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Kansas City is well known for their delicious barbecue, but Kansas City, MO is not just a culinary one trick pony. Kansas City, MO offers dozens of unique and high quality cuisines that will impress and delight. Here are my picks for the best food in Kansas City. In this round-up, I cover the best food in Kansas City for every meal so that you have a good idea of where to eat on your weekend getaway!
If you are heading to Kansas City for a getaway, check out this related post that covers fun things to do in Kansas City for adults.
Coffee
Made in KC Café & Taproom - $$-$$$
A great spot for grabbing coffee and a souvenir, Made in KC has several locations that serve coffee. I visited the River Market Trolley Café location - it’s inside a 73-year-old streetcar. They’re open at night for those that need to stay up late. Popular menu items include the Cereal Milk Steamer and the Honey Lavender Latte.
Messenger Coffee Co. - $$-$$$
Farm Direct certified, this coffee company is committed to discovering new coffee bean farmers from around the world…from places like Ethiopia and Guatemala. If you’re at the Crossroads location, try a heavenly baked item from Ibis Bakery, which is also located inside the 3-story building.
Breakfast
The Farmhouse - $$-$$$
Their menu changes frequently but one of their staple menu items is the giant homemade cinnamon roll. It comes out warm and gooey and it’s perfect for splitting at the table.
Don’t forget to order a mimosa tower - you’ll go through it faster than you’d think!!
PARLOR - $$-$$$
PARLOR creates a comfortable space to unwind and relax in - they have a lounge, a library, a den, and a 2nd story garden patio that’s covered, insulated, and heated.
Though open during the week, PARLOR’s party brunch is going to be your time to visit for breakfast. On Sundays, PARLOR offers bottomless mimosas, bloody mary’s, and beermosas from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. DJ Maxx Gruv plays upbeat music on the upstairs garden patio. Select kitchens offer brunch specials.
Lunch
King G. - $$-$$$
The deli has 15 items on the menu with a full list of unique deli sandwiches, such as Tamago Sando and the All Grown Up PB&J. Fan favorites include the Pastrami on Rye and the Italian Muffuletta. Meats and breads are locally sourced from Blackhole Bakery. I tried the Turkey and Swiss heated - a solid choice that did not disappoint.
The “G” in King G. is a reference to King Gambrinus, who was known in folklore as a symbol of beer, brewing, and joy.
Jack Stack Barbecue - $$-$$$
Though their barbecue is wonderful (they feature 11+ hickory-smoked meats on the menu), I’m personally more of a sides kind of girl. So my favorite dish was actually the cheesy corn bake. It’s a casserole dish filled with smoked ham and cheese.
Don’t leave without having a Mom’s Carrot Cake Cupcake - they are made from scratch daily with homemade cream cheese frosting. You wouldn’t think a barbecue could ace dessert, but they are phenomenal!!
Happy Hour
Swordfish Tom’s - $$
Upon arrival, you have to check to see what color the lantern is showing. If it’s green, you can knock three times and be allowed in, however if it’s red, that indicates that the speakeasy is at capacity.
There’s a small waiting area, however we were lucky enough to not have to wait; our group of 3 arrived around 5:00 PM on a Friday. Swordfish Tom’s exclusive focuses on craft cocktails. I was having trouble deciding, so I was able to tell the bartender the flavor profile I like, and she was able to create a cocktail that I loved.
This place is a real hidden gem and worth the visit. The atmosphere feels vintage and authentic to the prohibition. There’s a large boiler on the right of the space upon entry.
Note that Swordfish Tom’s is CASH ONLY, but they do have an ATM inside if you need to pull some money out.
Percheron Rooftop Bar - $$
The menu includes craft cocktails, rotating frozen drinks, craft beers, wines, and light bites. Check their website for the special event calendar; they sometimes host ticketed live music events.
Dinner
Lazia - $$$$
The highlight of this meal had to be the hand-pulled mozzarella demonstration by Mozzarella Madam KC. She taught us how to prepare the perfect mozzarella cheese ball paired with a summer beet salad.
What made our dining experience even more special was that we dined in the very room that Tom Pendergast officed in.
Thomas J. Pendergast was the leader of a Kansas City political organization known as the “Pendergast Machine''. The Pendergast Machine controlled local government and the Democratic Party in Kansas City and Jackson County, Missouri during the Progressive Era and the Great Depression. He was a bit of a mobster which is why Lazia plays “gangster rap” music.
I loved every detail and flavor of this restaurant from the amaro aperitif at the start to the Italian wedding cake cookie at the end.
Golden Ox - $$$$
Our group shared a seafood-themed list of appetizers including Caesar salad with anchovies, escargot, mussels, and oysters Rockefeller. They were all heavenly but my favorite was probably the mussels.
Then, we all split the largest steak on the menu - The Drover. A giant 56-ounce Midwest Angus ribeye, bone-in and dry-aged to perfection. It says it serves 2 to 3 people, but we were able to split it among 4 women. All of the steaks are cut and aged in house. They are also cooked over flame to get a nice sear. We tried five of the steak sauces, including the Ox Signature Steak Sauce, the Chimichurri, the Bearnaise, the Port Wine Bordelaise, and the Green Peppercorn Demi Glace. My favorite was the peppercorn - no surprise there.
As for the sides, don’t pass on the Lobster Mac & Cheese!
Dessert
Christopher Elbow Chocolates - $$-$$$
He has a storefront in Kansas City and in San Francisco but they also ship nationally within the U.S.
They have 24 signature flavors as well as changing seasonal flavors that are really unique and different. Fan favorites include Fresh Lemon, Rosemary, and Fleur de Sel Salted Caramel. Not only do these chocolates taste incredible but they’re also interesting to look at with bright colors, shapes, and patterns.
We tried the Fleur de Sel inside the store - it was the original flavor developed by Christopher Elbow. After one bite, it was clear to see why these chocolates took off in popularity. I took home 4 chocolates - the Aztec Spice, the seasonal Strawberry Margarita, the Fresh Lemon, and the Rosemary.
Last year in 2021 they produced 2.7 million chocolates!
Frozen Gold - $$
Image courtesy of Hoodline.
Interesting ice cream cone creations include the Silly Rabbit, with vanilla soft serve, Trix cereal, and a rainbow cereal milk softcore center, and the PB Puffy, with chocolate soft serve, Reese’s puffs, and a peanut butter softcore center.
Is your mouth watering yet?! What would you add to this list of “best food in Kansas City”? I’d love to know! Drop them in the comments below!
Author Bio
Known as The Jet Set Blonde, Brittany Ryan inspires others to add more adventure to their childfree travel experiences. Brittany has visited 23 countries (and counting!) Connect with her to get access to detailed childfree travel itineraries, travel guides for weekend getaways, and updates on adult-only hotels, resorts, cruises, and other travel amenities.
Outside of Kansas City, Missouri’s largest city, sits some small, charming towns perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. These smaller locations offer history, nature, culinary experiences, and just the chance to slow down and relax. Read more for the three best day trips from Kansas City and what to do in each destination once you get there!