American Way Smokehouse – Kansas City BBQ

  4.8 – 1,224 reviews   • Barbecue restaurant

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American Way Smokehouse in Independence, Kansas City, MO, serves the best Kansas City BBQ, crafted with authentic, slow-smoked techniques. Enjoy tender brisket, ribs, pulled pork, famous burnt ends, and classic sides like mac & cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans. We offer dine-in, takeout, online ordering, and catering for weddings, parties, and events. Visit our website to explore our menu or book catering. Savor bold, fresh BBQ made daily with premium ingredients, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Inspired by freedom, faith, family, and friends, we’re a local BBQ legend. Open Mon-Sat 10 AM-8 PM, Sun 10 AM-5 PM. Call (816) 663-2021 or visit today.

✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery American Way Smokehouse - Kansas City BBQ 64055

Hours

Friday10 AM–8 PM
Saturday10 AM–8 PM
Sunday10 AM–5 PM
Monday10 AM–8 PM
Tuesday10 AM–8 PM
Wednesday10 AM–8 PM
Thursday10 AM–8 PM

Address and Contact Information

Address: 17710 East 39th St S, Independence, MO 64055

Phone: (816) 663-2021

Website: https://americanwaysmokehouse.com/americanwaysmokehousekansascity?utm_source=google

Menu Photos

americanwaysmokehouse.com

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Reviews

steven shadduck
We stopped in for lunch and had a great experience overall. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the service was top-notch — friendly and attentive. We ordered the burnt ends, sausage, and pulled pork, with mac ‘n’ cheese and beans on the side.
The sausage was pretty standard for a BBQ spot. The burnt ends were a bit too fatty for my taste — some folks might love that, but I prefer a more balanced meat-to-fat ratio. The pulled pork was good, though a few bites were a little on the bland side.
The real standouts were the beans and the cookies — absolutely delicious! I’ll definitely be back to try more of the menu. Worth the visit!
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Maria Ramirez
My daughter and I went to Merchant Square and the moment we arrived we could smell the BBQ in the air. It smelled so good and instantly made us hungry. The food did not disappoint at all.
I ordered the burnt ends with sweet potato fries and backyard beans and everything was amazing. The burnt ends were tender and full of flavor, the sweet potato fries were perfect, and the beans were honestly so good.
Everyone was kind and friendly which made the experience even better. We will definitely be back.
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Random randomness
My friends raved about this place knowing I’m a sucker for bbq , so when they invited me, I had to join…

But really, just left disappointed….

No liquor/mixed drink options… just beer or soda. I like a good whisky with my bbq …

Service was great, people polite. Food came quickly…

But the food, oh the food…..

The sauce, I can’t describe. My wife opted for ketchup like a 5 year old. When I tried it , it was quickly apparent why. It’s gross. I can’t describe it other than fermented grapes mixed with molasses and vinegar … 0 stars

The potato salad, strong mustard flavor. Not the greatest… 2 stars

The beans, not spectacular, but not terrible… just Meh …. 3 stars

But the biggest disappointment was the meat…. No juice to be seen for miles , dryer than a bounty paper towel . Although I’ll give them , the brisket was tender to break up , just dry as can be . Same for the ham. Smoky flavor , but since the sauce was ️ I couldn’t even use it to dampen the meat. 2 stars if I’m being generous.

Lastly, the cookie. Perhaps the highlight of the entire visit. We had the grape jam thumbprint cookie. Large, well cooked and took me back to my childhood. Easy 5 stars

All in all, subpar…. That’s 45$ i won’t get back. I didn’t have high hopes for a strip mall BBQ place , and I wasn’t wrong….
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Diana Griffiths
The pulled pork was amazing without any sauce – that’s my test for good pulled pork! They offer a variety of sauces – we tried the sweet and tangy Original – very nice.

I had a one-meat plate which came with 2 sides. The fries were hot and crispy. The coleslaw wasn’t to my liking; not very flavorful but if you like plainish raw cabbage it’s for you. There are plenty of side options to try next time.

My husband had the brisket with beans and sweet potato fries. He enjoyed it all.

Portion sizes are generous.

We give this barbecue place two thumbs up and will be back.
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Kendra Oakden
The food and portion sizes were incredible! The sauce selection was extensive and flavorful – I loved the Alabama White Sauce and Chipotle! All made in house. Jennifer was extremely kind and helpful and added to our experience. We’ll definitely be back!
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Ben G. Bronson
Stopped by the American Way Smokehouse while my friends and family were antiquing next door. The food was great, I had smoked chicken on a cheese fry. I also tried one of their sauces and some of the seasoning. Both were tasty. The prices are pretty resonable, under $20 for food, a drink, and a tip. That’s pretty amazing these days.
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Randy Kratofil
Passing through on I70 from LA back to Pittsburgh, and huge thank you to Google Maps, I found this for a lunch stop.

Three meat plate, generous portions of chicken, turkey, and pulled pork. All three were spot on for flavor and a dab of the extra spicy sauce took it over the top. Sides of fries and Mac & cheese complimented the dish well.

Would definitely return again if I traveling this way again.

Sweet tea for the win!

Have a toffee chip cookie for the road.

Well done all!
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Taj Jones
Great food. They deserve the rating.

The burnt ends are some of the best and maybe the best I’ve had in KC. Pulled pork was excellent and just right. Texas toast was good too. The baked beans were fantastic with good seasoning, some onions, and a lot of meat.

All meats had great smoke flavor.

Three recommendations:
1. Need sweet tea at a BBQ joint in KC. Adding sugar to cold tea doesn’t work and isn’t the same.
2. The brisket was a bit overdone and just a little on the dry side. The smoke was on point though.
3. Mac and cheese was a little bit on the watery side but was still excellent.
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Jeremy Sellars
American Way Smokehouse is a hidden gem in Independence. The smoked meats are incredibly tender and juicy—whether it’s brisket, burnt ends, or pulled pork, every bite is packed with rich, smoky flavor. The sides are just as impressive: the Backyard Beans are hearty and delicious with chunks of meat.

What really sets this place apart is the attention to detail. You can tell everything is made with care, from the house-made sauces to the fresh-baked cookies in the bakery. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the cozy, patriotic atmosphere makes it feel like home.

Whether you’re grabbing lunch or treating friends to a casual dinner, this spot delivers every time. Highly recommend!
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The Spork Guy
Came in and got the brisket and turkey and it was very good with nice smoky flavor, tried the spicy sauce as well and it was very good. The backyard beans and potato salad were great sides as well. Jennifer was the one who took my order and she was very nice and helpful! All around great environment and friendly staff!
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