Our favorite place for BBQ and the Blues is BB’S LAWNSIDE BAR-B-QUE (**, $$), 1205 East 85th St., Kansas City. 816-822-7427 (816-8BB-RIBS).   Their war cry is "Blues, BBQ, and Beer".  This is the very authentic, very funky dive where you get live Blues and great food. Performances nightly (closed Monday-Tuesday) starting between 7 and 9 pm and going a bit past midnight.   The hottest action is of course on Friday and Saturday nights.   The music can also be heard on the deck which is great on a hot summer night.   The proprietor hosts his own blues program on a local FM station.  The BBQ here is also top notch;  service is very friendly, and the wall mural of Blues performers is stunning.  Ever since we found BB's we hardly ever go to any other BBQ joint.  (More great BBQ places - see below.)  The Starlight Theatre in Swope Park, 10 minutes from BB's, features open air theatre with popular Broadway shows during a two month summer season.  When the show ends there is just enough time to get over to BB's for late night supper and the last set.

Other BBQ Greats in Kansas City Arthur Bryant.  One of KC's oldest and venerated BBQ joint.

The Grand Emporium.  This is another famous KC Blues venue.  They serve OK BBQ but you go here more for the music than the food.  

Recommended 3 day Kansas City itinerary

Mural at BB's Lawnside Bar-B-Que

Arthur Bryant: No music played here, just plain tabletops and delicious ribs.