While you are in Kansas City …
We know you won’t have time to visit all our favorite places, but should you find yourself needing a quick bite or a great dinner, we have suggested a few. If you haven’t already learned, Michael has lots of opinions on food. Feel free to text him with any questions - there are plenty of great options not on this list. Should you also find yourself with a few extra minutes … we have listed a few of our favorite places to visit and shop.
Reservations Recommended:
Antler Room: One of Michael and Meredith’s favorite spots. Small plates, informal venue, excellent food. Usually need to make reservations a few weeks in advance.
Grand Street Cafe: Walking distance from the hotels. Longstanding Kansas City staple.
Restaurant at 1900: Fine dining, well known local chef. Near the hotels.
Earl’s Premier: Fresh oysters and seafood.
Rye: American. Around the corner from the hotels
Verbena: Excellent food for those up for an adventure into suburbia.
BBQ:
Joe’s Kansas City (Oklahoma Joe’s): Best meat in town. Original is located in a gas station.
Q39: Sit down, reservation recommended. Order the triple threat.
Gates: Best sauces in town. Memorable staff.
Pigwich: More variety in sandwich, downtown location is significantly better than airport one.
Casual:
Winsteads: Steakburgers and milkshakes. A Kansas City institution. Walkable from hotels. Drive-thru is open 24/7.
Baramee Thai: Michael and Meredith’s favorite Thai place. Don’t skip the crab rangoon (ask for a side of the creamy peanut sauce).
Jarocho: Mexican seafood (it works). Go for the food, not the decor. Lock your car.
Kin Lin: Chinese. A+ fried rice, rest of the menu is an unknown quantity.
Bay Boy: unique sandwiches near the Plaza
Bella Napoli: Italian deli, turns into a sit down restaurant at night (make a reservation).
Tacos el Gallo: Counter serve, cheap tacos. Near Boulevard Brewery
Breakfast/Brunch:
Heirloom Bakery: Excellent breakfast offerings, great coffee.
McLains Bakery: Ditto the above, also good for lunch. Add a cup cookie to your order.
Seven Swans Creperie: Hearty enough for a meal, good coffee.
Rye: noted above, also has good brunch.
Westport Cafe: Reservations recommended, close(ish) to hotels.
Grab a Drink:
The Peanut: Beer and wings dive bar. Claims to be the oldest continuously operated bar in the Kansas City
Boulevard Brewery: Great place to spend an afternoon. Downtown.
Harry’s Country Club: Good happy hour, good food, large beer selection. Downtown.
Stock Hill: Local steakhouse. Skip the food, but a good cocktail spot near the hotels for a drink pre-ceremony.
Ice Cream:
Foo’s: Longtime neighborhood custard spot.
French Custard: Newer option, inventive flavors.
Visit and Shop:
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The National World War I Museum and Memorial
Hall’s Crown Center: Shopping at one of Kansas City’s destination specialty stores since 1916