Vermont Street BBQ
- 728 Mass. Lawrence, KS 66044
- 785-856-4227
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- NOTE: This establishment is now closed. This entry remains for historical records.
Description
A while back this formerly tiny BBQ joint from 805 Vermont St. opened in these huge dine-in digs on Mass. St. The name and the ribs didn't change, but much else did: the menu has expanded with ham offerings, half and whole chickens, smoked wings, another BBQ sauce and side dishes, including onion rings and pasta salad. And the new space (formerly Paradise Café) means Vermont Street will now offer alcoholic beverages—everything from PBR to Free State beers, single malt scotch to primo Bloody Marys.
Kitchen closes around 9:30 p.m. and food is served until it runs out. Bar closes at midnight.
The ribs at Vermont Street are dry-rubbed, then slow-smoked over hickory apple and wild cherry woods. Prices start at $4.50 for sandwiches, $11.95 for slabs.
Catering available, call for details.
Ongoing
| Event | Cost | Category | |
|---|---|---|---|
InertiaEvery Friday |
10 p.m. - 2 a.m. | Free - $2 | Music |
Comments
Mackin 13 years, 11 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
Great food, lots of seating space, service can be a little slow when they are really busy, but that seems to be the price you pay at any popular place.
Nick Yoho 14 years, 5 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
Still has great food! $1.25 cheap cans everyday. Tues. has the best deal in town $1.50 pints, which include Freestate, Boulevard, and Tallgrass beer!! Mon. has half priced appetizers and $1 cans. Friendly staff too. the smoked dry rubbed wings are outstanding and some days just 35 cents each. Gotta love these folks!
Frederic Gutknecht IV 14 years, 8 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
I like it. That's about all you can really know. The staff has always been sweet to me and mine, especially at the bar.
TonyP4420 15 years, 5 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
Best BBQ in Lawrence, pulled pork sandwich is amazing and so is their sauce!
David Borys 15 years, 6 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
Best pulled pork sandwich in town. They also have really good baby back ribs and turkey legs. Yes the meat is served dry because it is slow smoked without sauce, and the sauce is at your table. Service is average to good, price is really good for the food and portions, compared to BBQ smoke houses in KC its a real deal. Lunch specials are great if you are down on mass st. that time of day. Vermont St. BBQ smokes turkeys and other items upon request for a small fee, and a whole smoked turkey comes out great. A good local place to eat.
jmsw112 15 years, 7 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
Not bad, but nowhere near as good as Grandaddy's Q at 913 2nd, north of town.
kfcwar 16 years, 1 month ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
Great beer specials to go with the BBQ.
smallstash_2007 16 years, 1 month ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street wings are the BEST! I love Wednesdays! Thanks!
ksangler05 16 years, 1 month ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
I really did'nt care for it. I grew up on traditional kc bbq. The time I ate it it was catered, it seemed like they rushed things a little. The briscuit was tough. I'ts no where close to gates or bryants in my opinion. I like grandaddy's bbq. I like the fact that it's cooked over a pit. Real fire equals, real bbq in my book. There are to many new places using pellet smokers now, which are basically an oven that pumps smoke. Thats not even real bbq in my opinion.
Paul VanCleave 16 years, 2 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
Service was slow, took an hour to receive our order, the food was terrible, they driest pulled pork and brisket I have ever had. The manager was the rudest woman I have ever talked too.
Paul VanCleave 16 years, 2 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
Service was slow, took an hour to receive our order, the food was terrible, they driest pulled pork and brisket I have ever had. The manager was the rudest woman I have ever talked too.
xensen 16 years, 6 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
No thanks
SantaBear 17 years, 6 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
I brought a group of people here as I love BBQ and having read the reviews, I thought it sounded pretty good. Boy were we disappointed. we first ordered some appetizers and they came in little plastic baskets, which is fine, but we wanted to share and we when asked for side plates so we could, the waitress told us we couldn't have any as they were reserved for salads.
I wanted a BBQ platter, but all I saw was sandwiches, so I ordered a BBQ sandwich and ask the waitress to not give me the bread. I got a plate with cole slaw and a bundle of BBQ meat wrapped in wax paper. Not very appetizing.
With it being a brightly lit place, poor service and then customers are not allowed plates and BBQ wrapped in wax paper, I doubt we will come back ever again. I cannot believe this place will be around long unless they bring their service up to par.
SantaBear 17 years, 6 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
I brought a group of people here as I love BBQ and having read the reviews, I thought it sounded pretty good. Boy were we disappointed. we first ordered some appetizers and they came in little plastic baskets, which is fine, but we wanted to share and we when asked for side plates so we could, the waitress told us we couldn't have any as they were reserved for salads.
I wanted a BBQ platter, but all I saw was sandwiches, so I ordered a BBQ sandwich and ask the waitress to not give me the bread. I got a plate with cole slaw and a bundle of BBQ meat wrapped in wax paper. Not very appetizing.
With it being a brightly lit place, poor service and then customers are not allowed plates and BBQ wrapped in wax paper, I doubt we will come back ever again. I cannot believe this place will be around long unless they bring their service up to par.
ksmattfish 17 years, 10 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
Far better than any other restaurant that serves BBQ in Lawrence. There are a few guys that cater or serve out of a kiosk or truck that are pretty darn good. I've always gotten a huge plate of wonderful meat, and delicious sides, with decent service. The sauces aren't that exciting, but I don't really like Gates' or Bryant's sauces either. I think they do a pretty good job.
NEBKAN 17 years, 10 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
A very good place to eat that just didn't quite live up to the hype. The value of this place is great, lots of good food for very little money. The atmosphere is pretty bad and the staff is adequate but certainly not overly friendly or helpful. For the place voted best BBQ in Lawrence I expected more flavor in my meat. The only meat that was really good was the pork. The brisket, ham, and ribs were good, but hardly great and the turkey was borderline bad. It was dry and had very little flavor. There's another BBQ place in town to visit for good turkey.
Matt Torres 18 years ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
I love Vermont St. BBQ. I've never once gone and had to wait a long time, had bad service, or had my order messed up or had the food come out of the kitchen bad. I have to admit I haven't had many of their entrees, though. I always get the small sandwich with 2 sides for $6.50. They have GREAT potato salad. The potato piece are the perfect size and texture. It's not all flooded with mayonaise or anything and the flavor is flavorful but not overpowering. I also recommend their fries. I don't eat fries many place since they're not the healthiest thing in the world, but this place's fries are so good I have to get them every time. I will admit there was once or twice where they weren't perfectly crispy, but they were still great. The sandwiches are a very healthy portion, but not so much that you look at it and say "there's no way I can eat that!". The service is always great, even when busy. The wait staff is always very courteous and attentive about refilling drinks/etc.
bobfreeman 18 years, 1 month ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
My comment is for those folks wandering around Mass St during the evening, taking in the sights. Shad & the guys are opening their doors to local musicians and dj's giving us another much needed (smaller) venue for live music. And it's free. So, next time you happen by, drop in, check out the music and drink speicals. It's nothin' but a good time.
bbeachy 18 years, 1 month ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
If you are a real Kansas City BBQ lover, then you will know that this does not compare to real KC BBQ. It is good for those who like KC Masterpiece styled food with bland sauce, but not the real deal. Biggs is probably a little better.
drunkagain 18 years, 1 month ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
Great for the live shows they have. For the people that are up in arms that this is next to Gates or Bryants in barbeque. I am sorry but Vermont Street BBQ is ketchup on meat which at best is food to eat. So called BBQ snobs that say this on par with KC BBQ are nuts. No place in lawrence approaches that, but are there places that rate up there, I put Vermont street as the second place to eat BBQ in lawrence, their sauce is sad, but meat is usually good, sometimes great, sometimes average, but as with all BBQ places the meat can vary due to when it came out the grill, or whether they got a cow that was killed with tender meat. To end average for KC BBQ, poor sauce, but great shows, good service, to bad Bigg's BBQ can't see how to turn their bad BBQ to a decent product.
Jillster 18 years, 4 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
I've had Vermont Street Barbecue a few times now, and I think it was better when it was just carryout. We ate once at the Mass St. location, and found the relatively empty, echoing space and the mis-matched tables/chairs to be a little off-putting...the atmosphere is less than cozy (surprising, given the fact that the old Paradise Cafe was a very inviting place to be). And our waitress was less than attentive, but that could be said of most places in Lawrence.
And don't get me wrong...I love Great Harvest Bread, but not with my barbecue. The rich, yeasty flavor of the bread doesn't compliment the flavor of the barbecue, in my opinion. Maybe I'm too used to commercial white bread with my barbecue, but at least that doesn't have a strong flavor that competes with the rest of my food.
We'll probably go back at some point, but it's not my favorite barbecue place. You'll be much more likely to find me at Pat's Blue Rib'n, or Biggs...better yet, Boardroom Bar B-Q in Overland Park.
starwars_widow 18 years, 5 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
The pulled pork sandwich is wonderful!!! The atmosphere of the place is not much, but the food is worth the visit!
Nick Spacek 18 years, 5 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
They don't deliver anymore.
evanf 19 years ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
bbq'd meat is outstanding. The side dishes need some help. Fries are ok, but a new recipe for beans is needed - they're just awful. Cole slaw needs work too.
Try their bloody mary. They bbq the tomatoes for the mix. It adds a very nice twist to the flavor. The mix is also interesting for making a red beer
T45HED 19 years ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
after reading 3 articles in the LJWorld, I decided to try some Vermont ST BBQ. The place was close. Waste of time. Read how they were going to reopen, It's on Mass., soo I decided to order their much touted delivery. NO GOOD. "we currently dont have enough room for drivers" what the heck?!?!? are these people in BUSINESS???
rocketcreme 19 years ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
they dont delivery!!! i called today wanting some tasty pulled pork only to find they no longer delivery. it makes me sad. the only food items left for delivery are pizza, subs, and chinese. bah! sad sad day.
CutieZ28 19 years ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
Best BBQ in town, and fast delivery.
Dakota Loomis 19 years ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
The only thing holding back vermont st. from being a top-notch bbq joint is their weak, ketchup inspired sauce. The meats (especially the pulled pork) are all quality with a capital Q, but the sauce is far too thick, sweet and pasty.
Obviously, a number of people enjoy the sauce and I wouldn't argue they start fresh. Just throw in another choice, one that preferably resembles the thinner, spicier KC variations.
Also, only La Parilla rivlas Vermont St. for hospitality and service. They're the definition of good shits.
gontek 19 years ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
This BBQ is one of the best in KC, right up there with Oklahoma Joes, Gates and Bryants. Growing up in KC, BBQ was about briscuit, beef on a bun with ribs. The guys from Vermont St will go down in KC BBQ history as one of the best with the new place! The ribs and the pulled pork are why this is my new favorite BBQ. The sauce is different but perfect for the tasty, smoked meat.
surfsinewav 19 years, 3 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
They're service is top notch, probably the fastest deliverly in town. Not as good as Arthur Bryant's or Gates but one of the best BBQ's, if not the best, in the Lawrence area.
bmills 19 years, 3 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
Great Barbeque. Worth driving from Wichita to eat at Vermont Street Barbeque!!
stater1977 19 years, 3 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
The secret to Vt. St. is the science behind the cooking. After all, we're just talking about meat and smoke, but they figured out how to do it correctly. I always wanted Quicks to do well, but their ribs don't even compare. So, now it looks like we're going to have dining and beer. . .does that also mean fried potatoes? If it does I'm anxious to see if they come up with a no-nonsense fry, something like Rosedale's classic crinkle cut or Gates made-in-sight-hot-'n-fresh-'n-therefore-great crispy steak fries. If they do come up with great fries, beer, and BBQ, then unfortunately it will be hard to find a seat at lunch.
jhawk759 19 years, 4 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
Having grown up in the KC area, I consider myself a BBQ snob -- that is, I know that the only BBQ worthy of the name is Kansas City BBQ -- and not KC Masterpiece. I'm talking about Bryant's and Gate's and the places where they do it right.
Vermont St. is the only place in Lawrence I've found that produces good, real BBQ. They smoke their meat with a dry rub, then serve it with sauce on the side. And is it ever good! Their meat is smoky, rich in flavor, and the sauce is (properly) tomato-based with a bit of sweet and a bit of tang.
Who can put a price on good BBQ? But Vermont St. has good, low prices for real, KC-style BBQ. I've never yet had anything but excellent food from them. And I'd even consider them almost on a par with Arthur Bryant's -- the highest BBQ praise I can give.
cocobean 19 years, 5 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
I travel alot and this is one of the best places I have ever eaten. Good job, guys! Keep it up!
Jeanne Cunningham 19 years, 5 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
I have loved everything I've ever tasted from VtStBBQ - and the service has been excellent!!!
I suggest getting a few people to go in on an order and get meat by the pound, some sides and a loaf of bread and have a picnic!!
Rachel 19 years, 7 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
I'm going to have to disagree with all of the other reviews. I ordered for delivery, and I must admit that they brought the food fast. Although it didn't matter much, because I couldn't even finish my meal. I thought the taste might grow on me, but I was sorely disappointed. Dry bland meat covered with hopped up ketchup doesn't equal good barbecue in my opinion. The baked beans were atrocious, tasting exactly like a pan of burnt brownies. Maybe I'm missing something, but I was not satisfied. The prices are low, but it's not a good value if the food turns your stomach!
pbaker 19 years, 8 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
The ribs at Vermont Street BBQ are the best in town!
Hawkfan 19 years, 8 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
good food, reasonable price, seems to depend on the time of day on the delivery time. Staff and owners seem really cool.
Rob Curley 19 years, 9 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
Thank God these guys don't have a place to sit down and eat. If they did, I would be in trouble. I love this place, but I'm more of a "sit-down-at-the-restaurant" type of guy. I don't do a lot of take out.
In fact, except for this place, I don't do any take out. Which I guess helps to explain how much I like this place. Actually, it might be good that they don't have seating. If they did, I'd really be a fat-fart now.
I love the beef sandwiches and sausages, though I usually don't put the meats on the bread, instead just eating them with a fork. The baked beans are good, too.
I'm not sure what they call it, because I don't have a menu in front of me right now, but for lack of the correct term, they have something that is essentially a small bucket of meat and it's really affordable ... maybe $5 or so. It's the best value in Lawrence for ribs.
I can never decide if I really love their BBQ, or if I'm annoyed at it. To me, it has a real ketchup flavor to it. But I usually find it tasty, just not what I expect.
The place just has great food. Definitely one of my favorite places in Lawrence.
Besides, isn't it great when the underdog has the best stuff?
jpierce 19 years, 9 months ago on Vermont Street BBQ
Vermont Street BBQ
I have had Vermont St. BBQ three times now. In every instance, it was top notch. The Great Harvest Bread coupled with sweet BBQ makes me loosen my belt a little bit, but worth it!! Even called tonight, and they knocked off a few $$ because they were out of some items!!
Great deal and value!!!
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