Maybe it’s just because I’m a huge foodie, but before I plan a trip somewhere I research the heck out of where to eat and the local favorites.
I’ve accumulated it all for you guys; breakfast, quick bites, desserts, food for all budgets. All of these places are in the main KC area and next to the best attractions so you won’t have to travel far or waste your quick trip on driving.
I’m only recommending the absolute best spots, tested by yours truly…so you know they won’t disappoint!
Best of the Best
Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant
4686 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64112
Recommendations: Dana’s crusted chicken, wedge salad, pretzel bread!!
Winstead’s
101 Cleaver II Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64112
Old-fashioned American food at its finest. If I could get one of everything off the menu I would but if you get one thing go for the milkshakes!!
Recommendations: 50/50, grilled cheese, steakburger.
Shake Shack
239 W 47th St, Kansas City, MO 64112
I have never been so happy to see a restaurant move to KC! Better than In-n-Out (yes I’m serious). Get extra shack sauce while you’re there 🙂
BBQ
KC is the BBQ capital so of course, you have to try some while you’re here! Ask any Kansas Citian what the best spot is and you’ll get a ton of different answers, but here’s the most famous:
Jack Stack Barbecue
Country Club Plaza. 4747 Wyandotte St., Kansas City, MO 64112
If you don’t go to Jack Stack, did you even visit KC?! Personally, this is my favorite. It’s a little on the fancier side of BBQ but they have everything you could ever want and the flavors are out of this world.
Recommendations: onion rings, poor russ sandwich, ribs, carrot cake!
Q39 Midtown
1000 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111
Decadent, authentic barbecue. Anything you try on this menu will blow your mind!
Recommendations: mac and cheese, Mr. Burns, burnt ends, brisket.
Gates BBQ
1325 Cleaver II Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64110
This place is that local homegrown chain you think of when you want some authentic, family loving BBQ. Their seasoning and sauce are so popular they sell it at local grocery stores and it flies off the shelves! Go with the owner’s recommendations on this one.
Mexican
Southwest Boulevard (just down the street from Boulevard Brewing Company) and Central Avenue are the best places to find authentic Mexican! Any place you stop will guarantee to leave you feeling stuffed and happy.
Ponak’s
2856 Southwest Boulevard | Kansas City, MO 64108
The BEST margaritas ever!! So cheap and so yummy, the drinks themselves are worth the visit! The fajitas and fajita quesadilla are also to die for.
Chuy’s
209 W 46th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64112
Tex-Mex at it’s finest. The original chain is in Texas but thank goodness for franchising to KC! Great food and the atmosphere is so much fun! Chips and salsa are complimentary and they offer tons of different salsas so try them all.
El Patron
2905 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108
If you can guess by the name, El Patron has an amazing drink menu! It also has some of the best guac and is known for its family-friendly, fun atmosphere in the heart of KC.
Manny’s
207 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Original family receipts so good they’ve been loved by locals for over 60 years! They’re famous for their burritos but their tacos are also very very good.
Italian
Lidia’s
101 W 22nd St, Kansas City, MO 64108
If you want to treat yourself, go to Lidia’s!! It’s on the pricier side but it’s so worth it. Get the pasta trio and you can UNLIMITED tastings of the Chef’s special that day. They don’t even start making the food until you order and then it’s served right at your table. Stock up for leftovers!! It’s also in one of my favorite places of town, the Crossroads District so you can walk off that pasta and explore the area after!
Cascones
3733 N. Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO
One of the best Italian restaurants I’ve been to, owned by one of the greatest local families. Their sauce is so amazing I buy it in bulk at Cosco. Bless yourself with the italian nachos!!
Breakfast
Eggtc.
5107 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64112
Of course, all of the egg dishes are delicious. Their pancakes are also so good!
First Watch– Westport
1022 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111
The best dang pancakes!
Kate’s Kitchen
8002 N Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64118
It’s further north of KC but worth the drive! “The kitchen sink breakfast place”.
Dessert
The Chocolate Bag
448 W 47th St, Kansas City, MO 64112
A bag made of out chocolate, filled with a creamy mousse, fruit, and amazingness. If I had one final meal it would include 5 of these!!
Ice cream and cookies :
Cold Stone
114 W 47th St, Kansas City, MO 64112
Andy’s
1200 Westport Rd #4225, Kansas City, MO 64111
Insomnia Cookies
505 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111