Guidebook for Kansas City
Food Scene
Great award-winning barbecue, and close by! This is our favorite barbecue restaurant in KC.
257 locals recommend
Q39 - Midtown
1000 W 39th StGreat award-winning barbecue, and close by! This is our favorite barbecue restaurant in KC.
Lidia’s
101 W 22nd StAmazing Italian menu by owner/chef world famous Lidia Bastianich
Oddly Correct Coffee Bar
4141 Troost AvenueAward winning fresh roasted coffee
Great hamburgers 24 hours a day since 1937! And if you are an onion ring fan, this is the place for you. Top it off with a slice of homemade pie. A variety of daily offerings.
41 locals recommend
Town Topic Hamburgers Broadway
2021 Broadway BlvdGreat hamburgers 24 hours a day since 1937! And if you are an onion ring fan, this is the place for you. Top it off with a slice of homemade pie. A variety of daily offerings.
Cozy little restaurant in Westport with French-leaning cuisine. Go before six (or after 10) and get a filet mignon with bearnaise and pommes frites for $11! Profiteroles are wonderful.
51 locals recommend
Westport Cafe
419 Westport RdCozy little restaurant in Westport with French-leaning cuisine. Go before six (or after 10) and get a filet mignon with bearnaise and pommes frites for $11! Profiteroles are wonderful.
One of our favorite happy hour menus! Happy hour starts at 3:00 on Sunday and goes to closing. 3-6 M-F. $3 well drinks. and half price bottles of wine on Thursdays and Sundays. Menu available in the apartment.
17 locals recommend
Grand Street Cafe
4740 Grand AveOne of our favorite happy hour menus! Happy hour starts at 3:00 on Sunday and goes to closing. 3-6 M-F. $3 well drinks. and half price bottles of wine on Thursdays and Sundays. Menu available in the apartment.
Great coffee and pastries within walking distance of the apartment!
7 locals recommend
Mother Earth Coffee Hyde Park
3504 Gillham RdGreat coffee and pastries within walking distance of the apartment!
One of the best meals we ever had. Not just for seafood - they have great steaks, too. Beautiful decor, excellent service, live jazz trio. Not cheap, but well worth the money and great for a special occasion.
25 locals recommend
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
700 West 47th StreetOne of the best meals we ever had. Not just for seafood - they have great steaks, too. Beautiful decor, excellent service, live jazz trio. Not cheap, but well worth the money and great for a special occasion.
This is our favorite French restaurant in Kansas City. Beautiful food and not huge - lovely, quiet dining in a setting which includes original paintings from local artists decorating their walls. Superb food.
12 locals recommend
Café Provence
3936 W 69th TerraceThis is our favorite French restaurant in Kansas City. Beautiful food and not huge - lovely, quiet dining in a setting which includes original paintings from local artists decorating their walls. Superb food.
Comfort food breakfast in cool setting. Small old corner restaurant with antiques for seating, and decor with other antiques, all for sale. Just a few blocks away.
Attitude
600 E 31st StComfort food breakfast in cool setting. Small old corner restaurant with antiques for seating, and decor with other antiques, all for sale. Just a few blocks away.
We really love the healthy choices here. They make any kind of salad or sandwich or wrap you'd ever want, and also have soup and pasta. Conveniently located next to the Plaza Branch Kansas City Public Library. We like to go there and park in the garage and eat at the Mixx before library events and just walk across to the library.
23 locals recommend
The Mixx
4855 Main StWe really love the healthy choices here. They make any kind of salad or sandwich or wrap you'd ever want, and also have soup and pasta. Conveniently located next to the Plaza Branch Kansas City Public Library. We like to go there and park in the garage and eat at the Mixx before library events and just walk across to the library.
It may be called Classic Cup, but it's open for dinner, and one of our favorite places to eat in the warm weather because it has a large outdoor seating area. Good food choices - eclectic.
28 locals recommend
The Classic Cup Cafe
301 W 47th StIt may be called Classic Cup, but it's open for dinner, and one of our favorite places to eat in the warm weather because it has a large outdoor seating area. Good food choices - eclectic.
Eclectic American cuisine, but a nice place to go for desserts and jazz. Live entertainment nightly features a variety of jazz, blues, classical, rock and pop from local musicians nightly and during Weekend Jazz Brunch from 10 am - 1 pm Saturday and Sunday.
7 locals recommend
Chaz on the Plaza
325 Ward PkwyEclectic American cuisine, but a nice place to go for desserts and jazz. Live entertainment nightly features a variety of jazz, blues, classical, rock and pop from local musicians nightly and during Weekend Jazz Brunch from 10 am - 1 pm Saturday and Sunday.
Excellent food and live nightly jazz in this historic KC building. The restaurant is a former speakeasy.
28 locals recommend
Majestic
931 Broadway BlvdExcellent food and live nightly jazz in this historic KC building. The restaurant is a former speakeasy.
This is now our favorite sushi restaurant in Kansas City, and not far from the Carriage House. Outside patio is limited, so call for reservations.
Sayachi Sushi
6322 Brookside PlazaThis is now our favorite sushi restaurant in Kansas City, and not far from the Carriage House. Outside patio is limited, so call for reservations.
Waldo Thai
8431 Wornall RoadWaldo Thai is our favorite local Thai food.
We love this place for its tasty food and reasonable prices. We like ALL of the happy hour dishes and make a meal of it. Recommended: the wine and flatbread pairings, add some Korean BBQ skewers and you're good. Note: the tuna tartare is exceptional, but BIG. Plan to share.
25 locals recommend
Seasons 52
340 Ward PkwyWe love this place for its tasty food and reasonable prices. We like ALL of the happy hour dishes and make a meal of it. Recommended: the wine and flatbread pairings, add some Korean BBQ skewers and you're good. Note: the tuna tartare is exceptional, but BIG. Plan to share.
Another plaza favorite. We love the food here, most notably (we order this every time) the catfish and Jackson salad. Order a Basil Smash for your cocktail. You won't be disappointed! Outside seating 3 seasons, with nice big outside heaters for fall and spring.
72 locals recommend
Gram & Dun
600 Ward PkwyAnother plaza favorite. We love the food here, most notably (we order this every time) the catfish and Jackson salad. Order a Basil Smash for your cocktail. You won't be disappointed! Outside seating 3 seasons, with nice big outside heaters for fall and spring.
Cozy little Italian restaurant. Authentic food. Our favorites are the Veal Piccata and Cannelloni.
13 locals recommend
Osteria Il Centro
5101 Main StCozy little Italian restaurant. Authentic food. Our favorites are the Veal Piccata and Cannelloni.
We love everything on this menu, and the prices are reasonable. From beef stroganoff to Asian Chicken Salad to tacos, you have plenty to choose from!
11 locals recommend
Tavern in the Village
3901 Prairie LnWe love everything on this menu, and the prices are reasonable. From beef stroganoff to Asian Chicken Salad to tacos, you have plenty to choose from!
If you know Whole Foods, you know this grocery. We love that it's close. Beautiful produce, fresh meats and seafood. Also an Amazon drop off/pickup place. There's a little area you can sit and eat the food you chose at their extensive food bar.
44 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
301 E 51st StIf you know Whole Foods, you know this grocery. We love that it's close. Beautiful produce, fresh meats and seafood. Also an Amazon drop off/pickup place. There's a little area you can sit and eat the food you chose at their extensive food bar.
If you're desperate for sweets in the middle of the night, this is your place.
6 locals recommend
Insomnia Cookies
505 Westport RdIf you're desperate for sweets in the middle of the night, this is your place.
Drinks & Nightlife
Dozens of wonderful restaurants and bars in a historic setting. Westport was established before Kansas City!
133 locals recommend
Old Westport
Dozens of wonderful restaurants and bars in a historic setting. Westport was established before Kansas City!
Built in 1850, the building is the oldest in Kansas City. There, covered wagons stopped to stock up before the long trek out West along the Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails. Just across the street from McCoy's. Go in for a beer - they have pretty good pizza, too.
40 locals recommend
Kelly's Westport Inn
500 Westport RdBuilt in 1850, the building is the oldest in Kansas City. There, covered wagons stopped to stock up before the long trek out West along the Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails. Just across the street from McCoy's. Go in for a beer - they have pretty good pizza, too.
Westport Ale House
4128 Broadway BlvdGood place for a beer or designer drinks.
Green Lady Lounge
1809 Grand BlvdGreat place to hear live jazz every night of the week!
Live jazz, blues, soul, folk & R&B plus American fare in a warm brick-walled former-speakeasy space.
47 locals recommend
The Phoenix
302 W 8th StLive jazz, blues, soul, folk & R&B plus American fare in a warm brick-walled former-speakeasy space.
Arts & Culture
This is THE World War I museum in the US. A must-see! This is also our favorite view of our city from this vantage point. Overlooking Union Station, the Kauffman Center and a panorama of our diverse architecture, old and new. Adjacent to Penn Valley Park - a great place to walk or jog.
400 locals recommend
National WWI Museum and Memorial
2 Memorial DrThis is THE World War I museum in the US. A must-see! This is also our favorite view of our city from this vantage point. Overlooking Union Station, the Kauffman Center and a panorama of our diverse architecture, old and new. Adjacent to Penn Valley Park - a great place to walk or jog.
Opened in September 2011 - go hear the symphony, or catch an opera or ballet. The architecture is breathtaking!
166 locals recommend
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
1601 Broadway BlvdOpened in September 2011 - go hear the symphony, or catch an opera or ballet. The architecture is breathtaking!
An excellent offering of world class art, both old and new.
674 locals recommend
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak StAn excellent offering of world class art, both old and new.
Kansas City Museum
3218 Gladstone BlvdThe 18th & Vine historic district was the center for black culture and life in Kansas City from the late 1800s-1960s. It was the hub of activity for homeowners, business, jazz music, and baseball enthusiast. This museum features multi-media computer stations, several film exhibits, hundreds of photographs, and a collection of baseball artifacts.
103 locals recommend
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
1616 E 18th StThe 18th & Vine historic district was the center for black culture and life in Kansas City from the late 1800s-1960s. It was the hub of activity for homeowners, business, jazz music, and baseball enthusiast. This museum features multi-media computer stations, several film exhibits, hundreds of photographs, and a collection of baseball artifacts.
Located in the 18th and Vine District, just across from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Explore the rich history of Jazz in our city. Just adjacent it the Blue Room, featuring live, smoke-free jazz 6 nights a week.
65 locals recommend
American Jazz Museum
1616 E 18th StLocated in the 18th and Vine District, just across from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Explore the rich history of Jazz in our city. Just adjacent it the Blue Room, featuring live, smoke-free jazz 6 nights a week.
Well-organized, fascinating museum, located in Hangar 9 at the Kansas City, Missouri Downtown Airport. Not expensive, and not long to explore. The docent-led tour ends with a fun experience in a flight simulator, and a look into the hangar at some historic planes. Call ahead to check out schedule and special exhibits.
12 locals recommend
Airline History Museum
201 NW Lou Holland DrWell-organized, fascinating museum, located in Hangar 9 at the Kansas City, Missouri Downtown Airport. Not expensive, and not long to explore. The docent-led tour ends with a fun experience in a flight simulator, and a look into the hangar at some historic planes. Call ahead to check out schedule and special exhibits.
Harry Truman was born and raised in Independence, just a short drive west from downtown Kansas City. He an important character in the history of our city, as well as our country. Check out the website for special exhibits and presentations.
60 locals recommend
Harry S Truman Library and Museum
500 W US Hwy 24Harry Truman was born and raised in Independence, just a short drive west from downtown Kansas City. He an important character in the history of our city, as well as our country. Check out the website for special exhibits and presentations.
I think this is my favorite museum in Kansas City because it's such an unusual story! The steamboat was found buried in 65 feet of mud in the middle of a Missouri field, and filled with riches beyond belief now on display in the museum. Enjoy lunch in the River Market, and take in the tour.
80 locals recommend
Arabia Steamboat Museum
400 Grand BlvdI think this is my favorite museum in Kansas City because it's such an unusual story! The steamboat was found buried in 65 feet of mud in the middle of a Missouri field, and filled with riches beyond belief now on display in the museum. Enjoy lunch in the River Market, and take in the tour.
Shopping
The nation's first shopping mall - fancy chains and local. FREE PARKING on the street or in the several parking garages, making everything easily accessible. Helzberg Diamonds, Apple, Tesla Motors, J Crew, Eddie Bauer, Victoria's Secret, and much much more! Also, a huge variety of restaurants, both locally owned and chain names you might recognize.
505 locals recommend
Country Club Plaza
4706 Broadway BlvdThe nation's first shopping mall - fancy chains and local. FREE PARKING on the street or in the several parking garages, making everything easily accessible. Helzberg Diamonds, Apple, Tesla Motors, J Crew, Eddie Bauer, Victoria's Secret, and much much more! Also, a huge variety of restaurants, both locally owned and chain names you might recognize.
Essentials
Marsh's Sun Fresh Market
4001 Mill StThis is where we get our groceries. 24-hours.
This is OUR liquor store. You'll find everything you need here. Right across the street from Walgreens.
22 locals recommend
Gomer's Midtown
3838 Broadway BlvdThis is OUR liquor store. You'll find everything you need here. Right across the street from Walgreens.
Walgreens
3845 Broadway StWhole Foods Market
301 E 51st StSee more details about Whole Foods in the restaurant listings.
Entertainment & Activities
Kauffman Stadium
1 Royal WayGo see the Royals!
Arrowhead Stadium
1 Arrowhead DrGo see the Chiefs!
Fun family time! Also includes Oceans of Fun, a waterpark. Seasonal.
161 locals recommend
Worlds of Fun
4545 Worlds of Fun AveFun family time! Also includes Oceans of Fun, a waterpark. Seasonal.
Crown Center, just across from Union Station, includes some great shopping plus our amazing aquarium and the Legoland Discovery Center!
234 locals recommend
Crown Center
2450 Grand BlvdCrown Center, just across from Union Station, includes some great shopping plus our amazing aquarium and the Legoland Discovery Center!
Our beautiful, historic Union Station houses movie theaters, a variety of visiting exhibits, good restaurants, give shops, model train exhibit (my personal favorite) and Science City, a fun interactive museum for kids of all ages.
290 locals recommend
Union Station Kansas City
30 W Pershing RdOur beautiful, historic Union Station houses movie theaters, a variety of visiting exhibits, good restaurants, give shops, model train exhibit (my personal favorite) and Science City, a fun interactive museum for kids of all ages.
Enjoy a show or concert in this beautiful outdoor setting located in the heart of historic Swope Park! Seasonal
73 locals recommend
Starlight Theatre
4600 Starlight RdEnjoy a show or concert in this beautiful outdoor setting located in the heart of historic Swope Park! Seasonal
The River Market, also known as the City Market, is iconic Kansas City. Open year round, but with outdoor vendors in the summer with local produce. The market is a fun place to go for ethnic food - Italian, middle eastern, Brazilian, and many more. The market also houses the Arabia Museum (see other entry) one of my favorite museums in Kansas City.
226 locals recommend
River Market
The River Market, also known as the City Market, is iconic Kansas City. Open year round, but with outdoor vendors in the summer with local produce. The market is a fun place to go for ethnic food - Italian, middle eastern, Brazilian, and many more. The market also houses the Arabia Museum (see other entry) one of my favorite museums in Kansas City.
Everything happens here - big concerts, sports. Not far from our property.
113 locals recommend
Sprint Center
1407 Grand BlvdEverything happens here - big concerts, sports. Not far from our property.
Getting Around
Avis Car Rental
3412 Main StEnterprise Rent-A-Car
3543 Main StJust a short walk up 39th Street to Main, and you can catch the bus to the Crown Center, just kitty-cornered to Union Station. Continue to the downtown and River Market area on our new free Trolley! For schedules and maps, check out KCATA online.
Kansas City Area Transportation Authority
1200 E 18th StJust a short walk up 39th Street to Main, and you can catch the bus to the Crown Center, just kitty-cornered to Union Station. Continue to the downtown and River Market area on our new free Trolley! For schedules and maps, check out KCATA online.