A recent scouting trip to Kansas City has yielded some new favorite spots, most notably in the barbecue department (how shocking) and more specifically in the pork ribs category. I thought this city was known for burnt ends. What gives? Every since Bourdain hyped the little gas station with a long-ass line–Oklahoma Joe’s–all the locals call it the new reigning king. And they don’t even serve burnt ends! Their pork ribs certainly delight, though Arthur Bryant’s does them one better, still serving near perfect ribs and the best burnt ends in town after some hundred years. But even Arthur Bryant’s came up short of Fiorella’s Jack Stack, which may not have the same historic setting but does serve out-of-this-world pork ribs, prime rib-rib and hickory-pit beans.
K.C. has more to offer than mere barbecue, however, and the veggie/local/organic folk will find a deep roster of superb artisanal goods. Try Fervere for some of the best handmade French bread anywhere, Fresher than Fresh for gourmet snow cones, and micro-roasted coffee by third-wavers at Oddly Correct. There’s plenty to explore in this town; to get started, check out the full city guide below and over on the KC page.
Kansas City Food Map:
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NOTE: All establishments are worth a trip. ** = best choices for 1-2 day stay.
BBQ
**Arthur Bryant’s, **Oklahoma Joe’s, **Fiorella’s Jack Stack, LC’s BBQ, Gates & Sons’ BBQ, Danny Edward’s BBQ, Rosedale BBQ, Snead’s BBQ, Big T’s BBQ
Mid-Range & Upscale
**Bluestem, **Extra Virgin, Michael Smith, The American, Blue Bird Bistro, The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange, Grunauer, The Farmhouse, Room 39, Westside Local, Westport Cafe, Julian, BRGR Kitchen, Story Restaurant, R Bar, **Justus Drugstore Restaurant
Miscellany
Diners, Delis & Dives: **Stroud’s (fried chicken), **Happy Gillis (sandwiches & soups), Blanc Burgers & Bottles, Kitty’s (pork tenderloin sandwich), Dog Nuvo (hot dogs), YJ’s Snack Bar
Coffee: **Filling Station, **Oddly Correct Coffee Roasters (pour overs), The Roasterie, Broadway Cafe, One More Cup, Bella Napoli
Beer & Cocktails: **The Foundry at McCoy’s, McCoy’s, Beer Garden, R Bar, Boulevard Brewing Co. (reservations required)
Sweets: **Fresher Than Fresh Snow Cones (mobile — check location here), Glace Artistan Ice Cream, Christopher Elbow Chocolate
International: Habashi House (Middle Eastern), Ortega Mexican Foods, El Pollo Rey, Teocali Mexican Restaurant, El Camino Real
Vegetarian & Vegan: Mud Pie Vegan Bakery, Eden Alley, FuD
Specialty Items & Grocery: **Fervere Bread, Badseed Farmer’s Market (Friday nights), City Market
Pizza: Pizza Bella, Spin! Pizza, Waldo Pizza
Museum & Galleries: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City Sculpture Park, Kemper Museum, Charlotte Street Foundation
Music & Performance: **Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Mutual Musician’s Foundation, Czar Bar, Record Bar
Movies: Screenland Theatre, Tivoli Theatre
Outside Kansas City
Smithville, MO: **Justus Drugstore Restaurant
Lawrence, KS: **Local Burger, 715 Restaurant, Community Mercantile, Esquina, The Burger Stand, Cafe Beautiful, Henry’s Coffee Shop, Dempsey’s Burger Pub
Topeka, KS: PT’s Coffee
