Kansas City’s Best Patios, Sidewalk Seating and Parklets For Socially Distanced Dining
Thanks to the Kansas City, Missouri, City Council, which approved a new set of ordinances in May, local restaurants are now able to expand their seating into adjoining parking lots, onto sidewalks or to even build custom parklets to create additional outdoor seating through the end of this year.
The move has resulted in an influx of creative seating situations that go far beyond approved patios. It gives restaurants the option for more room to space their guests and provide new or additional outdoor seating that is in high demand from guests looking to dine outside safely during the pandemic.
Here’s a sampling of some new outdoor seating that this new ordinance has allowed for, mixed in with some of the city’s most spacious patios to create a new and improved list of outdoor seating options should you choose to eat alfresco. This year’s list looks different from years past. When it comes to outdoor patios, this year, bigger is better.
Don't see your favorite outdoor digs? Shoot us an email at editor@feastmagazine.com.
The Antler Room
At a smaller restaurant like The Antler Room, every single seat matters. That's why owners Nick and Leslie Goellner decided to pull some of their tables outside to the sidewalk in front of their restaurant, offering a handful of socially spaced tables outside for those craving their colorful internationally-inspired plates that are rooted in seasonal and local ingredients. Make your dinner reservations for the bar, dining room or patio online. The Antler Room is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 to 10pm, and closed Monday and Tuesday.
The Antler Room, 2506 Holmes St., Longfellow, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.605.1967, theantlerroomkc.com
Bean Counter Café
Bean Counter Café is located inside the Colonial Gardens Agritourism & Garden Center in Blue Springs. The space offers a simply gorgeous courtyard seating area, with additional tables and chairs under a covered loggia for guests to sit outside and enjoy a meal in the shade. Sara and Tony O’Bryan built their successful café at another location before relocating Bean Counter Café inside of Colonial Gardens. This move allowed them to expand their dine-in, carryout and catering business, and people have flocked for the opportunity to enjoy breakfast or lunch in the beautiful and lush setting surrounded by green plants and trees. Bean Counter's patio is the perfect place to start your day with biscuits and gravy, Belgian waffles or an omelet, quiche or frittata made with fresh local produce. At lunch, there is a delightful selection of large, colorful salads and classic sandwiches at prices that everyone can afford to enjoy. Bean Counter Café is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8am to 3pm; closed on Monday.
Bean Counter Café, 27610A E. Wyatt Road, Blue Springs, Missouri, 816.600.0089, bean-counter-cafe.com
The Belfry
Chef Celina Tio has continued to morph her business to meet the needs of her customers during the pandemic. In addition to all of the offerings in her online store, she has welcomed guests back into her space both inside and out by adding four tables with umbrellas outside on the sidewalk of The Belfry. Tio is running her operation lean and mean, so come with your patience while her team makes your drinks and food in house. The opportunity to drink some fine whiskey or a standout local beer paired with the excellent burger on the shaded sidewalk is definitely worth the wait. The Belfry is open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 11pm, and Friday and Saturday from 4pm to midnight.
The Belfry, 1532 Grand Boulevard (16th St. entrance), Kansas City, Missouri, 816.471.7111, thebelfrylounge.com
Bo Lings
Want to enjoy your carryout while it is hot, fresh and delicious? Bo Lings has a solution. All six locations are now open to the public, but only the City Market and Plaza locations offer patio seating. Richard and Theresa Ng invite their guests to take their Bo Lings carryout orders and sit outside on their patio to eat it while the food is hot. Why drive all the way home? Have them box up any of your favorite Chinese dishes to go, order some drinks, then sit and people-watch at two of the city’s most popular attractions while you enjoy your meal.
Bo Lings, 4701 Jefferson St., Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.753.1718, bolings.com
Bo Lings, 20 E. Fifth St., City Market, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.423.8036, bolings.com
Brewery Emperial
This popular East Crossroads brewery boasts an outdoor beer garden with more seating than what they can offer indoors. Take a yard full of socially distanced picnic tables with umbrellas and pair them with their fantastic beer and delicious food menu and you have the makings of a dinner that deserves to be enjoyed outside. Order anything on Brewery Emperial's current tap list and pair it with half of a wood-fired Campo Lindo chicken that is served with tortillas, roasted jalapeños, salsa and crema and make your own DIY chicken tacos for dinner. Brewery Emperial is open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 9pm, Friday and Saturday from 4 to 10pm and Sunday from 2 to 8pm, with the beer garden closing an hour later. Reservations are recommended.
Brewery Emperial, 1829 Oak St., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.945.9625, breweryemperial.com
Buffalo State Pizza Co. & Bar
Chef-owner Philippe Lechevin left his fine-dining days behind to run two pizza spots located on different sides of the state line. Buffalo State Pizza Co. & Bar has one location in the Crossroads and another in downtown Overland Park, both of which offer plenty of socially distanced outdoor seating. In the Crossroads, check out the picnic tables in the large outdoor area in the back. Lechevin is also in the process of building out a new parklet in front of the Crossroads space. In Overland Park, you can take your delicious pizza and ice-cold beer to the patio and enjoy a slice with a side of sunshine and fresh air. Buffalo State Pizza Co. & Bar is open in the Crossroads Monday through Thursday from 11am to 9pm and Friday and Saturday from 11am to 10pm. The Overland Park location is open Sunday through Thursday from 11am to 9pm and Friday and Saturday from 11am to 10pm.
Buffalo State Pizza Co. & Bar, 1815 Wyandotte St., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.442.7441 and 7901 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kansas, 913.648.1313, buffalostatepizza.com
Burg & Barrel Leawood
With two Burg & Barrel locations to keep them busy, owners Jake and Mandy Chappelow are proudly serving a menu full of creative burgers and an impressive beer menu to boot. The Leawood location offers a full outdoor patio in the beautiful Nall Valley Shops center surrounded by full grown trees, a fountain and outdoor lights overhead. It's a perfect patio to land day or night when your craving for a burger strikes. Burg & Barrel is open Sunday through Thursday from 11am to 10pm and Friday and Saturday from 11am to 11pm.
Burg & Barrel, 5408 151st St., Leawood, Kansas, 913.444.0494, burgandbarrel.com
Café Trio
Owners Chris Youngers and Tai Nguyen have made several updates to their restaurant to make dining outside more comfortable for their guests, such as new misting patio fans to keep guests cool while dining alfresco, a modified air conditioning system that pulls in fresh outside air and a new sidewalk dining area located along Main Street to allow for even more outdoor seating. In addition, executive chef Logan Miller added several new dishes to the menu at Café Trio, including diver scallops with vegetable succotash, blackened grouper with roasted sweet corn risotto, two new steak dishes and a garden risotto. Happy hour is available daily from 4 to 6pm. For now, Café Trio is open and serving dinner Monday through Saturday from 4 to 9pm. Reservations for patio or outdoor seating can be made on the restaurant's website.
Café Trio, 4558 Main St., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.756.3227, cafetriokc.com
The Campground
Shaking up cold craft cocktails and running hot food from their kitchen to their outdoor patio and parking lot tables is what the new normal looks like at The Campground. With no seating offered inside, owners Christopher Ciesiel and Cristin Llewellyn have set up a portable bar outside, as they stand ready to shake up your drink of choice in the parking lot turned dining room. Sit in the shade of the historic Livestock Exchange Building, enjoy the breeze blowing through the West Bottoms as you sip on a cocktail. The condensed menu features a smash burger that should be paired with an order of fries and aïoli, as well as carnitas tacos and elote that pair well with the Desert Paloma cocktail featuring sage Mi Campo Tequila. The Campground is open Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 9pm for outdoor seating only. Masks are required when up and moving and using the restroom, and reservations are strongly suggested.
The Campground, 1531 Genessee St., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.612.3434, thecampgroundkc.com
Chicken N Pickle
This patio likes to play games. With outdoor pickleball courts that can be reserved and a patio full of yard games like bags, washers and a human-sized game of Battleship, the only thing you need to enjoy the scene at Chicken N Pickle is a pretty day and a drink in your hand. Get there early and claim a cabana with outdoor TVs to see your favorite teams play. Hungry? Try Chicken N Pickle's spicy fried chicken sandwich and pair it with a local beer or the Knotty Cherry cocktail, a boozy take on a limeade. Chicken N Pickle is open Monday through Thursday from 11am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am to midnight and Sunday from 11am to 10pm.
Chicken N Pickle, 104 Armour Road, North Kansas City, Missouri, 816.537.1400, ChickenNPickle.com
Coach's Bar & Grill
Very few restaurants in south Johnson County offer outdoor rooftop patios, making it one of the many things that sets locally-owned Coach’s Bar & Grill apart from the rest of the chains that dominate the suburban landscape in Kansas City. Get up on the roof to enjoy a breeze and an ice-cold beer or cocktail along with some comforting bar and grill favorites like Buffalo wings, burgers and baskets of appetizers to share. On weekends only from 11am to 2pm, try Coach's famous drink and a snack, the Milwaukee Bloody Mary. This all-in-one brunch classic is a righteous Bloody Mary cocktail garnished with a 1-ounce slider made to order with skewers of cheeses, bacon, celery, an asparagus spear, onions, beef jerky, shrimp, red and green peppers and a pickle spear. Coach's Bar & Grill is open for dine-in and carryout Monday through Sunday from 11am to 2am.
Coach's Bar & Grill, 9089 W. 135th St., Overland Park, Kansas, 913.897.7070. coach-s.com
Colonial Club
A friendly Strawberry Hill favorite, Colonial Club is the home away from home for many who live in the neighborhood. Head out back where they have made magic happen with some outdoor lights and picnic tables offering plenty of room to spread out. With a full bar serving cheap drinks and ice-cold beer, the secret here is the standout food. Order Shorty’s pizza with your favorite toppings or daily specials like shrimp boil and fried chicken that will turn your head. If hard-shelled tacos are your thing, then you’ll want to hit them up on Taco Tuesday when they are on special for 5 for $5. Colonial Club is open daily from 11am to 2am.
Colonial Club, 322 N. Sixth St., Kansas City, Kansas, 913.291.0251, colonial-club.businesss.site
Farina
Chef Michael and Nancy Smith recently launched their new summer menu at their modern Italian restaurant, Farina, and there is no better place to enjoy the flavors of the season than at one of their new outdoor sidewalk tables spaced around their busy Crossroads corner. Handsome new awnings hang on the west side of their restaurant, providing plenty of shade for a handful of tables, and they have also have strategically placed a couple tables out in front of the restaurant making it feel like a real sidewalk café in Italy. Farina is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 10pm and Friday through Saturday from 5 to 11pm; reservations are recommended.
Farina, 19 W. 19th St., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.768.6600, farinakc.com
Fox and Pearl
Although you can make a reservation to dine inside or take your food to go, you would be missing your chance to sit outside on the beautiful brick patio that sits behind Fox and Pearl. Twinkling outdoor lights and lush green plants give this patio a romantic sparkle, perfect for dining and drinking under the stars. The restaurant is serving its entire menu, so you can start with the potted cheese spread and potato rolls and then take your pick of proteins prepared on the wood-fired hearth, such as pork chops, rib eye, striped bass or rabbit. Looking for something more casual? Share the fried chicken dinner with a friend along with a side of summer squash casserole and a bottle of rosé. Fox and Pearl is open Thursday thorugh Saturday from 5 to 10pm and Sunday from 10am to 2pm, with reservations highly recommended.
Fox and Pearl, 2143 Summit St., Westside, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.437.7001, foxandpearlkc.com
Gram & Dun
Gram & Dun’s spacious patio will always rank among the best on the Country Club Plaza to relax, dine, drink and people-watch. There is not another patio in the city that can beat the incredible location, views and hospitality. Guests can sit comfortably distanced on modern outdoor furniture or at highly sought-after tables. Executive chef Jarid Ward has his full dinner and brunch menu available to enjoy on the patio with a glass of whatever makes you happy. Gram & Dun is open Wednesday through Friday from 3 to 9:30pm. On Saturday, brunch is served from 9:30am to 3pm and dinner 4 pm to 9:30 pm. Sundays enjoy brunch from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and dinner from 4 to 9pm. Reservations specifically for outdoor or indoor seating can be made on Gram & Dun's website.
Gram & Dun, 600 Ward Pkwy., Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.389.2900, gramanddun.com
Iron District
Never was there a better time to be a food-filled shipping container park with a giant outdoor courtyard in North Kansas City. Iron District offers food from eight different restaurants, each located inside a different colorful shipping container, that ring an outdoor courtyard and ends with a fun rum-centric Tiki bar called Tiki Huna. Although te Iron District is encouraging carryout orders from all of its vendors to keep numbers manageable, there is so much outdoor space available that this would be a great place to enjoy a socially distanced bite and a drink with friends on the weekends. Iron District is open Thursday and Friday from 11am to 9pm, Saturday from 10am to 9pm and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. During the week, check with each vendor to see if they're open.
Iron District, 1599 Iron St., North Kansas City, Missouri, irondistrictnorthkc.com
Jack Stack Barbecue in the Freight House District
With 10 socially distanced tables on the uncovered patio out front, eight additional tables on the covered private dining patio and even a few tables in the parking lot, now everyone can come and get their Kansas City-style barbecue fix and dine alfresco at Jack Stack Barbecue in the Freight House District in the Crossroads. Come and enjoy a barbecue platter with cheesy corn bake and onion rings and an ice-cold beer or lemonade while you listen to live music every Wednesday on the patio. Jack Stack Barbecue is open Sunday through Thursday from 11am to 8pm and Friday and Saturday from 11am to 9pm.
Jack Stack Barbecue in the Freight House District, 101 W. 22nd St., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.472.7427, jackstackbbq.com
JJ's Restaurant
The wine bar at JJ’s is a favorite place for guests to gather at the end of a long day for a great glass of wine and a nibble. But these days, the spacious patio dotted with socially spaced tables topped with umbrellas is the best seat in the house. JJ's boasts unique views of the West Plaza, coupled with an award-winning wine list and chef Julio Juarez’s menu filled with old favorites like Paco Shrimp and pizza in addition to a fine selection of steak and seafood entrees. JJ's is open Monday through Friday from 11am to 3am, Saturday from 4pm to 3am and Sunday from 4pm to 1:30am, with happy hour daily from 4 to 7pm. Reservations are recommended.
JJ's Restaurant, 4810 Roanoke Pkwy., West Plaza, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.561.7136, jjrestaurantkc.com
Jones Bar-B-Q
For sisters Deborah “Shorty” and Mary “Little” Jones, their appearance on the Netflix series Queer Eye changed the trajectory of their family-run barbecue business. With a long line of customers waiting to place their order at their walk-up window each day, the show finally gave their tiny walk-up restaurant in Kansas City, Kansas, some sexy curb appeal with a brand-new fenced-in seating area with plenty of picnic tables to sit socially distanced. Grab a table outside and enjoy some of the sisters' famous sausage smothered in special barbecue sauce, or grab a combo plate with your choice of two meats and one side. Jones Bar-B-Q is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 3pm or until sold out, and closed Sunday and Monday.
Jones Bar-B-Q, 6706 Kaw Dr., Kansas City, Kansas, 913.788.5005, jonesbbqkc.com
Julep
Julep has added a handful of socially distanced outdoor tables in the street in front of the popular bar and restaurant in Westport to allow those who want to enjoy their food and drink outside the opportunity to do so. Kansas City’s original entertainment district has been hosting sidewalk and street cafés every Friday through Sunday since mid-June, which are expected to continue through the end of the year. Julep offers full service at its outdoor tables, so simply ask your server to bring any cocktail you fancy, or try the American Pharaoh made with bourbon, honey, peach, lemon and mint and pair it with the pimento cheese fritters and see where the evening takes you. Julep also offers indoor seating and has a full to-go menu available. Julep is open Monday through Friday from 3pm to 1:30am, Saturday from noon to 1:30am and Sunday from noon to midnight, with happy hour available Monday through Friday from 3 to 6pm.
Julep, 4141 Pennsylvania Ave. Westport, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.216.7000, julepkc.com
KC Wineworks
This local downtown winery is making the most of these times by offering safe ways for fans to come and sample its hard cider and wines made from local Missouri grapes. Sample KC Wineworks' two popular blends, Crossroads Red or White, or slide into your weekend with the delicious sparkling Blanc de Blancs. The winery is currently limiting capacity in accordance to local and state requirements, but you can guarantee a table (for up to 6 people) by making a reservation. There is also a parklet out in front of the winery that would be the perfect spot to land for a glass or two. KC Wineworks is open Wednesday and Thursday from 3 to 9pm, Friday from 4 to 10pm and Saturday from noon to 10pm.
KC Wineworks, 1829 McGee St., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.256.4608, kcwineworks.com
La Bodega
With the Leawood location still closed, the original location for La Bodega on Southwest Boulevard is currently open for dine-in or curbside carryout. Reservations are recommended if you want to sit inside, but the outside patio is open to all walk-in guests. Owner James Taylor reopened La Bodega earlier this month, and business has benefitted from the sprawling outdoor patio. Outdoor tables sit shaded under awnings, while colorful lush planters define and decorate the seating area. Creative corner spots full of cushions have been built in recent years to make more room for more guests to sit outside and enjoy a glass of Spanish wine with their selection of tapas. And the outdoor patio is not the only thing that has been upgraded over the last 22 years – the menu at La Bodega recently underwent an extensive rework under the creative eye of the new culinary director, chef Dan Swinney, formerly of Lidia’s. Be sure to try the new gazpacho tasting trio, and their tender grilled octopus dish, Pulpo a la Parrilla con Ajo, along with a pan of paella and a good bottle of Spanish red wine. La Bodega is open Sunday through Thursday from 2 to 10pm and Friday and Saturday from 2pm to midnight.
La Bodega, 703 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.472.8272, labodegakc.com
Made in KC Café
The urban location of the Made in KC Café is the perfect way to start or end your day, with coffee and pastries in the morning and local beer, wine or a cocktail made from a local spirit in the evenings. The tiny storefront sells retail items featuring all Kansas City-made products, and also offers a huge new parklet right in front of the store, which offers perfectly distanced outdoor seating for you and a friend to enjoy coffee or a cocktail while surrounded by the sounds of the city. It is a restorative experience that will transport you. Made in KC Café is open Monday through Friday from 7am to 8pm, Saturday from 8am to 10pm and Sunday from 8am to 6pm.
Made in KC Café, 1114 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.585.2459, madeinkc.co
Noah's Cupboard
Chef Nick Martinkovic and his wife, Andrea, re-opened their popular restaurant, Noah’s Cupboard on Main Street in downtown Weston, knowing that social distance would be a problem for their teeny tiny space. So, they added some outdoor tables on their back patio that overlook a beautiful brick courtyard below Whatever is fresh and in season is what you are going to find served up at their veg-friendly restaurant. Stuffed piquillo peppers filled with several cheeses and smothered in ancho chile sauce sit on the menu beside Spanish octopus and foie gras torchons with Sauternes and apple gastrique. Reservations are a must. Noah's Cupboard is open Thursday from 5 to 8:30pm, Friday and Saturday from 5 to 9pm and closed Sunday through Wednesday.
Noah's Cupboard, 521 Main St., Weston, Missouri, 816.645.5999, eatnoahscupboard.com
Novel
When Ryan Brazeal and Jessica Armstrong opened Novel in its cool Crossroads location, they had a space for an outdoor patio that was recently finished with a cool new outdoor wall mural and art installation that ties it to the indoor dining room in a delightful way. Sitting in the shade in the evenings, the socially distanced patio tables are the perfect place to watch a summer sunset with a cocktail, wine or beer and cup of chilled corn soup or calamari with yuzu marinade, watermelon, honeydew, arugula and pepitas. The restaurant is also open for dine-in service and carryout. Novel is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 9:30pm and Friday through Saturday from 5 to 10pm.
Novel, 1927 McGee St., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.221.0785, novelkc.com
Plate
In Brookside, Plate has put several safety measures in place both inside and outside. In addition to servers wearing masks and enforcing social distancing (including tables spaced at least 6 feet apart on the patio), the restaurant is using a two-step sanitizing process on all tables with a peroxide disinfectant followed by a sanitizer on the tables and chairs. You can also find hand sanitizer stations set up throughout the restaurant.
Plate, 701 E 63rd St., Brookside, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.775.0098, platekc.com
The Restaurant at 1900
With a comfortable patio already in place, the folks at the Restaurant at 1900 took their outdoor presence a step further by expanding their patio into the parking lot, doubling its size. Seating is currently only available on the patio, and is by reservation only. Dine under the shade of an umbrella while you enjoy executive chef Linda Duerr’s patio-friendly menu that is bursting with summer flavors like the sweet corn risotto with lobster, grilled peaches, pork belly, chervil and ricotta. Pair it with something from their killer wine list to enjoy with your alfresco meal. The entire menu is also available for carryout. The patio at The Restaurant at 1900 is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11am to 2pm, and dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9pm.
The Restaurant at 1900, 1900 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Mission Woods, Kansas, 913.730.1900, therestaurantat1900.com
Rye Leawood
Both locations of Rye on the Country Club Plaza and in the Mission Farms shopping center offer patio seating, but for a patio with a little Southern exposure, it doesn’t get more peaceful or relaxing than the large waterside patio at Rye's original location in Leawood. Executive chef Ryan Williams invites you to enjoy a leisurely lunch out on the patio, where you and a friend can catch up over a kale and barley salad or a cup of French onion soup. For dinner, look for hearty steaks, fried chicken, salads and sides. But for a bit of whimsy, stop in almost any night of the week for dessert; you can grab a delicious and decadent slice of housemade pie or cake. Paired with a cup of coffee or an after-dinner drink out on the spacious and welcoming patio, it's a great weekday treat when the weather is oh-so-nice.
Rye, 10551 Mission Road, Leawood, Kansas, 913.642.5800, ryekc.com
The Russell
For a restaurant with a small footprint, The Russell has made the most of its front parking lot spaces during this time of social distancing. Picnic tables with eye-catching red umbrellas are scattered across the front of the restaurant, and the space has provided some much needed outdoor seating in addition to what they can offer inside. The Russell is also continuing to offer local delivery and curbside black-gloved service to your car. Check out the mile-high veggie burger or the Reuben, or lighten things up with one of the beautiful grilled protein-topped salads. The Russell is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 8pm, and closed on Sunday.
The Russell, 3141 Main St., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.492.7557, therussellonmain.com
Shawarmar
With a Midtown location and a drive-thru window, Shawarmar offers scratch-made Middle Eastern favorites like shawarma, kebobs and falafel for an affordable and portable lunch or dinner on the go. The restaurant has also put in the work in to make its quite sizable outdoor patio a pleasant place to eat your meal while it's still hot. By stringing outdoor lights, adding planters with screens and red umbrellas, Shawarmar's outdoor patio has been transformed into a comfortable place to sit and enjoy a fast meal somewhere other than in your car. Shawarmar is open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 9pm, closed on Sunday.
Shawarmar, 23 E. Linwood Blvd., Midtown, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.673.1152, shawarmars.business.site
Somerset Wine & Cider Bar
Hidden inside the courtyard of the Rosehill Gardens Garden Center is the Somerset Wine & Cider Bar, owned by Dennis and Cindy Reynolds of Somerset Ridge Vineyard and Winery. Grab a seat outside outside to hear some live music, socially distanced among the flowering plants with a glass of award-winning wine or hard cider and delicious Spanish tapas by El Tenedor food truck. Somerset Wine & Cider Bar is open Friday and Saturday; doors open at 5pm and live music runs from 6 to 9pm.
Somerset Wine & Cider Bar, 311 E. 135th St., Kansas City, Missouri, 913.915.7177, somersetridge.com/martin-city-tasting-bar
Story
The outdoor patio at Story, located in the Prairie Village Shops, feels like European café culture come to life in Kansas City. Chef Carl and Susan Thorne-Thompson have finally re-opened up their outdoor patio and indoor dining room for reservations and walk-in seating in addition to still offering curbside pick-up. Order a great bottle of wine from their award-winning list and pair it with a cooling ceviche and soft shell crab with fingerling potatoes, English peas, cilantro slaw and aïoli. For dessert, try the lemon cake with ginger custard, strawberries and whipped cream. Story is open for dinner only Wednesday through Sunday from 4:30 to 8:30pm.
Story, 3931 W. 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, Kansas, 913.236.9955, storykc.com
Strang Hall
The new food hall in downtown Overland Park has several things going for it that makes it the perfect place to land for a meal or a drink for those looking for open-air dining. First, although it boasts plenty of room to sit socially distanced inside, Strang Hall also has an outdoor courtyard where you can sit outside and enjoy your meal. Pro tip: bring your own chairs in case seating is all taken. Second, with six different chef-driven places each serving its own unique style of cuisine, Strang Hall provides a lot of choice, which means everyone will find something to enjoy. A full bar serving beer, wine or a hand-crafted cocktail stands ready to serve, and stays open late on the weekends. Strang Hall is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 9pm and Sunday from 11am to 8pm, with the bar open until 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights.
Strang Hall, 7313 W. 80th St., Overland Park, Kansas, stranghall.com
Summit Grill Waldo
The Waldo location of Summit Grill has created a brand-new outdoor dining space that launched this past weekend. The restaurant is taking advantage of its back parking lot to allow for more outdoor dining – which has been highly requested by patrons. The outdoor covered patio offers eight socially distanced tables to create a comfortable outdoor dining experience for guests. Plan your visit around Summit Grill’s new Tuesday steak night special, which includes a KC strip steak served with a baked potato and garlic butter for $19.95 available every Tuesday at all Summit Grill locations from 4 to 9pm or until sold out.
Summit Grill, 520 W. 75th St., Waldo, Kansas City, 816.361.9788, summitgrillkc.com
Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen
Everyone’s favorite Crossroads wine bar, Tannin, is back in action offering a super shady outdoor patio with views of Walnut Street. It's the perfect spot to wind down with a great bottle of grape juice that wine director Barry Tunnel is happy to help you find. To pair with your perfect pour, executive chef Brian Aaron has a scaled down seasonal menu that currently features a local heirloom tomato salad, chicken or mushroom shawarma on warm pita bread and a grilled Duroc pork chop with chimichurri, polenta, green beans and confit grape tomatoes. Tannin has also partnered with Boulevard Limousine Co. to deliver food, wine and beer every Tuesday and Wednesday evening right to your door, via their website. Tannin is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 10pm and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11pm.
Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen, 1526 Walnut St., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.842.2660, tanninwinebar.com
Teocali Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
In 2006, Enrique Gutierrez and his mother, Chela, brought their family recipes with them from Teocaltiche, Jalisco, in Mexico to the Longfellow neighborhood in Kansas City, opening a restaurant that makes delicious Mexican dishes from scratch daily. They also brought with them a love for tequila – with Jalisco being the birthplace of the spirit, you know the bar at Teocali has a selection of tequila that you have to see (and taste). Choices for outdoor seating abound at Teocali with a beautiful rooftop patio dotted with tables with umbrellas and a full bar, as well as an outdoor patio on the ground level and a comfortable porch on the second level that sits in shade most of the day. There is nowhere else you want to be to enjoy a Mexican meal and a pitcher of Margaritas on a pretty day. Teocali Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30am to 10pm and closed on Sunday.
Teocali Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, 2512 Holmes St., Longfellow, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.221.4749, teocali.com
Trezo Mare
Located up north in the Shops at Briarcliff, Trezo Mare offers a picture-perfect patio that faces downtown Kansas City. The restaurant is offering seating both inside and outside at socially distanced tables, which are sanitized throughout the day. Trezo Mare is also taking other safety precautions including using disposable paper menus and a no-contact payment system. (Photo courtesy of Trezo Mare)
Trezo Mare, 105 North Mulberry Drive, Northland, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.505.3200, trezomare.com
Tribe Street Kitchen
Located on the streetcar line in the River Market, Tribe Street Kitchen has re-opened its doors for some socially distanced indoor and outdoor dining with a large patio that sits on the south side of the restaurant. Co-owners Ben VinZant and Sam Hagan have added online ordering and delivery within a 5-mile radius of the restaurant for those who are in the neighborhood. Plan your visit around Taco Board Tuesdays when you and a friend can share one of each of Tribe's seven different tacos for the discounted price of $30, with $15 pitchers of sangria or Margaritas. Now that's a patio party in the making. Tribe Street Kitchen is open Monday through Thursday from 2 to 8pm, Friday from 11am to 8pm, Saturday from 10am to 8pm and Sunday from 10am to 2pm.
Tribe Street Kitchen, 316 Delaware St., River Market, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.214.6058, tribekc.com
Urban Oasis at The Ambassador Hotel
When Eric Willey, director of food and beverage at The Ambassador Hotel, first heard about the new outdoor seating ordinances, he immediately thought about the large covered parking area on the lower level of their new hotel expansion. He brought furniture from inside the hotel to this shaded outdoor area, covered the harsh parking lights with twinkling outdoor lights and installed ceiling fans to create an “urban oasis” in the city. Enjoy food and drink from The American Reserve restaurant’s new executive chef Bryant Wigger with Kansas City jazz legend Lonnie McFadden performing every Saturday night from 7 to 9pm. The American Reserve restaurant inside The Ambassador Hotel is also open and serving dinner from 5 to 10pm daily, and the bar is open from 4 to 11pm.
Urban Oasis at The Ambassador Hotel, 1111 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.298.7700, reservekc.com
Verbena
Everything about Verbena, which quietly opened during the pandemic in the new Meadowbrook Park, feels like summer, with a cooling covered outdoor patio that wraps around the indoor dining room showing off gorgeous views of the park and the green space from the hotel next door. The menu from chef-owner Patrick Quillec and chef de cuisine Kara Anderson is also a reminder of summers spend on the East Coast with popular dishes like New England clam chowder, crab dip and a Kennebunkport lobster roll, along with meatier dishes like a New York strip steak, pork chop and a duck confit risotto along with a glass of wine, beer or a craft cocktail. Verbena is open for lunch daily from 11am to 2:30pm and for dinner Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9pm, Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10pm and Sundays for brunch from 11am to 2:30pm and dinner from 5 to 8pm.
Verbena, 4901 Meadowbrook Pkwy., Prairie Village, Kansas, 913.329.7800, verbenakc.com
Vivalore
One part antique store, one part lush patio garden and one part restaurant, Vivalore offers a wholly unexpected and charming dining experience in Independence, Missouri. The large patio boasts a view of the beautifully landscaped grounds. Owners Cindy Foster and her brother chef Whit Ross have created an oasis where a bit of shopping and tasteful lunch or dinner with a bottle of wine enjoyed outside can be the perfect way to spend a beautiful afternoon or evening. Vivalore is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11am to 8pm.
Vivalore, 10815 E. Winner Road, Independence, Missouri, 816.836.2222, vivilore.com
Jenny Vergara
Jenny is Feast's contributing editor for Kansas City. She brakes for chef's coats.
