Kansas City - Where to Eat
Updated: Nov 8, 2022
The city of jazz, art, and BBQ: Kansas City
Looking for a place to eat in Kansas City? I have been a local for almost 5 years now and have visited many places in Kansas City...with more to come!
Check out some of my recommendations below.
Kansas City
Brown & Loe
Located: Kansas City, Missouri in the River Market
Brown & Loe is a sophisticated restaurant located in the River Market that offers lunch, dinner, a full bar, and even brunch on the weekends. Stop by to grab some brunch after walking and shopping in the farmer's market! Brown & Loe is a perfect spot for a business dinner or even a date!
Trezo Mare
Location: Kansas City, MO
Trezo Mare is located in the Briarcliffe shopping district and offers a lot of delicious dishes. Dishes below: Fusilli Shrimp Diablo pasta dish (with fettuccini noodles substituted) and the Shrimp & Risotto dish. Add a side salad for only $5.
Kansas City Taco Company
Located: Kansas City, MO
KC Taco Co is located in the River Market area of Kansas City. Their tacos are spectacular and so are their drinks! My friends and I love going to KC Taco Co because of the dishes, drinks, and the overall vibe. You can also mix and match your taco choices if you want to try several different options!
BB's Lawnside BBQ & Blues
Located: Kansas City, MO
Kansas City is well-known for its' BBQ! There are a TON of places to get mouthwatering BBQ dishes, but BB's is my absolute favorite spot to go. They even offer live music! I recommend starting off your dinner or lunch with their popular BBQ Nachos appetizer. When I go to BB's, I always order the BBQ Sundae: "From top to bottom this three-layered delight will satisfy any BBQ lover’s craving. Hickory smoked pit beans, creamy coleslaw and succulent Pulled Pork – served in a Mason jar and topped off with sauce and a pickle spear."
Q39
Located: Kansas City
Q39 is one of my favorite BBQ spots to eat dinner with friends! Everytime someone visits Kansas City, I will take them to Q39. Their pulled pork sandwich is my favorite because of their savory BBQ sauce and their homemade coleslaw on top. I highly recommend getting a side of the potato salad - I have never had better potato salad anywhere else! Try out their macaroni & cheese appetizer or their fried onion string appetizer before your meal!
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Located: Kansas City - multiple locations
Joe's BBQ is another popular destination for lovers of barbeque. A lot of individuals celebrate birthdays and other memorable party reasons at Joe's. Their burnt ends and brisket are spectacular. I have never tried better potato salad anywhere else. Joe's brownie and creme brulee are my favorite desserts in town!
Gate's BBQ
Located: Kansas City, MO - multiple locations
Gate's is another popular BBQ hot spot in Kansas City, although the set up is slightly different than what you might be use to. You will go up to the counter to order your food first and then you will find your seat! Servers will bring the dish out to you once it is done! I always order their Bun with Fries dish where you can choose between beef, ham, turkey, or pork. You can even buy their homemade BBQ in a bottle!
Silo Modern Farmhouse
Located: Kansas City, MO
Silo Modern Farmhouse is a popular spot for a fancy dinner date or a business meeting. This restaurant is located on a golf course, so if you enjoy golfing, play a round and then enjoy a delightful meal. Silo offers brunch, lunch, dinner, and even happy hour. I always order the Shrimp with Angel Hair dish that is mixed with homemade fresh tomato marinara.
Brookside Barrio
Located: Kansas City, MO
Brookside Barrio is one of my top favorite places to eat at for lunch, dinner, and brunch! Brookside Barrio offered Mexican dishes and drinks. Their plates are amazing and I have never had better chips & salsa anywhere else. You can't go wrong ordering anything on the menu.
Dishes below: Chicken Enchiladas with their unbelievably delicious elote, Mini-Chimis appetizer, & the Burnt End Quesadilla.
Jose Peppers
Located: Kansas City, MO & KS - Multiple Locations
Jose Peppers is one of my favorite mexican restaurants. I wouldn't call Jose Peppers "authentic" (if that is what you are going for). If you are going for delicious Mexican dishes smothered in cheese, this is the spot for you! I love Jose Peppers because of their fresh salsa served for free. I love their salsa so much that I will buy a container of Jose Pepper salsa in a local Kansas City grocery store when I find it.
Their Pollo Magnifico is their most popular dish and a fan favorite. I personally love ordering their enchiladas. I would recommend trying their Chicken & Avocado Enchilada plate or their Creamy Steak Enchilada plate.
Carmen's Cafe
Location: Kansas City, MO
Carmen's Cafe is located in the Waldo area of Kansas City. This restaurant is a great location to enjoy delicious seafood pasta. I enjoyed a birthday celebration here with my sister! Their desserts are top-notch!
Boru Asian Eatery
Located: Kansas City, MO
Boru Asian Eatery is one of my favorite places to eat in Kansas City. Their dishes are unique and packed with flavor. Their happy hour offers great deals!
Dishes below:
Popular Gyoza appetizer dish, edamame appetizer dish, Boru kimchi fries appetizer dish, and the stir-fry ramen dish.
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Located: Kansas City, MO
Cooper's Hawk is located in the Plaza district of Kansas City and is a very popular spot to taste wines and enjoy dinner. I enjoy the combination dishes - specifically the flatbread and salad combination. Their soup is always warm and hearty. You can even sign up for a wine subscription/membership where you get their spectacular wines monthly.
Seafood Island
Located: Kansas City, MO (technically Shawnee Mission, KS)
Seafood Island is not necessarily a "popular" or "well-known" place to eat in Kansas City, but it is my roommates favorite spot to get dinner! We will wait to eat all day until we get to Seafood Island to go crazy on some boil seafood. Seafood Island offers cajun dishes, boils, other seafood dishes, and a full bar.
I would recommend trying their house special seasoning (which is a mixture of cajun spices, garlic butter and seasonings, and lemon pepper spices. Their full pound boils are served with 2 potatoes and 1 corn on the cob!
Denver Biscuit CO.
Located: Kansas City, MO
You already guessed it...I ordered shrimp & grits at the Denver Biscuit Company located in the Westport district of Kansas City. Their biscuits are stacked high with ingredients...you won't leave hungry! There are several Denver Biscuit locations spread across the county, but you won't want to leave Kansas City without eating here for brunch.
Eggtc.
Located: Kansas City, MO
Eggtc KC is another popular spot to enjoy breakfast and brunch. I love to try new dishes here because I am never disappointed. The wait can get pretty long, so I would suggest getting there early and expect a line. Although the line may look long, the tables are turned pretty quickly! Pictured below: Build your own taco plate and eggs benedict with hash browns.
Johnny's Tavern
Located: multiple locations in the Kansas City area
Dodge City Tavern Burger: thick burger with fried onion rings, cheddar cheese, strips of mouth watering bacon, and their special BBQ sauce. My friends had ordered the French Dip sandwich. You can't go wrong with either one!
Jun's Authentic Japanese Restaurant
Located: 7660 State Line Rd, Prairie Village, KS 66208
I went to Jun's Authentic Japanese restaurant with some old college friends for happy hour and I was NOT disappointed. Their happy hour is Monday - Thursday from 4:30-6:30 and is crazy affordable. I love when Happy Hours end a little later because it is tricky getting to happy hour in time for most folks who work until 5pm. The sushi rolls are fresh and tasty. I highly recommend getting the crab rangoons and the gyoza. DELICIOUS!
Paul & Jack's Tavern
Located: 1808 Clay St, North Kansas City, MO 64116
Paul & Jack's is a great spot to grab a quick happy hour meal or drink while in North Kansas City. The tenderloins are bigger than the size of my face and the fried shrimp platter will fill you up!
This page will be continually updated with more recommendations! Check back soon!
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