Whether you’re exploring midtown or looking for places to eat at the Legends, there’s a lot going on when it comes to Kansas City, Kansas, restaurants. From barbecue to Vietnamese, southern-style chicken to Mexican, the area’s chefs put their own local flavor into nearly everything they attempt. If you aren’t sure where to go, or you’re simply looking for a new hidden spot, try checking the following restaurants in Kansas City, KS, off your to-do list:
Restaurants in the Midtown Area:
The midtown KCK restaurants are perhaps best known for their strong flavors, and these three hotspots are no exception to that rule:
Gates BBQ
If you know anything about barbecue whatsoever, then you know that Gate’s is a big deal. Started in 1946 by George W. Gates, the restaurant boasts some of the best sauces for the best cuts of meat in the city; and, as everyone knows, the sauce is boss.
Big Q Barbecue
Big Q isn’t quite as well-known as Gates, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it isn’t worth a shot. Some of Kansas City’s best barbecue actually exists in hidden gems like this one, and their ribs and thick cut fries will not disappoint, no matter what you’re comparing it to.
The Vietnam Café
Midtown is a hotspot for barbecue, but that doesn’t mean that’s all the neighborhood has to offer. For something a little lighter, the Vietnam Café has some of the best pho in the city, and the curry is certainly worth a try as well.
Restaurants in the KU Med Center Area:
KU Medical Center brings visitors from all over the world into town, and luckily, the surrounding neighborhood has some of the best restaurants Kansas City, KS has to offer:
El Pollo Rey
You won’t spend much time agonizing over your choices at this joint; it’s either a whole chicken, half or just the wings, served with beans and rice. Short, sweet, and to the point, although you may need to prepare yourself to wait in a rather long line. Trust us, it’s worth it.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Looking for some Memphis-style, hot and spicy fried chicken? Luckily for you, that exact thing exists right here in Kansas City, KS. Created over 60 years ago in Tennessee, Gus’s recipe once served a community torn by racial divide and continues to bring people together over quality home cookin’.
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Joe’s KC might be the most-recommended restaurant in all of Kansas City, and for good reason. The Z-Man sandwich alone, comprised of beef brisket, smoked provolone cheese, onion rings and a toasted Kaiser roll, is practically a local celebrity. And while locations are popping up across the metro, there’s nowhere better to experience it than in the original gas station located in Kansas City, Kansas.
Restaurants at The Legends:
Whether you’re hanging out at the Legends for a day of shopping or you’re seeing a sporting event or concert nearby, the Legends restaurants are always a popular stop.
Dancing Crab
Shrimp, crab, mussels and lobster galore! This Cajun seafood and bar has just about any buttered up seafood goodness you can ask for. Whether you like your shrimp fried or grilled, Dancing Crab can help accommodate you and your cravings.
Granite City Food and Brewery
Really all you need to know about Granite City Food and Brewery is a list of the awards its won: Best Restaurant, Best Brunch, Best Patio, Best Beer — the list goes on and on. A casual restaurant with micro-brews hand crafted on site, you’re definitely going to want to check this place out.
Yard House
With more than 100 beers and a menu that’s extremely vegetarian-friendly, Yard House is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Bonus points? There’s an amazing happy hour, so it’s the perfect place to meet up with some friends after work.
Didn’t see what you’re craving?
Have no fears! There are still plenty of restaurants in Kanas City, KS, to choose from: