Best Restaurants and Bars in Kansas City
One of the reasons we’re your Kansas City Relocation Expert is because of our love for this city. Our clients tell us that when they work with Blake and his team, they don’t just find their dream home. They get inside access to all of Kansas City’s best secrets.
Kansas City has become so much more than the BBQ capital of the US. The food and drink scene has expanded over the years so here’s our list of the best of the food scene in our favorite city.
Best Bars in Kansas City
Kansas City has become one of the hottest locations in the US for cocktails and bars. In the years since the Streetcar started operating, there’s been an amazing uptick of new bars in both the River Market and Crossroads neighborhoods.
The Monarch Bar
4808 Roanoke Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64112, (816) 437-7912
Monarch takes craft cocktails to a whole new level. With the sexy decor, you’ll want to stay for a while, but be careful, those delicious cocktails can sneak up on you.
Swordfish Toms
210 W 19 Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64108
Check out this pre-prohibition high-end spirits and cocktail bar. Who doesn’t love walking down an alley to find a lantern which tells you whether or not you can enter?
The Mecury Room
1800 Walnut St Suite 1400, Kansas City, MO 64108
Brand new to Kansas City from the masterminds behind Monarch Bar and Verdigris is The Mercury Room. Overlooking our spectacular city and created to the theme of the planet Mercury, with twinkling lights and a galaxy ambiance, the Mercury Room bar will transport you to somewhere between earth and the sky. Check it out for an evening that feels otherworldly.
Best Coffee in Kansas City
There’s no shortage of amazing coffee in Kansas City. Each of these coffee shops has a unique vibe and a dedication to bringing the very best coffee to their customers.
Messenger Coffee & Ibis Bakery
1624 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, (913) 669-9883
This three-story coffee shop full of life and energy. Here you find a melting pot of our city with clientele from everywhere.
Black Dog Coffee Shop
12815 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66215, (913) 495-5515
Perhaps Lenexa’s most sought-after coffee shop! Black Dog is also the sister-brand to Messenger coffee.
The Roasterrie
1204 W 27th Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, (816) 931-4000
The Roasterrie has many locations all over Kansas City. For a special treat, go to the HQ off of Southwest Boulevard. Not every day can you have coffee under an airplane! You can even schedule a tour and watch the coffee roasting process.
Hi Hat Coffee
5012 State Line Rd, Westwood Hills, KS 66205, (913) 722-5000
This special coffee shop looks like it’s straight out of a magazine in the heart of our city. The small location is quaint
Best Spot for a Kansas City Date Night
Whether you want to wow your date or just find somewhere cozy, Kansas City has the right place for your special date.
Green Lady Lounge
1809 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, (816) 215-2954
Hosting live music that will blow you away. This bar may be known for its jazz but they do offer a wide range of artists. Take a step back in time and experience an authentic vibe.
Eddie V’s
700 W 47th St #115, Kansas City, MO 64112, (816) 531-2537
As a small business owner, I like to shop local, however, Eddie V’s wins me over thanks to their outstanding service, quality of food and amazing wines by the glass. One of my favorite ways to end the week is with crab legs on Fridays.
Piropos
4141 N Mulberry Dr, Kansas City, MO 64116, (816) 741-3600
Upscale Argentinian dining meets white linen with amazing views of Downtown Kansas City. Escape the noise of downtown while still enjoying the beauty it beholds.
Bluestem
900 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111, (816) 561-1101
We mentioned Bluestem under bars but here you can enjoy an over the top, eclectic menu in the dining room or have just as much fun on the bar side. Ask for Andrea at the bar and she’ll take fantastic care of you. There are two wonderful worlds to this place and it’s earned its national acclaim.
The Restaurant at 1900
1900 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Mission Woods, KS 66205, (913) 730-1900
Offering contemporary interior design with a wonderful variety of small plates, The Restaurant at 1900 gives you the chance to experience many culinary experiences.
Most Pet-Friendly Eateries in Kansas City
Many bars and restaurants in Kansas City are pet-friendly but these are our favorite place to bring our four-legged friend.
Rye
10551 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS 66206, (913) 642-5800
With an east facing patio that gets all the sunlight for brunch, and shade in the afternoon. Enjoy Sunday Brunch and a creative cocktail menu.
Taco Republic
500 County Line Rd, Kansas City, KS 66103, (913) 262-8226
With rustic picnic tables for classic Mexican food, Taco Republic is quick, super casual, and never fails to hit the spot. Great stop off on the way back from the dog park.
North Italia
4579 W 119th St #101, Leawood, KS 66209, (913) 232-5191
Delivering classic Italian with a wide variety of options on the menu. Great pizza, pasta and salads for that perfect lunch or dinner. The large patio is comfortable and pristine.
The Classic Cup Cafe
301 W 47th St, Kansas City, MO 64112, (816) 753-1840
A Kansas City tradition located on the Plaza and happens to be one of the very few locally owned Plaza restaurants still in business. Take your dog out front to the narrow patio to watch the passers-by, or enjoy the more secluded back deck.
Bar K Dog Bar
501 Berkley, Kansas City, MO 64120, (816) 474-2275
Kansas City’s first dog-park meets dining and drinking establishment. Everybody’s happy with this scenario.
Most Unexpected Culinary Adventure in Kansas City
Kansas City has always been a foodie city, but here is the ultimate bucket list for unique and unexpected experiences.
Novel
1927 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64108, (816) 221-0785
With award-winning chefs and local owners, Novel creates a warm yet exotic menu. Don’t miss desserts, and while some of the descriptions may scare you, the food itself is well-appointed.
Chai Shai
651 E 59th St, Kansas City, MO 64110, (816) 260-5203
Locally owned and family operated (our kind of place!). It’s rare to find a restaurant surrounded by residential living. This mother-and-son duo redefines authentic Indian & Pakistani cuisine. Order as many items as you can as each dish has its own flavor.
The Savoy at 21c
219 W 9th St, Kansas City, MO 64105, (816) 443-4260
Revisit Kansas City’s history in this timeless speakeasy-style bar. Beautiful glasses, creative drink menu, and you’d be surprised how great the bar menu will treat you. Who doesn’t love Lobster Clam Chowder?
Parlor
1707 Locust St, Kansas City, MO 64108, (816) 875-4813
This is a unique concept – seven restaurants sharing one dining room and two bars… what could be better? This culinary expedition allows for so many flavors. Plus, everyone in your group can enjoy something different. This is Kansas City’s answer to Chelsea Market, on a smaller scale.
The Best Casual Dining in Kansas City
There’s a time for fancy and then there’s a time for casual and we like them all.
The Oliver
4807 Jefferson St, Kansas City, MO 64112, (816) 384-2500
Bringing comfort food with a twist. Quality ingredients, great environment and you’ll feel as though you’re sitting in the library or den. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner.
Cacao
1046 W 103rd St, Kansas City, MO 64114, (816) 942-3247
New location, same owner. This is a super authentic spot where the owner himself will describe his favorite recipes. Plus, a myriad of delicious margaritas and some of the best Mexican street food.
Thai Place
9359 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212, (913) 649-5420
Who would expect great Thai food in the Middle of a strip-mall the US? The Thai Place will surprise you. Be sure to order an appetizer. While it is super casual, take out can equate casual at home.
Ragazza
4301 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111, (816) 960-4744
Serving timeless Italian in a quaint and
The Best Bakeries in Kansas City
These are literally breadwinners.
McClain’s Bakery
201 E Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64114, (816) 523-9911
This my all-time top favorite, the best myriad of locally made pastries! The weekend hustle is awesome and you can get a rich and savory breakfast as well.
Heirloom Bakery & Hearth
401 E 63rd St, Kansas City, MO 64110, (816) 492-7259
Owned by a young couple who returned to Kansas City to follow their dream. A true twist on every bakery item, both savory and sweet.
IBIS Bakery
1624 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, (913) 669-9883
Rising to local fame for their slow-fermented sourdough breads and expanding their expertise into some of the finest pastries in Kansas City. Available at the Black Dog Coffee House in Lenexa or their flagship store in the Crossroads.
Fervere
1702 Summit St, Kansas City, MO 64108, (816) 842-7272
At 17th and Summit, Fervere supply a lot of restaurants with bread but they always welcome walk-ins and in-person small orders. They also have local cheeses and an excellent wine club where you get a complimentary loaf of bread with every pickup.
Brioche
2000 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108, (816) 389-7512
This artisan pastry shop in the heart of the Crossroads that is locally owned. Although you may not hear of them as often as some of the other bakeries on this list, their quality is limitless and they are well deserving of a visit.
