No need to go into downtown Kansas City to enjoy some amazing flavor. These Wyandotte County restaurants are locally owned and operated, and they serve up some of the best meals in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
So, if you’re getting hungry, skip the big chains and instead opt for one of these local restaurants in Wyandotte County, Kansas. Support local and satisfy every craving. Here some options worth checking out, sorted by type:
Traditional Kansas City Barbecue
Wyandotte County may be best exemplified by its iconic Kansas City barbecue restaurants. These are a just a few of the local gems that deserve more attention:
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Kansas City’s most popular barbecue joint started right here in Wyandotte County in their original gas station location. What would any of us do without the classic Z-Man Sandwich?
Jones Bar-B-Q
Long before they were made famous by “Queer Eye,” the Jones sisters have been making their own secret sauce for their Kansas City-style barbecue, accompanied by all the traditional sides. When the weather is good, enjoy it on the patio.
Roscoe’s Barbeque
It’s pretty simple at this Edwardsville staple — you can order smoked meat by the pound or put it on a sandwich. For dinner, choose from four ribs or half a chicken, or combine some meats with a couple sides. You can also order a half- or full-rack of ribs to-go for an easy meal to feed the family.
Slap’s BBQ
One of the best restaurants Wyandotte County, Kansas, has to offer when looking for catering, Slap’s serves up fresh, slow-smoked meats and classic sides. Their award-winning pitmasters are a brother duo with a serious passion for barbecue. No event is too small or too big to cater through Slap’s.
For Seafood Lovers
You might not think that land-locked Wyandotte County would be a great place for seafood, but you’d be surprised at how fresh and flavorful some of these local options are. Check out some of the specials at these popular spots:
Naree Kitchen
Serving up Thai and sushi favorites, Naree also offers a variety of complex dishes like their Treasure of the Sea special that features scallops, shrimp, squid and mussels in a spicy Thai basil herb sauce. Their sushi platters are always a good pick if you’re willing to share.
Jarocho
In 2018, they were voted as both Kansas City, Kansas’ “Best Seafood” and “Best Mexican Food.” Daily specials, Mexican Street Food Brunch on Saturdays, and bottomless drinks on Sundays — any day is a good day to try their Spanish octopus, different types of ceviche or their seafood paella.
J’s Fish and Chicken
Where else can you get chicken gizzards alongside fresh fish and shrimp but J’s? They have big family dinners available to pick up, so everyone can have their pick of catfish or tilapia as well as their favorite type of chicken.
Latin Restaurants in Wyandotte County
For those who like it spicy, there are plenty of great Mexican, Cubano and Spanish restaurants in Wyandotte County, Kansas, to choose from. Here’s a small (but tasty) sample from the area:
Taco Republic
They have killer Happy Hour drinks, carne asada nachos that are piled high and every kind of taco you could hope for. You’ll have to come back a few times to try everything, but it’s worth it.
Hamburguesas Los Compas
Great Mexican food at a good price combined with friendly owners and staff is what has earned Hamburguesas Los Compas their local reputation and loyal fanbase. The Juarez cheeseburger — complete with sliced ham, bacon, grilled sliced hotdogs, lettuce, tomato, mayo and ketchup — is a bit of a legend in and of itself.
California Taco Shop
Their carne asada fries come with a mountain of rice, cheese, sour cream and guacamole on top. Their steak and potato burrito won’t disappoint. And this mom-and-pop joint’s street tacos are fresh and have that perfectly iconic California flavor.
Some of the Best Comfort Food in Wyandotte County
Sometimes you just want something that really hits the spot (and maybe something sweet after, too). These are a few of our favorite Wyandotte County restaurants that do just that:
Mason Jar Brews & Burgers
Try their chili, wings or made-from-scratch meatballs, if you’re not ambitious enough for their chicken fried steak with gravy, garlic gouda mashed potatoes and broccoli. They also have a small private dining space that you can rent out for game days, parties and more.
Italian Delight
This is a Kansas City, KS, go-to for New York- and Sicillian-style pizza. You can get it by the slice for a quick and affordable lunch, pick up a classic cold sub sandwich, or indulge in their daily rotating specials.
Noodle Bar
Classic Thai items abound at Noodle Bar. Choose from udon, pad thai, glass noodles, yakisoba and more, then pair it with some milk tea.
Doc Green’s Gourmet Salads & Grill
This local chain specializes in food that is healthy but still satisfying. Their menu can fit a range of dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Pair a beef tenderloin panini with some fresh grilled zucchini or parmesan-crusted button mushrooms.
More Restaurants in Wyandotte County, Kansas
Still not seeing anything that gets your stomach growling? There are still plenty of great options for restaurants in Wyandotte County. Here are a few more that are worth visiting: