25 Essential Kansas City Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Kansas City.
Slap's BBQ
Kansas
No-nonsense barbecue joint serving classics such as brisket & hushpuppies from a counter.
Italian Delight
Kansas
Thin- & thick-crust pizzas, plus slices, sandwiches & pastas, served in a basic, industrial space.
Holy Smoke BBQ
Kansas
an everyday essential favorite for readers tracking Kansas City's most persuasive barbecue restaurant rooms, anchored by a Beam Score of 84.9.
Wilson's Pizza & Grill
Kansas City, Kansas
Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Jarocho
Kansas City, Kansas
A casual spot for high-quality Mexican seafood, including chef's dinners, in a colorful space.
California Taco Shop Kansas Avenue
Kansas City, Kansas
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Don Antonio Meat, Tortillas & Tacos
Kansas City, Kansas
This no-nonsense eatery in a small grocery market turns out tacos & other Mexican staples.
Mad Jack's Fresh Fish
Kansas City, Kansas
Down-home fish market serving up seafood platters while selling the daily catch to go.
Jazz a Louisiana Kitchen
Kansas City, Kansas
Relaxed Cajun-Creole chain serving classic fare, including po' boys, gumbo & blackened catfish.
Ninfa's
Kansas City, Kansas
No-frills breakfast & lunch joint known for its handmade tortillas, tamales & variety of tacos.
Go Chicken Go
Kansas City, Kansas
Family-run fast-food institution serving hearty chicken dinners & gizzards in a no-frills setting.
El Pollo Rey
Kansas City, Kansas
No-frills counter serve acclaimed for its wood-fired whole & half chickens with homestyle fixin's.
Tarahumara Mexican
Kansas City, Kansas
Homemade tamales, tacos & other nibbles offered in a pared-down eatery with picnic tables.
Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
Kansas City, Kansas
Outlet of a BBQ chain serving wood-smoked meats & sides in an American West-themed space.
Vietnam Cafe 39
Kansas City, Kansas
Casual cafe serving pho & numerous other Vietnamese specialties plus drinks from a small bar.
Five Guys
Kansas City, Kansas
Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.
Amigos Grill & Cantina
Kansas City, Kansas
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Serves local specialty.
Go Chicken Go
Kansas City, Kansas
Family-run fast-food institution serving hearty chicken dinners & gizzards in a no-frills setting.
Nick's Italian Pizza
Kansas City, Kansas
Service options: Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance.
Las Palmas Restaurant
Kansas City, Kansas
Laid-back restaurant offering a wide selection of classic Mexican & Central American dishes.
El Torito TaquerÃa
Kansas City, Kansas
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
TaquerÃa Mexico
Kansas City, Kansas
Mexican restaurant serving tacos, seafood & drinks in warm, bright surrounds with a patio.
Taco Burrito House
Kansas City, Kansas
Service options: Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Parking: Free parking lot.
Dave & Buster's Kansas City
Kansas City, Kansas
Family-friendly chain offering a sports-bar-style setting for American food & arcade games.
Los Compas Burgers
Kansas City, Kansas
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible seating.