indigo smoke Q, Kansas City barbecue boutique, opened in April 2008.

Our Q joint is all about two extremes of modern life: The need for SPEED and the need for KICKING BACK in an ultra-casual and comfortable place with friends, family, or co-workers. In either case, you get it with our award-winning barbecue and accompaniment choices to suit everyone. The simple menu features our Q classic ribs, brisket, chicken, sausages, and wings. Sandwiches come with fries and slaw, and our signature salad comes in 3 varieties. Sides are the favorites that go perfectly with this offering, and you can buy many in pints to accompany our value-priced box sizes of ribs, bbq chicken, and wings.

ABOUT SPEED: Counter service is friendly, fast, and easy. Your order arrives at the counter within minutes. The cold drinks are right there. Your tray or take-out bag is filled with your food while you contemplate which of Chef Naomi’s tempting desserts to choose. Since they’re each enough to share and also great for your afternoon munchies, try two or more! After a quick stop at one of the condiment stations on your way out, you’re off! Hurried lunch hour? No problem: You still have time to sit down for a change of scenery and sound during your break from work.

ABOUT KICKING BACK WHEN YOU EAT IN: Place your order, choose your own spot in the room – maybe one with a prime view of the flat screen – and chill until your name is called. When you’re with a group, try out the COMMUNITY TABLE at center-stage in the dining room. With its bar-height, it offers a vantage point for the flat screen and a great spot for meeting new people.

Our contemporary, laid-back dining room sports Q’s signature colors of black and deep red against walls in indigo smoke’s signature grey. The open seating features comfortable chairs and banquettes, some oval tables, and the handmade big red community table rimmed with well-cushioned classic stools. It’s easy to be in line for the counter without feeling like you may be in anyone else’s way.

Our west wall showcases four murals of Kansas City vignettes – landmarks, famous people, history, and personal touches -- created in 2001 for our very first Indigo restaurant by our resident artist. The east wall sports a flat-screen perfect for enjoying a game with your Q on a weekend afternoon or for tuning in on one of our DVDs. Lance’s music compilations featuring classics and hidden treasures of jazz, funk, and r&b may have you unconsciously grooving in your seat or may simply help you to a higher level of kicking back while you’re here.

With its counter service and self-service dining, indigo smoke Q does not stock ice, chilling containers, or glasses for your BYO beer or wine. Disposable cups are provided on request at the counter for any drinks, whether purchased here or brought in. A counter person can uncork your wine on request.

Our showcased artist: Lifelong artist Helen Taylor Knowling created our murals displayed at Q. Her specialties include large wood carvings and acrylic paintings in varied styles. Check out her bio!