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LISTEN: How Kansas City Barbecue Became Famous, Explained In 90 Seconds

Picture of a customer ordering at the counter of a Gates Bar-B-Q location
Briana O'Higgins
/
KCUR

Kansas City barbecue — we know you've heard of it.

The president eats it when he visits, and Anthony Bourdain said Kansas City barbecue is the best in the world.

But how did it all get started? And who made Kansas City barbecue famous?

If that has left you hungry, seek out Kansas City's contemporary smoked offerings or dive into the history of Kansas City's (and Gates') most famous offerings: burnt ends.

Of course, to really dive in you have to live here, or at least come visit.

Elle Moxley covered education for KCUR.
A California native, Briana comes to KCUR by way of KMUW in Wichita, Kan. and KUSP in Santa Cruz, Calif.
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