The Great Debate: Kansas’s Best BBQ / Pizza / Seafood Spots Ranked
In the heart of Kansas City, a city straddling the border of Kansas and Missouri, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que stands as a pilgrimage site for BBQ lovers. Just a short drive from downtown Kansas City, Kansas, this former gas station turned smokehouse offers a quintessential taste of Kansas City-style barbecue, renowned for its slow-smoked brisket that melts on the tongue and its burnt ends that deliver an intense smoky sweetness. The charm of the place lies not only in the meat but in the no-frills, bustling atmosphere that echoes decades of Kansas City’s rich barbecue tradition. Visiting on a sunny weekend afternoon allows diners to enjoy the open-air vibe around the pitmaster’s grill, where the smoke drifts lazily over the parking lot, signaling a feast that’s worth the wait.
About an hour south of Wichita, in the small town of Arkansas City, you’ll find the humble Sharky’s Pizza, a local favorite that has quietly captured the hearts of pizza aficionados across southern Kansas. Sharky’s serves up thin-crust pies that marry Midwest comfort with a slightly tangy tomato sauce base and a perfectly balanced cheese blend. The setting, a cozy, no-pretense dining room that smells irresistibly of baked dough and garlic, invites you to linger over a slice or two. Come during the crisp fall evenings when the small-town charm is amplified by the cooler weather, making a warm slice of Sharky’s pepperoni pizza an ideal companion to the amber colors outside.
Farther east, in the river town of Leavenworth, just about 25 miles northwest of Kansas City, The Fish Market offers a seafood experience that might surprise many visitors to the Land of the Sunflower. Known for its fresh catfish, sourced from nearby rivers and lakes, The Fish Market features fried and grilled dishes that highlight the bounty of Kansas’s waterways. The restaurant’s casual, family-friendly environment makes it a perfect stop after strolling through the historic Leavenworth Riverfront Park. Early spring visits here are especially satisfying, as the fresh catch reflects the seasonal rhythms of local waters, and the mild weather invites outdoor dining with views of the Missouri River.
In the heart of Topeka, Kansas’s capital, the Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site offers a different kind of taste adventure—at a barbecue festival held on its grounds each year. This living history museum, about a 15-minute drive from downtown Topeka, recreates the pioneer life of the 19th century with historic buildings and gardens along the Kansas River. At the festival, you can savor smoky ribs and brisket prepared by Kansas’s top pitmasters, all while soaking up the heritage of a place where barbecue was a community affair long before it became a culinary trend. Late spring, when the weather is mild and the flowers are blooming, makes the festival an especially vibrant occasion to connect history and food.
In Lawrence, about 40 minutes west of Kansas City, The Burger Stand at Dillon’s offers an unexpected but memorable twist on pizza-inspired flavors through its innovative flatbreads. While not a traditional pizza joint, Dillon’s brings a farm-to-table ethos to its locally sourced ingredients, creating toppings that reflect the best of Kansas’s agricultural bounty. The laid-back atmosphere of downtown Lawrence, with its mix of university energy and historic charm, makes this an ideal spot to sample these inventive takes. Summer evenings here are magical, as the streets fill with music and conversation, perfectly matching the casual but creative dining experience.
Down in Hutchinson, roughly 45 minutes northwest of Wichita, the Salt City Smokehouse delivers a BBQ experience rooted in Kansas’s western plains. This spot distinguishes itself with its dry-rub technique and slow-smoking over pecan wood, imparting a subtle, nutty flavor that sets it apart from the more common hickory-smoked meats elsewhere in the state. The rustic interior, accented with local art and memorabilia, offers a warm refuge after exploring the nearby Arkansas River Hike/Bike Trail, a scenic route perfect for spring and fall outings when the weather is comfortably cool. The combination of hearty barbecue and riverside recreation makes Salt City Smokehouse a rewarding destination.
For a coastal twist, the small city of Emporia, located about 60 miles southwest of Topeka, hosts the annual Emporia Seafood Festival along the Neosho River. While Kansas is landlocked, this festival brings the best of seafood culture to the Midwest, featuring dishes like Cajun shrimp boils and fresh Gulf fish prepared by visiting chefs and locals alike. The event takes over downtown Emporia’s historic district, where brick buildings and tree-lined streets provide a festive backdrop. Early September, when the weather is still warm but less humid, is the perfect time to experience this surprising seafood celebration, which highlights how Kansas’s culinary scene embraces diverse influences beyond its barbecue and pizza staples.
Exploring Kansas through its food is a journey through its geography and culture, from the smoky pits of Kansas City to the unexpected seafood festivals in the heartland. Each city offers a distinct flavor profile and dining vibe that reflects its history and surroundings, inviting visitors to taste the state’s rich culinary tapestry in places that feel both authentic and welcoming. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of thick, smoky ribs or by the crisp bite of a thin-crust pizza, the Sunflower State’s dining destinations prove that great food can thrive anywhere, even far from ocean shores.