A Foodie’s Guide to Kansas City

Kansas City is known for more than its football team and glamorous fountains; it’s also a foodie’s dream, with cuisine spanning barbecue, international flavors, and farm-to-table dining. This guide from Case & Associates will help you find the perfect restaurant for your palate.

Best Restaurants in Kansas City

Best Barbecue Restaurants in Kansas City

If you know anything about Kansas City food, it’s probably that there’s barbecue around every corner. Kansas City barbecue is known for its sweet honey-based sauces, burnt ends, and brisket. Choosing where to go for barbecue in KC isn’t easy, because there are countless standout places.

Some classic, world-renowned barbecue spots include Gates and Arthur Bryant’s, famous for their sauces and visited by celebrities like Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg, and Jack Nicholson. There’s also Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, formerly Oklahoma Joe’s, which was featured on Anthony Bourdain’s “13 Places to Eat Before You Die.”

If you are looking for a more under-the-radar barbecue spot, visit Harp BBQ in Overland Park for noteworthy brisket, or Slaps BBQ for a wide variety of popular smoked meats and sides. If you’re more interested in the sides than the main course, opt for Jack Stack Barbecue, known for their famous cheesy corn and baked beans.

Best Kansas City Steakhouses

The food in Kansas City doesn’t just stop at BBQ. Steak also has a storied history in Kansas City, due to the famous stockyards that once operated in the West Bottoms. The Golden Ox is the oldest, most historic steakhouse in the city limits, and is known as the birthplace of the Kansas City Strip.

While Kansas City’s steak scene is rooted in history, many modern steakhouses have also emerged.1587 Prime is the newest steakhouse in the heart of Kansas City, co-founded by Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes II and Travis Kelce. However, the highest-rated steakhouse in Kansas City is Stock Hill, known for its sophisticated dining experience.

American Cuisine & Pizza in KC

For American cuisine, top-rated and unique spots to choose from include The Capital Grille, The Antler Room, and The Campground. These restaurants feature diverse menus that include American staples like burgers, chicken, and steaks.

While Kansas City doesn’t have a style of pizza named after it, you’ll still find several pizza joints that even New Yorkers and Chicagoans can appreciate. For traditional pizza, Minsky’s has locations all over the metro area. If you’re looking for something more unique and local, Grinder’s Pizza has numerous spots and an unmatched atmosphere. If you’re more interested in tavern-style, square-cut pizza, visit none other than Waldo Pizza.

International Dining Options in Kansas City

If you are interested in more international dining, consider some of Kansas City’s many restaurants inspired by cuisines from around the world. For something Mediterranean, try Baba’s Pantry and Baba’s Bakery, a pair of Palestinian restaurants near East Brookside. For Thai, LuLu’s Noodle Shop in the Crossroads is a fan favorite. If you are looking for classic Italian, consider going to Lidia’s, also located in the Crossroads. For a creative fusion of international flavors, go to Muni in the River Market, a Thai/Mexican fusion restaurant.

Farm-to-Table Dining in Kansas City, MO

Several of the restaurants already mentioned are considered Farm to Table, including local staples such as The Antler Room and The Campground. Another noteworthy Farm to Table eatery, located in the ever-growing Westside district, is Westside Local. Other spots include The Farmhouse in the River Market and blue bird bistro for brunch.

Best Drink Options in Kansas City, MO

Best Coffee in the Kansas City Area

If you aren’t in the mood for a full meal, visit one of Kansas City’s many great coffee shops. There are popular, local shops with locations all over the metro, like Post Coffee and Messenger Coffee.  You can also visit popular standalone coffee shops like Thou Mayestin the River Market, Oddly Correct in Midtown, or Coffee Elsewhere on the Independence Square. You can even find unique shops that serve both coffee and beer, such as Rochester Brewing.

Kansas City Beer and Cocktails

For beer, cocktails, and mocktails in Kansas City, there is no shortage of choices. If you are looking for beer, consider Boulevard Brewing, Stockyards Brewing, Casual Animal, and BKS Artisan Ales. For cocktails nearby, you can visit Tom’s Town, The Ship, Hand in Glove, Green Lady Lounge, or Fern Bar, which was recently nominated for a 2026 James Beard Award for its unique cocktails.

Discover Case & Associates Communities in the Kansas City Area

Kansas City offers much more than food and drinks. If you’re looking to move to the area, Case & Associates has several modern apartment communities inKansas City and the greater metropolitan area. Explore our communities below:

• 152 Northland in North Kansas City
• 97 North Oak in North Kansas City
• The Adirondack in Independence, MO
• Center 301 in Belton, MO