With the massive amounts of cuisine available in the more central parts of town, you might assume that restaurants in North Kansas City would be overlooked. But with food as good as this, locals and tourists alike will find the extra trip across the river more than worth it.
If you want to make a day of it:
North Kansas City is quickly becoming a destination unto itself, and these North KC restaurants are playing a huge part in its rise in popularity:
Chicken N Pickle
Ever heard of pickleball? It’s okay to admit it if you haven’t; it’s not uncommon. Picture a fusion of tennis and badminton played with a whiffle ball, and you’re pretty much up to speed — at least, as much as you need to be to hit the courts at Chicken N Pickle. Have a few beers while you play, and you can move on to the restaurant inside or hit up some other outdoor lawn games after you’ve exhausted your swing.
Chappell’s
Sports Illustrated once named Chappell’s one of the 25 best sports bars in America, and it’s easy to see why. Both a restaurant and a museum, you can find an autographed pair of Muhammad Ali’s gloves and the Oakland A’s 1974 World Series trophy, all while chowing down on some burnt ends.
If you’re really more interested in drinking:
Everybody knows that a Saturday well-spent is sometimes focused a little more on liquids than solids. If that’s the case for your crew, don’t miss these restaurants in North Kansas City, Mo, that double as breweries.
Cinder Block Brewery
With a foundation series of eight different beers, Cinder Block is the prime place to spend a day with friends sampling different flights. The staff will be happy to tell you all about the brewing process, and you’re welcome to either hang out in the taproom strictly for the booze or to order from their menu, rich with different wraps and sandwiches. Oh, and pro tip? They have woopie pies.
Big Rip Brewing Company and Hawg Jaw
Big Rip Brewing is all about variety, so the frequently changing taps will keep you coming back to sample something new. The goal is to appeal to both “beer-nerds” and those who aren’t really familiar with craft beer, so there’s sure to be something for everyone. And while they don’t have a kitchen, you can absolutely order barbecue next door from Hawg Jaw. They’ll bring it right over to you!
If you’re looking for some comfort food:
Sure, it’s not heart-healthy, but sometimes the body wants what it wants. It’s good to indulge every now and then, and these North Kansas City restaurants are there for you:
Tay’s Burger Shack
There comes a time in everyone’s life (unless, of course, you don’t eat meat) when you just need a good, juicy burger. Where better than Tay’s Burger Shack? With organic, grass-fed beef and daunting serving sizes, you’ll leave full, overfed and happy.
Smokin’ Guns BBQ
Kansas City’s barbecue options are aplenty, but don’t hesitate to venture north a little to sample Smokin’ Guns. Owners Phil and Linda Hopkins won Grand Champion at the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue contest in 1999, and later took those concepts to open their own brick and mortar business. They’ve been racking in the business ever since, and rightfully so. Don’t forget to bring home some of their special BBQ rubs!
Christine’s Firehouse on 20th Bar and Grill
With a tenderloin sandwich almost as big as the plate it comes on, you better only enter the Firehouse if you’re ready to put down some copious amounts of fried food. It’s cheap, it’s delicious, and you’ll either leave stuffed or with a decent amount of leftovers.
Additional North Kansas City Restaurants:
Didn’t find anything that piqued your interest? There are still more North Kansas City restaurants to explore: