Kansas City is known for having good barbecue. Arthur Bryant's is an experience. It is in a neighborhood that is not considered the safest and they used to get robbed frequently. They decided that any law enforcement who ate there could eat for free, and they honored that when I lived there. One Saturday I decided I would try the great Arthur Bryant's, since I had heard about it. It was early afternoon, maybe 2. When I walked in, all the tables had piles of plates on them and they told me they were sold out. I have no idea if they get slammed so bad that they have to have a couple hours to recover, clean up, and have their next round ready for evening. I have never had the chance to eat their barbecue.
People from Colorado (and elsewhere) know that KCMO has good barbecue, and the Gates close to I-70 gets lots of business from people who are driving through. I have been lucky enough to eat ribs from that particular Gates purchased by someone passing through since I have lived in Colorado. The last time I was there, the place wasn't fancy, but it was sure busy. I think Gates has a few places around the city. Ollie Gates was on the Martha Stewart show many years ago and shared a few of his recipes. Of course, the grilling techniques are important.