10 Great Restaurants in Kansas City

At Q39, you can enjoy traditional Kansas City barbecue in a relaxed, hip, and family-friendly atmosphere. The original midtown location is next to a vibrant arts district as well as museums and historical monuments, and this is a great place to refuel after you’ve explored the sculptures at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Meals are cooked from scratch in an open kitchen, filling the air with the delicious smoky scent of authentic barbecue. The restaurant specialises in wood-fired meats, and the burnt ends here are a firm favourite with diners. If you don’t want to settle for just one dish, you can order combo plates crammed with ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chipotle sausage.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or planning a romantic date, Corvino is a great place to go for a classy evening out. The restaurant is on the ground floor of Corrigan Station in the Crossroads Arts District, and it offers dining experiences with a difference.

In the lively Supper Club, you can take a seat and enjoy the live music. Here, you’ll order shared plates of modern American cuisine, and there are optional wine pairings. If you’d like a more intimate atmosphere, you can try the 10-course menu in the private Tasting Room. Your chef will lead you through each course, introducing you to innovative dishes that are cooked right in front of you in the open kitchen.

At Gram & Dun, the menu is sophisticated and varied, and the atmosphere is friendly and fun. This restaurant is a great place to stop if you’re visiting the stores at the Country Club Plaza. Grab a seat under a sun umbrella on the spacious outdoor patio and view the bustle of the Plaza streets as you sip a cocktail or sample some starters.

The brunch at Gram & Dun offers a selection of planks and sandwiches on locally produced bread. For lunch and dinner, you can choose dishes inspired by worldwide cuisine, like tacos, sushi, and wood-fired steaks. The menu changes according to the season.

For fine dining in a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Story is the place to go. The restaurant is both chic and comfortable, and you can enjoy a candlelit dinner in cosy surroundings. The chef creates dishes that are down-to-earth and the height of gourmet at the same time. The prices here are on the high side, but the food is different and delicious. If you’re looking for a particular entree, check the menu before booking your table, as some dishes are only available on certain days of the week.

You’ll find Story in The Village Shopping Centre in Prairie Village, in the south west of the city. There’s patio dining for warmer days, giving you views across the busy yet charming area.

Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar specialises in sustainably sourced seafood and was the first restaurant in Missouri to be certified by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. This is a great place to go for a wide range of tasty and exciting fish dishes, including fresh oysters and a raw bar. There’s octopus on the menu as well as crab cake, chowder, and catfish.

The restaurant is a 10-minute drive from city centre Kansas City. It’s open 7 days a week, and there’s a daily Happy Hour with discounted prices. Whether you eat at the bar or in the laid-back dining area, the vibe is always cheerful and lively.

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que on 47th Ave is a true Kansas City original. Located in a former petrol station, Joe’s is one of the city’s most popular barbecue restaurants. The cafeteria-style eatery has a bustling atmosphere that can sometimes be a little noisy. The lines outside are part of the fun—although you could time your visit to avoid them.

There’s a wide range of barbecue options on offer here. Consider the classic ribs and burnt ends, or a smoked chicken dinner. Or go for one of the legendary Z-Man sandwiches and discover the storey of how the sandwich was named. You can order your sides in various sizes, ready for sharing with up to 12 people.

There’s a nostalgic vibe at the Golden Ox, one of the oldest steakhouses in Kansas City. The restaurant first opened in 1949 and it still retains the charm of past times. This is a great place to order steak of all kinds, including the city’s signature dish of Kansas City strip steak. The servings are generous, and you can split a plate with a dining companion for a small extra charge.

You’ll find the Golden Ox on the ground floor of the Kansas City Live Stock Exchange building, near the state line. Reservations are recommended.

Hay’s House Restaurant & Tavern is a part of Kansas City history. Established in 1857, Hay’s House is the oldest restaurant west of the Mississippi River. It offers a family-friendly menu and some great special deals. As well as enjoying the food here, you can step back in time and explore the historic rooms filled with antique crystal, arrowheads, and artwork. The rustic stone basement houses the original bar, and it’s available to hire for parties and events.

Hay’s House was originally opened because of its location on the Santa Fe trail. Find it in the Council Grove Historic District in the Flint Hills of Kansas.

The Campground is a cosy cocktail bar and restaurant located in the historic Stockyards District of Kansas City. The food here is innovative and beautifully presented, and you can choose from a selection of natural wines and beers to accompany your meal. The Campground hosts an annual European-style holiday market every December. There are indoor and outdoor vendors, fire pits, and lots of family-oriented fun. At other times of year, the restaurant hosts film screenings with hot drinks and snacks.

While it’s best to reserve a table here, walk-in guests are welcome, and the friendly waitstaff will always try to find you a space.

If you’re looking for a great brunch, Merchants Pub & Plate is a popular place to enjoy stacks of pancakes, burritos, and homemade biscuits. You could wash it down with a bubbly mimosa in a choice of fruit flavours. Lunches and dinners offer a variety of creative and internationally inspired meal options, including a vegetarian selection, Thai curry, and kimchi stew. Pairings are also available.

The Merchants Pub & Plate is located in Lawrence, northeast Kansas, between the Kansas and Wakarusa Rivers. The owners are passionate about supporting their community, bringing fresh local ingredients together to create innovative dishes.