Zarda Bar-B-Q

I finally tried Zarda Bar-B-Q restaurant after living in JOCO for the last 15 years; I went to the Lenexa location. I was greeted by Hector who was extremely friendly, polite and more than willing to help out. I told him I had Celiac disease and he helped me select items from a "Gluten-free menu" they have, and answered all questions for me. I tried the Friday evening special Variety Plate for $29.50 which included a little of everything! It's enough for 2 full meals. It inlcuded a 1/4 chicken (breast and wing), 3 oz pork burnt ends, a pork ribs (snack)-- like 3 or 4 ribs, 2 oz of thinly sliced sausage, and I selected my 2 sliced meats to be thinly sliced brisket and turkey. It also includes 2 classic sides--the Celiac-safe ones are green beans, BBQ beans, cole slaw, potato bake, potato salad and cheesy corn. The green beans were freshly made with caramelized onion and bacon bits. The potato bake was delicious and had chunks of potato, cheese, sour cream and bacon from what I could discern. I really enjoyed the ribs (fall off the bone tender), chicken (moist, not dried out) and pork burnt ends. I think for the sliced meats they could slice them little thicker rather than razor-thin, micro-,millimeter slices. The turkey and brisket reminded me of deli meat tbh. The sauces and rubs are all gluten-free, and I only sampled the basic Zarda BBQ sauce which was sweetish and smokey. Overall it was a solid meal and I enjoyed it and was very satisfied. The atmosphere of the dining room was very, very clean, albeit a bit old-fashioned and country-homey, playing country music overhead, and complete with wood paneling and wooden spindle barrel seats. This restaurant attracts a lot of older clientele, but it's kid-friendly too. There was plenty of staff at the counter, bussers who were on top of things, and staff cleaning even the windows on the doors of the greasy fingerprints. The bathroom was pristine and nicely updated. When I come back I will try the Ltd. Reserve brisket burnt end platter, recommended by Hector. Btw, Hector is a rock star, he seemed to do it all, order taking, expediting orders, answering questions, bussing if needed, all with a smile on his face. Of all the BBQs in KC I have visited, Zarda is in the top 4 so far!

I was born and raised in Kansas City and I love Zarda BBQ! It is delicious. Tonight, I got the burnt end beans. I love that none of their sauces have gluten and they are always so helpful when choosing dishes. The service is always impecable. We love the fries and burnt ends!