Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is a legend for smoky, melt-in-your-mouth meats—and surprisingly, they’re one of the rare BBQ joints where celiacs can find both flavor and a measure of safety. Their official allergen chart confirms all smoked meats, sauces, and rubs are gluten-free, and they offer gluten-free buns plus a dedicated fryer for fries (hello, crispy joy). Still, let’s be real: it’s not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, and some locations or staff are sharper on cross-contact than others—so you’ll need to announce your needs loud and clear. For many celiacs (myself included), it’s a calculated risk that often pays off with brisket worth the nerves, but if you’re super-sensitive or have been burned before, proceed with caution and chat with staff first.