This Local Missouri Spot Is Famous For Its Legendary Burnt End Burgers

Last summer, a friend dragged me to Q39 in Kansas City, Missouri, insisting I try something called a burnt end burger.

I rolled my eyes, thinking it was just another overhyped food trend. One bite later, I was a believer.

This place has turned Kansas City barbecue into burger gold, and locals can’t get enough of it.

A Burger That Packs Two Kinds of Beefy Goodness

Imagine biting into a juicy brisket-chuck patty, then hitting a layer of tender, smoky sliced burnt ends on top. That’s the magic of Q39’s signature creation.

Add spicy pickle slaw for crunch and tang, plus classic BBQ sauce to tie it all together. You’re basically eating two BBQ legends in one handheld meal.

It’s messy, it’s indulgent, and it’s absolutely worth every napkin you’ll need. No wonder people line up for this thing.

Ground Fresh Daily Over Real Hardwood Flames

Forget frozen patties from a box. Q39 grinds Certified Angus Beef brisket burgers in house every single morning, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.

Then they toss those patties onto a grill fired by oak hardwood, not gas or charcoal. The wood smoke seeps into the meat, giving each burger that authentic KC barbecue taste.

It’s old-school technique meets premium ingredients, and you can taste the difference with every bite.

Two Spots to Satisfy Your Cravings

Can’t decide between Missouri and Kansas? Good news: Q39 has you covered with locations in both states.

The original sits in Midtown Kansas City, Missouri, where it all started. A second outpost opened in Overland Park, Kansas, bringing those legendary burnt ends across state lines.

Whether you’re a Missouri native or a Kansas transplant, you’re never far from a fix. Both spots serve the same mouthwatering menu that made Q39 famous.

Built on the Vision of a Culinary Institute Grad

Chef Rob Magee wasn’t just some backyard griller who got lucky. He trained at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, learning technique and precision before bringing his skills to Kansas City barbecue.

After Magee passed away in 2021, his dedicated team stepped up to carry on his legacy. They’ve kept his recipes, his standards, and his passion alive.

Every burger and burnt end served today honors his vision and hard work.

Competition Barbecue Roots Run Deep

Before Q39 opened its doors, Rob Magee and his competition team, Munchin’ Hogs, were already dominating the barbecue circuit.

They racked up Kansas City Barbeque Society titles and earned national recognition for their smoky creations.

Those trophies weren’t just for show; they proved Magee had the chops to compete with the best pitmasters in America.

That competitive fire and expertise translated directly into the restaurant’s menu, making every dish a winner.

Kansas City Magazine Just Named Them Best Upscale BBQ

Winning awards never gets old, especially when they’re fresh. In 2025, Kansas City Magazine honored Q39 as the Best Upscale BBQ Restaurant in the city.

That’s no small feat in a town practically built on barbecue traditions and fierce competition. Q39 managed to stand out by blending high-quality ingredients with elevated presentation and unbeatable flavor.

It’s proof that great barbecue doesn’t have to be served on paper plates in a parking lot.

Even Chiefs Coach Andy Reid Can’t Resist

When the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs gives you a shoutout, you know you’ve made it. Andy Reid has publicly praised Q39’s burnt ends as one of his favorite local eats.

Coming from a guy who knows his way around Kansas City’s legendary food scene, that’s serious street cred. Reid’s endorsement put Q39 on the radar for football fans everywhere.

If it’s good enough for Big Red, it’s definitely good enough for the rest of us.