Zagat's Cross-Country Trek Includes Plenty Of KC Cue

The Zagat Guide has released its "50 Plates of America" list, and — whaddaya know — there are two Kansas City restaurants included.

Zagat checked out "must-try dishes in each state," rounding up food items that are definitive to the state and "represent the vast and varied culinary scene in America."

On the list are two Kansas City restaurants, Oklahoma Joe's and Arthur Bryant's. Here's what they had to say about their picks:

Oklahoma Joe's: "You can't talk about Kansas' best bites without mentioning BBQ, and in a city that rules at ribs, there are tons that stand out. Look beyond Oklahoma Joe's ironic name, though, and you'll find the city's absolute best brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork and meaty on-the-bone bites. Don't believe us? Take Anthony Bourdain's word for it — he considers the incomprehensibly tasty food served at this Kansas institution so good, it's on his shortlist of places to eat before you die."

Arthur Bryant's: "Burnt ends are king at Arthur Bryant's — spectacular in sandwich form, served with a stack of white bread on butcher paper. This iconic BBQ joint in a rundown part of town has a line snaked with suits, tourists and construction workers waiting patiently for a taste of the pitmen's meaty masterpiece. A side of unpeeled french fries deep-fried in pure lard make for the ultimate side."