When it comes to all things entertainment in Kansas City, the Crossroads Arts District is the mothership. Best known for its art galleries, boutiques, creative businesses and novel restaurants, the area’s dining options are unparalleled. Formerly home to Hollywood studios such as MGM, 20th Century Fox, Paramount and more, the district housed tenants that were major players in the film industry, earning it the name “Film Row.” When art galleries began to take over the abandoned buildings in the 1980s, the Crossroads Arts District was born. And while the arts are certainly still a major industry for the area, there’s another game in town now: Crossroads Kansas City restaurants.
Trendy Crossroads Restaurants and Bars
The thriving arts district has options galore for food and drinks. Here are a few of the hottest spots right now.
Society
Part art gallery, part nightclub, Society is a new restaurant, bar and event space with “a sophisticated edge.” Located just off Southwest Boulevard, Society is set to make a big splash in the Crossroads KC restaurant scene this summer.
City Barrel Brewery + Kitchen
If creative local beers, tasty food and good vibes are your thing, check out City Barrel in the East Crossroads. This brewery focuses on flavors you aren’t likely to find in other beers, and the food menu is pretty great, too.
King G and Jim’s Alley Bar
This bar/deli combo is always popping on Friday and Saturday night. The larger and more noticeable of the two is King G’s Bar & Delicatessen. You can’t miss it on the corner of 18th and Locust — especially on a nice evening with the large garage doors open.
Head around the corner and down the alley to sister concept Jim’s Alley Bar for a true local dive experience.
Infamous Crossroads KC Restaurants
On the first Friday of each month, masses flock to the district to take in art shows, vendors, food trucks and more. It’s a busy weekend, and it’s helped to form the local opinion of the crossroads KC restaurants. Whether you’re around for First Fridays or not, there are four restaurants in the Crossroads you absolutely can’t miss:
Blvd Tavern
It’s not uncommon for restaurants to dub themselves “taverns” and then not live up to expectations, but that’s not the case here. Think brick walls, traditional wooden furniture, and a beautiful bar, complete with exquisite food and a casual setting. Whether you’re craving cheese curds or organic Scottish salmon, it’s an excellent place to spend some quality time with your friends or family while you plan out which art gallery you’ll visit next.
Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop
Lulu’s was voted the best Asian restaurant in Kansas City by The Pitch, and it shocked approximately no one. It’s been around for roughly 25 years, and it’s the last word on traditional Thai dishes in KC.
Manny’s Mexican Restaurant
If you claim to be a fan of Mexican cuisine, you can’t live in or visit Kansas City without stopping in at Manny’s. Over the past 30 years, it’s hard to say which has become more of a fan favorite: the margaritas or the friendly atmosphere.
Town Topic
Think of an old-fashioned hamburger joint that emerged in the ‘30s selling hamburgers for a nickel each. Now picture the Crossroads Arts District developing around the little restaurant as it stuck true to its original menu. We can’t tell you the hamburgers still cost a nickel and expect you to believe it, but the food and atmosphere is certainly much the same as it was back then.
The Freight House Crossroads KC Restaurants
While still technically members of the Crossroads Kansas City restaurants family, the Freight House Kansas City restaurants are a category of their own. With 25-foot ceilings and unbeatable views, the former railroad houses are now home to some of the finest dining options in the city.
Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue
There may not be a more frequently argued topic in Kansas City than which spot has the best barbecue, but no one will deny that Jack Stack is a top contender. With both indoor and outdoor seating as well as a fireplace lounge with a full-service bar, there’s no part of Fiorella’s Jack Stack that isn’t designed with a wow factor in mind. Good luck choosing your dish; we couldn’t even begin to tell you our favorites.
Lidia’s KC
Lidia’s has been voted the most popular Italian restaurant in the city by Zagat Guide for the last five years and counting. It’s not particularly surprising; the seasonal, daily-made fresh pastas are out of this world, and that’s not even touching on the roasted veal shank. Pro tip: If you’re looking to wow a date, Lidia’s is your spot.
Grunauer
There aren’t many places to find authentic Germanic cuisine in the Midwest, but even if there were, it’d be hard to compete with Grunauer. The arched wooden ceilings alone are enough to make the trip worth it, but the chance to sample some of the finest Austrian cooking in the States makes Grunauer an experience all of its own.
Newcomers to the Crossroads
There’s also something new brewing in the Crossroads — sometimes literally. Whether that’s a new microbrewery, a taco joint or a restaurant concept that will blow your mind, this district is constantly on the rise.
Fern Bar
Look for the green “Bar” sign on the corner of Broadway and Southwest Boulevard. Located in the historic Broadway Bank building, this agave and sugarcane focused cocktail bar aims to “change the way Kansas City drinks.”
Kata Nori
Possibly one of the most celebrated culinary openings of any Crossroads restaurant in recent memory. Kata Nori serves up hand roll sushi plates and specialty crudos.
Green Dirt on Oak
Green Dirt Farm has been producing incredible, local cheese and dairy products in Weston, MO., for years. Their newest concept brings the farm to the historic Oak Street corridor. Stop in for brunch, coffee and charcuterie in the mornings, or make a reservation for the “enchanting dinner” experience Wednesday – Sunday nights.