If you call Kansas City home (or live nearby), you know that barbecue isn’t just food — it’s tradition, culture, and serious pride. KC-style barbecue is famous for its slow-smoked meats, sweet and tangy sauces, and iconic dishes like burnt ends and ribs.
But to truly get the flavor of KC BBQ, you don’t always have to head deep into the city. Right here in Excelsior Springs, there’s a barbecue institution that offers award-winning smoked meats and a cozy, historic setting: Wabash BBQ & Blues Garden.
What Makes KC Barbecue So Special
Kansas City style barbecue is known for:
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Variety of smoked meats: beef brisket, pork ribs, chicken, sausage, turkey, and more.
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Thick, sweet tomato-based sauce: often with molasses or brown sugar notes.
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Burnt ends: crispy, flavorful bits cut from the point of brisket, now a KC hallmark.
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Slow smoking over wood: low and slow until everything is fork-tender.
The Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS), founded locally, oversees many official BBQ contests and sets standards for judging and technique.
Some of the most famous KC BBQ names include Arthur Bryant’s (established in 1908) — a place that helped cement KC’s reputation in the BBQ world. But you don’t have to drive far to enjoy real, authentic barbecue.
Wabash BBQ: A Local BBQ Legend
Just minutes from Chuck Anderson Ford, Wabash BBQ brings KC-style flavor with a local twist:
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Historic setting: The restaurant occupies the old Wabash train depot, built circa 1927, located near the Elms Hotel Historic District.
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Award-winning meats: Their ribs, smoked chicken, brisket, and burnt ends receive rave praise locally and beyond.
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Menu variety: Alongside classic BBQ plates, you’ll find sides like fried mushrooms, sweet corn nuggets, onion strings — even BBQ nachos.
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Live blues & relaxed atmosphere: The “Blues Garden” hosts music events in warmer months, adding to the charm of dining there.
Open for lunch and dinner (11 am to 9 pm most days) , Wabash BBQ is often described by locals and critics alike as one of the best BBQ spots “within Kansas City’s orbit”.
From Chuck Anderson Ford to Wabash: A Local Route
When you visit Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs, you’re just a short trip away from this BBQ gem. Whether you’re coming from the dealership after a test drive, service appointment, or browsing our lot, Wabash makes a perfect lunch or dinner stop.
Because of its proximity, you can easily incorporate a BBQ outing into your day. Enjoy your new Ford, drive the short distance, and reward yourself with some of KC’s finest smoked meats — all within local reach.
Other Must-Visit BBQ Spots in Kansas City
If you’re venturing further into KC, here are a few legends to try:
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Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue — A KC institution known for its tangy sauce and classic burnt ends.
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Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que — Often ranked among the top BBQ in America (though not mentioned earlier, a local favorite).
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Gates Bar-B-Q, Q39, and others — Each with their take on KC’s signature style, offering a broad BBQ tour for enthusiasts.
These spots help define Kansas City’s BBQ heritage and provide delicious stops during a city BBQ crawl.
Why KC Barbecue + Wabash Are a Perfect Match for Ford Fans
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Big enough appetite meets big capability — your Ford F-150, Bronco, or Super Duty can haul a crowd or tray of barbecue sides with ease.
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The drive to Wabash is scenic and local — no long highway jaunts needed.
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Supporting Wabash keeps the BBQ tradition alive — just as Chuck Anderson Ford supports local business, community, and quality.
So whether you’re local or visiting from farther away, make Wabash your next BBQ stop. It’s authentic, local, and flavorful — the perfect companion to the Ford lifestyle.