1. Arthur Bryant's

worth a gamble
If you see a very very old man behind the counter chopping meat, you're in for good barbeque. If you see a man behind the counter chopping meat who looks like he's in his late 20s, prepare for dissappointment. I've always gotten large portions and the best short ends, pulled pork and briscuit I've ever had when the elderly man is working the pit (yes its functional). However when his "apprentice" is there I've gotten tough ribs and rubbery briscuit. Its still worth the gamble to me, but if 100% consitency is big on your list, you may want to go somewhere else.

Changing
Quality of meat has improved dramatically over the years. Unfortunately the quantity has declined anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2. When you go take a African American friend (let them order), portion sizes are much bigger. When you spend over $13.00 for beef sandwich with fries and a medium drink you expect it to be as it has been for past 40 years that I have been going. Has to be one of the most expensive BBQ places in town.

not impressed
We are not from KC. We were under the impression that KC has the best BBQ well if this is one of the best I am not impressed by KC BBQ at all. First of all the service was horrible the meat was not properly trimmed of fat and was not tender it was very chewy. The fries were the worst most greasy fries I have ever had. I am from Colorado and have had way better in my home town.

Best BBQ but expensive
Their prices have gone up recently. Sandwiches are now around $9 and while they're hearty servings (2 meals for me), that's a few dollars more than other similar BBQ places in town.

The only BBQ sauce that is so unique that none others compare to it. You might not like it or you might be like me, love it and find this place the best in the usa. Not top 10 but top one !!!

I ate at this establishment twice. I can't understand how it received the accolades it has through the years. The times I ate there, the sauce was not appetizing, the meat was not particularly palatable, and the overall environment was not pleasant. The fries were good, though. I've spoken with several associates who judge barbecue contests, and I haven't encountered any who are favorably impressed with Arthur Bryant's. I think the "The Emperor's New Clothes" phenomenon might be operative here.

Bryants has changed over the years. Used to be the BBQ place to go. Now the meat tastes like it is cooked in a gas broiler instead of using wood. I have heard the old pit at the Brooklyn location is just for show. The Atmosphere at the old place is best, it is a dive so do not expect the best. Sauce here is very unique, not the KC sweet sauce. Not the best KC has to offer.

Meets and sides are 5 starts, service I would rate as 3 starts. Many KC BBQ places make eating a meal more of an experience, this one, like a few others, takes a rustic approach how people ordered and served. Many times service is seems like "hey, know what you want and give it too me otherwise you ain't doing BBQ". Little standoffish (pardon the bad use of the english language). Food here is great though and the sauce is my favorite. The taste of the food at the 19th and Brooklyn site is fantastic, the remote casino and Legends sites are good, but just not the same.