Kansas City - What to Eat in Kansas City

Heading to Kansas City & wondering what to eat and where to eat? Here is our list of the best foods and best places to eat those foods in Kansas City. Whether you are visiting Gate's, Joe's, Arthur Bryant's or Q39 the BBQ will always be great. Don't forget to grab a KC Strip Steak or some pan fried chicken. Breakfast is best served as a donut from Lamar's Donuts in Kansas City. And grab yourself a Boulevard Beer to wash it all down.
The best eats of Kansas City.
Filmed in Kansas City, MO
Copyright Mark Wolters 2019
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[@SeraphStryker]

I never thought I would see a video on my city!

[@woltersworld]

I have a couple more to put out

[@eyesak387]

Same! It makes me happy seeing people show some love for my hometown

[@spect175]

@@eyesak387 yea i currently live here and have been for a long time, glad people r enjoying it like me

[@larryhinze8482]

FROM A FAT GUY THAT TALKS TOO FAST!

[@yellowdoorhomes9312]

I’ve been doing videos around KC. I love my city!

[@T.Pink.]

Best pizza I've ever had was in Kansas City, KS. Cheeseburger Pizza from Minskys has left a delicious memory in my mind.☺️☺️

[@willking1382]

Lemme tell you, when you live here and eat minskys once a week. It gets old 😂

[@willking1382]

@From Tribe To Church its just convenient for my family 7 😂 its also so cloze to visitation and i go there for church and school

[@ChrisACzech]

Minskys is in my top 3 pizza for KC. I'm also biased to my neighborhood pizza spot - Waldo Pizza - and Martin City Brewery's pizza is also awesome sauce!

[@LieDetectorMusic]

Best pizza I ever had was at Minsky's!!

[@ecuyerdav]

WW1 Museum and Nelson Atkins Museum in Kansas City are great with people fantastic and welcoming. J’encourage la visite du WW1 et Nelson Atkins et les habitants sont super !

[@hasafienda]

I'd go just for the barbecue.

[@astronaut4291]

KC is my absolute favorite food city! Jack Stack is a great BBQ joint too, even if it is a little hoity toity. And Town Topic is some of the best drunk food around. Love love love Kansas City!

[@woltersworld]

yeah, Jack Stack is another one a lot of people mentioned to me. i went by one but it was about an hour after i ate at Joe's so i just couldn't fit any more food in :)

[@corbinlegrand]

As a Kansas Citian, I gotta say you nailed it! The only additional thing to suggest is our coffee culture; we really have great coffee of all kinds.

[@woltersworld]

True, i always forget about coffee (i don't drink coffee so that's probably why) so thank you for adding that here! and thank you for the kind words!

[@AD-eq4kn]

@@woltersworld Big Biscuit is a awesome place to go for breakfast!

[@MrBiggharv]

Where is the best place to get organic cofee?

[@corbinlegrand]

@@MrBiggharv That's a good question. I don't know places that specifically advertise as fair trade, but there are a handful of roasters that do whom I am not familiar with. See here: www.kccoffeegeek.com/kansas-city-pages/kccoffeeguide/ That said a place like Oddly Correct or RevoCup would be my first two suggestions. Oddly Correct is very much 3rd wave. And RevoCup has direct ties to Ethiopia because of the owner (plus they make my favorite lattes).

[@iknowdeweybrudda6564]

Kcmo is the small suburb, Johnson County Kansas is the Central City , the big Dense Central City”” across the state line

[@EggkFarm]

I love Kansas City! I was there with my friends last year. Awesome place. It's almost like a low key big city (compared to where I'm from). Joe's BBQ was insane. The ribs where out of this world. Lots of great places in the Power & Light district also. Great to see a video from somewhere I've been lol.

[@Similey6]

Kanttila Low key big city is seriously the best description

[@iknowdeweybrudda6564]

Kcmo is the small town JOCO is the BIG CITY

[@JamesI88]

Went here in 2017 and enjoyed it more than I anticipated. No crowds, amazing food, easy to get around the compact downtown area, and some interesting things to do, especially the National World War One Museum.

[@DanielA-nl9nv]

Truth! Nelson-Atkins is AWESOME.

[@woltersworld]

it really is.

[@Lizwsw]

My hubby and I are going to KC in 4 weeks, so this is great timing. Thanks!

[@woltersworld]

glad i could help :)

[@MatthewHensley]

Wolter's World is in my town! Great list, glad you distinguished between KCMO and KCK! Q39 and Joe's are the most popular right now, but don't count out those random little holes in the wall you've never heard of. It's hard to find bad barbecue here. Lots of good authentic Mexican on Southwest Boulevard too (if you're enjoying Boulevard beer, be sure and try to do a tour of the brewery while you're in that part of town). Enjoy KC!

[@runedoom]

Winstead's is another good place if want to treat your sweet tooth. Their skyscraper milkshakes are huge and really good. There's also the wing cafe, which has a ton of different sauces and rubs.

[@chrissmith7881]

Great to see you in Missouri!!! Love your videos, from Columbia MO.

[@amygreen3291]

Yea! We live 3 hours away. Love Q39, Arthur Bryant's, Gates and Joe's!!!!!!!!

[@kelseynoe520]

Thanks for showing KC some love! I've been told we're very friendly here, I'd be curious your thoughts on that since you've been so many other places. Another BBQ joint I love here is called Char Bar if you haven't checked it out I highly recommend it. It has amazing food, an outdoor area with yard games, and a beer garden :).

[@bagmanmar6733]

U know where silver city is?

[@amremnant]

Aren't you the folks who booed as they sang the Black National Anthem at the Chiefs game?

[@rudresh]

Love Jack stack barbque in plaza.

[@kathylindsey3448]

Thanks for visiting our town! There’s loads of great food here and fun stuff to do... come back soon

[@jhansen4661]

I’m from KCMO, and I’d never thought the wolters world people would go through there. If you want the best burnt ends then go to LC’s BBQ.

[@kingbaldwiniv5409]

Absolutely true! I love Kansas City, and places he mentioned are really great!

[@hawkonamountain5196]

When I lived in KC, my absolute favorite place was Brobeck’s BBQ in Leawood. It is farther away from where everybody is at probably but nothing beats their ham salad and potato chips. 🤤🤤🤤

[@LaurynJuhl]

It makes me so happy to see such a good review of KC food! 😊 Everything from Joe's and Q39 to Lamar's Donuts- you absolutely nailed it! KC Bier Co is a fantastic local brewery too!

[@woltersworld]

Thank you!

[@NimrodClover]

It is so cool to see a video of KC and ironically I was thinking of doing a food review video too. I've traveled around and still find the Kansas City BBQ to be the overall best (overall being the keyword). Yes, some places might do some cut or type of BBQ a tiny bit better, but KC does everything near perfect! I've lived here since 1994 and the food scene, arts, tech, sports, downtown, and transportation have all improved so much. It really is a underappreciated gem of the middle-west. Thanks for the inspiration for a video on KC Barbecue!

[@tstone9999]

Wow. I was just watching your video on Russia, went to your page and saw your cool vid on my hometown. My company actually does the landscaping for the Nelson Atkins. Thanks for the love.

[@KellyRandom]

OMG i live in kc and i have been following you for years. If i knew you were coming i would have gave you a tour of the best things about this town. Hugs and enjoy

[@paulguidry8308]

I’ve been to a few BBQ restaurants in KC and joe’s is by far the BEST it is truly amazing and definitely worth the wait

[@woltersworld]

definitely worth the wait :)

[@michelledrews3110]

Wolters World I live in KC

[@brandypino7193]

Yay! A video from my hometown! Glad you enjoyed yourself!! We do have some amazing food!

[@therealrobbdee672]

The Nelson is dope! I end my Summer every year taking my kid to Kc. Been doin it for 3years running now! 1st year we went on our last day we hit the Nelson. I believe Harry Block the founder of H&R Block donated over 500 million dollars worth of Art to the Nelson

[@stucsm]

Thank you for so much awesome recommendations

[@whacktom8190]

I lived a block away from joes KC bbq the best bbq In the USA. When I was little, I used to walk there with my dad and get those candy necklaces and I also remember they had frisbees. You might be able to see my house

[@georgemartin4963]

Great video! You should do more of these.👍

[@yazzispanglish2028]

Now, I know where to go eat 😋😋 thanks for sharing👍

[@Gashbasher690]

I whole heartedly agree with this list and am glad you left out jack stack on the bbq section even though others may not agree. I’m so glad you mentioned the Thai food too, we have so many awesome southeast Asian restaurants in kc. The Thai/Vietnamese restaurants are some of my favorite spots to eat in the world and opened my eyes too so many new flavors I never would’ve even thought about existing before I tried them.

[@JD-ym7iw]

My city♥️. Thank you for taking us around the world. Flyover sate.

[@iknowdeweybrudda6564]

It’s a shithole

[@iamTW64]

If you're going to Lamar's Donuts, get the Old Fashioned Sour Cream glazed donuts. They're delicious!

[@adventureswithcarl123]

Very informative video! Will definitely be trying some bbq at Q39 and other places in February

[@jeremyasbenettor8859]

I really enjoyed it. ☺️

[@mikelund57]

Also, for a great place for great chicken Is "Go chicken Go" that sauce and them rolls...

[@zachbrown3872]

My dude knows... that go chicken go

[@mikelund57]

@@zachbrown3872 yes sir.. Native of kc and kcmo.. Ik the restaurants and the best and bad places to eat..

[@zachbrown3872]

@Mikey Mattioni, what’s your favorite pizza places around here? So far mine are Old Shawnee pizza, the original Fun House, Minskys and Pizza Shop. If you know any others I’m always down for a good pie

[@grittyshaker]

A lot of healthy options in this vid.......those donuts look so good

[@steviekc9057]

Strouds North is the ONLY Strouds you go to! KCMO loves you!

[@clintcannon1902]

Sounds like you enjoyed your visit, and we are glad to hear it!! As a 13 year resident, my vote is for Joe's KC, in KCK. He is correct about the wait, and it is worth every minute in line.

[@melissaroscher1080]

Was waiting in line once and a tourist was worried if he was "trapped" I think I gave him the side eye.

[@clintcannon1902]

@@melissaroscher1080 Trapped??! He was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time... and I'll eat his cowboy platter if he disagrees.

[@Dbtclctr]

There’s such a Renaissance here. I want to make a video like this, about all the other places. A little BBQ joint is a gem as well.

[@houstondanny1344]

Welcome to my neck of the woods! KC area has a lot to offer.

[@hearer2795]

Christopher Elbow is the best. Try Pigwich in city market :) KC Pho also excellent :)

[@MarieHornung]

Oh my gosh!!! Can’t believe you were in my hometown and I didn’t get to say hi! I’d also recommend Windstead’s and Gates and Zarda’s. Also Black Dog Coffee House. As well as Korma Sutra, and Indian place to eat.

[@jonilane8049]

That was a great preview of food in KC. If you are ever back in the area try Andre's Confisserie (Swiss), Carmen's Café (Italian), V's (Italian) and Lulu's Noodles (Asian). All are awesome restaurants. Thanks for your enthusiasm for our fair city.

[@therealrobbdee672]

Good looking out! I think its a shame that Kc is just talked about mostly for BBQ. The food scene there is awesome

[@scatteredvideos1]

So excited to see you came to Kansas City! As a KCMO native it's great to see more travellers coming to Kansas City! A few recommendations I have are -Papa Keno's pizza in Westport -Betty Rae's ice cream in Riverside -Messenger coffee in midtown -Jack Stack at the freight house -Coopers Hawk on the plaza

[@KCDashcammer]

There's a Betty Rae's in Riverside? I thought that was more near the downtown KC area.

[@scatteredvideos1]

@@KCDashcammer Yeah it popped up about a year ago!

[@whacktom8190]

My grandparents (abuelitos) live near there and my sister tried the avocado ice cream

[@K.B.Williams]

Born and raised KC and still can't figure out which BBQ is the best..... Jack Stack 😏😏😏

[@kcnative1]

Good choices. I love all of those places. Lamar's is the ONLY place I go for donuts. Glace is fantastic. If u come in the Fall they have a really good spiced carrot ice cream. Also I want to throw in Betty Rae's, thier ice cream is awsome!!!

[@airborneshodan]

Grew up in KC and left several decades ago, living in various locations around the world. Only three things food wise that I would hit up on a homecoming. 1. Hi-Boy Burgers 2. Any BBQ joint that has a pit going outside with hickory smoke that u can smell a block away. 3. Russel Stover candies, try factory or at least outlet store.

[@cb8655]

Bierocks (German pocket sandwiches) apparently are a Kansas staple but I can’t confirm if they’re available in Kansas City… always love your channel!

[@minyoongle2673]

I’ve been living here my whole life and I’ve only been to Nelson Atkins museum for a field trip...

[@woltersworld]

It's a good museum

[@rom31987]

I used to work at LaMar's Donuts legendary place

[@lawrencebaker2318]

People are just as fanatic about their favorite Italian restaurant as they are their favorite bbq! They are all fantastic and one fits your every mood! Just ask, we will guide you!!!

[@Jim-sc2im]

Lived in KC a number of years ago. KC like it's bar b q are great!!

[@KKEM641]

Although decades long gone, The New York Deli on Troost was one of the best...

[@chrisperry8220]

Re Lamers donuts, do one of the hugoid apple fritters or the german chocolate twists (comes with the gooey icing and coconut and walnuts on top).

[@bobbylee_]

OMG Lamar’s 🍩. So freaking good. Great places for vegetarians there too!

[@reeldieloutdoors6798]

You nailed it! Great video. I would also add the major league sport team venues to the list. Kauffman Stadium (KC Royals) is such a relaxing venue to take in a MLB baseball game. For soccer fans, a Sporting Kansas City match at Childern's Marcy Park is a high octane experience. But back to BBQ, tailgating at Arrowhead (KC Chiefs), there is BBQ everywhere. Some people go to the game just to tailgate. So instead of going into the stadium to watch the football game, they sit in the parking lot, eat BBQ, and listen to the game.

[@benrogers354]

Great review being from the area. You didn't make it the original well not original but the older strouds which is awesome, how about them sticky buns art strouds. You hit the right places on the BBQ but so many places to hit. and LAMARS is legit. Glad you came to town.

[@ChrisACzech]

Dude, as a KC guy who lives super close to BBs Lawnside (for starters), you nailed it really well there for all the cuisine. You may have skimmed a few pizza spots, but don't worry, you'll likely get several awesome suggestions if you ever wonder!

[@Kyle36147]

Grinders is a good place to eat too. It’s in the art district in Kansas City which is really starting to expand. Stretch (the owner) is on the food channel all the time.

[@karenoberly2011]

We always went to the smoke stack for bbq. My mouth just watered lol.

[@springstonlocksmith6309]

Wish I would have known you guys were in KC. I live about 30 min away on the Kansas side. Your videos are great keep up the great work. Yall take care!!

[@woltersworld]

Thank you Cody. It was a great visit. I am sure we will be back.

[@drypotatoandjam4180]

Great video boo boo! Mmmmm good 🇺🇸

[@ElectricCueball]

It's also worth checking our some of our pizza, too -- a lot of that goes overlooked due to several different factors. We ain't NYC, but that's A-OK since we've got joints like Waldo Pizza, Providence, Martin City Taproom... heck, Marco Polo's/Jasper's on 103rd has some great stuff too.

[@HuskerIsNumberOne]

If you get a chance to go to a Kansas City Royals baseball game this season, do go. The food that's served at the games is fantastic. BBQ foods galore, not just your standard ballpark fare.

[@woltersworld]

I know! As a Cardinals fan i am still upset about '85 but i can respect a good stadium with great fans (and food) :)

[@doro5027]

I love your food vids, Keep up the good work!

[@woltersworld]

Thanks Jack! I love filming and hate editing them... because they just make me so hungry!!!!! :)

[@doro5027]

They make me hungry watching them :)

[@DanielA-nl9nv]

Pizza in Westport too.

[@michaelmeara6776]

Coming to your city for the Bill's game this week.. get your tables ready

[@sarahs3305]

Missouri represent!

[@iknowdeweybrudda6564]

Missouri side is a shithole

[@tarab7773]

The Jazz is my favorite restaurant on 39th st. Its cajun food. Best bbq is Rosedale BBQ! El Pulgarcito is a cool El Salvadorian restaurant that's delicious. I agree, Strouds is the best but they shut down the one in Fairway. We definitely have so much good food here!!!

[@woltersworld]

I didn't know about the el Salvadoran place! I need to get back!

[@zachbrown3872]

I’m sure as a traveler he would like to go Louisiana for his creole food. I had a Uber driver from Louisiana tell me that the Jazz was a huge disappointment.

[@garrettpeek3551]

Hit many highlights! Just wanted shout-out ice cream at Betty Rae's and Tropicana

[@donaldhughes6146]

Thanks for visiting my city ! The Nelson is an amazing museum.

[@woltersworld]

Seriously an incredible museum. one of the best in the country hands down.

[@donaldhughes6146]

Wolters World it really is. As a French teacher, I’m always amazed by how some of the pieces made there way to KC.

[@mikelund57]

Southwest Blvd has a big selection of Mexican restaurants..

[@tiaraashlee4026]

So sad that location of Strauds closed down it used to be a family staple for my family’s holiday dinners

[@GreatLakesDrifta]

The strouds I went to was more out by the airport/metro north and was in an old log cabin. Not sure if it is still around (havent been since the 80s) but that the one I remember. Excellent Fried Chicken.

[@billtaylor292]

It's still there! Best EVER

[@GreatLakesDrifta]

@@billtaylor292 Yeah, I remember I used to look forward to going there, due for another trip to KC once things settle down. Ha, I remember they used to wear these shirts that read "We choke our own chickens!", made me laugh as a kid.

[@ms.godgoddess8745]

Fiorella's jack stack I believe it's called, but that's good ,.... real real good 😉😉😉😉

[@cliftwingclifton1401]

brooo I loveeeee lamars

[@joshuchtman8338]

Hi WW! Another great video! Greetings from Cape Girardeau MO!

[@woltersworld]

Cape Girardeau!! We used to go to swim meets there when i was a kid! :)

[@lamontisabigdummy]

Joe's reminds me of the Eat at Joe's signs in the Bugs Bunny cartoons

[@EssaryMichele]

Go the J Gilbert's wood fired Streak and seafood. Best steak I've ever had. Melts in your mouth. No knife needed. Great sides and desserts too.

[@MissWWE20]

You need to try smokehouse BBQ and Bates city BBQ. Smokehouse has 3 location's and Bates city is located in the small town of Bates city ,mo east of the city.

[@sampeterson6538]

Lamar’s is great, but if you’re in the area, go to Mr. D’s in Shawnee

[@tjgnkc]

The best fried chicken IMO is from RC’s Chicken in Martin City, just south of the KCMO city limit.

[@Hornheart22]

No one talks about visiting Kansas City, it's a shame because I grew nearby and love it Also a place I don't hear mentioned at all is Grünauer. It's an Austrian restaurant that's a little pricey, but the food is definitely worth it.

[@heidis2330]

The best Gates BBQ is on State Ave. A real greasy spoon place but the best. You are expected to shout your order as soon as you walk in so be prepared. lol Also Zarda BBQ i like for it has a drive threw window. You missed Wyandotte BBQ OMG the most unique flavor i ever had with BBQ and delicious!

[@ebob1967]

I recommend the wild boar ragu at JJ's when you're not in the mood for BBQ.

[@woltersworld]

thanks!

[@J29creative]

BBQ!! Yes.

[@tosht2515]

- @4:29 Extra Gravy - that's me! 👍👍 - Tank 7 was the only American produced beer I saw in Belgium on tap. Don't know if Boulevard produced it before or after Duvel purchased them but it is a fantastic beer nonetheless. Boulevard is one of my favorite U.S. breweries...not a single bad beer from that joint. - Kansas City BBQ is my fifth favorite U.S. regional 'cue. 😂😂

[@corbinlegrand]

Before Duvel. But Duvel is why its sold there and the Belgians I knew love it. Says a lot about its quality.

[@tosht2515]

+Corbin LeGrand Good to know. As is my standard when I travel, I ask bartenders their favorite beer and often discover new finds. One gent in Brussels poured me a Tank 7. I thought he was definitely trolling me (knowing I'm from the U.S.) but after talking with him for a bit he genuinely loved it and said it was "one" of his current favorites.

[@woltersworld]

@@tosht2515 Tank 7 is legit good. I really liked it. Now i probably had a couple too many of them in the end, but dang they were good.

[@woltersworld]

the lady just brought it and said if i needed more she would gladly bring some more out. honestly you could eat it by itself it was so good.

[@tosht2515]

@Wolters World That's because she knows they serve great gravy. 😀👍 As for Tank 7, you know how you often warn about the highish ABV in some countries? It was of particular concern for me in Belgium. Yikes. I'm not saying I didn't have my fill...just had to consciously pace myself. 😐

[@zachg9065]

My city!

[@amadoibarra1284]

So many great places to see in Kansas City WW1 Museum / Monument, Crown Center, Union Station with Science City perfect for kids, the River Market, the Country Club Plaza, Power and Light District, and so much more.

[@woltersworld]

yes to all of them. that is what surprised me was just how many great things there were in KC. It really is an underrated city.

[@garlicgirl3149]

Wow!

[@ShouldHaveKnownYT]

“Oh, we do quails eggs barbecue” 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@lauralove8388]

2:10 looks A M A Z I N G

[@zachbrown3872]

The Z man from KC joes 😍

[@hopegoodwin2728]

Right outside KC, All Slabbed Up in Leavenworth. Nuff said. 😁

[@woltersworld]

my mom graduated highschool in leavenworth.

[@middleofsomewhere444]

I miss KC BBQ!

[@vikingshelm]

My favorite is Zarda, and my wife loves Bryant's.

[@therealrobbdee672]

Partner I just saw u on the last Kansas vid I watched

[@The144Workshop]

Strawberry Hill Povitica!

[@tarab7773]

Yesss

[@capricornmartin2414]

My home town.

[@JJoy-bk8yr]

Are you still in KC? there is observation deck on City Hall. I think it is on the 28th floor

[@ToninoRustici]

I love Kansas Cityy