In the heart of America, in the State of Missouri, Kansas City is a fun, vibrant, and cool place to visit. The BBQ capital of the world, with more than 100 BBQ restaurants, is also the home of Jazz music and the most fountains in the US. It’s loaded with arts and sports. An adventure to explore, for many reasons. We show off the best 13 restaurants in Kansas City. The exciting and modern, most populated city of Missouri.
Tip #1: Le Petit Chef
Find the best of animated dining in Kansas City! Historic downtown Hotel Phillips, just around the corner of the Convention Center and the buzzing Power and Light district, invites you to the most fascinating dining experience. A culinary 3D theater show, right on your table, with the smallest chef in the world.
Visit our extraordinary 3D dinner-show Le Petit Chef in Hotel Phillips in Kansas City.
Le Petit Chef, born 2015 in Marseille, animated by his parents, the art directors of Skullmapping, comes to life on the dinner table, telling a story, paired with themed music props and an exquisite menu. This show is possible by mapping the dining table and the plates on it, projecting a virtual story. Three different menus are available, Classic, Vegetarian and a Kid’s menu. A unique dining experience in the 4-star 1930 art deco hotel.
Dietary options:
Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free and Kids menu options available.
Speciality:
A unique 3D theater show with the smallest chef in the world, projected on the dining table in a 1930 art deco hotel in Downtown Kansas City.
Price:
Le Petit Chef Classic 5-course menu, $139 plus taxes and 25% service charge;
Le Petit Chef Vegetarian 5-course menu, $139 plus taxes and 25% service charge;
Kid’s 5-course menu (6-12 years), $ 99 plus taxes and 25% service charge
Hours:
Reservation is necessary, you can book online
Location:
Hotel Phillips Kansas City
106 W 12th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64105
United States
Contact:
Tip #2: Arthur Bryant’s BBQ Restaurant
Arthur Bryant is a BBQ legend and so is his restaurant, Arthur Bryant’s BBQ in Kansas City. It’s considered as one of the most famous BBQ places in the whole country. History in short: Arthur took over the BBQ restaurant from his brother Charlie and moved it to where it stands today, at 18th & Brooklyn.
The location started the restaurant’s real popularity. Famous visitors, including president Truman, Clinton and Obama, but also movie folks like Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford and Jack Nickolson, were outing themselves as major Arthur Bryant’s BBQ fans.
Today new owners Chris Stuewe and Andrew Miller are still featuring the slow smoked meat, with a combination of hickory and oak woods and splashed with the secret recipe sauces of Arthur Bryant. The BBQ Sandwiches with all kinds of meat variations (beef, ham, pork, turkey), go well with Arthur´s fries or onion rings, baked beans and coleslaw.
Sauces and Rubs are available for purchase and of course, swag too. A Kansas City visit is only complete with a visit at Arthur Bryant’s famous BBQ spot!
Dietary options:
No dietary options available. Kids menu available.
Speciality :
A world famous BBQ restaurant, by legend Arthur Bryant. It has famous eaters and fans, like president Obama, Clinton and Truman. Hyped by movie stars. BBQ sandwiches with all kinds of meats.
Price:
BBQ Sandwiches ranging from $9.95 up to $17.95;
Fries with sandwich $2.15, full order $3.95;
Onion rings half order $3.75, full order $6.25
Hours:
Mon – Sat: 11 am – 8 pm
Sun: 11 am – 7 pm
Location:
1727 Brooklyn Avenue
Kansas City, Missouri 64127
United States
Contact:
Tip #3: Parlor
Eat, drink, repeat is Parlor’s slogan, and it is easy to manage! The modern food hall, on three levels, is home to seven restaurants and two bars. There is a restaurant for pretty much every taste and cocktail and craft beers catering to all the needs.
Parlor is a collection of chefs with many culinary concepts, under one roof. The ‘living room’, in the heart of the Crossroads neighborhood, is greeting guests with a funky vibe, art, indoor and outdoor seating.
The big variety of Parlor restaurants makes food choices not necessarily easy. Creative nachos and wings by Deez Nachos, Indian Fusion by Elephant Wings, elevated Tex-Mex Classics by Ladybird Taqueria, Daring Fried Chicken by Mother Clucker, Authentic Mediterranean by Sidos – and so on. A mix of socializing, great food and drinks, make Parlor worth a visit.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-free options available.
Speciality:
A food hall on three levels with seven restaurants and two bars. Special events with special prices.
Price:
For example:
Monster Nachos (Deez Nachos) $17; 6 pcs wings $12 (Mother Clucker);
Quesadilla $10 (Ladybird Taqueria);
Shish Kebabs $17 (Sido’s)
Hours:
Mon: Closed
Tue – Wed: 11 am – 11 pm
Thu: 11 am – 12 am
Fri – Sat: 11 am – 1 am
Happy Hours:
Tue – Fri: 2 pm – 6 pm
Location:
1707 Locust Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
United States
Contact:
Tip #4: Joe’s Kansas City BBQ
In a list of the best restaurants in Kansas City, one BBQ place is not enough. The second really famous BBQ spot in the BBQ capital of the United States, is Joe’s Kansas City BBQ. Born out of a gas station, owners Jeff and Joy Stehney started out small and operate in the meantime two more locations.
In 1990, they attended BBQ contests and were passionate about the smoke, smell, camaraderie and competition. After quite a ride, they opened the gas station restaurant in 1997.
Today, tourists and locals are crowding the place to try their famous BBQ sandwiches. The pulled pork house speciality, smoked turkey and ham, beef brisket and combo sandwich. Smokie Joe, the chopped smoked beef and pork in BBQ sauce and different varieties of speciality sandwiches.
One of their famous offerings, The Z-Man, a slow-smoked beef brisket, smoked provolone cheese, topped with crispy onion ring on a kaiser roll is a bestseller.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian options, Gluten-free buns and a Kids menu are available.
Speciality :
A famous BBQ spot with the bestseller sandwich ‘The Z-Man’.
Price:
BBQ Sandwiches Regular $ 8.99, Jumbo $ 11.39;
Speciality Sandwiches starting from Regular $ 9.99 to $ 11.79 and Jumbo from $ 11.59 to $ 13.29;
The Z-Man ranging from Regular $ 10.79 to $ 11.29 and Jumbo $ 12.29 to $ 13.29;
(Gluten-free buns + $1)
Hours:
All locations:
Mon – Sat: 11 am – 9 pm
Sun: Closed
Locations:
Gas station location:
3002 West 47th Avenue
Kansas City, Kansas 66103
United States
11723 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66211
United States
11950 South Strang Line Road
Olathe, Kansas 66062
United States
Contact:
47th Avenue: Phone: +1 913 722 3366
Roe Avenue: Phone: +1 913 338 5151
South Strang Line Road: Phone: +1 913 782 6858
Webpage: https://www.joeskc.com/
Tip #5: The Italian Sausage Company
The Italian Sausage Company is worth the 15-minute drive to Gladstone, North of Kansas City. The small family operated business is a gem. It includes an Italian sausage making facility, a mini Italian grocery store and a deli, with hot and cold sandwiches. The scratch kitchen uses recipes passed down generations.
Joe and Michelle Brancato offer way more than sandwiches. Deli meats, cheeses, olives, artisan breads and more. But their speciality is definitely the house-made Italian sausage. Making sausage has been a tradition in their family for over 30 years.
The sausage is made fresh weekly, by owner Joe Brancato Junior. The Brancato sandwiches are ‘Serious Sandwiches’, that’s how they call them. Some stuffed with their sausage, some with deli meats or meatballs.
Dietary options:
No special dietary options.
Speciality:
Weekly homemade Italian sausages, family recipe in third generation. Serious Sandwiches and Hot Sandwiches. Italian grocery store.
Price:
The sandwiches ranging between $10 and $30
Hours:
Mon – Tue: Closed
Wed – Sat: 11 am – 7 pm
Sun: Closed
Location:
7315 N Oak Trafficway
Gladstone, Missouri 64118
United States
Contact:
Tip #6: Mildred’s
Once started as a Ma and Pa, Mildred’s has served the community since the mid 1990s. In the meantime it is one of Kansas City’s most beloved breakfast and brunch spots. Family owned and operated for 25 years, serving the community in two locations, one in the Crossroads Arts District and one on historic 9th Street.
Scratch baked goods, sandwiches and speciality coffees, let folks line up, not only on the weekends. Wraps and sandwiches, biscuit & gravy, quiche and bagel, is what guests enjoy for breakfast.
Lunch sandwiches like the Portobello Panini, with grilled marinated portobello, artichoke spread, roasted tomatoes, arugula and balsamic glaze is served, like many other sandwiches, on artisan bread. Bloody Milly, Mimosa or House Michelada, make every breakfast and brunch visit at Mildred’s a fun adventure.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-free options available.
Speciality:
One of the most beloved breakfast and brunch spots in the city, with best breakfast and lunch sandwiches and speciality coffee.
Price:
Breakfast sandwiches (available all day) ranging from $4.99 up to $10.49;
Lunch sandwiches starting from $6.99 up to $10.99;
Brunch drinks from $5 to $9;
Coffee specialities starting $3 to $5.25
Hours:
Crossroads:
Mon – Fr: 7 am – 5 pm
Sat – Sun: 8 am – 3 pm
9th Street:
Mon – Fri: 7 am – 4 pm
Sat – Sun: 8 am – 3 pm
Locations:
Crossroads:
1901 Wyandotte
Kansas City
Missouri, 64108
United States
9th Street:
908 Baltimore Avenue
Suite 103
Kansas City
Missouri, 64105
United States
Contact:
Crossroads: Phone: +1 816 507 6837
9th Street: Phone: +1 816 507 6409
Email: info@mildredskc.com
Webpage: https://www.mildredskc.com
Tip #7: The Town Company
‘Trés chic’ is the first thought when it comes to ‘The Town Company’, the fine dining restaurant in the four star Hotel Kansas City. The kitchen of the fancy and stylish restaurant is led by chef Johnny Leach, teamed up with his wife Helen Jo Leach, who is responsible for the dessert section.
Midwestern cuisine with produce from local farmers and ranchers, prepared over open fire. No matter if meat or vegetables, the oak burn is the heart of the dining experience.
The dining menu rotates several times during the year, featuring seasonal ingredients. The dessert menu is short, but of beauty and uniqueness. Sweet potato sticky toffee pudding, Yoli Masa Sundae, Coffee cake roll with chocolate, malt and eggplant, are definitely not everyday sweet tooth menu finds. A Brunch is available as well.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian options available.
Speciality:
A fine dining experience, Midwestern style, with a focus on open fire. Unique dessert options
Price:
Brunch menu starting from $12 to $28;
Dinner from $14 to $64
Desserts are $14
Hours:
Mon: Closed
Tue – Sun: 5 pm – 10 pm (Dinner)
Sat – Sun: 10 am – 2 pm (Brunch)
Location:
1228 Baltimore Avenue
Kansas City
Missouri, 64105
United States
Contact:
Tip #8: Town Topic
Similar name, totally different topic. No fine dining experience, but the most iconic burgers in town. Town Topic is a traditional piece of Kansas City’s foodie culture, celebrating making burgers for over 85 years.
1937 was the year when Claude Sparks opened the little diner and served hamburgers for 5 cents each. In the heart of Downtown, in the Crossroads Arts District, you can’t miss the old-fashioned diner, because it’s open 24 hours a day.
Besides the all traditional burgers, Town Topic is serving Coney’s, hotdogs with chili and cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches. The breakfast makes the real diner experience authentic and is served with toast and fresh hash browns.
The Truckstop Omelet with four eggs, hash-browns, meat & cheese scrambled, is a perfect start into the day. Early morning 5 am – 10.30 am freshly baked biscuits with homemade gravy are a customer’s favorite.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian options available.
Speciality:
An iconic burger place, opened 1937 with 5c burgers and is still operating 24hrs a day.
Price:
Hamburger prices ranging from $3.95 to $10.50;
Biscuits and Gravy $5.85;
Breakfasts starting from $2.70 up to $15.95
Hours:
Broadway:
Daily: 24 hrs
Baltimore/Downtown:
Mon – Sat: 7.30 am – 2.30 pm
Sun: Closed
Locations:
Broadway:
2021 Broadway Blvd
Kansas City
Missouri, 64108
United States
Baltimore/Downtown:
1900 Baltimore Avenue
Kansas City
Missouri, 64108
United States
Contact:
Broadway: Phone: +1 816 842 2298
Baltimore/Downtown: Phone: +1 816 471 6038
Email: ttdiner@aol.com
Webpage: http://www.towntopic.com
Tip #9: Kitty’s Cafe
When a restaurant has been serving the same food since 1951, then this means one thing for sure: It’s tasty food! There is nothing fancy about Kitty’s Cafe: Pork Tenderloin sandwiches and some other traditional American eats. Cash only, no call ins, no reservation.
As simple as it gets, the best pork sandwiches in town, as known by locals. Even The New York Times called Kitty’s sandwiches in the past ‘possibly the most delicious fried pork sandwiches in the United States’.
Charley and Jenna Soulivong, a father-daughter team, rocking the kitchen and restaurant. The little brown-redish painted fast food joint, on 31st street, between the Midtown and East Side neighborhoods, changed owners, but never recipes.
The battered deep fried pork tenderloin, stacked in between a bun, with lettuce, tomato, onion and house made sauces. The only changes made on the menu over the years are additional choices. Like fried chicken and catfish. Place and food, as simple and as delicious as it gets, real American comfort food and a real must visit in Kansas City.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian options available.
Speciality:
Famous for pork tenderloin sandwiches. American comfort food since 1951, with never changing recipes.
Price:
Pork Tenderloins sandwich $8.50;
Catfish sandwich $9;
Burgers ranging from $5.60 to $8.70
Hours:
Mon – Fri:9 am – 4 pm
Sat: 10 am- 3 pm
Sun: Closed
Location:
810 E31st Street
Kansas City
Missouri, 64109
United States
Contact:
Tip #10: Ça Va
Located in the heart of historic Westport, Ça Va brings France to Kansas City. The intimate Champagne Bar is not only for champagne and wine lovers, but also for fancy bites and French flair. Chef and owner, Howard Hanna, is a pro, when it comes to Bubbles and French cuisine.
He gathers, together with his friend and co-owner Jim Coley, wines and champagne from every corner of the planet, to serve it in Ça Va’s très chic ambience. Hanna himself was born in Kansas and has been passionate about the restaurant scene since high school.
Ça Va, in French, or just ‘What’s up’, in English – definitely something good, when it comes to the Sunday Brunch at Howard Hanna’s spot. Something like Mushroom Quiche, Spanish Tortilla, Croque Madame and Monsieur (finest pit ham), Grilled Cheese or Farm to Market Brioche, frangipane and strawberry rose jam.
Even better: Paired with some bubbly Brunch drinks. For the daily Menu French cuisine lovers can choose from a cheese board, with fancy French cheeses, onion soup and Egg Nog Crème brûlée. Oh là là!
Dietary options:
Vegetarian options available.
Speciality:
A French Champagne spot, with wine and champagne from every corner of the world. French daily menu and brunch.
Price:
Brunch menu starting from $9 to $15;
Daily menu ranging from $5 to $18
Hours:
Mon – Tue: Closed
Wed – Sat: 4 pm – Close
Sun: 11 am – 3 pm
Location:
4149 Pennsylvania Ave
Kansas City
Missouri, 64111
United States
Contact:
Phone: +1 816 255 3934
Webpage: https://www.cavakc.com
Tip #11: The Peanut
The Peanut is a Kansas City landmark. It’s the oldest bar and grill in the city and was the one with the first liquor license.It’s worth a visit! If not for some alcoholics, then at least for a burger or their famous Reuben. Everything started in the early 30’s as a speakeasy and transmitted in a legitimate bar.
In the 40’s and 50’s, The Peanut became a BBQ restaurant and later a run-down joint, which got safed, years later, by Rich and Melinda Kenny. The couple opened two additional locations and licensed the name. Rich Kenny passed away, but Melina Kenny still continues to run the Peanut empire.
Today the Peanut locations on Main Street and Downtown serve all the American Comfort Food folks are looking for: Chili dogs, Burgers, Pork Tenderloin sandwiches, cheese fries, onion rings and BBQ Beef Brisket.
A Sunday Brunch, every Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm (Main Street 10 am – 12 pm), covers all the breakfast needs, like French Toast, Eggs Benedict and Scrambled Eggs.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian options available.
Speciality:
A Kansas City landmark. The oldest bar and grill in the city, with a famous Reuben and great burgers. A Sunday Brunch is available.
Price:
Sandwiches starting $5.25 up to $15;
Reuben $11;
French Fries full order $4.50;
Sunday Brunch starting $5 to $11
Hours:
Downtown:
Mon – Sat: 11 am – 1.30 am
Sun: 10 am – 12 am
(Brunch hours: 10 am – 1 pm)
Main Street:
Mon – Sat: 11 am – 1.30 am
Sun: 10 am – 12 am
(Brunch hours: 10 am – 12 pm)
Location:
Downtown:
418 W 9th Street
Kansas City
Missouri, 64105
United States
Main Street:
5000 Main Street
Kansas City
Missouri, 64112
United States
Contact:
Downtown: Phone: +1 816 221 7470
Main Street: Phone: +1 816 753 9499
Webpage: http://www.peanutkc.com/
Tip #12: Mattie’s Foods
Nestled in the historic Brookside East neighborhood, a vegan café with the name ‘Mattie’s Food’ is a popular spot amongst locals and tourists. Sisters Arvelisha and India Monique, opened up the café, inspired by their grandmother Mattie. Granny transformed basic ingredients into nourishing and flavorful meals. Motivation enough for the sisters to start a café, where Grandmother’s recipes and ideas live on.
It’s fun to study Mattie’s menu, the breakfast menu called ‘It’s too early’, the lunch ‘Starvin like Marvin’ or the Kids menu ‘Dem Kids Gotta Eat’. Mattie’s focuses on Southern cuisine and Tex-Mex-Style snacks. The Matt Griddle, for example, is a 100% plant based eggy patty, cheeze and agave with bakon between two fluffy pancakes.
Nachos, Nacho Mac or Nacho salad can be found on the lunch menu. A new Sunday Brunch is available, with Quesadilla, Biscuits n Gravy, Smothered Burrito and Chicken Parmesan Sandwich.
Dietary options:
An all Vegan café with Gluten-free options.
Speciality:
Vegan café, operated by two sisters, inspired by their grandmother Mattie. Southern and Tex-Mex-Style food.
Price:
Breakfast menu items starting $8 to $14;
Sandwiches $15;
Mains ranging from $13 to $20;
Sunday Brunch menu items ranging in between $6 and $15
Hours:
Mon – Tue: Closed
Wed – Fri: 9 am – 3 pm
Sat – Sun: 9.30 am – 3 pm
Breakfast served until 11 am
Wed – Fri until 12 pm and Sat – Sun all day
Location:
633 E 63rd Street
Suite 110
Kansas City
Missouri 64110
United States
Contact:
Tip #13: Succotash
Crowded, hip and delicious – this is Succotash, in the Longfellow Heights community of Kansas City. The very beloved brunch spot, established 2001, has been featured in quite a few TV shows. The quirky, little spot with personality, has its own fresh juice bar and calls itself a community-based neighborhood staple.
Leaning on the artsy walls and deciding about your personalized burrito, omelet or scramble, is amongst the best ideas for a real Succotash breakfast. The sweet tooth will be satisfied by the big fluffy buttermilk pancakes, the Vegan Shortstack Platter or the Modern Elvis. But don’t forget to order the ‘Cake & A Smile’, a buttermilk pancake with two sunny side up eggs and a bacon smile.
Breakfast sandwiches served with homefries, the tomato bisque and the biscuits and gravy, can only be topped by the famous eight layer rainbow cake.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-free options available.
Speciality:
A super hip, very beloved brunch spot, seen in many TV shows. Egg & Bacon smiley faces on the plate. Famous eight layer rainbow cake for dessert.
Price:
Egg specialities starting from $10 to $14;
Juice $6.50;
Sandwiches with homefries ranging in between $5 to $15;
Slice of the famous eight layer rainbow cake $7
Hours:
Mon: 8 am – 2 pm
Tue – Wed: Closed
Thu – Sun: 8 am – 3 pm
Location:
2601 Holmes Street
Kansas City
Missouri, 64108
United States
Contact:
Our selection of restaurants is based, among other things, on the editorial team’s individual preferences and on reviews on the internet. Please contact the respective provider directly for information on reservations and prices. The pictures come from the restaurants listed. All Information is provided without guarantee!
Brian has been part of the Le Petit Chef team since day 1. As Vice President Marketing, he always initiates new projects to further develop and enrich the show.
