Let’s face it: the requirements for barbecue spots are kind of low. Most of us don’t even expect them to have seats. So, imagine stepping into a monstrous space that officially holds 744, but looks like it can handle more than a thousand easily. That’s KC Pit BBQ, home of the unexpected.
The Background Story: For six years, KC Pit was located on 234 Hilderbrand Drive before moving to its new digs down the road at 6317 Roswell Road in the Marshalls shopping plaza in November 2008. Could the Kansas City couple who founded KC Pit have known that Kansas City barbecue would lead to such a serious upgrade? Probably not, but, like they say, ‘if you can’t find it, create it.’ Obviously they weren’t the only ones craving the Kansas City style of barbecue.
The Difference Maker: Looks do go a long way. Not many people can resist a plasma television with a screen measuring more 100 inches in the main dining area. Several nice plasmas in the separate bar area, a banquet facility, tuxedo-inspired uniforms for the servers and 21st-century luxe trappings make KC Pit even more irresistible.
The Food: Looks can’t fix hunger, so KC Pit prides itself on its food. Not only is the food marinated overnight but it’s also smoked. There is no one chef, but rather a team to oversee different items. Only two people make the cornbread and only three people do the meat, for example. "High quality ingredients are a must," insists KC Pit’s general manager Ossie.
The chopped pork sandwich and the rib tips are among KC Pit’s most popular items, aside from the ribs, of course. Beef burnt endz are worth a try. Side favorites include the candied sweet potatoes which are a secret family recipe. The mac and cheese, collard greens, baked beans, as well as the Brunswick stew, round out the list. A refreshing signature non-alcoholic treat is the peach tea, which is obviously Georgia-inspired. Oh and we can’t forget that the signature sauce, which comes in mild or spicy, is made fresh daily.
Blame It on the Alcohol: Just because you're eating barbecue doesn’t mean that you can’t have cocktails. KC Kandies are a pretty big hit and come in four delectable flavors—NY Sour Apple, Gorgeous Grape, Georgia Peach and Cherry Bomb. They all contain fresh pieces of fruit and keep the bartender quite busy. The martinis are another crowd pleaser and come in a variety of flavors. Of course, the apple martini is quite popular but you can twist it up a little with the blue, caramel apple or mango mint martini. You can also challenge the bartender to make something new. A good throwback option is the Bob Marley.
Not Just Food: OK, so KC Pit is like an entertainment center. There’s a stage and live music fills the weekend. Sundays now feature a brunch, featuring live music and, you guessed it, barbecue. Tuesdays are for comedy. There are also special concert performances. Carl Thomas and Atlanta old school favorites Silk and Next are just the most recent artists who have graced the KC Pit stage.
Some Extras: Curbside service is available. On the weekends, Saturday afternoons and evenings especially, reservations are strongly suggested. There is a patio for the warmer months. Appetizing faves include spinach, crab & artichoke dip, smoked chicken nachos, and the pecan-crusted shrimp. The fresh potato chips are especially tasty with the onion dip.
Desserts, courtesy of Heavenly Cakes Desserts and Richard & Shirley, include a key lime raspberry cheesecake and banana pudding pie, along with peach cobbler which is yours for just $1.99. You can buy Cakes by Coco as well.
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