The undisputed #1 recommendation from our survey — by a wide margin. Joe's is a fully operational gas station at the corner of 47th and Mission in Kansas City, Kansas that also happens to serve world-famous BBQ. Jeff and Joy Stehney started as a competition team, won eight grand championships, and took over the gas station in 1996. Nearly 30 years later, the pumps still work and the line still wraps around the building. Order the Z-Man — slow-smoked brisket, smoked provolone, and a crispy onion ring on a kaiser roll. Closed Sundays.

Fans Recommend: The Z-Man sandwich, burnt ends, ribs

The chef's answer to Kansas City BBQ. Founded in 2014 by Culinary Institute of America graduate Chef Rob Magee — a national competition champion — Q39 brought a whole new approach to the city's most sacred food tradition: open scratch kitchen, sliced-to-order brisket, wood-fired grill, craft cocktails, cloth napkins. It's the place you take someone who claims they don't like BBQ. Now run by Rob's wife Kelly Magee, who was named KC Restaurateur of the Year in 2024. Open until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Fans Recommend: Burnt ends, burnt end burger, onion straws, wings

The lineage traces to Henry Perry, who sold barbecue from a trolley barn starting in 1908. Arthur Bryant took over his brother's operation in 1946, moved to 1727 Brooklyn in 1958, and renamed it after himself. In 1974 Calvin Trillin wrote in Playboy that "the single best restaurant in the world is Arthur Bryant's." Presidents Carter, Clinton, and Obama have all eaten here. Arthur called it a "grease house" and meant it as a compliment: Formica tables, paper plates, meat on Wonder Bread. Credited with originating burnt ends. Two blocks from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

Fans Recommend: Burnt ends. Beef sandwich. The Rich & Spicy sauce

Kansas City's great dive bar institution, open since 1933 — started as a BBQ joint, evolved into the city's definitive wings-and-cold-beer spot. The original on Main Street near the Plaza is owned by Melinda Kenny, who also runs a downtown location. The Peanut name has been licensed out across the metro with 8 total locations, but the original is the one. Whole wings, not drumettes — cooked to order, fiery hot, served with homemade bleu cheese. Bar stays open until 1:30am every night.

Fans Recommend: Buffalo wings, BLT

A KC breakfast institution built on one genius invention: steaming eggs with an espresso machine wand instead of a pan, producing eggs so light they changed how the city thinks about breakfast sandwiches. Started by Debbie Ashby in the late '90s and now run by her sons Clayton and Evan, Mildred's has grown to 3 locations — Crossroads, Downtown, and South Plaza — with the Crossroads original being the flagship. The Food Network named the Standard breakfast sandwich the best in Missouri. Also mentioned as a great coffee spot.

Fans Recommend: The Standard breakfast sandwich. Coffee!

Started at a City Market stall in 2001 with a $25 electric hot plate, owner Beth Barden has built Succotash into Kansas City's most beloved and eccentric brunch spot — featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and beloved by locals for its giant pancakes, Tex-Mex egg plates, imaginative specials, and general commitment to doing things its own way. Open Mon, Thu–Sun only; closed Tue–Wed. Expect a line on weekends.

Fans Recommend: Pancakes, biscuits and gravy

A little white diner that opened in 1937 and has changed absolutely nothing since. Counter seats, griddle burgers with grilled onions on a steamed bun, hand-dipped malts, homemade chili, and pie. The Broadway location in the Crossroads is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — the only one in Kansas City that never closes. Two additional locations at Baltimore Ave and in Mission, KS keep daytime hours only.

Fans Recommend: Burgers, the Truck Stop

An 80-year-old Kansas City bakery institution, started in Waldo (the OG location is still there) in 1945 by the McLain family and now run by a new local family who took it over in 2014 and quietly built it into a 6-location metro operation. The Waldo original is the one — cinnamon rolls, birthday cakes, the legendary chocolate cupcookie, fresh breakfast and lunch, and coffee from their own roasting brand Sway. A genuine neighborhood gathering place that hasn't changed its spirit in eight decades.

Fans Recommend: Cinnamon rolls, cupcookie, pepper jack burrito

The only Austrian restaurant in Kansas City — and one of the most singular dining experiences in the city. Siblings Nicholas and Elisabeth Grünauer opened it in 2010 inside the historic Freight House, bringing family recipes from their father's 3rd-generation Gasthaus Grünauer in Vienna's Neubau district. Wiener schnitzel, beef goulash, apple strudel, spaetzle, and a biergarten that transports you somewhere else entirely. Single location, dinner nightly, lunch Wed–Sun.

Fans Recommend: Schnitzel

A Palestinian-American deli and bakery run by Yahia Kamal — known simply as Baba — and his family, who community-funded the restaurant in 2021 after decades of Baba selling his hummus in KC grocery stores. Named one of Bon Appétit's Top 10 Best New Restaurants in the country in 2022, and now a culinary partner at CPKC Stadium. The tiny shop on 63rd Street is stacked with Palestinian pantry goods, family photos, and iconography — and the food is extraordinary. Next door, Baba's Bakery serves baklava, knafeh, and Palestinian pastries on Saturdays.

Fans Recommend: Chicken shawarma wrap, falafel, fries, torshi

A taqueria and molino operating out of Torn Label Brewing in the East Crossroads. Co-owner Roger Avila started Tacos Valentina as a parking lot pop-up in 2021, built a loyal following bouncing between KC breweries, and landed permanently at Torn Label in 2023. The entire operation centers on one thing: masa milled fresh daily from imported Mexican heirloom corn from Oaxaca and Estado de Mexico. Hand-pressed tortillas, regional Mexican recipes, and cold craft beer on tap. Open Tue–Sun.

Fans Recommend: Suadero taco, ribeye taco, tortillas

“Offering the best selection of spirits and beers, classic country, and comfort meals. Great patio!” A 1940s-style country roadhouse bar tucked into the River Market, one block from City Market. Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard on the jukebox, long mahogany bar, cloth napkins, walls covered in outlaw country memorabilia. One of the largest whiskey and beer selections in the city — regulars cite Foursquare reviewers who've stopped counting taps. Kansas City Star called it "the crown jewel of the River Market." The Pitch voted it Best Jukebox in KC. Outdoor patio out back, live music, and weekend brunch.

Fans Recommend: Cheese curds.

“Jim’s is located in ‘Art Alley’ in the East Crossroads. It’s a small bar, please limit parties to 8.” A 36-seat bar hidden behind an unmarked door in Art Alley in the East Crossroads — you'll walk past it if you don't know to look. Named by owner Eric Flanagan after his grandfather James Pagliocco, a WWII veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. The interior is VFW meets North Woods supper club: pine paneling, parquet floors, vintage beer signs, and Jim's photo watching over the bar. Draft cocktails, yard beers served in a koozie, and some of the best bar food in KC. One percent of quarterly sales goes to veteran and first responder charities.

Fans Recommend: Any of their sandwiches!

Kansas City has a deep jazz legacy, and Green Lady Lounge is where it lives today. Opened by owner Scott in a former Grand Boulevard bar, it features live Kansas City jazz on two stages, seven nights a week, 365 days a year — exclusively original compositions by local musicians. No TVs. No cover charge. Red leather booths, two Hammond organs, a baby grand piano, cocktails until 3am. The kind of place that makes you feel like you've found something rare.

Fans Recommend: Espresso martini.

"kmco brewery specializing in hop-forward ales & lagers"Brewer-owned and operated taproom on Southwest Boulevard, founded by Nathan Ryerson after spending years at acclaimed breweries around the country before returning home to Kansas City. Specializes in hop-forward ales and lagers — award-winning West Coast IPAs, Czech pilsners, and limited barrel-aged imperial stouts available exclusively in the taproom. Small rotating tap list, outdoor seating, cards only. Most of the beer you'll drink here simply cannot be found anywhere else. A lesser-known gem that KC beer people will tell you is the best in town.

Fans Recommend: IPAs, pilsner, barrel-aged releases

Started as a mobile coffee trailer in July 2024 by six KC Current players — Kristen Hamilton, Elizabeth Ball, Hailie Mace, Vanessa DiBernardo, Mallory Weber, and Desiree Scott. Their first Crossroads pop-up drew a line of 200 people. A year later they opened a permanent 5,000-square-foot cafe on Grand Boulevard, roasting coffee in-house, serving house-made syrups and custom espresso drinks, and regularly showing soccer matches on the TVs inside. The first player-owned vendor to be permanently featured inside an NWSL venue — they operate a trailer inside CPKC Stadium on Current match days. Open Tue–Sat, 7am–3pm.

Fans Recommend: Game Day Grind latte. Breakfast burrito.

Opened in 2018 in the River Market, Strange Days became KC's premier soccer taproom almost immediately — on weekend mornings you'll find it packed with Premier League fans from across the supporter spectrum. It's officially the home of the Kansas City Spurs supporters group, but every club is welcome. Rotating, globally-inspired craft beers on tap, a large outdoor patio, and food from Burn Theory kitchen. Cards accepted. Open Sunday mornings for early kickoffs.

“Where the games always on and the vibes always hit.🍺 KC’s home for women’s sports.” Opened in October 2025, The Dub is Kansas City's first bar dedicated to women's sports — and one of only a handful in the country. Owned by Monica Brady and Rachel Glenn, who were rejected for a business loan four times before opening anyway on community crowdfunding and sheer will. Teal and red accents, a back locker room decorated with women's sports memorabilia, and every TV tuned to women's competition. All KC Current matches shown. Given the World Cup timing and Kansas City's soccer culture, Brady specifically called out the tournament when announcing the bar. Steps from the KC Streetcar.

“RIVER MARKET’S NEIGHBORHOOD COCKTAIL BAR. In A Relationship with Disco Burger” A 1970s-inspired cocktail lounge in the basement of a River Market building, opened in 2024 by bartending brothers Caleb and Levi Roye. Enter through the back of the building to find tiered seating, cream-colored banquettes, craft cocktails on the wall menu, and the Disco Burger food truck parked out front on the patio. The Roye brothers intentionally designed Varsity Club to show Premier League games and draw World Cup crowds — and KC soccer fans have responded. A great spot to find the city's soccer faithful on match mornings.

Kansas City's hometown brewery since 1989 — if there's a party, there's Boulevard. The Tours & Rec Center Beer Hall has always been a gathering place, but for summer 2026 Boulevard broke ground on Boulevard Yard: a new second-story outdoor deck that more than triples the existing patio footprint. Skyline views, large screen TVs, an indoor/outdoor bar, and live programming. Timed explicitly for the World Cup. Fully operational before the first KC match on June 16. Boulevard is also expanding brewery tours to seven per day Monday through Friday starting May 30. The most iconic KC beer in the most iconic KC setting.

Fans Recommend: Quirk Seltzers

A cocktail and whiskey lounge founded by James Beard Award-winning chef Celina Tio, tucked off Grand Boulevard between Downtown and the Crossroads. Known for one of the best bourbon and American whiskey selections in the city, 20 rotating taps, and global comfort food. Also happens to be the official home of Kansas City's Chelsea FC supporters group — the Kansas City Blues. On match days the bar fills with blue jerseys, flags, and the particular kind of energy that comes from people who have been suffering together for years.

Your most recommended KC neighborhood to wander around. The neighborhood that built itself around art — literally. In the early 1990s, Kansas City Art Institute professor Jim Leedy moved his studio into a cluster of abandoned warehouses south of downtown, and others followed. Today the Crossroads is Kansas City's cultural heartbeat: 20 walkable blocks of galleries, murals, chef-driven restaurants, breweries, speakeasies, live music venues, and design studios housed in converted industrial buildings. On the first Friday of every month, more than 70 galleries stay open late for First Fridays, one of the largest free art crawls in the country. Two KC Streetcar stops serve the neighborhood. Almost everything in this guide is either here or a short walk away.

The most mentioned single attraction in our entire survey — more than any restaurant, bar, or neighborhood. Designated by Congress as America's official WWI Museum and Memorial, it opened in 1926 atop a hill overlooking Union Station after 83,000 Kansas Citians raised $2.5 million in under two weeks. You enter the museum across a glass bridge above a field of 9,000 red poppies, each representing 1,000 combatant deaths. The collection is the largest and most diverse in the world. Climb the Liberty Memorial Tower for one of the best unobstructed views of the Kansas City skyline — tickets are $6, or $3 added to a museum combo. Open Wednesday through Monday, 10am–5pm.

Founded in 1990 in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District — the hub of Kansas City's African American cultural life for most of the 20th century. The only museum in the world dedicated to preserving the history of Black baseball and its role in the broader story of civil rights in America. The centerpiece is the Field of Legends: a mock baseball diamond with ten life-sized bronze sculptures of Negro Leagues greats, positioned mid-game as if frozen in time. Satchel Paige on the mound. Josh Gibson at the plate. Jackie Robinson played for the Kansas City Monarchs before breaking baseball's color barrier in 1947 — this is where that story begins. Admission is $10. Closed Mondays. Shares a building with the American Jazz Museum next door.

Opened in 1997 on the anniversary of Paris's Shakespeare and Company — by design. Co-owners Tom Wayne and Will Leathem have been behind the counter almost every day since, in a three-story 1890 building that started as a grocery store, spent ninety years as a hardware store, and is now floor-to-ceiling used books. Rolling library ladders, pressed-tin ceilings, exposed brick, a book cellar you descend into, an upstairs room that has hosted over 2,000 live events. Books are left outside on the sidewalk 24 hours a day for after-hours passersby. In 2007, Wayne made international news by burning unsellable books on the sidewalk as a statement about declining reading rates — the New York Times flew in a writer and photographer. Still going strong, still independently owned, still on 39th Street.

Woman-owned, independently operated record store in the heart of Westport since 2013. Over 6,000 square feet of new vinyl, used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and local music — voted best record store in Kansas City ten years running. Owner Judy and her staff are known for zero judgment and deep knowledge, as comfortable helping a first-time vinyl buyer as a lifelong crate digger. Regular in-store listening parties, local artist releases, and a shop dog named Conway Twitty who naps under the stacks. A few doors north of Westport Road on Broadway.