3002 West 47th Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas, 913-722-3366
11950 South Strang Line Road Olathe, 913-782-6858
Jeff Stehney, a former American Royal champion, engaged in a bit of counterprogramming when he opened his original Oklahoma Joe's restaurant in 1996. He set up inside a convenience store, yet another home of spinning-to-nowhere hot dogs. Stehney proceeded to sell so many meals that he was able to buy the convenience side of the business. His mastery of pulled pork -- the sandwiches are a house specialty -- dates from his days on the competition circuit. Cooked long and slow, the meat is moist and tender when it reaches the bread. The sandwiches are as inexpensive as they are delicious, available in either regular ($4.30) or jumbo ($5.80) portions. A request for "Carolina style" adds slaw and Bubba's sauce. Oklahoma, Carolina ... don't worry, Kansas City barbecue lover, you're home.
