Kansas City is a food-lover’s paradise
Invariably, when one thinks about Kansas City’s culinary offerings, barbecue most often comes to mind. With good reason. The city features more than 100 barbecue restaurants in its metro area and has billed itself the “Barbecue Capital of the World.” Still, there’s more to this burgeoning Missouri city than delicious smoked meats. Chef-owned eateries, lively food halls, classic delis and hearty steakhouses dot a city that has earned a reputation as one of the best places to dine in the country. Here are just a few of Kansas City’s finest eating establishments visitors can enjoy (including a few top-notch barbecue restaurants for good measure).
Bluestem
Bluestem has received numerous local and national accolades including being named a James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant between 2015-18. The restaurant features progressive American cuisine focusing on seasonal products, a changing menu and local ingredients. Guests may order fixed price meals of three, five or seven courses, with past offerings including dishes like rabbit cappelletti, a moist ribeye and dark chocolate mousse.
The Rieger
Located on the ground floor of the historic Rieger Hotel (opened in 1915), The Rieger features classic dishes like steak and oyster tartare, brick quail and smoked trout and also serves hand-crafted cocktails.The Rieger offers groups the option to dine in a private room.
Town Topic Hamburgers
Since 1937, the iconic Town Topic diner has been serving hamburgers to hungry patrons from across the country. Today, guests can still visit the establishment’s historic counter that has seated customers for generations and enjoy an old-fashioned hamburger, homemade chili and a slice of pie.
Barbecue
Few, if any cities, can match Kansas City’s barbecue scene. With so many exceptional establishments to choose from, it’s difficult to select just one … or three … or five spots to visit. That said, here are a few pit stops worth making: LC’s Bar-B-Q is an old-school spot that serves traditional barbecue and sides in a no-frills dining room. Perhaps the two most legendary institutions are Gates Bar-B-Q and Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque – both trace their roots directly to the godfather of barbecue, Henry Perry.
By Jason Paha
