🍖Best BBQ + Things to do in Kansas City + St. Louis Missouri | Newstates in the States

Only have 24 hours in each of the two largest cities in Missouri? Follow us to the BEST BBQ and check out the sights as we share the best things to do in Kansas City AND in St. Louis Missouri.
0:00 Intro
1:08 Exploring Kansas City Union Station and the model train exhibit
2:05 Tasting Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue including BBQ ribs, and a pulled-pork stuffed baked potato
3:23 Riding the FREE Kansas City Streetcar to City Market
4:01 Checking out the shops and food at City Market
5:10 Doggie Mom heaven! Bar K (BARK) in Kansas City
6:02 Trying out Joe's Kansas City BBQ at the County Road Ice House (located in the Kansas City Power & Light entertainment district) including a Burnt End Quesadilla and the Rocket Pig pulled pork sliders
7:41 On the way to St Louis, MO
8:25 Trying some St. Louis, Missouri BBQ at Salt + Smoke
9:26 Buying tickets (and saving money) at the Gateway Arch
9:54 Inside the St Louis Arch Elevator to the top
11:10 Walking through the City Garden Sculpture Park
11:56 Watching the FREE Light Show inside St Louis Union Station featuring animation by Technomedia
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Where We Stayed
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GPS 39.233333792774985, -96.52925323023177
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We're Howard and Katelyn Newstate, full-time RVers and travelers exploring around the world since 2018. Whether jet setting or in our 2019 Winnebago Navion 24D, each week we take you along with us to discover the people, food and culture of the areas we explore.

[@toddramsay977]

I lived in KC Kansas, actually down in Olathe, a sw suburb, for 14 years. My wife and I still didnt try every bbq place in KC. There are over 100 bbq shops in KC. They hold the largest bbq competition in the world. We liked Oklahoma Joe's and Big Bubba's BBQ. Fiorellas Bbq though is one we liked. Next time your in KC, go see the Arabia Steamboat Museum. The dug it up in a field where the MO river once flowed. It sank during a flood where a tree hit it in the water and sunk it. They are half way thru the contents of the boat preserving clothing, food, nails, jewelry and british china, and has only taken about 15 years. Worth seeing. Also up in St Joseph MO about 45 minutes north on I-29. Go see the home and where Jesse James was shot and killed and one of 3 left Pony Express stations and museum. Great video!

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

Oh my... everything was right up our alley! The food, the walking tour except the pods in the arch... I have seen people in them before, but holy hell no. Neither of us. Glad you survived Katelyn - agggh felt your pain.

[@ericvaneck4296]

City Market is a great place to see. If you had kid the City Museum would have been a great place to go in St. Louis. It is a 10 story play house that has a scool bus hanging over the roof and a airplane on the roof too.

[@NewstateNomads]

Eric, kid or not, "I" wanted to go to the City Museum! 😂 That place looked incredible, but due to COVID, they are only open a few days a week. Next time, I'm definitely going to check it out. 👍 -Howard

[@ericvaneck4296]

@@NewstateNomads You can spend all day in the building if you do everything.

[@f.c.junglebuffs9794]

City market is fantastic. City Diner is a nice little greasy spoon for a good breakfast

[@DeanJohnson67]

I miss KC BBQ! been 10 years since I've been there to have it freshly made!

[@NewstateNomads]

Hey Dean!! Oh it was so good, we've been missing out all these years! 🤤 Thanks so much for watching 😊 -Katelyn

[@johnkashka803]

Bold move staying in East St. Louis..Please come back to both KC and St Louis Mo, there is SO MUCH more to do!!

[@NewstateNomads]

John, we can't wait to visit both cities again! This was a quick trip east, next time we'll try and explore a little longer. Thanks for watching, hope you'll continue on the journey with us. 👍 -Howard

[@gaming_sportsaaron1365]

@@NewstateNomads have you went to Chicago yet if you haven’t are you gonna go in the summer time or just not gonna go there

[@NewstateNomads]

We have been to Chicago several times, though not yet in the RV! Maybe this summer. Any recommendations? -Howard

[@susanjohnson4518]

That bbq looked so delicious 😋 I'm so happy that our laptops, tablet's, and cell phones don't have a smell button. I was drooling watching you 2 eat it. Safe travels going on your next adventure. Love these videos. Keep them coming.

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks, Susan, but we kind of wish you COULD smell all that BBQ. It was delicious! Any guesses for where we are heading in 2021? Thanks for watching, and Happy New Year! -Howard

[@sydneybernstein7407]

Wow! I was born and raised in Kansas City and didn’t know the history of union station in the 80’s. That’s really interesting. I’m so glad union station was saved. It’s what makes kc special!

[@NewstateNomads]

We love finding stories like Union Station in KC or why the Wizard of OZ museum is in Wamego, KS, and glad to hear you enjoy it, too! Thanks so much for watching. ❤️

[@just4chiefs]

Bullet holes are still present from the aftermath of the Kansas City Massacre at Union Station.

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

What a fantastic way to honor the Kansas City Union Station. I'd roam around there a while for sure. I haven't had breakfast yet! That potato would do just nicely thank you. I know I could wake hubby ( he is still asleep) for those ribs. Very quiet at the City Market. due to? And then I smiled OMGoodness how cute 5:45!!❤️ I'd believe that, Anthony Bourdain knew his stuff! And more restaurants. So weird to see. Ours have been closed down since mid October! We are hoping for open doors 19th January, though I doubt where everything will open all at once as our shops 9 all non essentials) have been closed for 2 weeks already. New plans will be presented on the 19th. It'll be a controlled opening I am thinking. Love that ticket machine at the Arch! Oh the Arch- a must do, even for scaredy cats like me. That light show was an amazing closure to this fabulous video. I've enjoyed Kansas and Illinois. Thank you. See you next week. Stay safe, keep smiling and hug those pups. 🙏❤️🙋‍♀️👍🎥🌷 Oh yes, Happy 2021🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@NewstateNomads]

Happy 2021, Anita! Yes, this was as good a road trip as we can expect during Covid-19. Lots of closures and restrictions, but we regardless try to keep our distance and eat outside when possible. KC and STL have some incredible food! Thanks as always for watching and your support. ❤️

[@EatSleepRVRepeat]

We love BBQ and love how different it is in each part. Excellent idea how much you were able to do with the street train. Omg! We would have loved Bar K. Lou & Angie

[@NewstateNomads]

Two very delicious towns, that's for sure! We loved the street car and so awesome that it's always free! It was super easy to navigate the city that way. Bark K was amazing, we would have loved to take the pups! Next time 😊 -Katelyn

[@TravelingisFREEDOM]

This seems to be a charming place, I hope I can visit in the future when all this is over. Seeing and sharing places like this is why I love traveling and make videos so much!

[@NewstateNomads]

Yes, be sure to check out STL and KC if you have a chance! Thanks so much for watching, and safe travels! 👍 -Howard

[@randypace1852]

I'm from KC and we have the best BBQ, but Pappy's in STL is a close second.

[@CJColvin]

They both have outstanding barbeque places just like Memphis Tennessee has.

[@BryonLetterman]

Jack Stack is probably the nicest BBQ here in town. We have lots of great BBQ, but Jack Stack is definitely my favorite. KC isn't a huge city but it's a great place to live.

[@NewstateNomads]

Bryon, I've been several times for work (used to work for the parent company of World's of Fun!), and love finding new places. Yet somehow, I always end up having at least one meal at Jack Stack. What's also high up on your BBQ list? Thanks for watching! 👍 -Howard

[@BryonLetterman]

@@NewstateNomads Slap's BBQ in KCK is pretty high up on most people's lists around here. I think Gates is overrated. There's usually too much fat with the meat. But Joe's KC in KCK is fantastic too. The Z-Man sandwich is incredible. We've got a great BBQ problem here lol

[@NewstateNomads]

@@BryonLetterman "We've got a great BBQ problem here" wins quote of the day, lol

[@alltheventures8203]

🤤 BBQ that all looks amazingly yummy. The pod looks so cool. Incredible lights! Thank you for sharing - Jay & Jessica -

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks Jay & Jessica! BBQ (ok, any food 😂) eating is a specialty of ours! Glad you're along for the journey. 👍 -Howard

[@wesleywarsmith1113]

Come back in the Spring or early Fall for our Rennaisance Festivals, we have FOUR of them!

[@NewstateNomads]

FOUR?!! All in Spring and Fall? That's a lot of turkey legs and jousting! 😂 -Howard

[@timhow1657]

We moved to the KC metro area 15 years ago great place to live and raise a family. Jack stacks is the best

[@NewstateNomads]

We have several friends who live in the area, Tim! Hard to choose between Jack Stack and Joe's, though. That Rocket Pig slider was incredible! Thanks for watching. 👍 -Howard

[@toddramsay977]

We lived in Olathe for 14 years, currently in Louisville KY. We liked Oklahoma Joe's and Big Bubba's BBQ. There were many others we liked too. KC really spoils you in bbq. We may move back to KCK someday, we really enjoyed it there. I love the outdoors so plenty of hunting and fishing out central and west.

[@NewstateNomads]

Too many solid choices is a GREAT problem to have, Todd! Hope we can visit again soon to try Big Bubba's and several others. -Howard

[@melissaroscher1080]

They are going to add more to the street car to the plaza, street car is one of the best ways for tourists to enjoy my city

[@NewstateNomads]

Hi Melissa! Oh that's awesome to hear. We loved it and hope to come back when we have even more time to explore. Thanks so much for watching our video! -Katelyn

[@delewon]

Im from St. Louis...I wish there was more that you were able to do!

[@NewstateNomads]

We still had a great time, and would love to explore again when more places are open! What are some of your favorites? Thanks for watching! -Howard

[@VencedorGamer]

You said food, and dog people, I'm hooked, and being from Kansas City, I could tell you some of the best places to grab a bite or a slice. The Local Pig, is one of the best butcher shops in town. 😅

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks for the recommendation! We loved our visit to KC, and can't wait to explore more next time. Glad to hear you're along for the journey, so many adventures to share! 👍 -Howard

[@peacefulwife5199]

Wherever ya'll are at now....I hope you have a very lovely New Years Eve. (Tomorrow) I bought a few extras from the store. Shrimp, cocktail sauce, some really elegant sesame crackers, a wedge of Brie, I'm making some hummus. I soak the chick-peas over night after roasting then in the oven. The shells float to the top and very easy. Then the food processor does the rest. I have a Jewish friend who showed me how to make it. I pray for a 2021 filled with health and joy for both of you.....and the fur-babies. ❤

[@lynngraves4326]

BBQ yummy thanks love it 😋

[@NewstateNomads]

So did we! Maybe a bit too much. 😂 Thanks as always for watching, Lynn, and Happy New Year! -Howard

[@johnlewis8934]

Thanks for showing off KC you should try and visit KCK ( Kansas City Kansas) the next time you are here. Also go to Q39 and get a brisket burnt end burger

[@larrytahner3717]

Hello friends! Happy New Year! Another very enjoyable video, especially for the BBQ lovers...haha. I have close friends living in Bethalto, IL, so I've been up the Arch and to Union Station more times than I can count. Great memories! Thanks and best wishes!

[@b1mfua33]

Loved all the barbecue restaurants,made me very hungry!!haha....The food looked delicious. I loved Union Station,so huge and beautiful!! I would stay there all day,just watching the model trains,I love them so much. I’m not to sure about those chicken lollipops...lol. I never realized there were that many bars in Kansas City.loved the t-Rex with a mask..safety first. The arch in St.Louis was stunning,I was like Woah.....Not a fan of those pods,I truly felt anxious for the both of you,but I have a fear of heights,and very claustrophobic,so if I go there,I will skip this, unfortunately.Just cant..Really loved the park,the sculptors were beautiful. Thank you for this wonderful video!! Stay safe.

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks as always for watching and your support! Katelyn is right there with you, not a big fan of the pods. 😂 Unfortunately they didn't have a chicken lollipop to show us, otherwise we could have maybe tried it to let you know! -Howard

[@dollyla229]

Hi Katelyn and Howard, loved the tours of Kansas City and St. Louis. I rode the pod in the arch when I was in high school. It was fun to see it again. That bar-b-que sure looked delicious! I'm guessing you're headed south. Guess I'll find out next week. Stay safe!

[@NewstateNomads]

Good guess, I think you might be surprised next week, Dolly! The arch got significant upgrades when it become under the control of the NPS: new museum, entrance, upgraded pods. Definitely worth a visit if you get the chance to see all that's new. Have a Happy New Year! ❤️

[@shannonalward217]

Wow! That dog park/restaurant was awesome. We need that here in Kentucky!

[@NewstateNomads]

Right?! We were in awe, I think every city should have one 😆🐾♥️

[@CJColvin]

@@NewstateNomads My sister Ronnie loves dogs.

[@just4chiefs]

You were spot on about Jack’s Stack. It is delicious but we refer to it as the fine dining of KC BBQ. Local Pig is super. Joe’s, too, is equally great, but you should have went to the original (there’s something about feeling the atmosphere of the gas station). Glad you had a fun experience.

[@NewstateNomads]

Steve, thanks for watching and great points! We debated about heading out to the original Joe's, but tried to keep the episode based around the streetcar route (hence going to the new Joe's in the Power & Light district). Would love to come back and try even more places like Local Pig! 👍 -Howard

[@f.c.junglebuffs9794]

If you ever come back, you might wanna check out Arthur Bryant's or Gates. Even LC's BBQ. 18th and Vine area is cool too. It's our jazz district and they even have a negro league baseball museum(go monarchs). A lot of art all over the place. Safe travels

[@sherriweber7105]

Very nice video m. The BBQ food looked good. The arch I told was fun to take the ride in it. Dog park looked fun too for the dogs while you eat or something. Thank you for showing such a wonderful place. Hope you have a Happy New Year!

[@edrumsas5420]

Great video.

[@tarac5137]

I didn’t know KC had so much to offer!

[@NewstateNomads]

Neither did we! 😆 We definitely want to go back when we have more time to explore. 😊 -Katelyn

[@kc2dc444]

@@NewstateNomads They barely went anywhere in KC or StL. Still a great vid. I miss KC bbq.

[@Runningafter40]

Ooh! I’m so excited to visit KC next month - thanks for the awesome video!

[@NewstateNomads]

Rachael, glad you found us and enjoyed the episode! Have fun in KC, please let us know what you find and enjoyed during your visit! 👍 -Howard

[@geraldb9706]

This was an awesome video just like all of them have been. Thanks for showing us all the sites during these crazy times. All the BBQ....looked so delicious. I could feel my already tight pants getting tighter as I watched! 😂😂 Stay safe and healthy. 🙏🏻👍🏻😎🇨🇦

[@NewstateNomads]

Hahaha, oh we understand, Gerald! Just thinking of all that food makes us feel full. 😂 Absolutely delicious, and all worth a visit if you get the chance! Thanks for watching. 👍 -Howard

[@Americandreamsurvive]

Beautiful sharing and gorgeous place👍🎄

[@NewstateNomads]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. 👍 -Howard

[@braddobson2060]

Marry Xmas and have a great new year keep on enjoying all that great food

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks, Brad, will do! Have a Happy New Year, can't wait to hear your thoughts on next week's announcement! 👍 -Howard

[@virginialemm864]

Another fun and informative video! St. Louis is one of the cities we haven’t tackled yet. You’re lucky you visited recently...the Arch is NOT air conditioned! Can you imagine during the summer?! Anyway, I have to rest my tummy after watching you eat all that yummy BBQ! Stay safe and can’t wait to smile next week!

[@NewstateNomads]

Virginia, the arch has no A/C?? Wow, hope others see this comment! Glad we could help you virtually eat all the BBQ, hard to choose between KC and STL... -Howard

[@davidmunn7287]

Post Merry Christmas and Pre Happy New Year from Michigan!!! Great vid but I think I just gained weight watching the amazing BBQ!!! Cheers!!!

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks so much David! Hope you had a great Christmas, and Happy New Year to you too! Gosh, the food was sooo good 🤤 we had a lot of walking to do after that 😆

[@christinedorbert4615]

That was awesome! Wish I could stay as skinny as you guys after all that delicious food you eat ❤

[@NewstateNomads]

Hahaha, it's been tough not gaining the COVID "19" especially with all that delicious food! 😂 We need to get back to daily exercise like we were doing in quarantine on the island if we're going to keep eating like that! 😄

[@JarheadAndGingersJourney]

Love some good BBQ. We bought a smoker so we can make our own and it is amazing!

[@NewstateNomads]

Wow, now that's a dream. I'd love to bring a smoker, maybe they make a really small one? Can't go wrong with any of the BBQ we tried! Thanks as always for watching, glad you're both along for the journey. 👍 -Howard

[@daviscrt]

Great video of KC and S. L. Small bits and lots of leftover. Where do you go to research the places you're staying. Thanks Don

[@WilderAdventures]

You guys missed some sweet boondocking spots in between via the Mark Twain National Forests!

[@CJColvin]

Awesome video guys glad you got to visit two largest cities in Missouri. From all of the KC Fun and delicious Barbeque in Kansas City Missouri to the history and the Gateway Arch (known as the Gateway to the west) in St.Louis Missouri either way glad you guys visited my home state. Now you guys should do a video of the highest point in Missouri Taum Saulk Mountain coming in at 1,772 feet above sea level located in the beautiful St.francois mountains in the Southeastern Ozarks.

[@NewstateNomads]

CJ, thanks for the awesome idea! We'll add that to the list for our next trip through Missouri. 👍 -Howard

[@CJColvin]

@@NewstateNomads Awesome guys.

[@jesseo6446]

Love your channel! I am guessing that you are heading to Alaska?

[@NewstateNomads]

Great guess, Jesse! You might be very surprised by our announcement... 🤔 -Howard

[@peacefulwife5199]

Aren't ya'll going back to Mexico? I didn't think for a minute, is the border closed in Mexico? Opps, I just read that Mexico's border is closed for tourists and recreational travel. Only essential people allowed to cross.....bummer. COVID go away....😖 Loved your video. Do you two work out, besides the hiking and walking? All of those delicious foods and treats. Wow. No cooking...👍 I think I've cooked more in 2020 than I have in the last 5 years, combined. 🙄

[@NewstateNomads]

The borders are technically closed to non-essential travel, but we'd be allowed to cross with our temporary residency cards. We'll explain everything next week ☺️😉 we used to work out a lot but haven't so much in this cold weather! The hiking and walking helps a lot for now, because we love to eat 😆

[@peacefulwife5199]

@@NewstateNomads Awesome!!!❤😊❤

[@jojo1990ish]

NExt time you come the street car will go all the way to the university! you will then get to see the country club plaza, the very first outdoor mall in America and made to look like you are in Spain!

[@NewstateNomads]

Joey, we are DEFINITELY coming back to KC. Feels like we just scratched the surface! Thanks for watching and hope you'll continue on the journey with us. 👍 -Howard

[@TerMa354]

A shame you went to Jack Stacks. Next time you ought to try Q39. We used to be die hard Joe's fans and Q has over taken Joe's as our favorite. The level of their meats brisket and burnt ends is fantastic. My family and I will try Salt + Smoke next time. I will say I am happy you mentioned Pappy's because that is our second favorite place to eat. Also the best place to go and spend some time is City Museum for any families. We love KC and love to visit St Louis underrated.

[@NewstateNomads]

Oh, we KNEW people would have their favorites in KC! 😂 Hopefully we'll be back in Kansas City soon, we definitely try some new places when we return. Q39, is it newer? Surprised our friends that live in the area didn't mention it! Thanks for watching. 👍 -Howard

[@TerMa354]

@@NewstateNomads You mentioned Jack Stack was a little fancy than most BBQ joints. That's kind of the same with Q39 to a degree as well. But it's been around for 6 - 7 years. They have the most unreal burnt ends. Thick cut , but tender brisket and to die for ribs. It's impossible to have anything bad there. I just found your channel and look forward to watching more of the videos!

[@jd61883]

@@NewstateNomads It's been around for 7 years, but is often talked about in BBQ circles with the big names. Joe's is still my favorite(Lived here 28 years), but it has to be at the original in the gas station on 47th. Not sure why, but it tastes better than the other Joe's. Next time you are in town check out the Moon Marble Company out in Bonner Springs, it's a fun quirky shop that would fit with the vibe of your channel.

[@NewstateNomads]

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[@gaming_sportsaaron1365]

I visited St Louis 2 weeks ago didn’t like it that much it was a lot of stuff to do but people were rude the arch price wasn’t worth it for me it was cool I just think the price wasn’t worth that experience at all also the St Louis aquarium is very small I didn’t like it really the wheel was kinda overpriced. Plus they closed all of St. Louis downtown because there was a huge shooting so we couldn’t do anything in downtown for a day but after all everything else in St Louis is great or at least for me. It sucks St. Louis is really losing population and money and jobs are really bad in St Louis they used to be the 8 largest city in the 1900s now is the 82nd largest city in America now. I would highly more recommend Kansas City I love it there when I visited there I’m glad you had fun in both cities I really wish I can have the same experience I may visit St Louis in the summer I hope I can have a better experience

[@mistertardigrade443]

Umm. Stl is losing low income households due to rising property values and rent. That’s really unfortunate that people are being displaced but stl is being rapidly gentrified and people are moving into the city in droves.

[@gaming_sportsaaron1365]

Wow those views of both cities were cool are y’all going to visit my hometown Chicago Illinois if you do don’t go in the winter it’s bad but go in the summer it’s the best city and not over crowded it can sometimes but covid is bad over there so would go after COVID cases go down or when the vaccine is proved

[@NewstateNomads]

Aaron, thanks so much for watching and your comments! We would love to visit Chicago again, the most recent time was on a VERY cold January weekend for work. Let's just say it was less than enjoyable with the weather. 😂 Hopefully a do-over will be soon in our future! 👍 -Howard

[@gregtrain1]

I heard the train station is also haunted!

[@NewstateNomads]

Greg, we love ghost tours, and that would be a great old building to do one! Maybe after Covid-19 someone will start a tour if they don't already exist. 👍 -Howard

[@gregtrain1]

@@NewstateNomads : there’s A couple that I know of. There’s one in Tennessee at Brushy Mountain state Penitentiary! Also, West Virginia state Penitentiary.

[@delewon]

Which train station?

[@gregtrain1]

@@delewon : Kansas City Union Station.

[@bryceshaw5937]

You can easily skip P&L go to crossroads instead.

[@jonsmith9892]

The best thing to do in Kansas City or St. Louis is to leave.... :)

[@Dr.TuRon_Davis]

Don't come back!