Kansas BBQ pride on the line after rival state claims top spot in controversial ranking
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If there’s one thing that can unite—or divide—a community faster than politics or football, it’s barbecue.
And for those who’ve spent a lifetime savoring smoky ribs, tangy sauces, and the unmistakable aroma of slow-cooked meats, the latest news from the world of BBQ rankings has left Kansas in a full-blown uproar.
The Great BBQ Showdown: Kansas vs. Texas (and Everyone Else)
For decades, Kansas City has worn its BBQ crown with pride.
Their burnt ends are legendary, their sauces are the stuff of dreams, and their pitmasters are local celebrities.
So when Yelp’s 2025 list of the Top 10 US Cities for BBQ dropped—and Kansas City was ranked third behind Austin and San Antonio, Texas—let’s just say the smoke alarms went off all over the Sunflower State.
Social media lit up with indignant Kansas fans.
“KC [Kansas City] has to be No. 1 or the list is bogus,” one user declared. Another called the decision “a slap to the face.”
How Did Yelp Decide?
Yelp’s rankings weren’t just about taste buds. The list was compiled using a mix of consumer interest, the number of BBQ businesses, and average ratings.
According to Yelp’s trend expert Tara Lewis, “This year’s top BBQ cities reflect both regional traditions and rising trends, from Austin’s legendary brisket to Honolulu’s island-inspired smoked meats.”
But for Kansas City loyalists, no amount of data can replace the experience of biting into a perfectly caramelized burnt end or savoring a rack of ribs slathered in that signature sweet-and-smoky sauce.
Also read: Attention grill masters: Are you using the barbecue sauce that’s been recalled? Here’s what you need to know!
A Closer Look at the Top Contenders
Let’s break down the top cities and what makes their BBQ unique:
1. Austin, Texas
The new king of the BBQ hill, Austin is famous for its smoked brisket—tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection.
Iconic spots like Franklin Barbecue and La Barbecue draw lines around the block, and the city’s food truck scene is bursting with inventive takes on classic smoked meats.
2. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio brings a melting pot of BBQ styles, with food trucks like Brisket Boys and Cake-N-Que serving up everything from traditional Texas brisket to creative, globally inspired flavors.
3. Kansas City, Missouri
Our beloved KC is all about variety: saucy ribs, pulled pork, and, of course, burnt ends. Local favorites like Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que have racked up thousands of five-star reviews, and the city’s BBQ culture is as rich as its sauces.
4. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is the home of dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork, with a choice between dry and saucy spice-rubbed meats. It’s a city where BBQ is a way of life, and every pitmaster has a secret recipe.
5. Charleston & Greenville, South Carolina
Charleston’s low-country BBQ is cooked over hardwood coals, while Greenville offers traditional western South Carolina-style BBQ. Both cities are home to acclaimed spots like Rodney Scott’s BBQ and Lewis Barbecue.
6. Honolulu, Hawaii
A surprise entry, Honolulu’s BBQ scene is a fusion of island flavors and classic techniques. Places like Duke’s Waikiki and L&L Hawaiian Barbecue are must-visits for adventurous eaters.
Also read: Shake Shack unveils its summer menu—here’s when you can try their new flavors
7. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa blends Oklahoma and Texas styles, with top-rated joints like Burb Co BBQ and Albert G’s serving up smoky, tender meats.
8. Durham, North Carolina
Known for whole-hog BBQ and a growing Texas brisket scene, Durham’s Backyard BBQ Pit and Lawrence Barbecue are local legends.
9. Nashville, Tennesse
Nashville combines Tennessee BBQ with its famous hot chicken, making for a spicy, satisfying meal at places like Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint and Peg Leg Porker.
Planning Your Next BBQ Adventure
If you’re a true BBQ lover, why not turn this controversy into an opportunity? Plan a road trip to sample the best each city has to offer. Here are a few must-visit spots:
What do you think—did Kansas City get robbed? Have you tried BBQ in any of these top-ranked cities? Do you have a secret family recipe or a favorite local spot that deserves a shout-out? Share your thoughts, stories, and BBQ tips in the comments below!
And for those who’ve spent a lifetime savoring smoky ribs, tangy sauces, and the unmistakable aroma of slow-cooked meats, the latest news from the world of BBQ rankings has left Kansas in a full-blown uproar.
The Great BBQ Showdown: Kansas vs. Texas (and Everyone Else)
For decades, Kansas City has worn its BBQ crown with pride.
Their burnt ends are legendary, their sauces are the stuff of dreams, and their pitmasters are local celebrities.
So when Yelp’s 2025 list of the Top 10 US Cities for BBQ dropped—and Kansas City was ranked third behind Austin and San Antonio, Texas—let’s just say the smoke alarms went off all over the Sunflower State.
Social media lit up with indignant Kansas fans.
“KC [Kansas City] has to be No. 1 or the list is bogus,” one user declared. Another called the decision “a slap to the face.”
Kansas food lovers were outraged when Yelp’s 2025 rankings put Austin and San Antonio, Texas, ahead of Kansas City for the top BBQ cities in the US, placing Kansas City in third place. Image source: Emerson Viera / Unsplash.
How Did Yelp Decide?
Yelp’s rankings weren’t just about taste buds. The list was compiled using a mix of consumer interest, the number of BBQ businesses, and average ratings.
According to Yelp’s trend expert Tara Lewis, “This year’s top BBQ cities reflect both regional traditions and rising trends, from Austin’s legendary brisket to Honolulu’s island-inspired smoked meats.”
But for Kansas City loyalists, no amount of data can replace the experience of biting into a perfectly caramelized burnt end or savoring a rack of ribs slathered in that signature sweet-and-smoky sauce.
Also read: Attention grill masters: Are you using the barbecue sauce that’s been recalled? Here’s what you need to know!
A Closer Look at the Top Contenders
Let’s break down the top cities and what makes their BBQ unique:
1. Austin, Texas
The new king of the BBQ hill, Austin is famous for its smoked brisket—tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection.
Iconic spots like Franklin Barbecue and La Barbecue draw lines around the block, and the city’s food truck scene is bursting with inventive takes on classic smoked meats.
2. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio brings a melting pot of BBQ styles, with food trucks like Brisket Boys and Cake-N-Que serving up everything from traditional Texas brisket to creative, globally inspired flavors.
The rankings were based on consumer interest, number of BBQ businesses, and average ratings, sparking debate and incredulity among passionate Kansas BBQ fans. Image source: Emerson Viera / Unsplash.
3. Kansas City, Missouri
Our beloved KC is all about variety: saucy ribs, pulled pork, and, of course, burnt ends. Local favorites like Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que have racked up thousands of five-star reviews, and the city’s BBQ culture is as rich as its sauces.
4. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is the home of dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork, with a choice between dry and saucy spice-rubbed meats. It’s a city where BBQ is a way of life, and every pitmaster has a secret recipe.
5. Charleston & Greenville, South Carolina
Charleston’s low-country BBQ is cooked over hardwood coals, while Greenville offers traditional western South Carolina-style BBQ. Both cities are home to acclaimed spots like Rodney Scott’s BBQ and Lewis Barbecue.
6. Honolulu, Hawaii
A surprise entry, Honolulu’s BBQ scene is a fusion of island flavors and classic techniques. Places like Duke’s Waikiki and L&L Hawaiian Barbecue are must-visits for adventurous eaters.
Also read: Shake Shack unveils its summer menu—here’s when you can try their new flavors
7. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa blends Oklahoma and Texas styles, with top-rated joints like Burb Co BBQ and Albert G’s serving up smoky, tender meats.
8. Durham, North Carolina
Known for whole-hog BBQ and a growing Texas brisket scene, Durham’s Backyard BBQ Pit and Lawrence Barbecue are local legends.
9. Nashville, Tennesse
Nashville combines Tennessee BBQ with its famous hot chicken, making for a spicy, satisfying meal at places like Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint and Peg Leg Porker.
Planning Your Next BBQ Adventure
If you’re a true BBQ lover, why not turn this controversy into an opportunity? Plan a road trip to sample the best each city has to offer. Here are a few must-visit spots:
- Kansas City: Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Arthur Bryant’s, Q39
- Austin: Franklin Barbecue, La Barbecue, Micklethwait Craft Meats
- San Antonio: 2M Smokehouse, The Smoke Shack, Brisket Boys
- Memphis: Central BBQ, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, Payne’s Bar-B-Q
- Charleston: Rodney Scott’s BBQ, Lewis Barbecue
- Honolulu: Duke’s Waikiki, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
What do you think—did Kansas City get robbed? Have you tried BBQ in any of these top-ranked cities? Do you have a secret family recipe or a favorite local spot that deserves a shout-out? Share your thoughts, stories, and BBQ tips in the comments below!
