Kansas City’s burnt ends are the crown jewels of barbecue royalty, and I’ve spent years tracking down the best of these smoky, caramelized beef morsels.
These magical meat cubes start as the pointed end of a brisket, smoked until they develop a crackling bark before being cubed, sauced, and often nestled between bread.
During my BBQ pilgrimages across KC, I’ve discovered sandwiches that make grown adults weep with joy – the kind of food that should come with a warning label for being criminally delicious.
1. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que Z-Man
My first bite of the legendary Z-Man nearly made me fall off my barstool. This masterpiece layers tender burnt ends with smoked provolone and two crispy onion rings on a kaiser roll, creating a harmonious blend of textures that dance across your palate…