Discover the Heart of Kansas City, MO Through Its Culinary Scene: 10 MustVisit Restaurants

Kansas City, MO is a city with deep roots and a rich history. Its also known for its friendly locals, vibrant arts scene, and mouthwatering cuisine. With so much to see and explore in this lively city, it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to start. Thats why weve done the hard work for you by putting together a list of ten mustvisit restaurants that embody the heart and soul of Kansas City.

1) Arthur Bryants (1727 Brooklyn Ave): No visit to KC is complete without sampling some of its worldrenowned BBQ. And when it comes to BBQ joints in town, nothing beats Arthur Bryants. This institution has been serving up saucy ribs, burnt ends, and brisket since 1930.

2) Gates BarBQ (1221 Brooklyn Ave): Another staple on KCs BBQ scene is Gates BarBQ. Their signature sauce is spicy and tangy making every bite more delicious than the last.

3) Q39 (1000 W 39th St): For those looking for something a little more modern while still keeping their BBQ appetites satisfied head over to Q39. Here they serve awardwinning woodfired meats like brisket sandwiches loaded with pickled onions or perfectly smoked pulled pork bathed in peach habanero salsa.

4) Jack Stack Barbecue (101 W 22nd St #300): A classy atmosphere awaits at Jack Stacks fine dining restaurant located just south downtown near Union Station this place will make even nonmeat eaters become barbecue lovers!

5) Lidias Italy Kansas City & ViniCultural Center (101 West Twenty Second Street). Chef Lidia Bastianichs tribute restaurant offers homestyle Italian food which takes you into her hometown kitchen as well as culinary classes. Here you can learn the art of fresh pasta making and Italian cuisine from Chef Lidia herself.

6) Novel (1927 McGee St): This is a place that calls itself progressive American cuisine meaning they strive to use local ingredients in contemporary dishes like a white bean dip with flaky, warm roti bread or spicy tuna tartare accompanied by avocado crme frache on deliciously toasted sourdough bread.

7) Heirloom Bakery & Hearth (401 E 63rd St #110): A cozy bakery that makes some of the best artisanal loaves of bread used for sandwiches their focaccia and grilled cheese is outofthisworld good as well as any pastry you try!

8) The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange (1924 Main St): The Rieger offers both classic cocktails and hearty Midwestern plates like pork chops or hanger steak. Try this speakeasythemed spots famous pigs head with black garlic Barnaise sauce for something different but delicious!

9) a Va Champagne Bar (4149 Pennsylvania Ave): Theres no better way to ring in the night than with bubbles! This Europeanstyle champagne house has plenty of brands including many local Missouri wines that are perfect for celebratory occasions or just because its Tuesday night, after all!

10) Monarch Cocktail Bar & Lounge: With its sleek industrial dcor, this cocktail bar brings together Kansas City classic history ambiance with modern mixology techniques utilizing locally sourced produce. From Pimms cups to Old Fashioneds there isnt anything they cant serve up brilliantly at Monarch.

These ten restaurants represent some of the best flavors Kansas City has to offer whether youre craving BBQ meats, bakeries treats, craft cocktails or finedining experiences featuring worldclass chefs using farmtotable ingredients these places will satisfy your every desire while enlightening your senses for the culturally rich and vibrant city that is Kansas City, MO.

Arthur Bryants (@arthurbryantsbbq)

Gates BarBQ (@gates_bbq)

Q39 (@q39kc)

Jack Stack Barbecue (22nd & Broadway)

Lidias Italy Kansas City & ViniCultural Center @lidiaspittsburgh

Novel Restaurant KC Cafe @novelkansascity

Heirloom Bakery & Hearth @heirloombakeryandhearth

The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange Instagram: @theriegerkc

a Va Champagne Bar @cavafizz

Monarch Cocktail Bar & Lounge Instagram: monarchkclounge