Arthur Bryant's

Go for the barbecue and become steeped in Kansas City's barbecue history. An antique red and white awning, and barbecue smoke wafting through the neighborhood, mark Arthur Bryant's original location. President Harry Truman, Steven Spielberg, Wilt Chamberlain and President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalind are only a few celebrities who have dined here throughout more than 80 years of operation. Customers order at the counter amid no-frills, weathered surroundings, where service is sometimes uneven. Burnt ends, pulled pork sandwiches, whole slabs and beef brisket are especially popular. Be sure to try a barbecue side, including baked beans, coleslaw or potato salad. Nice smoke rings on the meat and tangy sauce with plenty of vinegar are hallmarks at this legendary joint (although there are now three sauces available). Gargantuan servings extend to the fries, which could serve two or more people; and long lines sometimes snake out the door.