I fell in love with Kansas City and I hope you do too. Here are some of my favorite must-eat, must-see places...
The Kansas City International Airport (MCI) opened March 2023 with lots of local food options, techy features, gender neutral bathrooms, sensory and mother rooms, and so much more. Highly reccomend Parisi Coffee and Stockyards Brewing. Park in economy and take the shuttle or park in the VIP garage and walk across the street into the terminal. Security is still low tech (using old school buckets) but the process doesn't usually take too long. The airport itself is totally "bite sized" and super easy to navigate.
flykc.cominstagram.comtiktok.comCrossroads Hotel is totally iconic. Amazing location in the Crossroads Arts District. If you can afford it, it could rock your world. But I wouldn't know. I usually stick to the XR Cafe lobby bar and restaurant or Percheron, their seasonal rooftop bar. Check their socials for special events from art to yoga.
crossroadshotelkc.comWe stayed at the Hotel Kansas City for one of my besties birthday weekends and had a total blast. From the lobby bar to the room, we couldn't stop taking photos. Staff and service was fantastic. Felt like a KC celeb staying here. I've heard the cocktails at the bar are fabulous. Parking can be challenging but they do have valet.
instagram.comtiktok.comhyatt.comThe Loews Hotel will wow you upon entry. The lobby bar is jaw-dropping and I haven't made it out to their patio bar yet but I've heard amazing things. They even have their own little coffee shop. Fantastic walkable location to everything Downtown and Crossroads Arts District. If you can afford a night at the Loews, why not?
loewshotels.comI've never been.. but it's one of Kansas City's cutest boutique hotels. If you're looking for a unique experience or group lodging, this might be the spot! Also home to the elusive Le Lounge hotel bar.
hotelnovacancy.comI've never been but I wanted to give you another highly rated, unique, boutique hotel to check out - but this time, by the Country Club Plaza and Nelson Atkins Art Museum.
thetruitt.comThe City Market is a quintessential Kansas City spot featuring the Farmer's Market on the weekends from April to November. It can get pretty busy and challenging
instagram.comthecitymarketkc.orgEchoing the architecture of Seville, Spain, the Country Club Plaza is so aesthetic and so much fun. Opened in 1923, it was the first planned suburban shopping center and the first regional shopping center to accommodate shoppers arriving by car. Check it out! (Especially Made in KC Marketplace.)
google.comThe KC Wheel is Kansas City's very own ferris wheel. Tickets are $16 for adults, $13 for kids. You can buy them in advance or just show up! There's usually a short line, but it moves quickly. Once inside your conditioned gondola with self-controled music and lights, ride around the 150 foot obersvation wheel 3-4 times.
google.comThe National WWI Museum and Memorial is a must-see in Kansas City with stunning views of the KC skyline and a beautifully landscaped park.
theworldwar.orgThe Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a Kansas City treasure. Browse the sculpture garden, renowned galleries or even have tea or a snack in the beautiful Roselle court. The Nelson is known for its encyclopedic collection of art from nearly every continent and culture, and especially for its extensive collection of Asian art.
nelson-atkins.orgUnion Station has something for everyone from laser light shows to exhibits to Science City. A must-visit, especially around Christmas time. Discover Kansas City's historic Union Station.
A few of my favorite casual dining spots.
The most authentic Mexican tacos I've ever had in my life. Inside a market with lots of Mexican products, meats and goods.
carniceriasanantonio.comCupini's is the best casual Italian in the city. Cozy counter serves up Italian staples including pasta, pizza & panini in a laid-back setting. I love their BYO pasta bowls but you really can't go wrong here. They even have wine and beer! And don't forget the tiramisu.
Kansas City’s WORST kept SECRET is: JIM’S! This place is a bit o’ me and a bit o’ my husband Brent. Actually, I think that’s the point. I think Jim’s Alley Bar is a bit of all of us. And that’s what makes it so great. Jim was a WW2 veteran, a New Jersey mailman, he owned a trash route in the 70’s, he believed in hard work and putting family first. Great seats, great staff, great food. Jim’s is the best neighborhood bar we could ever hope for - right in the Crossroads. Everyone I talk to recommends the Italian Beef, but as an original Jersey Girl I had to get Taylor Ham - with Taylor Ham straight from Jersey, American Cheese, Over Medium Egg, a Butter Bun and Ketchup.
Every good Kansas Citian has a strong opinion about the cities BBQ. Most of the time you'll hear about Joe's, Jack Stack, or Q39. All of which are good in their own right. But my favorite is Wolfepack. I love the meat, sauce, cheese curds, cocktails, staff, and overall atmosphere. On my list to try next: Slaps BBQ.
The Crossroads Hotel lobby bar and restaurant is so underrated. I have only had great experiences here. I absolutely love their Italian Chopped Salad and pizzas. Every cocktail I've had from the bar is well-balanced and delicious. AND they are opened on Monday nights, which is hard to find in this city.
crossroadshotelkc.comtiktok.cominstagram.comA few of my favorite fine dining (date night & celebratory) spots.
This is my favorite restaurant in Kansas City. James Beard award winning chef Michael Smith brings Kansas City his delicious homemade pastas paired with his wife Nancy's amazing wine list and knowledge. And - oyster bar.
farinakc.comNoka was opened by Chef Amante Domingo as an homage to his late father who was a Japanese farmer. Seating is family style, at the bar or chef's counter. Small plates to be shared. Delicious low ABV cocktails. And an inventive seasonal menu that is sure to intrigue and delight. Sign up for their emails for specials like reverse happy hour.
google.comnoka.restaurantContemporary space with contemporary American food from acclaimed chef Ryan Brazeal and pastry chef Jessica Armstrong with seasonal ingredients and classic cocktails. My husband and I have had two incredible date nights here and both times we left so happy and satisfied. Leave room for dessert.
google.comSo far I've been to Tailleur three times and each time was more memorable than the last. I wouldn't hesitate to say the staff is the best and kindest in the entire city. The decor is inspired (by owner Heather White). The food, even more so. Try the French onion soup. Save room for dessert either here or at the bakery, Enchante, across the street.
google.comtailleuronmain.comNo trip to Weston is complete without a visit to Green Dirt Farm - and now the KC Crossroads finally has its very own Green Dirt restaurant & shop! Green Dirt on Oak is a gathering place for people who love local food! Committed to quality and sustainability, their menu is a tribute to the region’s bounty - showcasing Green Dirt Farm’s award-winning cheese, humanely-raised lamb and highlighting local growers and farmers. The cheese croquettes and lamburger were mouthwatering. Save room for the Green Dirt cheesecake.
Kansas City's Latin coffee shop is Cafe Corazon - bringing a colorful spice to the Crossroads Arts District. Specializing in classic and specialty Latinx and Indigenous coffee, espresso drinks and food. My favorite is their Mocha Sevilla, peruvian cacao with orange and homemade whipped cream, and their empanadas!
cafecorazonkc.comI crave the Filling Station's iced pistachio latte on a weekly basis. In general, their coffee slaps.
fillingstationcoffee.comHi Hat is the most adorable coffee shop I've ever been to in my life. Expect a line and outdoor seating - because it's teeny tiny but that's part of the appeal. Their menu has lots of flavor combinations that will surprise and delight!
instagram.comtiktok.comNot only is Splitlog convenient because it has a drive thru, but it also has both cozy inside seating and outdoor rooftop seating. I love their Strawberry Hill latte, named after the neighborhood it's in, and their oatmeal. This coffee shop is a hug for my soul.
splitlogcoffee.shopgoogle.comTake Care By Oleo is one of Kansas City’s most thoughtful coffee shops - highlighting the work of small coffee producers. The name ‘Take Care,’ is a tribute to work ethic on small farms from the Midwest to the countries where coffee is grown. For true craft to be passed on to future generations, we must Take Care of the products, the land which provides them, the people and families who supply and serve, and the consumer who has the final choice on what to purchase. After years of being BTS at popular coffee shops around the city, the owners decided to open their own spot and connect with the KC coffee community directly. The space is a modern take on Midwestern, approachable and blue collar with bits of antique Americana and a giant American flag - a tribute to their own American dream. Outside the colors and local artistry pop next to other popular Crossroads spots.
I'm never mad about getting brunch at Billie's Grocery. Their menu is fresh and delicious. You can't go wrong. I particularly like their Turkish eggs and I can't leave without a little treat - like a pavolva or a tart.
google.comHappy Gillis is a quintessential Kansas City breakfast and lunch spot - beloved by locals year round. I mean look at that crispy iced tea - doesn’t that look totally perfect for this 70 degree February weather? But seriously - they cook with only the freshest of ingredients and you can taste it. Check it out for your next brunch or lunch - you won’t regret it.
google.comJoin the waitlist via the Reservations button below!
Rye is my favorite "fancy" brunch. I've always had good service, great cocktails and even better food. Get a cinnamon roll for the table to share. If this spot is good enough for Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, it's good enough for me.
google.comMy favorite crepes in the city. This spot gets busy so get here before 10am on weekends to get a seat. My go-to is their classic Paris crepe with nutella and strawberries - but you can't go wrong with their fresh, seasonal menu. I also love that they serve delicious Oddly Correct coffee and have to get a cappucino with my crepe!
google.comLocated in a historic building in the East Bottoms, J. Rieger is a 3-story playground for adults. Enjoy dinner in the Monogram lounge, music outside in the Electric Garden Bar and, of course, cocktails in The Hey! Hey! Club.
jriegerco.comIf you're a gin connoisseur you have to check out Lifted Spirits. Take a tour or just grab a seat in their taproom to check out their expertly crafted cocktails.
google.comA speakeasy in the truest sense, Swordfish Tom's is a door in an alley, down a set of stairs, to a waiting room where you can only enter if the light is green. But don't worry, last time we went we only waited 20 minutes before we were let in. Check it out to try one of their seasonal cocktails or something off of the "Manhattan Project." Cash only.
google.comNamed after the country's most corrupt political boss, Tom Pendergast, Tom's Town takes you back to the prohibition era to when Kansas City was the "Paris of the Plains," and ignored the rules. Try one of their expertly crafted cocktails with their very own liquor.
toms-town.comInspired by the Industrial Revolution, West Bottoms Whiskey Co. is a Kansas City distillery & purveyor of innovative whiskeys & cocktails. Reserve their cocktail parlor for a truly special experience.
google.comBKS is such a fun spot with creative brews and labels. Check it out if you're in the neighborhood. Open 7 days a week.
Founded in 1989 in Kansas City, Missouri, Boulevard Brewing Company is moving beer forward by combining time-honored techniques with modern methods. There's something for everyone at Boulevard.
boulevard.comLaid back beers that tap into your wild side. Their space in the Crossroads is as cool as their beers. Meet up with a group for a super fun time at Casual Animal.
casualanimalbrewing.comOne of those places where the food is as good as the beer they brew - and there are cocktails. Always a good time. Check out their socials for special events.
citybarrelbrewing.comGreat brews, even better vibes. And a second home for KC's soccer fans. Check out Strange Days Brewing in the River Market.
strangedaysbrewing.com