Black-owned restaurants to support in Kansas City right now

This list will continue to be updated. Did we miss your favorite Black-owned spot? Email us at editor@feastmagazine.com.

Awaze

Awaze combines Ethiopian and Caribbean food on its menu to create a destination like few others. Whether you are looking to scoop up some doro wot with your injera or enjoy a plate of curried goat, Awaze will have something to please in a fun atmosphere. 

Awaze, 3415 Main St., Broadway Gillham, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.756.5111, facebook.com/awazefusion

Bayou on the Vine

With dishes inspired by the French Quarter in New Orleans, Bayou on the Vine has earned its hot spot reputation in Kansas City's historic 18th and Vine District. Get your Creole and Cajun food fix with healthy portions of red beans and rice, sausage and shrimp gumbo, shrimp étouffée, catfish po’boys and shrimp and grits.

Bayou on the Vine, 1601 E 18th St., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.599.7812, facebook.com/BayouOnTheVine/

Big Momma’s Bakery & Café

Located on Bannister Road just east of Highway 71, Big Momma’s serves up luscious cakes, cupcakes, brownies, pies, cookies and cinnamon rolls. You can also get heartier fare here, including chicken salad sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, and breakfast sandwiches.

Big Momma’s Bakery & Café, 4707 Bannister Road, Ste B, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.765.0800, bigmommaskc.com

Big T’s Bar-B-Q

With two locations in Kansas City, Missouri, Big T’s Bar-B-Q serves up generous portions of Kansas City’s favorite barbecue dishes and sides. Sample the beef brisket, ham, turkey or pork on a bun with as many “deckers” of meat you can handle, or build your own dinner platter with sides like hand-cut fries, crunchy onion rings and corn on the cob. The pork ribs are also a standout, so consider adding an order to your meal. bigtsbarbq.letseat.at

9409 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.767.0905

6201 E. 50 Hwy, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.923.2278

Blue Nile Cafe

Grab your injera and get ready to chow down at this Ethiopian spot in River Market. Blue Nile Cafe offers a wide menu of both vegetarian and meat dishes, so no matter what you choose, you'll leave satisfied. Try the misir watt, a stew made from red lentils cooked with sautéed onions and berbere, then flavored with ginger, garlic and cardamom, or the sampler platter, which will feed multiple people but let you try everything you want. 

Blue Nile Cafe, 20 E. 5th St., River Market, Kansas City, 816.283.0990, bluenilekc.com

The Breakfast and Lunch Lover’s Restaurant

Although the name might be charmingly a bit on the nose, the menu delivers on the promise of The Breakfast and Lunch Lover's Restaurant. You'll love dining in the bright, diner-like atmosphere while you enjoy comforting breakfast favorites like eggs your way, platters of crispy bacon, breakfast potatoes and a side of soft, fluffy pancakes with maple syrup. The lunch offerings include blue plate specials like burgers, hand-breaded chicken tenders and an open-faced brisket sandwich with mashed potatoes and brown gravy. 

The Breakfast and Lunch Lover's Restaurant, 6204 Raytown Trafficway, Raytown, Missouri, 816.886.5731, facebook.com/TheBreakfastLunchLoversRestaurant/

Brown Sugar Chicken & Donuts

Whether you are looking for a donut, chicken or a chicken sandwich with a donut bun, Brown Sugar Chicken & Donuts is the spot for you. The restaurant is currently closed as it transitions into carryout service only during COVID-19, but keep tabs on Brown Sugar's Facebook to see when you can start supporting them again. 

Brown Sugar Chicken & Donuts, 3708 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, 913.296.8870, facebook.com/brownsugarkc

Charlie D’s and Son Catfish Cabin

Burgers, cheesesteaks and fried shrimp are classics at Charlie D’s, but the fish dinners are the main draw. Pick up fried or grilled catfish, tilapia, perch and basa, served with hot sauce and bread, for under $10. Don’t sleep on the corn nuggets, hush puppies and fried okra. Charlie D’s is open for takeout and drive-thru service.

Charlie D’s and Son Catfish Cabin, 3213 Swope Pkwy., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.924.3474, swopepkwy.charliedskc.com

Crust Plus

At Crust Plus, pizza-lovers can pick up fried Buffalo chicken pizza with blue cheese, pulled pork pizza with bacon and ham, and even a pulled pork pizza with mac 'n' cheese and barbecue sauce. Housemade chicken wings and cheesy bread are also available.

Crust Plus, 6020 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, Missouri, 816.266.7000, facebook.com/thecrustplus

Dream Muscle Coffee

Timothy Shockley opened Dream Muscle Coffee in 2016 after a friend who owned a coffee shop gave him 300 pounds of coffee. As a strength trainer, he used the beans to create chilled cold-brew coffee drinks that can be used as a pre-workout buzz or post-workout meal replacement. Customize your own drinks that start with a base of Bulletproof coffee using grass-fed butter and then add collagen protein, CBD or avocado oil, honey, turmeric, cinnamon and more. Shockley also offers a tasty selection of breakfast sandwiches and a lunch menu.

Dream Muscle Coffee, 2540 West Pennway St., Kansas City, Missouri, drinkonecup.com

E & B Fish and More

Located next door to Big T’s Bar-B-Q on Blue Parkway, E & B Fish and More is dishing up fried fish and shrimp platters with sides like French fries, okra, coleslaw, macaroni salad and potato salad. The restaurant also serves Italian beef sandwiches, burgers and chicken wings. Feel the need to mix and match? Check out the combination platters for a little taste of everything good.

E & B Fish and More, 6151 Blue Pkwy., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.861.0002, ebfishandmore.com

Elevate Bar & Grill

Elevate serves up Southern-inspired comfort dishes in a comfortable bar with plenty of live music and lively people. You can see the soul food flair in dishes like Southern fried catfish, fried chicken, chicken and waffles and the blackened salmon. Side dishes continue the theme with options like mac 'n' cheese, Southern stewed greens and cornbread muffins. 

Elevate Bar & Grill, 7543 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, 913.766.6610, elevatebarandgrill.com

Equal Minded Café

Located inside the Ubuntu Village, a gathering place for businesses focused on spiritual and holistic healing, you can find Equal Minded Café, a place meant to nourish your body and soul. Enjoy coffee from Broadway Roasting Co., pastries from Bloom Baking Co. or kombucha from The Brewkery. Guests can also find toasts topped with avocados, bananas, chocolate shavings and much more.

Equal Minded Café, 4327 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.561.2233, facebook.com/equalmindedcafe/

Fannie’s West African Cuisine

Fannie’s is open for lunch and dinner carryout service Tuesday through Saturday. Here, you can pick up fried plantains with fried eggs, shrimp stew, seasoned beef kebabs, cassava leaves stuffed with rice or fufu, spicy crab in pepper sauce, jollof rice, cucumber mango salad – even snails – all made expertly by Fannie Gibson and her husband, Kelechi Eme.

Fannie’s West African Cuisine, 4105 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.832.8454, fanniescuisinetogo.com

Fat Jack's Chicken & Fish

Fat Jack's Chicken & Fish will satisfy your craving for both, whether you are looking for wings, tenders, gizzards, whiting, catfish, shrimp or jumbo shrimp. If you have a big appetite, go for the jumbo shrimp, served in baskets of four or eight. Can't make up your mind? Fat Jack's also offers combination plates that will give you a little of both the land and the sea. 

Fat Jack's Chicken & Fish, 5912 Blue Pkwy., Eastwood Hills West, Kansas City, 816.216.7686, fatjackskcmo.com

G’s Jamaican Quisine

This long-standing Jamaican restaurant can go from serving silky oxtail with red beans, rice and a side of cabbage for dinner one minute to becoming the best island dance hall with live music and cocktails the next. G’s Jamaican Quisine on Troost has been serving up favorites like jerk chicken, fried plantains and curry shrimp and vegetables to faithful fans for years. Come for the food, stay for the music.

G's Jamaican Quisine, 7940 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.333.9566, facebook.com/Gs-Jamaican-Quisine-123080632585/

Game Day Chicken Wings & Fish

This Wornall breakfast and lunch diner serves up hearty breakfast fare, including fluffy biscuits, waffles, pancakes, eggs and hash browns. Game Day also serves up crispy fried wings slathered in a variety of sauces, as well as burgers, fried fish, mac 'n' cheese and fries. It’s also a weekend hub for live music in the evenings, and we are eager for the party there to return soon.

Game Day Chicken Wings & Fish, 8950 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.859.5151, gamedaychickenwingsandfish.com

Gates Bar-B-Q

Gates Bar-B-Q is iconic for a reason, and the local chain remains in the hands of the Gates family. We’re suckers for Gates’ brisket and ribs, and takeout orders are still greeted with “Hi, may I help you?” gatesbbq.com

1325 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.531.7522

2001 W. 103rd Terrace, Leawood, Kansas, 913.383.1752

3205 Main St., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.753.0828

1221 Brooklyn Ave., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.483.3880

1026 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, 913.621.1134

10440 E. US Hwy 40, Independence, Missouri, 816.353.5880

Happy Apple Café

Follow Happy Apple Café on Instagram to see what creative vegan fare is being offered each week. Recent options included dandelion “chicken” and red velvet waffles, smothered fries, hearty burritos and more.

Happy Apple Café, 5536 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.605.8611

Island Spice Caribbean Restaurant

Jamaican jerk chicken, braised oxtails and curried goat are just a few of Island Spice’s specialties. You can also pick up fresh vegetable soups and even housemade ginger beer. Island Spice is currently open for drive-thru service.

Island Spice Caribbean Restaurant, 10 W. 39th St., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.523.3971, islandspicecaribbeanrestaurant.com

Jazzy B's Diner

Owner Brandon Simpson started Jazzy B's as a food truck in 2010, but his diner debuted in Lee's Summit in 2016. Simpson adds hints of fusion to this barbecue menu with dishes like brisket tacos and reuben rolls. Looking for more classic barbecue? Simpson serves up brisket, pulled pork and, of course, Kansas City's famous burnt ends. Be sure to try the jazzy fries; these sweet and salty potatoes are dusted with brown sugar and cinnamon. 

Jazzy B’s Diner, 1803 NE Colbern Road, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, 816.272.0654, facebook.com/JazzyBsKC

Jones Bar-B-Q

Mary “Shorty” and Deborah “Little” Jones have not slowed down one bit since their appearance on the third season of Netflix’s Queer Eye. They’ve even innovated during the time of COVID-19 to offer their beloved barbecue and sauces via an outdoor vending machine.

Jones Bar-B-Q, 6706 Kaw Dr., Kansas City, Kansas, 913.788.505, jonesbbqkc.com

Kansas City Cupcake Co.

Serving up 11 different flavors of scratch-made cupcakes daily, Kansas City Cupcake Co. in Strawberry Hill is serving nothing but smiles out of its light pink confection-colored storefront with an outdoor patio. Check out the savory breakfast and lunch menu with classic sandwiches like a BLT, KC Club and grilled cheese, as well as additional seasonal cupcake specials like Snickerdoodle. Kansas City Cupcake Co. offers free delivery in the Kansas City metro area (minimum purchase of $60 or more), or you can pick up your order from the storefront.

Kansas City Cupcake Co., 719 N. Sixth St., Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, Kansas, 913.217.7921, kansascitycupcakecocafe.com

KC Daiquiri Shop

The KC Daiquiri Shop on Grand Blvd. has been enjoying long lines down the block as folks line up to pick up to-go gallon jugs full of multi-colored stripes of boozy frozen Daiquiris, inspired by spots in the Big Easy. Mayor Quinton Lucas and the KCMO City Council recently extended the temporary carryout liquor sales order to the end of the year, so now is your chance to get a flavorful brain freeze to-go.

KC Daiquiri Shop, 1116 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.974.3275, kcdaiquirishop.com

KC Juke House

This jazz and blues spot is bound to always be buzzing with some sort of sound. Head here for drink specials, live music and some food to top it all off. 

KC Juke House, 1700 E. 18th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.472.0013, facebook.com/thevinedistrict

King’s Table Soul Food

Looking for a place to scratch your itch for soul-soothing comfort food? Look no further than King’s Table Soul Food on Prospect. This little diner dishes up favorites like smothered or fried pork chops, fried chicken, pig’s feet and oxtail dinner platters for lunch and dinner along with King's famous house specialty: chicken fried pork ribs with two sides of your choice. The restaurant also offers a mean breakfast menu with pancakes sitting front and center.  

King's Table Soul Food, 5932 Prospect Ave., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.444.0779, facebook.com/kingstablesoul

Krab Kingz

Whether you are in Lees Summit or Kansas City proper, Krab Kingz will satisfy your seafood craving with their boils. Seafood boils can include shrimp, crab or lobster, and they come loaded with corn, sausage, eggs and potatoes. Looking for something a little less messy? Go for a basket of fried shrimp, fried fish or even chicken strips. You can even order an extra crab cluster on the side if you want a little somethin' somethin'. 

3805 Broadway Blvd., Hanover Place, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.569.2526, krabkingzkc.com

320 SW Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, Missouri, 816.600.6305, krabkingzleessummit.com

LC’s Bar-B-Q

Kansas City’s smokiest barbecue pit may well be at LC’s, which runs its ovens extra hot to deliver loads of ribs, sausage, brisket and burnt ends to its loyal customers. LC’s is available for takeout.

LC’s Bar-B-Q, 5800 Blue Pkwy., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.923.4484, lbsbarbq.com

Lutfi’s Fried Fish

Lutfi’s is another KC classic diner, serving up crispy fried fish with white bread and butter, meatloaf, country-fried chicken wings and juicy burgers. lutfisfriedfish.net

3037 Main St., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.960.3474

1664 E. 63rd St., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.921.0152

13225 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Shawnee, Kansas, 913.730.8488

4201 S. Noland Road #A, Independence, Missouri, 816.313.5937

5501 Truman MarketPlace #112, Grandview, Missouri, 816.767.0503

794 SW US-40, Blue Springs, Missouri, 816.598.1070

9120 E State Rte 350, Raytown, Missouri, 816.737.9599

M&M Bakery and Deli

M&M Bakery and Deli serves up a series of sweets and sandwiches in Kansas City, but you would be remiss to not try the sandwich that the shop is known for: the Hook 'Em Up. This deli sandwich is piled high with pepper beef and turkey ham (made without pork) on an onion roll with lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, salad dressing, hot cheese and American cheese. If you wanna make the sandwich at home, you can pick up all of the deli's meats by the pound. 

M&M Bakery and Deli, 1721 E 31st St., Linwood Homeowners-Ivanhoe, Kansas City, 816.924.9172, facebook.com/MMBakeryDeli1721

Mattie’s Food Truck

Mattie’s Food Truck is a vegan food truck whose claim to fame is its famous plant-based queso that comes in three flavors and is now found in some local specialty grocery stores around the city. If you want food now, you can use the online form to pre-order your meals and pick them up curbside from the Independence storefront. Soon, she will be back on the road serving up some of your favorite vegan comfort food like plant-based nachos, toaster sandwich and Buffalo mac 'n' cheese.

Mattie's Food Truck, 201 North Forest Ave., Independence, Missouri, 816.635.0514, matties-foods.square.site

Mesob Restaurant

Chefs Chervren DeAuguste and Mehret Tesfamariam have gained local renown for their elegant menu of Caribbean and Ethiopian dishes. The restaurant is currently open for takeout and delivery, and diners can sample fried conch with Appleton rum sweet ginger glaze, fried plantains with coleslaw, doro tibs served with all the traditional Ethiopian accompaniments and much more.

Mesob Restaurant, 3601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.442.7311, mesobkc.com

My Village Grill

My Village Grill's African and Caribbean influences make the dishes on the menu burst with flavors that you might not find at other Kansas City spots. If you are looking to get creative with your choice, try the nkwobi, a dish made with succulent cow hoof with traditional spices, or the grilled chicken gizzards served on skewers. Make sure to get some samosas on the side for a well-rounded and delicious meal. 

My Village Grill, 3010 South M-291 Highway, Independence, Missouri, 816.381.7792, myvillage-grill.com

Niecie’s Restaurant

Niecie’s is a KC classic, and if you haven’t been, you’re missing out on homestyle fried chicken, chicken and waffles, enormous breakfasts and lots of pie. 

Niecie’s Restaurant, 6441 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.444.6006, nieciesrestaurant.com

PeachTree Café’Teria

Pick up salmon croquettes, chicken and waffles, smothered pork chops, fried chicken, gumbo and much more – including some amazing peach cobbler – at this downtown hotspot. PeachTree is currently open for takeout.

PeachTree Café’Teria, 2128 East 12th St., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.214.5098, peachtree.n-tensity.com/café.htm

Reggae Kitchen

Reggae Kitchen concentrates on authentic Jamaican cuisine on Troost. Signature dishes include chicken curry, jerk chicken and stew fish, but be sure not to overlook the oxtails. Served with rice and beans, this island staple is rich, tender and will leave you wanting more. 

Reggae Kitchen, 5535 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Missouri, reggaekitchenmo.com

Ruby Jean’s Juicery

Cold-pressed juices, smoothies and shakes, as well as healthy lunches and snacks, are the specialties at Ruby Jean’s. Owner Chris Goode was spurred to start the business by the early loss of his grandmother, Ruby Jean, at the age of 61, and a transformational viewing of the documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. In addition to cold-pressed juices, you can pick up a cold salmon salad, protein bites, vegan pasta salad or some gluten-free sweet potato brownies to go with your wellness shots.

Ruby Jean's Juicery, 3000 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.321.1440, rubyjeansjuicery.com

Sankofa Café & Bar

Sankofa Café & Bar delivers true Jamaican flavor with a menu offering plates piled high with oxtail, jerk chicken, goat, curry chicken and brown stew chicken along with both steamed and fried tilapia. All combo plates come with two sides like rice and peas, okra and onions, cabbage, potato salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, a baked sweet potato, side salad or fried plantains. Sankofa is open Tuesday through Sunday for to-go orders only; masks are required for pickup.

Sankofa Café & Bar, 4240 Indiana, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.861.0040, sankofacafe.net

Show Me Fish & Chicken

Located in a strip center on Blue Ridge Boulevard, Show Me Fish & Chicken offers fish in the form of crispy fried catfish and shrimp dinners along with crawfish and shrimp boils with corn and potatoes. Craving chicken? Opt for the delicious fried chicken. Frog legs, jambalaya, crab cakes are also offered as daily specials found written on the marker board inside.

Show Me Fish & Chicken, 5220 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, Missouri, 816.491.2409, ordershowmefishandchicken.com

Smaxx

This downtown staple serves up crispy, crunchy chicken wings, juicy classic burgers, pork tenderloins, shrimp baskets, fried fish and French fries. It is open for takeout or delivery.

Smaxx, 1827 Vine St., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.921.1161, smaxxkcmo.com

Soirée Steak & Oyster House

Soirée is a steakhouse with a Southern twist. It lives up to its name with oysters served three ways – fried, chargrilled and on the half shell – and appetizers include fried green tomatoes and southern twists on barbecue shrimp and calamari. Whether you are looking for steak or seafood for your entree, this spot has you covered; they offer three signature steaks, plus a fresh fish of the day, salmon and trout. Looking for something loaded with seafood? Try the seafood mac and cheese with lobster, crawfish, shrimp, white cheddar and Parmesan.  

Soirée Steak & Oyster House, 1512 E. 18th St., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.214.5706, soireekc.com

Steak’m Take’m

With two locations and delivery through GrubHub, Steak’m Take’m is known for its delicious cheesesteak sandwiches served on a soft hoagie roll. They make them and you take them, with little dine-in seating available. These chopped sandwiches can come with a variety of grilled meats, but beef is the way to go, and each sandwich comes with cheese, grilled onions and your choice of sauce including mayo, barbecue, honey mustard, mustard, A-1 or ranch. Customers can add extra vegetables like green pepper, mushrooms, black olives, pickles, lettuce and tomato for a small upcharge. facebook.com/SteakmTakem

3120 Stadium Dr., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.923.1311

7702 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.361.5200

Topknotch Vegan Vittles

This vegan kitchen only takes call-ahead and carry-out orders, but it will be worth it if you are craving vegan food. Each order is cooked upon request, whether you are going for soul food the other vegan fix ins. Be sure to try the southern fried bites, seasoned fried jackfruit serviced with barbecue sauce or agave mustard. Topknotch also serves up vegan versions of seafood boils, tacos and chili dogs to fill what hole meat has left in your heart. 

Topknotch Vegan Vittles, Independence, Missouri, 816-914-7517, socialnutt.wixsite.com/veganvittles

Urban Café KC

This celebrated restaurant operated by chef Justin Clark currently offers a takeout “quarantine menu,” which options including sumac-spiced whole roasted chickens, porterhouse pork chops and cauliflower steaks, accompanied by sides like spinach and mushroom quinoa, fresh pesto pasta with Feta and tomatoes and housemade lemon pound cake.

Urban Café KC, 5500 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.442.8891, urbancafekc.com

Velvet Freeze Daiquiris

It’s hard to imagine anything better than a nice cold to-go Daiquiri as temperatures rapidly heat up. Velvet Freeze is open for walk-up orders and takeout.

Velvet Freeze Daiquiris, 1827 Vine St., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.982.9050, facebook.com/VFD1827

Wilson Pizza & Grill

With something for everyone, Wilson Pizza & Grill has everything from chicken wings to pizza to burgers and fries. Get the best of all worlds and order the Pizza Fries, featuring, naturally, French fries topped with classic pizza toppings, or order try the puffy handmade stuffed crust pizza with toppings.

1801 Quindaro Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas, 913.621.4066, facebook.com/WilsonsPizzaGrill/

Wingz & More

Just like the name promises, Wingz & More serves a lot more than just wings. If wings are your choice, you can choose bone-in or boneless in whatever flavor you desire from a long list of sauces and dry rubs. If you aren't feeling that, you can also go for burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads and more. 

11902 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.756.4042, facebook.com/WingzAndMoreGrandview

113 W. Kansas St., Liberty, Missouri, 816.883.8835, facebook.com/WingzAndMoreLiberty

Wings Cafe 

Wings Cafe offers a wide array of chicken: strips, bone-in wings, breaded bone-in wings, boneless wings and fritters. The restaurant also offers plenty of fish and shrimp plates and combination plates if you can't quite decide between land and sea. Need to feed the whole family? Look at their family packs to order wings for the whole house. 

516 NW Englewood Road, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.413.9464, northkc.thewingscafe.com

3927 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri, 816.931.9464, westport.thewingscafe.com