Excelsior Springs, Mo. (January 11, 2026) — Wabash BBQ’s history began in Excelsior Springs’ historic 1927 Wabash railway station. The building later housed a dairy and then a printing company before being purchased in 1997 and transformed into the barbecue restaurant known today for its award-winning smoked meats, ribs, and live blues music. The restaurant embraces its railroad past, which is reflected throughout the themed location.
From the moment you step out of your vehicle and walk inside, the inviting aroma of smoked meats sets the stage for the deliciousness you are about to experience. In the summer months, that smell can be noticed all over town.
Whether you are indulging in brisket, ribs, burnt ends, ham, turkey, chicken, sausage, or pulled pork, each offering is evidence of Wabash’s commitment to flavor and quality. Do not forget the classic smoked barbecue beans, and if you are like me, you will want to top your meat with their excellent Wabash barbecue sauce. Both the regular and spicy versions are worth trying.
If smoked meat is not your preference, the menu also includes tenderloins, fried shrimp, chicken strips, and catfish meals. For those looking for something lighter, salads are also available.
One pleasant surprise on the menu is the hand-breaded mushrooms. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they make for a great snack or side. The onion strings are equally tempting, hand-breaded to achieve the right balance of crunch and flavor, and pair well with any barbecue platter. Their house-made ranch dressing complements both perfectly.
No visit to Wabash Barbecue would be complete without trying the corn nuggets. These golden bites are crispy on the outside and sweet on the inside, making them hard to pass up.
Everyone has their own taste when it comes to Kansas City barbecue, and for me, Wabash covers most of the bases. In my opinion, the burnt ends and brisket can be a little dry for my liking, but aside from that, there is little to complain about. Each visit leaves me satisfied and happy with the overall experience.
Open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Phone: 816-630-7700
Located at 646 S. Kansas City Ave., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
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