Kansas City’s historic Union Station is visually stunning, culturally significant and just plain enjoyable to visit. To this day, it’s an important hub of the city. Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, there are always new things to explore in the Station’s permanent and visiting museums, interactive exhibits, events and theatres, as well as some shopping, dining and of course, the ability to hop on a train and travel.
We’re just here to talk about the dining aspect of your visit among all of the Union Station shops and restaurants, but don’t overlook the many things to do in and around Union Station before or after you’ve sat down to eat!
This guide covers restaurants near Union Station, as well as the restaurants in Union Station, Kansas City, Missouri. Below, you’ll find everything sorted into categories based on location, and then type of cuisine. There are so many fantastic options when it comes to Union Station restaurants, but here are some of our favorites:
Restaurants Inside Union Station
There are a few restaurants in Union Station. Kansas City, MO, has plenty of great places to eat in the downtown area, but if you’re looking to get the full Union Station experience, go ahead and make a reservation for a place inside the Station itself.
Be sure to check out these restaurants at Union Station, Kansas City, during your visit:
Harvey’s Restaurant at Union Station, Kansas City, MO
Harvey’s Restaurant at Union Station is one of the restaurants inside Union Station that Kansas City locals and visitors alike love. Harvey’s is a laidback cafe in the middle of the Station’s action, where you can sit down and enjoy a burger and fries, some burnt ends, fried chicken and more.
Pierpont’s Restaurant at Union Station
The most upscale restaurant inside Union Station, Pierpont’s excels at high-end surf n’ turf, wine and beautiful deserts. You may need a reservation for dinner during peak nights, but it’s well worth a little extra time and money. This is the true Union Station dining experience.
Parisi Cafe
If you just need a cup of local Kansas City coffee and some quick, but high-quality locally sourced food before you get on your train or move off to check out the rest of Union Station, skip the sit-down restaurants at Union Station. Kansas City, Missouri, residents love to stop into Parisi’s little cafe.
Restaurants Outside of Union Station, But Within Walking Distance
There are far more restaurants around Union Station than there are inside, and they’re just as delicious. Many of these Union Station-area restaurants are located in or around Crown Center, which is across the street from Union Station, and others are within the downtown area. All of these restaurants (sorted by type of cuisine) are worth a walk!
Indian Restaurant Near Union Station
These Indian restaurants near Union Station, Kansas City, are worth the trip:
Tikka House
Situated in the City Market area, Tikka House is just a short ride on the streetcar from the other Union Station restaurants. KCMO visitors and locals should always take the time to peruse their large, aromatic selection of spices before treating themselves to one of the plates of fresh and authentic Indian food.
Curry In A Hurry
Located just across the street from Union Station inside Crown Center, Curry In a Hurry offers a simplified Indian dining option that is always delicious and affordable.
Taj Palace
Their huge menu offers everything you could possibly want. You’ll need a second visit just to try everything that catches your eye! It’s a little further away from Union Station, on 39th Street, but if you can catch a ride in time for lunch, you should absolutely do it.
Breakfast Restaurants Near Union Station and Brunch Restaurants Near Union Station
There are some Union Station breakfast restaurants within the building itself — Parisi and Harvey’s both serve breakfast and brunch if you need to make a train.
However, there are a few restaurants near Union Station that KC residents visit when they want the perfect breakfast, including:
blue bird bistro
Specializing in organic and sustainable foods obtained from local farmers, this farm-to-table restaurant near Union Station, Kansas City, is fantastic. Take a five-minute drive from Union Station, and you’ll be able to enjoy some of the finest, freshest meats, produce, cheese and more in a beautifully assembled meal.
Silver Spoon Cafe
In an old-school diner just down the street from Union Station, Silver Spoon has simple but tasty breakfast sandwiches on the griddle. This is a popular spot for downtown professionals who need a hot breakfast on-the-go.
Dott Boss
Inside downtown Kansas City’s Hotel Indigo, Dott Boss is serving upscale breakfast items. Don’t skip their french toast or breakfast sandwiches.
Italian Restaurants Near Union Station
Hungry for a heaping bowl of pasta? If you’re hunting for an Italian restaurant, Union Station is close to a few local gems, including:
Anthony’s
This is a classic, old-school Italian restaurant by Union Station. The cozy restaurant interior hasn’t changed much since the 1970s, and we mean that in the best way. Best of all, Anthony’s is just a couple blocks off of the streetcar line for easy access to and from Union Station.
Johnny C’s Deli & Pasta
Pizza, pasta, salads and more — this deli is a short streetcar ride away from Union Station, and it has all the traditional favorites. This Italian restaurant near Union Station, Kansas City, is affordable and fast, but doesn’t sacrifice quality.
Lidia’s
On the higher-end places to eat near Union Station, Italian restaurant “Lidia’s” is a local favorite. Treat yourself to one of their delicious cocktails and desserts while you’re there.
Sushi Restaurants Near Union Station and Japanese Restaurant Near Union Station
There are a number of great restaurants near Union Station that offer Japanese cuisine, especially sushi. Here are a few good restaurants near Union Station that may hit the spot:
Drunken Fish
A popular restaurant in the Power and Light district, Drunken Fish is another streetcar-accessible restaurant. Kansas City Union Station is just a short ride away.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Dietary needs can easily be met here, and you can be assured that all their premium, fresh fish is from a sustainable source. Blue Sushi has a huge selection, and it is easily one of the best restaurants near Union Station that Kansas City has to offer.
Friends Sushi & Bento Place
It’s a little further away from most of the Union Station KC restaurants, but at the end of your short trip you’ll be rewarded with comforting bowls of miso soup, a bento lunch and pretty little desserts, all in a cozy atmosphere.
Vegan Restaurants Near Union Station
Kansas City may be known for its barbecue, but there are some restaurants close to Union Station offering vegan food that even your diehard carnivore friends will love. Check out these plant-based Kansas City restaurants near Union Station:
Cafe Gratitude Kansas City
Outside of their healthy, wholesome and satisfying dishes, Cafe Gratitude finds every opportunity to give back to the Kansas City community, so you know your meal can help.
Pirate’s Bone Burgers
Pirate’s Bone is a can’t-miss operation that specializes in vegan food, nitro coffee, matcha tea, cold brew, latte, espresso, creativity, conversations and community. It’s a true gem of the KC restaurant scene, and you’ll find it just a couple streetcar stops away from Union Station.
Halal Restaurants Near Union Station
Finding certified halal places can be tough in a barbecue-centric city, but we have you covered with these restaurants by Union Station, KC:
Zaina Mediterranean Cuisine
They cover the gamut with Mediterranean food including lentil soup, Greek salads, stuffed grape leaves, Kafta Kabob Sandwiches, shawarma, baklava and Lebanese chicken sandwiches. This is one of the better restaurants close to Union Station, Kansas City, if you’re looking to please everyone in your group.
Habashi House
Situated in the City Market area at the end of the streetcar line, Habashi House is one of the best Union Station restaurants within a few miles. They tout the city’s “Best Falafel Sandwich,” so you’ll have to go and try it for yourself.
Jerusalem Cafe
Here, you’ll find vegetarian platters, shawarma, freshly baked pita and much more. Jerusalem Cafe is a little further away from the other restaurants near Kansas City Union Station, but it always hits the mark.
Fast Food Restaurants Near Union Station
Sometimes you just need to grab a quick, affordable meal from someplace where you know what you’ll be getting! We won’t bother describing these fast and cheap restaurants near Union Station, since you probably know the drill already, but follow the link to find where these nearby chains are located:
Healthy Restaurants Near Union Station
If you’re traveling in Kansas City, it’s absolutely possible to eat healthily while you’re in town. There are plenty of restaurants near Union Station that Kansas City, MO, residents eat at when they want to be more health-conscious:
Ruby Jean’s Kitchen & Juicery
Ruby Jean’s specializes in all-natural, gluten-free, sugar-free, GMO-free cold-pressed juices, smoothies and performance shakes. They also offer incredibly delicious and satisfying meals that are healthy and conscious of dietary needs. This location just a streetcar ride away from Union Station is perfect for a quick and healthy meal on the go.
ProteinHouse
Also off the streetcar line, ProteinHouse has great wraps, salads, shakes and more that are all as good for you as they are mouth-watering.
Evolve Juicery & Kitchen
A little ways away from the other restaurants near Union Station in KCMO, Evolve makes keto options as well as all-around tasty protein-and-veggie loaded meals that are worth the visit to the Crossroads.
Ethiopian Restaurants Near Union Station
When it comes to recommending good restaurants around Union Station, Kansas City locals know that these Ethiopian places are always worth a visit:
Blue Nile Cafe
Across from the City Market streetcar stop, there is a little family-run restaurant serving the city’s best Ethiopian food. If you’re willing to step away from the typical Union Station Kansas City restaurant, you won’t regret visiting Blue Nile Cafe.
Awaze
Offering Ethiopian/Jamaican fusion food like the house favorite Caribbean Pepper Pot Soup, spicy Doro Wat or jerk chicken, Awaze is one of the most unique and delicious restaurants around Union Station that Kansas City has to offer.
Yasmeen Cafe
The menu may be basic, but you’ll want to take the time to try everything on it. They have a blend of cultural cuisines on hand, so be sure to sample as much as possible and learn more.
Korean Restaurants Near Union Station
Hoping for some bibimbap, short ribs or kimchi while you’re in Kansas City? These are the restaurants near Union Station that Kansas City residents recommend for a great Korean meal:
Kobi Q
At one of the most fun and modern Korean restaurants, Union Station KC visitors can experience fun takes on things like Korean fried chicken, Japanese-inspired tonkatsu, a Vitenamese toshi bowl and a number of more traditional Korean dishes.
Sura Eats
Located inside the popular food hall and bar Parlor, this quick-service Korean counter has fantastic noodles and street foods. Enjoy it with a local beer in the building’s fun and vibrant shared dining area.
Mexican Restaurants Near Union Station
Some of the best restaurants near Union Station are these local Mexican restaurants, so don’t miss out:
Manny’s Mexican Restaurant
In the heart of the Crossroads, Manny’s has been a local staple for decades. They have plenty of seating, so it’s one of the nearby Union Station restaurants good for groups if you’re traveling in a pack.
Los Tules
When it comes to recommending good restaurants near Union Station, Kansas City, Los Tules is at the first of most locals’ lists. From their margaritas to their specials, hot salsas to their giant burritos, Los Tules’ family-run restaurant is a favorite.
Taqueria Mexico #1
You can’t find better or more authentic Mexican food in the whole city. In the iconic Southwest Boulevard barrio, Taqueria Mexico #1 will have all the best specials, rellenos, soups and more if you’re looking for a close Union Station restaurant in KC.
Chinese Restaurants Near Union Station
Although this Chinese restaurant is a bit further from Union Station, KCMO, than other establishments in this guide, it offers great Chinese food:
Kin Lin Chinese Restaurant
This Chinese restaurant offers a variety of dishes. It’s near the UMKC campus and offers take-out and delivery.
German Restaurants Near Union Station, Kansas City
Need a near-to-Union Station restaurant & bar? These nearby German restaurants will cover both bases and offer fantastic food and beer:
Affäre
This is a high-end Austrian-German restaurant that is as much an experience as it is a meal. You’ll often need a reservation, as this is one of the top Union Station bars and restaurants in the area, and it’s just a few stops away on the streetcar line.
Grünauer
If you’re hoping for a warm, inviting and authentic German restaurant, Union Station Kansas City visitors must make a trip down the street to Grünauer. They have everything from imported German beer to homemade wienerschnitzel.
Thai Restaurants at Union Station
Not far from Union Station, Kansas City restaurants like these local joints serve delicious Thai dishes that deliver the spice:
Baramee Thai Bistro
This is one of the restaurants near Union Station downtown that locals visit when they’re in the mood for fantastic Thai food. Everything is delicately spiced and perfectly balanced. When it comes to Union Station restaurants, KC residents know that Baramee is worth the short trip from the Station.
Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop
Right in the middle of the Crossroad District’s hustle and bustle, Lulu’s has been there for years, dishing out fantastic Thai noodles. Not even Kansas City Union Station’s best restaurants can compete with the comforting goodness of Lulu’s and its cheery interior. Plus, it’s one of the nearest Union Station restaurants open late.
Want some more ideas? Check out these other restaurants near Union Station in KC:
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Hungry for more top restaurants near Union Station, Kansas City, Missouri? Be sure to explore some of our other local guides to Kansas City restaurants, many of which are within walking distance of Union Station.