The owner of this restaurant has spent most of his life outside of KC, in other parts of the world where ingredients are used and fused in innumerable ways. Longboards focuses on the wrap and noodle bowl culture in places like San Diego, Hawaii and the Philippines. Some of the items include salad bowls like the Lumpia Roll Salad, noodle bowls like the Carne Asada and massive grilled wraps. The grilled wraps have names like 'Super-A-Bomb', 'Bad Mofo', 'Samoan', 'Country Boy' and '619'. Each one has myriad items and is absolutely delicious, in fact, the '619' pays homage to San Diego and is filled with steak, shrimp, guacamole, Pepperjack cheese, olives, bacon, a hard-boiled egg, Chipotle ranch and rice, it's definitely one of the best on the menu.
This kitchen at this popular French restaurant has the ability to transform a typical French meal into a long, lasting memory. The atmosphere in the cozy dining room and outside on the bright terrace transports diners to the South of France, where outstanding food, an awesome wine list and stellar service are just as good in the Côte d'Azur. On those cold Midwest winter days, they have a private, heated tent available to comfortably accommodate diners. The dinner menu changes nightly, but some permanent examples of what you may find include Escargot in butter and garlic, the classic Steak au Poivre, Filet Mignon stuffed with Lobster and a vibrant Bouillabaisse.
Bier Station is a craft beer drinkers paradise, not only because it serves some of the finest craft beers in town, but it also has some insanely good food. The bar has 28 different rotating taps and a few are dedicated to 'session' beers (those with ABV lower than 5%). The menu features innovative twists on traditional classics like the bratwurst topped with Ponzu infused red cabbage and Wasabi mayo or the homemade pretzels served with jalapeno cheddar cheese. One other cool attribute to the bar is their website, they have a real-time tap menu to let drinkers know when their favorite beer is in or out!
Kansas City is famous for its barbecue, and this restaurant is one of the reasons why. Arthur Bryant's has been serving up slabs of slow cooked pork and beef since the 1930's. The small building is nothing fancy and resides in a somewhat disreputable part of town, but diners do not necessarily come for the ambiance. Nevertheless, Mr. Bryant has a couple of other locations around town. Casual dining is an understatement here, where guests line up, sometimes waiting up to 30 minutes just to order at the counter. Be sure to order a plate of greasy, delicious fries, and be prepared for huge portions.
When most diners think about dining in Kansas City and its environs, they conjure up images of succulent pulled pork, brisket and some of the best BBQ in the country. You would hardly think there was enough room for a fine French establishment. However, Cafe Provence is one such place outside of the city in nearby Prairie Village. The kitchen focuses on a steady repertoire of favorites from Provence like Moules Marinières, Canard au Poivre and their amazing Coquille St. Jacques. Every Tuesday the establishment also offers a wonderful four course prix fixe menu that features southern France at its finest along with some of the regions best wines.
The fact that this restaurant is next door to a gas station shouldn't deter you from trying some of the best barbecue in Kansas. It is located just over the border from Missouri's downtown KC and is consistently packed with hungry diners devouring plates of smoked meats. Some of the standards include pulled pork, beef brisket, sandwiches and their famous 'burnt ends' (the bits of bark on the brisket). In addition to this original location, there are three others around the state. Check website for full menu and details.
Owned by Michael Smith, perhaps best known for his James Beard award, Extra Virgin has a great tapas list for you to savor. The Mediterranean style menu has dishes like beef heart and gizzard skewers, crispy trotter cakes and duck tongue tacos that you can relish. The French onion soup and grilled oyster mushrooms are also delicious. The patio, which seats 50, is perfect for enjoying a meal and cocktail with friends.
Diners seeking an authentic Mexican meal will enjoy this popular spot. Reasonable prices, flavorful food, an expansive dining room and great service all contribute to the success of this casual favorite. The decor is southwestern, resulting in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Diners especially like the two types of salsa that accompany chips prior to the meal. Mexican-food lovers will devour the various entrees, including fajitas, enchiladas and tacos, all served in generous portions. Personal checks are not accepted.
Those who like authentic Italian food savor every bite at this upscale restaurant. Diners would never guess this restaurant is housed in a former freight depot. Many diners come just to see how New York restaurateur Lidia Bastianich has transformed the place. The service is excellent and the Northern Italian entrees, including Lidia's Pasta Tasting, a sample of three seasonal pasta dishes, are mouthwatering. Its charm and elegant atmosphere add an element of romance to an already top-notch setup.
Located in the historic Freight House that also houses restaurants like Lidia's and Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue, Grünauer serves authentic Austrian cuisine. The casual atmosphere of this eatery is perfect for enjoying traditional Austrian fare with friends and family. There are various sausage varieties, ranging from bratwurst to currywurst, along with eternal favorites like weiner schnitzel. You can end the meal on a sweet note with Austrian confections like Sachertorte and strudels. There are also many cocktails, wines and beers to choose from.
This innovative restaurant that features New American food is an exciting addition to the downtown KC dining scene. The menu is filled with different tastes that you would hardly think of mixing together, like the Pig's Head Ravioli or the Acorn Squash Gnocchi served with chestnuts and cranberries. On occasion, the restaurant offers a prix-fixe dinner with five different courses that include wine pairings. Check website for details and complete menu.
Easily accessible from the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Sprint Center and downtown accommodations like the Hotel Phillips, Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen provides you with an extensive wine list and menu of contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant offers dishes made from the best produce of the season, and you can savor meals like Truffled Wild Mushroom Cream Soup, Butternut Squash Risotto and the Tannin Wagyu Burger. There is a vast assortment of wines is at your disposal, which you can savor by the glass or bottle.