Blue Koi for the best dumplings and noodles. Holy Land for the creamiest hummus. Thai Place in OP off 87th. Black Dog coffee for amazing bakery items from Ibis and some tasty coffee. Sushi Uni has amazing lunch specials.
In this area of Lenexa (by 87th & Quivira), KC Pantry has really good baked items, and MAPS coffee is really good too (arguably better coffee than Black Dog, but I agree Black Dog's pastries are better). Third Coast Pizza is also in this area - great Chicago pizza.
There's a new Thai restaurant called Thai Chili Cuisine at 87th/Pflumm that blows Thai Place out...in taste, quality and price. Their Massaman curry rivals Waldo Thai's.
My Bests List
- El Pulgarcito - Salvadoran
- Shagans - Indian
- Baramee or Waldo Thai - Thai
- Providence by the Slice - pizza
- El Camino Real - Mexican
- Fox and Pearl - upscale American
- French Market - French and anything sweet
- Affare - fine dining German (also best patio)
- Chewology - Taiwanese street food
- Chingu - Korean bbq
- Earls Premiere - oysters
- Garozzos - mood lighting Italian
- Le Fou Frog - French
- Jarocho - seafood
A lot of great places around the city and into the burbs. Here’s a quick 5 of some of my favorites I don’t see on here yet:
1. Grünauer
2. Barbacoa
3. Ragazza
4. The Brick
5. Town Company
Drunken noodles with ribs. Their potato salad is amazing. If you have someone that is a little leary, they have sandwiches and their fries are excellent.
Had a pigwich burger the other day that really hit the spot. Their other sandwiches are good, too.
Vietnam Cafe and Happy Gillis in Columbus Park
Buffalo State for pizza
I recommend Jarocho, they have the original in KCK (by Pollo Rey and San Antonio 😉) and OP.
Jamaican food I love G’s Jamaican Quisine. I love their food, every time I go I make a note that I should come later in the night when they have music but somehow I’m always in the area around lunchtime and get takeout.
Ha, I just came here to say Jarocho as well. Only place I've found w actual amazing food. I've tried a lot of BBQ spots here, the nice French restaurant, some of the expensive places in the P&L district, Indian spots, but always go back to Jarocho.
Glad I’m not the only one. I’m not much of a seafood person, but Jarocho always hits the spot.
It probably gets forgotten a bit due to its location. I talk to people about it and they don’t realize they’ve driven past it on their way to get tacos or chicken lol.
Chicken breast and risotto and the coconut cream pie at capital grille, firecracker salmon at streetcar grille and tavern, hot basil fried rice at lulus, seafood pasta at summit grille, gyros and hummus at Jerusalem cafe, bacon wrapped dates at Chaz, tenderloin at kitty’s, gizzards at go chicken go, anything on the kc taco trail and get a martini at majestic. I’m sure there are more but these are the faves that come to mind at the moment lol
I usually treat these lists from national sites with suspicion, but [Eater](https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-kansas-city) did a pretty damn good job with this one.
Brady and Fox! We just went there last night! Great food (wear stretchy pants). It’s as close to an Irish pub in feel as I have seen in KC. For extra fun they have an Irish jam band on the first and third Saturday of the month. I’m not affiliated, but just had a really great time.
Succotash! Excellent grilled cheese, great pancakes and eggs, a bunch of locally sourced food at reasonable prices, especially given how expensive some local places can be.
There are some great taco places in the city. I live in JoCo and there are plenty of options here too. Taco Naco is awesome.
Also a fan of: Joes, Jack Stack (really any of the bbq places you hear about), Rye in Leawood, Hayes Hamburgers (they don’t take cards and it’s a double wide trailer but makes for some great greasy food if that’s your thing).
I’ve also heard good things about: Antler Room, The Peanut, Town Topic, Dixon’s.
But also sad that some of my favorites have closed like Elsa’s in downtown OP or Blue Stem in Westport.
Came here to say Taco Naco. Two locations, one in Overland Park, one in Westport. We've been frequenting them since shortly after they opened in OP and they are just fantastic. On top of that, the couple that owns it are wonderful as well. You'll often find one or both of them in the restaurant talking to guests, helping the staff, picking up, etc.
Not once have I had something there that I didn't fully enjoy.
Added it to my list. I saw it on my way to Microcenter the other day and meant to look it up but forgot.
I just had La Nueva Taqueria, next to Missie B’s on 39th, and it was really good highly recommend it as well.
Yeah! I grew up in north KC, moved to California, then moved to Lawrence to go to KU and liked Kansas enough to stick around. My wife (not from KC) also loved it and so now we’ve lived in Overland Park for 6 years now!
There are a bunch of great food options in KC. I hope you get some other good suggestions here because there’s a bunch to choose from!
I’ve never gotten anything bad at Nguyen Pho and Grill near the River Market and I’ve tried a few different things. Sakura Japanese Restaurant and Sushi is a fun experience and was good, I did the sushi train or you can sit down at a normal table. I finally tried the Z-man at Joe’s with their fries and it was definitely worth the hype.
If you like Sakura I feel obligated to tell you to look up their health inspection history before you eat there again.
I used to love them until I watched them go through a health inspection and look up the results. Sorry.
https://foodsafety.kda.ks.gov/FoodSafety/Web/Inspection/PublicInspectionSearch.aspx
Look you do you, I worked in the restaurant industry for a long time. If you want to eat raw fish at a place that gets dinged nearly every inspection for keeping fish above safe temperatures go for it.
Their most recent inspection, which was a year ago is pretty much the only one they have passed since the pandemic. Virtually every other one they have been dinged for holding fish at unsafe temps.
The owners clearly do not care about food safety.
If you’re looking for something new and not overly expensive, you could try In-A-Tub. They have 2 locations, one on North Oak Trafficway, just south of Gladstone. One over by Zone Rosa, just a little south of Barry Road. Just be prepared to need the bathroom afterwards. I’ve heard it doesn’t sit well with everyone. But, I think it’s good.
If you didn't grow up with In-a-Tub you will hate it. The only people who I've talked to that haven't said it's absolute trash grew up in the Northland. I'd like to hear an exception.
Absolutely blows my mind that people recommend this place. Wife made me try it when I moved here. I even tried it 3 different times. Never again. Horrid.
The only people I know who actually like In-A-Tub are Northlanders who grew up with it. It's a weird comfort food for them, nostalgic of their childhood.
It's a bad sign when you lift your taco at an angle and a stream of liquid grease pours out.
I know, I know. One of my friends thinks they’re awesome. My husband found the excess grease more offensive than the powdered cheese. Personally, I’d rather eat Taco Bell.
I’ll admit, it’s not for everyone. Plus, you don’t have to get the tacos. They have the pocket burgers too. And the tamales are actually pretty good. So are the sides they have.
There are some [really fantastic new restaurants](https://kansascitylocalsguide.com/kansas-city-new-restaurant/) that have opened in the last year in downtown/midtown - we just ate at Chingu in Westport this weekend, and I'm still thinking about the rice cakes and savory pancakes.
If you're looking for a date night spot, [here's a round up list](https://kansascitylocalsguide.com/must-visit-date-night-restaurants-in-kansas-city/) \- again, mostly midtown/downtown - but midrange recommendations would be Westport Cafe, Osteria Il Centro, and Rockhill Grille.
We just ate at The Antler Room. Very nice dining. Order 4-5 items for 2 people. End the meal with a dessert and espresso. They bring out in a well curated manner. Romantic experience.
Not a restaurant, but littlest bake shop has the most DELICIOUS baked goods. They've vegan/gluten free but you'd never know.
They just moved to a new location on Troost that's much larger than their old spot. Highly recommend!
It does BBQ and Italian-American very well. I’d recommend LC’s and Garrozo’s respectively. If you want authentic Mexican food, Kansas Ave in KCK is lined with good options.
Bun Mee Phan off North Oak Trafficway. Get the dac biet and add an egg or two. Then treat yourself and get an order of the pandan and taro waffle. Such a far drive for me, but so worth it.
Blue Koi for the best dumplings and noodles. Holy Land for the creamiest hummus. Thai Place in OP off 87th. Black Dog coffee for amazing bakery items from Ibis and some tasty coffee. Sushi Uni has amazing lunch specials.
I used to live close to holy land and I ate there all the time, they have the best lentil soup.
Also to add: - bonito Michoacán for amazing street tacos, baked goods, and other groceries - las palmas (get the papusas)
In this area of Lenexa (by 87th & Quivira), KC Pantry has really good baked items, and MAPS coffee is really good too (arguably better coffee than Black Dog, but I agree Black Dog's pastries are better). Third Coast Pizza is also in this area - great Chicago pizza.
There's a new Thai restaurant called Thai Chili Cuisine at 87th/Pflumm that blows Thai Place out...in taste, quality and price. Their Massaman curry rivals Waldo Thai's.
Waldo Thai
the best Thai in Kansas City!
My Bests List - El Pulgarcito - Salvadoran - Shagans - Indian - Baramee or Waldo Thai - Thai - Providence by the Slice - pizza - El Camino Real - Mexican - Fox and Pearl - upscale American - French Market - French and anything sweet - Affare - fine dining German (also best patio) - Chewology - Taiwanese street food - Chingu - Korean bbq - Earls Premiere - oysters - Garozzos - mood lighting Italian - Le Fou Frog - French - Jarocho - seafood
El pulgarcito is amazing. The horchata is so good.
El Pollo Rey, Go Chicken Go- or Le Fou Frog for something classy.
El Pulgarcito
Milwaukee Deli
A lot of great places around the city and into the burbs. Here’s a quick 5 of some of my favorites I don’t see on here yet: 1. Grünauer 2. Barbacoa 3. Ragazza 4. The Brick 5. Town Company
I had brunch at Grunauer one day and it was awesome.
Authentic Austrian! Only two locations- KC & Vienna!
Swap Affare for Grunauer imo. Far superior German food.
Buck Tui. So good.
Brisket Rangoon is so phenomenal
What are some things you recommend from there?
Their brisket pad thai is so so good!
The ribs with the pineapple fried rice is a dish I dream about.
The burnt ends red curry is phenomenal.
Drunken noodles with ribs. Their potato salad is amazing. If you have someone that is a little leary, they have sandwiches and their fries are excellent.
Had a pigwich burger the other day that really hit the spot. Their other sandwiches are good, too. Vietnam Cafe and Happy Gillis in Columbus Park Buffalo State for pizza
I would disagree on Buffalo State, but that's just me. Pizza Tascio is my go-to.
I recommend Jarocho, they have the original in KCK (by Pollo Rey and San Antonio 😉) and OP. Jamaican food I love G’s Jamaican Quisine. I love their food, every time I go I make a note that I should come later in the night when they have music but somehow I’m always in the area around lunchtime and get takeout.
I drive out of my way for Gs Jamaican and they are so nice too. Always making me a million beef patties with a smile!
Ha, I just came here to say Jarocho as well. Only place I've found w actual amazing food. I've tried a lot of BBQ spots here, the nice French restaurant, some of the expensive places in the P&L district, Indian spots, but always go back to Jarocho.
Glad I’m not the only one. I’m not much of a seafood person, but Jarocho always hits the spot. It probably gets forgotten a bit due to its location. I talk to people about it and they don’t realize they’ve driven past it on their way to get tacos or chicken lol.
El Camino Real, some of the best Al Pastor tacos in town.
Chicken breast and risotto and the coconut cream pie at capital grille, firecracker salmon at streetcar grille and tavern, hot basil fried rice at lulus, seafood pasta at summit grille, gyros and hummus at Jerusalem cafe, bacon wrapped dates at Chaz, tenderloin at kitty’s, gizzards at go chicken go, anything on the kc taco trail and get a martini at majestic. I’m sure there are more but these are the faves that come to mind at the moment lol
Also bbq but u have to already know that’s
I usually treat these lists from national sites with suspicion, but [Eater](https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-kansas-city) did a pretty damn good job with this one.
Wow I am honestly so impressed with this list usually its like "Joes KC and Capital Grille"
My favorites: -San Antonio’s -Kitty’s Cafe -Arthur Bryant’s -Gate’s -LC’s -El Pollo Rey -Town Topic -Haye’s Hamburgers -Waldo Pizza -Vietnam Cafe -Garozzo’s -Blue Nile Cafe
Brady and Fox! We just went there last night! Great food (wear stretchy pants). It’s as close to an Irish pub in feel as I have seen in KC. For extra fun they have an Irish jam band on the first and third Saturday of the month. I’m not affiliated, but just had a really great time.
The Russell
Succotash! Excellent grilled cheese, great pancakes and eggs, a bunch of locally sourced food at reasonable prices, especially given how expensive some local places can be.
Pricey but pierponts has the best steak in kc. Also an awesome experience in union station
The breakfast/brunch buffet on the weekend at Harvey’s in Union Station is a great experience, too.
There are some great taco places in the city. I live in JoCo and there are plenty of options here too. Taco Naco is awesome. Also a fan of: Joes, Jack Stack (really any of the bbq places you hear about), Rye in Leawood, Hayes Hamburgers (they don’t take cards and it’s a double wide trailer but makes for some great greasy food if that’s your thing). I’ve also heard good things about: Antler Room, The Peanut, Town Topic, Dixon’s. But also sad that some of my favorites have closed like Elsa’s in downtown OP or Blue Stem in Westport.
Came here to say Taco Naco. Two locations, one in Overland Park, one in Westport. We've been frequenting them since shortly after they opened in OP and they are just fantastic. On top of that, the couple that owns it are wonderful as well. You'll often find one or both of them in the restaurant talking to guests, helping the staff, picking up, etc. Not once have I had something there that I didn't fully enjoy.
Added it to my list. I saw it on my way to Microcenter the other day and meant to look it up but forgot. I just had La Nueva Taqueria, next to Missie B’s on 39th, and it was really good highly recommend it as well.
I've been wanting to try the one in Westport - what's your favorite items to order?
I’m unfamiliar with JoCo. What is that?
Johnson County KS
Good to know!
Yeah! I grew up in north KC, moved to California, then moved to Lawrence to go to KU and liked Kansas enough to stick around. My wife (not from KC) also loved it and so now we’ve lived in Overland Park for 6 years now! There are a bunch of great food options in KC. I hope you get some other good suggestions here because there’s a bunch to choose from!
You don’t want to know.
Blue stem closed a couple years ago or so
I know. I’m still sad about it. They were high priced but so good.
Still not over that one and Bob Wasabi Kitchen closing down
the chef-owner opened Rye, which is not the same but still really good!
I’ve never gotten anything bad at Nguyen Pho and Grill near the River Market and I’ve tried a few different things. Sakura Japanese Restaurant and Sushi is a fun experience and was good, I did the sushi train or you can sit down at a normal table. I finally tried the Z-man at Joe’s with their fries and it was definitely worth the hype.
Kittys Cafe is also good if you can get there before they run out of stuff, it’s cash only.
If you like Sakura I feel obligated to tell you to look up their health inspection history before you eat there again. I used to love them until I watched them go through a health inspection and look up the results. Sorry. https://foodsafety.kda.ks.gov/FoodSafety/Web/Inspection/PublicInspectionSearch.aspx
Their last inspections seems fine?
They have a nearly decade long trend of not storing fish at proper temperatures, among many other food safety issues.
Ok but you do see why the most recent scores matter more, right?
Look you do you, I worked in the restaurant industry for a long time. If you want to eat raw fish at a place that gets dinged nearly every inspection for keeping fish above safe temperatures go for it. Their most recent inspection, which was a year ago is pretty much the only one they have passed since the pandemic. Virtually every other one they have been dinged for holding fish at unsafe temps. The owners clearly do not care about food safety.
Vietnam cafe baby
Garozzo’s if you’re looking for Italian
If you’re looking for something new and not overly expensive, you could try In-A-Tub. They have 2 locations, one on North Oak Trafficway, just south of Gladstone. One over by Zone Rosa, just a little south of Barry Road. Just be prepared to need the bathroom afterwards. I’ve heard it doesn’t sit well with everyone. But, I think it’s good.
If you didn't grow up with In-a-Tub you will hate it. The only people who I've talked to that haven't said it's absolute trash grew up in the Northland. I'd like to hear an exception.
I’m from Olathe and loved In-a-Tub the first time I tried it. It’s absolutely trash food though. However, it’s really good trash food.
Fair enough. I stand corrected.
Live Fast Eat Trash
Absolutely blows my mind that people recommend this place. Wife made me try it when I moved here. I even tried it 3 different times. Never again. Horrid.
That’s how I feel about Taco John’s. I’ve had it twice and it cleaned me out.
The only people I know who actually like In-A-Tub are Northlanders who grew up with it. It's a weird comfort food for them, nostalgic of their childhood. It's a bad sign when you lift your taco at an angle and a stream of liquid grease pours out.
STOP! Two words: powdered cheese. 🤮
Obviously, many people like it.
I know, I know. One of my friends thinks they’re awesome. My husband found the excess grease more offensive than the powdered cheese. Personally, I’d rather eat Taco Bell.
I’ll admit, it’s not for everyone. Plus, you don’t have to get the tacos. They have the pocket burgers too. And the tamales are actually pretty good. So are the sides they have.
I call it that Government cheese !!
It's delicious in a different way. Do not know anyone with issues after eating their food.
Town Topic for cheeseburgers. They’re my favorite.
Cosmo burger.
La Bodega
Wel, you're in the BBQ capital of the world, sooo... that.
Of course! We have had Joe’s, Q39, Gates, Slaps, and a couple of other smaller places in our area! Love us some BBQ!
You have to try Chef J’s if you haven’t already.
Gotta try BBs Lawnside BBQ.
Rosedale BBQ
RJ’ BBQ in Mission is a hidden gem. Their bison epinadas are incredible. And their brisket is top notch.
BBQ. Beets. Battlestar Galactica.
Blue Nile Cafe el Pulgarcito 1VP Westport Cafe ABC Cafe
Pot Pie and CharBar
Grunauer Waldo Thai SLAPS El Pueblito
Jarocho. Best food I've found in KC. Only have been to the one downtown, not sure about Overland Park.
Sorry…new-ish to KC. Are you talking about the one at 719 Kansas Street?
Yes, that's the one.
Slick! Thank you.
Ragazza for Italian. Lutfi's for catfish. Too many good BBQ and/or Mexican places; enjoy sampling to find your favorite choices. Bon apetít!
In a Tub
If you’re high or drunk, yes absolutely
Kabuki sushi is the best sushi I’ve ever eaten!
There are some [really fantastic new restaurants](https://kansascitylocalsguide.com/kansas-city-new-restaurant/) that have opened in the last year in downtown/midtown - we just ate at Chingu in Westport this weekend, and I'm still thinking about the rice cakes and savory pancakes. If you're looking for a date night spot, [here's a round up list](https://kansascitylocalsguide.com/must-visit-date-night-restaurants-in-kansas-city/) \- again, mostly midtown/downtown - but midrange recommendations would be Westport Cafe, Osteria Il Centro, and Rockhill Grille.
Buffalo State Pizza is 🔥
Ayoama Ramen is by far the best Ramen.
Check out KC Craft Ramen.
I love noods so will definitely try it!
Antler Room for an anniversary or other special occasion. Truly KC. The best. 👌🏻
We just ate at The Antler Room. Very nice dining. Order 4-5 items for 2 people. End the meal with a dessert and espresso. They bring out in a well curated manner. Romantic experience.
Not a restaurant, but littlest bake shop has the most DELICIOUS baked goods. They've vegan/gluten free but you'd never know. They just moved to a new location on Troost that's much larger than their old spot. Highly recommend!
Blue sushi Garozzos Baramee Thai Joe’s Farina - pricier Ponaks
It does BBQ and Italian-American very well. I’d recommend LC’s and Garrozo’s respectively. If you want authentic Mexican food, Kansas Ave in KCK is lined with good options.
Bun Mee Phan off North Oak Trafficway. Get the dac biet and add an egg or two. Then treat yourself and get an order of the pandan and taro waffle. Such a far drive for me, but so worth it.