Smokebox BBQ Cafe

"Simply amazing. The food. The customer service. The serving size. The price. My boyfriend and I were thoroughly impressed. I forgot to leave a review yesterday and made time today to come back and finish this. Yes. It’s that good. I’m not from here so it was very refreshing to have such great service. Food did not take long. And it was GREAT"

"Food wasn't bad, pretty good, I'm just a bit upset that I had to get my hands greasy just to have to eat my ribs with a fork and I guess that's what the bread was for...stupid.. if I wanted bread with my meal, I wouldn't have ordered ribs. Coleslaw was as thick potato salad, wish someone told us that we had to get our own drinks yet the waitress was serving drinks to the other tables...."

"Smokebox BBQ Café offers a promising dining experience. Nestled just a short drive from the Kansas City Airport. Stepping into the restaurant, I was greeted by a laid-back ambiance steeped in classic rock nostalgia. Red walls adorned with framed posters of rock legends, vinyl booths, and the timeless tunes of classic rock radio. I sought recommendations from the friendly counter staff before selecting the 3-meat lunch plate, which cost $16.82 plus tip. I opted for a trio of barbecue classics: burnt ends, brisket, and sausage. The burnt ends could have been a culinary rock star. There were glimpses of potential greatness. They were tender and juicy. Unfortunately, the burnt ends fell victim to the overpowering presence of the BBQ sauce. Leaving their true essence overshadowed and underappreciated. The thinly sliced brisket failed to make a lasting impression. The thin slices dried out too fast and caused the brisket to lose its delicate flavor profile. A thicker slice would have undoubtedly allowed for a more pronounced taste, preventing the meat from succumbing to premature flavor depletion. As with the burnt ends, the flavor of the BBQ sauce overpowered the flavor of the brisket. Which unfortunately, made the brisket very forgettable. In stark contrast, the thinly sliced sausage emerged as the undisputed highlight of the meal, boasting a bold flavor profile that captivated my palate with its spicy allure. Resilient against the sauce's overpowering influence, the sausage stood as a testament to the kitchen's prowess in crafting memorable dishes. I highly recommend trying it if you like spicy foods. The BBQ sauce provided on the meats left much to be desired, its lackluster performance did little to enhance the culinary journey. It became evident that certain meats, such as the spicy sausage, thrived in its embrace, while others, like the burnt ends and brisket, struggled to assert their individuality amidst its overpowering presence. As such, I recommend serving the meats without sauce, allowing diners the freedom to customize their experience at the table. In conclusion, while Smokebox BBQ Café shows promise, there remains room for refinement. With a few adjustments, this hidden gem has the potential to emerge as a standout destination for barbecue enthusiasts in the Kansas City area."

"Great food. The cheesy corn was fantastic. The food was great the atmosphere not so much. The lady at the front seemed a bit bothered when we picked up our food. Not even a “hi” or “thank you” was said to us. Cant give it a 5."

"My KC BBQ Journey: For the year I’m in KC, my goal is to try a new bbq spot each week. Smokebox was on the list today. Cool atmosphere with plenty of parking outside and seating inside. Solid menu with reasonable prices. I got the short end rib dinner. The ribs were tasty. They had a good amount of meat to them and they were skillfully made. Some parts were a bit dry, though. The sauce was good. It didn’t overwhelm the meat, but it didn’t add much to it. The beans were flavorful with a good ratio of beans to meat. The coleslaw added a refreshing kick, and the fries were nice as well. The service was okay, but I think they were short staffed with one person working the room and the register which caused delays in ordering our food. Solid overall. I’m excited to continue my KC bbq journey!"