When you walk into any BBQ joint in Kansas City, you get smacked in the face with that distinctive smoky smell. Part sweet, part salty, you can already taste dinner before you get through the line that winds out the front door. Scott’s Kitchen is no different.

Except it’s in a weird, boxy, cement building that’s close enough to the airport to serve your in-flight meal (if that were still a thing).

Juicy. Oozy. Woozy.

I’ve never said those words together, but that’s exactly what ran through my head when I took my first tentative bite of Scott’s burnt ends. I LOVE burnt ends. I love them so much, I NEVER eat them. I’ve shed way too many tears over dry, tasteless bricks of flavorless meat that I’ve been scarred for life.

“You HAVE to try this.”

My buddy was scrambling to find his fork and plop a Burnt End on my plate. And no, he’s not the sharing type; forks are weapons to fend off trespassers. His exuberance piqued my curiosity and my reluctance completely faded away when I felt a river of juices rolling down my had as I took my first bite.

I had barely chomped through that burnt end before my eyes involuntarily closed and relaxed my shoulders. It’s that kind of bite. These Burnt Ends are BOOM! They are full of smoke flavor that announces its presence without ruining the party of meat, sauce, and juiciness. The sandwich is simple because it can be: plain bun and juicy burnt ends. Pickles on the side for a nice balance to the meaty juiciness and a side of your choice (get the beans.)

Now, I’m not trying to diss your favorite Burnt Ends spot. I’m sure they’re just lovely. But, bro! you need these Burnt Ends in your life. It’s worth a special trip when you’re pretending to work from home over lunch-but come before the line starts at 11am.