Q39 Midtown

This was the perfect start to my "bbq restaurant tour" while in town for business.

The wings were a good start, definitely finger licking good.

I had a 3 meat combo and while I was a little worried about how the brisket was described to me, everything on my plate was delicious.

Cool place with a KC VIBE, very casual and fun. Service was good, had no complaints about our server.

Q39 is about 4.25 stars BBQ place. It is one of the top BBQ in the Kansa City. My friend recommended this place for dinner. Before arriving, the parking lot already full of cars. We were lucky to see a customer just leaving and took his spot.

Q39 is very famous on the burn end. It is rare items for the restaurant. You cannot just buy the burn end. You have to buy it with the brisket. The burn end is the best of the meat here. Brisket is not bad. We also got the BBQ chicken and sausage combo. The marinated sauce went into the meat.

Overall service is good. Food also doesn't have much time to wait. Menu is simple and I like the apple salad.

Bummer Brisket.
When I travel domestically I like to visit bbq spots to compare to my local Los Angeles, which is not known for its bbq. So on a recent work trip to KC I looked up the most popular bbq in the area, and Joe's seemed to be the local fave, along with Q39 (according to ratings on Google and Yelp). I initially tried to get dinner at Joes but the line was literally out the door and into the parking lot. Since I was too hungry to wait (my mistake) I hopped back in the rental car and headed to Q39.

Q39 has a clean, upscale atmosphere. A modern interior buzzing with servers. This was in contrast to Joe's where patrons order their food cafeteria style, and seat themselves. I was offered a seat at the bar and service was immediate and friendly. I ordered the combination pork ribs and brisket platter with a side of macaroni and cheese and french fries. Fries were good, nice and crispy macaroni and cheese was pretty mediocre. It was the soupy kind of mac & cheese, not as creamy as I'm used to, but the flavor was good. My first bite was of the brisket, and I was very disappointed. When a brisket is smoked correctly it melts in your mouth like a pat of butter. I feel that the brisket at Q39 was not smoked long enough. It was tough and chewy and did not have a very good flavor. It reminded me of home cooked, oven brisket I've been subjected to at various Seder dinners in the past. It truly was bummer brisket. The ribs, however, were serviceable and tasty and I ate all of them.

Service was fast and excellent. But if a bbq joint doesn't have the patience it takes to smoke a proper brisket, what other corners are they cutting?

Is this the best BBQ in Kansas City? It is pretty dang good, but not sure if it is the best in the area. I know it's on the Kansas side, but Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que is better if you just want good BBQ in a classic American atmosphere. Q39 is more modern (furniture-wise, full bar, etc.). At any rate, Q39 is a enduring gem that everyone must indeed visit. Of course, get the burnt ends.

I'm knocking off a star for very poor service at the bar.

Had Q39 today. Seems like it used to be a bit better. Or the BBQ in Omaha has just gotten better than KC.
Service was good. Place is always clean. And the food was good but not great. Still like it but next time in KC going to try another BBQ joint.
Had the smoked chicken and chipotle sausage. The sausage was ok. Chicken was good. My son had the Q burger. The pork belly on it was kinda tough.

My Daughter and I went to Kansas City for BBQ. We decided to try Q39 because the reviews were good and they take reservations. We were seated promptly and had a friendly server. My Daughter heard that the wings were to die for so we started with an order to split as an appetizer. They were fantastic. Smoky, saucy, and flavorful. Just the right light bite before the Q. We each got brisket and burnt ends platter with cucumber salad and Mexican street corn. We also each got 1 rib. The rib was fall off the bone succulent and tasty. the brisket was very good as were the burnt ends. If I'm in KC again I'd stop here. The only thing I didn't like was the corn. No fault to Q39 just too creamy for me.

So many great BBQ options in Kansas City and this one is still my favorite! Another excellent night for dinner. Had a 6pm reservation and was quickly seated. Ordered the spiced onion straw appetizer. How do the slice the onions this thin and still get the breading on them? I will never know or buy they are really good! Judges plate was ordered with double rib portion (ribs are their best menu item) and BBQ chicken. Got the brisket plate with burnt ends. Brisket had a perfect smoke ring on it, tender and juicy and great flavor. Tried the Mexican street corn for the first time as one of the sides. Was not impressed, but they gave so many amazing sides I just won't order that again. The apple crumble dessert is the perfect end to a great meal. Warm apple crumble with a huge scoop or ice cream on top! This place is always busy but they do accept reservations, so plan ahead! Thanks for another memorable meal!

I came to Kansas City for a Chiefs game and just HAD to try this place out. They're known for their barbecue and definitely live up to the hype! They're very popular so you may have a little bit of a wait for a table. It's not a huge place but the decor is rustic and fits the BBQ aesthetic. The service is absolutely terrific as well. I had the Judge's Plate which is 2 pork spare ribs, sliced brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken and chipotle sausage. It was amazing! Since I was there for the preseason football game, Cleveland Browns v Chiefs, I saw legendary hall of fame offensive lineman Joe Thomas there! My experience here was truly unforgettable. I highly recommend this place! 10/10

I've been to q39 only twice. I enjoy the food but I'm personally not blown away. This sausage patty is great!

Service was good both times I visited.

It can be noisy at lunch but I've also been around 2:30/3 and it was just fine.

I will come here again with coworkers or friends.

What a cool spot to have some great brisket and pulled pork with slaw and potato salad. Everything tasted great and was very tender. I sat at the bar and the bartender was spot on with great service and helpful. Will definitely be back when in the area.