Team Blake’s Favorite Burger Joints in KC
Kansas City may be known best for its barbeque but the city has so much more to offer including mouth-watering burgers across the metro. Each Team Blake member has their own opinion on which burger joint is their favorite but we’re sharing them all with you so that you’re prepared next time a burger-craving hits!
Favorite Bar and Burger Joints
It’s no surprise that most burgers pair perfectly with a cold, crisp beer. Luckily, there are plenty of burger joints in Kansas City that offer a full bar in addition to unique burger creations.
Tanner’s Bar and Grill
Dive into “Booga Mania” at any Tanner’s Bar and Grill location! The local bar and grill chain offers the classic build-a-burger option, as well as some delicious creations like their Frito-tastic burger and their buffalo mac-and-cheese burger. Team Blake’s Kirstin Johnson recommends the “Maui Waui Booga”, a classic burger with bacon, swiss, and pineapple.
Cosmo Burger Inside of Dodson’s Bar & Commons
Blink and you might just miss this delicious burger joint inside Waldo’s Dodson’s Bar & Commons. Serving up fresh and juicy smash burgers with quality ingredients, Cosmo Burger is the perfect snack while grabbing a drink inside Dodson’s. They keep it simple with four main course options, a single, double, triple, or beyond meat burger, and delicious tots as a side dish.
Pigwich at The Local Pig
Voted Kansas City’s Favorite Sandwich Shop and featured on Diners, Drives, and Dives, Pigwich at The Local Pig is a must-stop in Kansas City’s River Market. Team Blake’s DeDe Dunn recommends their “Truffle and Cheddar Burger” featuring cheddar cheese, truffle spread, tomato jam, and red onion pickle. True to its Kansas City roots, Pigwich offers canned brews from Boulevard Brewing Co. to enjoy with your meal.
Beer Kitchen
Located in the heart of Westport, Beer Kitchen is Kansas City’s original gastropub boasting a carefully curated beer list and award-winning food. The flavors of Kansas City barbeque live between a farm-to-market egg bun on their “Smokestack” burger with smoked burnt ends, smoked gouda, whiskey bbq glaze, pickle relish, chipotle aioli, and crispy jalapeno straws.
Favorite Quick Service Burger Joints
It’s no surprise that some of the best burgers in Kansas City are from walk-up, counter service joints. There’s no frill needed to enjoy some of the best burgers in the city at these longtime local spots.
Blazer’s Restaurant
Established in 1976, Blazer’s Restaurant is the oldest restaurant still in business in Gardner, Kansas, and an icon to many people in the area. Served in the classic red burger basket with black and white checkered paper, you’ll be yelling “go grease lightning” after munching on one of their classic Blazer burgers. Team Blake’s Laura Carpenter is a fan of their classic “Blazer Burger” with cheese. Make sure to wash it down with one of their classic milkshakes.
Town Topic
Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, Town Topic in downtown Kansas City has been serving up some of the best late-night burgers for over 75 years. For many people that have moved out of Kansas City, Town Topic is a non-negotiable stop when they come back to visit. Due to its popularity, there may be a line out the door but we promise it’s worth the wait and the service moves fast!
Tay’s Burger Shack
There’s no shortage of delicious burgers north of the Missouri River thanks to Tay’s Burger Shack on Armour Road. Offering locally-sourced burgers and hand-cut fries you’ll be dreaming of these burgers for days to come. If you enjoy a little spice in your life make sure to add their Sriracha ketchup or Sriracha mayonnaise.
Favorite Unexpected Burger Joints
Some of the best burgers are the ones you never expected to eat in the first place. That’s why we felt it’s only right to include an unexpected burger joints category to highlight some of the more low-key burger joints that pack a big punch.
J. Gilbert’s
J. Gilbert’s may be known for their wood-fired steaks and seafood but their burgers shouldn’t be overlooked! Team Blake’s Kasey Bourk recommends their “Mishima Ranch Wagyu Burger” loaded with au poivre mayo, shallot jam, watercress, gruyere, pretzel bun, and paired with sweet potato fries. Pick-up and delivery options are available, meaning it’s never a bad time for a burger!
Anousone
When you hear Southeast Asian comfort food your first thought may not be burgers but Anousone is here to prove you wrong. Located inside Strange Hall in Overland Park, Kansas, Anousone offers their own burger entree with American cheese, house fast pickles, shaved sweet onion, and their special sauce to tie it all together on an onion egg bun.
Meat Mitch
It’s no surprise that a world championship-winning competition barbecue team from Kansas City would make some of the best barbeque burgers in Kansas City, so it’s also no surprise that we would include Meat Mitch in Leawood, Kansas, to our list! Touted as one of KC’s most highly-anticipated restaurants of 2021, Meat Mitch is now open and serving up scrumptious barbeque burgers daily. Make a trip that way on Monday to enjoy All-American Mondays with a brisket smashburger and curly fries.
Favorite Vegan Burger Joints
Burgers aren’t just for the meat-eaters anymore! Kansas City offers some savory options for vegans to enjoy plant-based burgers with just as much flavor.
Café Gratitude Kansas City
Using the finest organic ingredients, while supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture, Café Gratitude shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to a good burger! Their “I Am Magical” also known as their house burger, combines their house-made veggie burger patty with cashew cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and dill pickles. A gluten-free option is also available!
Vegan Crave Burgers and Bakery
Delicious vegan burgers and baked goods are just north of the river at Vegan Crave Burgers and Bakery! There’s no shortage of variety here with black bean burgers, portobello mushroom burgers, and beet burgers. If you’re looking to mix it up, they even offer a specialty vegan chicken sandwich on the weekends.
Need More Kansas City Recommendations? Ask Team Blake!
As Kansas City Ambassadors, we’ve got plenty of recommendations and contacts that go far beyond the best burger joints in town! Whether you’re looking for places to take the pup or a go-to guide to the perfect Kansas City staycation, Team Blake has you covered! Reach out to us today to get your next recommendation! Do you have something you’d like to see us cover next? Let us know!
