Agree with Slaps. I’ve also become a Blind Box fan recently. That said, I still prefer the shit I cook in my own backyard. Planning on really ramping up my presence in the KCBS this year.
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If you live in Kansas City, and tell me Gates is your favorite bbq, I automatically disregard anynfuether opinions from you.
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My spidey senses are perked if people say that there is a single favorite spot.

Depends on the specific meats, sauces or sides you're in the mood for, or even whether you're in the mood for the food or the setting.

For instance, KCJoes for brisket and NotLSauce. Jackstack for beans and lamb ribs. Q39 for chicken. LCs for fries.
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KCJoes for Ribs.....
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I can dig that train of thought.
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I fixed your post, given the options...

But "rabblerouser's smokehouse" should be #1AA.
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You know you're surrounded by world class bbq options when you order the chicken in KC. I love me some smoked chicken, but the bbq is so shitty here that when I walk into Q39 while back in KC later this month, maybe if there's any room leftover after all the beef and pork have been crushed, I might finally look towards the chicken.

I'd probably eat Zarda once every couple months if they were here.
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I can't say I like BBQ chicken MORE than other meats. But chicken is particularly good at absorbing that smoke. A nice helping of nice smoked chicken is pretty damned good. I'd never order it all by itself, but I include it in the mix on a nice 3 meat platter.
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I can honestly say that I have never eaten chicken or lamb at a BBQ joint.

Load me up on pork & beef.
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The lamb ribs at Jack Stack was top notch when I tried it.
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I'm thinking of trying out Q39 today for the first time. Other than pulled pork and brisket, what else is recommended?
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I like Bryant’s ribs the best

Q39 is solid everywhere but I think has become a bit overrated
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The pork belly apps are pretty awesome. I really like the pulled pork tacos too. The short rib griller is a great sandwich too.
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Burnt end burger is pretty good. The white bean cassoulet is a pretty awesome side.
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Gates blows ass sideways.

Went there for years because it had been ingrained in me since I was a kid that "It's Gates!"....but after I was grown I sort of thought it sucked. Then took a 10 year hiatus, and one day after a Royals game on the way home the wife and I for some reason were wanting to try it again. the 103rd & State Line Location. Ate it, and immediately thought "yep...still sucks". Haven't been back since, and that was probably 9 or 10 years ago. :-).

of all the bbq staples of KC, that one is easily the worst IMO. Sauce is good I suppose.

I'm not suggesting there are 100's of better bbq options around town, just saying it's very very overrated IMO (as are a lot of the BBQ mainstays in kc). and when I want BBQ, it's probably the last place that will come to mind. The best bbq seems to come from hole in the wall places that are scattered all throughout town.

i don't go out to eat for BBQ very often, mainly due to lack of consistency, flavor, and prices. But if I'm going, I'm going to Jack Stack. it might not be the "Best" etc, but it's been the same / really good every time I've been there for 20 years.

I need to try Slaps, however. I need to try Q39.
-Woodyard - eh...wasn't bad, wasn't great. Pretty unmemorable.
-OK Joes - I like it.
-K&M in Spring Hill - used to have a good sammich; but last time I went there was a $3 'upcharge' on a sammich that had beef on it. WTF. Haven't been there in a while.
-The Little Pig in Belton - been years since I've been, but I remember it being pretty tasty (not even sure if it's still there).
-Wabash bbq in Excelsior is pretty good; though, the only thing I've had is a sammich and fries there when we stop off on a bike ride.
-Zarda - it's good if you like smoked lunch meat; because that's what their sammiches taste like.
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