Who doesn’t love trying a new place to eat? Especially when you’re somewhere like Kansas City that is filled with impressive restaurants to try. When you think of Kansas City food, the first thing that might come to mind is barbeque. You would be right! There are plenty of awesome barbeque joints that you’re going to want to try out. Yet, there are also some other delicious places to eat in Kansas City that you’re going to want to try out, whether you’re simply traveling through or you live in the area. Be sure to keep reading for our guide to ten of the best places to eat in Kansas City.
1. Jack Stack Barbeque Freight House
If you’re looking for where to eat in Kansas City, then you need to make sure that you stop somewhere to have the famous barbeque food that Kansas City is known for. Jack Stack Barbeque Freight House should be one of those places on your list. You’ll find handcrafted cocktails, beers on tap, and delicious wines.
Who doesn’t love a Kansas City restaurant with a happy hour? Jack Stack Barbeque Freight House has a happy hour between 3 and 5 pm, Monday through Friday. You will find drink specials as well as appetizer specials. Many people come to this delicious restaurant for their smoked wings, burnt ends, baby back ribs, and brisket. You should also make sure that you try the jalapeno cornbread as it is something very unique and tasty. Trying barbeque while in Kansas City is a necessity!2. Taco Republic
When looking for food in Kansas City, Taco Republic is the place to go. They serve the perfect street tacos that everyone loves. You can walk up and order, or you can sit down and enjoy your delicious food. The choice is up to you. Either way, you’re going to want to spend some time chowing down on some delicious street tacos.
Taco Republic also has a happy hour that you can enjoy between the hours of 4 and 6 pm between Monday and Friday. You will find snack specials as low as $2 as well as drink specials. You can even get tacos to go for the whole family. They have a family pack that serves up to eight people. You’ll get tacos, salsa, guacamole, queso, rice, beans, and churros for everyone! Make sure that you’re all hungry if you’re planning to order the taco pack.3. Pigwich
If you’re looking for a great lunch spot in Kansas City, then Pigwich is it. Pigwich is a gourmet sandwich shop that you need to try whenever you’re in the area. You can even take the KC Streetcar to get there for an added adventure. Next door, you will find the Local Pig, which is a butcher shop and charcuterie. That is where they get all of their meat, meaning everything at Pigwich is fresh and delicious.
Pigwich serves remarkable sandwiches, pickles, and fries. You’ll even find the homemade ranch, which makes everything taste better. You’ll find cheesesteaks, pulled pork, chicken sandwiches, and even burgers. You’ll have to try out Pigwich to see which sandwich you like the most!4. Vested Coffee
One of the best places to eat in Kansas City is Vested Coffee, especially if you’re looking for a quick bite to eat. Their number one goal is providing excellent customer service. Vested Coffee is an adorable place with quick bites such as muffins, croissants, scones, danishes, cinnamon rolls, and so much more. They also have a few more hearty options like delicious grilled paninis.
Coffee lovers are going to love the drink selection that Vested Coffee has to offer. You’ll find standard coffee made in several different ways like pour-overs, cold brew, drip, or espresso. As well as, delicious coffees like lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, chai, and even matcha. Make sure that you stop by vested coffee, whether you live in Kansas City or you’re visiting. You’ll get a cup of coffee and a delicious treat.5. Komatsu Ramen
There are so many restaurants in Kansas City, but one that you should check out is Komatsu Ramen. If you have yet to experience ramen in a restaurant, then you are in for a treat.
Komatsu Ramen has so many different ramen bowls to choose from. Whether you like shrimp, chicken, pork, or brisket, then there is a bowl for you. You can also try steamed hot buns or fried tofu strips. They even offer vegan and vegetarian options! These ramen bowls are amazing. The first time you go to this Kansas City restaurant, you’re going to want to start planning when you will return.6. Gram and Dun
Gram and Dun is the place to go to once you’re done shopping at The Country Club Plaza. Its innovative American cuisine is delicious and modern. You’ll find that people flock to this restaurant, especially for the brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays. Who wouldn’t want to try a Gram cinnamon roll?
Happy hour at Gram and Dun’s is on weekdays between 3 and 5 pm. You’ll find appetizers on special as well as cocktails, beers, and wine. Gram and Dun’s might look fancy, but you can still eat like a kid with their burnt end’s mac and cheese. It is cheesy and delicious. No one will look at you funny for ordering it either!7. Rye KC
Are you looking for one of the best Kansas City restaurants to get some fried chicken? If so, then look no further than Rye KC. Their famous fried chicken is served with homemade pickles and ham gravy. The portions at Rye KC are huge and perfect for sharing with family and friends. You’ll want to try some of their delicious sides as well. The mac and cheese with bacon is delicious, as well as the pan-roasted Brussels sprouts.
Something else you can’t forget when you’re at Rye KC is the pie. They have lots of different options that will help to satisfy every sweet tooth. If you don’t already live in Kansas City, then you might be asking yourself if you should move here after eating at Rye KC.8. Wiener Kitchen
If you love sausages, then you need to make a stop at the Wiener Kitchen while you’re in Kansas City. They make all of their sausages on their own so that they know each of them will be great tasting and fresh. You can find both breakfast and lunch options. Whether you want sausage and eggs, or a chili cheese dog, then they have you covered.
You can even get a vegan sausage, which is roasted cauliflower, walnut, and wild rice. It is something that you must try whether you are vegan or not. Wiener Kitchen will also cater meats for any of your events. If you’re looking for smoked meats, burgers, or bacon, then make sure to keep them in mind for your next event.9. Chez Elle Creperie and Coffeehouse
One of the best places to eat in Kansas City is Chez Elle Creperie and Coffeehouse. You’ll find so many delicious and authentic options here. They serve delicious crepes and robust coffees. You’ll find that the reason why their food is so delicious is that they only use fresh ingredients. You’ll see that their fruit, vegetables, meat, and cheese are all hand-selected so that each crepe comes out perfectly. Even the batter is handmade from scratch.
As soon as you walk into Chez Elle, you will find the atmosphere is phenomenal. You’ll also watch as your crepe is being made right before your eyes. They have savory crepes such as the Jambon, which is ham, spinach, pesto, mozzarella, and crème Fraiche. As well as sweet crepes, such as the Citron, which is lemon curd with strawberries topped with whipped cream. They even serve salads and soups.10. Empanada Madness
If you want to try an authentic South American restaurant, then make sure you go to Empanada Madness in Kansas City. You’ll find traditional style arepas, Arroz con Pollo, el Pepito, and so much more delicious food! Of course, you’ll have to try the empanadas. There is also an amazing dessert empanada that you need to have before you leave.
Eating the food at Empanada Madness can get a bit messy, but that is apart of it. It is very flavorful and so delicious. Many of the Royals are fans of Empanada Madness as well. That means if you stop by after a Royals game, then you might catch a few of the players grabbing a bite to eat before heading home.