Our History

Arthur Bryant, the legendary King of Ribs, is the most renowned "barbequer" in history. He created a unique sauce and style that has attracted the likes of former Presidents Harry Truman, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama to his restaurant. Charlie Bryant started the Kansas City barbeque tradition, learning from the father of Barbeque, Henry Perry, for whom Charlie worked. Arthur visited his brother Charlie in Kansas City and never left. Upon his brother's death, Arthur took over the operation and moved the restaurant to where it stands today at 18th & Brooklyn. At the time, that was just four blocks away from Municipal Stadium, home of the Kansas City Blues and then the Kansas City Athletics. It was also the first home to the Kansas City Chiefs. This move catapulted the restaurant to country-wide popularity.

The eatery is nationally known and often recognized by experts as the best barbecue offerings in the country. As the fan base for the Kansas City teams grew, and visiting teams and VIPs passed through our city, passion for Arthur Bryant's Barbecue continued to skyrocket. Then renowned New-Yorker Author, Calvin Trillin declared that, “...the single best restaurant in the world is Arthur Bryant's Barbecue at 18th & Brooklyn in Kansas City”.

Today current ownership feels strongly about its role as guardians of the Arthur Bryant's tradition and works diligently to maintain its integrity and quality.