KC BBQ, Ranked

#3 on the list, #1 in our hearts. ❤️

May 08, 2025

Welp…time to get mad at Yelp today. Here’s why:

🍖 Where does KC land in top 10 BBQ cities?

🍻 A neurologist and a lawyer walk into a bar…

💰 Kansas City ranked among most affordable cities

🪪 Do you have your REAL ID?

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Awards

Yelp Ranks Kansas City #3 in Top 10 BBQ Cities in the U.S.

Arthur Bryant’s

Yelp has released its 2025 list of the Top 10 BBQ Cities in the US, and Kansas City landed at #3.

  • Metrics, Shmetrics: To determine this year’s list, Yelp used “a blended metric including consumer interest in BBQ, total business count, and average business rating.” According to the list, Austin, TX is #1 in the US, and San Antonio, TX is #2.

  • #1 in Our Hearts: Kansas City came in third, and was named for their signature sauces and legendary burnt ends. Restaurants like Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Q, Q39 Midtown, and Jack Stack Barbecue were named as the top picks for Yelpers.

If you really believe Yelp, check out the full top 10 HERE.

Opening

A Lawyer and Neurologist to Open an Upscale Cocktail Bar in the West Bottoms

Google Maps

Two Pakistani-natives and friends are are planning to open an upscale cocktail lounge blending global flair with immersive entertainment in the West Bottoms.

  • Paris, Dubai, KC: Neurologist Dr. Farhan Ahmed and attorney Shazad Ghafoor will open Laila in the historic Pabst Brewing building at 1717 W. Ninth St. The venue aims to offer a unique nightlife experience, featuring international-themed entertainment similar to global club Raspoutine, which has locations in Paris, Los Angeles, and Dubai.

  • Global Destination: The interior design will feature gold and pink accents, murals inspired by different mythologies, and a second floor which will feature an event space called Casablanca. The dress code will be semi-formal to formal, matching the “upscale” vibe of Laila.

Laila is expected to open this summer. Learn more from the KCBJ HERE.

Community

Kansas City Ranked in Top 10 of Most Affordable Cities

Mike Day Photography

According to a new report from The Motley Fool, Kansas City is ranked in the top 10 most affordable cities in the U.S.

  • Budget-friendly: Kansas City came in at #8 on the list, with an estimated income-to-expense ratio of 1.23. Oddly enough, Kansas City is the only city on the list that included the entire metropolitan area, with the others being individual cities.

  • Data Speaks: Kansas City was named for its housing, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services being roughly 10 points below their respective national benchmarks, based on data from the Council for Economic and Community Research. For the curious: McKinney, TX was ranked as the most affordable city in the U.S.

View the full report from The Motley Fool HERE.

Travel

REAL ID Requirements Are Now in Effect!

KC Daily

As of yesterday, May 7th, REAL ID requirements are now in effect for domestic air travel. Some travelers at KCI say they are in no hurry to meet the deadline. So tell us 👇

Do you have your REAL ID?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Although the REAL ID deadline is here, you can still fly without one. Learn how.

KC Daily Picks

In Other News…

  • 🎁 Show You Care: Need a unique affordable gift this week for Teacher Appreciation Week, Mother’s Day or Nurse Appreciation Week? Stop by Real Deals in south KC and save 20% on your favorite item when you mention KC Daily!*

  • 📖 Local Wisdom: Embark on a journey where nature becomes our guiding teacher! Nature Is Our Nurture is a picture book featuring 50+ life lessons shown through analogies in nature, paired with affirmations. Written by local author Christine Cronin and artwork by her mother, Rose, it offers wisdom for children and adults alike!*

  • 👩 Memories with Mom: Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 11th. Still need plans to celebrate mom? Check out this Mother’s Day Weekend guide from In Kansas City Magazine.

  • 🐶 Yappy Hour: Grab your furry friends and head to Bar K TONIGHT at 5pm for Battle Buddies: Yappy Hour. The event features a pet fashion show, a caricature artist, puppy massages, and live music, all while supporting Veterans Community Project.

  • 🥪 Ciao, Overland Park: La Fetta, a gourmet deli serving sandwiches, charcuterie, wine and other imported items from Italy, will open in this fall at 14363 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park.

  • 🤝 Can you help us?: We write KC Daily for YOU! Do us a favor and take this one minute survey so we can learn more about our readers and your interests. We will be read all the responses and report what changes we will (and won’t) make to the newsletter!

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