Red Shanty BBQ & Cafe — Restaurant in Higginsville

Happened to stumbled this little place by accident one day, and made the hour drive to go try it out. We went in on a Saturday night around 5 and no wait at all. Granted this was on memorial weekend and most are camping or at the lake somewhere. The restaurant itself was cute and relaxing. Service was great, and food came out fast. We sat outside and it was joyful. Unfortunately the main thing we wanted to try were the Ribs, and they ran out earlier in the day and didn’t have more until closer 6pm after they have to sit out and do their thing. The voodoo chips were piled up and very filling, potato salad was great, and the burnt ends and sliced brisket was good. Kids got the nachos to share and they loved it. The only complaint I would have is that the nachos apparently won’t have the cheese melted on them, and luckily our waitress told us about it and asked if we wanted it melted on them. Every chip deserves melted gold on them.

I wouldn’t say it was the best BBQ that I’ve had, I have my top three, and they been hard to beat so far. Hopefully no offense taken, just my personal preference of course. Probably wouldn’t make a special trip out there again. But if in the area would definitely stop by again and could hopefully try the Ribs and maybe some dessert next time. For two adults, two kids, two waters, one soda and one bottle soda, two adult meals and one nacho to share. We got out of there around $80 not including the tip.

Go check it out though...

A Hidden Gem in Higginsville – Unforgettable BBQ and Outstanding Service

From the moment we walked into The Little Red Shanty BBQ Joint, we knew we were in for something special. The rustic charm and warm, welcoming atmosphere made us feel right at home, but it was the service—and the food—that truly set this place apart.

Our server, Morgan, was an absolute standout. She kept our drinks topped off with perfect timing and genuine friendliness, and it was clear she truly enjoys what she does. Her energy and attentiveness made our meal feel more like a dinner with friends than a night out at a restaurant. We felt like valued guests in her care.

As for the food—wow. I had the BBQ pork ribs, and they were everything you want from great barbecue: tender, juicy, and practically falling off the bone with each bite. My family tried the BLT and the Brisket wrap, and both were devoured with enthusiastic approval. Every bite was full of smoky, satisfying flavor.

We couldn’t resist taking a piece of ooey gooey butter cake to go, and it was the perfect sweet finish to an incredible meal—rich, buttery, and just the right amount of indulgent.

If you’re anywhere near Higginsville, do yourself a favor and stop by The Little Red Shanty. Come hungry, leave happy—and if you’re lucky enough to have Morgan as your server, you’re in for an...

You would be lead to believe that a place as well put together as this would also serve some World Class BBQ. This is a circumstance of the curtain didnt match the drapes! I ordered the Homer Plate which is 3 meats and 2 sides. I chose Burnt Ends,Sausage and Chicken "Creamy Coleslaw and Peas and Mushrooms. The Burnt Ends were the worst I've ever had!!! They were very dry, tough and had little smoke! The Sausage was the Higlight of the dish it was sliced nice, tender and had great flavor. The Chicken was laughable zero Smoke flavor,extremely dry and very bland! The coleslaw is just shredded lettuce with a watery coleslaw dressing. Upon looking in the Kitchen I saw a bunch of kids in there which explains alot! There appeared to be no pitmaster present and by the quaility of the BBQ you can tell! The dessert on the other hand was really yummy I had the Apple Dapple Cake which is more like a bread pudding with a scope of old fashion vanilla ice cream on top! Overall this restaurant is very curb appealing, the staff was friendly but they simple can't compete with the quaility of BBQ you find 45 miles west in...