Jack Stack Barbecue - Plaza
About This Spot
Step into Jack Stack Barbecue at The Plaza, and you’re instantly wrapped in an inviting atmosphere that balances the heritage of Kansas City barbecue with a touch of laid-back refinement. This is no hurried stop—it invites slowing down and sharing the moment, whether you settle into the open, friendly bar area or find a spot on the dog-friendly patio buzzing gently with conversation and the clink of glasses.
The pace here feels comfortably unhurried, reflecting a respect for the craft behind each dish. This is barbecue elevated without losing its soulful, approachable roots. The warm hum of satisfied diners, the easy rapport between attentive staff and guests, and the thoughtfulness in every detail—from the smoky aroma in the air to the carefully curated sides—come together to shape an experience that feels distinctly local and real.
At Jack Stack, food is not just sustenance but a communal experience. Plates arrive layered with flavors that celebrate the city’s barbecue traditions, enhanced by unexpected touches—like the subtle sweetness in the honey jalapeño cornbread or the rich comfort of cheesy corn and baked beans that keep guests happily reaching back for more. Whether it’s the tender burnt ends with their smoky crisp edges or the Crown Prime Beef Rib that invites slow savoring, every bite feels like an invitation to linger.
What sets this spot apart is how it embraces both locals and visitors alike in a genuine, welcoming way. The friendly pace, the attentive service, and the thoughtful menu choices make it a place to trust for an afternoon break, a casual dinner, or a lively weekend gathering. The balance of an elevated dining setting with the down-to-earth joy of barbecue creates an experience that stays with you long after the last savory bite.
What’s Available Here
-
Outdoor seating - Kerbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- On-site services
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Fast service
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Braille menu
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy-hour drinks
- Happy-hour food
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Spirits
- Wine
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Family friendly
- Groups
- Locals
- Tourists
- University students
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free multi-storey car park
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 08:30 PM |
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Guest Reviews
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Crystal Ball 01 Jan 2026
The wait staff was great. The fried mushrooms are so good but they're Giant. In the future I wouldn't get such a large order. I did the pick two entrees with two sides. Definitely got my money's worth. I got the burnt ends with the barbecue brisket very well quotes nice taste nice barbecue sauce not overdone. Excellent recommendations by our server. I would definitely go here again. There was a 45-minute wait if you're going to eat here I would definitely make reservations or call ahead. My bill was $80 that was with tip and I had two mixed drinks and an appetizer and a pick two entree meal. I had two meals out of it. Portions were big and the breaded and fried mushrooms were the biggest I've ever seen. The wait staff was very accommodating. They were on top of our needs and refills.
Carol Wilbeck 23 Dec 2025
Jack Stack is a true Kansas City favorite. While the city offers no shortage of excellent barbecue options, Jack Stack is typically our go-to when we want to satisfy a BBQ craving. Our favorite location is The Plaza, where the bar area is open and inviting, and the outdoor seating is ideal—plus, it is dog friendly. Since we live closer to the Overland Park, Kansas location, that is where we most often dine. The bar at this location feels a bit dated and could benefit from an update; however, the food remains outstanding and the service is consistently top-notch when we sit at the bar. Whenever friends or family visit Kansas City, Jack Stack is always at the top of the list. Overall, we love Jack Stack and feel fortunate to have such great barbecue so close to home.
Ashley Harrison 20 Dec 2025
Jack Stack in the Plaza sets the bar high. The burnt ends were smoky and tender with just enough crisp edges to make them addictive. The baby back ribs were cooked perfectly and pulled apart with ease while still being meaty and flavorful. The baked beans stood out too with a rich sweet and savory taste that I kept going back to. Service was excellent from start to finish. Even though the restaurant was packed our food came quickly and everyone we spoke to was welcoming and helpful. The setting is polished but comfortable and it felt like the perfect spot to enjoy a full barbecue spread. This is the kind of meal that makes you understand why Kansas City is known for its barbecue.
Carla Lacson 29 Nov 2025
We’re from Texas so I was surprised by the “fancy” atmosphere at a barbecue place but this place was amazing. We shared one of the family platters and it was all delicious. My mom and i loved the glazed baby back ribs. Other favorites were the onion rings, corn bread and bbq shrimp and their coleslaw. Everything cooked perfectly and flavor was incredible. This place is a solid BBQ joint.
Eric Degen 15 Nov 2025
magnificent absolutely fantastic barbecue! now understand what a wonderful surprise this was as a long-time Texan very familiar and acquainted with strong barbecue. this Kansas City barbecue experience was absolutely over the top. not only were all of the meats perfection, but the sides were masterful and possibly the biggest surprise was the elevated ambiance as well as excellent service. this was unexpected, delicious and downright fantastic - run don't walk to this establishment and do that running before you eat because afterward you're going to feel like you can't move from all this yummy goodness of in your tummy!
Gizem C. (Maya) 24 Oct 2025
Service was great—our server was kind, attentive, and everything came out quickly. The beef burnt ends are always my favorite! Overall, it was a really nice dining experience with tasty food and wine, perfect for a date night.
T Rank 19 Oct 2025
Jack Stack at the Plaza is a must-stop every time I’m in Kansas City. The service is always friendly, attentive, and super knowledgeable about the menu. The barbecue never disappoints-especially the burnt ends and the corn, which are absolute musts. Great food, great vibes, and a solid spot for a date night. There’s also a bar area with TVs if you want to hang out, eat, and have a drink. Always recommend this place, and I’ll keep coming back!
AJ French 18 Sep 2025
First off, Rille at the bar is the hardest working bartender in the state! I got tired just watching her, she never stops! She makes an amazing old fashioned out of JReigers whiskey, it was great! Obviously, in KC, BBQ is sacred, and this place is your church. My wife had the ribs lunch special, I gave the combo, brisket and burnt ends. No need for a knife here, the meat was tender and delicious. If you are in the area, stop by and try to sit in Rille’s section. You won’t regret it!