Exploring the Best Places to Eat in Kansas City

Kansas City is a bustling metropolis, and its food scene is no exception. Whether you’re craving classic comfort food, unique international flavors, or something a bit more upscale, Kansas City has something for every palate. To help you explore the city’s best restaurants, here’s a look at some of the top places to eat in Kansas City.

Local Favorites

One of the best ways to explore a city’s culinary scene is to go where the locals go. Kansas City is no exception, and there are plenty of local favorites to discover. Here are some of the most beloved places to eat in Kansas City.

• Jack Stack Barbecue: This Kansas City institution has been serving up award-winning barbecue since 1957. The restaurant’s menu features smoked ribs, brisket, and pulled pork sandwiches, along with a selection of sides and desserts.
• Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue: Another local favorite, Arthur Bryant’s has been serving up barbecue since the 1930s. The restaurant is famous for its spicy sauce and slow-smoked brisket.
• Gates Bar-B-Q: Gates is another beloved Kansas City barbecue spot, renowned for its savory sauce. The restaurant’s menu features smoked ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and sides like coleslaw and baked beans.

Fine Dining

Kansas City is also home to some of the finest restaurants in the region. From upscale steakhouses to contemporary French cuisine, there’s no shortage of places to indulge in a special meal.

• The American Restaurant: This award-winning restaurant has been serving up creative American cuisine since 1974. The menu features classic dishes like beef tenderloin and seared scallops, along with an extensive wine list.
• The Capital Grille: The Capital Grille is an upscale steakhouse, offering classic dishes like steak tartare and filet mignon. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and a selection of craft cocktails.
• Bluestem: Bluestem is a contemporary French restaurant, featuring modern dishes like lobster risotto and foie gras. The restaurant also has an award-winning wine list.

International Eats

Kansas City is home to a vibrant international food scene, offering everything from Mexican to Middle Eastern cuisine. Here are some of the city’s top spots for global flavors.

• Port Fonda: This Mexican restaurant serves up classic dishes like tacos and enchiladas, along with creative dishes like grilled octopus and tempura squash blossoms.
• FüD: FüD is a vegetarian restaurant, serving up plant-based dishes like cauliflower tacos and lasagna. The restaurant also has an extensive selection of vegan and gluten-free items.
• Pita Blu: Pita Blu is a Middle Eastern restaurant, offering dishes like falafel wraps and shawarma. The restaurant also has an extensive selection of vegetarian and vegan options.

Cafés and Coffee Shops

If you’re looking for a quick bite or a cup of coffee, Kansas City has plenty of cafés and coffee shops to choose from. Here are some of the city’s top spots for casual dining.

• Oddly Correct: This coffee shop is a local favorite, offering a selection of artisanal coffees. The shop also serves pastries and sandwiches, as well as beer and wine.
• Quay Coffee: Quay Coffee is a specialty coffee shop, serving up a selection of espresso-based drinks and pour-overs. The shop also has a selection of pastries and small plates.
• The Filling Station: The Filling Station is an all-day café, offering breakfast items like breakfast burritos and French toast, as well as lunch items like salads and sandwiches.

Brunch Spots

Kansas City is a great place for brunch, and there are plenty of places to choose from. Here are some of the city’s top spots for breakfast and brunch.

• The Corner Restaurant: This restaurant serves up classic breakfast dishes like eggs Benedict and pancakes, as well as lunch items like sandwiches and salads.
• The Westside Local: The Westside Local is a popular brunch spot, offering dishes like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros, as well as coffee and cocktails.
• The Sundry: The Sundry is a neighborhood café, serving up breakfast items like omelets and breakfast burritos. The café also has a selection of pastries and coffee drinks.

Desserts and Treats

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, Kansas City has plenty of options. Here are some of the city’s best spots for desserts and treats.

• Betty Rae’s Ice Cream: This ice cream shop is a local favorite, serving up classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla, as well as unique flavors like lavender honey and salted caramel.
• Konrad’s Kitchen & Tap: Konrad’s is a popular spot for desserts, offering dishes like sticky toffee pudding and chocolate mousse. The restaurant also has a selection of craft beers and wines.
• Pie Five Pizza: Pie Five Pizza is a fast-casual pizza spot, offering a selection of custom pizzas and salads. The restaurant also has a selection of desserts, including brownies and cookies.

Vegan and Vegetarian Eats

Kansas City is home to a thriving vegan and vegetarian food scene. Here are some of the city’s top spots for plant-based cuisine.

• FüD: As mentioned above, FüD is a popular vegetarian restaurant, serving up dishes like cauliflower tacos and lasagna. The restaurant also has an extensive selection of vegan and gluten-free items.
• City Market: City Market is a vegan café, offering dishes like tempeh reubens and “chick’n” sandwiches. The café also has a selection of juices and smoothies.
• The Mixx: The Mixx is a fast-casual spot, offering salads and grain bowls. The restaurant also has a selection of vegan and vegetarian options, including vegan burgers and veggie wraps.

Food Tours

If you want to get a taste of everything Kansas City has to offer, a food tour is a great way to explore the city’s culinary scene. Here are some of the top food tours in Kansas City.

• EatKC Food Tours: EatKC Food Tours offers a variety of guided tours, featuring dishes from some of the city’s best restaurants. The tours also include history and culture, as well as a selection of craft beers and wines.
• KC Barbecue Tours: KC Barbecue Tours offers guided tours of some of the city’s best barbecue spots. The tour includes a tasting menu of classic dishes, along with a selection of craft beers and wines.
• Taste of KC: Taste of KC offers guided walking tours, featuring dishes from some of the city’s top restaurants. The tours also include historical information and a selection of craft beers and wines.

From classic barbecue spots to upscale restaurants, Kansas City has something for every palate. Whether you’re looking for local favorites, international flavors, or something a bit more upscale, there are plenty of places to explore in the city. So grab a bite and explore the best that Kansas City has to offer.

Summary

Kansas City is a bustling metropolis, and its food scene is no exception. From local favorites to fine dining and international eats, there’s something for every palate in Kansas City. Whether you’re looking for classic comfort food, unique international flavors, or something a bit more upscale, there are plenty of places to explore in the city. So grab a bite and explore the best that Kansas City has to offer.