You can’t entertain friends from out of town without visiting Kansas City’s most famous BBQ restaurant, Arthur Bryant’s. Though it wouldn’t be my first choice on the basis of food alone, its rich history and ambiance make it a must. It’s fun to peruse the photographs of celebrities and Presidents who have chowed down on ribs and fries, and of course, the imprint of the sandwich maker’s hand on the white bread sandwich is the stuff of legends.

We recently stopped by for a quick meal before an afternoon Royals’ game. Fortunately, it was past the noon hour and though the dining room was far from empty, there was no line (except when I snapped this picture!)  We ordered beef and turkey sandwiches, a half chicken, ribs, and of course French fries. For those who used to shy away from the sharp and bitter barbecue sauce, there are now several choices, ideal for mixing to get the taste that best suits your palate.

Though everything we ate was good, the ribs were a bit burnt and the fries a bit limp–unfortunately, since our guests had never experienced Bryant’s.  Will I go back? Of course. The quality of the meal may vary from visit to visit, but it’s an institution and important part of Kansas City history that I hope lives on forever.