Kansas City barbecue

Isaac Stewart checks pork ribs in the smoker at Gates.  (Susan Pfannmuller / For The Times)

Dave Brandli of Prairie Village, Kan., has dinner at Brobecks Barbeque at least once a week. “It’s the best barbecue in town,” Brandli said as he chowed on his favorite dish -- babyback ribs. “They prepare them with a dry rub and let you add as much or as little sauce as you like.”  (Susan Pfannmuller / For The Times)

Ribs and fries at Brobecks.  (Susan Pfannmuller / For The Times)

Brobecks sells sauce to go.  (Susan Pfannmuller / For The Times)

Fiorella’s Jack Stack in Kansas City, Mo.’s Country Club Plaza serves up Crown prime beef ribs with onion rings, hickory pit beans and bread. (That green, leafy thing there is presumably for decoration.)  (Susan Pfannmuller / For The Times)

Fiorella’s Jack Stack at Country Club Plaza.  (Susan Pfannmuller / For The Times)

Guests chow down at Danny Edwards.  (Susan Pfannmuller / For The Times)

A big takeout order at Danny Edwards.  (Susan Pfannmuller / For The Times)