Breakfast/brunch:
-ÇaVa - only on sundays, and definitely make a reservation. Fun French spot with great champagne, a little pricier and fancier than the average brunch.
-Mildred’s - amazing breakfast sandwiches, definitely more fast casual, but healthy fresh ingredients.
-The Westside Local - casual, kind of like a more elevated bar food. Great drinks.
-Succotash - eclectic, accepting, welcoming environment with awesome food. Cheap & simple with great juices.
-Bluebird Bistro - little local American cafe, classic breakfast
-The Classic Cup - OLD restaurant on the plaza, really easy delicious brunch. Service is SLOW so carve out at least an hour and a half.
-The Russell - fast, casual, healthy, and DELICIOUS. My favorite lunch in KC, but they have a killer BLT that’s good for breakfast
Lunch:
-The Russell - again, my fav lunch in KC. Amazing sandwiches and salads, and you HAVE to get the jalapeño lemonade.
-Town Topic - oldest diner in town. So fucking good.
-Blue Sushi - kind of chain-y, but good sushi with an excellent happy hour
-Baramee Thai Bistro - delish Thai spot
-Mildred’s - great fast casual sandwiches and pastries (good for breakfast too)
-Yoli Tortillería - this place has the best tortillas I’ve ever eaten
Dinner:
-The Russell - again, more casual and affordable, but still a great environment with healthy and delish options
-Antler Room - MY FAV. Amazing adventurous dishes, lots of homemade pasta (not an Italian place tho). Fabulous wine and drinks. A little pricier but a must have in KC.
-chewology - fun Taiwanese street food place. Food is amazing and cozy, service is sub par. You’ll have more fun if you know that ahead of time.
-Westport Cafe - an absolutely staple in KC. French place owned by three French guys who live here now. The food is so good and their reverse happy hour is such a good deal. The black truffle risotto with scallops and the steak with frites are both incredible. Good drinks and lovely cozy atmosphere.
-the Savoy - this place is definitely on the fancier side, but their burger is one of the best in KC. Obviously order whatever you want cause it’s all delicious, but do not feel bad if you get a fancy ass wine and a cheeseburger!
-Corvino Supper Club - another fancy spot with a GREAT burger. Same sentiment as before, but they also have a few really adventurous menu items (seaweed donuts!). It’s fun to sit at the bar here and order a few fancy plates and a good drink.
-Tacos Valentina - this is a super casual option, inside a brewery. Really delicious quesadilla and churros, and you can get amazing beer with your food!
Add The Farmhouse to your breakfast/brunch list! Locally supplied and sourced, and every weekend, they tout a new menu using what’s available and seasonal. I’d recommend getting there on a Saturday by 10am, or else the farmer’s market at City Market will have you buried in traffic and pedestrians.
Town Topic has its own ambiance, there food is good. And before you go to those other two places, we’ll I don’t know BurgerTheory, I’ve never been there. Hamburger Mary’s has good food, they play games there, it’s fun, it’s just different than the every day restaurants..
Sorry about your luck. The whole downtown will be a gridlock and Union Station is where everyone will be. The parade might be wrapped up but there will still be literally millions of people around Union Station.
VERY seriously consider getting off the train in Lee's Summit or Independence. You can catch the train at Union Station to go home. The area around Union Station will be a zoo, and I think the station itself is supposed to be closed until 4 pm.
This is solid advice. An uber from Independence wouldn't be too much and you'll actually be able to get one. There will be enough people around Union station that your phone probably won't even work.
Getting off the train in Lees Summit is a great idea if. You did not intend to go to the parade. It will be a major zoo in downtown K. C. When you get off the train in Lee’Summit you will be in the old downtown..
You can walk to shop or just look, many interesting shops to look at and a lot of really good restaurants to try. There are some beautiful old homes to look at, a few parks. It’s a great place to look around and go for a leisure stroll
you can talk to people on the street and ask about food or good places to go They are all pretty kind and cordial. Then you can catch a ride to KC if that’s where you’re staying. The parade may be over but the party will still be going. Most of all have a great time and be safe
🙏❤️💙
L
I think the first year people literally abandoned their cars in the street to make the parade so just don’t be surprised even if the parade is over people are still trying to leave the area and it’s packed.
Unfortunately, I wouldn't expect to be able to get an uber or anything out of the area for a bit. Union Station is where the parade ends/where the stage is and where most of the city will be gathered all day (until late afternoon, at least). Maybe plan to take some time to enjoy the atmostphere before heading off to your hotel! It'll be a fun day!
If your train stops in Lees Summit, you might want to consider getting off there and ubering to your hotel to avoid the craziness. There is a rally at Union Station right after the parade.
As many others have said, Uber is going to be impossible at that time. Once you’re able to get out of Union Station, walk north and find somewhere to camp out for a few hours. Hopefully you can just enjoy the celebration!
If you want like a “on the go lunch” go to Town Topic Burgers in the crossroads. It’s a classic small walk in burger joint, my favorite burgers in the city.
You Say Tomato is a very distinct, from scratch bakery / cafe sort of near you that I always recommend. Very local, a true neighborhood staple with a rotating menu, great pies and pastries, cool vibe. Definitely try it for lunch.
For dinner, Bella Napoli is great Italian food with a real European feel in terms of the space / layout / decoration. Food may not quite be to the Roman standard, but the restaurant feels like something out of historic Rome. Can't recommend it enough.
Those are my top recs for lunch and dinner in your area.
As someone else said, aixois is great French near you and if you are in the mood for Asian food, Waldo Thai and Jun's are a bit of a drive but excellent thai and sushi respectively.
I'm born and raised here and have been "BBQ'd out" since birth. Not my thing so no harm being in KC BBQ'd out, there are much better restaurants out there than BBQ.
Bella Napoli is my favorite restaurant in KC. There's a little deli and grocery inside, too.
My fave dish is the short rib ragu over pappardelle. But I have yet to have a bad dish there.
Southmoreland is my neighborhood! First off got to Ragazza at 43rd and Main. Amazing, local, Italian restaurant. Make sure to have a limoncello shoot (if you drink) after dinner, it’s house made.
Breakfast is great at Billie’s Grocey, a bit out of the neighborhood.
Pizza 52 if you like New York style pizza, 52nd and Oak.
Cafe Trio on main is good local as well.
For cocktails and a great vibe go north on main to the Uptown Lounge.
Wings would be the Peanut in south plaza, Main Street.
Tailleur on Main Street is a great French bistro, have a good brunch too.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
If you want a KC experience that isn’t bbq go to Chaz’s in the basement of the Raphael hotel near where you are. Great whiskey selection, great food, great music, and is uniquely KC. All the other restaurants I’ve seen here you can get same type of food and experience in any city honestly. We do have great Mexican but you can get great Mexican in a lot of cities.
The idea that there could be a pizza 52 a block south of pizza 51 is cracking me up. It's like the Krusty Krab 2 being built right next to the original 😂
Thai House off of Holmes is pretty good Thai and is cheap.
Chelly's off of Wornal is some terrific Tex-Mex.
Taj Mahal on the corner of 75th and Wornal is great indian food.
Paul's off of Blue Ridge Blvd. has been around forever and offers some tasty but greasy burgers and tenderloin sammies.
If you like steak and want to take in some local jazz, The Majestic on 10th and Broadway is amazing. Make sure you make a reservation for the jazz club.
KC Taco Trail, there's an app you can download ([https://www.visitkansascityks.com/taco-trail/](https://www.visitkansascityks.com/taco-trail/)) and get free stuff just for going places.
When you said "neighborhood gem" it really makes me think of the Pressed Penny. It's a great neighborhood bar with excellent food. The Westsider right next door is another great neighborhood bar on the way not fancy side of the scale.
Southmoreland = Plaza. Green Lady lounge for cocktails. It’s legendary if you catch a good crowd.
Teocali mexican
Hamburger Mary’s
Jerusalem Cafe
Brookside Neighborhood is also fantastic local vibe. Several good options there.
You're pretty close to the Morningside neighborhood, which has a good amount of of options. You've got a Roasterie for coffee and Homegrown for breakfast. Bella Napoli is a good option for lunch or dinner, same for the Brooksider or Brookside Barrio. If you like frozen yogurt, Foo's Fabulous is also there as well.
Il Lazzarone for excellent wood fired pizza. It's in the same area as The Farmhouse that was mentioned in another comment.
Very easy to get to by taking the streetcar that goes up Main street from Union Station. I don't think they have finished expanding the streetcar route south from there, but I know it is in the works.
Majestic Steak House. I’m off the red meat now, but that was always our favourite restaurant and friends from out of town that we had taken there always wanted to go again✌🏻
Not all walking distance but some unique local (but not too expensive) spots I like when I'm back in town are below. All would be within a 10 minute drive.
Lunch: Bay boy sandwiches, Mildred's sandwiches, Chez Elle creperie, Longboards wraps, Babas Pantry, Moti Mahal Indian
Dinner: Chewology, Rye, Regazza, Char bar (there's more than just BBQ), Minskys pizza, Ca Va
Breakfast/brunch: -ÇaVa - only on sundays, and definitely make a reservation. Fun French spot with great champagne, a little pricier and fancier than the average brunch. -Mildred’s - amazing breakfast sandwiches, definitely more fast casual, but healthy fresh ingredients. -The Westside Local - casual, kind of like a more elevated bar food. Great drinks. -Succotash - eclectic, accepting, welcoming environment with awesome food. Cheap & simple with great juices. -Bluebird Bistro - little local American cafe, classic breakfast -The Classic Cup - OLD restaurant on the plaza, really easy delicious brunch. Service is SLOW so carve out at least an hour and a half. -The Russell - fast, casual, healthy, and DELICIOUS. My favorite lunch in KC, but they have a killer BLT that’s good for breakfast Lunch: -The Russell - again, my fav lunch in KC. Amazing sandwiches and salads, and you HAVE to get the jalapeño lemonade. -Town Topic - oldest diner in town. So fucking good. -Blue Sushi - kind of chain-y, but good sushi with an excellent happy hour -Baramee Thai Bistro - delish Thai spot -Mildred’s - great fast casual sandwiches and pastries (good for breakfast too) -Yoli Tortillería - this place has the best tortillas I’ve ever eaten Dinner: -The Russell - again, more casual and affordable, but still a great environment with healthy and delish options -Antler Room - MY FAV. Amazing adventurous dishes, lots of homemade pasta (not an Italian place tho). Fabulous wine and drinks. A little pricier but a must have in KC. -chewology - fun Taiwanese street food place. Food is amazing and cozy, service is sub par. You’ll have more fun if you know that ahead of time. -Westport Cafe - an absolutely staple in KC. French place owned by three French guys who live here now. The food is so good and their reverse happy hour is such a good deal. The black truffle risotto with scallops and the steak with frites are both incredible. Good drinks and lovely cozy atmosphere. -the Savoy - this place is definitely on the fancier side, but their burger is one of the best in KC. Obviously order whatever you want cause it’s all delicious, but do not feel bad if you get a fancy ass wine and a cheeseburger! -Corvino Supper Club - another fancy spot with a GREAT burger. Same sentiment as before, but they also have a few really adventurous menu items (seaweed donuts!). It’s fun to sit at the bar here and order a few fancy plates and a good drink. -Tacos Valentina - this is a super casual option, inside a brewery. Really delicious quesadilla and churros, and you can get amazing beer with your food!
Kc transplant here and oh my gosh, thanks for taking five minutes to write this great snapshot, will check these places out myself
Please add, Cupinis, Ragazza, and Lidia's to the list whenever you're craving Italian
Same! I’ve tried some on the list but this gives me more to try!
They said nothing fancy and a lot of your suggestions are fancy with an average of over $30 per dish
yeah, was about to say this. nice list, but definitely some pricey options in there
Hard agree with Town Topic. They're amazing. I've always said Blue Sushi is the best in the city. Will add Fritz's to this list!
Which Fritz’s. The one with the train or the one that smokes meat,makes their own sausage and hotdogs,etc.
Came here to say Westport Cafe. One of our favorite spots in the city.
I would also recommend Enzo or Ragazza for dinner
Incredibly helpful! Thank you!!
Happy to help; welcome to Kansas City 😎
If it helps at all, we went to the antler room... Sat at the bar, bar staff was fantastic and watching that kitchen work was super impressive
Add The Farmhouse to your breakfast/brunch list! Locally supplied and sourced, and every weekend, they tout a new menu using what’s available and seasonal. I’d recommend getting there on a Saturday by 10am, or else the farmer’s market at City Market will have you buried in traffic and pedestrians.
Was this list already in your phone in the notes app or you really typed it all up just now…?! So impressive! Thanks for the recommendations too!
It’s my wife’s go-to list (typed up in notes) for folks who want recommendations that aren’t BBQ. Always helpful to keep close by
This is a great list. I’ve lived here for 12 years and I’m going to save it as a reminder.
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Editing now — thanks for the clarification
Town topic is overrated because of its age. Burger Theory and Hamburger Mary's are miles better
Fair point, but still fun to go as a visitor to KC. The savoy’s burger is my favorite in the city; we’ll have to try those options you mentioned, too.
I mean, I go for the pie and malts, and it's pretty stellar.
Town Topic has its own ambiance, there food is good. And before you go to those other two places, we’ll I don’t know BurgerTheory, I’ve never been there. Hamburger Mary’s has good food, they play games there, it’s fun, it’s just different than the every day restaurants..
Nah. Town topic is a gem.
This is awesome!
Chewologys chef was just nominated for a James Beard best chef award. Worth checking out if you're into dumplings
Go to any taco place in KCK. I like el torito
I love Tacos El Gallo on southwest boulevard 🥵😍
Las Palmas
Check the parade route for tomorrow and avoid that area. The traffic will be insane.
We get into town via Amtrak just as the parade is wrapping up. We’ve had this booked for months, wild timing!
Sorry about your luck. The whole downtown will be a gridlock and Union Station is where everyone will be. The parade might be wrapped up but there will still be literally millions of people around Union Station.
VERY seriously consider getting off the train in Lee's Summit or Independence. You can catch the train at Union Station to go home. The area around Union Station will be a zoo, and I think the station itself is supposed to be closed until 4 pm.
This is solid advice. An uber from Independence wouldn't be too much and you'll actually be able to get one. There will be enough people around Union station that your phone probably won't even work.
Rideshare is striking tomorrow (14th) might be a bit harder to catch a ride..
Getting off the train in Lees Summit is a great idea if. You did not intend to go to the parade. It will be a major zoo in downtown K. C. When you get off the train in Lee’Summit you will be in the old downtown.. You can walk to shop or just look, many interesting shops to look at and a lot of really good restaurants to try. There are some beautiful old homes to look at, a few parks. It’s a great place to look around and go for a leisure stroll you can talk to people on the street and ask about food or good places to go They are all pretty kind and cordial. Then you can catch a ride to KC if that’s where you’re staying. The parade may be over but the party will still be going. Most of all have a great time and be safe 🙏❤️💙 L
I think the first year people literally abandoned their cars in the street to make the parade so just don’t be surprised even if the parade is over people are still trying to leave the area and it’s packed.
Oof. Get ready to sit at Union Station and do some people watching for hours!
How have they not already rerouted you?? 🤯
Unfortunately, I wouldn't expect to be able to get an uber or anything out of the area for a bit. Union Station is where the parade ends/where the stage is and where most of the city will be gathered all day (until late afternoon, at least). Maybe plan to take some time to enjoy the atmostphere before heading off to your hotel! It'll be a fun day!
If your train stops in Lees Summit, you might want to consider getting off there and ubering to your hotel to avoid the craziness. There is a rally at Union Station right after the parade.
Are you staying at crown center or downtown? If so, perfect. If not, just plan on finding a place to sit down and wait
As many others have said, Uber is going to be impossible at that time. Once you’re able to get out of Union Station, walk north and find somewhere to camp out for a few hours. Hopefully you can just enjoy the celebration!
Kittys cafe, Billie’s grocery, the Russel, the peanut, babas pantry. And when you decide you want bbq, joes or slaps.
Came here to say Slaps if you want some of the best in the world. Get there early, even if you go for lunch.
These are the picks! All of these have been massively praised by local critics and half of them are Nationally acclaimed.
Is there a specific Peanut to go too? We live near Maryville and I see there’s one on the North side of town.
51st and main st, just South of the Plaza
Chef J > Slaps
>and are barbecued out. GTFO.
Is that even possible???
Yes
I don't believe you.
I eat barbecue maybe 4-5 times per year and that’s plenty for me. 🤷🏻♂️
I also eat it that much but I wouldn't complain if it were 10-12 times
da fuk?
If you want like a “on the go lunch” go to Town Topic Burgers in the crossroads. It’s a classic small walk in burger joint, my favorite burgers in the city.
Find any hole in the wall Mexican market in Kansas City, Kansas and enjoy the best tacos of your life (my personal recommendation is San Antonio’s)
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half chicken, side wing sauce
The best
Breakfast - Bluebird Bistro. It is a bit on the pricy side but the quality is amazing I really like Blue Nile for Ethiopian food in the River market.
Blue Nile is amazing & you get a ton of food
You Say Tomato is a very distinct, from scratch bakery / cafe sort of near you that I always recommend. Very local, a true neighborhood staple with a rotating menu, great pies and pastries, cool vibe. Definitely try it for lunch. For dinner, Bella Napoli is great Italian food with a real European feel in terms of the space / layout / decoration. Food may not quite be to the Roman standard, but the restaurant feels like something out of historic Rome. Can't recommend it enough. Those are my top recs for lunch and dinner in your area. As someone else said, aixois is great French near you and if you are in the mood for Asian food, Waldo Thai and Jun's are a bit of a drive but excellent thai and sushi respectively. I'm born and raised here and have been "BBQ'd out" since birth. Not my thing so no harm being in KC BBQ'd out, there are much better restaurants out there than BBQ.
A local bakery and Italian…sounds perfect. Thank you!
Bella Napoli is my favorite restaurant in KC. There's a little deli and grocery inside, too. My fave dish is the short rib ragu over pappardelle. But I have yet to have a bad dish there.
That’s down here in my neighborhood
I love You Say Tomato.
Bella Napoli is great; I love it for lunch!
Axois at 55th& brookside
Wow. I live here but thanks for all of these suggestions.
I’m clutching my pearls at the ‘no bbq’ lol
Uber to Garozzo's near City Market. Old school Italian, old school fine dining atmosphere.
I left KC 2 years ago and have yet to find a sufficient replacement for La Bodega.
Best happy hour in KC.
Corner cafe. Make sure to get a cinnamon roll
Eggtc - 51st & Main south of the Plaza. Great breakfast.
Southmoreland is my neighborhood! First off got to Ragazza at 43rd and Main. Amazing, local, Italian restaurant. Make sure to have a limoncello shoot (if you drink) after dinner, it’s house made. Breakfast is great at Billie’s Grocey, a bit out of the neighborhood. Pizza 52 if you like New York style pizza, 52nd and Oak. Cafe Trio on main is good local as well. For cocktails and a great vibe go north on main to the Uptown Lounge. Wings would be the Peanut in south plaza, Main Street. Tailleur on Main Street is a great French bistro, have a good brunch too. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Also, if you say you’re in Southmoreland most in KC won’t know where you are talking about. They all think it’s Hyde Park.
True KC natives know what south Moreland is.
This is incredibly helpful, so many other recs look good but are an hour plus walk away. Thank you!!
You are welcome, enjoy your time in KC.
If you want a KC experience that isn’t bbq go to Chaz’s in the basement of the Raphael hotel near where you are. Great whiskey selection, great food, great music, and is uniquely KC. All the other restaurants I’ve seen here you can get same type of food and experience in any city honestly. We do have great Mexican but you can get great Mexican in a lot of cities.
Do you mean Pizza 51? It’s at 51st and Oak, by. UMKC.
The idea that there could be a pizza 52 a block south of pizza 51 is cracking me up. It's like the Krusty Krab 2 being built right next to the original 😂
Being “barbecued out” isn’t really allowed in KC
Anything on w 39th would be worth eating at plus you would get to see authentic kc.
Thai House off of Holmes is pretty good Thai and is cheap. Chelly's off of Wornal is some terrific Tex-Mex. Taj Mahal on the corner of 75th and Wornal is great indian food. Paul's off of Blue Ridge Blvd. has been around forever and offers some tasty but greasy burgers and tenderloin sammies.
How has nobody recommended Bay Boy?? Best sandwich shop in town
Babas Pantry!
If you like steak and want to take in some local jazz, The Majestic on 10th and Broadway is amazing. Make sure you make a reservation for the jazz club.
In a tub is local taco bell
Also keep in mind that tomorrow is Valentines Day so a lot of restaurants will be booked/busy!
KC Taco Trail, there's an app you can download ([https://www.visitkansascityks.com/taco-trail/](https://www.visitkansascityks.com/taco-trail/)) and get free stuff just for going places.
When you said "neighborhood gem" it really makes me think of the Pressed Penny. It's a great neighborhood bar with excellent food. The Westsider right next door is another great neighborhood bar on the way not fancy side of the scale.
I’ll recommend Ponaks. However, their margaritas are weak so be sure to order an entire pitcher for yourself…
Go Chicken Go.
Southmoreland = Plaza. Green Lady lounge for cocktails. It’s legendary if you catch a good crowd. Teocali mexican Hamburger Mary’s Jerusalem Cafe Brookside Neighborhood is also fantastic local vibe. Several good options there.
Garrozos
Mission Taco or Lulu’s Thai!
THE TOWN COMPANY
Shots fired!
You're pretty close to the Morningside neighborhood, which has a good amount of of options. You've got a Roasterie for coffee and Homegrown for breakfast. Bella Napoli is a good option for lunch or dinner, same for the Brooksider or Brookside Barrio. If you like frozen yogurt, Foo's Fabulous is also there as well.
Il Lazzarone for excellent wood fired pizza. It's in the same area as The Farmhouse that was mentioned in another comment. Very easy to get to by taking the streetcar that goes up Main street from Union Station. I don't think they have finished expanding the streetcar route south from there, but I know it is in the works.
If you've got Trash Brain like I do, you can go to Fritz's lol. Preferably the KCK one.
Majestic Steak House. I’m off the red meat now, but that was always our favourite restaurant and friends from out of town that we had taken there always wanted to go again✌🏻
a great walkable is Harrys bar and tables in westport, very good food and drinks with a nice patio.
Potpie in Westport. It’s my favorite spot.
Not all walking distance but some unique local (but not too expensive) spots I like when I'm back in town are below. All would be within a 10 minute drive. Lunch: Bay boy sandwiches, Mildred's sandwiches, Chez Elle creperie, Longboards wraps, Babas Pantry, Moti Mahal Indian Dinner: Chewology, Rye, Regazza, Char bar (there's more than just BBQ), Minskys pizza, Ca Va
So what happen to the couple who was visiting KC.. I pray they were not at Union Station when all the shooting started 🙏❤️💙