EatKC
A guide to Kansas City
EatKC
Don’t waste time searching for the perfect place. Just use this guide to the most popular restaurants near UMKC.
Below, you’ll find UMKC campus restaurants and other nearby spots that are just a few minutes away from campus and that suit every craving. We’ve made it easier and faster than ever to find good restaurants near UMKC for students, staff and patients.
Here are some of the best restaurants near UMKC, whether you need a solid sit-down meal to unwind after classes, or if you need to grab a quick bite to eat before getting back to campus:
If you’re in that very specific mood to hit up a Chinese restaurant, UMKC and the surrounding areas have several great options. They offer quick delivery and carry-out in addition to sit-down meals. Here are a few of our favorites, and they’re all locally owned and operated, which is an extra plus!
Offering authentic and delicious Chinese dishes alongside the standard popular Western picks, Kin Lin is perfect if you need a group order for delivery or takeout, catering, or some quick deals on a tighter budget.
They’re open as late as 10:30 p.m. on many nights, so Lucky Dynasty is always a solid choice if you need some tasty and filling Chinese after a long day. They serve up huge portions at a great price, and it’s always fresh and full of flavor.
Looking for places to eat near UMKC that are full of flavor but not too greasy and heavy? Options like the Mediterranean-rooted Sahara restaurant near UMKC or these outstanding local Indian restaurants around UMKC seriously don’t disappoint.
Family-owned and -run, Moti Mahal is the best Indian buffet and restaurant in the Westport area. It’s a few minutes away from UMKC if you want to sit down and have a warm cup of chai in their beautiful and colorful mural-adorned dining room. They also offer quick delivery and carry-out if you need that deliciousness in a hurry.
They offer take-out and catering services in addition to their dine-in option, in case you need to bring the food to a group. They have an insanely huge menu and a vast selection of Indian beers, and everything comes out so fast and fresh.
They’re open until 9 p.m., so don’t stress if you need a late dinner that’s still delicious. Located in a little spot with an iconically colorful facade, the owner and staff are incredibly nice, the buffet is awesome and the food is on point.
Looking for some spice? Many of these restaurants near UMKC campus are locally owned and operated gems, and you can always expect friendly, timely service. Here are some of the best (and closest) picks for Mexican food if you’re at UMKC:
Slightly more upscale, Zocalo is the Plaza’s riff on Mexican cuisine. Enjoying a margarita and some of their fresh guacamole on their beautiful patio is worth a drive of a few minutes.
Jalapeno’s Brookside is the kind of place you want to meet up at regularly and turn it into a tradition. They have some great specials, big portions of all your Mexican food favorites and a fun bar area to hang out in when you need a break.
Because some of the best Mexican food in Westport is found at Port Fonda, this place can get busy! This is another slightly elevated place, but the food is authentic, inventive and fantastic. Their cocktails may be the crown jewel, though.
This regional chain’s location on the edge of the Plaza closest to UMKC campus is always a great option. Whether you need a quick taco fix, or you want to linger over some salsa and margaritas, you can’t go wrong with this nearby UMKC restaurant option.
On the weekends, Brookside Bario can get packed. That’s because KC residents know what’s in store — A great happy hour, BBQ burnt ends in a quesadilla, Mexican-inspired chicken wings and more.
The perfect blend of American and Mexican, Chuy’s on the Plaza is just a few minutes from UMKC campus, and it’s worth the short trip. You’re served quickly in a fun and quirky atmosphere, and you always know your meal is going to be great.
This is a staple in Kansas City and for anyone who frequents the UMKC area. Street tacos, bowls, nachos and more — The Worm provides you with that Mexican food fix quickly without sacrificing the spicy perfection.
We won’t bother walking you through what to expect at these fast food chains. You know the drill! So if you’re looking for restaurants by UMKC that are quick and cheap, you’re going to want to stop by one of these quick places to eat around UMKC campus:
Want some more ideas? Check out these other restaurants near UMKC: