Hayward's Pit Bar-B-Que

An Average Icon. A distant fourth in OP BBQ. Hayward's is definitely a local favorite (suits from Hallmark downtown drive out to dine here). As a BBQ afficianado, Hayward's is a shadow of it's former self. Hayward sold out about 5 years ago and they place has not improved (although the steak fries are still *killer*!). With Jack Stack and Smokehouse in the area, there's no reason to go to Hayward's... if you're looking for well-above average BBQ. And who's not?…

The BEST BBQ on Planet Earth. I grew up in KC but have lived in the DFW area for almost 30 years. I drive to Kansas City now and then, just to eat here and buy cases of sauce to tempt my friends in Texas. This is, by far, the best BBQ in the United States of America. Which means, it's the best BBQ on Planet Earth.

Texans think they own BBQ. Texans are clueless. They have no concept of BBQ reality. I'm sure the same can be said of Memphis BBQ, St. Louis BBQ or anywhere else.

I have nightmares about the day when both Hayward and Hattie are no longer with us. I hope they have children who take over the business. If not, we're all in trouble......

BTW: It's located in Overland Park, KS. Not Shawnee Mission, KS.…

Great BBQ. I grew up in JoCo and was exposed to BBQ at Haywards. I now live in California and just took some smoked chicken (from my smoker) to a friends house and a bottle of Haywards and they loved it. They called and ordered a case of the sauce while I was there. The woman who loved it so much works at a fancy restaurant in Marin (Jo Co of the Bay Area) and plans on giving it as gifts. All the foodlovers will be ordering their own case shortly. BBQ is not good in California.…

I was raised on Kansas City BBQ, Hayward's Pit has long been my favorite and is rated in the top 3 city-wide by nearly everyone I know.. What should you expect from K.C. BBQ? Ribs: the meat falls off the bone. Brisket: slow-cooked for hours in a pit filled with decades of character. Sauce: flavorful, spicy, complex. You get it all and more at Hayward's.

I served in the Navy for 4 years. By far (other than family/friends), what I most missed while I was away from Kansas City was Hayward's Pit BBQ and Hayward's BBQ Sauce. My family shipped me innumerable bottles, but it was never enough. I had to keep it locked up to keep the vultures (officers) away.

If you want to taste K.C.'s best , you have to eat at Hayward's.…