Satisfying fast-food style BBQ
The defining characteristic of Kansas City BBQ is its sauce: sweet and thick. Other than that, it isn’t very distinctive. The cooking technique and favoured meats are shared with other styles in Southern USA.
Kansas King is one of two Kansas City BBQ restaurants in the Toronto region (the other is Hank Daddy’s Barbecue). It stands out from other BBQ restaurants with its fast-food concept. Don’t underestimate it though; its food is a definite step up from regular fast-food restaurants.
The food
Their most basic set is the chicken leg and thigh. It packs a lot for its price: barbecued chicken, fries, coleslaw, pickles, and a slice of challah toast. The sauce is slathered on the meat instead of served on the side.
The chicken was well-grilled and moist. One could see the grill marks on it. I was happy that they didn’t put too much sauce and the skin still retained some crispness. The sauce itself was simple: sweet with a slight tang. 8/10.
The rest of the set was respectable. The fries were crispy but a tad oversalted. The coleslaw was creamy though I would have liked more acid in it. The highlight had to be the challah toast. Ignoring the charred bits at the top, the soft and chewy texture was delightful.
The place
The interior is decked like a family fast-food restaurant. Bright, functional furniture and a mascot to boot.
For COVID-19 dining, they have a sanitization station and spaced out tables.
Verdict
Above-average barbecue meals in a fast-food format. 8/10.
Practical information
- Name
- Kansas King BBQ
- Rating
- 8/10
- Recommended dishes
- Chicken leg and thigh set
- Prices
- Chicken leg and thigh set: $13.56 ($12.00 excluding tax)
- Address
- 10447 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill
- Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday 1400h – 2200h
- Date of visit
- August 2021