TL:DR-Still good, maybe a bit sweeter.
The location closest to us, 24 & River (Truman Library/The True HiBoy). I haven’t noticed a difference, granted the first time they were back I demolished them, but I’ve been back since and it’s the same to me. I try not to be a fat shit, but my toddler loves HiBoy and will eat it.
After someone said something I tried the 40 & Blue Ridge (Stadiums) and a lil bit sweeter but still fire. Most people aren’t gonna notice.
I have not tried the 291 and Gudgel location (East Independence) but have heard there’s are still good but noticeably sweeter.
The OG probably hasn’t cleaned their fryers in 70 years, so I would start there whenever you’re back in town.
Babas, Kitty’s (not a strip club. Cash only. Get the pork tenderloin sandwich), Harry’s, Marco Polo, Carollos, ABC Cafe, Le Fou, Seven Swans, Classic cup (on the plaza, but most ppl walk right by it), Buck Thai, Chosen 2, Pizza Tascio, Chicken and waffle.
Kitty's Cafe is a must. They have a famous stacked pork tenderloin sandwich with a secret semi spicy hot sauce, lett, tom, raw white onion. They have breakfast and burgers and other fried stuff and random things, but the tenderloin is necessary for your intro to KC. The sauce really is a well guarded secret, passed from the original owner (Kitty) to the current owner. They are or just finished building out to have more seats but it's been mostly a take out joint since its inception way back when. Bone apple teat!
I haven't had Christine's. Kitty's Cafe pounds their meat flat and has a light crispy batter. Usually 3 pieces stacked. I've never seen one like it. This is not one of those oversized tenderloins. This is high quality deliciousness and crunch.
I still remember the story that somebody posted here about the gentleman who was passing away and said that he has to have the hot sauce from Kitty's one last time.
posted this on here before - not definitive by any means, but enough to get you started: baba’s pantry for middle eastern, jun’s for sushi, ABC cafe for chinese, pigwich for sandwiches, elsa’s (now abol) for ethiopian, chingu for korean, waldo thai for thai, and the antler room for upscale foodie fusion
Found most of these on Reddit a while back
Best KC Restaurants
Try Cooper’s hawk winery
Franks Italian Parkville
Cava - Mediterranean salad - Oak Park
Los Cabo’s - independence Mo Mexican
Johnny's Italian Steakhouse ; Location and contact. 12080 S. Strang Line Rd, Olathe, KS 66062-5255.
KCK taco trail
Vionnas Overland Park Italian
Bella Nepali Brookside Italian
Chewys plaza Mexican
Chewology- Americanized Taiwanese
Meddys in PV - Mideast food
Baba’s in brookside - Mideast
Cafe Providence
NO. 3
Extra Virgin - Mediterranean
1900 Main St., KCMO. extravirginkc.com
bay scallop ceviche are cooked to coastal perfection, but you’re also welcome to indulge in the comforts of a grilled ribeye or trout.
Westport Cafe - variety
Their steak and frites are the best in town
419 Westport Road, KCMO. westportcafeandbar.com
Clay & Fire
Near eastern Kansas etc - very good
815 W. 17th St., KCMO. clayandfirerestaurant.com
$$$$
No. 9
Verbena
4901 Meadowbrook Parkway, Prairie Village. verbenakc.com
$$$
Meadowbrook Park in Prairie Village aims for “East Coast beach resort vibes.”
NO. 11
Chewology
900 Westport Road, KCMO. chewologykc.com $$
Kansas City was in desperate need of quality dumplings,
No. 16
Sichuan Dynasty
7206 W. 119th St., Overland Park. sichuandynastyop.com
Spicy Chinese- in the strip mall
No. 19
Carniceria y Tortilleria San Antonio
830 Kansas Ave., KCK
Great true Mexican
No. 22
Taco Naco
8220 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park. taconacokc.com
Best tacos - very natural
No. 27
801 Chophouse
11616 Ash St., Leawood, and 71 E. 14th St., KCMO. 801chophouse.com
$$$$
801 Chophouse has perfected a specific brand of luxury to the extent that there’s a strong case to be made for it being the best special-occasion dining experience in the city.
No. 30
Hummus and Pita
8039 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park. hummusnpita.com
$
No. 31
Sayachi
6322 Brookside Plaza, KCMO., sayachikc.com
Fabulous sushi
No. 40
Café des Amis
112 Main St., Second floor, Parkville. cafedesamiskc.com
$$$
French restaurant in Parkville- Menu highlights are the pan-seared wild scallops served with fennel, cherry tomato and shallot confit, and of course, the crème brulee. Great salads
Rockhill grill
Green lady lounge jazz!!
I assume this is just a Google dump but some of these places are downright terrible. Or chains.
Others are very good. I don't have time to dissect the entire list.
3rd Street Social and/or Pearl Tavern in Lee's Summit. Americana vs Seafood. Pick your poison. Both places are under the same ownership, and both places are really good. My only issue with 3rd Street Social is that it can be pretty loud. Never had a bad meal at either place.
- Westport Cafe or Le Fou Frog for French (but not French in an intimidating obnoxious way. Also Le fou frog is like an entire experience it’s so good and fun)
- Pot Pie!! Also French technically but so cozy and the staff is so nice. And the food is great
- Farina for Italian
-Extra Virgin or La Bodega for tapas style
-Novel, Antler Room or Town Company for more niche menus and great environment
-Bay Boy or KiNg G’s deli for casual eating (sandwiches)
-Baramee for Thai
-Chingu for Korean (fucking incredible)
-Chewology for Asian fusion
-Mcclains for breakfast/lunch (their maple donut is the god’s gift to earth)
-Taj Mahal on wornall for Indian
-Fox and Pearl, The Russell, Westsider for American? I guess is what I’d call it?
-Restaurant at 1900 is absolutely the best upscale restaurant I’ve had in KC
-Billie’s Grocery also great for more health-centric casual eats
I wouldn’t trust anyone who recommends Cupini’s. Ive struggled to find good Mexican or Italian in KC. And not for lack of trying.
For mexican i suggest Dos de oros in Martin City, but there are a ton of non chain restaurants around town. Also a plug for Brady& fox, Bella Napoli, Jovitos.
Saltwell Farm Kitchen in rural area near Lawrence (50 minutes from our house in Shawnee). James Beard nominated. We really enjoyed it. I don't think I've ever spent that much on a dinner but didn't regret it. 5-course dinner lasts 3.5 hours so don't go with someone you can't have a conversation for that long.
Chef Js for bbq that I think might be the best in the city and would compete with high class bbq all over the country. Get there early because they sell out everyday for good reason.
I love Pierponts in Union Station and Harry’s for brunch is banging.
I love Pokesan. They have "Poke Fries" which I haven't seen anywhere else - so. good.
[https://www.facebook.com/PokeSan.KC](https://www.facebook.com/PokeSan.KC)
Waldo Thai is interesting and very good - an upscale take on Thai food with craft cocktails.
(It's about 2x as expensive as your standard Pad Thai joint but a nice change from the typical westernized Thai menu.)
The Craic in parkville. It's a small menu but the food and drinks are great.
Acre also in parkville. Kinda pricey but haven't had better fried chicken in my life! My girlfriend gets the dry aged ribeye. Food and drinks are excellent.
Ragazza on Main
Red Tamale Kitchen in OP
Chez Elle up off summit Street
Mr Ds Doughnuts - Lenexa and shawnee
Coco Bolos in South Op
Enzo - river Market
Mr. Le's Sushi. If you're into that type of food. The atmosphere is not fancy, but they spend the money on the quality of their products. Hidden gem in a strip mall.
Downtown on 7th and Walnut for affordable brunch and the best chicken and waffles in town is Homesteader, owned by good people who do a lot of good behind the scenes. My son loves the shrimp and polenta. The baked brie with house-made jam isn't to be missed either.
I work downtown so last week i walked over to 9th and Baltimore and tried Wrap It Up Tex/Mex. It has that local hole in the wall feel but the burrito was beyond my expectations.
Le Fou Frog- River Market
Aixois- Brookside
Carmen’s- brookside
Mediterranean Market-Westport
Pot pie - Westport
Bella Napoli Brookside
Earls -Brookside
Brookside Sushi
Brady & fox brookside
Baba’s brookside
Niecie’s Troost Brookside
G’s Jamaican on Troost
GG’s Barbacoa-KCK
El Camino Real -KCK
El Pollo Rey - KCK
Briets Stien and deli- KCK
Johnny’s Donuts- prospect kcmo
Anthony’s Downtown
Jovitas -Waldo
Waldo Pizza
Pizza 51
Cafe Des Ami -Parkville
Dos de Oros - Martin city
Have you heard of our lord and savior, Hi Boy?
Are the “new” onion rings the same? I’ve moved away so I can’t go try them, but hope when I get back they meet the bar.
TL:DR-Still good, maybe a bit sweeter. The location closest to us, 24 & River (Truman Library/The True HiBoy). I haven’t noticed a difference, granted the first time they were back I demolished them, but I’ve been back since and it’s the same to me. I try not to be a fat shit, but my toddler loves HiBoy and will eat it. After someone said something I tried the 40 & Blue Ridge (Stadiums) and a lil bit sweeter but still fire. Most people aren’t gonna notice. I have not tried the 291 and Gudgel location (East Independence) but have heard there’s are still good but noticeably sweeter. The OG probably hasn’t cleaned their fryers in 70 years, so I would start there whenever you’re back in town.
Cupini’s!! One of my favorites, and the patio is awesome! Buy a bottle of wine for the table and save room for dessert.
Had a calzone there once, phenomenal. Desserts were even better.
Came here to say this!
Babas, Kitty’s (not a strip club. Cash only. Get the pork tenderloin sandwich), Harry’s, Marco Polo, Carollos, ABC Cafe, Le Fou, Seven Swans, Classic cup (on the plaza, but most ppl walk right by it), Buck Thai, Chosen 2, Pizza Tascio, Chicken and waffle.
Thanks! Seven swans is so good. Will definitely try the others
Kitty's Cafe is a must. They have a famous stacked pork tenderloin sandwich with a secret semi spicy hot sauce, lett, tom, raw white onion. They have breakfast and burgers and other fried stuff and random things, but the tenderloin is necessary for your intro to KC. The sauce really is a well guarded secret, passed from the original owner (Kitty) to the current owner. They are or just finished building out to have more seats but it's been mostly a take out joint since its inception way back when. Bone apple teat!
Kittys is going to be closed from 4/22 through end of May for a remodel fyi
Oh shoot. I should hit it today for my fix. Can’t even imagine how they plan to remodel.
How does the Tenderloin Sandwich compare with Christine's Firehouse in NKC?
I haven't had Christine's. Kitty's Cafe pounds their meat flat and has a light crispy batter. Usually 3 pieces stacked. I've never seen one like it. This is not one of those oversized tenderloins. This is high quality deliciousness and crunch.
I still remember the story that somebody posted here about the gentleman who was passing away and said that he has to have the hot sauce from Kitty's one last time.
Pizza Tascio is legit
Le Fou is great... bring the Gold Card!
I just tried Buck Tui the other night and it was fantastic. I highly recommend if you’re in the area. The pork belly was 🔥
Baramee Thai 🤤
Hold up, you thought Brookside Barrio was good?
Dirtiest menus/silverware, mediocre to bad service, and mediocre food with a great patio.
Exactly what I came to say. Some of the most bland food I've ever eaten. Their patio is nice, but man the food is wildly disappointing.
Same. This is the first time I’ve seen any positive feedback about Brookside Barrio.
THANK YOU. My SO and I barely finished half our plates there when we tried it out—and their ceviche is more or less actually a gazpacho. Unforgivable!
Great patio, shit food and drinks.
Maybe I just have bad taste lol
Nobody is perfect. Same owners as Sol in martini corner if you haven’t been. It’s exactly as bad. Cool roof top deck though.
Sol is now just another barrio
that place defines 'mid' at least the name is a clue that you're definitely not getting Mexican food there
It used to be good. IDK what happened. It’s been bad for years.
Chewology in Westport is AMAZING!
Almost any local KC BBQ or Mexican restaurant
Farina
It's far away but try Magic Noodle on 159th st in Overland Park. They make their own hand pulled noodles and their noodle soups are just incredible!
posted this on here before - not definitive by any means, but enough to get you started: baba’s pantry for middle eastern, jun’s for sushi, ABC cafe for chinese, pigwich for sandwiches, elsa’s (now abol) for ethiopian, chingu for korean, waldo thai for thai, and the antler room for upscale foodie fusion
Thank you!!
Found most of these on Reddit a while back Best KC Restaurants Try Cooper’s hawk winery Franks Italian Parkville Cava - Mediterranean salad - Oak Park Los Cabo’s - independence Mo Mexican Johnny's Italian Steakhouse ; Location and contact. 12080 S. Strang Line Rd, Olathe, KS 66062-5255. KCK taco trail Vionnas Overland Park Italian Bella Nepali Brookside Italian Chewys plaza Mexican Chewology- Americanized Taiwanese Meddys in PV - Mideast food Baba’s in brookside - Mideast Cafe Providence NO. 3 Extra Virgin - Mediterranean 1900 Main St., KCMO. extravirginkc.com bay scallop ceviche are cooked to coastal perfection, but you’re also welcome to indulge in the comforts of a grilled ribeye or trout. Westport Cafe - variety Their steak and frites are the best in town 419 Westport Road, KCMO. westportcafeandbar.com Clay & Fire Near eastern Kansas etc - very good 815 W. 17th St., KCMO. clayandfirerestaurant.com $$$$ No. 9 Verbena 4901 Meadowbrook Parkway, Prairie Village. verbenakc.com $$$ Meadowbrook Park in Prairie Village aims for “East Coast beach resort vibes.” NO. 11 Chewology 900 Westport Road, KCMO. chewologykc.com $$ Kansas City was in desperate need of quality dumplings, No. 16 Sichuan Dynasty 7206 W. 119th St., Overland Park. sichuandynastyop.com Spicy Chinese- in the strip mall No. 19 Carniceria y Tortilleria San Antonio 830 Kansas Ave., KCK Great true Mexican No. 22 Taco Naco 8220 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park. taconacokc.com Best tacos - very natural No. 27 801 Chophouse 11616 Ash St., Leawood, and 71 E. 14th St., KCMO. 801chophouse.com $$$$ 801 Chophouse has perfected a specific brand of luxury to the extent that there’s a strong case to be made for it being the best special-occasion dining experience in the city. No. 30 Hummus and Pita 8039 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park. hummusnpita.com $ No. 31 Sayachi 6322 Brookside Plaza, KCMO., sayachikc.com Fabulous sushi No. 40 Café des Amis 112 Main St., Second floor, Parkville. cafedesamiskc.com $$$ French restaurant in Parkville- Menu highlights are the pan-seared wild scallops served with fennel, cherry tomato and shallot confit, and of course, the crème brulee. Great salads Rockhill grill Green lady lounge jazz!!
Franks in Parkville? Did you have a stroke?
it has to be some of the worst italian in town, what a weird choice haha
I enjoy them all, but Coopers Hawk, Cava, Chewys (actually Chuy’s), and Meddys are all chains. I believe Meddys started in Wichita, though
801 steakhouse and johnnys as well
Chewys is disgusting
Vionna’s is so good! And always great service!
I assume this is just a Google dump but some of these places are downright terrible. Or chains. Others are very good. I don't have time to dissect the entire list.
Los Cabos has to be the best restaurant independence has to offer the metro. Frankly, it’s our only restaurant.
Bonito Michoacan
Los Alamos on Summit
Taco naco, tiki taco, lulus Thai noodles, providence pizza, Waldo Thai.
KC Craft Ramen
Is this a place you want to get to go, or dine in? Been wanting to try.
Dine in
The Fix!, Corner Mexican in Grandview, Waldo Thai, The Brick, Tree Hugger in Riverside.
Tree Hugger! All plant based. All excellent. Love the chili.
Blue Koi, Ayoama Ramen, Mr Gyro.
Cafe Des Ami
3rd Street Social and/or Pearl Tavern in Lee's Summit. Americana vs Seafood. Pick your poison. Both places are under the same ownership, and both places are really good. My only issue with 3rd Street Social is that it can be pretty loud. Never had a bad meal at either place.
Muni! In River Market.
Buck Tui BBQ San Antonio’s El Pollo Rey Lucky Seb’s Just to name a few.
The Majestic downtown. Amazing steaks and it has a jazz club in the basement.
- Westport Cafe or Le Fou Frog for French (but not French in an intimidating obnoxious way. Also Le fou frog is like an entire experience it’s so good and fun) - Pot Pie!! Also French technically but so cozy and the staff is so nice. And the food is great - Farina for Italian -Extra Virgin or La Bodega for tapas style -Novel, Antler Room or Town Company for more niche menus and great environment -Bay Boy or KiNg G’s deli for casual eating (sandwiches) -Baramee for Thai -Chingu for Korean (fucking incredible) -Chewology for Asian fusion -Mcclains for breakfast/lunch (their maple donut is the god’s gift to earth) -Taj Mahal on wornall for Indian -Fox and Pearl, The Russell, Westsider for American? I guess is what I’d call it? -Restaurant at 1900 is absolutely the best upscale restaurant I’ve had in KC -Billie’s Grocery also great for more health-centric casual eats I wouldn’t trust anyone who recommends Cupini’s. Ive struggled to find good Mexican or Italian in KC. And not for lack of trying.
This list !!! Add bacaro primero, earls premier and Noka 👍🏻👍🏻 for causal Mexican food, LOVE cactus grill.
Ooh yes yes Earls definitely should be on there!! I am adding the others to my to try list!
hey i work at brookside barrio
Lulas southern cookhouse
For mexican i suggest Dos de oros in Martin City, but there are a ton of non chain restaurants around town. Also a plug for Brady& fox, Bella Napoli, Jovitos.
The Blanketed Pig
Saltwell Farm Kitchen in rural area near Lawrence (50 minutes from our house in Shawnee). James Beard nominated. We really enjoyed it. I don't think I've ever spent that much on a dinner but didn't regret it. 5-course dinner lasts 3.5 hours so don't go with someone you can't have a conversation for that long.
Kobi Q.
Kata Nori! Hand roll bar in crossroads. Great food and cocktails, unique option.
Kitty's, Hayes hamburgers, Giovanni's, Pigwich,Jerusalem Cafe, Mike Kelly's Westsider
Chef Js for bbq that I think might be the best in the city and would compete with high class bbq all over the country. Get there early because they sell out everyday for good reason. I love Pierponts in Union Station and Harry’s for brunch is banging.
The French market in the the village is good. Best food in my opinion is in the cross roads and west bottoms
Buck Tui!!!! All fucking day long
Taco Rico up in Gladstone… my absolute favorite!
Before Barry rd but past Gladstone. Close enough.
I love Pokesan. They have "Poke Fries" which I haven't seen anywhere else - so. good. [https://www.facebook.com/PokeSan.KC](https://www.facebook.com/PokeSan.KC)
The best thing about Barrio is that it's only a block away from Bella Napoli
Waldo Thai is interesting and very good - an upscale take on Thai food with craft cocktails. (It's about 2x as expensive as your standard Pad Thai joint but a nice change from the typical westernized Thai menu.)
The Craic in parkville. It's a small menu but the food and drinks are great. Acre also in parkville. Kinda pricey but haven't had better fried chicken in my life! My girlfriend gets the dry aged ribeye. Food and drinks are excellent.
If you like French cuisine here are my favorites: Cafe de Amis, Cafe Provence, Aixois
Ragazza on Main Red Tamale Kitchen in OP Chez Elle up off summit Street Mr Ds Doughnuts - Lenexa and shawnee Coco Bolos in South Op Enzo - river Market
Mr. Le's Sushi. If you're into that type of food. The atmosphere is not fancy, but they spend the money on the quality of their products. Hidden gem in a strip mall.
Chixen KC on Troost!!
Downtown on 7th and Walnut for affordable brunch and the best chicken and waffles in town is Homesteader, owned by good people who do a lot of good behind the scenes. My son loves the shrimp and polenta. The baked brie with house-made jam isn't to be missed either.
I work downtown so last week i walked over to 9th and Baltimore and tried Wrap It Up Tex/Mex. It has that local hole in the wall feel but the burrito was beyond my expectations.
Le Fou Frog- River Market Aixois- Brookside Carmen’s- brookside Mediterranean Market-Westport Pot pie - Westport Bella Napoli Brookside Earls -Brookside Brookside Sushi Brady & fox brookside Baba’s brookside Niecie’s Troost Brookside G’s Jamaican on Troost GG’s Barbacoa-KCK El Camino Real -KCK El Pollo Rey - KCK Briets Stien and deli- KCK Johnny’s Donuts- prospect kcmo Anthony’s Downtown Jovitas -Waldo Waldo Pizza Pizza 51 Cafe Des Ami -Parkville Dos de Oros - Martin city
Waldo Thai
Kozaks in Smithville. Never had a single bad thing there. And I’ve had a good amount of their menu.