Guidebook for Kansas City
Drinks & Nightlife
This area is known as Martini Corner. It's super close and has a good local crowd for drinks and food with great happy hour specials!
8 locals recommend
The Drop
409 E 31st StThis area is known as Martini Corner. It's super close and has a good local crowd for drinks and food with great happy hour specials!
One of the best and oldest restaurants in the city with an AMAZING bar.
15 locals recommend
JJ's Restaurant
4810 Roanoke PkwyOne of the best and oldest restaurants in the city with an AMAZING bar.
Ça Va
4149 Pennsylvania AveChamps in Westport!
Stop here to get a feel for the Waldo/Brookside neighborhood and see the biggest WALL-O-BEER I've personally ever seen. They also have amazing pretzels.
32 locals recommend
Bier Station
120 E Gregory BlvdStop here to get a feel for the Waldo/Brookside neighborhood and see the biggest WALL-O-BEER I've personally ever seen. They also have amazing pretzels.
Quite honestly....I've never been here. But every time I drive by and see the beautiful and always hoppin' open rooftop bar I think, "If I drank beer, I'd totally go there."
42 locals recommend
Westport Ale House
4128 Broadway BlvdQuite honestly....I've never been here. But every time I drive by and see the beautiful and always hoppin' open rooftop bar I think, "If I drank beer, I'd totally go there."
1924 Main St
1924 Main StreetManifesto....a super secret, super local speakeasy.
You know...when you're exhausted from being artsy in the crossroads and need a frozen cocktail.
8 locals recommend
Snow & Company
421 Westport RdYou know...when you're exhausted from being artsy in the crossroads and need a frozen cocktail.
Food Scene
Local grown coffee/sandwich/bakery with the best fresh juices in Midtown! Great outdoor patio in the heart of the Union Hill Neighborhood.
40 locals recommend
Filling Station Coffee - Midtown
2980 McGee TrafficwayLocal grown coffee/sandwich/bakery with the best fresh juices in Midtown! Great outdoor patio in the heart of the Union Hill Neighborhood.
Westport, the epitome of KC LOCAL. It claims some of the best local fare & nightlife the city has to offer...very walkable. Port Fonda's, Korma Sutra, & Murray's Ice Cream are the holy food trinity.
22 locals recommend
Westport Road
Westport RoadWestport, the epitome of KC LOCAL. It claims some of the best local fare & nightlife the city has to offer...very walkable. Port Fonda's, Korma Sutra, & Murray's Ice Cream are the holy food trinity.
iPho Tower Vietnamese-French Bistro
3623 Broadway BlvdBest Vietnamese-French Fusion in the city.
Best Thai in the City....the Mushroom Curry is crazy good.
39 locals recommend
Lulu's Thai Noodle Shop
2030 Central StBest Thai in the City....the Mushroom Curry is crazy good.
Town Topic Hamburgers Broadway
2021 Broadway BlvdBest Diner Burger and Onion Rings in the City!
Beignet
307 Main StFour Words....Peanut Butter & Jelly Beignet.
Nara
1617 Main StBest Sushi in town....and I am a Sushi connoisseur.
BEST, yet pricy, little unassuming French Food in town with real French chefs and owners....and oh yeah, sometimes your waiter will break out in song. You just never know.
40 locals recommend
Le Fou Frog
400 E 5th StBEST, yet pricy, little unassuming French Food in town with real French chefs and owners....and oh yeah, sometimes your waiter will break out in song. You just never know.
Historic Summit Street is a hidden local favorite & has some of the best eats in town including Blue Bird Bistro and Chez Elle. There are also fun local shops & an all around cool outside atmosphere.
Summit Street
Summit StreetHistoric Summit Street is a hidden local favorite & has some of the best eats in town including Blue Bird Bistro and Chez Elle. There are also fun local shops & an all around cool outside atmosphere.
blue bird bistro
1700 Summit StBest Breakfast in the city.
I don't care what you've heard...but THIS is the BEST BBQ IN TOWN. Arthur Bryant's on Brooklyn is a fun "check the box" stop for BBQ historians, but if you want the best...OK Joe's is where it's at.
344 locals recommend
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
3002 W 47th AveI don't care what you've heard...but THIS is the BEST BBQ IN TOWN. Arthur Bryant's on Brooklyn is a fun "check the box" stop for BBQ historians, but if you want the best...OK Joe's is where it's at.
Something Different...Something German. Fine dining with a fun twist. You won't regret this stop.
17 locals recommend
Affäre
1911 Main StSomething Different...Something German. Fine dining with a fun twist. You won't regret this stop.
Californos
4124 Pennsylvania AveBest patio in Westport...all natural cuisine.
801 Chophouse
71 E 14th StThe BEST Steak in the city.
Port Fonda
4141 Pennsylvania AveBest Mexican in town.
Moti Mahal II
4113 Pennsylvania AveBest Indian Food in town.
Rosso
901 West 48th StreetBest Italian Fusion with a view of the Plaza to die for. Ambiance out the wazoo.
Garozzo's
526 Harrison StThe original Italian Restaurant. In the heart of KC's Little Italy.
Peanut on Main
5000 Main StTHE BEST WINGS.....let's just say in the world.
Hamburger Mary's
3700 Broadway BlvdGIANT burgers served by drag queens.
If you're in a pinch and need an authentic drive through....get a burrito from this place. It might change your life.
7 locals recommend
Pancho's
3540 Main StIf you're in a pinch and need an authentic drive through....get a burrito from this place. It might change your life.
Five Guys
118 Conistor StThose fries, though....
The Farmhouse
300 Delaware StBest Local Fresh in town.
The Godfather of Coffee in KC....The Roasterie is also located in Brookside, which is a really fun walkable and shoppable neighborhood. Brookside also hosts a Farmer's Market on the weekends!
91 locals recommend
The Roasterie Cafe
1204 W 27th StThe Godfather of Coffee in KC....The Roasterie is also located in Brookside, which is a really fun walkable and shoppable neighborhood. Brookside also hosts a Farmer's Market on the weekends!
If you're weird like me and want to sample the best fried livers and gizzards in town (with house made hot sauce for dipping) go here. You're welcome.
9 locals recommend
Go Chicken Go
5101 Troost AveIf you're weird like me and want to sample the best fried livers and gizzards in town (with house made hot sauce for dipping) go here. You're welcome.
The Best Fried Chicken in the World. So says the world, not me. But I do say so, too. AMAZING.
12 locals recommend
Stroud's Oak Ridge Manor
5410 NE Oak Ridge DrThe Best Fried Chicken in the World. So says the world, not me. But I do say so, too. AMAZING.
d'Bronx
3904 Bell StBEST New York Style Pizza in town.
BEST custom by-the-slice pizza in town. TAKE ME WITH YOU!
13 locals recommend
Milwaukee Delicatessen Company
101 W 9th StBEST custom by-the-slice pizza in town. TAKE ME WITH YOU!
Arts & Culture
The Nelson in rated top 5 Museums in the country..& did I mention it's free! Tons to do inside & out on the huge lawn (picnic paradise) or feel like royalty & eat inside..this is a CAN'T MISS in KC.
674 locals recommend
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak StThe Nelson in rated top 5 Museums in the country..& did I mention it's free! Tons to do inside & out on the huge lawn (picnic paradise) or feel like royalty & eat inside..this is a CAN'T MISS in KC.
If you are lucky enough to be in KC for a First Friday....this is THE PLACE to be. From open art spaces to food, music, & all around good times. First Friday's in the Crossroads is a DON'T MISS in KC.
158 locals recommend
Crossroads
If you are lucky enough to be in KC for a First Friday....this is THE PLACE to be. From open art spaces to food, music, & all around good times. First Friday's in the Crossroads is a DON'T MISS in KC.
Wanna go to the movies? This is the Hearst Castle of Cinema.
66 locals recommend
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Wanna go to the movies? This is the Hearst Castle of Cinema.
Quirky fun....and the view of the city from the corner is AMAZING.
12 locals recommend
Escape Room Kansas City
511 W 4th StQuirky fun....and the view of the city from the corner is AMAZING.
Entertainment & Activities
Where to start? Ice skating, giant patios for outside fun. D'Bronx Pizza! Take in a show at the nationally renowned Coterie Theatre, visit the Hallmark Museum & the Kaleidoscope for kiddos, you pick!
234 locals recommend
Crown Center
2450 Grand BlvdWhere to start? Ice skating, giant patios for outside fun. D'Bronx Pizza! Take in a show at the nationally renowned Coterie Theatre, visit the Hallmark Museum & the Kaleidoscope for kiddos, you pick!
This is a giant trek, but it is also a working dairy farm that your kids can tour and sample Shatto's famous flavored milk (rootbeer and cotton candy just to name a few!)
Shatto Milk Company
This is a giant trek, but it is also a working dairy farm that your kids can tour and sample Shatto's famous flavored milk (rootbeer and cotton candy just to name a few!)
I normally would insist you avoid the burbs....but this farm is THE BOMB. And your kids will remember it FOREVER. It's an actual farm with tons of animals and farm learnin'. I love this place.
59 locals recommend
Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
13800 Switzer RdI normally would insist you avoid the burbs....but this farm is THE BOMB. And your kids will remember it FOREVER. It's an actual farm with tons of animals and farm learnin'. I love this place.
Our zoo is pretty dang amazing and it's really affordable. We have a new Penguin and Orangutan exhibit...and if you're lazy like me you can travel the entire zoo by train, tram, and sky safari!
214 locals recommend
Kansas City Zoo
6800 Zoo DrOur zoo is pretty dang amazing and it's really affordable. We have a new Penguin and Orangutan exhibit...and if you're lazy like me you can travel the entire zoo by train, tram, and sky safari!
This is my favorite playground because there is a dragon and a pirate ship. And the playground equipment is AMAZING.
Sheila Kemper Dietrich Park
This is my favorite playground because there is a dragon and a pirate ship. And the playground equipment is AMAZING.
The kids section is really fun and just a skip off the plaza. Glace ice cream shop is a block away, this is a kid friendly combo.
11 locals recommend
Kansas City Public Library: Plaza Branch
4801 Main StThe kids section is really fun and just a skip off the plaza. Glace ice cream shop is a block away, this is a kid friendly combo.
This Conservation Center is really beautiful and secluded though right in the center of the city. Just off Brush Creek, you kids will feel like their worlds away in the woods!
12 locals recommend
Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
4750 Troost AveThis Conservation Center is really beautiful and secluded though right in the center of the city. Just off Brush Creek, you kids will feel like their worlds away in the woods!
Sightseeing
Young or Old, Union Station is the heart of KC & it's a MUST SEE on your trip! Science City, Theatre for Young America, Fine and Casual dining, Railroad museum, IMAX movies, & the architecture!! OH MY
58 locals recommend
Union Station
Young or Old, Union Station is the heart of KC & it's a MUST SEE on your trip! Science City, Theatre for Young America, Fine and Casual dining, Railroad museum, IMAX movies, & the architecture!! OH MY
Great shops & good eats in this historic plaza. Some of my favorite places to chow down are Blanc Burgers, Classic Cup, and Fogo de Chao. You can also catch a movie or stroll & admire the fountains.
505 locals recommend
Country Club Plaza
4706 Broadway BlvdGreat shops & good eats in this historic plaza. Some of my favorite places to chow down are Blanc Burgers, Classic Cup, and Fogo de Chao. You can also catch a movie or stroll & admire the fountains.
Stop by on the weekend & see what's cookin at the Farmer's Market..also home to Blue Nile-the Best African Food in Town! Then explore the rest of the neighborhood & walk out on the river overlook!
226 locals recommend
River Market
Stop by on the weekend & see what's cookin at the Farmer's Market..also home to Blue Nile-the Best African Food in Town! Then explore the rest of the neighborhood & walk out on the river overlook!
This museum is not only a sight to behold, it is also recently the official National WWI Memorial. You don't have to love history to enjoy this place. Go to the top of the tower & overlook the city!
400 locals recommend
National WWI Museum and Memorial
2 Memorial DrThis museum is not only a sight to behold, it is also recently the official National WWI Memorial. You don't have to love history to enjoy this place. Go to the top of the tower & overlook the city!
18th And Vine And Downtown East
If you like Jazz...this is a must do.
A First Friday's Haven for shopping, and quite frankly, you never know what you'll find down there for entertainment. Just taking the 12th Street Viaduct to get there is half the fun! American Royal!
79 locals recommend
West Bottoms
A First Friday's Haven for shopping, and quite frankly, you never know what you'll find down there for entertainment. Just taking the 12th Street Viaduct to get there is half the fun! American Royal!
Taste and learn about the Godfather of the now booming beer scene in KC. You can view the factory and watch them make beer! Take a tour and drink a brew.
174 locals recommend
Boulevard Brewing Company
2501 Southwest BlvdTaste and learn about the Godfather of the now booming beer scene in KC. You can view the factory and watch them make beer! Take a tour and drink a brew.
Learn about the Fed and walk away with a bag of shredded money. Like a boss.
22 locals recommend
The Money Museum
1 Memorial DrLearn about the Fed and walk away with a bag of shredded money. Like a boss.
Beautiful walking trail and lots of historic goodies like the giant Rose Garden. Feed the ducks at the pond, picnic, or play on the playground. Loose Park is a cool place.
213 locals recommend
Jacob L. Loose Park
5200 Wornall RdBeautiful walking trail and lots of historic goodies like the giant Rose Garden. Feed the ducks at the pond, picnic, or play on the playground. Loose Park is a cool place.
This place is a little off the gentrified path, but it is a gem. Tons of history in this neighborhood.
32 locals recommend
Kansas City Museum
3218 Gladstone BlvdThis place is a little off the gentrified path, but it is a gem. Tons of history in this neighborhood.
This historic downtown building is one of my favorites & has a secret only the locals know. Go to the top floor on the rooftop deck & look out over the city while playing on the life size chess board!
23 locals recommend
The Kansas City Public Library: Central Library
14 W 10th StThis historic downtown building is one of my favorites & has a secret only the locals know. Go to the top floor on the rooftop deck & look out over the city while playing on the life size chess board!
This is one of my favorite and FREE things to do in KC. The gardens are quaint and always ravishing. Take a stroll and get lost in botanical bliss here.
63 locals recommend
The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden
4800 Rockhill RdThis is one of my favorite and FREE things to do in KC. The gardens are quaint and always ravishing. Take a stroll and get lost in botanical bliss here.
Kansas City B-cycle at 12th and Wyandotte
1198 Wyandotte StGrab a bike and see it all!
Kansas City B-cycle at 12th and Wyandotte
1198 Wyandotte StGrab a bike and see it all!
This is the closest B-Cycle Station to our house, and here is a map with the rest! https://kc.bcycle.com/station-map
1 Westport Rd
1 Westport RoadThis is the closest B-Cycle Station to our house, and here is a map with the rest! https://kc.bcycle.com/station-map
Everything Else
Natasha's Mulberry & Mott
4745 Central StBest Bakery with delectable treats....my favorite are the macaroons!
This locally started, now national chocolatier knows all the right ways to satisfy your chocolate fix! The Cayenne Pepper and Sea Salt Turtles will BLOW YOUR MIND. Your welcome.
23 locals recommend
Christopher Elbow Chocolates
1819 McGee StThis locally started, now national chocolatier knows all the right ways to satisfy your chocolate fix! The Cayenne Pepper and Sea Salt Turtles will BLOW YOUR MIND. Your welcome.
Glacé Artisan Ice Cream
4960 Main StBest artisan ice-cream flavors ever.
Glace Artisan Ice Cream
Best artisan Ice Cream flavors ever.
These guys are a hidden secret, homemade ice cream, tucked away in Westport. Cash only. Thu - Sun:
12:00 pm - 9:30 pm
March-October
6 locals recommend
Murray's Ice Creams & Cookies
4120 Pennsylvania AveThese guys are a hidden secret, homemade ice cream, tucked away in Westport. Cash only. Thu - Sun:
12:00 pm - 9:30 pm
March-October
Donut King
2320 Armour RdIt's a bit of a drive, but it's open late (10:00pm) and the best donut in town.
Modern Art with a cool little restaurant, Cafe Sebastien. Right next door to the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. A MUST SEE.
138 locals recommend
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
4420 Warwick BlvdModern Art with a cool little restaurant, Cafe Sebastien. Right next door to the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. A MUST SEE.
Tennis Courts, Hyde Park
209 E 36th StPlay Tennis HERE.
Cliff Drive Scenic Byway
Cliff Drive Scenic BywayTop 3 places for a view of the city.
Liberty Memorial
2 Memorial DriveTop 3 best view of the city!
If you want to just hang out by the pool....this is a great place to go....$5 gets you pool access for the day!
The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
1 E Pershing RdIf you want to just hang out by the pool....this is a great place to go....$5 gets you pool access for the day!
PLAZA NAILS
4636 Wyandotte StIf you need a quick mani/pedi...this is my go to spot.
Has all of this traveling got you in knots? Go see my chiropractor and get an adjustment, massage, acupuncture, or all of the above. You won't regret meeting Dr. Rob.
Integrative Health Center
317 Delaware StHas all of this traveling got you in knots? Go see my chiropractor and get an adjustment, massage, acupuncture, or all of the above. You won't regret meeting Dr. Rob.
Want to work out? This park right off the plaza has an amazing OUTDOOR total body circuit machines around it's jogging trail. No muscle will be left untoned if you hit every circuit.
19 locals recommend
Mill Creek Park
Broadway BoulevardWant to work out? This park right off the plaza has an amazing OUTDOOR total body circuit machines around it's jogging trail. No muscle will be left untoned if you hit every circuit.
Shopping
KC's version of Neiman Marcus...sometimes you just need a ball gown and Prada shoes...and a Chanel make-up counter!
7 locals recommend
Halls Kansas City
2450 Grand BlvdKC's version of Neiman Marcus...sometimes you just need a ball gown and Prada shoes...and a Chanel make-up counter!
The Bunker
4056 Broadway BlvdGreat LOCAL shopping for your inner (or outer) hipster.
Standard Style
451 W 47th StI dub this shop LOCAL FANCY HIPSTER. I like it.
Find Local Designer Wares here. Including original KC Designs by Freelance.
Garment District Boutique
1350 Main StFind Local Designer Wares here. Including original KC Designs by Freelance.
BLDWN Market
422 Nichols RdFancy cool LOCAL clothing shop.
This is where one goes when one wants to leave KC with some bangin' LOCAL KC SWAG. You're welcome.
Normal Human
1413 West 11th StreetThis is where one goes when one wants to leave KC with some bangin' LOCAL KC SWAG. You're welcome.
Who says San Fransisco is the only city with shopping in the Alleys!? Yep, we got that, too. But hey, this is the KC Crossroads where coolness oozes from the sidewalks.
115 W 18th St
115 West 18th StreetWho says San Fransisco is the only city with shopping in the Alleys!? Yep, we got that, too. But hey, this is the KC Crossroads where coolness oozes from the sidewalks.