnt ends are my absolute favorite plus they can substitute roasted vegetables (or a veggie kabob) in lieu of the usual carb heavy sides at no additional cost. I like my ribs dry so I appreciate the fact that they do not slather on a plethora of barbecue sauce that masks the actual flavor of the ribs. On my way back home, I stopped by their carry out section and ordered 1lb of pork burnt ends and 1/2lb of beef brisket (which came with a free full sized bottle of spicy barbecue sauce!). It was wrapped perfectly for travel so I was able to easily slip it into my suitcase without worrying that it would leak and spill in my luggage. See you again next year Jack Stack!
(4)Qanelle J.
I love BBQ and the burnt ends here are delicious. The outdoor patio overlooks the water which is cool. I could eat bbq for days.
(5)Dean D.
Great Kansas City BBQ! I got the Sampler platter which has chicken, ribs, burnt ends, and kielbasa. My cardiologist is gonna die if he finds out. Couldn't finish it. Everything was delicious. Highly recommend the burnt ends and you gotta try their baked beans and that cheesy corn...good stuff.
(4)Kajal G.
Went here during lunchtime on a Saturday so it was really busy but we luckily got a booth at the bar which fit the four of us okay. We ordered waters and beers which took a surprisingly long time to come and between the 4 of us, we ordered The Round Up Sampler (sliced beef, pork, ham, and pork spare ribs, coleslaw, baked beans, fries) and the Jack's Best Sampler (features one crown prime beef rib, baby back ribs, and beef burnt ends, coleslaw and fries) oh and we also had the Spinach Salad Highlights: *Prime Beef Rib-amazing, falling off the bone and fork tender. YUM\ *Baked Beans- normally not a fan but these were cooked with a lot of bbq sauce and so good. Also helpful as a dip for the meat since they were lacking sauce and there was no extra bottle on the table *Coleslaw- again, normally not a fan but we had 3 orders on our table and they were demolished by the end of it *Sliced Beef- Yummo! Though could've used more sauce *Spinach Salad- could use less dressing but very good and a great starter if you get the small size or split the large with someone Bad Parts: *There was this blonde food runner who was very rude to us and rolling her eyes at us because we weren't moving the things on our table out of her way fast enough. Total Bitch who deserves to get smacked. She worked lunch shift Saturday and had her blonde hair in a bun and wore glasses. *Lack of sauce- the meat was missing a lot of flavor without extra sauce on the table. I ate with my hands and they were practically clean after *The wait. I know it's a Saturday at the Plaza but there was a wait for drinks, long wait for food and even a line for the bathroom! *Server was pretty inattentive but we were in the bar area so I guess that's what you get for not wanted to wait an hour for a regular table. Oh well. I had high hopes for KC BBQ and maybe I can try Omaha Joes or something else
(3)Claudia P.
worst BBQ we have ever eaten....the chicken was dry,the ribs didn't have any sauce or seasoning and to make the experience even worse our waitress Belynda (got the name from receipt) was rude and inattentive....giving the place one star because yelp asked for a rating....unfortunately there are no options for horrible food
(1)Seri M.
We had a group of 8 adults and 4 children without a reservation on a Saturday afternoon. Everyone was appropriately dressed and it could have been partly our fault for not making a reservation, but our wait was about 2 hours long. Imagine trying to entertain 3 kids under 5 years, plus a squirmy toddler for 2 hours. Once we were finally seated, our drinks were promptly brought to us by our server and our orders were efficiently taken. The barbecue was delicious, including the side orders of beans, potato salad, cole slaw, etc. The best thing I ate that day was the carrot cake and I am not even a fan of carrot cake! It was so delicious and the frosting/cake ratio was perfect. I thought since this was a "high end" barbecue restaurant, we would have needed to dress up a little, but I saw plenty of people in jeans and tees. The atmosphere wasn't too stuffy and was pretty loud inside; however, when we walked in with the screaming overly tired toddler, all eyes turned our way. Based on the food experience and not the people experience... If I ever return to Kansas City, I will definitely go back to Jack Stack.
(4)Doug D.
One of the best BBQ experiences in the world. A must do when in KC!
(5)Phillip Y.
We stopped here for BBQ before heading back to Des Moines. At first, I thought the presentation was surprisingly good with the grilled vegetables. The batter dipped mushroom was juicy and delicious. However, the spare ribs were a bit on the dry side so it was okay. I still have to side with Knoxville's Rib Shack since I am use to it and prefer simple over fancy. That's just me but I'd rather find a hidden treasure like Rib Shack vs. a ritzy BBQ restaurant.
(3)Kelly W.
Great service and AMAZING food! I hadn't been to Jack Stack in several years, and this latest visit was everything I remembered and more! My husband and I got there right at 11 on Sunday, and were assured by our server that we would be getting the freshest of their amazing smoked meat, and we did! We had the Burnt Ends, and my husband added Ribs with the two-meat combo. Don't miss out on the corn bake while you're there! A large side is enough for two to share. The burnt ends were so tender, they fell apart at the touch of my fork. The meal was simply divine! The service was terrific too. Our waiter was very attentive, and frequently returned with soda refills. I can't wait till I'm back in the area, I know where I'll be getting my KC BBQ!
(5)Cade R.
This place is pretty amazing.
(5)Andrew Q.
Some of the best BBQ I've had. KC is known for it and Fiorella's Jack Stack did not disappoint.
(5)Daniel V.
Jack Stake receives 3 Mehs. I'm not a big fan of gourmet BBQ. Just give me a pile of meat some sides and a bun. I don't need the black clothed waiters, candle chandelier, cloth napkins. The BBQ was good but not better than anywhere else I've been. Not impressed by the cheesy potatoes or cheesy corn.
(3)Erick H.
I had been looking forward to going to Jack Stack for several years now, and so I was so excited to be in Kansas City for the American Royal BBQ Competition so that I could experience what had been touted as the "Best Barbeque in Kansas City." What a disappointment. We had wings to start off. They were the best part of the meal. Smoky flavor, not to spicy so that my wife could eat them. "Wonderful" I though. I was hoping the rest of the meal would be just as good. But it wasn't. We were seated right next to the kitchen, so it was a bit busy. And as I waited for our food, I was getting so excited. I had the Baby Back Ribs, Burnt Ends and Beef Rib. The Ribs were a bit dry, and very little hint of anything smoky. They were also overcooked and mushy. The Burnt Ends were just chunks of Brisket. Not real Burnt Ends. They were fattey and chewey. The Beef Rib was VERY fatty, and had little meat on it. The fat overpowered any meat I did actually find. Again, no hint of smoke anywhere. The Cheesy Corn was soupy, but the beans were decent. My wife had chicken and ribs, and her ribs were undercooked, and the chicken was dry. I have been told since then that I chose the wrong one. I should have gone to the original location that is still owned by the ex-wife of the owner of the place I went. Don't know if I'll even venture to that place, but who knows. Next time I'm in town I might just try it.
(2)Ken B.
Jack Stack is good food but just OK barbeque! I don't get all the hype of this being great KC barbeque, but the one thing going for it is that it is always consistent. Consistent in a good and bad way. If the food is just ok, then it's always just ok. The customer service and waitstaff have always been excellent and it has never failed to be so. The food doesn't have the same soul as some other local bbq joints. I do love the beans but am not a fan of the poppy seed slaw. Even if this food is hand made, it misses that quality. If something is too burnt or too greasy it doesn't seem to be served. On one hand that is great consistency, but doesn't leave you with that hand made feeling. Some people like an extra crispy frie here and there and this place doesn't have that. But again, the food is not, nor ever has been bad. It's good food, just not great bbq to me. I believe variety is important in all aspects of life so that feeling carries through to bbq restaurants too. A bbq joint can be a hole in the wall or a nice dining establishment. Jack Stack definitely is on the nicer side of the spectrum. Again, I like a little more grit and soul to a bbq experience but if you prefer a nicer, cleaner space, Jack Stack would be perfect for you. It's all A-OK!
(3)Kathleen M.
I not only love Yelp, but I am addicted to Facebook as well. I solicited opinions on what to see/do as well as where to eat from my FB friends and read up on Yelp. We were here for some Cubs games, wanted to eat barbeque at least twice. I settled on Arthur Bryant's and here; seemed to be a nice contrast in setting plus this was a short walk from our hotel. And the walk was nice! The restaurant was also cool, clean and comfy. I was feeling a bit disloyal to my new Arthur Bryant crush. The realization that this wasn't equally great barbeque in an upscale setting began right away with the burnt ends appetizer. I put my fork in one and it was completely soft, just all fat. I had trouble finding one that was more meat. And there was really no sauce, we had to ask for some. For entree, I got the rib trio and the good thing is that I tried beef and lamb and know that I am a pork rib girl; didn't know that before. But not these dried out pork ribs. I did love the baked beans. My initial glass of iced tea was fine but then they refilled it with sweet tea - wouldn't you ask first? Then the!y were out of the carrot cake. For twice the price, we got a tenth of the barbeque taste. No meat loving cave man orgy of sauce! Wish we had tried Oklahoma City barbeque instead. The walk home was nice, it helped quell a bit of my indigestion. Jack Stack, you look good but taste like grocery store precooked ribs.
(2)Cathy V.
If you're in Kansas City you've got to go here. Really. This place is AMAZING!! Being from the south we love our BBQ but this is a whole different ballgame. It's tender, juicy and melts in your mouth. AND who ever knew that something called Burnt Ends could be so down right delicious! The atmosphere is upscale but people were dressed in just about everything. The staff is really nice and very knowledgable about everything from the appetizers to the body of the pig where the pork is coming from to the extensive wine list. It's just a nice relaxing night out resturant.
(5)Jacqueline S.
My hubby and I ate at Jack Stacks BBQ out of recommendation from a friend and we really liked this place! Great food, great service and the ambiance was nice. We'll be back again!
(5)Tricia H.
Yummm yum first time here!! I'm not sure why I haven't been here yet but it was delish and I can't wait to go back to try other things!!! The bean are amazing!!
(4)Andrew M.
After trying their burnt ends at a recent Yelp event I was really excited to head to their home turf for a plate of the things. Maybe it was just an off night but I was not that impressed! The service was plenty good -- no one in our party had to wait long for anything and they took care of us. However, when they brought me my burnt ends dinner I was quite surprised by what I saw....literally 6 or 7 of them! But I digress...I wasn't completely famished so perhaps I could forgive the disappointingly small portions by biting into a delicious, tender piece of brisket burnt end. Not so! Unlike the burnt ends I tried at the Yelp event, these ones were quite dry and lackluster to say the least. What is even more ridiculous is that this plate of 6 or 7 dried burnt ends cost $16! I don't know about you but who in their right mind would feel like they got a good deal by paying about $2 for a bite of dry meat? My wife's prime rib sandwich was better, except for the fact that they put the meat on a very plain bun that you'd expect to get as an afterthought from a much less inexpensive barbecue joint that gives you loads of meat for a much lower price. I'd like to believe that they are capable of so much more so one day I may decide to go back. However, given that I can get consistently better burnt ends, many more of them, and for half the price elsewhere I don't think I'm in any hurry.
(2)Adrian L.
Best place for Gluten-Free BBQ in town. Service is good, just double check the buns if you get the southern jack; once a waitress gave me a regular bun and didn't recognize the error when I first asked. I feel like the beef ribs sometimes have contamination.
(4)Carl H.
The burnt ends were good and my rib eye was ok too. My side of beans were good but nothing to write home about. The prices matched the atmosphere, upscale and expensive. It is located in the Plaza area, which is a tourist driven area. It was highly recommended by my business associates in Kansas City. The above with ice tea was over $70. It is a great place for those of you who love to show how much money you can spend. Bon Appétit The service was good and this BBQ did not need sauce.
(3)Rev. Dr. Christopher J. G.
I think all my reviews of KC will be colored by the fact that I was there as Guest of Honor for a convention and that tends to make everything amazing. Then again, when you're eating lamb ribs, and then you get a chocolate cake dessert that hits you like an semi into an irish setter, you're on the right track! The lamb ribs, perfect and incredibly flavorful, are wonderful, and you don't find them every BBQ place. It's pricey, but so worth it!
(5)Kt D.
Loved everything I tried and staff was very patient with our extremely obnoxious toddler!
(5)William Patrick C.
We had a great time. We went on a Sunday late night. Thye had a full day with a chiefs game and the world series but the service was great. The food was exceptional. I cant compare with Gates and others yet but it was awesome. The creeze corn and the beans were a great addition to the BBQ Melanie or Megahan(manager) was so nice, she showed us the kitchen, took the time to introduce us to the history of the area and resturant and in general was amamzing. LOVED IT
(5)Calvin Y.
Housed inside the Country Club Plaza, Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ has Burnt Ends to die for! For those who might be overwhelmed like myself with the bountiful selection of BBQ, then you should get "Jack's Best," which truly is the best of Jack Stack -- one Crown Beef Ribs, Baby Back Ribs, Beef Burnt Ends and two sides (get the beans and cheesy corn bake!) for $28.
(5)Jay Kay C.
The one thing about Kansas City is the variety of barbecue. The one thing Jack Stack doesn't stray away from is the quality of the meat. I cannot say this enough, and I've had friends visit from out of town who agree, you must order the burnt ends. Even if it is in the sampler, the burnt ends at this location are spectacular. Plenty of flavor every time you bring your teeth together. The sauces are unique as well. The sauce doesn't cover the flavor of the meat the way some sauces tend to, but it enhances it.
(5)David C.
Delicious food and good selection of beers. Sat outside and enjoyed the area sights. A bit in the pricey side for a sandwich, but still recommended.
(4)Brandon B.
We came here on a Wednesday evening. We were seated right away, even though there were people waiting in the lobby. We had a server right away asking for drink orders before we even saw a menu. I understand the need to seat people and get folks through quickly, but we didn't even know what was offered! We ordered a BBQ sampler, broccoli, cheesy corn and beans. The BBQ sampler had ribs, sausage, chicken and burnt ends. THe Chicken was fantastic, and sausage was good. The ribs and burnt ends were dry. We had the "spicy" BBQ sauce. We were completely surprised that there we weren't offered a sampler of BBQ sauces, and instead had to pick one. We hadn't been here. How would we know what BBQ sauce we wanted? The cheesy corn was kind of Velveeta-like in taste and texture (i.e., a little less than optimal). The beans were sweet. Good, but not a spicy baked bean. The broccoli was cooked perfectly. All in all, not bad, but not much better than Famous Dave's. Not Oklahoma Joe's by any stretch of the imagination. We will not be back.
(2)Nannette M.
If you are looking for some of the best BBQ in Kansas City, go down to Country Club Plaza and go to Jack Stack's. It is a great lunch or dinner, spot after you have hit the stores, and are craving some Q. Though they could use some better lighting so the menu can be seen , the food is Primo. They also do a great job with the take out portion. They take care of the customers, and make sure that the customer will return with prompt service, in addition to the food. Check them out online also, they will not disappoint.
(4)Jonah K.
I was in a hotel nearby, this is a nice place for it being in a commercial center and a BBQ spot. I sat at the bar had a couple good local beers and ordered a salad with some ends on it. The Caesar salad was very good, nice homemade dressing. The ends were quite good as well, I would come back to try more. The other plates people at the bar were ordering were massive, so I'm glad I opted for something a bit smaller. Bar staff was very nice and attentive, highly recommend this spot.
(4)Christopher O.
I find it laughable that people have reviewed that they bring out-of-town people here so they can experience KC BBQ. This is NOT KC BBQ. This is KC BBQ Lite. It's the type of KC BBQ that you use to impress your friends with your ability to spend a lot of money, not show them what actual BBQ is all about. That is not to say the food isn't good. I ordered chicken and it was the absolute best chicken I have ever eaten in my entire life. And this is coming from someone who would eat chicken for every meal were it not so frowned-upon by society. I don't get everyone's obsession with the cheesy corn. It's... not good. Corn and cheese should never mix unless the corn has been pounded into a tortilla and fried. We call these nachos. Any other form of cheese plus corn is gross and should be avoided. If you want to spend quite a bit of money and take your friends here to eat when in KC, that's fine. You'll have a great meal, but let's not fool ourselves into thinking this is the type of BBQ KC is best known for having. This is Plah-za BBQ. It's cloth napkins and social status. KC BBQ is Gates or Oklahoma Joe's. It is not Jack Stack. It's dirty, it's messy. It gets all over your face and when you finish you feel like you have accomplished Herculean tasks and must retire to your couch to watch Cops or Family Feud. You do not walk to your Range Rover ot Hummer, drive to Leawood and watch cricket whilst speaking of dry martinis.
(3)Banen C.
Well obviously Jack Stack is fantastic.. and may I just say that it is fine to have a favorite bbq meal at each of Kansas City's fine bbq establishments. For me, I choose the baby back ribs at Jack Stack. It's dependable. It's consistent. Why mess with something perfect? Baked beans and cheesy corn as your sides and you will be good to go. If you're lucky enough to have lunch at Jack Stack, I highly... wait... strongly recommend you try to BBQ Baked Potato at least once. My only disappointment with that menu item is that it is only available for lunch.
(5)Somany Q.
My first impression was that this place is very nice... Looks and feels more like an upscale steak house than a BBQ joint. I had the Kansas City Combo, with 1/4 chicken breast and sliced brisket along with coleslaw, fries and sweet tea. I did not like the sweet tea, and sent it back for a coke instead. My food came pretty fast, the server was very friendly and courteous. The brisket had a nice smoke ring and the chicken had a nice smoky taste as well. I would rate this food as very good. Not as good as Arthur Bryant's, but as good or maybe a little better than Gates.
(4)Kristen L.
My first time at Jack Stack in years and I'm still a fan. The food was delicious. Their sauce is a bit tangy, not sweet at all. I really liked it. Fortunately they don't drench their food in the sauce like some joints. They serve it in warm dishes on the side. Put on as much or as little as you like. They also have a spicy sauce and hot. The "hot" was the hottest of the 3. The baby back pork ribs were cooked perfectly, very tasty. Also consider their pork burnt ends and/or their lamb ribs. Can't decide, then their combo dish is perfect for variety and a companion. If you aren't in the mood for the typical bbq items the do have great wood grilled fish options too. They take reservations which are great for groups or the weekend. They got us a nice round table for 6 in the corner. I will say between the music and the people, it was a bit loud. Normally at a normal size table and with average age guests this isn't an issue. However I had my grandparents with us and they really had a hard time hearing across the table. It made the conversation difficult. I certainly recommend this place, especially if you want bbq, but in a slightly fancy venue than the typical joints.
(4)Kim N.
Hands down my favorite BBQ place. I know it is expensive and fancy, but I don't understand why people knock it for that. They have the best burnt ends in town, my favorite sandwich is the poor russ which is chopped up burnt ends on a bun. The beans are to die for and they have health options too. The salads are great especially the salmon salad. The salmon plate and salmon sandwich are also a go to menu item for me. The shrimp appetizer is amazing. The service here is always spot on, and I always get a table right away. Now if you have a group larger than 4 you may have to wait a little while, but 4 or less you are usually seated immediately. We will stop here or the one on 95th and get pans of beans for holiday parties. The sliced meat by the pound is always reasonable. We even had them cater our wedding.
(5)Mean Eyed C.
Some of the best bbq in the world KC is so lucky to have all the bbq they have Must try the crown beef ribs and brisket. Ribs are very good
(4)Cassie D.
I'm gonna say it....Not a huge fan. Been twice during my work trips to Kansas City. Two different locations-same result. Dry. My burnt ends were very dry and I was sad. The cheesey corn and the beans however were really good. And on my last visit I went with the Lamb Ribs and was pleased. They do serve the local KC Boulevard Brewery beer and I am a sucker for a good craft beer. Very classy joint, perfect for the work and tourist crowd, a tad pricey. I gotta believe that KC BBQ gets better than this. I am officially on a mission next time I'm in town for work...
(3)Adam B.
When a lot of people think of Kansas City Barbecue, they then to think of divey spots. Like Arthur Bryant's looking kind of like a warehouse. Or Oklahoma Joe's which is situated in a gas station. Most great 'cue seems to come out of divey spots like these. Fiorella's Jack Stack? This is more like Tony Roma's. Or even Ruths Chris or Morton's. It's BBQ but in a high-end classy setting with prices to match. This place is by no means a bargain. Fortunately, the food is worth the investment. Had the Ribs, Ribs, Ribs and Ribs combo. Lamb Ribs, Baby Backs and St. Louis ribs. All great but no doubt, the star is the Crown Prime. The gigantic beef rib straight off the Prime Rib. It reminded me of when I used to live in Atlantic City and would go to the casino buffets. Occasionally, you could get something like the Crown Prime there. Only it was baked, not smoked. And that made up for the difference between the two. Smoked is definitely better. The fries were perfect. Thick, but not too much and hot and crispy. Great flavor throughout. The beans were very, very red. Good flavor but not much else added like Oklahoma Joe's does with their beans. Cole Slaw? Average, typical slaw I've had a lot of places. It actually reminded me of KFC's slaw. Yep. KFC. Not that it's really a bad thing. Service was great and wait, is that free WiFi? Why, yes. Got to do some work here too as a result. So it's pricey 'cue but worthwhile. And if you're in the Plaza, it's your only option. Fortunately, a very good option.
(5)Diane E.
Amazing burnt ends and lamb ribs. Our service was off the charts great. Get there early to avoid the wait! Oh, the Boulevard chocolate beer is, by far, the best beer I've ever tasted!
(5)Carl N.
The Martin city mayor is my favorite. I have always enjoyed Jack' Stack, they are one of the best barbecue places in Kansas City. We always have excellent service at this location on the plaza and we never have to wait for refills or food. We are usually seated fairly quickly and the staff is incredibly friendly. The baked beans and cheesy corn or beyond compare in the area. They also have good appetizers like the onion rings stack and the jumbo shrimp. We like to take family and friends here that are from out-of-town and visiting. Not only do you getting good barbecue but then you can wonder the plaza afterwards.
(4)Dan M.
I can't begin to encourage you enough to come here. Yes, Kansas City has a lot of bbq spots. And yes there are many that are less expensive. But if you are looking for great atmosphere (this is not a dumpy gas station), great bar, great service, great menu and unbelievably great food, this is your place. You will not be able to find anything on the menu that is not fantastic. This is high end bbq at it's very, very best.
(5)Josh B.
Good BBQ, good service, good prices, great atmosphere. There isn't anything negative I can say about it. As always when it comes to KC bbq, I suggest getting the burnt ends. Jack Stack's does everything well, but I wouldn't say they do anything the best in the city, but by the same token, nothing they do is the worst in the city.
(5)Kevin W.
Came out to Overland Park, Kansas/Kansas City, Missouri for a business trip and was told that this was the BBQ place I absolutely had to try before leaving. Turns out this place is AMAZING! I had the Burnt Ends (MUST GET THIS)! They were as tender and delicious as it gets! The melt in your mouth and are very juicy! They are bite sized and the name of it sounds like its unappetizing, but it is very deceptive! It is just something to get when you have BBQ. I'm from California, so we don't have much of the "real bbq" food. Been living off of Korean BBQ and this is just superior in every way. Pricing is fair I suppose, not sure what the living standards and costs are out here. But my cousin and I both ordered the Kansas City Combo where we got to choose 2 bbq items and get 2 sides for $17.99 each. I had the burnt ends and the lamb ribs and my cousin had the beef ribs and pork ribs. Beef ribs were huge but you only get 2. Pork ribs were ok. My lamb ribs were super small but had a great flavor. I mentioned this before, BURNT ENDS WERE AMAZING! They had 3 sauces to go with the ribs and burnt ends. BBQ, Original, and Spicy! I loved the regular BBQ sauce. Anyways, definitely the place to go to if you are in the area!
(5)Sophie L.
YUMMY!! We went to all the top BBQ places when we were in town and Jack Stack's ribs were hands down the best. We had the Jack's Best as recommended and it did not disappoint! The prices here were higher than the other places but way better ambience and atmosphere.
(4)Mary B.
The patio seating was nice. I was disappointed by the food. We spent a lot of money for not much food. The beef burnt ends were not very good, and the sausage burnt ends were too dry. The service left something to be desired as well!
(3)T. J. K.
Awesome barbecue. Go for the burnt ends.
(5)Julie D.
Located in the Country Club Plaza, we walked here from our hotel We passed a huge bronze bull outside the front door. The interior in dark with incredibly large circular lighting topped with numerous "lit" candles. Our server Parisa was super friendly and very helpful. We appreciated her recommendations and advice on what to order. BJ got the CK combo with baby backs and burnt ends. Yum. For his sides, he got hickory pit beans and cheesy corn bake. Even better, she was able to share recipes with us for the sides. I got a side salad. Not your average side salad, it had bacon and the best ever raspberry vinaigrette made with actual raspberries. Living in Western PA, we don't have the opportunity to enjoy real barbeque. Can you believe that you can order this online? Yes, they do mail order. Haven't tried it yet. Will post back to let you know how that goes. Dessert here is also amazing. We debated for awhile and decided to share the carrot cake. Unlike any carrot cake I have ever had, Jack has spoiled me from eating anyone else's. Individually baked with ooey gooey frosting and lots of nuts. I would love to have it tonight.
(5)Kurt R.
Holly crap, flew in from Saudi Arabia and these ribs are heavenly, also have Guinness I might not leave. Must have when in KC.
(5)Lindsey D.
During a visit to KC for a wedding, I was lucky enough to have a free lunch where I got to enjoy Jack Stack for the first time and I was happily pleased with the food and service! First off, I liked that they have a separate entrance for takeout so you can simply walk up and place your order without being required to go into the dining portion of the restaurant. I noticed that you can order food in bulk which would be great for catering but during my visit, I just ordered one sandwich. I ordered the beef brisket sandwich with french fries. The food was anything but healthy, but I have a feeling you don't eat BBQ if you're watching the waistline! The BBQ was extremely flavorful and while there are still other BBQ spots in KC that I like better, I can't complain about the quality and taste of this food. It was quick to receive and delicious to enjoy. I will definitely enjoy it again when I return.
(4)Nicole O.
I have to say the care the staff and manager give to allergy friendly BBQ options was better than anywhere I have ever travelled in the country. I was so impressed with their knowledge of allergies from gluten to pepper! Thank you for making our dining experience comfortable. Oh and did I mention the BBQ - I tried several dishes was belong expectation. Great balance in their seasoning and sauce.
(5)Anthony G.
This was one of the best places I have ate at in a long time. The service was perfect. They are very customer oriented. The beer was cold. If you are in KC you have to try this place it was great. Best BBQ I have ever had.
(5)Pat S.
O' wow this place is yummy. It was 7:30 pm on Thursday the 3rd of July so kinda busy but worth it, ate at the bar because a table would have been 30 minutes. Michele (my sister) and I had the burnt ends dinner. You got to pick two kinds of meat so we choose beef brisket and pork with onion rings and a veggies. One dinner was enough for us to share the servings are so large. Two kinds of BBQ sauce regular and hot, both were great. The bartender was very polite and on top of things. Very noisy is the only thing. The neighborhood was safe and clean, would feel comfortable walking in the evening with friends. You should go.
(4)Andrea H.
We took our family here (who was from out of town and wanted some good Kansas city bbq). We are huge fans of Oklahoma Joe's (Joe's Kansas City now) and took them to both restaurants. We had never been here before and it was on a Sunday night. Man, it was so busy! The staff was super nice and the food was AMAZING!!! We will definitely be back!! We found a new favorite place!
(5)Ariel M.
Excellent food, the lunch specials are usually a good option if tight on money. Servers were good, kept our cups filled, answered all our questions, and genuinely seemed happy. Only downside was we weren't provided any hand wipes, last time I went to one they handed them out once we asked for the check, not sure if that's common or not. Meal totaled $10 and I felt fool afterwards, had the pork ribs.
(5)Daniel K.
Pork ribs, beef brisket, and burnt ends... All amazing. Bit into the ribs and didn't realize I was eating some bone and marrow it was soooo soft... That or I'm a fricken weirdo! Brisket was fatty and tasty. Burnt ends... who needs BBQ sauce?!! Place was packed... ended up calling in the order (15 min) and eating in the car across the street in the free parking structure (unheard of in 808). More to come later... hehe
(4)Justyn A.
I am in town for work and was looking for great BBQ close to our Sheraton Hotel. This place was absolutely amazing! The burnt ends and side dishes were all amazing. The BBQ Shrimp appetizer was also some of the best shrimp I've ever tasted. I came in with a party of 7 qnd was so pleased with our service that I told our waiter I was definitely going to leave a review when we left. Our waiters name was Jennie! She was hilarious, attentive, and gave great recommendations that all turned out to be amazing. Seriously...the best BBQ place I've ever been to...hands down. @MyCrazyGFMusic :) Love this spot...definitely coming back.
(5)Sarah H.
What we have here is a "Fine Dining" barbeque establishment. It's fancy inside, all dark woods and booths and dim lighting. The food here is great, I love the variety of animal ribs you can indulge in, not just the standard pork, but they also serve gigantic beef ribs, and my personal favorite and what keeps me returning, the lamb ribs. (WHY do more restaurants not make lamb ribs? They're to DIE for, and melt like lamby butter in your mouth.) Service is pro, pricing is what you'd expect from a full-service restaurant that also serves steak. Absolutely worth a try.
(4)Todd B.
Over rated! I'm from Memphis and this BBQ is average at best. Briquet was bland, sliced pork bland, spare ribs average. Slaw was good, beans were mush, cheese corn was tasty. My experience at Gates has always been good. Leave this place for the tourist.
(1)Rob N.
I had the rack of baby back pork ribs, and they were meaty, perfectly smoked, and fall off the bone tender. I wish I ha asked for a side of sauce, as the flavor was a little weaker than I had hoped for. But overall they were great. For sides I had the beans, cheesy corn, and fries - all of which we're great. The local pale ale was great too. Definitely worth checking out. Would've gotten five stars if the prices were a bit lower and the sauce had a little more kick.
(4)Ria R.
This is a pretty swank BBQ joint. Probably the most upscale location I've ever eaten BBQ. I can eat BBQ and walk right across the street and buy a Rolex. I had the chicken wing lunch and the cheesy potato bake. Way too many calories BUT EVERY BITE WAS WORTH IT! Large portions and so flavorful. The ambiance is clean, low lit, exposed wood beams with an aroma that is intoxicating. And.....this restaurant's menu is reasonably priced. Need I say more....
(5)Layne R.
Jack Stack is one of the more refined dining experiences of the KC BBQ scene, ie the nicer facilities, but in my opinion, the food doesn't quite measure up with the best of best BBQ joints. This would be a great place to take your grandparents when they visit you in KC. But I'd much rather go somewhere a little more divey if it meant better food (See also Oklahoma Joe's). Let me say, I've never had anything remotely bad at Jack Stack. In fact, everything has been good at worst. The restaurant is nice, the staff good... In all reality, probably a 4 star type of place. BUT in Kansas City, home of some of the best barbecue in the world... It just doesn't measure up to some of the more outstanding places. I'm never going to crave Jack Stack. If someone says they want BBQ, Jack Stack isn't going to be my recommendation. I'd tell them to go to Oklahoma Joe's. That is the one that I crave. So Jack Stack is good. Perhaps even very good. But in a city with great barbecue, you can do better. If you want more upscale though, this is a good option.
(3)Jennifer B.
Good bbq, but my boyfriend had cole slaw juice spilled on his shorts when the waiter took our plates away. :-p
(4)Judy H.
Just get the pork spare ribs/pork baby back ribs. They're worth the four stars. Everything else was just okay. I've had better BBQ. Have local brews. We got the ultimate rib dinner because we were curious about the lamb ribs but wanted to sample the others. Everything was delicious. We also got Burnt Ends with brisket and sausage. Burnt Ends were...okay. I kind of wished they had more sauce to it or something. It was pretty dry. The sausage ...was sausage. I think we were sold from the awesome wait staff, but we really wanted the pork. The waitstaff was very knowledgeable and helpful though. Recommended yummy things.
(4)Terry S.
Simply an amazing place! If your just visiting Kansas City and looking for good BBQ then JackStacks is where you need to be! #AmazingFood #AmazingAtmosphere #AmazingExperience
(5)Stormi F.
MMMMMMMMM, pork ends are fabulous!!! I swear to myself each and every time that I'm only going to order the appetizer portion and low and behold, fat girl kicks in and I want everything!! Last time we ate here we shared the ends appetizer and the crown roast ribs. They were seriously the size of triceratops ribs!! I have never eaten anything so tender or fabulous.
(5)Kelli B.
We unfortunately had a poor experience tonight. My friend has been here in the past and had wonderful experiences, so we were excited to try it. We started with a drink in the bar while waiting for a table. When are buzzer went off, we could not find the bartender. We told the hostess that we had not yet paid for our drinks, if she could let him know and get us our bill. We were seated and a very nice lady came and explain the menu to us and make recommendations. Then she went to get us waters and a server named Samir came and very uncomfortably told us that she was not really our waitress and that he was going to be taking care of us. After he left, the bartender came storming up to the table and give us our check. We explained that we talked to the hostess and he kind of rudely told us that she never told him. Samir came back to take our order, and he talked two of us out of ordering what we had initially wanted to order. While the food was good, the service was poor and uncomfortable. At one point we saw Samir and the very nice lady appear to be arguing. Some of the staff clearly need better training.
(3)Jesse H.
Meh. Let me just say that I absolutely love BBQ and was expecting the world. Jack Stack's said to be THE best BBQ and was I was left with a question on what people are thinking saying that this place is so great. I've had much better in my day. As for the cheesy corn that people love so much I say skip it cause that stuff is just odd. Ribs tasted like they had been boiled prior to smoking which is just absolutely wrong. All in all a thumbs down from me.
(2)Taylor K.
This is the best place to take someone who has never experienced KC barbecue. I will definitely be taking my guests there when they are in town. My favorite dish is the burnt ends. They are so moist and so delicious.
(5)James F.
This place has some amazing baked beans. Probably the best I've ever had. The meat portions were a little small compared to some BBQ places.
(4)Chris S.
I come here each time I come through KC. It's a nice, sit-down BBQ place (two things that logic suggests have no business being together) with an expansive menu. On this occassion I got the sampler of meats - sliced beef, pulled pork and turkey - along with an appetizer of burnt ends (chunks of charred meat that are better than that description). Beef and pork are pretty good, but not the best I've had (Arthur Bryant's will provide a great BBQ beef sandwhich if that's what you're in to). Turkey was nothing special and I wouldn't order it again - stick to the beef. I've never tried the ribs, but it appears to be their specialty and probably worth a look when I return (along with the cheesy corn which has no business being good, but kind of is). Overall, the dining experience won't disappoint if you're looking for good meat.
(3)jason h.
So I've gone here twice now. Both times it was between 5 and 6pm and I sat at the bar for a cocktail and some bbq. I'm not quite sure what it is with this place but the vibe is wrong. The bartenders are disinterested in the clientele, tend to focus on each other and when they do attend to you their timing is professionally off. By that I mean, they ask you for your drink order the second you sit down or they interrupt your conversation to "see how you are doing". Probably being too picky but for a place on the Plaza I guess I expect a little better service. This is probably an extension of their management, no idea just a guess. I give them a 2 out of 5 on service. The BBq is good but you shouldn't leave customers aggravated with poor service. You get one more try Jack....
(3)Eazmg C.
I've eaten here a few times at this point, and overall the BBQ is pretty outstanding, but not quite up to par with Oklahoma Joe's. I would give a 4 star based on the food, but due to poor service by the staff we received on 2 of the occasions i felt obligated to come in at a "3". I would highly recommend the Martin City Mayor and/or any of the ribs.
(3)Aaron A.
Clearly the "battle" between Fiorella's and OK Joe's is something that will be long debated. As an outsider (from Ohio), I thought I'd weigh in and throw some flames on the fire. I went to the original store in Overland Park. A quaint place, and you can tell its success by the many additions tacked on to the structure. The decor is typical of an American-style BBQ place, but not overdone, which was a plus. Service was prompt and efficient, and the menu is extensive. I'd recommend viewing the options online before going if you're a first-timer. In the end, I went with a burnt end sandwich and some pork ribs. Both were tasty and flavorful. You can tell they smoked their food, as the meat almost didn't need extra sauce on it. Alas, in my opinion, the tasty, flavorful meat did not surpass the depth of the flavor from OK Joe's. It was close, but different (a little more acidic). Either way, if you end up at OK Joe's or Fiorella's, you win out by having some of the best BBQ in your life.
(4)Chris S.
Great Beef BBQ! Highly recommend. Burnt ends Are a must. note: If you are from the "South" avoid the Pork BBQ, you will be disappointed.
(4)Larry H.
Went for a crazy 24 hour KC BBQ trip with my girl Tried and compared Jack stack's, Gates, and Oklahoma's all in one day! I think this place has fancy ribs, but overall, its not the best of the three. The sauce was good, but the meat was a bit over done. Get dressed up and go for the atmosphere... or wait in line for the best BBQ at....
(4)Jeff P.
Great meat! Great burnt ends. Great pork ribs. Great beef ribs. Every selection of Boulevard you could want. Great service. Disappointing BBQ sauce...very ketchuppy.
(4)Amanda K.
Overall, this seems like a pretty classy joint. I went at quarter to noon on a Sunday and the bar was empty when I got there, so I didn't have to wait for a seat. Decor seems like it's sort of an upscale "steak house" type atmosphere, lots of dark wood and that sort of thing - nice. I ordered the "Poor Russ," or, chopped burnt ends on a sesame seed bun. It was... probably one of the strangest sandwiches I've ever had, but not necessarily bad. Looked like it was several different types of meat chopped very finely together - maybe a combination of beef brisket, pork, and smoked sausage? The bun was thinly spread with barbecue sauce, but no sauce was mixed in with the meat, so it was kind of a hard sandwich to eat, because it kept falling out all over the place. I don't know if that's how the "regular" burnt ends are here, but if so, I wasn't too impressed. I prefer larger chunks of a meat, and more sauce, but that's me. If you like a less saucy dish, it's probably up your alley. Fries were light, crispy, and tasty. My server was very nice, service was prompt, and prices were comparable to many of the hole-in-the-wall joints, or at least the sandwich prices were. Portions were good - the sandwich and fries I ordered could have fed two of me.
(4)Marc P.
This continues to be the place for BBQ in the Plaza. This last trip was kind of a bust but I think it's because they had such a high volume of patrons. The ribs were great, albeit like warm, and the burnt ends were a bit dry, but the beans and corn pudding hit the spot.
(3)Kelsey C.
Jack Stack is regularly named the best BBQ is the country, let alone Kansas City. But sometimes I think that their awards and such have gone to their heads. The restaurant is overly fancy for a bbq joint- I felt like a big pig trying to eat my brisket sandwich, dripping sauce everywhere, while fancy music played in the background and as we sat in plush booths in the front alley (restaurant speak) of the dining room. My boyfriend and I like to go all out when we go out to eat, so our ticket was about $40. He got a sampler plate and I got brisket (like I said). He was fanatical about the corn bake, and I agree, it was really good, but I'm not a *huge* fan of creamed corn dishes. Just too...filling for me I guess. Besides, my belly was already full of MEAT! We went during lunch and it was packed with ties and suits on their lunch hour. Even though it was really busy, we got in right away and our server was attentive throughout the entire meal. The other servers and bussers also did a good job of clearing away empty plates that we were no longer using since we had ordered so much food-- I really appreciated it that, since you need room to eat BBQ! :) Anyway, Jack Stack IS the reigning champ of BBQ, like I said earlier, and I'm not going to be the one to contest it. Nice decor, good service, good FOOD-- that's pretty much all I can ask for in a restaurant.
(4)Susan D.
If meat is murder than give me the death penalty! I'm guilty as charged! I was in the Kansas City/Lees Summit area for business and I made up my mind I wanted either steak or barbecue. I'd heard about how great either one was and I made up my mind I was gonna get me some. I also wanted an unpretentious place to eat at, so thank you Yelp. So since I had a rental car for the week, I made it all the way in from Lees Summit to eat here. Even if it meant going by myself. And baby, I wasn't disappointed. I went for hte 8oz filet mignon. Now I love a good steak, but there's no way I'd'a finished the 11oz-er. Their steaks are hickory grilled here and it shows. From the moment I bit into that succulent, well done hunk of beef I thought, "Man, this cow died and went to heaven." This was a steak to savor. My baked potato was so nice and soft, but not mushy. I don't know about you, but I like my baked potato with just a little bit of butter. Anything else kills the taste. And the spinach side salad was a great opener. Makes me glad my husband and I are doing an extended bike ride this weekend!
(5)Sandyann G.
Why is BBQ a must have when in KC? If you are tired of the ubiquitous smoked baby back ribs then come here and try the Angus Steaks, Seafood and Lamb. You can't get much further from ordinary BBQ than this. You should also check out the other items on the menu. Notably the Fried Mushrooms. They could make a slider out of these they are that big. But even better is the flavor and texture. Next up was the 'Loaded Baked Potato'. My friends will tell you this is my favorite food and Jack Stack does it right. The skin is lightly salted and the potato is filled with butter, sour cream, chives and bacon. Please hold the bacon. The only place that has ever done a potato better was the one pounders on the Cache Creek River Rafting trip.
(4)Sean S.
Great atmosphere, great service, great BBQ. I had the Sampler Platter - Burnt Tips were good not great more like a pot roast in texture. BBQ sauce was excellent and covered any flaws. Ribs were excellent. Would certainly recommend and eat at again!
(4)Maggie F.
Have you ever been to a zoo where the grounds are gorgeous,,, but no matter how long you've walked around you can't for the life of you see any animals??? I felt the same kind of disappointment here :( The location was perfect, the service great, everything on the menu looked inviting! Unfortunately the BBQ was just not good. The chicken was cold, the burnt ends where fatty, 1/2 the ribs had almost no meat on them. I do have to give kudos for the stuffed mushrooms. I'm not a mushroom fan, but these where yummy!
(2)Jay G.
this place is just awesome. waited a few minutes to be seated but so worth the wait. our waiters was terrific. knew the menue cold and was able to direct us based upon on taste buds. The Grilled Jumbo Shrimp were just that. Then onto the main course for beef ribs. holy cow there were three of them and they were huge. walked out with one untouched. soft, tender and tasty. the best ever. the bakes potato was yummy and super tasty were the Cheesy corn bake. Lastly the waiter recommended The Triple chocolate brownie and it was mouth watering. this is surely a place i will eat again and again and again when i visit kansas city mo. Awesome job
(4)Eve C.
During a weekend in KC for a friend's wedding, I wanted to eat as much BBQ as I possibly could during my brief jaunt back to the midwest. Jack Stack on the Plaza was the culmination of my quest, and it was awesome. Some friends and I headed over for a relatively early Sunday night dinner. There were quite a few people there, so we had to wait a bit for a table. No worries, as we had a round of drinks at the bar. I opted for a Boulevard Smokehouse Series beer - the Saison. Little did I know the brewer of my all-time fave wheat beer had a series of limited quantity brews. It was very tasty, but only came by the 750ml bottle. On to the food. We ordered a stack of onion rings for a starter - they were huge!! I opted for the combo with brisket burnt ends and pork ribs, which came with 2 sides (I went with fries & coleslaw). Huge portions. I thought the burnt ends were a wee bit dry, but still tasty. The ribs were juicy, meaty, and pulled right away from the bone. One of my friends opted for the beef ribs, and they were HUGE. I'm talking Flintstones intro, brontosaurus bones huge. Which is why there were only 4 to an order. Four ribs, you say? Well, my friend only managed to eat 2, so it was all gravy. She got beans and the cheesy potato bake as sides. Both yummy. Friend #2 got the burnt ends combo with pork and brisket. He said the pork burnt ends was much juicer than the brisket. For sides, he opted for the cheesy corn bake, which was probably the best side of the night. Next time, screw the apps, I'm going for the ribs and the cheesy corn. It was Friend #1's birthday, so even though we were stuffed, we indulged in a molten chocolate-lava cake type dessert. A la mode, of course. Very rich, very gooey, very yummy. Overall, Jack Stack was a win. Classier than some of the more well-known BBQ joints around town (and you pay for that class), but it is on the Plaza, after all. I know I'll be back.
(4)Louise H.
I have been to Jack Stack more times than I can count and have had great experiences every single time. The service is always up to par along with the wide variety of food. I would definitely have to recommend the pulled pork and vege kabob. WOW delicious. ooooohhhh and the beans and cheesy corn - ok... everything is good. definitely get a bunch and share with friends so you can experience everything! yum.
(5)Adam M.
We go here with our 2 young children, 5 and 1, once a month or so. The service is always great and the food has never disappointed. I usually get the hatfield sandwitch but mix up the meat every visit. I like what I like. My wife gets either the ribs or pulled pork baked potato. Great Bloody marys, the grilled shrimp app is very good as well. Easily the best beans in town, they put freaking burt ends in them
(5)Mike S.
Food was very good. I had a combo plate. Sliced beef, and pork ribs. Great smokey flavor on the ribs and the beef was very tender. The only thing that did not do it for me was the fact that it is upscale. I strongly believe that good BBQ needs to be on a tray or in newspaper, and the person serving you needs to intimidate you a bit before you get it. This place has white cloth napkins. I would not want to be the laundry guy after I ate ribs. Good service here, just a little to nice for BBQ.
(4)David A.
I agree with Max's review. I don't understand why others are rating it so highly. The only thing I can figure is that they don't like the grease pits that most GOOD bbq joints are. They bring you here for corporate lunches and meetings or "fine" dining. Don't get me wrong, the place is OK. I've just had better. MUCH better. Maybe even in Massachussets (sticks finger down throat). What I remember was: Everything was dairy heavy (even raved about the creamed spinach and creamy slaw). Of course, I couldn't try it, so I probably missed out. All the orders were quite plentiful with huge servings. However, the food was just OK. It reminded me of Brazilian all you can eat places where it's just meat after meat after meat and it's too much meat that isn't smoked or marinated well. This is a good size restaurant with quite a few people. No parking on site. You'll have to find street parking, garage, etc. It's right in the Plaza, so if you're staying at the Intercontinental as I was, it's quite convenient. I can't tell you how many people rave about this place and look at me crazy when I tell them it's overrated by a LOT. Those same people thik KC is dangerous and want to avoid the Arthur Bryants, Oklahoma Joes, Gates, and Rosedales. Their happy hour is decent. I polished off a few drinks while waiting for some of my peeps to show up. The staff was very nice, too.
(2)Ryan D.
There is a reason this is known for being the best barbeque in the country - it is. And, it is well worth the wait. Last night at 530, there was a two and a half hour waiting list. We got there a little earlier and waited only 45 minutes. Well worth it! Give the "Jacks Best" a try. It includes generous portions of burnt ends, baby back ribs and the best crown prime rib you have ever had. The desserts were large. We had the carrot cake which was very well done. The only thing keeping this from five stars was the service. I suppose when your the best, it is easy to take good service for granted. However, our waitress was rude, even arguing with one of the people in our party. She also completely forgot to bring one drink, but didn't forget to charge us for it. This may be an isolated incident, but when you're the best, everything should be the best.
(4)Annie K.
If you are visiting and you only have one day I highly recommend this place. Burnt ends are amazing, local beer is great and the staff is extremely nice!
(4)Rebecca W.
First time having KC BBQ and being a southern girl, I wasn't too impressed. The sliced pork was tender and juicy and the beans were out of this world, just not my idea of BBQ, pulled pork wasn't even on the menu. Service was good though.
(3)Brandon T.
I've ate at Jack Stack's a couple of times now. I took my girlfriend last night and it was excellent. We shared the Roundup meal. It was way more than enough food for the two of us and it was all delicious. The place also does a great job of customizing orders for you. We were able to switch out the ham for Burnt Ends and the coleslaw for cheesy baked potato. Very good service. I'll certainly come back when back in the KC area.
(5)Gary R.
The burnt ends here are amazing! The only thing that has ever been as moist and tender that I have ever tried would be Kobe steak in Japan. The sauces are great, but the real flavors are imparted in the different meats from the KC style smoking that occurs well before most are thinking about breakfast, let alone dinner. The BBQ baked beans are sinfully good. Best baked beans I can remember ever having. The Jack Stack rub is also pretty good. Of the KC BBQ places I have been too, this tops the list and also has the higher end ambience. It is a must have every time I travel to KC.
(5)Phillip M.
Meh. Burnt ends were not even close to being burnt. Ribs were drowned in sauce and pedestrian. Service was suspect. I almost had to get up and ask/find someone to take our order.
(3)Pukar R.
I'm not a huge fan of BBQ as I favor more salty foods but this place had the best BBQ I've ever had! Granted, I haven't been all over the country trying BBQ but this is great food. The prices are extremely reasonable and the staff was friendly. The restaurant has a very nice classy vibe, like of those more expensive places. We had a huge plate of ribs and chopped/cubed pieces of pork and beef. I can't remember the names of the dishes but I really don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu. Our table near the bar had a small tv which I thought was cool. I will definitely be going back here and highly recommend this place for anyone in mood for great food.
(5)Jeffrey S.
Super huge fan of their prime rib sandwich and smoked sweet corn. I eat here every opportunity I get.
(5)David H.
Very much enjoyed their lunch special of burnt ends and short ribs. Excellent food and good service. I'm a sworn Memphis-style BBQ fan, but this KC BBQ is very good. You'll have plenty of options in KC for BBQ but this is definitely a good choice. Parking across the street at the parking deck. Convenient.
(4)Peter C.
What a neat building to convert into a restaurant! The whole area has a great urban feel, but this converted freight house has great character. But I didn't go to Fiorella's to check out innovative renovation styles, I came for what I was expecting to be some of the best barbecue in Kansas City. I didn't get a chance to check to many places out while in town, but I don't think I needed to visit to many other joints to tell that the Jack Stack lived up to that expectation. I'm a poor student with not much money to spend, but for most of you more stable folks this is a place to go for some weekend excitement. I'm glad to have spent the money to have not missed this place. I got me some pork ribs and burnt ends and was as pleased as I could ever hope to be. The service was quite pleasant and very patient with a guy of my type who wants to tease out every option. I wouldn't mind going back to Kansas City for this place and to again tour the nearby art galleries.
(4)Shawn K.
This is probably the best BBQ I have eaten in a long time. Service was excellent. The food came quickly and was perfectly cooked. They did not have extra BBQ sauce sitting at the table. You could probably ask for some extra if needed. The place seemed really well decorated. Much more of an upscale feeling to it rather than a traditional BBQ place. The four of us that went left the place with our clothing smelling like BBQ, which is the main reason this place loses a star.
(4)Jared M.
Big fan of this place while in the Plaza...much more upscale that other notable bbq joints in KC (makes sense given the surroundings in this setting) and overall a great experience. Great bbq (burnt end sandwich, onion rings, Tank 7 to drink) and friendly staff. Priced reasonably as well.
(4)Shane G.
Went for dinner last night, beautiful weather, great service and good BBQ, what else can you ask for. The BBQ was good but not great. What seperates this resturant from other BBQ joints is the service and the sides. They were extremely busy but our servicer did a great job and made a couple great recommendations. Loved the beef ribs but the burned ends were a little dry.
(4)Kevin B.
One of the very best BBQ places in Kansas City. I don't think OK Joes holds a candle to Jack Stack BBQ. Jack Stack has the greatest burnt ends and Ribs I have ever tasted. Plus the sides are absolutely amazing. The baked beans are loaded with bits of yummy bbq goodness, the beans are practically a meal. I don't think any place can come close to the amazing bbq beans they make! They also make a great cheesy corn bake and cheesy potatos, but the beans are amazing. And they have really good Caesar side salads too.
(4)Deana W.
If you, like me are on the eternal quest for the best BBQ beans, well look no further,. The best beans in the world are prepared at Fiorella's Jack Stack. I read the other reviews and they are right . There are some really great dive BBQs in town, but when you find something fabulous... I say, EAT IT. Embrace good food, when and where you find it, and for Gods' sake, tell me! The beans made my list for " The top 100 best things I ever put in my mouth". The ribs are meaty and nicely smoked. The pulled pork was tender and piled high. If you are looking for really creative Midwest side dishes, there's the cheesy corn. Kansas City''s answer to how to make a starchy vegetable more flavorful, all while alleviating any nutritional value, RAH team! The loaded baked potato looked good, as did the small salad and french fries. My husband swears by the onion rings, by which I mean he swears if you steal one off his plate. The outdoor patio is beautiful and relaxing. The inside is brick with mile high ceilings, a very comfortable place to eat them beans I referred to. So don't apologize for the lack of grease on the walls to those short sighted folks that feel it can't be good if it ain't dirty...if you find good food, I say Eat it, and for crying out load... try those beans.
(4)K J.
Barbeque and steaks are what Kansas City is known for, and with good reason. And this restaurant excels at both. However, my review is limited to the large beef brisket sandwich so that I can compare to other restaurants of this type more easily. I have eaten in, and the décor and service is outstanding. But far more often, I have had my food via takeout, curbside delivery, or some other means such as catering. I believe that they have the best beef and fries available in KC. The meat is of high quality, cooked to perfection. The fries are always HOT, with a generous portion. The sauce is the crowning touch; to my taste it is just right. I really cannot find fault with any of this, and in comparison to places such as Gates, there IS NO comparison- Fiorella's Jack Stack is the winner, hands down. Take the sandwich apart and LOOK at the beef if you are skeptical: this is not overly fat, tough and barely enough to fill the bun the way some other places are. And the service, no matter if curbside or dine in is absolutely the winner. I do not enjoy being yelled at the way they do at Gates; if that is your thing, then go for it. But for a taste of what KC's BBQ reputation is all about, my vote is for this joint, all the way! Oh, I should mention that I have had this sandwich probably in the hundreds of times by now- the restaurant goes back many years at different locations. This country club plaza location is newer than the original and was once the space where KC Masterpiece occupied.
(5)Carla L.
The combination of burnt ends and cheesy potato bake is the absolute best. The service at this location is amazing, too, friendly and charming staff ready to accommodate. For always being crowded, our drinks were never empty and the food was ready quickly. Great atmosphere, and a fun place to take out of town guests.
(4)Patrick M.
I don't want to be the a-hole that dogs on this Kansas City favorite, but this place was way below average. After the reviews on Yelp and the web we decided to go out of our way to stop by this "legendary bbq" joint. We left very sad. The bbq was mediocre, a little fatty, and if i'm being honest quite boring. The "burnt ends" were just pieces of pork and brisket cut small. They were neither "burnt" or ends? The beans were ok, Bush Smokehouse Grillin beans for $1.79 at the store are vvveerrryyy similar. The salads were great, the service was good, the corn cheese thing was unusual, but ok. The Bbq was just not that good. My wife tells me you can't compare Texas BBQ to KC BBQ because they are different. I've been to Aurther Bryant's and it was way better BBQ. If this is the best in KC I'll stick to eating BBQ south of the Red River.
(2)Brice R.
best bbq in the world- we live in OK but whenever we are within 50 miles, we drive out of our way for the food! the beans are AMAZING because they cook them under neath the meat and have meat chunks in them- we've never had a bad meal there- they also will ship food in dry ice from thee web site !
(5)Christyn K.
One may find it odd that a vegetarian such as myself is a HUGE advocate of Jack Stack. In fact, I myself find this odd. How is it that I am IN LOVE with this place, though have never even had their BBQ? Let me count the ways: 1st star - the ambiance of this place is killer. Dark, almost mysterious, yet white napkin refined to make you second guess that you are in a BBQ joint. Super clean, super chic, super duper. 2nd star - the service is amazing. The wait staff has always gone out of its way to make sure everyone in my group gets exactly what they want, exactly how they want it. Our food has always come out in a timely fashion and empty plates have always been taken away promptly. 3rd star - in my experience here, I have never had to wait excessively long for a table. Also, there is a parking lot just across the street - you know that for the Plaza, this is a blessing! Plus, if you get really bored while waiting, you can watch the kitchen do its thing at the back of the restaurant - quite entertaining in itself! 4th star - the menu is HUGE and and alcohol list is even bigger! My husband loves the burnt ends - which you can get in an array of combinations with other meats or sides. 5th star - THERE ARE VEGETARIAN OPTIONS! Yes, you read that correctly - there are tons of vegetarian options at this popular BBQ joint - much more than any other BBQ places in KC, in my experience! My favorites include the "side" potato bake (like scalloped potatoes but cheesier!); the spinach and blue cheese salad (HUGE and affordable!); the summer-time veggie skewer (peppers, mushrooms, corn and potatoes!); "side" baked potato (loaded!); and, of course, their onion ring mountain. HEAVEN! So, if you have a picky eater in your group, someone who doesn't like BBQ at all, a vegetarian, or an out of towner who may not be the "hole in the wall" dive type, this is the place to go. Seriously. Seriously.
(5)David S.
I think that the bbq debate in KC is so large that it seems almost sariligeous for someone who "just visited" to give a bbq joint five stars. When I came to KC I had the opportunity to visit one bbq join and it was Jack Stack's. That is nothing against Arthur Bryant's or OK Joes, it just happened that I ended up at Jack Stack's and was treated to the most sumptuous, smoky, tender bbq that I had ever had. Their BBQ Beef ribs and burnt ends are insanely good. While their sides were nothing to write home about, any BBQ meat that I tried there was tender with the perfect amount of smoke. Jack Stack's is not the down home bbq joints that people may think of, but it is a fancier sit down restaurant that still churns out bbq with plenty of flavor. Since I have not yet visited Arthur Bryants or OK Joes I will not even attempt to compare them, all that I know is that you can't go wrong with Jack Stack and if Arthur Bryants and OK Joes are anywhere near as good than KC is indeed a lucky city.
(4)Arindam P.
Kansas City is known for its barbecue and Jack Stack is truly one of the best. I liked their combo platter which came with beef, pork and lamb ribs. The lamb was not so good but the pork ribs very much made up for it. Nice selection of local beer and some imports. I was surprised to find Chimay on the list!
(4)Shannon N.
Best BBQ ever! But truthfully, the sides are what make the meal, especially the corn and beans! The warm carrot cake is also amazing!
(5)Krystal P.
Delicious! I was expecting a chain bbq restaurant similar to Famous Dave,s but was surprised when I walked in. Great vibe, great food. Be prepared to leave full! The cheesy corn is a must!
(5)lovesmyanimals l.
This is the newest location for the Jack Stack family. My review is going to be short and simple b/c my experience along with my food was perfect. The service and food at Jack Stack's is unbelievable. I was there with a big group of people and our server for our table was extremely helpful and attentive from the moment we sat down to when we left. The food here.... a) Several choices. Not just beef and pork. They had chicken and a few different fish options as well. So there are plenty of options for the pickiest of eaters. b) the best sides dishes for a bbq joint. I had the pork n' beans and cheesy corn. To die for. If I had once option for a last meal this would be it. c) sauces. the original, spicy, mild... Flavor! So much flavor I could put it on everything.
(5)Ainy H.
Not much to say about this place, it is another restaurant chain with just okay food. I had the beef and sausage burnt ends with baked corn, fries and potato salad for sides. I felt like I could have bought this from the local grocery store and prepared it myself.
(2)Liz L.
I loved eating here! I'm a bbq fan so had to get some while in Kansas City. After reading Yelp reviews and seeing this was close to the Embassy Suites were we stayed, we chose Jack Stack on Wyandotte (there are several locations in KC). They have a free parking garage and there is some street parking. It's close to lots of shops and other restaurants (including The Cheesecake Factory, where we also ate). We went on a Wednesday night at about 7 p.m. and the wait was only 15-20 minutes. The hostess was friendly and the waitress was great. The waitress offered explanations and suggestions of menu items and we took her up on several suggestions and were glad we did. I had a Boulevard beer (brewed in KC) and pork baby back ribs with cheesy corn bake and fries. The ribs were delicious and the cheesy corn bake was amazing. My husband had a salad and "Jack's Best" (Crown Prime Beef Rib, Baby Back Ribs, and Beef Burnt Ends). All was delicious! I would definitely recommend eating here. I even bought bottles of their original BBQ sauce to bring home as gifts.
(5)L. D.
OMG !!! Jack Stack Baby Backs can't be beat in the KC area! ! Holy S.O.B...... the Baby Back ribs and the Cheesy Baked Potatoes are HMMMMM GOOOOOODDDDD! ! This was my 3rd visit to Jack Stack and it did not disappoint. I will definitely be back to the Stack !!! I've also tried Gates, Hayward's and Smokehouse BBQ and JS is still on the top of my list. On my to do list are Oklahoma Joe's, Famous Dave's and Hereford's. So much BBQ, so little time.
(5)Alex C.
My favorite place for BBQ in the nation so far, and that's saying a lot since i'm from Texas and my Dad's from North Carolina. The burnt tips, the brisket, sausage, ribs, oh, everything is great. Try the cheesy Mac, the cheesy potatoes, and the BBQ beans are to die for. Can seem pricy, but the best things in life usually are. Great location, whenever my family and I are in town we stop by for a meal, then order more to take home with us. The last word in Kansas City BBQ.
(5)Holly Y.
BEST baked beans and cole slaw in Kansas City! BBQ is OK, but THE BEST baked beans and cole slaw I've EVER eaten! Love to go pick up & have at home with my own homemade pulled pork! Chunks of meat in their beans...honestly, I can't say enough good things about their beans and slaw!
(4)M P.
My first experience with KC BBQ and holy wow it was delicious! We sampled the beef brisket, the chicken, and the beef ribs. All awesome. The sauces were perfect mix of tangy, sweet, and spicy. We also had the cheesy corn which I think now is going to be the only way my husband will eat corn! It was so good. And then there are the beans. Oh the beans. I'm not sure there are words to properly describe the perfection that was the beans, except "best ever."
(5)Donna L.
Although a fancier kind of BBQ place, very good food, great service. Their ribs are the best on their menu. Carrot cake for dessert is to DIE for. Would definitely go there again when in KC.
(4)Aldwin C.
probably this review is not needed. just go to the restaurant. free-smells.
(5)Shaun W.
When I asked an Overland Park, KS friend for advice on the best BBQ in town, this is where I was pointed. Zagat and the other food awards seem to agree when it comes to a slightly more upscale eating experience. You can't help but smell the hickory smoke a block away and by the time you actually make it in the door, you're starving. All of the meats are topnotch, but what I keep coming back for is the beef brisket. Other reviews seem to all agree; get the beef brisket and the burnt ends. (I prefer the "Poor Russ" chopped burnt ends.) All of the sides are good, but I highly recommend the vegetable kabob. These skewers are grilled fresh and come out dripping in their natural juices. This side is served with a mild horseradish sauce that goes well with all of the veggies, but makes the mushrooms worth writing about. I'm generally not a BBQ fan as I've written in my other reviews, but the food coming out of the kitchen here makes me choose to visit any time I'm in the Kansas City area.
(5)Jeremy K.
After a disappointing outing to Arthur Bryant's as part of a 4th of July KC excursion, our local host urged us to give KC barbecue a shot at redemption at Jack Stack. We stopped by there just to pick up some burnt ends and cheesy corn to go. The burnt ends here were delicious. I have to say, though, that they are virtually identical to good Texas barbecue brisket. I guess by the name, I expected them to be way more burnt. I'd say the burnt ends here were of the same quality as Rudy's extra lean brisket in Austin, which is my personal favorite barbecue. The cheesy corn was a love/hate dish. I didn't care for it at all, based on its texture, but 3 of the 5 of us absolutely loved it. I would come back here next time I am in KC and try some more of their meat.
(4)Allen W.
Walking in you get hit by a mouth-watering smell that sets your mood. good sauce, amazing beans. We had the dinner for two meal with sliced pork(okay), brisket(very good), baby back ribs(a little tough and dry), and beef slice(okay). The sauce is what made it taste good. Good wine selection and the waiter was awesome.
(4)Rosa J.
I usually decide if a BBQ place is good based not on its meat, but on its potato salad. While I didn't get to try the potato salad at Jack's I did try the cheesy corn...YUM!! I had never even heard of cheesy corn but I am a fan now! The BBQ was good. I had the Hatfield with brisket and turkey. It was a great combination and it wasn't overly stuffed with meat. It was just enough to fill me up! I also tasted some of the "Burnt Ends", which I had also never heard of, also a winner.
(3)Liz S.
The burnt ends were fantastic! My favorite were the pork ribs and baked beans. We ate at the bar. Service was great and the food came really fast. I recommend this to anyone!
(4)Kate G.
After many work trips to Kansas City, I finally whined enough to get some BBQ. Though I really want to try a real dive, this was a very nice restaurant and accommodated our large group well. Our server was WAY off all night, taking half the drink orders at a time, forgetting waters, forgetting sides, all sorts of stuff. But he was friendly so no one held it against him. I sampled the ginormous fried mushrooms, burnt ends, sliced beef and pork, chicken smothered with pulled pork and cheese, and a dinosaur bone - basically the biggest rib I have ever seen. All of it was great and the mild, medium and hot sauces just added to the smokey flavor and heat. My veggie kabob skewer was delicious with corn cobs, carrots, onions, bell peppers and squash served with what tasted like horseradish mayo for dipping. With all that delicious meat, I think the best part of the meal was the huge spinach salad topped with strawberries, goat cheese and BACON mmmm. I liked the selection of local beers and I will be back on a future trip for sure.
(4)Debbie G.
Went to KC on a business trip and didn't know what to expect. All I kept hearing about was how you can't leave town until you try their BBQ! Luckily, the office I was at ordered from here for lunch one day - there was sooo much food and it was sooo good! BBQ pork chops, creamed corn, cole slaw, grilled veggies - it was a great lunch treat I'm sure I would've liked it even better at the restaurant itself and I probably would've tried even more BBQ items, but from what I sampled through the takeout - KC BBQ is no joke!
(3)Steve W.
I was in town on business and decided to check out a couple of recommended BBQ places. It was a split decision on this one. We ordered an appetizer of burnt ends, because of the reviews. We weren't all that impressed. They seemed very dry, and not all that flavorful. However, after we had ordered them, we both decided on the Jack's Best, which is a sample of their top specialties. This also comes with the burnt ends, but for some reason, they were much better than the appetizer burnt ends. Very tender and much more flavorful. Our appetizer must have been the leftovers from the previous batch. Our favorite was the Crown Prime Beef rib. It's a lot of meat on a single rib. Very flavorful and very tender. It was excellent. The baby back pork ribs were good, but not great. The Cheesy Corn Bake was very good. Overall, it was definitely good food, but not our top BBQ choice in the area.
(4)Jessette P.
Mmmm good. Rustic ambiance, good service, fair priced. Had the grilled salmon salad, a taste of the cheesy corn, the hickory beans and a big onion rings. My codiners had the burnt ends, the briisket and the pork sandwich, which they all agreed was tender and tasty. Recommend!
(4)C B.
Got take out. Great service; even better food. Ribs were excellent, very meaty, tender. Also got beans and cole slaw that were very good also. If you want BBQ -- go here!
(5)Chris F.
This restaurant proved to be the better one of the two BBQ places that I tried during my short stay in Kansas City. Sure, it has the "fancy" restaurant feel, but I didn't come for the atmosphere! First off, the burnt ends as an appetizer was in store. Oh my hell. Delicious! The meat was tender and charred just enough so that eating that wad of fat became just tolerable enough for myself. Compared to Arthur Bryant's, I liked that the meat wasn't already swimming in the sauce, so I actually got a chance to taste it for the flavor of the meat itself, and it was definitely great. Their original sauce hit the spot for me. As for the sides, the potato salad was great, and the corn bake was...interesting. Good flavor, but it was essentially cheese and corn soup. It was different, and I'm glad I tried it. I decided to get a full spectrum and try out the sampler, which included beef and pork ribs, chicken, and sausage. Ribs, good. Chicken, good. Sausage, good! Everything hit a home run for me. Tender, flavorful, and very smokey! I felt like I was smoking at a hookah bar after eating because of that unusual sensation that I got in the back of my mouth. Service was excellent too. The waiter was attentive and patient with us as we tried to be not indecisive with our choices.
(5)Mike H.
I'm not a huge rib fan, but since I was in Kansas City I figured I had to give it a try. First, they had New Belgium beers on tap (Fat Tire), so that by itself was a huge bonus. The ribs were pretty outstanding and a large portion for the money. I prefer dry ribs, but I liked how these didnt use too much sauce that you couldnt taste the meat. The real highlight of the meal was the burnt end stew, which was so much better than I could have expected. The smoke flavor was much stronger here than the ribs. Also had a great choice of sides (I had the french fries and hickory beans)
(4)Kristina M.
We'd give six stars if we could. This place was an unplanned stop in our multi-city bbq tasting tour and ended up being our top pick of the 5 KC places that we tried. And all three of us agreed on it. The place was conveniently near our hotel and it was packed even though it was Sunday night. We were seated reasonably quickly and had a great waitress who was friendly yet efficient. Then there was the food. It was what bbq should be smokey, tender, delicious. And the portions were huge. We had the babybacks and a mixed burnt ends. The beans where the best among all the bbq joints in all the cities we visited. Thank goodness they have a catalog because otherwise we might have to come up with reasons to travel to KC again. They weren't the cheapest but worth every penny. Eating with Allergies: They double checked the ingredients in the item's R ordered and ensured they didn't contain any of his problem ingredients allowing him to enjoy his meal without fear.
(5)Kristian R.
I knew I wanted some BBQ when I got to KC and this place was within walking distance from my hotel. First, for those of you who are unaware (like I was) this place is a chain. In my experience, the best BBQ comes from local places where the original pit master is still working the pit. This place has the feel of your standard Chili's or TGIFridays (which I try to avoid at all costs). The menu is also HUGE. As far as BBQ places go, there only needs to be one page (Meats, Sandwiches, and Sides). I ordered the Jumbo sandwich (choice of 2 meats and one side). I got burnt ends and pulled pork with the cheesy corn. I had heard good things about the burnt ends and cheesy corn (I had heard good things). The burnt ends and pulled pork were a little tough and not much smoky flavor. The cheesy corn is exactly what it sounds like but nothing spectacular. My friend had the sandwich with polish sausage and smoked pork with fries. The sandwich was pretty weak but the fries were excellent. I did enjoy the wide selection of Boulevard beers on tap. Overall, it was mediocre BBQ that was not worth the price (about 8-10 per sandwich with side). I wouldn't go back again and would definitely look for some place small and locally owned.
(2)Michelle H.
The baby back pork ribs were pretty dry , a bummer because I was looking for great KC BBQ. The only reason I even gave them a 2 was because the bartender made a great Manhattan. I would go back for drinks but not food.
(2)Daddy F.
Second time to KC in a few years...went back to Jack Stack BBQ. To be honest I didn't really remember what the food was like the first time. 2nd time around was okay...nothing too spectacular. Couple of local folks raved about it so we decided to go check it out. The portions are ridiculously big...the food was fair in flavor. I've had much better BBQ in Texas. I would go back if it were a group event but wouldn't be my first choice if you are visiting KC.
(3)Heather H.
BUYER BEWARE! the rating is a two sided coin. Shiny side: good service which had to be takeout because it would have been a 2 an a half hour wait. To go orders are exceptionally well organized.I was so excited to see lamb ribs and vegetable kabobs DARK SIDE: Why does such beautiful and EXPENSIVE food place have to be drowned in MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), even the vegetable kabobs. I am allergic to MSG and I watch and ask for it, to avoid it in my food. I am 43 years old and never have I run into that junky/cheap/Cheat ingredient in a high end restaurant! I would frequent this restaurant if they didn't use MSG. NO persons nervous system needs MSG, not just those sensitive to it.
(2)P. Tinsley H.
If you want great BBQ go to Jack Stack's! It was a little loud, our group of 5 got put next to 2 groups of 8, but after eating here I would definitely go back. Burnt ends (the brisket was AWESOME), Baked Beans, and the Cheesy Corn. Now I never got to eat any of the Cheesy Corn but considering my wife eat almost 3 bowls of it I would have to assume it was really good.
(5)Amy S.
This place is not for vegetarians!!! Since we were in the KC area, we decided to "when in Rome" with the BBQ. We were able to be seated right away, despite how busy the entire restaurant was. As I was passing by tables, the plates of food were enormous! We had a hankering for ribs and BBQ chicken. Well, we started with Burnt Ends, (that the waiter recommended) which were basically pieces of rib that had either fallen off the bone or pulled off. Either way, if that was what was to come, well, we didn't need any further prompting at ordering. We got a combination of pork and beef burnt ends. I think we could have done without considering how big the portions were. So, I ordered the Kansas City Combo plate, which allowed me to choose 2 meats and came w/2 sides. I ordered the white BBW chicken and pork ribs. Pork ribs b/c they were so juicy and flavorful. I did order the cole slaw and cheesy corn bake (basically corn in a cheesy sauce with bits of ham) as sides and it was worth it b/c I felt like if I'm going to be eating like this, I might as well go all the way! My dinner partner (my husband) ordered the Combination Plate which had a smorgasboard of meat (with a side of broccoli) on it. When the manager came over to our table to check on us, my husband mentioned that we were from California visiting and we wanted to get BBQ and so then next thing we knew, the manager came over with the Crown Rib, which was a piece of prime rib attached to a bone in the meat. The manager said, "I'll let you have 5 minutes alone with this and I'll check back to you." Ha ha. After sampling (if you can call it that) this fine piece of beef rib, it just melted in our mouths and fell of the bone. Mmmmmmmm. Now mind you, my husband still had his OTHER plate to eat, too. Meanwhile, I'm nibbling on my pork ribs and dipping them in the BBQ sauce and getting elbow deep in the sauce. I was just impressed by the taste of the pork. It had an intense smoky flavor all on its own w/o the sauce and tasted like bacon. It came off the bone easily, too. That was my favorite part of the meal, for sure. I did take home the chicken breast and wing (did I mention that you get a bone-in breast AND wing?) and my husband's leftover pork rib. I don't know how we'll eat these leftovers b/c we don't have a microwave in the room, but I'm sure they'll be a way if there's a will. So, our experience at Jack Stack left us full of meat. You won't have room for dessert. If your eyes are bigger than your stomach, you'll be sorry later. Give it a try when you visit KC or are in the Country Club Plaza area. We're glad we did!
(5)Blair E.
Good stuff. Loved the wings, back ribs ,and good beans. Great meal for ~50 - 60$ with a drink or 2. Hope you like it as much as I did. I'll be back!
(4)Danny S.
Some of the top BBQ to be had in Kansas City. Good Stuff here!!!
(4)Arleen C.
So...we arrived in KC last Wednesday and, as usual, our first stop is finding some GOOD bar b que food...hubby had heard of this place and we went to ck it out...OMG!!! if I could give it more start I would...the place is great, the atmosphere wonderful, the service outstanding and the food...well, what can I say bout the food....MMM...MMM...MMM...MMM...MMM...MMM...MMM...Âdid you get my point??? there was not one disappointment in this place. Steve, our waiter was extremely nice and attentive and we had a wonderful meal. If you are ever in the area, you HAVE to ck it out....
(5)Patrick F.
The smokey smell when you enter the joint is pretty intense. When we got to our hotel room, it was apparent it stayed with us. I suppose that's going to be the normal with bbq. I tried the pork ribs and the burnt ends on our waiters recommendation. I liked both, though the pork ribs were the clear winner. The baked beans were fantastic - after tasting them, I quickly polished off the whole bowl before returning to my meat plate. The cheesy corn bake was guaranteed to cause instant cardiac arrest. We managed to put down a couple of bites, but quickly abandoned it. The runaway favorite of our night was a southwestern chicken and bean soup. It was perfectly seasoned and topped with just the right amount of cheese. It's obviously strange to recommend a chicken soup at a barbeque place, but if it's on the menu when you're there - don't miss it!!!!
(4)Max H.
I don't understand the allure of this place. It's bbq for those who don't want to get "dirty" going into your normal joints, I guess. The food is OK. Nothing is terrible, but what I've had doesn't stand out. The burnt end sandwich (Poor Russ) doesn't really taste "burnt" at all. It's chopped up brisket. The beans are good, but a little sweet for my tastes. You'll get better bbq and a better experience at many other places in town.
(2)amy s.
Our first KC BBQ experience was here...loved the sauce, great kid options, brisket was like velvelt, and the sevice was great. Cheesy corn was different-I expected more of a gratin and it arrived more like velveeta with canned corn. Not saying I did not like it-just not what I expected. Local beer was very cold and good. We would try again and liked much better than Arthur Bryant's even though we thought a less "dressy" location would be better, it was not the case with Jack Stack's.
(4)Dave L.
This place is just plain good. It's the BBQ place you take granny when she comes to visit if you are afraid of taking her out to Bryant's or OK Joe's. It has the service ethic of a fancy restaurant. It is not unusual to wait at the Freight House location but they have a very nice bar area with couches and a fire place that's almost preferable to the dining area. You will pay for this experience but I have yet to eat unacceptable BBQ here. It is extremely consistent and delicious. For those who don;t need counter service, paper towels and wax paper, this will do very nicely.
(4)Jean S.
My family and I have been going to the Freighthouse location for years and was so happy to see Jack Stack open on the Plaza, as it is a more convenient location for us. I agree with all the awesome reviews for this place, but just wanted to add that the main reason for coming to Jack Stack are the GIANT, juicy, fried mushroom appetizers. They come 4 on a skewer (a secret is that you can order a half-order) and are accompanied by a delicious horseradish sauce. I am drooling just thinking about it. I've just never seen mushrooms this big in an appetizer. It is a must-try if you're a fungi lover :) Another plus about this location is their carry-out service. You describe your car to them over the phone at the end of your order and they will bring out your food!
(4)Bryan H.
Went here for dinner late one night in Kansas City and ate a sampler platter at the bar. Get ready because this is a LOT of barbecue! It's very good and the restaurant lives up to the hype, with baked beans and cole slaw sides as expected. The only thing keeping this from a five-star review is that the female bartender ranged between indifferent to surly. But I'm sure a sitdown meal might have been a better experience.
(4)Dave M.
While I love the food at Jack Stack- I just had a very frustrating experience with them that drops my score on them big time. Here's the scenario- I'm trying to order food for my sister-in-law's birthday- she's in KC, I'm in LA. I make a huge food order for her and the kids to pick up on the way home - aaannnnd they don't take credit cards over the phone! You have to come in and pay. Hello?! It's 2010! Even Pizza Hut will take a credit card order over the phone! Although the server did offer a suggestion- faxing in a copy of my credit card and DL- I turned it down- that sounds more than a little risky. I can just see that getting left somewhere for anyone to pick up. Very frustrating to say the least. Not happy.
(2)Ali S.
Best bake beans! My boyfriend and I always get the ribs dinner for two and have left overs!
(5)Shawn K.
Best BBQ in the U.S. hands down!!! Amazing food. Not the healthiest place around. But excellent food. You will not go wrong by going here. The nicest bbq restaurant I have ever been in as well.
(5)Susan C.
As I am not big on BBQ this rating is based on my very picky 18 year old who practically licks his plate clean every time we go to any of the Jack Stack's! They lose a star for the pitiful turkey sliced meat platter I ordered...since I am not a meat eater for the most part I chose to go with the choose 2 sliced meat dinner choosing double turkey over the beef, pork or sausage options. I assumed I would be getting a pulled pork type turkey drenched in their famous bbq sauce but instead I was served an empty plate with 8 plain slices of what looked like Oscar Meyer lunch meat, not even Boars Head. I had to ask the waitress for a side dish of bbq sauce to put on this very boring meat. Bbq sauce was good but for $13.95 I was very disappointed with the quantity of meat I received, especially when my son got a 1/4 white meat chicken covered in sauce for just $10.25. Something didn' t seem right there. I guess I ordered the only skimpy item on the menu as I looked around the extremely packed restaurant and saw every other table with mounds of food so I wont take stars away for my stupidity. Carrot cake and brownie sundae are massive and delicious. All the sides were delicious and plentiful. My conclusion is that they must have run out of turkey since it was the day after Thanksgiving.
(4)FoodLover S.
Is Fiorella's all it's cracked up to be? Almost. a five/five Well worth the visit. Good quality meat, wide selection, and a pretty darn good BBQ sauce to top off. It's Kansas City Bar-B-Q in a more upscale atmosphere. If you want to take your date out for good barbeque at a romantic/upscale atmosphere, but where it's still ok to dig into your ribs with your fingers, Fiorella's is your place . On day 7 of 8 in Kansas City, I made my 3rd BBQ restaurant stop for the week. Kansas City has not let me down. A local who sat next to me on my flight to KC recommended Fiorella's and a few other local BBQ joints, and was sure to point out that Fiorella's was one of the upscale BBQ places. He also recommended some "hole-in-the-walls", including Rosedale (See Review). After trying that on my first night, I was on a roll, and had to try others, including Benny's (See Review). But I had to try the place he spoke of with highest regard, Fiorella's Jack Stack. A fifteen minute drive from my hotel at Kauffman stadium, we found our way to the "Plaza" area, with all of the boutique shops, with Coach, Express, and fine jewelry shops lining the streets, in a Rodeo Drive style decor. Quite a nice area, I have to admit. A walk around, afer peeking in at some high-end watches, we finally walked into the restaurant. Thursday night wait at 7pm was not too bad, about 10 minutes for a table for two. We chose to sit at the bar. The decor inside the whole restaurant was very nice. The bar area was a bit more sports oriented, with TV's at the two person booths, and 3 other TV's around the bar. The staff was extremely courteous, and the bartender was excellent in waiting on us. He recommended the Kansas City Combo with a choice of two meats. The choices - Chicken (white or dark), pork ribs, sliced meat (any type), burnt ends - beef, sausage, lamb ribs, beef ribs. I went with lamb and sliced beef, together with a side of beans and au gratin potatoes. Everything was fabulous. I did have to ask for spicy BBQ sauce, as their house sauce was more sweet than spice - a vinegar based sauce, with a lot of good flavor, with a touch of hickory smoke flavor. It was very good, just better spicy. The meat was wonderful. The lamb melted in my mouth. And with a glass of Blue Moon to wash it all down, II have had better beans, but the au gratin potatoes were delicious. I would try the corn next time instead of the beans. The atmosphere was very nice. We were dressed pretty casually, and the place was nice, but it was not so upscale that we couldn't wear jeans and a polo into the restaurant. was extremely happy and content with my BBQ experience at Fiorella's. In fact, the servings were so large, we had to walk around 10-12 blocks just to make ourselves feel less guilty for eating so much. My entree was $15 and my total after tip was $24. It was well worth it. It is a place I would definitely take my wife to on a date. So why didn't it get a 5 star rating from me? Everything about this restaurant was wonderful. My only reservation about the final / 5th star was the meat. Although it was great, it wasn't as succulent or as filled flavorful as Rosedale's BBQ, and the restaurant had a little bit of that "chain restaurant" feel to it. otherwise it was great. So, to the fine young man who sat next to me on the plane and recommended Fiorella's - Live long and prosper, good sir, as you're a gentleman and a scholar (of gastronomy that is). This ends my tour of BBQ restaurants in Kansas City. Next time I'm in town, I will have to try more, and perhaps some of the ones I sampled this trip again.
(4)David D.
Ranked as the top BBQ house in the nation. I don't know about that but I tell you what, it's right up there! I couldn't find one thing wrong. From the perfectly dry, ice cold martinis to the best Cole slaw I ever had to the BBQ is first rate. Try the "burnt ends". They are like the delectable end of that pot roast your mom used to make. You know the end piece that was dark brown with all the flavor that everybody fought over? Well you can get a whole plate of the little nuggets here. I also had the baby back ribs and they were excellent. I still will take Michelbob's over Jack Stack but why get picky? Only thing: be ready to taste BBQ for the next three days! You will still smell and taste Jack Stack long after you have left. It's a treat that just keeps on treating.
(4)Dave N.
This is one of my top favorite BBQ places in KC!
(5)Timothy G.
Very good BBQ is done here but the thing about Jack Stack is their BBQ baked beans and the cheesy corn. Dang! My preferred location is the Martin City restaurant
(4)Chris N.
Oustanding!! These people know how to make BBQ and they know how to treat people. Baby back ribs, bbq beans and cheesy corn bake!
(5)Jason C.
Considered the "fancy" BBQ in Kansas City, it still proves to be a great meal. She had the cheesy bake and I had the rack of ribs. We pretty much had about 15 minutes of absolute silence between us. No knife needed. The meat would literally fall right off the bone with the slightest of motion. The sides were more than generous. Slaw, corn bread, fries, it was all well above average. These pleasures are not without their costs though. Jack Stack can easily run a high bill, probably in the $50s. But, a trip to Kansas City is never complete without a good BBQ dinner. This is a great choice.
(4)Bob F.
I was craving some good BBQ so I went to Jack Stack BBQ on the plaza. I went for lunch and I received a very filling lunch portion and the atmosphere was really nice. The burnt ends are pretty good, but the sliced meat is just alright. I felt like I could have gotten the same quality sliced meat from the grocery store. I was not impressed with their BBQ sauce at all. They have two flavors, spicy and regular. Neither one of them really hit the spot. Don't get me wrong, they were good, just not great. Needless to say that after I left I was hoping that would have cured my craving for BBQ, but it hasn't. It's been less than a week and I'm trying to find a GOOD BBQ joint to ease my hunger.
(3)Greg G.
I don't see what all the 4 and 5 stars are for. We ate here on 6/2/11 and to me this place is overhyped and overpriced for what it is. I had the lamb ribs which you couldn't taste any of the lamb because it was over smoked. Also had the "burnt ends" that are said to be so good. These were like yesterday's leftovers chopped up, not ends nor burnt. My wife had the brisket which was like dried beef. As for the famous "cheesy corn", this tasted like creamed corn made with Kraft Mac n Cheese. If you want good BBQ in KC, go to L.C.'s
(1)Tom Y.
We were taken here on a business trip by our hosts, and for a Seattlelite, this felt like a Ram Brewery/BBQ joint combo. One of the things we wanted to hit in KC was definitely BBQ, and so we came to Jack Stacks as well as Oklahoma Joe's. I liked the atmosphere of JS, with plenty of waitstaff with cheerful dispositions. Reminded me a little of Red Robin, in truth. Sitting down, my first order was the Tank 4 ale, which was pretty awesome. For some reason, it was served in a port snifter, but hey, it was really good. For starters, we had some onion rings and mushrooms. I wasn't sure about the mushrooms at first, as I like smaller sizes for the fact that they soak in flavor. These were large ones, breaded and fried, in a kabob. However, the frying definitely locked in the flavor, and they were very good inside. Coupled with some spicy bbq sauce, both the onion rings and mushrooms made a great start. For the main course, I got the three meat plate, with ham, brisket, and pork. My sides were fries and slaw. I've got to say, this was perhaps the most I'd eaten in a while. Each type of meat was at least a good quarter to half pound at least, with an entire half plate full of steak fries. The slaw was a bit on the wet side, but pretty tasty. The three meat platter was definitely a good choice, but the burgers and steaks my compatriots got definitely looked good as well. Apparently, the side of pork and beans, as well as the baked corn, were all hits. All in all, I'm glad I had a chance to try out Jack Stacks, which seemed to me like a great corporatized bbq joint. I'd definitely go back to try out some more of their different sides. Oh, and they ship many products as well :)
(4)Eric F.
I've eaten here one time, and it seemed to be solid establishment, well situated to cater to the tourists shopping at the Plaza and to people staying at the nearby large hotels (Marriott and their ilk). The service seems to be quite modern and systematized, so I was surprised that they sat a party of five adults and a baby at a four-top booth. One of us had only had one cheek on the seat. We were told they'd move us in about twenty minutes, but never did. The BBQ was good, but not super. The prices were a little on the high side, I think; but they have to pay for all that brass livestock statuary somehow, I suppose.
(3)Anush J.
One of our preferred BBQ options in KC. We love the sides too! Since I am not a big fan of thick meat (but want BBQ all the same!) - the standard items that i order are: Burnt ends, cheesy corn (or cheesy potato) and baked beans. For dessert: Chocolate cake or Carrot cake - so big that it feeds two. This satisfies by BBQ craving. I have never been disappointed and wouldn't order anything else.
(5)jenn w.
As a visitor, I was skeptical about Kansas City bbq, but Jack Stack changed my mind. I had the beef brisket - so tender! - and pork ribs - fall off the bone! - along with the cheesy corn bake and baked beans (both delicious as well!). The portions were very generous, so you can have some left for lunch tomorrow. I liked that they also set regular and spicy bbq sauce on the cable in case you didn't have enough on your plate. This was the only bbq I had while in KC so I can't compare it to the other joints in town, but I was not disappointed with Jack Stack!
(5)Melinda Y.
Fantastic food! I had the Kansas City strip cooked medium and it was so delicious I didn't even need steak sauce. My husband had the burnt ends and raved about them. Definitely try the spinach salad as well!
(5)jenilee p.
jack stack is an upscale barbecue restaurant. is it possible? is it an oxymoron? no, such a thing exists! in addition to the upscale atmosphere, their menu consists of items which are slightly atypical to those that you would see at the more down home classic barbecue institutions spread around kansas city. since these items are offered, they are great to try. i opted for the crown prime beef ribs with a side of pit beans and a nice caesar salad. the beef ribs were huge, and different. while with regular ribs, you are given a good few bites of meat on each rib, this dish has an incredible amount of smokey meat on three to four huge short ribs. the texture is like that of a braised roast, but again, with the nice touch of smoke. also note, this is a large dish. come with a serious appetite. my bigger half ordered the lamb ribs, which were great. nice lamb flavor that you could immediately determine was different than that of the other ribs we had sampled around the city, it was a different way to enjoy barbecue. service was friendly and attentive. this restaurant, due to the slightly more formal atmosphere and full waitstaff, is more expensive than the other barbecue restaurants around kansas city. i think that if you are in town for a business meeting, and looking to sample barbecue with your colleagues, this is the place to go. just another nice option for a barbecue experience.
(4)gordon h.
i travel alot and i found that is some damn good bbq. went there for dinner and the place was packed. i found that all the food was good, including the side dishes. it was fair priced and large portions. i realy liked it and will go back the next time i'm there. the service was good too. i liked the sauce.
(4)Jason F.
WOW! This is one of the top BBQ restaurants I have ever been to!Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbeque is a fancy BBQ restaurant that serves amazing food that will stick to your ribs! This restaurant is at the Country Club Plaza which had a nice busy buzz going on while we were there. Since its so popular here with thought we would have to wait. We went around dinner time and were seated immediately! That was great. We were seated near the bar with a flat screen TV at our booth...how awesome is that! I had an amstel light to drink and ordered burnt ends as an appetizer. This was the first time I had ever had burnt ends! I'm now a devoted lover of burnt ends!!! The flavor was fantastic. For dinner I had the KC combo with beef brisket and beef ribs along with a corn bake. First off, way too much food! This was also the first time I had beef brisket and I loved it. The beef ribs were ginormous and had a ton of meat on them! The corn bake was delicious as well. The food and service here was superb! I would love to come back when I return to KC!
(5)Luke F.
Everyone seems to rave about this place and Arthur Bryant's as being the best BBQ in Kansas City. If that is the case, then I am very disappointed at KC BBQ. I plan to still try Arthur Bryant's to give KC another chance. Anyway, my review: We started off with the beef burnt ends. These were by far the best part of the meal. This seemed like cubed pieces of brisket and it was some of the best brisket that I've had -- extremely tender and juicy. I highly recommend it. We also had the rib combo platter - beef, baby back, and lamb (just had to try it). Again, the beef ribs were very good (maybe their specialty is beef). However, it was a bit on the smoky side. Hours later, I could still taste the smokiness in my mouth. The baby back ribs ($2 extra) were extremely disappointing. It was on the dry side and did not fall off the bone as exceptional baby back ribs should do. The lamb ribs were also a very dry and excessively burnt, but I've never had lamb ribs before so maybe that's normal. The cole slaw was probably the best cole slaw I've had outside of KFC. The creamy corn bake was all right -- as the waiter explained, it was like macaroni and cheese with corn instead of pasta. Also, we got to try all four of their sauces. They were really nothing special to be honest. The southwest style was interesting, but I can't say I liked it.
(3)C G.
Have eaten here many times and it is always great. I have tried many different items on the menu and never have been disappointed! The soups are a meal in themselves. Although it looks like a pretty fancy place with lots of dark wood and big heavy tables you will find everything from flip flops to suits comfortably delving into the BBQ.
(5)Michael H.
Pretty good meat. I have eaten at both locations. The meat was delicious but not the best you can find in KC. I recommend it to anyone looking for some smokey meats to add to the waist ring.
(4)Dustin K.
By far the best BBQ i've ever had!!
(5)Rac Leng S.
The ribs are very smokey and so tender. The portion is not big and BBQ sauce is average However the bake bean is one of the best I had as it is not too sweet.
(5)Kolby K.
Great BBQ. Service was so-so, although I am pretty sure it was our waitress in particular. Food is reasonably priced. If you are looking for a restaurant style BBQ place this is a nice choice, however, the atmosphere was very loud and might not be good for a professional meeting.
(4)Jenn D.
My lady took me here for my birthday last week and it was great. We had the fried mushrooms, which were HUGE and pretty good. They had a good horseradish sauce with them. Then we had the Caesar salad which was fresh and crisp and delicious. For out main course we shared the rack if Baby back Ribs, which came with fries, coleslaw and baked beans. The ribs were great. MUCH better than Gate's *yuck*. I don't like celery seed, so I wasn't too thrilled about the coleslaw, but I have never liked baked beans and I could have eaten them for days! The waitress was fantastic (her name was Kim, I'll request her when we go back) and she brought me a COMPLIMENTARY brownie ala mode and It was AMAZING. I highly recommend giving it a try!
(5)T R.
Best BBQ in KC! They have various meats to choose from, the cheesy corn is outrageously good! Heck, all of their side items are good! Go there, get food, be happy, 'nuff said!
(5)Jamie M.
I am a loyal Oklahoma Joe's devotee, but a friend convinced me to try Jack Stack last weekend. I was skeptical, but ultimately, pleasantly surprised. The first thing that you notice about Jack Stack is the smell. To me, it smells smoky and meat-tastic; however, be forewarned that you will reek of smoked meat for the rest of the day. We waited maybe 10 minutes for a table on a Friday night around 7:30. The interior was warm and inviting and the booth we were seated in was very cozy and plush (nothing at all like the pedestrian gas station charm of my beloved OK Joe's). I ended up getting the grilled chicken sandwich with the veggie kebab and the spinach salad. The salad was a mound of fresh spinach with red onions, feta cheese, bacon, pecans and strawberries. It came with a weird clear dressing on the side that looked disturbing but tasted really good. If you are a feta fan, you will heart this salad (I did). The server forgot to bring out our b-b-q sauce with our meals, so we were able to savor our first bites sauce-less, and I have to say, for pure meaty goodness, this place rocked. The chicken was served on a massive wheat bun, and came with a horseradish sauce that tasted great, but was basically a big wad of spicy mayo, so I didn't eat much of it. My kebab was delicious-baby portobellos, peppers, corn and zucchini all grilled to perfection. Sprinkle it with some of the Jack Stack seasoning (on every table) and it will make you think twice about eating your veggies...yum! The sauce (when we finally got it) was just all right-it was very tomato-y and really nothing special. But the superstar here is the meat-it really stands alone even with the mediocre sauce. I can only dream of Jack Stack meat covered on OK Joe's sauce...
(4)Justin E.
Whenever my wife and I visit the Kansas City area to visit family, this is one of the places that we always eat at. I'm not a huge fan of barbeque, since it tends to run high in sugars, etc. but I can't pass up this place because their ribs, cream corn "bake," and pit BBQ beans are to die for. We've gone here for lunch and for dinners, and they are really good. If you want the best BBQ in Kansas City, go here.
(5)El G.
Love this place, go for the burnt ends, sliced sausage is great also. Good bar if you're eating solo. you've also got to try the cheesy corn at least once.
(5)Viva C.
Impressive restaurant. Its reputation precedes itself. We braced ourselves thinking the wait would be long, considering how we were there on a weekend at early dinner hour. There were people waiting to be seated, but we waited for a very unexpectedly short period. The restaurant is easily packed, but the ambiance is delightfully moody. Because fellow Yelpers were keen on identifying the many great items on the menu, I had difficulty deciding what I wanted. Our waitress was very cordial in giving her recommendations and telling us what is most popular. We ordered the fried mushrooms as an appetizer then Burnt Ends and Rack of Lamb for our entrees. Our food came out amazingly fast. I was stunned. We went there expecting it to be a long arduous ordeal but the entire meal from start to finish was fast, efficient, and definitely tasty. The fried mushrooms with horseradish sauce were delightful. The crust was crisp and the large fried mushrooms were piping hot and had a fun bounce. I say bounce, but what I really mean is that it was al dente. I know, you usually reserve that for describing pasta, but in this case, it's the phrase that best describes these mushrooms when you bite into them. My burnt ends were tasty - a tad on the dry side, but that's understandable, considering they're the Ends. I took the recommendation of fellow Yelpers to ask for all three of the different sauces to accompany the meat. I liked the spiciest one. My friend's lamb was so tender, he didn't need a knife at all. He simply stabbed the meat with his fork, pulled the bone, and the meat simply slid off. Incredibly tender to say the least. The portions are pretty big, so you're lucky if you even have room for dessert. Well done, Fiorella's!
(4)David W.
This is an overrated restaurant. Excited to have KC BBQ, we waited an hour for a table. The prime rib rib was all fat with little meat to find. The baby back ribs were tasteless.the server was friendly but made an excuse for the inedible prime rib and didn't offer a substitute
(2)James P.
Did the Jack's Best Sampler and added a side of Sausage Burnt Ends. The waiter also suggested the two best sides - Cheesy Corn Bake (Yummy!) and Hickory Pit Beans (Amped up with Brisket and delicious. I've eaten a lot of BBQ all over the country and this ranks up there with the best - perfect amount of smoke and exact timing on the perfect cook!! If I lived here, I'd come often!!
(5)Melaina C.
We wanted to try this BBQ since it is considered one of the best in KC. We weren't very hungry, so we just ordered the half pound of turkey from the Carry-Out window. We will not be returning to eat here in the future. The turkey was moist, but it tasted the same as turkey lunch meat that you get in the grocery store. It was even sliced like lunch meat. It did not have any seasoning on the meat at all. They only offered one type of sauce and it wasn't any good. Tasted like peppered ketchup.
(2)Angie H.
we originally weren't going here, our reservation had a fire so we came here instead. there was a 25 minute wait for our 7 people but they got us in about 15 minutes and a private area. the waiter Cory, was not only hot but remembered our orders, the gluten order, refilled our drinks without asking, got us to go boxes and a to go order and straws!! he was perfect!!
(5)Chris C.
I'm truly mixed about Jack Stacks. The food smells wonderful and does have a great taste. We ate there at lunch, so it was even affordable (about $45 for two adults and a child). My mixed feelings??? They use some of the fattiest meat (they like to call it marbled). My wife got the brisket. It was fairly lean. My daughter got ham and cheese off the kids menu, and I got burnt ends (it can always be a toss up) and some were chunks of fat. I also got the smoked pork. I had to send it back, because it had so much "marbling" there was very little meat (not to mention the thick veins in the fat always turn my stomach). They were gracious enough and brought me more burnt ends (these were leaner, but the damage was done), I couldn't finish them all. About an hour later, my stomach started to ache and cramp from the grease. I didn't eat a full order of ends... About 6 of the 10 they gave me. But the grease is pretty heavy. I love barbecue, and I like the flavor of Jack Stacks, but a little really does go a long ways.
(3)Vincent Y.
Went on a BBQ tour of Kansas City this weekend. Some locals pointed out that Fiorella's Jack Stack is an oxymoron of sorts because they serve down-home grub for the everyman, but in an upscale, hoity-toity setting with higher pricing. I concurred, but this didn't detract from their food quality! Jack Stack has a unique lamb rib dish that the other joints (LC's, Oklahoma Joe's, Arthur Bryant) didn't have, and that's the lamb rib. At first taste, the lamb smell was overpoweringly gamey, but then I realized that the BBQ sauce they spread over it balanced-out the smell, so in the end it wasn't so bad. The best part about the rib was how moist it was, and how you get to rip it off the bone and had a nice texture to it. (I hate other establishments that overcook the meat just so that it falls off the bone only to find out it crumbles, is too dry, or both). Kudos also goes to their beef ribs, which were done right to perfection. Their broccoli was awesome thanks to garlic butter salt. (large grains, so I'm guessing Kosher). Not everything was perfect though: Burnt Ends were very, very dry. I would not recommend them, though the manager came by and said they weren't normally so dry. When we suggested he eat one of ours to back it up, he declined :) Service was good when it came to correcting food. Flagging down a bartender, like most places, may take several minutes.
(4)Benjamin B.
Chain Bar-B-Q that doesn't suck. Jack stacks came highly recommended by several KCMO locals while I was in town, not ironically the staff mentioned their lack of marketing based on their effective homegrown word of mouth reputation. Jack stacks lived up to the hype. Upscale atmosphere with home style food. Surprisingly good cocktails with a knowledgable and friendly staff. Don't show up unless you've got an appetite. I recommend one of the sampler selections. Don't miss out on the cheesey corn or the "burnt ends." I also crushed a cucumber flavored margarita with jalapeños...boom...mind blown. If you're feeling real wild, take a picture riding the brass bull out front before you leave, some weird fat guy did when I went.
(4)Marie F.
Outstanding beans, coleslaw, spicy BBQ sauce and meats. No mashed potatoes and cheesy corn too rich. I should have asked more about the cheesy corn. Fast service and yummy.
(4)Leslie M.
Meats-recommend brisket, ribs and pork. Turkey was too deli-like. Sauce-mild = excellent, on the vinegary side. Spicey=overwhelmed with cayenne pepper, lost the flavor. Sides- beans were EXCELLENT (with meet and lots of bbq sauce). Coleslaw was sweet and great. Pass on the cheesy corn.. too liquidity.. Like corn in melted Velveeta, not very interesting. Bread wasn't anything special-toast, plain, not fresh (not worth extra cost on sandwiches). potato salad was very bland but fine. Staff was very friendly and helpful, thank you Justin G! Bathrooms were clean, new, and well maintained/clean.. Loved the faucets.
(4)Brittany S.
Jack Stack has the most amazing beef ribs that I have ever had in my entire life! From the moment you walk through the door, your mouth starts watering because it smells so amazing! The beef ribs are smoked perfectly, and the meat falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. The beef brisket and the cheesy corn are equally amazing. Everything is seasoned perfectly. If you're going to eat some excellent Kansas City barbecue, this is your place... You will not leave disappointed!
(5)Blondie R.
I loved this place! My daughter had just started med school in KC and had orientation all day. They were each given their coats and a box of human bones! Now, she was craving some ribs! We had dinner here, and it was close to the hotel where I was staying. We shared the Kansas City Combo with pork ribs, burnt ends, cole slaw, and hickory pit beans(we substitued beans for french fries). Burnt ends? Yeah, I never heard of them either, but they were dam good! Seared bite size chunks of brisket, ham, pork or sausage. I had a Jack's martini (dirty vodka) and it was wonderful. The service was OK, and the food was fabulous.
(5)Justin R.
I'm not sure where all these positive reviews are coming from. Apparently folks who don't know good BBQ. The best way to describe the taste of the BBQ is that Jack has apparently discovered a cooking technique that removes the taste from meat. It was the most bland BBQ I have ever had. On top of that, our drink orders were wrong from the bar and they sat us at a table that required one of our party to duck out of the way of motoring servers constantly. Decor was nice, apps were good, BBQ was terrible. Never going back.
(2)Troy D.
There are some folks who must have BBQ when they visit KC. I take them here. The place is pretty upscale for a BBQ joint, and rightfully so. (I mean, it's on the Plaza.) The Q itself? Is pretty good. The sauce is just right for me, and the portions are pretty generous. The service is terrific and the atmosphere is good for a night out on the town. Is it the BEST BBQ in KC? That's really hard to say -- because tastes and experience vary so much. I will say this: it's polished, and the folks know what they're doing. Make reservations, 'cause the place gets BUSY on Friday and Saturday nights. Stop in, and you'll see why.
(4)Andrew F.
It takes less time to get a table than it takes to read half these reviews. BUT I am a local and can tell you Jack Stack has lowered their portions significantly in the last few months. Very noticable. Others agree. Same prices but 35-40% less food.
(2)Jessica C.
I love ribs. Dry or wet, I don't care. I'll take them however I can get them. The pork ribs here were very tasty. A little fatty, but overall a nice wet rib. The chicken was nothing special. In fact, it tasted like sauce and nothing else. The beans were a bit of a disappointment. I was really looking forward to trying some KC beans with burnt ends in them, but these tasted overwhelmingly of the house sauce. I've definitely had better beans. Overall, this was good barbecue, but it didn't blow me away the way I thought Kansas City would.
(3)Joe L.
I had an excellent business meal here a few weeks ago. Our server was excellent and very attentive. We had onion rings for an appetizer and I had an excellent, flavorful caesar salad. Most of us ordered combo plates, and my consisted on burnt ends and baby back ribs with beans and french fries. Everything was really good. We agreed that Oklahoma Joes may have better sauce, but the beans here were top notch. My ribs were perfect.
(5)Clifford S.
I rarely give a two but I was not happy with this place. Had Arthur Bryant's yesterday so I thought, cool, more great barbeque but in a more upscale location. Well, it was a more upscale location but the ribs were dry, the burnt ends were super fatty and they were out of the carrot cake. The beans were good. Nice waitress and comfy booths, big deal. I want the real deal barbeque. You should too.
(2)Tim M.
Meh. Had the baby back ribs which were fine but tasted oven-baked without much smoke flavor. BBQ sauce tasted like spicy ketchup rather than a good vinegar-based tomato-flavored sauce. My wife had pork, which was sliced rather than pulled, and brisket which was fine. Bottom line - everything was ok, nothing great. Service was fast and polite.
(3)John F.
Definitely a solid choice for good BBQ in Kansas City. The patio can be a bit cramped at peak hours, but once you get your food, your problems melt away with the beans!
(5)Eric L.
Do yourself a favor and check this place out if you're in KC! I had the giant plate of food recommended by the waiter, "Jacks Best." It was way more food than I could have eaten by myself, but I knew that going in. The waiter said this one plate had everything they were known for on it, so I wanted to see what I liked best. Turns out, it was the Crown Prime Beef Rib. Fantastic! But really everything was good, from the kids' grilled cheeses to my wife's pork sandwich. Next time I'll just order the crown prime and skip the appetizer. Service was great. They were busy at 830 on Sunday night, but there was no wait. Highly recommended!
(5)Garen M.
Met some friends here for Sunday lunch. The staff was very accomodating even though they had 3 young children with them. The lunch was good. I enjoyed the cheesy corn sides as much as I did my burnt pork ends. The rest of the table had pulled pork sandwiches and beef ribs. I coveted my friends cheesy potatoes. Not a top BBQ spot, but nicely served and great surroundings.
(4)Stephanie C.
Best BBQ I've ever had! Brunt ends and short rib are so tender they are like pot roast! Jacks Best is a must have and enough for 2!!
(5)Meghan M.
If you're scared of food served at a gas station or crossing the irrationally feared Troost Ave, then this bbq will suffice. I consider it fancy man bbq. It has cloth napkins, waiter service, intentional ambience, and higher prices. I like their rib platter, and I'm obsessed with their cheesy corn. Everything else is good to good enough, but for an authentic KC experience, I would recommend other places (first & foremost, OK Joe's).
(4)Joey H.
The best BBQ I've had. Tender, but not greasy ribs, and a good selection of meats. Sauce was a bit too subtle for me, but the quality of the meat made up for it. Full service dining is also a plus.
(5)Abbey A.
Parent-approved KC BBQ. I prefer the grittiness of a Gates or Arthur Bryant's or the great outdoor ambience of Woodyard, but there's no doubt Jack Stack makes some truly delicious, high quality food.
(4)Ray L.
I was hoping to go to a more local-feeling type of place for my first taste of KC BBQ, but this was close to my hotel and had good reviews. I don't regret it. I was first intimidated by what looked like a long wait, but I was able to go straight to the bar for my meal (and a beer). Having heard of KC's burnt ends, that's what I ordered. Half brisket and half sausage. It was yummy. I'm not educated enough on BBQ to talk about the complexity of the sauce, but it was sweet and yummy. They don't drench the meat in it either, which is fine, because the smokiness in the meat alone deserves some applause. The beans were on the sweeter side, which I like, and the creamy coleslaw was definitely creamy (haha, I'm not big on coleslaw). The beer I had was Boulevard's Short Stack - Nommo Dubbel. On the darker side, a little malty. Nice warm beer. Comparable to a Smithicks, I think. I'm a fan. (I later tried Boulevard's wheat beer at another place and found it way too light). Ambience was nice. It's a dressed up restaurant, yet marked casual by the TVs at the tables and, obviously, the casual cuisine. Everyone around me was from out of town, so not sure what the locals think of it. Found it perfectly enjoyable though.
(4)Susan D.
I *heart* Fiorella's! Last week, I went to this plaza location for the first time but, I've been a fan of the downtown location for many years. Also for the first time, I didn't order bbq (love the brisket sandwich) but rather, their grilled shrimp dish. It was well prepared and presented. I enjoyed my spinach salad, cheesy corn, coleslaw and the 1/2 order of fried mushrooms we ordered for an appetizer as well. Carrot cake was the finishing touch and it was a perfect end to a delicious meal. The only problem was that our server was a lil absent. Normally not a biggie but when you're in a nice restaurant like that, you expect a lil more. We waited quite a while after we'd finished eating and finally had to request her so we could order dessert. Maybe it was just an unusually busy night for her, or she wasn't feeling well. I'd recommend Fiorella's for a date, nice family night, business meal or whatever. I'm a fan! See ya there! :)
(4)Nate H.
So of course I went with the sampler, because who wouldn't? Great mix of all their precious babies: burnt ends, ribs, chicken, and sausage. This place was very cool, an urban feel with a backyard barbecue flavor. Would definitely recommend to anyone who's in Kansas City.
(4)Joyce C.
We wanted KC BBQ, but we're traveling cross country with two small dogs, which limits our choices in 94 degree heat. Picked Jack Stack for their patio dining, where they allowed us to have our dogs. They even brought them water. I had the a combo of lamb and pork ribs with the hot sauce. Meat was tender and flavorful, sauce spicy enough for a little kick without obliterating the taste of meats. We saved room for a shared piece of their pudding-like carrot cake; well worth the calories. Service was friendly and efficient. If we're ever back in KC we'll visit Jack Stack again.
(5)Stacie E.
Ask for the secret apatiser. 3 stuffed mushrooms 3 onion rings 11.95!!! Awesome
(5)Ashley N.
This food was RIDIC. That's all I can say.
(5)Mary Z.
While visiting KC, my friend and I ate here both nights of our stay. It was the first night that convinced us to return: we are very tough critics of American food, but the food and service here would be difficult to improve. Both nights we came after 7 and had about a 20 minute wait. But it was graduation weekend, and the wait was shorter than the hostess told us it would be. And it's funny that both nights we ended up with the same waiter. Night 1, we both ordered the Jack Stack Combo with lamb ribs & burnt ends. I got broccoli for a side and she got beans, so we could taste each. For drinks, she had a Strawberry Shortcake cocktail and I the on-tap Boulevard Farmhouse Ale 7. Food arrived super fast, down to the extra side of spicy bbq sauce. Burnt ends were the big cubes of well-marbled, beefy goodness we expected, drizzled lightly with the same sauce. But those lamb ribs were a carnivore's ambrosia, possibly the most succulent lamb AND barbecue I have ever eaten...we were unable to refrain from making inappropriate noises while eating them. People stared and whispered about us. We didn't care. Try the lamb ribs and you will understand why. My broccoli was more tender than tender crisp, but bright green and dusted with parmesan...mmm. Her beans were tangy, piquant, and laced with some kind of pulled meat. As for the drinks, my ale tasted bright yet hearty. Her Strawberry Shortcake was waaaaaay too sweet for me but perfect for her. It was also alarmingly potent. We had to wait around a while for her to sober up sufficiently to make the hill climb back to our hotel. Jack Stack on Day 2 was equally exceptional. It strikes me that nothing arrived overly salted either day. That is so rare! As much as we try to be adventurous, we HAD to have those lamb ribs again. So we ordered the same combo but changed our veggies and our other meat: I tried the vegetable kabob and dark meat quarter chicken while she got the fire grilled veggies and white meat quarter chicken. Also, she opted for a mango martini while I stuck with water. This time, there seemed to be even more of the same scrumptious ribs. As for the chicken, all parts were juicy, fall-apart tender, smoky, and perfectly sauced. The vegetables were very similar, though the kabob included little corn cob wheels and the fire-grilled ones included sugar snap peas and that same parmesan. My friend savored her martini throughout the meal, having learned her lesson the hard way. It appeared even stronger than the Shortcake. Only two minor things didn't make sense: the toasted plain white bread accompanying our meals, and the white horseradish sauce that came with mine on day 2. They were unnecessary adornments.
(5)Tara F.
Ehhh... I don't really get what the fuss is about. My husband and I visited Jack Stack while on a cross country road trip... and after reading such great reviews on Yelp maybe I expected too much... it was pretty mediocre and our service wasn't great either. My husband and I drove to this cute Freight House Building and though WOW... this is a cute location and the inside proved to be just as high end BBQ place perfect in terms of decor and space layout. Exposed beams, impossibly high ceilings, cool art... it was rustic chic... and I like that. We cozied up to the bar, awaiting an open booth (we like to sit next to each other when we dine) and had a good chat with the bartender. He made wine recommendations and we took his advice... trying the Consentino Cigarzin Zinfandel... it was VERY GOOD and paired nicely with our BBQ (though the food was sort of a let down). About midway through our first glass of wine, our table was ready and we made our way to a nice booth that overlooked the entire restaurant... sort of a rounded bench type right in the corner... it was a great table and I like that! We started out with their Burnt Ends... Beef, Ham, or Pork that is seared until tender and cut into bite-size chunks for $7.95. They'd seem to get a lot of mention and they were pretty tasty. For the price, you get a decent size portion. Next we opted on splitting the Three Ribs on a Platter which includes Beef, Pork and Lamb Ribs as well as coleslaw and french fries for $19.95. They were all good, but nothing really exceptional. We were very curious to try the lamb ribs but the flavor (and we love lamb) was a little off. We finished off our meal with our favorite... creme brulee... but unbeknown to us, it was orange flavored and I am not a fan of flavored creme brulee. I wish it would have said this in their menu or that our server had made mention because I'd have tried something else. Finally we were ready to leave and our server was no where to be found. He wasn't really friendly, didn't ask us why we didn't eat the creme brulee, and was sort of curt. For a Zagat rated restaurant their food was not impressive and it's too bad because they have a lot going for them in terms of aesthetics and it's natural (well designed, actually) ambiance. I think I'll try Jack Stack's again and here's to hoping 'll have a better experience this time around.
(3)Stephanie B.
This restaurant came highly recommended by another fellow yelper. Therefore, I came here expecting high quality eats and service. I am sad to say, that I can't say that I came away from my dining experience with the "warm & fuzzies". Before I get into the negative, let's discuss the positive: 1.) When you walk in, the wonderful smells of BBQ makes your mouth water. 2.) The decor is pleasing to the eye. It's all leather and bovine figurines/carvings/sculptures. It screams: "Our cows are delicious!" Let's go over my list of grievances. 1.) When you walk in, the wonderful smells of BBQ makes your mouth water. I know what you're thinking: "Stephanie, didn't you list this as a positive aspect?" YES. I did. THAT was false advertising. I expected the quality of the plated product to meet my olfactory expectations. It did not. From all of the photos, reviews, and tips, I was hoping that I too, would have a raving review to share. News Flash: I DO NOT. I ordered the 2 meat lunch combo, which seemed safe enough. I got the beef burnt ends, and the sliced turkey. As a side option, I ordered 2 small sides: potato salad, and cole slaw. The cost of aforementioned combo was roughly $14.00. The cost isn't unreasonable, but the QUALITY of the product had me coming away thinking this was severely overpriced. The burnt ends weren't too bad, but they were bland, and there was a dollop of equally bland BBQ sauce that was plopped on (yeah, that word doesn't make it sound appetizing, and trust me, it wasn't). Let's talk about the other "meat" that was dropped on the other side of my plate and brought to my table in a poor excuse for something appetizing. 2.) The other meat selection: "turkey". I use this term loosely. VERY LOOSELY. The menu advertised the "turkey" as "smoked". Now, I am no connoisseur, but I have had my fair share of many a "smoked meat". Every time that I have ordered smoked turkey, it has come typically as "thick cuts", tender, more on the dry end of moist, but moist nonetheless. That being said, the "turkey" that was displayed on my plate was thinly cut, and was "sweaty" (in other words, it had the consistency of thin cuts of turkey that you could find at your grocery deli counter, that was probably nuked in the microwave to take the chill from the fridge out of it). If you want me to elaborate on what it tasted like, I am sad to say I cannot report that, as I didn't dare touch that "meat" to my lips. It didn't even look appetizing enough to put in a "doggy bag" to take home to my neighborhood pooch, if you get my drift. 3.) Let's talk sides. As you'll recall, I ordered the potato salad, as well as the coleslaw. Remember how I said my "turkey" was reminiscent of my lunch meat I've seen at the deli counter? Well, the potato salad AND the coleslaw must've come from the same grocery store that they bought the "turkey" from. Not good. I'm quite certain I've had better from my local Safeway/Giant. Bland, unappetizing, and had me regretting my order. I would've rather gone without either option, had I had the chance. 4.) The service. Let's talk about the service. I won't bash my server too much, as he seemed to be new, and had a case of the jitters. He started out attentive, but became less so as the meal went on. At one point, my meal came out missing the coleslaw. Ok, that's an easy mistake, but what made this so bad was that it took almost 25 mins (after this mistake was brought to the server's attention) to get a small little bowl of coleslaw brought out to me. Seriously? How long does it take to scoop some colse slaw into a bowl? In this case, TWENTY FIVE minutes. Unacceptable. They weren't that busy, and at no point during the meal did anyone (not the table runners nor the server) apologize for the mistake. I wasn't expecting groveling, but just having someone acknowledge the slip up would've been nice. The only time that the server apologized was when he handed me the check, which to me, seemed like a last ditch effort to prevent a lower tip percentage. (And for the record, I still tipped 20%, because I chalked this up to a rookie mistake.) Another problem I had with the service: I felt that the server kept rushing us. Keep in mind that with all the mistakes (missing side items, lack of drink refills, etc) this prolonged our dining experience. There were several times our server came to our table to "take some of the plates out of the way", when instead, he should've been concerned with tracking down my missing coleslaw, or bringing me a coke refill. He brought our check to the table while 2 out of 3 of us were still eating (and had well over 50% of our food on our plates). You would've thought that it was near closing time with the way he was trying with the way he was trying to rush us out of there. Never mind that we could've been done 25 mins earlier, had my coleslaw not been M.I.A...just saying.
(1)Brandon R.
Their cheesy corn and carrot cake are two of the best things I've ever experienced personally. Seriously that's really all I have to write about if you've experienced this personally. The only reason this review isn't going to be 5 stars is because the brisket I ordered was very high in fat content. The carrot cake is served warm and is a very large piece, the portion is plenty for 2 (stretch it to 3 easy). The cheesy corn is a side that could almost be converted to an entree. I wish I could convey all the points of the flavor. Smokey cheesy goodness with what I suspect may have been a hint of bacon. But overall everything I experienced there with a party of around 7 people total was delightful. Great service, and a guy with a handlebar mustache who was in his 20s. I'm Impressed and the food wasn't terribly priced either. So if you want to class it up without breaking the bank, I'd certainly recommend this place because of the atmosphere and this location had great service.
(4)Brian M.
First visit and would definitely be back. Good atmosphere great service and good was very good. Baby back ribs perfectly tender and chicken had great flavor.
(4)Kyle F.
Ate here after taking a suggestion from a good friend who lived here. It was great advise. The food and service did not disappoint! They have a great selection of local brews and good wine list. I had the sampler so I could try a little of everything and all of it was good especially their beans, ribs, chicken and sausage. Make a reservation.
(4)Funda W.
Yummy!!! Tasty BBQ and cheesy corn!
(5)Erik S.
My family had a terrific meal here. We ended up having BBQ twice in a day: first Arthur Bryant's, then here. Jack Stack won our little contest in a blowout. We got some of the same items, including pork ribs, at both places, and the contrast was dramatic. Here, the meat was tender, the sides were excellent, the beer was good, and the service was quick and attentive. The menu and staff were both great for my nine-year-old, too. Outstanding all around.
(5)Ernie K.
The Best BBQ ever!!! This is second time coming to this restaurant (I have been to one in Overland Park) and by far, this is the best BBQ restaurant I have ever been to and who cares if you have to wait an hour. You think Texas has a great BBQ, you need to think again (I now live in Dallas and you can't compare Jack Stack BBQ to anything in Dallas). I would fly to Kansas City just to eat here. Maybe eat here and to meet gorgeous KC girls :D
(5)Heather W.
Had sampler chicken was amazing! Also had cheesy corn and beans very good! The smell when you first walk in is incredible!
(4)Amy C.
My husband picked this place out while we were shopping at Country Club Plaza. I'm glad he did the picking. This place was phenomenal! My husband ended up getting burnt ends and BBQ chicken. I got prime rib sandwich which was amazing! The au jus hit the spot! I also got a loaded baked potato. The atmosphere was good. But it just seemed like a normal restaurant. Nothing spectacular. When we do see a Jack Stack's BBQ place...we will definitely come again!
(5)Jessica E.
Not too shabby, Fiorella. Giving four stars to a BBQ place is a pretty big step for me considering I'm not a HUGE fan of BBQ (hold those gasps). Yes, I'm a KC native...but slabs of meat drenched in thick sauces isn't my first choice for a meal. Regardless, the food was ridiculously good here. My boyfriend's brother was in town and we decided to give him a small taste (ha) of the KC BBQ scene. We sat at the bar to keep tabs on March Madness and even for 9pm on St. Patrick's Night, it wasn't too busy. Sat right away and ordered the two meat option (sausage and ham), fries, cheesy baked potatoes and a light Irish beer (awesome, btw). The meat was cooked to perfection, and unlike some restaurants, did not lack flavor nor was it dry. Props! Tried the hot sauce, should've gone spicy...I thought there would be more of a kick to it. The bartenders were impressively attentive and the manager did a great job of making sure our orders were perfect. Ate a spoonful (maybe more) of K's cheesy corn bake and yup, it's as awesome as everyone says. Yes, I've been to Oklahoma Joe's, Arthur Bryant's and Gate's. All have their unique takes, but I must say that I appreciate the clean, dining experience of Jack Stack. More importantly, I was able to use the bathroom without pouring hand sanitizer down my appendages afterwards. I will definitely be back for seconds.
(4)Vince D.
Lamb ribs wow. Pork ribs, pretty good. Spices beans, yes mama. Jacks stack house is a solid BBQ experience, but is it a classic, not sure. The BBQ sauce was a big disappointment. The quality of the meat is close to a five star. The seasoning and sauces lack luster.
(3)Toni M.
We are in Kansas City suddenly and unexpectedly for the funeral of our beloved sister-in-law, Lois. Last night after we arrived and checked in to our hotel we went over to the house to see the family, Bob and their two daughters, Linda and Betsy. A friend of Linda's had brought BBQ from Jack Stack, brisket, turkey, coleslaw and potato salad and that, along w/ assorted vegetables and cut up oranges and tangerines, was our dinner. The brisket was smokey and fork tender. We didn't taste the turkey, but Linda said positive things about it. I liked both the coleslaw and potato salad, which had a little more mayo than would please Tam, but had good flavor. It won't displace Danny Edwards at the top of our BBQ pantheon but it was damn good and a fitting gastronomic welcome back to KC.
(4)Marc M.
This is the most recent location for a Kansas City and BBQ stable. This place seriously gets rated as THE top BBQ restaurant in all of the US. If you think that BBQ has to be a hole-in-wall, heart-attack-if-you-eat-it, middle-of-no-where place, after visiting here you will understand why it is so highly rated and yet in the middle of the upscale Country Club Plaza area of KC. We came for lunch and did not have to wait before noon on a Thursday, but as we left an hour later, there was a wait. This location is pretty big, but I can see how people would want to wait for the food. The bar area is big and well-stocked, so waiting may not be that hard... Our server was excellent. Again, this a BBQ restaurant. You don't expect to necessarily have attentive, knowledgeable, friendly service. She offered up the extra sauces when the food arrived, but we originally declined. After a few tastes, we were curious about the "spicy" and "hot" sauces. We asked for "spicy", which turned out to not be too hot/spicy, so we asked for the "hot", which had a pretty good zip to it. I had Baby Back Lunch [ribs], which were good. I went for the two most popular sides of beans and creamed-cheese-corn. I can see why they won awards for these. My coworker has turkey and pork platter with the beans a side of asparagus. The asparagus was the best thing we ate - not that anything was bad - but it was coated in olive oil and their special seasoning and then grilled over hickory. The flavor was incredible! I had been to another location, but this was the first time for my coworker - a native Texan BBQ eater. He was duly impressed and this meal made our day!
(5)Tony P.
Brisket, Prime Beef Ribs, Pork Ribs, Beans, Cheesy Corn Bake, Onion Rings, and Fried Mushrooms are the cream of the crop here. Sauce is great too. Burnt ends are hit and miss 50/50. Fries could be better. This location is nice, but I prefer the original location.
(4)Reed N.
Still great service here and attention to a lot of details. Excellent grilled Mahi Mahi was the fish of the day. And the spinach salad with roasted pecans and strawberries and feta is just awesome. Or did I mean the creme brulee. Oh... never mind! Good eats are here beyond the BBQ.
(4)Stefanie P.
I did my research on KC BBQ and had gotten lots of recommendations. Only a few had mentioned "Jack Stack" so we took the risk and did it. It was awesome. We got the sampler/combo dinner place with Pork Ribs, Beef Ribs, Burnt Ends, sliced meat and sides of onion rings, fries, cheesy corn bake. Everything was very good, my favorite was PORK RIBS. So sweet, so juicy, just typing this makes me want to go back. The Cheesy Corn Bake was probably the best side I've ever had ever. Skip the bread, skip any appetizers, you'll have plenty of food with your dinner. This location got very busy with families around lunch time, so go early or make reservations. Dark wood atmosphere. Cool place. Price was about $13 a platter, but lunch menu is a bit more affordable. No lunch on Sundays.
(4)Richie F.
Best baby backs I've ever had in my life! I ordered a full rack and shared Jackson best with my mom so I wag able to try all of the ribs (we also got a dude if lamb ribs). Food was fantastic and came out hot and perfect. The meat was so tender it almost slid off the bone. Service was a tad show but was very friendly and accommodating. Also have an amazing variety of barbecue sauce. Can't wait fir am excuse to come here again!
(5)Faith B.
You know, Jack Stack is catered into our office constantly. The smell wafts through the building and smokes the joint up.I am not a carnivore, but I have sampled their slaw and sides repeatedly. I've eaten their fish. All in all, I've just never been impressed. When I dined in, the waitress spilled a glass of water all over me. My fish was under cooked. My onion rings were just average. The coleslaw is just fine. I don't hate them, but I don't love them. I think KC can do and has done better.
(2)San T.
The ribs were amazing and the coleslaw and beans were also good. But my dinner would have been great if I were given napkins and utensil when I ordered take out. I really enjoyed the taste and the flavor, but not being able to enjoy the sides made it really frustrating. I couldn't finished the sides because I had to slurp it. When traveling and stay at a hotel, having the little things like napkins and utensils goes a long way.
(3)Katie W.
I've never understood the hype around Jack Stack. Maybe it's just not my kind of BBQ. I do like their sauce, cheesy corn bake, baked beans, sliced beef and desserts. I've been to all Jack Stack locations. I've been to events where they've catered. Everyone's excited, "Oh, Jack Stack?!" Then, I'm over here like, "Oh. Jack Stack. Ok." Appetizers: the onion rings are great. The fried mushrooms aren't filled with anything which is totally OK, but pretty watery. The horseradish sauce was yummy. I've never been served anything more than warm meat. The turkey I ordered last night wasn't even warm and still has the clear jelly residue attached. The sliced meat with beef and turkey with a loaded potato was $15 and the portion size left much to be desired. Ribs, burnt ends, sliced beef. I didn't ask about the pulled pork sandwich that someone had. All just ok. The baked beans are great. I didn't get cheesy corn this time. Everyone ordered a dessert and we all shared. The brownie needed the ice cream it came with...super rich! The bread pudding was kind of blah. The carrot cake was uh-mazing! It was topped with what seemed like cream cheese icing with a little cinnamon and pecans. My mouth is watering now. Never bad service. Always clean. Just not my BBQ place.
(3)David V.
Ok. Came in reading it was pretty good, but expensive. So the wife had her salmon, and I had the three combo with beef ribs, pork ribs, dark meat chicken. White bread, fries and their beans on the side. The whole mess on my plate was $24, which isn't bad. And the plate they brought was huge and well proportioned. Now. Quality. Holy moly. All the meats were delicious, and the beans were the best. The wife is not a baked bean eater, yet she poached the plate. BBQ sauce. Not even necessary. And I didn't even get their "signature" plates. It just wasn't necessary. Excellent food. Great service. Minimal wait. Good drinks. Highly recommend.
(5)Lena D.
Yaas! Meat! Patio seating! Meat! We had a lovely late lunch outside on the patio. We were seated immediately and both hostesses were friendly and accomodating. We had the beef burnt ends, they were delicious. Highly recommended. For my entree, I had the sliced meat plate with turkey and pork. Neither of these meats required any sauce, they were juicy all on their own. You're able to get one large side or 2 small, so I opted for the grilled veggie kabob. My husband had the pork ribs and lamb ribs. Yes yes yes get the lamb ribs. Fall off the bone, flavorful fantastic. Our server Miranda was quick efficient and kept my iced tea filled. We really had a lovely experience.
(5)Rick R.
The sample platter is a lot of food and a good way to determine your favorite BBQ meats, ribs, beef or pork burnt ends, sausage, ham or chicken. I went with BBQ beef & pork burnt ends, ribs & chicken. The meat is tender, smoked and delicious. I do prefer lean cuts and therefore liked the chicken as much as anything. Anthony was my waiter. He was extremely attentive. The hostess stopped by as well. The food and service were impressive and memorable. The atmosphere was casual and friendly.
(5)Trev W.
Kansas City BBQ Located in The Plaza district, Jacks BBQ is one of those landmark BBQ joints that really sums up the best of local cuisine. On most nights I would recommend maybe calling ahead to book a table, we arrived on a Friday night and it was packed with a 30min wait time. Split up into two parts, regular dining area and bar area with booths. I was not a fan tho of each booth having a TV inches away from your face. Dinner: -Burnt ends to start We were recommended these by a few locals before we went. Not bad, however they are nearly a meal in itself. - Ultimate Rib Dinner Wow, soo much food, the shank was massive and probably the second best I've ever had. The ribs were ok, not bad but really not the best I've had. I do recommend the beans as a side. - Carrot Cake Legit! Worth getting if you can stomach it after dinner. Worth it for sure! I like the decor, the staff were great and food was great. I know it's Kansas City BBQ and yes it was good, I personally think it was far to much food for one person. You really need to prepare before you go. Also your clothes may need dry cleaning after because you'll smell like ribs for days. Overall Food: 4-5 Drink: 5-5 (local beer is good) Service: 5-5 Coming back: yes
(4)Benjamin B.
I love BBQ. I may display Carolina style preferences, but I'm pretty equal opportunity across the BBQ world. I was initially reluctant to try Jack Stack because of its more upscale atmosphere and multiple locations in trendy neighborhoods, but I I'm very glad I did. The one thing you can take away from this: TRY THE LAMB RIBS I wanted to get a sampling of everything on the menu and we were on our way to a KC Royals game, so I ordered the Ultimate Rib Dinner for us to share over some drinks. Everything was excellent, but more than any other item I loved the lamb ribs. They're a bit small... and we were sharing. If it hadn't been for time constraints I would have ordered an entire rack of them for myself. I'd like to note that like everywhere else I ate in town they seem to have a nice selection of local beers from Boulevard. Highly recommended!
(4)Allister D.
So this was the first pit-stop to my BBQ adventure in KC. First off, I do love it's location. It's located inside The Plaza which is a beautiful Spanish-style outdoor shopping center. Jack Stack isn't too hard to find; it's literally within the first plaza. Jack Stack is sorta like an upscale restaurant with an intimate atmosphere. This would be a great place for a family gathering or a date with your gf/bf. The dim lighting creates this romantic vibe with the smell of BBQ ribs in the air; it all goes well! Since it was lunch time, I ended up having the baby back rib lunch special which were two short racks with their special BBQ sauce. The meat fell off the bone and was nice & tender. It was soft to chew and literally melted in my mouth. Their sauce was smoky but with an overall sweetened flavor. Their ribs is a must try! I ordered two sides to go along with my ribs; their hickory pit beans were on point! it was sweet yet it had a nice tang to give a better bite. My favorite was their cheesy corn bake!! OMG this was basically a cheesy macaroni & cheese side but using softly cooked corn instead of the macaroni pasta. This went well with everything. For $14 this was an ultimate steal for a great lunch price! I will def be coming back for more..
(4)Michael H.
Can't beat the burnt ends and pit beans. Phenomenal KC style BBQ in a nice restaurant setting. Friendly staff and and great decor. Not a side of the road place for sure, but well worth a stop.
(5)Stephen K.
Ordered this past weekend (Labor Day) multiple meals for a gathering. Ordered on the phone and was instructed to pickup in 20 minutes. Arrived, paid and drove off. All meals were correct, dang good as always and efficient. A reliable staple not only in the BBQ circuit but as a family meal that everyone can select from and find to their liking. Always safe with no surprises or disappointments.
(4)Kristina G.
So. Wow. This was amazing. Truly amazing BBQ. We got the BBQ lunch combo with the crown rib and lamb. All the meat just melts away under your fork. And the spices were so packed full of flavor but not one bite was overwhelming or too much of any one flavor. The Burnt Ends are just as good as everyone hypes them up to be! We got half beef, half pork. :) We also noticed a lot of the staff being very attentive and friendly with patrons, not just their own tables. Our server-Daniel M, was helpful in what to try for our first visit and checked in regularly with us. He was a great first introduction to the staff there! Overall, we were very impressed with the atmosphere and the food. We travel a lot and we frequently return places/cities we enjoy. This is one we will be back on many occasions just to enjoy the entire package of this place. Only con: the meat is fatty, go with the salmon if you feel you want a lighter meal.
(5)Caitlin M.
We were told we had to get BBQ in Kansas City and this was a place that was highly recommended. We are so glad we came here. Definitely gave us a good impression of KC BBQ! We were especially enamored with the Jack's Smokin' Mary. Their bloody mary mix is so good that they bottle it and sell it. The best part is the burnt-end stuffed olives! Full review at outforbloodies.com .
(5)Jean L.
My friends have been raving about this place since I got off the plane. Needless to say, I was super excited to try it. The time came when we arrived on a Friday night around 7:30pm. The wait was about 45 minutes, which wasn't a big deal since there were couple of open seats at the bar and sports on tv to entertain. The service all around from getting a buzzer for seating to our waiter being super awesome, I give thumbs up for service. Finally, we were seated and let the eating begin! We started with chicken wings. Then one friend ordered beef/bacon/onion ring sandwich. My other friend and I shared a full order of beef ribs with 3 sides (potato salad, cheesy corn, and baked beans.) Perhaps our eyes were bigger than our stomach because the full order of the ribs were barely touched after 2 each. The flavors were really deep into the meat and the sides were super tasty especially the cheesy corn, there were even ham/bacon bits mixed in, and the baked beans went really well with the meat. Not to mention the original and spicy sauces to go with everything. Everything tasted fabulous going down, but a little over an hour later, my stomach wasn't too happy. In fact, the rest of the night and the next morning, I spent most of my time in the bathroom. One of my friends also had to release in the restroom, but her situation wasn't as bad as mine. The other friend had no problems. I don't know what the culprit could be since I was fine the whole day, but maybe I over ate or my stomach wasn't use to this type of food. Either way, I can't say that I'll be having bbq ribs any time soon.
(2)Elizabeth A.
Loots of food, share the plates! The burnt ends were pretty good, actually everything was good. We went around 4:30pm on a Sunday and there was no wait. The staff was friendly and the local beer was good
(4)Tyler S.
ack stack is one my favorites BBQ restaurants in KC. If you are looking for a great meal stop here and you wouldnt be disappointed. Get the sample platter, which is a good mixers of BBQ!
(5)Melissa T H.
Annamari took great care of us! Hubby and I shared one entree: The 2 Crown Prime Rib dinner $29.99 - O.M.G. So unbelievably tender, full of deep marbled flavor, and HUGE: literally the size of my arm! And did I mention that it is oh-so-ridiculously tender succulent meat? Yeah. I want another one right now. One Crown Prime Rib is actually enough for me since it is basically a brisket cut on top of the rib. The sides were downright wonderful too: cheesy corn bake, BBQ beans and cheesy potatoes (we substituted cole slaw and fries) was amazing!!!!! Oh Jack Stack... please come to California!
(5)Sebastien S.
Ribs and ribs and ribs. Don't forget the barbecue beans and creme brulee. Food coma! Our waitress Abi is the best!
(5)Clarice O.
I should be ashamed of myself. Despite my denials of being narrow-minded, I am one sometimes. I held this longstanding bias against fancy BBQ joints. To me, "fancy BBQ joint" is a paradox and that people who go to fancy BBQ joints to have BBQ are heathens who would rather look nice than eat great BBQ. A great BBQ is as much about food as ambiance, which should be smoky and humble. If you want to start judging me for my narrow-mindedness, please do spare yourself the trouble, as I have already been schooled by Jack Stack. I heard a lot about Jack Stack while researching BBQ joints in Kansas City. Normally, I check out pictures more but my trip happened during busy season. So I made a list of purported legendary places to check out without really looking at pictures. Let me tell you how surprised and dismayed I was when I saw the nice, classy ambiance of the restaurant. True, I have a certain fondness for classy joints; and true, I am almost always dressed to be in a classy ambiance. But I so wanted to get stains on my pretty dress and this just was not the place to unleash my uncivilized meat-loving self. *sigh* Having said that, I was absolutely impressed with the friendliness and the welcoming attitude of the staff. Every single one we talked to was affable and the service was prompt and simply top-notch. The staff worked as a team and we were encouraged to feel free to ask help from anybody from the crew. But I was here for good BBQ that Kansas City is so renowned for. As mentioned, I was not optimistic about the food but I learnt that my narrow-mindedness was most definitely uncalled for. "Fancy" and "BBQ joint" are not necessarily mutually exclusive. We ordered the burnt ends, cheesy corn, Big Pig, and the baby back ribs. Every single one was just amazingly delicious. My least favorite of the bunch was the burnt ends, and only because my braces made eating them too much work. They were very tasty, though, and I know that I would love them more once the braces are off. The cheesy corn was simply addictive and I found myself needing a taste of it with my every bite. The ribs were also among the better ones I have had as of yet. But the Big Pig is what I can see myself going back repeatedly for. It is among my short list of foods I am willing to gain 6 sizes larger for. The ham, the bacon, the pulled pork...different delicious variations of my most favorite meat married with the creamy cheese and the onion ring.... On second thought, I would willingly gain 8 sizes for that sandwich. Fancy BBQ joints do exist and Jack Stack is proof. I have been schooled and I should be ashamed of being narrow-minded. Now if only I knew the meaning of the word "shame..."
(4)Jess L.
I had high hopes for this place after reading all of the rave reviews here on Yelp - I am really impressed by the active Yelp community here in KC. I am sad to report that I was a bit underwhelmed by my experience today. Had a half sweet/half unsweet tea to start, which was grand in taste, but didn't help with the fact that the restaurant was FREEZING. I managed to take down four pints of the stuff, regardless of the fact that I was so cold. Ordered a side Caesar salad next, which was delightful. Croutons were crisp on the outside, chewy in the middle. House made dressing was tangy but not overly anchovy-heavy. Romaine was gorgeous and green, and the flakes of parmesan were divine. Next up was a burnt ends lunch, and sadly, this is where the tale gets a little sad. The ends were dry and reeeeeally fatty - several were solid fat, which was a little difficult for me to take down. Thanks to my Mom for raising me a picky eater. The fries were hot/fresh/crisp on the outside, but not cooked thoroughly. On the plus side, service was superb. Brett took excellent care of me, keeping my tea glass full. The rest of the staff swooped in to remove empty plates mere moments after I took my last bites. Just lovely. Many other people from my group had great meals and similar experiences with the exemplary service staff - I'm hopeful on my next trip through that the food kicks it up a notch from my experience.
(3)Douglas W.
I guess I'm just not a fan of too much. Too much salt, too much smoke, too much heavy-handedness when it comes to their craft. I haven't had enough KC BBQ to say its a KC thing. There are those who say they have the best BBQ in the country. I've been here before and this is far from true. Great cooking no matter the cuisine takes fine ingredients and COMPLEMENTS them with the method of cooking and seasoning/smoke. It's a BALANCE of flavors. Great BBQ beef or pork should be tender, juicy, taste of the animal and then in the background smokey, never hot spicy but well seasoned. The lamb ribs were so salty I couldn't eat them. They were tender but black with smoke and over seasoned. Hickory is great in the background but theirs is too much and cloying. The burnt ends pork was dry and tough and I didn't love the original sauce. The spare ribs were tender but again I didn't like the seasoning. Your food shouldn't really be black. The slaw is ok, a little too sweet, the broccoli had too much garlic , the potato salad had too much relish and the beans were terrible with too much BBQ sauce and sugar. I didn't finish anything. I liked my wife's chicken 1/4 dark. Moist and not over smoked. I ordered some carrot cake and thought it was terrific. The bread pudding should be made from their toast NOT from croissant. It's not necessary. It's TOO MUCH. Disgusting and too dense. You do know croissants are 35% butter right? Maybe not. Following the theme? The fry seasoning contains GMOs and other ingredients that you shouldn't eat. Made me wonder what is in their rub and sauce. I don't think they know much about food. The service is great, the place is beautiful with prices to match. I wouldn't go back.
(2)Don J.
With its polished interior and upscale clientele, Jack Stack might be a city slicker's BBQ joint, but it serves up some great Kansas City style BBQ. Having lived in Texas for 15+ years, where the best BBQ is often served in run-down shacks by the side of a country road, the idea of a BBQ restaurant with valet parking really puzzled me. As the valet drove off with my vehicle and I walked past the brass statue of a bull in front of the entrance, I couldn't help feeling like a gullible tourist about to get suckered. I took some comfort in seeing that the place was packed - in fact, there was a 45 minute wait. Luckily, there were two seats just opening up at the bar, where you have access to the full menu. So much for the wait. I think I ordered something called "Jack's Platter" or "Jack's Choice". It's a great way to sample some of the excellent BBQ - it comes with pork ribs, "burnt ends" (delicious, but not really charred) and one beef rib, along with french fries and a side of your choice. I was wondering if one beef rib would be enough - but my doubt quickly disappeared when I saw the brontosaurus-sized slab that was placed in front of me. While Jack Stack does sauce their BBQ - a big "no no" in Texas - they wisely apply just enough to give some flavor, and not so much as to cover up the delicious hickory smokiness of the meat. If you're a sauce lover, you should say yes to the sauce on the side that is offered - but the meat is so well flavored that it's really unnecessary. The baked beans were absolutely amazing. The french fries were also great - hot and crispy without being overdone. Overall, a great meal.
(5)Jack A.
For those who want to experience Kansas City barbecue, Jack's has great KC barbecue (speaking as a Chicagoan). Great food, great service at one of the area's hallmark barbecue destinations. We got there early and the place filled up quickly. I sensed the service didn't miss a beat even when most of the tables were occupied.
(5)Sam P.
This is my "Go To" BBQ joint in KC! As a matter of fact, the folks I work with laugh at me because each month when I'm there I eat at Jack Stack's EVERY DAY! Why? Because they serve the most amazing Burnt Ends (Beef) on the freakin' planet!!! Here are some of my other favorites (Yep, you guessed right. If you eat here every day sooner or later you try just about everything!): - Fire Kissed Wings (No frying here... Just rubbed and smoked to goodness!) - Half BBQ Chicken - Burnt End Lunch (Your choice of two: Beef, Pork, Ham or Sausage) - Martin City Mayor (Ok, I regressed) - Baby Back Lunch (or dinner!) - Burnt End Stew - Wood Fired Chicken & Sausage Gumbo (Yes, NOLA forgive me!) - Sliced Meat Lunch Special - Kansas City Combo And the crown achievement: - Crown Prime Beef Short Rib If you get one of these Crown's and don't like it, please write to me and let me know. One day, I had issue with the Burnt Ends and told the server. Over came the manager and wanted to take care of my entire bill (They take that much pride!) I told her that wasn't necessary, and she gave me a complementary Carrot Cake to go (She recommended eating it over three breakfasts with a cup of strong coffee... Sorry to say it only lasted two breakfasts!) Love, love, love Jack Stack's... Sorry, no pictures (I ate it all before I could snap any!)
(5)Rachel S.
OMG good. Best BBQ we've ever had, but the carrot cake might have been the best part.
(5)Chris J.
I am a Texas BBQ kind of guy. I grew up in Kansas as a child. Have been in Texas the last 30 years. Coming home to see family for the weekend reminds me of the things I miss. Jacks BBQ is some of the finest BBQ ever. I ordered one of the house combination plates that was outstanding. As a general rule I am not a fan of baked beans. The BBQ beans just blew me away. Absolutely the best. As my second side item I selected the old "stand by", coleslaw. Again, I was impressed. You typically find a vinegar slaw, buttermilk slaw and a unique slaw found only in TN, KY you find red slaw. Not a fan of the red slaw. The slaw at Jacks has a unique flavor that I couldn't figure out but loved it. Between the upscale atmosphere, the fabulous BBQ, and the two sides, I give Jacks a solid FIVE star rating.
(5)Brad K.
Wow!!!! Where to start? I am here on business and this place was recommended and it didn't disappoint. I would recommend a particular item but they were all amazing. We ordered every side to try them all. Oh...maybe the French fries are a bit generic so skip those and order another side. Lastly, do yourself a favor and order the carrot cake for desert. 10 Stars!
(5)Dan L.
I stopped here for an impromptu lunch today and couldn't have asked for more from a KC barbecue joint. Meat, meat, and more meat! And just as I suspected, the burnt ends are the way to go.
(4)Lisa M.
We ordered the roundup which was an assortment if meats, it had very good flavor. We also ordered some smoked chicken white chili soup, delicious!!! We were supposed to get burnt ends with our order but those were not in the box when we got back to our hotel. Overall, very good flavor.
(4)Thomas H.
Superb BBQ. I went twice during a recent trip and had the Crown Prime beef rib, the baby-backs, short ribs, burnt ends, sliced bbq beef, the beans, cheesy potato, cheesy corn, beans, fried mushrooms..... Jeezus I almost died. So, my suggestion- get the crown prime beef rib. It is amazing. The ribs are also great. The sides are all killer. I did not like their burnt ends- Joe's Kansas City's are better. Get the meat hammer and thank me later. Double up on your BP meds. It's a little spendy though...
(4)Jill T.
We were told this was "the" place to go for BBQ. We called ahead , they didn't take reservations for two, but said we could be seated in about 20 minutes if we came right away. So we did. Upon arriving the place was packed, they said we could wait in bar, the wait 45 minutes. The bar was packed hot and loud! Hard to get service. We waited and waited, for over an hour. Finally seated us, right outside the noisy bar door & kitchen. The service was mediocre as was the bar-be-que.. Our baby backs were salty, burnt, and lacking meat. The sides were also pretty plain. I would not recommend this place or return to it. I have had better experiences at small road side Bar-be-que stands.
(1)Chris S.
This particular Jack Stack location isn't your typical Kansas City BBQ. You don't walk up, order at the counter and follow the trough line to the cashier. The food isn't served on a piece of paper of Styrofoam plate. And, is isn't cheap. Waiters don't sport white, BBQ stained aprons and you can't get a meal with a few dollar bills from your pocket. This Jack Stack (not all of them are like this) is the Mortons or Ruth Chris of BBQ. It's overpriced, it's a place to bring a date, not the family, has a high end feeling, dims their lights even at 3 in the afternoon, offers great service complete with dressed up wait staff and presentation is impressive. However, it all comes with a price-tag, one that you can decide it's net worth. Personally, I'd rather go to a more relaxed place, rather than feel like you're at a fancy restaurant - for BBQ. However, no one can argue the quality here. Jack Stack is hands down one of the best BBQ place in the country, but little value comes on each fancy plate. There's no cheap meal. A bowl of soup costs what a meal would at more laid back KC competitors. The portions are much smaller here, too. On the other hand, there's nothing at this Jack Stack that doesn't get a high grade. The meats, side dishes, staff and ambiance are top-notch when it comes to BBQ. You simply need to ask yourself if you're willing to pay $25 for a meal with a drink (yes, BBQ for that much, not a steak) and pay for service at atmosphere. If you do, come here. You can't go wrong.
(4)Penny S.
GREAT food and service - our first time, and Matthew walked is through and got is a great BBQ platter - Jacks Best - Yum!
(5)Samantha M.
Jack Stack's BBQ doesn't have that typical BBQ shack/gas station feel. It's a real sit down restaurant. Don't let that fool you into thinking it's not a real BBQ joint - it totally has the flavor to compete with the big guns. I ordered the ribs and burnt ends combo - it comes with coleslaw and fries and a slice of Texas toast. The burnt ends were a good size portion - at least an inch to an inch and a half sized cubes. They were so juicy - I almost thought that the BBQ sauce overpowered them! The ribs were great - falling off the bone. Would have liked to have had more sauce on them when they came out, but I was given a side dish of sauce to supplement. The Texas toast was lackluster and small but I wasn't at Jack Stack for for toast in the first place. Coleslaw and fries were typical - nothing out of the ordinary. The fries were more flavorful with the fries spices. Altogether, this place lived up to the hype.
(4)Kristian D.
OK, this place was my first best BBQ in Kansas City - before Q39. This review is for their Kansas City Combo with pork spare ribs, lamb ribs, beans, and French Fries. It seemed like the standard combo in KC is ribs and fries, but I am not complaining! I did not eat in the restaurant, but instead used their curbside pickup which was very nice. This location is in the Country Club area, and pulling up to the curb with the server coming to the car door was very easy. The pork ribs are legit with lots of smoky flavor and a solid BBQ sauce - not too sweet, just right. The lamb ribs were an unexpected treat. They had the same smoky, sweet taste of the pork ribs, but the delicious lamb flavor was very present and made for a unique treat. Lamb needs to make it on more BBQ menus across the country! The beans are legendary and did not disappoint. I would almost call them more of a BBQ stew with beans and meat, but they are sweet and savory all at once and just delicious. I guess they smoke them under the meat to catch the drippings which only makes me want them more! The French fries were a disappointment. They seemed to be standard foodservice frozen and not fried crispy. I would order another side or just double down on the beans. Nevertheless, Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbeque deserves to be in the top echelon of Kansas City BBQ.
(5)Marc T.
Always love Jack Stack on the Plaza- nice bar - great patio and good variety - the Crown ribs are fantastic ! As is the Jacks Martini - vodka olive juice and olives ! Ambience is good - great spot for a quick bite
(4)Alexandra C.
Pretty good, but not great. Pulled pork was super salty, tasty, a tiny bit too dry. The bbq chicken could have been more tender and juicy. Sides of beans were very tasty and season vegetables- too much oil. Others at the table were raving about their dishes and sides (burnt ends, ribs, cheesy corn bake and potatoes), so perhaps I just didn't order the best hting.
(3)Erika F.
WOW!!! Just.... WOW!!! Like... OMG... WOW!!! I've heard countless stories of how good this place is and how it's an "upscale BBQ" place and I never believed any of the stories until now. I went in here for dinner, I even got dressed up a little in a little red dress because of it's reputation. I walked in on a Tuesday night at 7pm expecting no wait or line... really, what place is crowded on a Tuesday night, right? THIS PLACE! This place had a 30 minute wait! I was flabbergasted. I put my name on the list and headed over to the bar for a drink before dinner. I ended up finding a place to sit at the bar and decided to have my meal there instead of waiting for a table - I was really hungry and only one person, so why waste an entire table on myself? I took my name off the wait list and ordered a Malbec and asked for a menu. The bartender was very helpful and super nice. I ordered a simple glass of wine and ended up getting a much larger pour than the traditional 5 oz.... this guy definitely knew the way to my heart, :-D. After thanking the gentlemen for the wine, I turned my attention to the menu... the delicious looking menu full of great choices. After much consideration and asking the option of the bartender and the gentlemen sitting next to me, I ordered the two meat plate. I chose the lamb ribs and the beef ribs with some extra original sauce on the side. I figured it was going to take a while since the place was so busy, but the bartender served me up my BBQ in 15 minutes. I was impressed. The lamb rib rack was a large amount for what I paid for the platter (a mere $20). And the beef ribs her HUGE! Like, a dinosaur rib... not really, but you get where I'm going with this. On the side was a grilled kabob of vegetables... YUM! I started out with the beef ribs since I've at least heard of beef ribs before. I bit into my first humongous rib and it put a smile on my face. The meat was tender and flavorful and it slid off the bone without being soggy... it was an absolute perfect combination. After devouring the first rib, I quickly ate the second in under .5 seconds. I took a second to eat some veggies - these were absolutely amazing but nothing compared to those ribs, LOL! I eyed the lamb ribs and sunk my teeth into the first rib. I was blown away with the flavor - they managed to not over power the lamb flavor while still incorporating their BBQ flavor. It was lovely. The entire experience was an absolutely charming one. The guy sitting next to me even offered to pay for my meal. I even managed to keep my dress BBQ free! I would absolutely recommend this place and will be going back again to try their other BBQ choices. Thank you!
(5)Mark R.
Wow is an understatement. Awesome more adequately describes the superb dining experience and the delectable morsels. From the unique tower of rings to the side of beans and finely blackened burnt ends of beef the flavors explode in your mouth. Jack Stacks is the best place for your fun family meal and quality meat filled cuisine. Make sure you take home sauce and save room for dessert or you will be sorry. The exquisite triple chocolate brownie with ice cream will give you all the energy you need to make it home to pass out from the gastronomic indulgence that is truly world class.
(5)Coal K.
Family and friends had recommended Jack Stack's BBQ to us as the best BBQ ever! As huge BBQ fan, that's a difficult claim to live up to. However, Fiorella's Jack lived up to its billing. They have the best baby back ribs I'd ever tasted. My wife had a sampler....The wings were phenonimal too. Jack Stack is not the hole-in-the-wall joint you typically find the best BBQ. The restaurant was clean and well-organized with a friendly staff. Recommend visiting during non peak times, (definately not a weekend night) to avoid a long wait.
(5)Rose P.
Yea it was ok. The burnt ends were burnt and dry. The ribs are ok. The ham was nice. Nothing too good but not too bad. had to wait an hour to get in though. Maybe normal KC process.
(3)Kathy S.
I love Oklahoma Joe's more than anything on earth, but sometimes it's nice to change it up and remember that there are other excellent places as well. Jack Stack's location and decor are fancy, but honestly, the food is still good ol' KC BBQ. I've been here many times and it's a pretty consistent experience. Because they don't take reservations, you're usually waiting at least 30-45 minutes minimum during dinner, but sometimes it goes a little faster. For our bachelorette party on a Saturday night, we were seated within 30 min, while the other Union Station location quoted over an hour wait. (Granted, it was during the Memorial Day concert/festivities at the Station...) On other Saturday nights, we've had to wait the full hour or more. My food favorites: Meats - Burnt ends, sausage, and chicken are where it's at. I've never gone wrong with these. The menu is really flexible - decide how many meats you want and in which combination, and it'll be on the menu somewhere. Whatever you order, make sure to ask for extra sauce! Sides - Cheesy corn is always my go-to, though Smokehouse still has my favorite. Dessert - If you're looking for heaven, you'll find it in Jack Stack's carrot cake. YUM. My only grumbles are the portion sizes, given the high prices. I guess it comes with the Plaza location. Either way, Jack Stack's will forever be one of my favorites!
(4)Grace L.
Had the beef and pork burnt ends, pork ribs, cheesy potatoes, veggie skewer, baked beans, and the carrots...everything was exceptional. The service was very fast once we were seated. My only regret is that I got too excited to eat and my food picture turned out blurry. Highly recommend all dishes, especially the unique and flavorful carrot dish.
(5)Seth H.
We came here after it was recommended by a friend. I was impressed by the entire meal, however the Prime Beef Ribs really stood out as being top notch. They just fell off the bone and were extremely flavorful. The sauces were decent as well and the sides were delicious. We had the fried mushrooms for an appetizer - I would recommend but it's a large portion so don't let it kill your appetite before getting to the main meal.
(4)Allie K.
Hubby and I came here with his parents for dinner. We had the BEST server, Tracy. She was informative and funny. We never had to ask for anything. Drinks were always full. She checked on us regularly and was always friendly. In-laws were prepared to order the baby back ribs until they saw the crown beef short ribs at another table. They got that instead and went on and on about how good they were. Hubby and I got a plate with pork spare ribs, brisket, ham, and sliced pork. The meat was tender and delicious. The sides- between the 4 of us, we had carrots, beans, cheesy corn, cheesy potatoes, and broccoli. The sides were all good but the beans were amazing. So were the roasted carrots. We had dessert. We made the mistake of ordering one a piece. You can easily share. They are huge. The carrot cake is good but the brownie is outrageous! A wonderful experience. Good food and excellent service.
(5)Jason A.
In town for business, and this was the closest and highest rated BBQ joint in walking distance. Definitely did not disappoint!!!! Jack's best all the way!!!
(4)Angela K.
Oh my! KC is renowned for their commitment to BBQ. We have, other the years, been to many but Fiorella's Jack Stack takes the prize. Settle in and let me tell you ALL about, just in case you are silly enough to ignore this review and go some place else. At least this way you live vicariously through Yelp, which is pretty much the whole point any way. We arrived at 7:30 on a Friday night and we were told there was a 20 minute wait. Not bad. We sat in the bar, where we could have had our meal. TVs with basketball, plenty of seating. We were contemplating getting a drink when our buzzer went off, a mere 10 minutes after we arrived. It was our first indication that time does indeed accelerate in parts of the universe. Where is Steven Hawking when you need him? We were seated at a table in the middle of the dining room, even though I would have preferred a comfy booth. The first of my two minor complaints is the table. The dining room is not very big and our table seemed to be right in the traffic pattern for everything from the kitchen to the bathroom. I was jostled and pushed into at least four times throughout our meal. We ordered a Sam Adams (eh) and a Sangrini, which was a delicious cross between a sangria and martini with Pinot noir, vodka, strawberry purée and lemonade. It packed a very yummy punch. I would recommend only one if you tend to be a light weight. But so delicious. Their wine list was impressive, including offering from the often hard-to-find Caymus label. Congrats if you understand the significance of that. Our server was great. She gave a great lesson on the different types of meats/ribs, giving us the pros and cons of each so we could find what suited our tastes. I was impressed with her knowledge of the menu (and I never comment on that). We ordered the full slab of baby back pork ribs with original sauce. We got three sides for which we chose the much balley-hooed cheesy corn, baked beans and baked potato. The ribs were excellent. Juicy, almost (which is perfect) falling off the bone, meaty ribs. After every third bite, one of us said "these are awesome" or some variation thereof. The sides were great too. My guy loved and devoured the baked beans. I hate beans of any sort and after 21 years of marriage, he knows this. That he would even SUGGEST I try them is the ultimate testimony to how delicious they were. The cheesy corn was delicious too. The cheesy corn raves here on Yelp are many and I think all of that hype might have set the expectation too high. Delicious, yes. Order again, yes. Recommend, yes. Heavenly, nope. The baked potato was huge; plenty to share. It was everything you'd expect from a tater. The second minor thing is that our food arrived less than 10 minutes. No joke. It arrived. Our mouths gaped open. It took us a few seconds to even comprehend what was actually happening. I can't really say if this is a good or bad thing. Once it was delivered, we just sat back and took our time enjoying BBQ. The restaurant on the Plaza is small-to-moderate in size. On Friday night, it was a little loud. One last thing...the cloth napkins are a maroon/burgundy color...which is BRILLIANT. Why? Because it camouflages your BBQ mess. Way to think it through, Jack Stack. Way to think it through.
(5)Jason V.
This was my first experience with Kansas City BBQ and though we ended up getting our food to-go (wait was an hour to an hour and half to be seated), it was so delicious and messy, the way BBQ should be. I ordered the KC combo with burnt ends (popular choice), baby back ribs and chicken (dark meat), along with their baked beans and cheesy corn as my sides. The ribs were amazing as well as the chicken. The burnt ends were also tasty, though I was expecting them to have a little crunch to their texture, instead they were fatty soft pieces of pork. Good flavor but again not what I thought I'd receive (maybe this is how they prepare and serve them). The sides were unbelievable and like nothing I've tasted. The service was friendly and helpful too! I'd definitely return on my next visit to KC!
(4)Chris B.
So we came in a little late for a dinner/snack/watch-some-of-the-game bite to eat. We ended up ordering the KC combo with beef & pork tips along with the half chicken. Sides were fries and slaw. Our bartender (we ate at the bar) suggested the cheesy-corn deliciousness... And ended up adding it to our platter that we split. Wow, so glad he did, super good! We opted for two additionally sauces, house and spicy. House was great! Spicy had some tang but a little too sweet for our tastes. All in all, the KC combo was plenty for the two of us and landed about $35 for the two of us a few libations... Local brews, not exactly sure who's though. Tank 7 & a dark brown featured draft, either way they too were delicious. We opted not to order desert as we still had some "A la mode" cupcakes on hand but the options sounded fantastic. A great choice if you're in this neck of the woods.
(5)Damien L.
Order the Jack's Best plate. It comes with a prime rib and pork rib. It is the best bbq in the world. Zagats rates them the best bow in the USA. The bbq beans are also the best that I ever had. I live in Texas and have visited 100 of restaurants for the best bbq. I would have never dreamed that I would find it in Kansas City,MO. I plan to order this food via the mail for special occasions. My wife agreed with my rating. I feel horrible that our number one bbq place is no longer in Texas.
(5)Sean B.
My niece was all about this place. She insisted we go when we all flew into KC to drive her to college at KU, an hour away. It's exactly what you'd think if you took the stereotypes of Kansas City BBQ, the positive ones, and put them into reality. Something about an obese server putting massive onion rings, BBQ ribs and steak and sausages, and huge iced drinks in front of you, sitting outside on a hot summer day, that makes you embrace the delicious American stereotypes. Everything was delicious, massively portioned, and fattening.
(5)Mike D.
And for my 200th review, I present, my favorite restaurant, Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ in the Plaza. I have been here nearly every time I've been to KC and there's lots of reasons for it. I absolutely love the Plaza and the atmosphere here, how can you not? Yeah, I can't afford to shop at 99% of the stores but it's beautiful down here and Jack Stack is the best part. The atmosphere in here is unbelievable, dimly lit, waiters and waitresses in all black and suits, fine wood and glass everywhere. Yet, I wore jeans and a t-shirt and didn't feel like I was out of place. All the staff are amazing from the hostess to your server. I've been here multiple times but the last trip for lunch is still fresh in my head. I ordered the baby back lunch with cheesy corn and baked beans. Ok fine I ordered a Boulevard 80 Acre too. It was hot and I just drove 200 miles, don't judge me. We sat outside and it was amazing looking around at the Plaza and the sounds while we ate. My ribs weren't the best I've ever had, but pretty darn close. Cheesy corn is phenomenal and the baked beans with pieces of brisket was also one of the best things I've ever had the pleasure of eating. I recall getting a french dip on an earlier trip here and it was easily the best french dip I've ever had. Jack Stack is not the best BBQ I've ever had (It's still 2nd!) but easily the best all around restaurant where you can count on anything you order to be amazing and service to be outstanding. I will continue to come here as much as I can and I hope I never move too far away!
(5)R O.
A lot of people have knocked Jack Stack for being too fancy and upscale. I see what they mean, and those rustic picnic table places (Woodyard) do have a place in my heart.... But if we're just talking about the food, Jack Stack is where it is at in KC. The meat is the most tender and falls apart without needing a knife -- leagues better than the dry stuff at Joe's (sorry Joe's). My sister is a BBQ snob, living in NC for a while now, but she did think Jack Stack was great. If there is a weak point, it is the sauce -- a little sweet and not much complexity, even with the spicier versions. I think Arthur Bryants and Gates have more going on sauce-wise.
(5)Kurt S.
I went to Fiorella's for the second time this past Saturday with the family. It's a very nice, intimate BBQ restaurant on the outskirts of the 'Plaza' in KC. It's pretty high-end. My wife and I decided to split the New Zealand Rack of Lamb. I would have wanted it cooked medium rare to rare, but my wife is preggo so we had to settle on medium. It was delicious. the thyme that they rub on it really comes out. It doesn't beat the lamb that my wife and I had in Switzerland, but it was still great. We ordered potato salad and their beans for our sides and I also ordered a side of their cheesy potato bake. All sides were great, but the standout to me, is the cheesy potato bake. Huge amounts of real cheese in a scallop potato bake. It was divine. The prices reflect the atmosphere and the food that you get. They are high, but you know it right when you step through the door. I had a bite of my dad's pork spare ribs and they were extremely tender and tasty. I also had a burnt end from my brother-in-law and that was okay, maybe a little tough. All in all, it was a terrific dinner and I can't wait to go back to experience Fiorella's again.
(4)Kurt M.
My son and I are on a BBQ road trip to KC. First stop, Jack Stack. We were underwhelmed. First the positives. The place is sleek and clean. Service was very good. Then the food arrived. I went with the 3 meat combo and at the urging of our server selected the lamb ribs, burnt ends and the beef prime rib together with beans and cheesy corn. The lamb ribs were tiny, dry, lacking in both texture and flavor. The burnt ends were also very dry and tough. The prime rib was fatty and stringy. Frankly, adding the prime rib for an extra $8 felt like a tourist trap. The Wilbur Beans at Famous Dave's are much superior and the cheesy corn, while savory loses a great deal of its appeal as it cools and congeals. A word about the sauces. Bland! I tried their regular, spicy and hot. There was astonishingly little variance to distinguish one from the others. My son had the prime and lamb ribs with fries and cole slaw. Fries were fine. Cole slaw not much different than what you might find at KFC. Add a coke and an iced tea (both promptly refilled) and the total for two with tip came to $85. I guess the good thing is that the bar going forward on our BBQ quest has been set pretty low. Nowhere to go but up. Right?
(2)B S.
The burnt ends are suspect, but the lamb ribs, cheesy corn, and baked beans are off the hook.
(3)andrea d.
The atmosphere and food are great! Low lighting and messy fingers from the ribs somehow go together at jack stack! We have always received great service and amazing smoked meats. The brisket is never fatty, and the burnt ends were the perfect chewy/crispy texture!
(5)Zach T.
Always a good environment for family and friends. Please note, because you're on the plaza you're paying for the location as well. That said, totally worth the price. The bbq is great and so is the location.
(4)Andrei K.
Insanely good. So far the best BBQ in Kansas City, Middle West and the whole US for me. It recieves lots of publicizing, but it is definitely not overrated.
(5)Kaitlin M.
Definitely top 3 BBQ places in KC!!! Love the pulled pork! The sides are great as well. Very few things are better than a pulled pork sando, Blvd wheat, and cheesy corn. Just saying!
(4)Melvin E.
We went to a couple of places in K.C and this was by far the best one. The food was smoked and seasoned perfectly. Don't pass on this one
(5)Matt B.
Probably the best BBQ in town. Get the burnt ends with cheesy corn bake and the Pit beans, you'll leave satisfied. If you want a taste of good BBQ in Missouri there's no better place than here. The waitress was hilarious and our food came out quickly, even though there were about 35 in our group. I highly recommend.
(5)Hal F.
I am back in Kansas City, MO. and I can't stay away from this place. Just love it. The burnt ends let in your mouth...crazy good! The BBQed chicken was perfection and of course the ribs...well, what can I say, Heavenly...really love this place!
(4)Aaron S.
First time visiting Jack Stack. This was the beginning of a Bachelor Party, and we didn't spare a dime. Knowing it'd be packed on a Friday night at 7pm, 3 of our 13 person party arrived 3 hours early to check in and wait. The 3 of us planned on sitting there for 3 hours, ordering plenty of drinks, and waiting so we could get a table. The hostess, a guy with long hair, was intellectually incapable of performing the job function. It was almost funny to watch him try and figure out how to seat 13 people in one area. It baffled him to the core. So he told us we can't put our name down, can't make a reservstion, and they can't prepare for us at all. Nonetheless, we told him we'd be back at 7, with 13 people, since that was all we could do. Come 6:30 we showed up, still a half hour early. He of course hadn't done anything to prepare, and wouldn't let us put our names down since our entire party wasn't there waiting with us. Come 7 he put our names down on the list, but made us split our group into 3 parts. After waiting for about 45 minutes, he then sat us at 3 completely different times, spread out by about 10 minutes each, and completely separate from the other parts of our groups. I could not have been more disappointed. We did everything we could to make this go smoothly, including being 3 hours early, offering to spend whatever it took, and he didn't help us out in the least. Once we finally got tables, everything was awesome. The waitress was awesome, food was the best BBQ I've ever had hands down (Although slightly small on the portions), and the atmosphere was good. I just really wish they could have done more, rather done anything, to cater to our large party.
(2)L B.
Pros: one of our favorite BBQ places, huge portions (always have leftovers), great sides with entrees, multiple locations, staff has always been friendly, huge menu, our favorite place to take out of town folks Cons: can be tough to get a table unless you find a spot at the bar
(5)Beth E.
Flavorful, perfectly smoked and seasoned, crown prime rib dinner for two. Sides were tasty baked beans, delicious cole slaw, and a cheesy corn bake all washed down with the Dunkel beer. The perfect finish was the creme brûlée. Yummmm!
(5)Amanda J.
Delicious! You must have the onion rings as starters! Burnt ends are the way to go! With the corn and baked beans as sides. All three sauce were good as well! A little on the pricey side, but worth it.
(5)Lola S.
I love this place, but we typically have to wait 45mins for a table, but we found 2 spots in the bar. The burnt ends were delicious, the coleslaw was fresh and the fries were hot and crispy !
(4)Ann W.
Two words for you: lamb ribs! Two more words for you: burnt ends! This is really all you need to know about Jack Stack. For all of the KC barbecue fanatics, I do understand that lamb ribs aren't traditional KC barbecue, but holy *&^$ those things are like crack! Especially paired with their extra spicy sauce which is spicy, but not killer spicy. For KC barbecue purists, you cannot argue with the most delightful brisket burnt ends ever to pass your lips. If you haven't tried them, you must. They're simply divine...moist, tender, flavorful. Oh good googly moogly, I'm salivating! I have heard many times about how wonderful the cheesy corn is. This is clearly a matter of taste because I find it to be foul beyond belief. But fortunately, Jack Stack has a great selection of sides to choose from including top notch barbecue-y baked beans. I have never had dessert at Jack Stack because I just can't eat that much. I generally walk out with a box with half of my food in it because the portions are really generous. In fact, I did just that last night and when I arrived home, my husband snatched the box from me and devoured my leftover ribs in less than five minutes. If that isn't a ringing endorsement, I don't know what is. They will only take reservations at this location if you have at least six in your party. Fortunately, they can usually accommodate most parties fairly quickly, but it would be really nice if they'd take reservations for those of us who prefer not to fly by the seat of our pants. Service here has ranged from tolerable to excellent. The last time I ate here, there were only two of us and our waitress was preoccupied with her bigger parties neglecting us when we needed more sauce or refills, but otherwise she was certainly pleasant. On the previous occasion I visited, we had a bigger party and had great service throughout the meal.
(4)Jared D.
This was my initiation to authentic Kansas City-style barbecue, and I wasn't disappointed. I had received recommendations from plenty of people about which barbecue joint to try during my business trip but ultimately settled on Jack Stack because of its location on the Plaza. I have nothing to compare the food to, but it lived up to my expectations. Living in the New York area, burnt ends are a mythical foodstuff that are virtually impossible to find, so I was anxious to try them here. They were incredible and easily the best part of the meal -- even better than the Crown Prime beef rib that my server had hyped up. The entrees at Jack Stack are gluttonous and gigantic, which I suppose is what you would expect at a barbecue joint. But I'm glad I tried it, and I look forward to exploring other barbecue options in this city in the future. (Also, burnt ends.)
(4)Henry B.
A bit loud, but the food is the star - nice range of grilled or smoked flesh of beast and fowl served in "healthy" portions. Jokingly, I asked for the vegan menu and she actually was going to look for one! Four of us shared the onion rings - good choice to share. The pit beans are great, but the real star are their ribs.
(4)Jaclyn E.
If you are looking for chain-type/corporate America BBQ, this is for you. We went for lunch and everyone was disappointed. I was told the meat was dry & overcooked. There was a ridiculous amount of cheese on everything (cheese corn was like nacho cheese soup- yuck). We all left with stomach aches. I only added a star because our server was nice & polite.
(2)E V.
I went here w/ my husband and sister Labor Day weekend for Sunday lunch. We waited about 20 minutes for a table, but there was plenty of room to sit while waiting, in addition to a bar. We requested a GF menu from the hostess, who spoke into her little mic on her shirt and said something like, "We have a gluten allergy coming to Table XX." Then the hostess said the manager would come over to talk to me about it. She did, but she just asked if I had any questions (I didn't) and said if we do, to ask for her. Our waiter was Justin, and he was excellent! He really gave us great service; I even found the manager after our meal to tell her how great he was. I ordered a bbq ham sandwich on a gluten-free bun, which they listed as a "Jumbo GLUTEN FREE" on the receipt. It only had one meat (a Jumbo has two according to the menu), but it is the least expensive sandwich, so I think they did me a favor. It was pretty messy, with the bun sliding off the ham, but I managed. There wasn't a lot of sauce, and I couldn't taste it, so I dipped it in an extra little bowl of sauce they provided (free) and that was really good. My side was a cheesy potato bake (the fries are not GF, so I subbed) and it was fabulous! It was basically thinly sliced red skin potatoes smothered in a garlic cheese sauce. It came piping hot and was just yummy! My sister and husband loved it too. It was enough for two people. My husband ordered the Hatfield, which is a sandwich w/ two bbq meats, with pork and beef brisket. (Note: He is a career butcher and meat dept mgr.) He said the pork was really good, and while the brisket was sliced, not shredded, it was excellent and not fatty at all. He got the baked beans with his, which he said were really good. I can't remember what my sister's main dish was, but she got the cheesy corn bake instead of fries, and they didn't charge her extra. It was lukewarm, but the flavor was good. We agreed it would be better if it had been hot. However, that was seriously the only slight disappointment of the whole meal. She also ended up ordering a small baked beans just b/c she loves them so much. She said they're very sweet. For dessert I got creme brulee, which good. My sister got the triple chocolate brownie, which came with a huge scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top. She and my husband both thought it was quite delicious. I tried the ice cream, and it tasted like Breyer's, which I love. My husband got the carrot cake, which he said may have ruined any other carrot cake for the rest of his life. He and my sister agreed it was the best they'd ever had. I did get to taste the cream cheese icing, and it was fab. Justin said they make all the desserts fresh, in house. Overall we give the restaurant a 10/10. I know a lot of folks say it's their favorite place to eat in KC, and we can see why. It isn't too pricey, either, which surprised me. All of the above plus coffee and a soda cost us, before tip, about $80.
(5)Yvonne M.
We have eaten at this particular location several times. The food is always very good, and the service is friendly. I am not a fan of BBQ all that much, but the food here is wonderful. I live their pulled pork, baked beans and French fries. Great every time. The reason I didn't give it 5 stars at this last visit was because we had a party of 7, at 2pm in the afternoon, and we had a 45 minute wait. It didn't make much sense to me because the restaurant was not that busy, with many empty tables. I did not understand the rationale behind this, but nonetheless, the food is consistently good.
(4)Daniel L.
Toni M's stellar review prompted fellow Yelper Fia R and I to come to dine at this BBQ restaurant. It was packed, crowded, and almost overwhelming. The cramped wait area had flooded into the bar where people can catch a game and grab a drink before heading to a table. The dining area in the back wasn't much better. There were plenty of booths and tables to host groups of all sizes while their staff roamed the walkways carrying platters of food, cleaning up the tables, and communicating with the host through the microphones attached to their shirts. In spite of the overwhelming feeling, there seemed to be a level of coherence, synergy, and formality among their staff. Our table was ready within 45 minutes, much sooner than the host had anticipated. This restaurant is located in a bustling shopping district so we walked around the Plaza before coming back to wait like all others. Once seated, our server Eric introduced us to the $30 dinner menu for the Kansas City Restaurant Week; and the list of items on the regular menu and ways the meats were prepared. Fia ordered from the three-course dinner menu ($30) that came with her choice of Onion Rings, Ultimate Ribs Dinner, and Mom's Carrot Cake. The onion rings were stacked high and they were thick, thinly battered, and crispy. The Ultimate Dinner was assembled with Pork Spare Ribs, Pork Baby Back Ribs, Lamb Ribs, and a Crown Prime Beef Rib, and her choice of Cheesy Potato Bake as the side item. The meats were sweet due to the wet rub to accompany a deep smoky flavor. I enjoyed the Pork Spare Ribs, and the medium rare Crown Prime Beef Rib was also tender and delicious. The regular price for the Ultimate Ribs Dinner alone is $28. What a great deal! My order of the Kansas City Combo ($17.45) came with my choice of two meats, which were Lamb Ribs and Beef Burnt Ends. A good friend back home had recommended the Lamb Ribs, and they were smoky, off the bone tender, and the flavor was complex. I haven't seen another place that serves BBQ lamb, so this is the place for it. The Beef Burnt Ends were their local specialty and highly popular among their customers. Essentially, the meats were shaved and cooked twice, leaving the outside crispy and moist on the inside. I thought there were many dry spots, but a dip into their BBQ sauce made it a little better. I wouldn't recommend the Burnt Ends since there are so many types of meats to choose from. My two sides of Hickory Pit Beans and Cole Slaw were the must haves. They were amazing as the Beans were refined and smooth, not too sweet, and had bits of pork to add a level of smokiness in the background. I also loved the Cole Slaw, as the textures were fresh, not too creamy, and perfectly sweet. These two items were the perfect sides because the repeated smokiness of the BBQ can be desensitizing after a while. The meats were good, albeit some imperfect dry spots here and there, but the sides were simply amazing. The Mom's Carrot Cake was homemade, served warm, with creamy frosting and pecans sprinkled on the top. This was by far the best Carrot Cake I've ever had. Not too sweet, lots of texture, light creamy frosting, and delicious when served warm. There must be 1,000 calories in it, but it was extremely addictive. Watch out! Service was one of the best I have experienced. Eric was professional, attentive, and very knowledgeable. Their floor manager also stopped by to check on us, and the meal was well orchestrated where the service was responsive despite the ultra busy evening. Overall, interested diners can expect a great smoky BBQ, delicious sides, and fantastic service. I would love to come back to try their other items, such as BBQ Chicken and hickory grilled seafood.
(4)Travis J.
Jack Stack is easily the best BBQ EVER. I go to the Country club plaza Jack stack pretty often and it never disappoints. Great prices and always excellent service. So excited they are opening a Jack Stack restaurant in Lee's Summit at the Summit Woods Shopping Center. I will be there all the time.
(5)Tyra W.
Kansas City is the land of barbecue and sure, Jack Stack is a little fancier, but it does not disappoint! A hot and heavy love affair has started with their cheesy corn bake...and I don't think I'll ever have the heart to end it! If you're going with a few people, I recommend the Jack's Best with the option to round up. It comes with a variety of meat options and sides of fries, slaw, and beans. Personally I think beans are my #1 judgement ruling when it comes to a barbecue joint and it makes or breaks a place in my mind. These were spot on! If you haven't blown the seam of your jeans yet and still have room, there's no better conclusion than ending your feast with bread pudding. The icing was well balanced and not overly sweet. Besides the food though, I was beyond impressed by our server. He was so knowledgable about anything and everything asked from beer to paleo friendly options. (He recommended the burnt ends trimmed with spinach salad and red wine dressing on the side, no cheese or bacon.) The only downside is they don't accept reservations.
(4)Cindy B.
I grew up in KC and now live in Texas. So, I know KC-BBQ and Texas BBQ. This used to be KC Masterpiece BBQ and I loved that, too. Let's see, I'm a brisket girl, so anytime I can get a good brisket sandwich and some rockin' baked beans and potato salad, I'm in. For the reviewer that said it was a chain-type bbq, well, it IS a chain, but if I'm correct, there are only several in the MO/KS area. I would suggest giving them another try. When I'm in KC, I stay near the Plaza so that I am within walking distance of Jack Stack BBQ That way, I can walk there, to work up an appetite, then walk back to work off what I ate!
(5)Jamie F.
My favorite BBQ in KC! This place has been around forever. I miss KC BBQ so much living down in the land of nasty Texas BBQ! We got a combo plate so that we could have it all! Their meat is so well smoked/seasoned/full of flavor, that you don't even need to add sauce. The cheesy corn is like WOW! And they have good onion rings too. Their beans are incredible and were toddler approved :)
(5)Matt A.
Great sit down barbecue restaurant. My family was there on a Friday and needed to accommodate kids and adults. It was packed and the front of house and bar staff were professional and helpful as we waited (about 40 minutes during dinner rush with no reservations). Our waiter was friendly and enthusiastic. I was thrilled with the "Kansas City" combo and selected pork ribs, burnt ends, and lamb ribs. The lamb ribs were a surprise and fantastic. We will return the next time we are in KC and highly recommend it to our friends. Try to make reservations, but worth the wait if you can't.
(4)Sam A.
Came with friends and 2 of us shared a full slab of baby back ribs, $29 - OUTSTANDING! And I KNOW my BBQ. Full flavor, meaty, TENDER melt in your mouth ribs. A true delight in eating. Coke products which is always a plus for me. This plaza location is busy and parking a bit iffie but a bit of a wait you will find a spot. Service was good but not outstanding...a bit bitchy so maybe a bad table before or bad night? Every plate that went by I wanted to sample! Another of our party had Samoan sandwich and loved it. Fries, baked beans and coleslaw all good. Grab your napkins and PIG out!
(5)Evan T.
Out of this world BBQ. Fast service, great value, amazing food. Lunch combo was one of the best I have ever eaten. Burnt ends and beef ribs. Do not miss this place when in KC.
(5)Ll Y.
Great, as usual. Great staff, great food, sat outside on a beautiful early evening and had a wonderful time.
(4)Mike C.
So what's a visit to Kansas City without visiting a BBQ joint. I wanted something a little bit unusual like BBQ donuts, but I couldn't find that so I had to go with something a little bit more traditional instead. Based on some friends recommendations, Jack Stack was the only way to go. But with a lot of stuff to choose from on the menu, I had no clue what to order. Luckily, the barkeep told me to get the Pièce de résistance, which was the Jack's Best. You'll just have to try it to actually get the full story out of it. But I can tell you that I definitely recommend this. If you're only here in KC for a few nights and you're starving to death, then yah, get the Jack's Best plate. Otherwise, get something a lot smaller because the Jack Stack plate is a behemoth. Comes with 2 sides. Make sure you choose cheesy corn as one of your sides. They accidentally forgot one of my sides so they threw in a 3rd side. Yah, so it was really a behemoth and a half. yelp.com/biz_photos/TW1F… If I had to compare BBQ, it would be difficult since I have limited knowledge on this field, but I would rank Phil's and Coops in San Diego higher than Jack's. For Kansas City, BBQ should be top of the line, but I guess I wasn't feeling it here. But my gastronomic experience didn't end with the ribs or the juicy burnt ends. I had to get some dessert as well. And with a happy ending, the warm chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream delivered a whopping finish to my visit here in Kansas City. yelp.com/biz_photos/TW1F… Overall, a great experience. It does get busy and crampy up at the bar so be prepared to rub elbows (literally) with random people throughout your 2 hour visit here.
(4)Tres D.
Been craveN a steak & had a friend give us a giftCard. Heard many good things & have enjoyed the sauce & visited the Martin City location quite sometime ago. This was our 1st Plaza location visit, it was Sat. Night late dinner time on the plaza & made for an understandable wait and the atmosphere was loud & crowded. I was able to get into the bar for drinks while waitN 4 our table and the drink selections R top of the line. Amy had a Tropical Paradise & I a Stella. Once seated we were well taken care of. The food was served promptly, presented wonderfully, & tasted delicious. I ordered & can now recommend the house salad, KC Strip (12oz of perfection), loaded Potato, Creme Brûlée(superb) & coffee. My only complaint was how I felt from eating so much.
(4)Michael M.
Jack Stack to me felt like a BBQ version of Cheesecake Factory or McCormick and Schmicks. This location is in Country Club Plaza, and has a great decor. Everything is modern and fairly classy. The bar has TVs everywhere, and appears to be a great place to watch a game. The BBQ itself is average, which was kind of a let down, since KC BBQ is supposed to be a big deal. I had the combo plate of brisket and ribs. The meats were solid, but nothing I couldn't get in Omaha. The beans were very good, and cheesy corn tasty. Service was fantastic, but waits here are pretty much a given. (Be prepared for a 25-30 minute wait for a table) They also have some amazing lunch specials from 11am-3pm everyday. This is not the most authentic BBQ, but it is located in a nice part of town that feels a bit safer. If you are looking for the real thing, and don't mind heading into a less gentrified area, hit Arthur Bryant's.
(3)Brent B.
Happy hour-bound, I tried the 100% Ham burnt ends, side of crock baked beans and a HH martini. Bill, tax, tip & out with change from my $20. Choose beef, ham, sausage burnt ends, or have them mix them all for you. You can also choose from grilled wings, and other food items. Happy hour for meat-lovers runs till 6pm. For a special rib-treat, order the BBQ lamb ribs--you can order just one, or more. When I tried them they were a real bargain and taste-treat at $1.50 per lamb rib!!!
(4)Amy R.
We went to Jack Stack last week on a whim and I'm so glad we did. I'm not a huge BBQ fan but can be talked into it. Our meal was fantastic. We narrowly avoided being behind a walk-in 40 top of athletic shorts wearing 15-17 year olds (maybe in town for some kind of tournament?) but once we were seated had great service and food. We sat outside and had the incredible onion rings to start...yum. I had The Big Pig, a sandwich featuring 3 types of pork (tenderloin, bacon and ham) and my husband had one of the ribs platters with lamb, beef and pork ribs. All were really well prepared and served. Our waiter was friendly and knowledgable. We couldn't have asked for a better experience...except for all of those athletic shorts.
(5)Juli T.
My husband is a huge fan of barbecue and we were a little disappointed in the sliced meat plate. We sampled turkey, sliced sausage, and pork. The turkey was my favorite. The sides were great. We chose the beans and cheesy corn. We think that we may have just ordered the wrong meat. It was a very busy night but our service was still good. We ate in the bar to avoid the long wait.
(3)Captain B.
I had been to the one down near the river and thought it was good. This experience was not so good. The place was packed as expected, but great for a Wednesday. Orders the prime rib and my co ordered the chicken. We waited quite a while for our meal and finally when the server came she informed us that THEY WERE OUT OF PRIME RIB AND CHICKEN!!!! I was surprised to find out it takes thirty minutes to figure out if you are capable of filling an order. Not good. So we ordered a substitute and left dissapointed.
(2)Tony B.
Let's start off with the positives. The creamy cheese corn was fantastic. It really lives up to the expectations. I also really enjoyed the baked beans. They're sweet but with a lot of meat that gives it a smokey flavor. These two side dishes definitely deserve their own stars. The service was excellent, everybody very friendly, nice atmosphere, no complaints. So, one star for services well. I have heard so many great things about the burnt ends, I couldn't resist. I have to admit, I was actually greatly disappointed. Why yes it was brisket that was used, the wrong portion of the brisket was used. They used the flat! So, they were too dry and tough. Basically, over cooked. I have no idea about the other dishes, but since I'm visiting the area and don't live here, I'm going to try the other places in town.
(3)Sandra E.
Love the atmosphere and location excellent baked beans and cole slaw, pleasant service, don't order the turkey it's just like processed lunch meat, I expected real turkey
(4)Adebowale A.
This place was AMAZING! I had the opportunity to go during Restaurant Week 2015. I had the Beef Burnt Ends x Half Rack of Ribs x with a side of Fries. The meat was very saucy and very tasty. I stuffed myself to the limit, not due to hunger but due to the incredible service and the quality of the meat. The rush service wasn't a tradeoff for quality at all, as a result I enjoyed every minute. What separates this spot from most BBQ spots was the ambiance. Dimly light, and filled with laughter and good times....I recommend Jack Stacks-Plaza 100%.
(5)Mark A.
Good BBQ... Great service.. Vegi kabob was cold and undercooked.. They took care of it right away and let the grill know as well.
(4)M B.
Absolutely one of the best BBQ dinners I've ever had. We split the 4-meat platter, and with the three sides there was more than enough to eat. The ribs were succulent and smoky. The pork was incredibly moist. The ham was awesome. The brisket was flavorful, but a little on the dry side. Then there are the sides. The cole slaw was outstanding (the server actually brought us refills!). The pit beans were sweet and smoky. The cheesy potatoes had a subtle flavor to them that I enjoyed but couldn't pin down (rosemary maybe?) Anyway, the meal was a huge hit. THEN we took a piece of the carrot cake home....wow! Dense, moist, chock-full of pecans, with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting on top. I'm drooling as I type this! I will definitely have to make this a stop the next time I"m through KC.
(4)Stephanie G.
Was in Kansas City for work and had to have some KC BBQ. This one fit the bill. I listened to other Yelp reviewers and had the lamb ribs, burnt ends, beans, and cheesy corn with a nice cold beer. Delicious! We sat on the patio and the weather was beautiful. My only criticism is that the server rushed us a bit, clearly wanting to turn over the table, and with such good food and weather, we were in no hurry.
(4)Keely G.
Located in the trendy "Plaza" area of Kansas City, Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ was only a short walk from my hotel. Because there was a 45 minute wait at around 8pm on a Sunday night, I decided to place a take out order to consume in the privacy of my hotel room. Despite being busy, the guy who took my order over the phone couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. And darn him for up-selling the carrot cake (it was almost as if he knew my weakness for dessert) -- more on that later. After making the short trek, I walked in to the take out area (accessible by a separate door with a convenient waiting room). I overheard one of the guys raving about the beef spare ribs and when I asked about changing my order, he was so accomodating and did so happily. Back in my hotel room, I could not tear into the bag fast enough ... starving and drooling from the smell, I tore into a combo plate of the aforementioned spare ribs and their famous "burnt ends," which are chunks of meat (you chose from pork, brisket, ham, turkey or sausage) that are cooked well done as to give it a hard exterior. I had the pork and I'm sorry to say, I wasn't a fan... too dry. The spare ribs on the other hand, were delicious, albeit a little bit fatty, but that was to be expected. I had a side of the cheesy potato bake, which was sinfully good and a side of cole slaw which rounded out the meal nicely. "Mom's Carrot Cake" gets it's own paragraph. OH.MY.GOD. Served warm, this is literally the best carrot cake I've ever had. IN.MY.LIFE. Picture a huge, round carrot cake, super moist (yet the outside edge had that nicely baked outer crisp), nice and warm, perfect ratio of nuts-to-cake and a delicious cream cheese frosting. I ate half for dessert and devoured the other half in the AM (too good to go to waste). Thanks, Mom! I'll be back again the next time in K.C.
(4)Aditi K.
they had a long wait, and I heard some of the servers laughing about the people waiting. setting that aside, I am displeased at where we were seated: outside, near a stinky stinky manhole. even when we politely asked the server acted as if we wanted an upgrade even though we waited for more than an hour. absolute appetite killer, the stench of sewage.
(2)Scott R.
Excellent BBQ. Beef ribs were perfect. Wine list was adequate and side dish choices were full of comfort foods. Good atmosphere but a bit noisy. Overall a very good place to eat if you want BBQ.
(4)Drew S.
This place is great! Came here on vacation for shopping around the plaza and saw this place. Me and my family decided to stop in and try the famous KC BBQ. This place lived up to the hype! I had the Roundup: Beef,pork,ham, and ribs...all this with 3 sides! Ribs and beef were amazingly tender as were the pork and ham, even though im not a fan of pork i loved all of the meats! I highly recommend the ribs and beans...both were incredible! *Smoky taste on the beans so be careful if u try those
(5)Igor C.
Went just after 6 on a Friday evening and was able to get a table for three with no wait. It was busy and there were people waiting but for some reason we got right in. We had the smoked chicken wing starter and it was some of the best wings I've ever had. We had the combo platter and lamb ribs. The combo platter has three ribs, half a chicken, sausage and some burnt ends and comes with fries and coleslaw. I subbed the cheesy corn for the fries and slaw. The ribs were outstanding, just the right combination of tender and good chew. The burnt ends had nice flavor but were too dry, one was almost hard. Sausage was very good with nice smoke flavor. I ended up taking the chicken home with a couple of my sons lamb ribs and had them for lunch the next day. The lamb was good but the chicken was the star of the entire meal for me. Deep smoke flavor while still being moist.
(4)Jess W.
I had lunch with a friend here today and thought it was a nice place. We both had the Crown Prime Ribs and burnt ends. I am a rather healthy person so I just didn't eat much because they are so fatty. I wasn't expecting that. The check was $80 including two glasses of wine and a tip. Would I go back? Not sure as nothing sticks out about this place except maybe the nice wait staff and the bronze bull out front which I thought was cool.
(4)Michael J.
One of our favorite places for BBQ.....
(4)Steve W.
I love good Q. This isn't. It's ok. There were 10 people in our party- no one finished all of their food- not because there was too much, but because it was fatty and tough. We had burnt ends, ribs, and chicken- no one was impressed, we didn't even ask to take the left overs. I had to cut the rib meat with a knife. If you want good KC style barbecue, look elsewhere. I know, they have lots of good reviews and like I said, it's ok.
(2)Michelle L.
BBQ is one of those things that I love but haven't eaten enough of simply because I was raised to believe that there is such a thing as too much meat in one meal. As a complete BBQ noob I was really excited about eating some BBQ because let's face it. Good BBQ comes from the South and not Southern California. My friend had insisted on taking me and my boyfriend here and I loved how open the decor of the restaurant was. Instantly homey and comfortable. They have a pretty extensive menu and although my friend let us have control over what to order, the one thing she insisted on getting were the Fried Mushrooms appetizer. I had serious doubts because I'm not a HUGE fan of horseradish and how good can fried mushrooms really be? Let me tell you, they can be so darn good that you can make a meal out of them. They were huge, juicy, delicious and went along perfectly with the horseradish sauce. My boyfriend and I both agree that it was probably one of the best mushroom dishes we've ever had. For our entrees, we ordered The Sampler and and the Barbecue Baked Potato. My boyfriend had a choice of 2 sides and he chose the Creamy Coleslaw and Hickory Pit Beans. The Sampler came with BBQ Chicken, Pork Spare Ribs, Beef Burnt Ends and Polish Sausage. I tasted everything on the plate and I thought that the best were the Spare Ribs and Polish Sausage. However, my tastes might be biased since I tend to like sausages over most things. I thought the chicken while it had good flavor could have spent a little more time cooking. It was a little too rare and the Beef Burnt Ends were just too dry. My Baked Potato on the other hand was topped with Pulled Pork and was absolutely delicious. Quite possibly one of the best baked potatoes I've ever had. As for the sides, the coleslaw was good but nothing special, but the beans were fantastic. If you don't like BBQ, this place just might make you change your mind. Service is quick and it's a great environment to just eat some meat and chat. 4/5
(4)Keith C.
Burnt ends were absolutely fantastic. I tried the beef ribs, pork ribs and the beef burnt ends. The burnt ends were probably the best that I have ever eaten. They completely melted in your mouth. The pork ribs were a little dry. They were not fall off the bone like at Oklahoma Joe's but they were still very good. I got the potato salad which was very good and the baked beans which had some shredded pork in it. The combination of the beans, shredded pork and sauce was simply fantastic. The restaurant itself is really nice. A lot better than Oklahoma Joe's. You can sit down and enjoy a good meal with your friends. Definitely worth coming back to for the burnt ends.
(4)Kevin D.
Update: For carry-out, The Roundup (dinner for two) is excellent. Probably my favorite barbecue carry-out in town.
(4)Amy D.
5 stars for their beef rib, 2-3 stars for their other BBQ. If you a beef rib lover, you MUST come to Fiorella's Jack Stack and give their Crown Prime Beef Rib a try- it is worth that extra $8! Overall, we would rank this #3 out of 4 based on the BBQ restaurants we tried in KC- #1 goes to Woodyard for best overall BBQ, #2 to Oklahoma Joe's, and #4 to Arthur Bryant's. However, I don't believe any of the others offer a beef rib option, so you have to go to Jack Stack for this. We came in for an early lunch around 11:15am on a Friday, and were seated right away without a reservation. It started getting busier and busier though, so if possible, make a reservation just in case. We ordered: -BBQ Combo Lunch w/Burnt Ends & Sliced Brisket (Served w/Cheesy Corn Bake & Creamy Coleslaw, $13.95, yelp.com/biz_photos/fior… ): The burnt ends were dry and disappointing, but at least the brisket was tender and pretty good. The cheesy corn bake also wasn't bad, but not so amazing I would go out of my way to order it again. Their cole slaw was good, but they dice their cabbage instead of shred it. -BBQ Combo Lunch w/Pork Spare Ribs & Crown Prime Beef Rib [add $8] (Served w/French Fries, $13.95, yelp.com/biz_photos/fior… ): AMAZING beef rib, which was fall off the bone tender, with the perfect amount of fatty to lean ratio. A must order!! Unfortunately, the pork rib was on the dry side. The fries were too thickly cut for my preference, but they tasted good with their house French fry seasoning. The toast was mediocre (it was much better at Oklahoma Joe's), and the pickles weren't anything special. -3 Different BBQ Sauces (From L to R: Original, Spicy, Hot, yelp.com/biz_photos/fior… ): I couldn't taste much of a difference between the Hot and Spicy sauces, except I think the Spicy seemed more vinegary. I only liked the original sauce, which was one of the better ones that we tried. -Mom's Carrot Cake ($7, yelp.com/biz_photos/fior… ): Yum!! The carrot cake was super moist (there was a lot of vegetable oil and/or butter used), and the frosting wasn't too sweet. Although it was difficult to eat after all the BBQ, I still managed to enjoy it and we finished the entire plate. Our server was super friendly and accommodating, and we got our food in 10-15 minutes after we ordered. Jack Stack is definitely the nicest out of the BBQ joints we dined at in Kansas City, and the place where they have a good amount of power lunches. The prices aren't much higher than the other places, so if you're into ambiance, this is the place to head to. Overall, this is a good place to check out KC BBQ. There was a good amount of free street parking right outside of the restaurant that was available, and I believe there are parking structures around this area as well.
(4)Mike N.
Great baby backs, burnt ends, lamb ribs & baked beans. Great sauces. Hard to improve.
(5)James H.
Excellent. We tried the baby backs, beef burnt ends and fire seared chicken wings. All were very very good. The wings were a little overseasoned in my opinion, but I prefer the simple smoky flavor. Will definitely stop here again when in KC. Gave 4 stars cuz they didn't include silverware or napkins for our carryout order. Carryout cashier also got huffy when I asked for 2 ice waters after she offered me bottle water.
(4)Joseph P.
Being very close to Westport, of course you would know the infamous Jack Stack Barbeque. It was always packed and apparently there are some die-hard fans that pledged that they have the better BBQ in the region. Honestly, I was not as impressed by their BBQ as I was with their vegetable options. Don't get me wrong, the BBQ was definitely good, but it was not mind-blowing good. However, the complimentary grilled vegetables was definitely something to try! Not only were the vegetables sweet and fresh, it was grilled just the right amount so it also obtained enough of the grilled taste to enhance the vegetables' flavors. Another thing that blew my mind was their onion rings. Coming from the Chicago Suburb area, I had never seen such huge onion rings with actual onions in them! In addition to that, the sweetness of the onions within the onion rings were guaranteed! Definitely worth trying!
(3)Vicky T.
busy busy busy on the Monday night my friends and I visited .I called the day before to make reservations but the lady at the other line said they were booked. "we accept walk-in's though!" i could not leave school until 5:30pm so i asked a friend to walk in and reserve a table for 6 to make it convenient for our on-duty nurse friend to comfortably make orders and maximize her time with our visiting friends from ohio. reception desk insisted the entire party arrive (i would arrive in10min). when i arrived i did not ask if we can have a table, i said we needed a table for 6 and one of the hosts found us a table. our waitress was training someone while serving us, and, remember, the place was busy busy busy. i say this to explain why it was difficult for us to get ahold of our waitress in between orders and meals. she also mistakenly served me the salmon dinner (whereas I asked her about either the salmon and salad or salmon sandwich menu item). to grab her attention I stood and waited awkwardly for 5+ min at the end of our booth. she saw me but did not acknowledge seeing me so brushed me aside to serve a different table. I understood she had priorities so I waited another 2minutes but then i saw she decided she was going to ignore me again and walk away had I not stepped in her path. I was already embarrassed but I told her the mistake of having served me the wrong order to which all she responded to me was a vexed raise of her brow and an "okay..?" to which I then I took the que and proceeded to ask, "so I guess I was wondering if you would be able to change my order? the dinner is not what I asked for and the price is more than I anticipated". "umm." - pause - "you can speak to my manager about it." she walks away. I didn't know if she meant to return or meant to shrug me off to speak with the manager. i returned to my seat and looked at my dish: I had taken two bites from the side dish but didn't want to continue.. I wish she knew I wasn't trying to rip them off like some may. the manager came by the booth to apologize for the mixup and changed my tab to reflect the price of the salmon sandwich. I was grateful but uncomfortable with my waitress for the rest of the my dinner. I was almost thankful, given the occurance, that we had so difficult a time getting her attention the majority of that night. no one wanted to pay us heed, we must've just been that troublesome (we really weren't though! they did themselves the favor of forgetting some items and checking up on us!). anyway, uncomfortable experience! good food. really good food. my friends ordered either the three-item kc combo dinner or the ultimate rib dinner to share amongst the five. I ordered (or meant to order) the salmon sandwich. I got a taste of both sandwich and the dinner (I mistaken as my sandwich option. my friends' favorite choice was the crown prime ribs. best they had.. they critiqued the meats' flavor and texture with animated description but it all went over my head. something about how perfect the meat was marbled, the tenderness, and the way the meat flakes or falls off the bones. I don't recall. I, too, enjoyed my dish. aside from the salmon steak I had a garden salad and broccoli side. in my confusion i asked another waitress why i was not given buns and the described items for my salmon sandwhich. she (though not so courteously) brought them out for me. I will say I make better salmon. it was a bit overcooked so the meat was tough. very heavy dinner -- i was able to finish only half the salmon steak. I was able to finish everything else though! my inability to complete, I wondered, could be attributed to the fact that I devoured a grapefruit, a candy bar, and some Costco dried figs right before dinner.. I was hungry! tip: 1. call more than 24hrs in advance for reservations. if you decide to talk in for dinner make sure you have your entire party present 2. combo platters feed many (group of 4 to 6) for cost and satisfaction effective experience. 3. crown prime rib 4. menu and pricing available online.
(4)Jesse P.
Use to not like the place at all and couldn't understand what everyone loved so much. I use to get the brisket which is sub par. Then I tried their burnt ends, then their beef ribs, both are awesome. Crown beef rib is incredible. Beans are best in town.
(5)Angela E.
Service was absolutely amazing, so fast and super friendly! My family got onion rings, burnt ends, ham, and ribs. I got a SthWst Salad no meat and coffee. All items were great, especially the coffee! Definitely a must visit when coming to Kansas City!
(5)Nikki B.
Holy cow- this place is amazing. Highly recommend the burnt ends, cheesy corn, and the triple chocolate brownie. You'll leave absolutely full but it will be worth it!
(5)EmaLes F.
The food in this place is delicious! We had the Kansas City Combo with 3 different meats ( baby back ribs, beef burnt ends and chicken) and we were satisfied. They were very tasty! And the cole slaw! Wow! The only reason we are not giving 5 stars is because the drinks were a little overpriced. Besides this, if you visit are in the area you must go to jack stack!
(4)David T.
Good BBQ! We wanted to experience KC barbecue on our trip to the plaza and this didn't disappoint. I would recommend the burnt ends and the cheesy potato bake. Both were awesome. The fried mushroom appetizer was also good and the baby back ribs were decent. All in all we had a good experience here.
(4)Emmit S.
The food is so good here! Anything is good. I try something new everytime and always happy. We like this location the best bc the decor is really cool. Service has been good too. The bartender(woman) during the day was great! Super nice and seemed to know lots of customers coming in.
(5)Brian G.
Good bbq, more on the fancier side. I was looking for more of a low key place but I was in the plaza area so I figured why not. I got their burnt ends and a half rack of baby back ribs combo with fries. The meat was delicious but the fries are nothing to write home about. I think if they spruced up their sides a little (for this area and setting it shouldn't be an issue) I would go with 5 stars.
(4)Ryan S.
Wow. Some of the best barbecue I have ever had. Visiting Kansas City from California, I had high expectations that the food would be good. I didn't expect such amazing flavors! The service was amazing and everyone at the bar was nice. We ordered The brisket, pulled pork, and rib meal and we got the sides of the scalloped potatoes, french fries, and the baked potatoes. It was fantastic. The sides were unbelievably good. For dessert we got the Bread Pudding and the carrot cake. Both were amazing but I could barley eat them. All in all, a must try while you are in Kansas City
(5)Linda B.
The service was wonderful and best of all the food was amazing. One of the best barbecue places I have ever tried. My boyfriend and I ordered Jacks Best and it was plenty enough for the both of us to share. I'm glad we found another BBQ place we really enjoyed besides Joe's! Which both are comparable in my book! Love love love!
(5)Shadi A.
It was amazing from beginning to end. The appetizers: fried mushrooms were really yummy. Awesome pork ribs, cream of corn and cole slaw! Great service too. We will be back!!!
(5)Scott M.
Best ribs....worst service!
(1)Moe T.
Oh yeah this is the real deal! We stopped off here on a road trip from Chicago to LA and went nuts! Prime crown beef ribs - Each one is a meal on a bone! Juicy and fall off the bone. I'm getting hungry just thinking about them Lamb ribs - smoking! I love lamb and this was some of the best I've ever had Burnt ends - delicious. Juicy, saucy and terrific. All of the sides were delicious too. Don't miss the carrot cake though! The best I've ever had without a doubt. We thought we didn't have any room left after dinner but we couldn't let one bite of this carrot cake go to waste with how good it was
(5)James L.
My business travels rarely take me to exciting places, but I always try and seek out the culinary specialities in whatever town I happen to be in. If I'm in the West Coast, I'm all about Mexican food. Anywhere along the Northeast Corridor I'm eating Italian and Chinese cuisine, and in the Southeast I'm noshing on Cuban and fresh seafood. I happened to be in the mid-west and specificially in the mecca of BBQ, Kansas City, MO. I am not one of these "Evangelist" who ONLY eats BBQ from Texas, or North Carolina, or Memphis. I've sampled the smoked meats from all of these BBQ havens and enjoy them all. I refused to wait the 2-3 hours at the legendary Oklahoma Joe's, and didn't want to drive over to Arthur Bryant's, so took the advice of one of the locals and headed over to Fiorella's Jack Stack. I was told to have their burnt ends, and was happy with the suggestion. The ends of these briskets had an excellent char and were crisp with natural juices and spices. The dinosaur- sized beef ribs were also super meaty with an altogether different texture from the burnt ends. The meat from the ribs gently tore away, since unlike pork ribs the meat shouldn't really be "fall off the bone". Both cuts of meat had great smoky flavor, and the authentic sides of cole slaw and beans with bacon provided an excellent complement. If you don't want to endure the waits at some of Kansas City's other BBQ joints, come to Fiorella's Jack Stack - you won't be disappointed.
(4)Vincent N.
Eh, ok ribs. Too dry. Also a bit more pricey than we have experienced at the other old time bbq joints. Bryant's was good. Best for us was KC BabyBack BBQ Ribs in Oak Grove.
(3)Steven M.
This is quite commercialized compared to some KC staples. Nonetheless this is worth a visit. Ribs are what you should be interested in here!
(4)Pete G.
Not bad, but they rely too much on sauce to mask marginal cuts of meat that are cooked too fast. If that's the kind of bbq you like, this is your place. The sides are fine and the atmosphere is ok. If you are hoping for something that tastes more like meat than sweet sauce, get the burnt ends with sauce on the side. Others I've been there with rave about the carrot cake. Other than the fact that it is huge, I didn't find it particularly special.
(3)Nicole H.
Best BBQ! We could smell this place from everywhere on the plaza! If you are ever shopping downtown, seriously follow your nose! Great service and fantastic food. Their portions are large, and you'll have a to-go bag. It's conveniently located and they have a casual atmosphere. Delicious.
(4)Wendy W.
I've been enjoying Jack Stack BBQ since its humble beginnings in Martin City, Mo. The attention to quality, flavor, service and atmosphere only gets richer! You can count on what you know as only true to Jack Stack BBQ. You can count on super attentive waiters. You can count on fare for all pallets, including vegetarians, fish-lovers and of course those who like to chow down on ribs, burnt ends and wings. I've ordered Jack Stack to be delivered to Texas for a show down. I've ordered massive pounds for my child's graduation in Omaha, and I've purchased it packaged at Costco. Same quality every time - and a hands down winner! Oh, and in case you didn't know it, you are missing the bloody mary of a lifetime if you don't try Jack's burnt-end stuffed olives in the bloody mary on an easy Sunday morning'. My only beef is, when will we get on in Omaha?
(5)Leah W.
First things first: Lamb ribs and cheese corn = AMAZING! The ambiance of this place felt more high class, which fit with the Plaza area. The 3 of us all tried different items, but loved everything we ordered. We each tried a bit of everything (brisket, burnt ends, ribs, etc.) and were pleased with our meat choices. We tried both sauces offered, but neither was spicy. The sides were also great and well portioned with the meal. The loaded baked potato could have been its own meal. Not as "authentic" feeling as some other KC barbecue places, but delicious!!!
(4)Mark G.
My 2nd favorite KC BBQ restaurant. Oklahoma Joes is #1. Burnt ends and ribs were excellent. Spicy BBQ sauce was awesome. Baked beans were pretty good but I've had better. They were a little too sweet. Honestly, they tasted better cold the next day. For some reason they forgot my coleslaw but I didn't even notice until I was nearly finished eating and didn't have room form it anyway.
(4)Jemmie W.
Wow. Just wow. I lived in Texas for three years and one of the things I miss about Texas is the BBQ. This place addresses that issue. I had the full rack smoked beef ribs with three sides. They say it's enough for two people. I say they are right, and I eat like a killer whale. The full rack includes eight ribs. I ate six of them and could eat no more. I basically didn't touch the sides. The beef ribs are unbelievable and reminds me of the legendary BBQ in Texas. The meat is incredibly tender, flavorful, and not dry. I cannot recommend it enough.
(5)Sophia L.
Been traveling for work through BBQ cities and loved jack stack's. The prime beef rib had the right amount of fat and flavor (beef rib, burnt ends, and baby back) was outstanding. If you're an onion ring lover, order a stack. Cornmeal in the batter made for a crunching coating with a perfect onion on the inside. Coleslaw was addicting -- I ate every bite. Too much food for one person so bring a friend.
(4)Zach C.
Tried the combo with beef tips and lamb ribs. Ribs were slightly gamey in taste, and a little fatty but not bad for ribs. The tips were amazing! so were the beans as a side. Recommend tips and beans!
(4)Philip L.
A very solid, cant-go-wrong franchise for hearty portions of bbq. The meat could have used a little more flavor (got burnt ends and roasted pork) but cant complain as everything is legit and done well. The sides were surprisingly tasty (cheddar potatoes were great).
(4)Felicia S.
Great food, great service, with a much better environment than many other BBQ places I've tried since moving here. I had the special-a pulled chicken sandwich, and swapped out the fries for baked beans. Delicious. My friend got the burnt ends a a was less impressed with all the visible fat. Felt a little rushed to turn the table, but much better than the norm for KC BBQ. Server was a bit overwhelmed, but the place was completely full with a line for tables.
(5)Nikki H.
Great location, great BBQ! We used to live in KC, but don't anymore, and there isn't much BBQ where we live now, so we're fans of pretty much any BBQ restaurant in KC, but we did really enjoy eating here. Food was great, service was great, and the portion sizes were large. We'll be back!
(4)Noell C.
Started with the fire kissed wings. Seasoned perfectly with a little kick. Fall off the bone delicious. Next up I had the lamb ribs, simply amazing. Gotta get the cheesy corn. I tried the crown prime beef ribs and they are well worth the money spent.
(4)The D.
Lamb ribs are awesome. Burnt ends were delicious. The sides (beans and cheesy corn) were amazing. The local Boulevard Brewing beer on draft is awesome. Lots of tourists here. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is I'm from Texas and that is were all bbq is done best.
(4)Debra F.
We came here several years agao and the food was great so we had to go back We have the ribs with the cheesy corn and the beans. The lunch portion and cost is great as is the food. The ribs are meaty and tender with great flavor. The decor is beautiful and everything there is top notch.
(5)Kip L.
Barbecued baked beans are amazingly good and smoky probably the best baked beans ever.
(5)Kevin M.
I've grown up on some of the best southern barbeque in NC and Tennessee. This evening my taste buds were blown away by the most succulent, fall off the bone ribs I've ever eaten. My wife and I had to share this huge "Jack's Best" plate with their signature beans, coleslaw and corn. The patio was nicely laid out and Mathew was the most courteous and helpful waiter I've had in a long time.
(5)Kristi D.
We checked out Jack Stack while in town, and I thought it was good, but I don't need to go back. The meat was fantastic. The cheesy corn everyone talks about? Picture corn kernels in a Velveeta soup. That's what it looks and tastes like - not at all what I, or my dining partners, imagined. And not worth the calories. The baked beans were terrific. The carrot cake - so, so. I've had better. A round chunk of moist cake, dripping with a cream cheese sauce and sprinkled with walnuts. It was fine but not impressive. The big issue was our waitress. I was shocked to get such rude service at a upper-end restaurant, much less a place known for its BBQ. The waitress was rude to members of our dining party, to the point of even arguing. It was nice, but next time I am in KC, I will check out other options. Maybe I'll go back someday.
(3)Deborah G.
Ok, my family have been long time customers of Jack Stack ever since I was a kid.. While the food is always good, I have noticed over the years the meat has become fattier & the waitresses more bitter. IDK if it's because my palate has matured or that I notice the subtleties of poor service but the main reason I have not been back to this location for quite some time is due to the wait staff who can be quite rude at times. God forbid you ask for a refill of your drink before they offer it! I guess they figure they can get away with it because they always have a full house but to me, it's just not worth it.
(2)Steven M.
I took at pic of my plate when it arrived and shot it out to a gal back in the Windy City. She immediately knew where I was and called me a Bitch! I had the Jack's Best so I could sample everything. The dinosaur bones that they brought out were pretty amazing! My favorite were the pork ribs. No fat and nice glaze over them. The burnt ends were explained to us as burnt on the outside only. Um, not really! Mine were little briquettes as well as others at the table. The baked was standard issue, but the baked beans got my attention. The onion ring tree was really good and not at all greasy. I was impressed with the servers ability to split the appetizer 7 ways on our checks. Nice atmosphere and great service.
(4)Erin F.
No idea how the food tastes because we waited 15 minutes before we were even acknowledged by our waiter. This was after being ignored by 3 hostesses (who were doing nothing) when we entered the restaurant for around 5 minutes. Terrible service - we spent our money elsewhere.
(1)Aubrey A.
Cannot be in KC without eating here. Normally love lamb and don't LOVE the lamb ribs, but everything else is UNREAL!!!!!!
(4)Karen S.
Had high expectations and was disappointed. We shared a sliced meat platter and the meat looked terrible. Sliced turkey looked like it came out of a supermarket deli, sliced pork was an unappetizing shade of gray. Sauce was fine, but it was hard to enjoy after I had seen the meat I was eating. It was really bad Beans were good if you like wet, bbq-flavored beans. I felt like I was eating a cup of the sauce with a few beans, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Maybe the ribs and other dishes are a better bet here, but I don't think I'll be back given the other bbq places in KC.
(2)Rasheda H.
Very upscale barbque place on the plaza. I definitley come here looking my best when I dine at jackstack. The barbque is good, but the ambiance makes this place what it really is. The potatoes are so yummy. The rib tips are amazing! The ribs are also amazing. This is the best place to come for a date!
(4)Janelle M.
My husband and I were rolling through town on our way home from the Indianapolis 500. We happened to be here on Memorial Day, and our first choice BBQ place was closed. Man, am I glad it was - because this place was out of this world! We shared burnt ends (pork/beef only - YUM!). My husband ordered Blackened Prime Rib sandwich with fries (yum!) and their cheesy corn dish (that was weird, we didn't like it). I had their smoked prime rib with asparagus and a side salad. It was all amazing. I am definitely coming back the next time I am in the area. We even brought their catalog home, just in case! Highly recommend it - it was FABULOUS!
(5)Brittany S.
My hubby and I first tried this place after the desk clerk at the hotel we were staying at recommended it to us. We were hooked after the first bite! I don't eat pork and am always disappointed when I go to barbeque joints and am told they don't serve beef ribs... only pork. So, I was thrilled to find out this place serves beef ribs! The beef ribs, beef brisket and lamb ribs are all delicious! All the sides I've tried are amazing, too! This place will leave you stuffed and wishing you could have eaten more! I can't wait to go back to KC so I can have some more delicious BBQ from Jack Stack!
(5)Caroline K.
Kansas Citians will arm wrestle you over barbecue favoritism. Most KC joints are small, stand in line and order at a greasy cash register affairs that make even the most mellow folks agitated and impatient, but always worth the hassle. Jack Stack uses a classy dining room and stellar service (and of course, cocktails) to help you enjoy a real dining experience. Oh, and the food is outstanding as well. I'm a frequent patron of Jack Stack, but a recent trip changed my perception of beef forever. Have you ever experienced a perfectly executed meal that makes you question if food will ever be the same to you again? I had this kind of experience with the Crown Prime Beef Rib at Jack Stack. This is NOT Prime Rib (though they do have it and it is outstanding). This is a delicious on-the-rib-bone cut slow smoked to perfection to give this fatty cut a melty quality that can't be matched. Delicious, renders-on-the-tongue, smoky beef goodness. This cut was part of a special with burnt ends the night of my visit, so it was really the best of both worlds, but it is a permanent fixture on the menu. If you truly want to experience a whole new level of smoked meats, get the Crown Prime Beef Rib. But one experience and one dish does not make a 5-star review. As I said earlier, Jack Stack is one of our go-to stops. I've never ordered or tasted something I didn't love. The sides are amazing (cheesy corn bake, beans and their ever-changing vegetables are all spectacular). You can even get dessert, a rare find at a barbecue place. In short, Jack Stack combines great food and an actual restaurant environment for a unique and satisfying dining experience that is sure to impress out of town guests and long-time residents alike.
(5)Gary K.
The last few times I have been to this reateraunt it has not been very good. I went last night and decided to try their ribeye. It was over cooked, dry and had no flavor. For a steak that cost over $35 I expect much more. The bbq that i had the two visits before was really dry. I dont think I will be going back anytime soon.
(2)Derek L.
I'm a KC native my whole life and have had the pleasure of enjoying the World's best barbecue my entire life. In years past I have gone to Fiorella's Jack Stack barbecue and thought the food was good if not great. Recently I went into the Jack Stack on the Plaza and took a seat at the bar and had an entirely different experience. When I sat down the bartender came right over to me and took my beverage order and provided me a menu. I ordered a Boulevard Pale Ale and the beer was cold and refreshing. As I looked over the menu and decided between burnt ends or baby back ribs I eventually ordered the burnt ends (brisket and ham). While I waited for my food to be prepared I looked around the bar and noticed 3 HD Tv's that were showing the World Series. I noticed that the TV's were HD but the game was being displayed in standard def as shown in the letterbox on each side of the screen and the rather unclear picture. I was soon slid a dish of cole slaw that appeared to have been sitting for some time as evidenced by the top of the slaw being very dry and all the dressing sitting at the bottom of the bowl. I took a few bites and was not too impressed with its dry texture and mildly cool temperature. A few minutes later my food came on a large oval plate. The meat was stacked up on one side with a some jarred looking pickles that look like they could have came from a McDonalds cheeseburger. The cheesy corn bake I ordered was on the other side in a small bowl with a piece of toast finishing off the underwhelming presentation. I immediately dug into the cheesy corn which was delicious. Next I started on my burnt ends. They were pretty good despite some parts of the brisket being dried out and chewy. The toast it came with was very plain and unappetizing. I finished my meal and was still hungry so I ordered dessert. When the bread pudding I ordered came it was a HUGE portion and way too much for one person. The bartender had told me that it was hot but as I reached the center of one of the 3 large slices I noticed it was a microwaved product that was hot on the edge and still cool in the center. Overall, I have had better here and it seems that some corner cutting has taken place. The service was great but the bar which has immense potential was underwhleming and the presentation of the food left more to be desired.
(2)Barb H.
Came for lunch. Server was knowledgeable and attentive, but perhaps too much so. Friend had trout and enjoyed. I had pulled pork and burnt ends sandwich. Quite tasty though bun was too big. Cole slaw tasty but not sure why it came out before our meal. Fries were excellent. Tasty BBQ but not the best I've ever had.
(3)Robert M.
This is about as good as barbecue gets. The brisket is tender and juicy. Don't miss the prime beef rib (even if just the appetizer) and don't neglect the sides (the cheesy corn bake is oddly better than it sounds).
(5)Joe D.
I had a combo platter with beef ribs, burnt ends, and spare ribs, and eveyrhing I had here was pretty good, but I definitely left feeling underwhelmed. The spare ribs were definitely lackluster, and the burnt ends were good but out of the 4 places I've eaten burnt ends in Kansas City, they were my least favorite. The beef ribs were the only thing in my meal that stood out. I wasn't a big fan of the setup either- to me BBQ and a white tablecloth environment just don't mix well.
(3)Josh K.
I'm on a business trip and needed dinner so I searched here and found this great BBQ joint. I wasn't sure whether I wanted to dine in or order for take out but when I saw the special entrance and free parking for takeout customers, my mind was made! These are great conveniences for people on the run. I ordered the Southern Jack (being a Georgia boy and all) and some beans. The service was friendly as well as fast. The employee asked if I wanted anything to drink. This might seem like a small thing, but I'm a big customer service nut and I might have forgotten to order one (it's happened before). He also pointed out the silverware and condiments without me having to ask. The sandwich was good with plenty of meat, which was was very tender. They provided plenty of sauce on the side for slathering on the sandwich. Let me tell you, the beans were some of the best I've tasted. I say "some of the best" because I have to reserve "the best" for mom/granny of course. Overall a great experience and highly recommended!
(5)ND U.
This is the place to go for barbecue! The prices are fair and the food is really good. A must try is the burnt ends and the carrot cake. I'm still dreaming of that darn cake. It's served warmed with cream cheese frosting melting and oozing goodness. The only reason why I did give five stars is because the wait staff never warned me on the portion size. These are very large portions and we had plenty of leftovers which I don't eat.
(4)Rusty B.
This was my favorite place to eat while in Kansas City. The burnt ends were the highlight of a great meal. If you get a dessert try the carrot cake.
(5)Amy B.
The fanciest barbeque joint I've ever been in, and the food was fantastic. As a table I think we ordered every meat they serve, plus vegetable skewers and mac and cheese. Everything was fantastic!
(5)Glenn M.
brisket was fine but portions were puny given the price. smoked sausage was ok but slice really thin length wise. beans and cole slaw were fine.. there was nothing about this food that stood out as being impressive. way overprice for the portion size..
(3)Brendan S.
This was my final stop on my Kansas City BBQ tour. I had the pork ribs and they were great. The side of beans was excellent and I really liked the sauce as well. I washed everything down with a Boulevard Pale Ale, a local brew. I gave this spot 4 stars - the food was great, the service was solid and everyone was prompt and nice. I'd definitely go back here, even though this is definitely a BBQ restaurant, not a dive. Does it really matter if the food is good?
(4)Michael P.
The crown beef ribs were to die for. Ask for a side of the horseradish dip to use on them We will be back !!!!
(5)Nick P.
The butt stack! People who eat here are tourists or have friends/family who are visiting kc. They have some kind of dumb catalog I keep getting in the mail too, I hate it...
(1)Melisa V.
had friends in town for a long weekend who were devoted to eating as much barbeque as they possibly could... Jack Stack was next on their list, and since we were at the Nelson until they shoved us at the door at five, this location was ideal. (usually head out to Martin City) we headed over at 5:15 and I was amazed that we were seated right away. they were also very accommodating, bringing us a carrier sling and making sure that we were all comfortable with the seating arrangement. we all ordered the KC combo with different sides. (yes, you can choose anything - no need to just settle for the fries and slaw if that isn't what you're craving). I ordered the beef burnt ends and pork ribs with a veggie kabob (they are amazing if you haven't tried it yet), my husband ordered brisket and beef ribs with beans and cheesy corn. one of my friends also ordered the chicken and slaw instead of cheesy corn. I find it really hard to believe that even after growing up here, I never really tried burnt ends. what I've been missing all of these years! I will definitely be ordering them again (so much better than my husband's brisket). the ribs were good too, but I was so full of the rest of my meal, I left two to take home. my husband reminded me twice to grab my take away box, and only after we said goodbye to our friends and walked to our car did I realize it wasn't in my hands. I knew it was a long shot but I went back to the restaurant and found our server, Shawn. he told me that they already threw my to go box away but to wait and he was going to see if he could get me more. after waiting for a few minutes he returned with a box containing two ribs. that was totally unnecessary considering I was the one who left it and five minutes later realized it was missing. even though I still love the ambiance of Martin City much more, I would definitely come back to this location after our wonderful experience here.
(5)Opinions Are My Own, G.
I am going to need to keep this short or I will fill the page. This place is very "clean" for a BBQ place. It has a chain-vibe about it. BUT.......it's hella good. So so good. Burnt ends. Baby back ribs. Lamb ribs. THE FREAKING BEANS OH MY GAWD. The cheesy corn. I hope I have some warning before I die so that I can get a big platter of my favorite things from here and die with a smile on my face. I don't live in KC (anymore) but visit a few times a year. I always come here. And it is like energy to my veins. Love. Happiness. Goodness. Warmness. Delishness. I'm going to rest now...
(5)Jacqueline C.
I seriously always enjoy the BBQ here! I know it's not Arthur Bryant's or Gates and some might think Jack Stack is more like the fine dining of BBQ but I love it. The location in the Cross Roads Arts district is lovely and the service is always spot on. We started with the onion rings, battered daily in house and man these things are GOOD! Also decided to try the smoked salmon appetizer, wow if I ever go back (which I will) I might have this as my meal! it comes with these lovely little crostini, capers, red onions and a creamy sauce to compliment the lovely smoked salmon. Moving on.....my meal I opted for a salad knowing it was going to be a long day in KC. I added grilled chicken to the spinach salad and was in heaven as I ate and sipped Tank 7 from KC's favorite brewery Boulevard! My eating partner enjoyed lamb ribs smoked to perfection and served up hot with sauce on the side. In my previous visit I tried the smoked turkey, chicken and brisket. It was all so delicious it brought me back! Over, great time and can't wait to return, maybe I'll even sit outside!
(4)Nick T.
Great place to bring out of towners for their first KC BBQ experience. Classy, but still true Kansas City BBQ. Love the cheesy corn and beans. Best sides in all of KC.
(5)Tyler D.
If I could give it 3.5 I would. My burnt ends we're dryer than they should be and they cooked my gf's flattened chicken to quick and it was raw. The cheesy corn and beans were awesome! The carrot cake made the whole dinner. Hands down the best carrot cake I've ever had in my life. Overall a decent experience. They comped her chicken and the staff was informative and very nice. If I come back to KC I wouldn't mind trying it again.
(4)Shawn H.
Great minds could sit and debate KC's best barbecue for eternity. Jack Stack has the "awards" and ratings to lay some claim to the title, but that's not what I'm here to discuss. Frankly, I've never met KC barbecue I couldn't eat. I'm here to own up to a delicious BBQ habit that has invaded my Sunday routine. I work near the Plaza on Sunday afternoons. I'm embarrassed to admit it took me a while to realize I could swing by Jack Stack on my way to work and get a sandwich and fries for about $8. Now I'm embarrassed to admit I want to do this every week. As it is, I usually talk myself out of it and pack a lunch, but this is my BBQ therapy. If I visit this location any other time, I have to eat outside due to the overwhelming sting of BBQ aroma. That's a nice way of saying it's kind of smoky in there. Maybe it depends on the time of day? Either way, the patio is nice and doesn't catch the sun during the dinner hour in the summer. To recap, I suggest calling ahead and ordering a sandwich for carry out. BBQ Therapy. I have the number programmed on my phone, and I reserve the right to use it whenever I see fit. :-)
(4)HisHer R.
His: my favorite restaurant in the city. If you're here from out of town and want to have KCs best BBQ, you can't miss it. Other bbq places are fine for lunch - but this is dinner. Get the spare rib platter - it's ridiculous. Hers: ehh it's a lot of meat (I'm a vegetarian) I like the salmon salad, the interior is nice and staff is always exceptional. Not at the top of my list, but always a great place to take visitors.
(4)Gabby A.
I ate at Fiorella's for the first time a couple of weekends ago, and it was a very great dining experience. We chose to sit on the heated patio, and it was gorgeous outside. They had the fire going and heaters around the tables, so it was the perfect temp. We looked over the menu (which is quite large) and finally decided on what to get. I ordered brisket and sausage and my boyfriend got pork and brisket. Our server seemed like he may have been new, and was friendly but extremely distracted. We got our food and the meats were amazing. My brisket was tender and juicy and the sausage had wonderful seasonings and flavors. I ordered coleslaw and cheesy corn as my side. The coleslaw was okay, nothing special, and the cheesy corn was pretty tasty. I do have to say, where's the cornbread?!?!?! I'm so used to having sinfully delicious and terrible for me cornbread on the side of every good BBQ meal, and there was none to be found at this BBQ place. My other complaint would be that we didn't receive any BBQ sauce on the side. There was a light drizzle on the meats, but I'm also used to getting extra BBQ sauce on the side. I think this may have been an error by our server, because we had a manager come up and say 'Oh, you don't have any extra BBQ sauce! I'm so sorry, would you like some?' At that point we'd eaten most of our meal, so we said no need. Overall, this was a great place for BBQ. I will definitely be back!
(4)Ruthie H.
Great food! Great service! And wonderful atmosphere! Even sensitive to food allergies!
(5)G. A.
Gosh. There's a great debate about the best BBQ in KC, and everyone I talk to mentioned Jack Stack. It feels sacrilegious to not like Jack's Stack, but I thought the beef burnt ends were a bit tougher in texture than I would have liked, and it was too oily. I wasn't a fan of the beans, which I thought were too sweet, and the cheesy corn wasn't for me either- it was almost like eating a cheddar/velveeta cheesy soup with bits of pork or bacon and corn. I dunno. So far, I'm on the Oklahoma Joe's bandwagon...
(4)E L.
Baby back ribs - 4 stars Burnt ends - 4 stars Sliced meat - 4 stars BBQ chicken - 4 stars Service - 5 stars
(4)Darlene H.
In KC for All Stars, really wanted BBQ. Asked a lot of locals where to go and this is one of the places recommended. Did not disappoint! Pork & Lamb ribs were amazing! Burnt ends to die for! I don't even know what adjective to use for the cheesy corn, but is was soooo good! Beans too! Would DEFINATELY go back. Kids loved it too! Thanks to all the locals for the recommendation!
(4)Russ D.
Two words. Burnt Ends!
(4)Sue D.
Come here if you're looking for fancy cattle...do NOT come here if you're hungry and looking for REAL bbq. The burnt ends were a joke. It barely had a crust on it and was extremely fatty. The baby back ribs were the only good thing I can suggest to order. If you want good bbq sauce, this place doesn't have it. Their flavor base is V8, which is ok, but that's all it tasted like. No spice, no kick...not bbq. Sides were nothing to write home about, bland cole slaw and freezer fries. Go to Oklahoma Joe's. They know bbq.
(2)William P.
Great food, great ambiance. Try the beef ribs, which are quite difficult to prepare, but are done nicely here. Very positive dining experience. Highly recommended.
(5)Katie S.
FRICKEN AMAZING CARROT CAKE. That is all!
(5)Monica T.
Before I arrived in KC, no less than four friends insisted that I eat at Jack Stack during my visit. I chose this location because it was very close to the venue of a concert I was attending. Though I'm from Texas, I'm not usually overly enthusiastic about barbeque. However, this place really was amazing. I ordered the Kansas City Combo with pork ribs and brisket. The brisket was quite flavorful and so tender that I didn't need a knife to cut it. The ribs were the star, though. I think I might have shed a tear after that first bite. Talk about fall off the bone! I don't think I'll ever have ribs that good again...unless I come back here. The service was great and the atmosphere was a bit upscale without being unpretentious. You wouldn't think that would work for a barbeque place, but it certainly does here. So yes, folks. Everything you've heard is true. Highly recommended.
(5)James G.
Great BBQ. Not your normal meat on butcher paper type restaurant. Place is more like a steak house than a BBQ joint. Try the burnt ends and the beef ribs.
(5)Sasha R.
by far and away the star of the meal was the baked potato. and the coleslaw (which was the only vegetable we ate all weekend). the prime rib (app portion is plenty for 2 normal adults) was delectable. the 'burnt ends' and ribs were no great shakes. atmosphere is posh enough that you don't have to check your derriere for debris after getting up. and bathrooms are clean, which is key.
(4)Mike B.
Traveling through KC and wanted to have some BBQ. I stopped here and had Jack's Plate, prime rib, tri-tip and Baby backs..! OMG Good! I had the spicy and sweet sauce on the side to try them both! Both Awesome! I live in Texas.. I was in Memphis last week... This is some of the tastiest BBQ I've had since I was at Paul L's house.!!
(5)