I ordered the same meal from 3 popular Kansas City barbecue chains, and my favorite served the sweetest sandwich

Meredith SchneiderFeb 10, 2024, 19:02 IST

From left to right: Pulled-pork sandwiches from Joe's, Jack Stack, and Gates in Kansas City.Meredith Schneider

I tried the same meal, pulled pork with fries, from three popular Kansas City barbecue chains.
Gates Bar-B-Q — a casual, family-oriented restaurant — had the fattiest meal with the best fries.

When you're from Kansas City, people usually ask about barbecue — it's part of the city's identity.

Although mom-and-pop shops have incredible options to choose from, there are also a handful of chains that come to mind when suggesting quintessential stops: Fiorella's Jack Stack, Kansas City Joe's, and Gates Bar-B-Q.

I ordered the same meal, a pulled-pork sandwich with fries, from each chain to find the best one.

First I ordered from Fiorella’s Jack Stack.

Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue's Freight House location is very nice.Meredith Schneider

First I ordered from Fiorella’s Jack Stack.

Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue's Freight House location is very nice.Meredith Schneider

I learned a new pickup hack.

The Freight House location of the barbecue chain has an outdoor seating area.Meredith Schneider

I learned a new pickup hack.

The Freight House location of the barbecue chain has an outdoor seating area.Meredith Schneider

Jack Stack definitely had the most meat.

Jack Stack gives you a lot of pork on its sandwich. Meredith Schneider

Jack Stack definitely had the most meat.

Jack Stack gives you a lot of pork on its sandwich. Meredith Schneider

Next I stood in line at Gates Bar-B-Q.

Gates Bar-B-Q is a Kansas City staple. Meredith Schneider

Next I stood in line at Gates Bar-B-Q.

Gates Bar-B-Q is a Kansas City staple. Meredith Schneider

I braved the in-person line to place my order.

I went inside to order at Gates.Meredith Schneider

I braved the in-person line to place my order.

I went inside to order at Gates.Meredith Schneider

Gates' buns and fries were the best.

The fries didn't have a ton of extra flavor, but they were nice and thick. Meredith Schneider

Gates' buns and fries were the best.

The fries didn't have a ton of extra flavor, but they were nice and thick. Meredith Schneider

I opted for an online order at Joe’s Kansas City.

The original location of Joe's Kansas City is located in a gas station. Meredith Schneider

I opted for an online order at Joe’s Kansas City.

The original location of Joe's Kansas City is located in a gas station. Meredith Schneider

Online orders default to curbside pickup at the chain.

I was easily able to spot the pickup area. Meredith Schneider

Online orders default to curbside pickup at the chain.

I was easily able to spot the pickup area. Meredith Schneider

Joe’s would satisfy a sweet tooth.

I find Joe's meat and sauce to be much sweeter than other chains. Meredith Schneider

Joe’s would satisfy a sweet tooth.

I find Joe's meat and sauce to be much sweeter than other chains. Meredith Schneider

Each chain had its strengths, but nothing really beats Joe's.

From left to right: Joe's pulled pork, Jack Stack's pulled pork, and Gates' pulled pork. Meredith Schneider

Each chain had its strengths, but nothing really beats Joe's.

From left to right: Joe's pulled pork, Jack Stack's pulled pork, and Gates' pulled pork. Meredith Schneider

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I ordered the same meal from 3 popular Kansas City barbecue chains, and my favorite served the sweetest sandwich

First I ordered from Fiorella’s Jack Stack.

First I ordered from Fiorella’s Jack Stack.

I learned a new pickup hack.

I learned a new pickup hack.

Jack Stack definitely had the most meat.

Jack Stack definitely had the most meat.

Next I stood in line at Gates Bar-B-Q.

Next I stood in line at Gates Bar-B-Q.

I braved the in-person line to place my order.

I braved the in-person line to place my order.

Gates' buns and fries were the best.

Gates' buns and fries were the best.

I opted for an online order at Joe’s Kansas City.

I opted for an online order at Joe’s Kansas City.

Online orders default to curbside pickup at the chain.

Online orders default to curbside pickup at the chain.

Joe’s would satisfy a sweet tooth.

Joe’s would satisfy a sweet tooth.

Each chain had its strengths, but nothing really beats Joe's.

Each chain had its strengths, but nothing really beats Joe's.