Then and now Arthur Bryants BBQ

When I was growing up in Kansas City, Missouri we used get BBQ from the original Arthur Bryant’s BBQ located at 1727 Brooklyn Avenue which is near 18th and Vine in the old part of downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

Now the reason I bring up the location of Bryant's BBQ being near 18th and Vine is because when I growing up there was a song that came out called Love Potion number 9 which references 34th and Vine. Granted this was in 1965 and I was young.... so I did not realize they were not referring to Kansas City in that song, so somehow in my mind, I have attached the memories of the song Love Potion number 9, hula hoops, Bryant's BBQ and a big ole slice of juicy watermelon in the summertime. Great memories!

I remember the inside of the restaurant was not much to look at with it's formica tables and chairs and looking back it was actually pretty dirty by today's standards. But we were drawn to the place anyway because the BBQ was so awesome, it still makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

As I recall they have photos on the wall of world famous people that have dined at Arthur Bryant's over the years. Harry S.Truman, the US President who lived one block from the old Junior High School I attended in Independence Missouri (which was the High School that Harry S. Trumangraduated from) Harry S. Truman was the first of three US presidents who have dined at Arthur Bryants, the other presidents are Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. Other famous people such as Steven Spielberg, Michael Landon, Bryant Gumbel, Wilt Chamberlain, Robert Redford and Jack Nicholson, and George Brett who was the third baseman for the Kansas City Royals. George Brett played in the famous 1985 World series baseball playoffs named the I-70 series because it was being played between two teams in the same state, the Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals. I-70 is the interstate highway that connects the teams from West to East through the middle of the state of Missouri. That October in 1985 we spent many nights chowing down on Arthur Bryant's BBQ enjoying the I-70 playoffs.

So as you can clearly tell Arthur Bryant's BBQ has a strong history in Kansas City area and that history has touched many people through the years. Along with the original location which is still there and still open for business.

There are two other locations in the Kansas City and surrounding area which includes the other Kansas City location at the Ameristar Casino which I am show casing as my nomination for the "perfect Friday night out". I can't think of anything more fun and romantic than getting a babysitter for the kids, dining at Arthur Bryant's, spending the evening gambling at the casino and then relaxing in your hotel room in a whirlpool tub surrounded by candles at the Ameristar hotel. I'd definitely call that the perfect Friday night!!!

Arthur Bryant's BBQ MENU

SANDWICHES w/Fries
Beef 7.95 9.35
Ham 7.95 9.35
Pork - Sliced 7.95 9.35
Pork - Pulled 7.95 9.35
Turkey 7.95 9.35
Chicken 7.95 9.35
Sausage 7.95 9.35
Burnt Ends 7.95 9.35
Long End – Ribs 9.35 10.75
Short End – Ribs 10.35 11.75
Combo (2 meats) 9.15 10.55
WHOLE SLABS
Pork Ribs 17.75
MEAT ONLY
By the pound 11.25
ORIGINAL SAUCE 18 oz. 3.25
RICH & SPICY SAUCE 18 oz. 3.25
MEAT & RIB RUB 3.95
POULTRY & FISH RUB 3.95

DRINKS
Small 24 oz. 1.75
Medium 32 oz. 1.95
Large 44 oz. Souvenir Cup 2.75
FRIES
Full Order 2.75
BAKED BEANS, COLE SLAW
POTATO SALAD
Single 2.25
Pint 4.25
Quart 7.95
Gallon 29.50
PICKLES
Single 1.50
Pint 2.75
Quart 4.95
BREAD
Half Loaf 1.50
Whole Loaf 2.50
Prices subject to change without notice

Arthur Bryant’s restaurant can trace its descent from Henry Perry, the "father of Kansas City barbeque", who in the year 1908 began serving smoked meats to workers in the Garment District in downtown Kansas City from an alley stand. Perry moved to the 18th Street and Vine neighborhood where he sold barbecue for 25 cents a slab from a trolley barn at 19th and Highland. Charlie Bryant worked for Perry and was soon joined by his brother Arthur Bryant.

In 1940 when Perry died, Charlie took over the restaurant. Arthur in turn was to take it over. The restaurant gained fame over the next several decades, and notable diners included President Harry S. Truman. However, it became the subject of international attention when, in 1974, writer Calvin Trillin wrote in Playboy that Arthur Bryant's in Kansas City was "...possibly the single best restaurant in the world." Since then, it has been frequented by a number of famous visitors, including Tom Watson (the 8 time major golf champion is a native of Kansas City and currently lives in Stillwell, Kansas. Steven Spielberg, Bryant Gumbel, Jimmy Carter, Jack Nicholson, Jack Nicholson, James Spader, and in 2008 by Republican presidential nominee John McCain and his running mate Sarah Palin.