The tradition of Bar-B-Q and blues in Kansas City had its start in the 1930’s when Count Basie, Joe Turner and Charlie Parker hung out at the Old Kentucky Bar-B-Q near 18th and Vine.

The granite stones that were used to build B.B.’s Bar-B-Q pit in 1950 came from the gravel streets downtown where they served as crosswalks…perhaps Joe Turner once high stepped across these granite stones. The granite stones hold heat, allowing a slow-smoked cooking process.

Briskets are smoked 14-16 hours and ribs 10-12 hours, using an indirect heat source fueled by hickory wood. All the meats, including sausage and chicken, are slow-smoked in the 60+ year old pit.

When the blues music floats off the bandstand, it wafts across your plate of Bar-B-Q, imparting a flavor you can only get in Kansas City at B.B.’s Lawnside Bar-B-Q.

Open for lunch and dinner. Relaxed family-style seating and friendly wait staff, no waiting in long lines to order. Sit back, relax and soak in the atmosphere.