R J's Bob Be Que Shack   

When a restaurant professes its environment to be that of a ''shack,'' an astute diner should take note of this culinary caveat and head elsewhere. However, in the case of a barbecue joint, the description of ''shack'' can be an encouraging sign of authenticity. R.J's Bob-Be-Que Shack is not really a shack, though it is good, rib-stickin' barbecue in a city brimming with legendary competition. Ribs, brisket, sausage and pulled pork come slathered in a sweet, fruity and slightly spicy homemade sauce. The dining room is larger than a shack, though barely, and offers all the ambience of a typical barbecue restaurant. At lunch the crowds can grow quite large and the seating quite sparse, though R.J.'s proficiently executes its takeout business. Only time (and Kansas City's discriminating barbecue population) will tell whether R.J.'s will enter into the hallowed ranks of Gate's and Arthur Bryant's. But for now this little Shack in Mission is authentic enough to compete.