About BBs Lawnside BBQ
BBs Lawnside BBQ has been Kansas Citys premier destination where BBQ meets the Blues for over three decades. Located at 1205 E 85th Street in south Kansas City this authentic dive venue combines award-winning slow-smoked barbecue with live blues music six nights a week creating a uniquely Kansas City experience that has attracted locals and tourists alike since the early 1990s.
Historic BBQ and Blues Tradition
The tradition of pairing barbecue with blues in Kansas City dates back to the 1930s when legends like Count Basie Joe Turner and Charlie Parker frequented the Old Kentucky Bar-B-Q near the historic 18th and Vine jazz district. BBs Lawnside continues this storied legacy in remarkable fashion. The venues BBQ pit built in 1950 uses granite stones salvaged from downtown Kansas City crosswalks - the same stones that jazz greats like Joe Turner may have walked across. These granite stones retain heat perfectly allowing for the slow indirect smoking process that defines authentic Kansas City barbecue.
Award-Winning Barbecue
The food at BBs is overseen by Mike Nickle a Certified Kansas City Barbecue Society judge and Grand Champion BBQ Pit Master who has been perfecting the craft for 30 years. Nickle and his team Nickleboysbbq have won countless KCBS awards competing alongside his parents Jim and Connie. Briskets are smoked 14-16 hours and ribs 10-12 hours using hickory wood and indirect heat. The menu features Kansas City classics including meaty pork spare ribs burnt ends sliced beef turkey ham and pulled pork. Louisiana influences appear in dishes like Smokey Jos Gumbo Dirty Reds Jambalaya Red Beans and Rice and Cajun Crawfish Tails reflecting co-owner Jo Shannons Louisiana heritage. The famous BBQ Sundae layers pit beans coleslaw and pulled pork in a Mason jar. BBs has been featured on Food Networks Diners Drive-Ins and Dives.
Live Blues Music
BBs features live blues music Wednesday through Sunday with some of Kansas Citys finest blues musicians and bands. The House Rockers serve as the venues legendary house band backing various performers throughout the week. Mama Ray leads the iconic Saturday afternoon blues jam from 2-6 PM which has become one of Kansas Citys greatest and longest-running jam traditions. You never know which local blues legends might stop by to sit in with Mama Ray. Wednesday nights feature Jaisson Taylor and Brandon Hudspeth with their special brand of blues. Thursday is jam night. Friday through Sunday evenings showcase various local and touring blues acts. The venue also hosts monthly Kansas City Blues Society jam sessions and benefits including the Acoustic Blues Showcase and Hope House benefit. The intimate space features murals and posters dedicated to blues legends creating an authentic juke joint atmosphere.
Atmosphere and Vibe
BBs is unapologetically a dive bar in the best sense of the word. The interior is decorated with hand-painted murals of blues greats vintage posters and memorabilia celebrating the blues tradition. Seating includes indoor tables and picnic tables on the outdoor patio where you can enjoy food and music under the stars. The crowd is diverse and welcoming ranging from blues aficionados to families to tourists seeking an authentic Kansas City experience. Service is friendly and unpretentious. The venue encourages guests to feel the music throw their heads back and embrace the spirit of the blues. As longtime owner Lindsay Shannon used to say on his radio show Just sit back pop the top on a cool one pull up a chair and enjoy some great blues and BBQ.
Ownership and Community
Founded by Lindsay and Jo Shannon BBs was taken over by the Nickle family in June 2022. The Nickles have deep roots at BBs with Mike Nickle working there for 30 years after starting part-time in high school. The family has maintained the Shannons vision while bringing their championship BBQ expertise to the kitchen. Lindsay Shannon a founding member of the Kansas City Blues Society in 1980 and former blues radio DJ on 101.1 The Fox was honored with the Blues Foundations Keeping the Blues Alive award in 1992. The venue remains committed to supporting the Kansas City blues community.
Hours and Details
BBs Lawnside BBQ is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 9-10 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 8 PM. Closed Mondays. Live music typically starts around 7-8 PM on performance nights with the Saturday jam beginning at 2 PM. The venue accepts walk-ins only with no reservations. Full bar service is available with reasonably priced drinks. Ample parking is available.