2020 Feast 50 Awards: Kansas City
The votes are in! In our ninth-annual Feast 50 issue, we’re highlighting the Kansas City winners and runners-up across 50 categories in the Feast 50 Awards, as voted by you in our readers’ choice poll.
Editor's Note: Past year's winners were not up for consideration in the following five categories: Chef of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, Rising Star, Pastry Chef and Mixologist. To be considered for New Restaurant: Past Year, restaurants must have opened between December 2018 and December 2019.
Chef of the Year: Zaid Consuegra Sauza, Pirate’s Bone Burgers
Few chefs have changed the conversation as much – and as quickly – as Zaid Consuegra Sauza. Last year, Sauza opened Kansas City’s first entirely vegan diner with Lydia Palma, and his commitment to creative plant-based fare as well as inclusivity has not gone unnoticed. At Pirate’s Bone Burgers, nothing on the menu costs more than $5, making items such as the beet burger, Sriracha Chix burger and fancy fries (a basket of french fries topped with cashew queso, guacamole or plant-based Buffalo sauce) accessible to a wider customer base. Sauza, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, is also an outspoken supporter of immigrant rights. Both inside and outside the restaurant, he hopes to affect social change. (Photo by Pilsen Photo Co-Op)
Pirate's Bone Burgers, 2000 Main St., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.605.1014, piratesboneburgers.com
RUNNER-UP: Rick Mullins, Café Sebastienne, 4420 Warwick Blvd., North Plaza/Rockhill, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.753.5784, kemperart.org/cafe
Best New Restaurant: Fox & Pearl
Fox & Pearl has plenty of style. While music emanates from a vintage record player, guests are seated at soft, camel-colored leather banquettes backed by lush greenery, with a full view of the kitchen’s live hearth. The food from James Beard Award nominee Vaughn Good pays tribute to the meticulously selected farmers and producers from Missouri and Kansas with whom he works, and Good’s signature dishes are meat-centric. Housemade pâtés, terrines, sausages and even bologna promise to be among the best you’ve ever tried, but Good and his team have also proven themselves adept at making fresh pasta, vegetables, breads and desserts. The seasonal menu always has a few surprises, giving patrons a reason to return. (Photo by Barrett Emke)
Fox & Pearl, 2143 Summit St., Westside, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.437.7001, foxandpearlkc.com
RUNNER-UP: Local Pig + Pigwich, 20 E. Fifth St., City Market, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.200.1639, thelocalpig.com
Rising Star: Benjamin Wood, City Barrel Brewery + Kitchen
Chef Benjamin Wood cut his culinary teeth in large commissary kitchens at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts before bringing his passion for locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients and from-scratch cooking to smaller spots such as The Corner Restaurant and Banksia. Now, as executive chef of City Barrel Brewery + Kitchen, Wood has been given free rein to develop a food menu that keeps diners on their toes and stands up to the wild sours, bold stouts and hoppy IPAs brewed on-site. The espresso-bacon burger epitomizes Wood’s objective; the patty is made with Chapman Creek Cattle Co. grass-fed beef and seasoned with Second Best Coffee espresso and dried jalapeño. Topped with maple-brown sugar bacon, beer onions, melted Brie, arugula and a sweet balsamic compote, it’s undeniably delicious. (Photo courtesy of City Barrel Brewery + Kitchen)
City Barrel Brewery + Kitchen, 1740 Holmes Road, Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.298.7008, facebook.com/citybarrel
RUNNER-UP: Fox & Pearl, 2143 Summit St., Westside, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.437.7001, foxandpearlkc.com
Pastry Chef: Erin Brown, Dolce Bakery
After operating for a dozen years in The Shops of Prairie Village in Kansas City, Erin Brown, pastry chef and owner of Dolce Bakery, has officially established herself as part of the neighborhood. Through baking, she says she has the opportunity to do what she does best: care for those around her. Whether its cakes for birthdays and weddings, cinnamon rolls for mornings at the office and cookies for after-school treats, she and her team bake to make everyone’s life that much easier – and sweeter. Although the size of the shop and her staff has grown over the years, Brown repeats the same mantra: “Every batch from scratch.” At Dolce Bakery, there are no cut corners – except those from a pan of cream cheese brownies. (Photo by Anna Petrow)
Dolce Bakery, 3930 W. 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, Kansas, 913.236.4411, dolcebakes.com
RUNNER-UP: Jessica Armstrong-Brazeal, Novel, 1927 McGee St., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.221.0785, novelkc.com
Mixologist: Jill Cockson, Swordfish Tom's
Enjoying a drink at a bar run by Jill Cockson is quietly refreshing. The experience is not overly orchestrated; there isn’t a novel of cocktails through which to comb. Instead, at Swordfish Tom’s in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District, Cockson creates balanced concoctions without the fuss and establishes an atmosphere where guests can relish the company of their companions. The skill and experience of Cockson and her team is evident in every glass, and you’ll find that they’re available when you need them but won’t get in the way of a good time. (Photo by Zach Bauman)
Swordfish Tom's, 210 W. 19th Terrace, Kansas City, Missouri, facebook.com/swordfish-toms
RUNNER-UP: Christopher Ciesiel, The Campground, 1531 Genessee St., West Bottoms, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.612.3434, thecampgroundkc.com
Service: Lidia's Kansas City
Lidia Bastianich is highly invested in the customer experience at Lidia’s Kansas City. She spends entire days working with her staff on the restaurant’s approach to hospitality, and she’s known to personally greet guests and check in on them throughout their visit. Bastianich doesn’t hang around the restaurant out of obligation, and her passion for the business is contagious. Her knowledgeable servers also take the time to answer diners’ questions, cater to their dietary restrictions and preferences and recommend wine pairings, among other things, in an effort to further elevate the experience. (Photo courtesy of Lidia's Kansas City)
Lidia’s Kansas City, 101 W. 22nd St., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.221.3722, lidias-kc.com
RUNNER-UP: The Antler Room, 2506 Holmes, Longfellow, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.605.1967, theantlerroomkc.com
Fine/Contemporary Dining: The Antler Room
For three years, Nick and Leslie Goellner have sustained an extraordinarily high level of hospitality and culinary creativity at The Antler Room, their stylish restaurant in Kansas City’s Hospital Hill neighborhood. Chef Nick, who has been nominated twice for a James Beard Award, is unconcerned with trends, preferring to focus on ingredients and techniques he loves, including flavors from Japan, the Middle East, the Baltics and Central America. (Photo by Zach Bauman)
The Antler Room, 2506 Holmes, Longfellow, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.605.1967, theantlerroomkc.com
RUNNER-UP: Le Fou Frog, 400 E. Fifth St., River Market, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.474.6060, lefoufrog.com
Bar Program - Beer: Bier Station
If you can’t find something you like at Bier Station, you probably don’t like beer. The Kansas City store has a varied selection, which you can really get a sense of by purchasing a few mixed six-packs to go. Bier Station is currently offering curbside pickup and delivery. (Photo by Anna Petrow)
Bier Station, 120 E. Gregory Blvd., Waldo, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.548.3870, bierstation.com
RUNNER-UP: Beer Kitchen, 435 Westport Road, Westport, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.389.4180, beerkitchenkc.com
Bar Program - Wine: Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen
Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen offers one of the city’s most robust yet accessible wine programs. From Chilean reds to French whites, the menu of wines by the bottle extends for a whopping 18 pages, and its wines by the glass is no scant affair either. The restaurant hosts regular tastings as well as dinners led by some of the biggest names in wine. (Photo by Wheat Photography)
Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen, 1526 Walnut St., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.842.2660, tanninwinebar.com
RUNNER-UP: Ça Va, 4149 Pennsylvania Ave., Westport, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.255.3934, cavakc.com
Bar Program - Cocktails: The Monarch Cocktail Bar & Lounge
The Monarch Cocktail Bar & Lounge has a talented team of bartenders that keep it at the top of “best bar” lists across the country. Hospitality and refined service meet creativity and precision, making for a superlative imbibing experience. Whether you’re cocktail curious or a fine drink connoisseur, you’ll find something on the menu that appeals to your liking. (Photo by Aaron Leimkuehler)
The Monarch Cocktail Bar & Lounge, 4808 Roanoke Pkwy., West Plaza, Kansas City, Missouri, themonarchbar.com
RUNNER-UP: Swordfish Tom's, 210 W. 19th Terrace, Kansas City, Missouri, facebook.com/swordfish-toms
Winery: Amigoni Urban Winery
Amigoni Urban Winery boasts a chic space in Kansas City’s West Bottoms, where oenophiles and novice enthusiasts alike can sip on locally produced wines, from crisp Sauvignon Blanc to smoky Petit Verdot. Tasting and pairing events are held on the picturesque patio when the weather’s right, making for an unforgettable day at the winery. (Photo by Landon Vonderschmidt)
Amigoni Urban Winery, 1505 Genessee St., Suite 100, Kansas City, Missouri, 913.890.3289, amigoni.com
RUNNER-UP: Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery, 16905 Jowler Creek Road, Platte City, Missouri, 816.858.5528, jowlercreek.com
Brewery: Boulevard Brewing Co.
Founded in 1989, Boulevard Brewing Co. remains the king of the mountain. Over the years, the behemoth brewery has grown into the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest. Rarely can you enter a Kansas City liquor store without coming face-to-face with a wall of its enticing options, while its tasting room also offers a good mix of staples and unique experiments. (Photo courtesy of Boulevard Brewing Co.)
Boulevard Brewing Co., 2501 Southwest Blvd., Greater Downtown, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.474.7095, boulevard.com
RUNNER-UP: KC Bier Co., 310 W. 79th St., Waldo, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.214.8694, kcbier.com
Distillery: J. Rieger & Co.
Originally founded in 1887 and officially revived in 2014 after falling victim to Prohibition, J. Rieger & Co. is wrapped up in family legacy, Kansas City history and quality booze. The distillery produces four premium spirits – Kansas City Whiskey, Midwestern Dry Gin, Caffè Amaro and Premium Wheat Vodka – along with specialty releases such as Left For Dead distilled entirely from Boulevard Brewing Co. beer. (Photo by Zach Bauman)
J. Rieger & Co., 2700 Guinotte Ave., Electric Park, Kansas City, Missouri, jriegerco.com
RUNNER-UP: Tom’s Town Distilling Co., 1701 Main St., Crossroads Arts District,, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.541.2400, toms-town.com
Store - Beer Selection: Lukas Wine and Spirits
With locations on both sides of the Missouri-Kansas state line, Lukas Wine and Spirits is a convenient one-stop shop for local imbibers. Its beer selection includes more than 2,000 varieties and a couple hundred cold kegs, and the massive 60-door cooler – used exclusively for beer – at the superstore in Overland Park, Kansas, is powered by the largest private solar array in the state. (Photo courtesy of Lukas Wine and Spirits)
Lukas Wine and Spirits, multiple locations, lukasliquor.com
RUNNER-UP: Gomer’s Midtown, 3838 Broadway Blvd., Midtown, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.931.4170, gomersmidtown.com
Store - Wine Selection: Cellar Rat Wine Merchants
At Cellar Rat Wine Merchants, every label has a story. The knowledgeable staff members carefully select every bottle in the boutique shop and happily admit that they don’t sell anything that they don’t like. The wine collection has more than 1,200 varieties, and if you join one of the wine clubs, you can receive benefits such as 10 percent off all regular-priced wine. (Photo by Anna Petrow)
Cellar Rat Wine Merchants, 1701 Baltimore Ave., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.221.9463, cellarratwine.com
RUNNER-UP: Lukas Wine and Spirits, multiple locations, lukasliquor.com
Caterer: The Bite
Although he owns and operates The Bite and Poi-ō in addition to hosting vegan pop up Taqueria Vegana every Wednesday night, chef Carlos R. Mortera still finds time to cater corporate events. The boxed lunches and platters on offer feature his signature sandwiches packed with personality, fresh ingredients and bold flavors from his Mexican-American heritage. Mortera also cooks for private parties and weddings, which makes one wonder when he sleeps. (Photo by Sandra Park)
The Bite, 23 E. Third St., River Market, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.503.6059, facebook.com/thebitekc
RUNNER-UP: The Russell, 3141 Main St., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.492.7557, therussellonmain.com
Food Truck - Sweet: Betty Rae's Ice Cream
When the time’s right, book Betty Rae’s food truck for your next event – you’ll have your guests screaming for that ice cream! Cereal & Desist, Maple-Blueberry Pancake, Honey Cornbread, Toasted Almond: With as many as 15 flavors on board – served in a cup or cone with toppings or as an ice cream float – it’s a delightful challenge to choose which to try first. (Photo by Zach Bauman)
Betty Rae's Ice Cream, bettyraes.com
RUNNER-UP: Seven Swans Crêperie, sevenswanscreperie.com
Food Truck - Savory: Wiener Wagon
Wiener Wagon shows up all over town, but the easiest place to find the savory food truck is at the Overland Park Farmers’ Market. It offers a rotating selection of delicious hand-stuffed sausages such as the Classic Dog (a brisket-Wagyu frankfurter topped with house-made ketchup, mustard, onion and green tomato relish) and the Chicken Apple (a chicken wiener served with basil mayo, strawberry jam and toasted pecans). There’s even a tasty vegan option that features a cauliflower-wild rice link. (Photo by Amber Deery)
Wiener Wagon, wienerwagonkc.com
RUNNER-UP: KC Pinoy, kcpinoy.com
Confectioner: Christopher Elbow Chocolates
In the past year, Christopher Elbow has gone from a fantastic confectioner to Kansas City’s own Willy Wonka. As if Christopher Elbow Chocolates’ boxes of handcrafted, gourmet chocolates – in flavors such as strawberry-balsamic, butterscotch-bourbon and fleur de sel caramel – weren’t decadent enough, now Elbow makes his own bean-to-bar chocolate bars too. (Photo by William Hess)
Elbow Chocolates, 1819 McGee St., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.842.1300, elbowchocolates.com
RUNNER-UP: André's Confiserie Suisse, 5018 Main St., South Plaza, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.561.3440, andreschocolates.com
Bake Shop: Ibis Bakery
Impeccably made and extraordinarily delicious, the baked goods at Ibis Bakery can make any ordinary morning in Kansas City feel like an indulgent morning in Paris. Flaky, buttery croissants made with house-milled flour; coffee cake coated with a cold-brew glaze; and herbed goat cheese bear claws are just the beginning. (Photo by Anna Petrow)
Ibis Bakery and Messenger Coffee Co., 1624 Grand Ave., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 913.669.9883, messengercoffeeco.com
RUNNER-UP: McLain’s Market, multiple locations, mclainskc.com
Ice Cream and Custard: Betty Rae's Ice Cream
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream is known for its more experimental flavors – think goat cheese, apricots and candied walnuts all in one scoop – but it’s also mastered classics such as vanilla bean and cookies and cream. Regardless of what you order, you’re bound to leave happy. (Photo by Zach Bauman)
Betty Rae's Ice Cream, multiple locations, bettyraes.com
RUNNER-UP: Glacé Artisan Ice Cream, multiple locations, glaceicecream.com
Donut Shop: LaMar's Donuts
Perfecting his original donut recipe since 1933, Ray LaMar opened his first donut shop in 1960 in Kansas City. Now, with more than 20 stores in 5 states, LaMar’s Donuts has been recognized by some as one of the best in the business. An unofficial Kansas City holiday was dedicated to LaMar, and he was later touted by Jay Leno as “The Undisputed King of Donuts.” Try LaMar’s original recipe, or snag something special such as a cherry-iced cake donut, a maple-iced French cruller, an apple-filled Bismarck or German chocolate knots. (Photo courtesy of LaMar's Donuts)
LaMar's Donuts, multiple locations, lamars.com
RUNNER-UP: Hurts Donut Co., Ward Parkway Shopping Center, 8809 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO, wannahurts.com
Bread Baker: Ibis Bakery
Ibis Bakery mills local heritage grains on-site – a true rarity, not only in Kansas City. Fresh-milled grain imparts a deeper flavor than grain that’s even a few days old, and fans of the bakery’s bread can certainly taste the difference. The Ibis team has also experimented with toasting, smoking and fermenting the grains, resulting in a selection of breads that possess unparalleled ingenuity, flavor and quality. (Photo by Zach Bauman)
Ibis Bakery, 1624 Grand Ave., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 913.669.9883, messengercoffeeco.com
RUNNER-UP: Farm to Market Bread Co., farmtomarketbread.com
Cheesemaker: Green Dirt Farm
Among the rolling green hills of Weston, Missouri, Sarah Hoffmann, owner of Green Dirt Farm, and her daughter and farm manager, Eliza, are content making award-winning sheep’s milk cheese with the help of their happy herd. Available at the on-site creamery as well as online, the varieties of cheese range from fresh, spreadable garlic-herb cheese to Aux Arcs (pronounced “Ozark”), a rustic, mountain-style hard cheese. (Photo by Teresa Floyd)
Green Dirt Farm, 1099 Welt St., Weston, Missouri, 816.386.2156, greendirtfarm.com
RUNNER-UP: Hemme Brothers Creamery, 16728 Arcadia Ave., Sweet Springs, Missouri, hemmebrothers.com
Coffee Shop: The Roasterie
Many have discovered a home away from home at one of The Roasterie’s nine Kansas City-area cafés. From a community staple in Brookside to an elegant expansion in Corrigan Station, the cafés are as diverse as the landscape they span. While you might not be able to hunker down at your favorite location right now, you can still order coffee, cold brew, tea, smoothies and more for curbside pickup and delivery. (Photo courtesy of The Roasterie)
The Roasterie, multiple locations, theroasterie.com
RUNNER-UP: Messenger Coffee Co. and Ibis Bakery, 1624 Grand Ave., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 913.669.9883, messengercoffeeco.com
Coffee Roaster: The Roasterie
Betty, The Roasterie’s DC-3 plane poised above its factory since 2012, has become a Kansas City icon – but The Roasterie’s direct-trade coffee is just as worthy of veneration. Learn about the roasting process, the company’s sustainability efforts and how it gives back to the community at the factory or any of its cafés. (Photo courtesy of The Roasterie)
The Roasterie, multiple locations, theroasterie.com
RUNNER-UP: Messenger Coffee Co. and Ibis Bakery, 1624 Grand Ave., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 913.669.9883, messengercoffeeco.com
Butcher Shop: Local Pig
You can count on a butcher shop named Local Pig to sell everything but the squeal of the swine. Besides classic heritage pork chops, ribs, hocks/shanks and tenderloin, it offers belly, cheek, fresh ham and Boston butt – the whole animal is broken down on-site. Other regionally sourced proteins include chicken, duck, lamb, Kansas beef and fresh and smoked sausage. (Photo by Anna Petrow)
Local Pig, 20 E. Fifth St., City Market, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.200.1639, thelocalpig.com
RUNNER-UP: McGonigle’s Market, 1307 W. 79th St., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.444.4720, mcgonigles.com
Charcuterie Maker: Local Pig
Would you prefer bacon or rabbit pâté with your charcuterie board? At The Local Pig, you don’t have to choose. Pair the pâtés with any combination of headcheese, scrapple, Italian meatballs, salami cotto, roast beef, kielbasa, merguez-stuffed dates and bone marrow butter for a memorable party at your place. (Photo by Anna Petrow)
Local Pig, 20 E. Fifth St., City Market, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.200.1639, thelocalpig.com
RUNNER-UP: Fritz’s Smoked Meats and Superior Sausage Co., 10326 State Line Road, Leawood, Kansas, fritzskcmeats.com
Artisan Food Shop: Olive Tree
In Overland Park, Kansas, the extra-virgin, infused and flavored olive oils at Olive Tree are a hot commodity. Sourced from seven countries, the olive oils are infused and flavored with everything from blood orange, Meyer lemon and Persian lime to basil, garlic, habanero and vanilla bean. The artisan shop also sells aged balsamic vinegars imported from Modena, Italy, gourmet salts and other foodstuffs such as candied jalapeños, olives, salsa and soup mixes. (Photo by Anna Petrow)
Olive Tree, 7044 W. 105th St., Overland Park, Kansas, 913.338.2700, olivetreekc.com
RUNNER-UP: Local Pig, 20 E. Fifth St., City Market, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.200.1639, thelocalpig.com
Kitchen/Bar Store: Pryde’s Kitchen & Necessities
As a home cook or chef, it’s easy to lose yourself in the colorful, floor-to-ceiling collection of bakeware, cookware and tableware, cutlery, gadgets and appliances at Pryde’s Kitchen & Necessities. Stop by Ashleigh’s Bake Shop, located inside the store, for a slice of pie with an all-butter crust to maintain your energy. (Photo courtesy of Pryde's Kitchen & Necessities)
Pryde's Kitchen & Necessities, 115 Westport Road, Westport, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.531.5588, prydeskitchen.com
RUNNER-UP: Mitch e Amaro, 306 Armour Road, North Kansas City, Missouri, mitcheamaro.com
Sandwich Shop: Pigwich
Pigwich (along with its butcher shop, Local Pig) moved from the East Bottoms to the City Market at the beginning of 2019, and the change of address has brought out the best in its sandwiches. Try the bánh mì, which comes with spicy pork meatballs, Sriracha, pickled vegetables, cilantro and coconut caramel, and you’ll still be thinking about it a week later. (Photo by Anna Petrow)
Pigwich, 20 E. Fifth St., City Market, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.200.1639, thelocalpig.com/pigwich
RUNNER-UP: Bay Boy Specialty Sandwiches, 4706 Holly St., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.673.3960, bayboykc.com
Diner: The Corner Cafe
A throwback to diners of yesteryear, The Corner Cafe guarantees that no customer leaves hungry. Breakfast is served all day, the cinnamon rolls are gigantic – and delicious – and the rotating selection of pies will make your head spin. The menu also marks fan favorites such as the turkey melt, catfish fillet and pot roast dinner. (Photo courtesy of The Corner Cafe)
The Corner Cafe, multiple locations, thecornercafe.com
RUNNER-UP: Town Topic, multiple locations, towntopic.com
Brunch: The Farmhouse
From the crisp, salty home fries to the enormous, pillowy cinnamon rolls, every item on The Farmhouse’s brunch menu is designed to impress. Popular entrées include the eggs benedict served with heritage ham and housemade challah doused in luscious Hollandaise sauce and the corned beef hash with two eggs, squash, peppers, onion, potatoes and Cheddar cheese in a black pepper cream sauce. (Photo by Alistair Tutton)
The Farmhouse, 300 Delaware St., River Market, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.569.6032, eatatthefarmhouse.com
RUNNER-UP: Succotash, 2601 Holmes St., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.421.2807, succotashkc.com
Fast-Casual Concept: Pigwich
The best thing about Pigwich’s City Market location is how easy it is to pop by for a bite. Walk-up counter service is available daily from 11am to 2pm, or order online for curbside pickup. Whether you’re craving a burger, tenderloin sandwich, charcuterie or one of its vegetarian options, Pigwich is destined to impress. (Photo by Anna Petrow)
Local Pig and Pigwich, 20 E. Fifth St., City Market, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.200.1639, thelocalpig.com/pigwich
RUNNER-UP: Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, multiple locations, hawaiianbros.com
Steakhouse: The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille recently moved into a shiny new space on Country Club Plaza, but patrons needn’t worry: The menu is still the same. Try any of its mouthwatering steaks – filet mignon, bone-in dry-aged New York strip steak or bone-in prime rib eye, to name a few – with a hearty vegetable side dish, or order steaks – hand-carved daily by the in-house butcher – to take home and cook. (Photo courtesy of The Capital Grille)
The Capital Grille, 4760 Broadway Blvd., Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.531.8345, thecapitalgrille.com
RUNNER-UP: Anton's, 1610 Main St., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.888.8800, antonskc.com
Barbecue: Slap's BBQ
Slap’s BBQ is a relative newcomer as far as Kansas City barbecue goes, but brothers Joe and Mike Pearce use the skills they honed on their competitive team, Squeal Like a Pig BBQ, to make this small joint mighty. Get there early, as some fan favorites sell out fast. (Photo by Alistair Tutton)
Slap’s BBQ, 553 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, 913.213.3736, slapsbbqkc.com
RUNNER-UP: Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, multiple locations, joeskc.com
Fried Chicken: Stroud's
In 1937, Stroud’s was famous for its barbecue and beer – those were the days when you could get 15-cent ribs and enjoy a Dick’s beer for a nickel. During World War II, beef and pork were rationed, so the restaurant turned to chicken; it’s been delighting customers with its recipe for pan-fried chicken ever since. (Photo courtesy of Stroud's)
Stroud’s, multiple locations, stroudsrestaurant.com
RUNNER-UP: Rye, multiple locations, ryekc.com
Burger: Westport Flea Market
We find comfort in consistency, and Westport Flea Market has consistently served one of the best burgers in Kansas City since opening in more than 30 years ago. Made with ground chuck from McGonigle’s Market, the patties are five and a half or 10 ounces. Then there’s The Super Flea: Consisting of five 10-ounce patties topped with bacon and cheese and served with two pounds of curly fries, “it’s not necessary, but it is downright American.” (Photo by Alistair Tutton)
Westport Flea Market, 817 Westport Road, Westport, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.931.1986, westportfleamarket.com
RUNNER-UP: Town Topic, multiple locations, towntopic.com
Pizza: Minsky's Pizza
At Minsky’s, the slogan goes, “Gourmet, and going to stay that way.” The team at the pizzeria is dedicated to the art of pizza-making, and its award-winning pies prove it. Each pizza begins with hand-rolled dough topped with Wisconsin mozzarella and finished with Italian olive oil and sea salt. Add any combination of fine meats, fresh veggies and aromatic herbs for something new every time. (Photo courtesy of Minsky's Pizza)
Minsky’s Pizza, multiple locations, minskys.com
RUNNER-UP: Waldo Pizza, 7433 Broadway St., Waldo, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.363.5242, waldopizza.net
Burnt Ends: Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Repeatedly appearing on national lists of foods to try in Kansas City, the legendary burnt ends from Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que are an unforgettable bit of meat candy. Heavily caramelized, smoky and juicy, nowhere in town – or the country, many would argue – does this Kansas City staple like Joe’s. (Photo by Zach Bauman)
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, multiple locations, joeskc.com
RUNNER-UP: Q39, multiple locations, q39kc.com
Vegetarian-Only: Café Gratitude
Café Gratitude, Kansas City’s largest vegan restaurant with the broadest menu and most expansive hours, produces consistently delicious dishes named as affirmations. I Am Transformed, for example, includes two organic corn tortillas stuffed with sweet potato, black beans, guacamole and cashew nacho cheese, while I Am Dynamic features cornmeal-herb-crusted eggplant on a bed of spaghetti squash noodles cooked in plant-based Alfredo sauce and topped with marinara sauce and Brazil nut Parmesan. (Photo by Anna Petrow)
Café Gratitude, 333 Southwest Blvd., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.474.5683, cafegratitudekc.com
RUNNER-UP: Pirate's Bone Burgers, 2000 Main St., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.605.1014, piratesboneburgers.com
Chinese: ABC Café
Thriving behind an unassuming exterior, ABC Café is a hidden gem. The compact kitchen serves dim sum all day, striving to give guests the most authentic Chinese flavors in every dish. You might also consider an order of chicken wings if they aren’t already sold out. (Photo by April Fleming)
ABC Café, 10001 West 87th St., Overland Park, Kansas, 913.859.0089, abccafeop.com
RUNNER-UP: Blue Koi Noodles & Dumplings, multiple locations, bluekoi.net
Japanese: Bob Wasabi Kitchen
A night at Bob Wasabi Kitchen wouldn’t be the same without chef-owner Bob Shin smiling at you from behind the sushi counter. As he expertly slices the restaurant’s carefully selected fresh fish for orders of sushi, sashimi and nigiri, his daughters, Tanya and Esther, guide guests through the menu to ensure they make the most of their meal. (Photo by William Hess)
Bob Wasabi Kitchen, 1726 W. 39th St., Volker, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.753.5797, bobwasabikitchen39.com
RUNNER-UP: Drunken Fish, 14 E. 14th St., Power & Light District, Kansas City, Missouri, drunkenfish.com/kansas-city
Vietnamese: Vietnam Café
A perpetual favorite among Kansas City diners, Vietnam Café serves authentic cuisine with high-quality ingredients in its homey Columbus Park setting. The pho is by far its most popular dish, but there are plenty of other soups and noodle and rice dishes to fill you up. Vegans will also find comfort in the tangy lemongrass tofu and tamarind soup with tofu and pineapple, among other things. (Photo by Anna Petrow)
Vietnam Café, 522 Campbell St., River Market, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.472.4888
RUNNER-UP: Pho KC, 315 Cherry St., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.471.2224, facebook.com/pages/pho-kc-restaurant/114100725288783
Thai: Waldo Thai Place
In a land full of prosaic pad Thai, Pam Liberda, executive chef of Waldo Thai Place, tempts Kansas City diners with dishes from Thailand’s North region. Featuring predominantly sour and bitter flavor profiles, the laab moo kua lanna (a minced meat dish with fried pork and slivers of crispy pork skin) and gaeng hung lay (tamarind-based pork belly curry) are must-tries. (Photo by Zach Bauman)
Waldo Thai Place, 8431 Wornall Road, Waldo, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.605.1188, waldothaiplace.com
Lulu's Thai Noodle Shop, multiple locations, lulusnoodles.com
Italian: Garozzo's Ristorante
Whether you dine in at one of its two locations or carry out, you know a meal from Garozzo’s Ristorante will be something special. The signature dish, spiedini di pollo, features marinated chicken breast rolled in Italian bread crumbs and broiled to perfection, and you can get it served one of four ways. (Photo courtesy of Garozzo's Ristorante)
Garozzo’s Ristorante, multiple locations, garozzos.com
RUNNER-UP: Ragazza Food & Wine, 4301 Main St., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.960.4744, ragazzakc.com
Mexican: Jarocho
Jarocho has made a name for itself with its authentic Mexican seafood. The Cucaracha Dinner features flash-fried shrimp tossed in spicy sauce – not cockroaches, we promise – while the Veracruz fish fillet comes with tomato, onion, jalapeño, capers and olives. For a truly astounding experience – and to see what chef Carlos Falcon can really do – book the omakase dinner when it’s available. (Photo by Ashley Deck)
Jarocho, multiple locations, jarochokc.com
RUNNER-UP: Port Fonda, 4141 Pennsylvania Ave., Westport, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.216.6462, portfonda.com
Seafood: Jarocho
The mouthwatering selection of fresh seafood at Jarocho almost assures you’ll order too much and have to take home leftovers – never a bad thing. The four varieties of ceviche are all delicious in their own right, and the seafood paella will give you a little bit of everything: fish, clams, mussels, calamari and shrimp. (Photo by Ashley Deck)
Jarocho, multiple locations, jarochokc.com
RUNNER-UP: Bristol Seafood Grill, multiple locations, bristolseafoodgrill.com
Outdoor Dining: Chicken N Pickle
If you count the pickleball courts, there is likely more outdoor space than indoor at Chicken N Pickle in North Kansas City. Order the hot chicken sandwich, black bean burger or chicken salad and picnic on the patio while you wait to play. Or sip a cocktail on the upper deck and simply enjoy the show. (Photo courtesy of Chicken N Pickle)
Chicken N Pickle, 1761 Burlington, North Kansas City, Missouri, 816.537.1400, chickennpickle.com
RUNNER-UP: Char Bar, 4050 Pennsylvania Ave., Westport, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.389.8600, charbarkc.com
Contact: Renee Ernst, concept marketing manager,info@chickennpickle.com, 816.537.1400 (business)
Runner-Up: Char Bar, charbarkc.com
Happy Hour: Summit Grill
Available seven days a week from 3 to 6pm, the happy hour at Summit Grill is notorious for a reason. Order a generous serving of seared tuna dusted with togarashi, pot roast sliders, salt-and-pepper calamari or blackened mahi-mahi tacos – each costs less than $10. Then, wash them down with craft beer and glass of wine for less than $5 each or a classic cocktail for $6. (Photo by Anna Petrow)
Summit Grill, multiple locations, summitgrillkc.com
RUNNER-UP: La Bodega, multiple locations, labodegakc.com
Jordan Baranowski
Jordan Baranowski is a writer based in Overland Park, Kansas."
April Fleming
April is a Kansas Citian by way of New Mexico, worker bee, freelance writer and photographer, food, music, animal and travel lover.
Jenny Vergara
Jenny is Feast's contributing editor for Kansas City. She brakes for chef's coats.
