As a local I would agree that 1) most KC barbecue joints are unremarkable, and 2) even done right it's good, but not "OMG I've never had meat so delicious" good

As a local I would agree that 1) most KC barbecue joints are unremarkable, and 2) even done right it's good, but not "OMG I've never had meat so delicious" good. Still, though: good. I recommend Q39 and Joe's KC to people visiting who want the good stuff. Just picking any ol' place that says it serves KC barbecue is a recipe for disappointment (goes double for anything at the airport or Crown Center). You'd be better off picking a random Mexican restaurant here than a random barbecue joint. YMMV. [EDIT] incidentally we have a surprisingly decent food scene, and most of it's not barbecue, so don't limit yourself to that if you visit.