Zarda Bar-B-Q & Catering Co

Found myself stranded in Blue Springs after a golf tournament at Adam's Pointe, okay, so that's a hyperbole but, I barely ever make it out to Blue Springs so I wasn't sure what was around. When my eyes feasted (not literally...yet) on a unique yet familiar barbeque name, I was immediately not lost anymore. It had been quite a while since I had ventured to a Zarda, but that didn't phase me. I was convinced good barbeque was in my future, and I was right! I was also thrilled when I was told that my sandwich I wanted to order was on special for $7.99?! Z-man, who? Okay, not really, but this Carolina pork sandwich had all the makings of good barbeque between buns, and it was under $10, so you can't really beat that. It didn't have any crunch except for a hint of some slaw but an extra side of slaw or some battered and fried onion rings for topping fixes that problem. The pulled pork was juicy and was kept moist by the generous drizzle of Carolina mustard sauce. The sandwich boasts a release date of nearly 10 years ago, so it's a classic that's stayed around for good reason. It's no frills barbeque, still a walk up counter to order and prices that'll make you think you're back a decade! Nothing is wrong at all at Zarda but, it's not a top Kansas City Barbecue destination- there's way too many bigger brothers of barbeque that beat Zarda any day. It's a solid 3.5 but I can't say it's a 4 because there's so many other barbeque boasts around the metro that unless your a local craving some nearby 'que it'll just 'do.

I had to revisit this KC institution. We went on a Sunday. I wasn't really sure what to get. The counter staff wasn't that helpful with suggestions or very quick with service. The ambiance here is fine. A little dated, but rustic and it's clean as heck. I ordered the burnt ends which were serviceable but nothing special. I can think of at least 5 better in town. The cheesy corn was also just okay. No real depth of flavor. Kind of like something you would make for a child. The beans are the star here. They are better than the ones from the grocery store. I think their beans are what keeps this company going. Good for them. Return is doubtful as there are too many better places around.

I don't know what happened to my zarda reviews, but I've reviewed this place a half a dozen times. It's the best! Now, is it statistically the best based on markers of success for Kansas City barbecue? No, go to Joe's or q39 or slaps. That's not this. This place is old school original Kansas City barbecue from the old days. If it's got a Budweiser Clydesdale train above the counter, you know you're somewhere classy. I had this place make me $1,200 worth of food for my wedding, and it was awesome. I've bought probably 500 lb of meat from this place over the years, and it's all been pretty great. They have off days, humans are making this and humans are in fact fallible. But, it's such a great experience of old school smoke, you can't beat it. It's my every man go to place. The fries are good, the onion rings are great, the beans are spectacular, the sliced beef is great, the pulled pork is great, reserve burn ends are spectacular. Their sauce is great as well. When I think of Kansas City barbecue, I think of quick's BBQ of Southwest boulevard (long retired). In their stead, zarda's pulls up their boots and fills the void handedly. Their prices used to be incredibly reasonable, though lately with inflation they have had to come up with the rest so don't expect it to be wildly affordable like any barbecue in reality. But it's still a good value for what it is, though don't expect for a two-piece dinner or a three-piece dinner to spend less than 50 bucks. Worth it. I reserve this as a born and bred Kansas City in for few and far between celebration type dinners. You don't want to eat this stuff everyday, you'll be dead. But boy, ain't it living when you get to partake! Super bowl 3-peat, zardas is my guy!

Traveled from Houston expected to get some great Kansas City style BBQ. First off, let me say the service to go was outstanding. The lady with glasses up front was so helpful. Pork ribs were pretty good but nowhere near the best so out of 10 rate a 7Their BBQ sauce selection rate a 10 out of 10The baked beans were off the chain out of 10 rate a 9The pulled pork out of 10 rate a 8The brisket was definitely not traditional. It was sliced like deli meat and had very little flavor out of 10 rate a 4Now as for the potato salad very very mayonnaisee was not good at all. That potatoes salad can not come to the cookout. Out of 10 I rate it a 2.

Love your takeout service and drive thru! All the food is hot and so fresh!We appreciate your professionalism, especially Logan at your take out window! Keep up the great work!! Things have really improved!

Beef is dry pork burnt ends have a weird pretty bad flavor. Beans,sauce and fries were OK. Not even on the same level as other places like Arthur Bryant's but just as expensive. Portion size is small for the price.

ordered a slab of ribs and friesthis time it was dry over cooked and not easily getting it off the bone. shouldnt really sell it when its like that.

I have never been a fan of bar-b-q, I know, a criminal offense in KC; however, this has been my parents' favorite place for as long as I can remember. They always raved about it. That is, until our last visit. I always get a sandwich w/o the sauce and just ketchup it up, but this time the meat was full of fat and almost inedible. Even my parents were disappointed with the food this time. It seems the sign is not the only thing that has changed since it changed owners. So sad for such an iconic place!

The meat was not tender and had a leftover food taste. The sides were good. Restaurant was standing to order and pick up. Counter staff were friendly but hurried.

Stopped in today while we were on a road trip and we were really pleased! The apple infused barbecue sauce was our favorite. Definitely will be coming back! Service was timely and friendly also.