Planning a visit to Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City? Once a bustling hub of warehouses and manufacturing, the Crossroads has transformed into an eclectic blend of art galleries, unique boutiques, and, most notably, a diverse array of locally owned eateries.
This shift has not only revitalized the area but also turned it into a culinary destination, making it an integral part of Kansas City’s food scene. In this guide, us locals are covering 33 – yes, 33! – restaurants in Crossroads.
For those less inclined to read the entire list, we start with our top 13 restaurant recommendations.
Whether you’re looking for an authentic ethnic cuisine or upscale dining to impress, Crossroads has you covered.
Crossroads Culinary Scene
What sets the Crossroads apart in Kansas City’s culinary scene is its commitment to innovation and creativity. Restaurants here are not just places to eat; they are experiences.
Many chefs in the area are known for pushing culinary boundaries, experimenting with unique ingredients, and reimagining traditional dishes.
This spirit of creativity is not just confined to the plate; several restaurants feature local art, offer live music, and provide a setting that is as memorable as the food.
For locals and visitors alike, the Crossroads offers a taste of Kansas City’s innovative spirit, a place where art and cuisine come together to create a truly unique dining experience.
Do I Need A Reservation?
As Kansas City locals for over a decade, we remember a time when you didn’t need to make a reservation prior to the week of.
As Kansas City has grown in popularity (which we love to see!), the need for an advanced reservation has become a thing. For any of the more upscale restaurants, you’ll definitely want to make a reservation at least a week in advance, especially during the district’s First Friday weekends.
13 Must-Visit Crossroads Restaurants
While all of the restaurants in this post are ones that we personally would (and do) visit, there are some that we find ourselves returning to again and again. Below are our top recommendations.
1. Rockhill Grille
Cuisine: New American
Pricing: $$
Sophisticated, airy space serving elevated, modern American dishes. Notable dishes include the bruschetta, prime rib sandwich, brussels sprout salad, pig wings, and deviled eggs. Their cocktail game is exceptional as well.
With candle-lit tables, green leather chairs, and artsy chandeliers, there is an intimate, romantic ambiance. When we dine in, we opt to sit on the second floor next to a window for a great view of Crossroads.
2. Parlor
Cuisine: Food Hall
Pricing: $$
As downtown Kansas City’s only food hall concept, several of Kansas City’s chefs had their start with a food counter in Parlor. You can expect an inviting atmosphere where socialization is encouraged.
The space itself is impressive, spread across three levels and featuring a variety of unique spots to enjoy the ambiance, including a patio with great views of Crossroads.
Adding to its charm are two incredible bars that offer craft beer and house-created artisanal cocktails.
Once you’ve made your choice from the six concepts, you order at the counter, grab a table, and they’ll text you when your order is ready.
Although there is a wide array of seating options – including lounge style seating – it does get busy on the weekends, and tables may be hard to find. We recommend you get there early.
This is a great option for larger groups. Additionally, they have live music on Friday and Saturday evenings.
3. City Barrel Brewery + Kitchen
Cuisine: Gastropub
Pricing: $$
City Barrel, nestled in East Crossroads, is a unique culinary and brewing destination that combines a love for hoppy, wild, and sour beers with an innovative culinary approach. City Barrel’s space is as unique as its offerings.
The backdrop behind the bar, made of reclaimed wood from the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, adds a touch of historical and artistic significance. The open-concept brewery and restaurant feature a wide picture window into the kitchen, allowing guests to observe the culinary magic as it happens.
Seasonal dishes inspired by local farmers ensure that the menu is always fresh and aligned with the region’s produce. Notable dishes include the smoked jalapeno buffalo wings, double smash burger, Second Best espresso bacon burger, and bulgogi beef tacos.
4. Mission Taco
Cuisine: Mexican Street Food
Pricing: $ – $$
Mission Taco Joint is inspired by the vibrant street food culture of California. The menu offers a wide array of options, including appetizers like queso con chorizo and guacamole, a variety of unique tacos served a la carte, burritos, and tortas. The dishes are infused with fresh, bold flavors, reflecting the diverse culinary landscape of the West Coast.
The bright, vibrant and laid-back ambiance makes you feel welcomed right away – and we love the fun lucha libre masks incorporated into the decor throughout the space.
Notable dishes include the carne asada fries, barbecue duck taco, Mexican street corn fritters, and house-made churros.
5. Novel
Cuisine: New American
Pricing: $$$
The ambiance of Novel is a blend of contemporary artistry and cozy hospitality. You’re welcomed into a dining room adorned with a fifty-foot-long tile mosaic and an open kitchen, creating an engaging dining atmosphere.
Their approach to cuisine is innovative yet approachable, with a menu that showcases a creative blend of flavors and techniques. They source locally and offer dishes that highlight seasonal produce. With sophisticated entrees like the Hamachi Crudo and Beef Sirloin Tartare, each dish is carefully crafted to offer a unique taste experience.
Notable dishes include the duck neck agnolotti, butternut squash ravioli, and wild Alaskan halibut.
6. Corvino
Cuisine: New American
Pricing: $$$$
Corvino offers two different culinary experiences: a supper club where sharing is the norm, and a tasting room for a more intimate, curated dining encounter. The upscale, elegant New American fare is paired with live jazz music and dimmed lights to create an intimate, romantic ambiance.
Their main space, the Supper Club, offers a wide variety of shareable plates based on seasonality.
For a more unique date night, consider their Tasting Room, which offers 10 courses for $150. It is a small, intimate dining experience complete with an open kitchen, and access to Chef Michael Corvino. Over roughly two and a half hours, you’ll embark on a culinary journey while the sommelier provides thoughtfully selected wine pairings that seamlessly complement the menu.
With several accolades from the James Beard Foundation, this one is a must visit. Notable dishes include the gnocchi bolognese and seaweed donuts – it sounds strange, but just trust us on this one.
7. Extra Virgin
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Pricing: $$
Extra Virgin is a culinary destination that stands out for its inventive tapas, wine, and cocktails menu. Helmed by James Beard Award Winning Michael Smith, Extra Virgin reflects his extensive European artisanal training and passion for cooking.
Extra Virgin’s Mediterranean-inspired menu offers a variety of dishes that include hummus, marinated olives, various salads, falafel, and an assortment of meats and seafood like scallop ceviche, steamed mussels, and grilled ribeye. Each dish is crafted to showcase unique flavors and fresh ingredients.
We love the bright, lively interior with artistic touches. In addition to their excellent dishes, Extra Virgin offers a welcoming atmosphere. Notable dishes include chickpea fritters, steamed mussels, and lamb kebab.
8. Baramee Thai Bistro
Cuisine: Northern Thai
Pricing: $$
In Thai, Baramee means to fulfill yourself by making others happy, and you can be sure that you’ll leave happy after trying the delectable curries and basil fried rice. You can count on authenticity – the chef-owner is from Thailand and infuses flavors from her homeland into each dish.
Baramee has a serene environment and high-quality service – it’s our go-to for authentic Thai. Notable dishes include tom yum soup, tiger cry beef, and pad ka prao.
9. Farina
Cuisine: Italian
Pricing: $$$$
Farina brings an innovative take on Italian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and a culinary approach that respects tradition while embracing innovation.
Well known, James Beard award-winning Chef Michael Smith drives the menu, ensuring that each dish is thoughtfully curated. The open-concept kitchen allows diners to see the culinary action.
Farina’s menu showcases a fusion of Italian and Mediterranean flavors. Each plate is artfully presented, and the attention to detail extends to their wine list, which features exceptional vintages from Italy and beyond.
The restaurant also features an oyster bar and a raw bar with shellfish and fish flown in daily.
The ambiance is modern, sleek, and upscale with contemporary art. The menu changes seasonally, with the exception of the Four Kings of Rome: Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, Rigatoni all’Amatriciana, Tagliatelle Bolognese and Bucatini Carbonara.
10. Jack Stack Freight House
Cuisine: Barbecue
Pricing: $$
Renowned for its quality hickory-smoked meats, fresh seafood, and a range of delectable sides, Jack Stack Barbecue Freight House caters to a variety of dining needs. It’s located in a historic converted freight house, boasting impressive 25-foot ceilings, a fireplace lounge with a full-service bar, and versatile dining areas, both indoor and outdoor.
This location is a great option for large group gatherings.
Jack Stack is a family-run establishment that was founded in 1957 as a traditional storefront barbecue stand. With several locations around Kansas City, they have grown to one of the premiere KC barbecue restaurants. Notable dishes include burnt ends, jalapeno cornbread, fried mushrooms, and lamb ribs.
11. Lazia
Cuisine: Italian
Price $$$
Lazia is an upscale trattoria with a sophisticated, modern approach to classic Italian flavors. Upon arrival, you’ll be treated to a taste of their house-made amaro.
The ambiance is warm and inviting. Their menu features a wide range of elevated Italian dishes, including shareable main courses of meat and seafood entrees, handmade pastas, and wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas.
We love their house-made focaccia – and the hand-pulled mozzarella is not only delectable, it is done tableside. They are known for creative cocktails and a carefully curated wine list.
Located in the Crossroads Hotel, it is best that you make a reservation in advance and utilize the valet parking.
12. Grünauer
Cuisine: Austrian
Pricing: $$
Grünauer stands as a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Vienna. This family-operated restaurant, established in 2010, is an extension of the Grünauer family’s sixty-year legacy of running a traditional Viennese restaurant, Gasthaus Grünauer, in Austria’s capital.
The restaurant’s menu is a tribute to classic Viennese techniques and family recipes. Utilizing high-quality products and local ingredients, Grunauer offers a dining experience that upholds both tradition and quality.
From traditional Wiener Schnitzel to Sacher Torte, the dishes represent a culinary journey through Central Europe. Notable dishes include goulash, apple strudel, and spatzle.
13. Cafe Gratitude
Cuisine: Vegan
Pricing: $$
Cafe Gratitude offers a unique farm-to-table experience with a focus on organic and predominantly vegan cuisine. Since its establishment, the restaurant has been committed to serving a variety of creative dishes, from salads and savory bowls to raw food items and brunch options, along with juices and smoothies.
The restaurant’s approach is not just about serving food but also about promoting a lifestyle of gratitude and wellbeing. This philosophy extends to their menu, which features creative and fresh organic dishes with names like “I Am Fulfilled.”
Cafe Gratitude’s warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it a favorite among both strict vegans and those simply seeking a wholesome, nutritious meal. The restaurant has become a go-to destination for those who appreciate a thoughtful, health-conscious approach to dining
Also Notable: More Crossroads Restaurants Worth Visiting
Continuing along, we have additional Crossroads restaurants that are worth visiting. Several of these would make for a great lunch option following a morning of shopping local!
Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop
Cuisine: Thai
Pricing: $$
A local favorite, Lulu’s offers a blend of traditional Thai flavors with a modern approach. Popular dishes include the Wild Mushroom Curry, featuring a mix of four types of mushrooms, and other favorites like Drunken Noodles, Pad Thai, Blazing Wok Bowl, and Basil Fried Rice.
Over the years, Lulu’s has become a cherished spot for families and individuals alike, known for its consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere.
This blend of traditional recipes, a focus on vegetarian cuisine, and a commitment to quality makes Lulu’s a beloved destination for Thai food lovers in Kansas City.
Lidia’s
Cuisine: Italian
Pricing: $$$
When it comes to Italian cuisine, Lidia Bastianich is the Godmother of Kansas City.
Housed in a historic railroad building, the ambiance – featuring old Italian farmhouse vibes – is as authentic as the pasta. And the pasta! Many opt for the Pasta Trio, served tableside, is a daily three course pasta special – and you can get as many seconds – thirds, fourths – as you want. It’s not just dinner; it’s an event.
With fresh, locally sourced ingredients and an extensive wine list, Lidia’s is a local favorite. Although her culinary career has taken her beyond Kansas City, Lidia has continued to provide culinary excellence to the Kansas City foodie scene.
Kobi Q
Cuisine: Korean
Pricing: $$
Kobi-Q offers a delightful exploration of Korean barbecue, comfort foods, street foods, and Asian-American dishes.
Their menu is a homage to Korean culinary traditions and contemporary Asian-American flavors. The ambiance is laid-back yet trendy, and the service is always welcoming.
Blvd Tavern
Cuisine: Gastropub
Pricing: $$
BLVD Tavern, established in 2015, is a modern American Tavern focused on delivering warm hospitality and delicious food in a comfortable neighborhood setting. Their menu changes frequently and focuses on seasonal ingredients with everything prepared from scratch.
They are known for their weekend brunch options, featuring bottomless mimosas and flights.
Buffalo State Pizza
Cuisine: New York Style Pizza
Pricing: $$
Buffalo State Pizza Co., with a philosophy that great pizza is more than just a cheese pizza in a box, is about bringing people together, one slice at a time. This establishment takes pride in serving their traditional “New York Style Pie“, characterized by its large slices, unique topping creations, and an atmosphere that’s welcoming.
In addition to their pizzas, Buffalo State Pizza Co. also offers a selection of great craft beers on tap, complementing their food offerings. Their approach to pizza-making and service is summed up in their belief: “You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy our pizza, and that’s damn close”
Tacos Valentina in Torn Label
Cuisine: Mexican
Pricing: $ – $$
Tacos Valentina, initially a pop-up concept born from a simple passion for tacos, has evolved into a collaborative project deeply rooted in the appreciation of Mexican cultural identity.
The food is locally sourced, with ingredients coming from both Missouri/Kansas and heirloom farms in Mexico. Their masa is made using heirloom Mexican corn from regions like Oaxaca and Estado de Mexico, it is small-batch stone-milled, ensuring the highest quality. This masa is milled daily and hand-pressed to order.
In addition to inventive tacos, they offer an array of small plates as well as burritos and quesadillas. Tacos Valentina is located in Torn Label Brewery, so you can enjoy local eats paired with local brews.
Brewery Emperial
Cuisine: Gastropub
Pricing: $$
The mission of Brewery Emperial is to provide the highest quality locally sourced products in a casual environment – and they do just that. The kitschy vibe of the brewery is enhanced by a great wood-fired oven visible from the dining room and a spacious beer garden, complete with firepits.
Brewery Emperial’s kitchen dishes out excellent gastropub fare. They offer seasonally and locally sourced dishes that pair perfectly with their beer selection. Popular items include bavarian pretzel, fried pickles, craft burgers and sandwiches, and garlic parmesan fries.
They brew great ales and lagers, and for those who aren’t feeling a frothy brew, they have an excellent craft cocktail menu.
Grinders Pizza
Cuisine: American
Pricing: $ – $$
Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Grinders is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culmination of food, art, and music. The founder has created a space that is a reflection of his eclectic and vibrant personality.
Grinders has garnered widespread recognition for its unique approach to the dining experience, blending elements of classic dive joints with quality food and a lively atmosphere. The space is perfect for both casual diners and those looking for a unique experience.
They started with New York-style pizzas and expanded their menu to include burgers, sandwiches, calzones, and their infamous “Death Wings”.
Guy’s Broadway Bodega
Cuisine: American
Pricing: $ – $$
Guy’s Bodega is a counter-serve bodega with NYC vibes. The establishment’s daily specials and a wide range of sandwiches add to the diversity of their menu. They also have a market if you’re looking for snack options.
Kata Nori
Cuisine: Japanese
Pricing: $$$
The highly-anticipated Kata Nori is a newer restaurant in Crossroads. This hand roll sushi bar stands out for its focus on the artistry of sushi hand rolls and crudos. As the first of its kind in the city, Kata Nori offers a fresh and unique addition to Kansas City’s culinary scene.
The design features a sleek and modern aesthetic, creating a hip, comfortable, and inviting atmosphere. The intimate curved counter allows diners to observe the sushi chefs at work, ensuring a chef-led omakase experience with quick service and maximum freshness.
Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen
Cuisine: New American
Pricing: $$
At Tannin, the mission is to offer exceptional wine and food in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Their wine program is extensive, with a focus on by-the-glass offerings to encourage exploration. The wines are artisanal, sourced from some of the world’s best regions, and made by passionate winemakers.
The food at Tannin, crafted to pair beautifully with their wines, ranges from small plates and entrees to a locally loved waygu beef burger. Tannin also hosts regular wine-themed events and dinners.
Affäre
Cuisine: German
Pricing: $$$
Affäre presents a remarkable blend of traditional German cuisine and contemporary culinary artistry. The family-owned restaurant was founded in 2012, spearheaded by owner Martin’s passion for all-natural, farm-fresh, seasonal foods and game meats.
The restaurant is celebrated for its modern and minimalist aesthetics, echoing the elegance and sophistication of modern Germany. The ambiance includes dramatic lighting and contemporary art.
They take pride in their dedication to local Kansas City farmers and small wineries, ensuring the delivery of the freshest and finest products to their customers. The menu rotates seasonally in line with the farm-to-table approach.
The restaurant also offers a curated selection of beers, cocktails, and wines designed to complement their dishes, serving a dining experience that is both comfortable and refined.
SAUCED
Cuisine: American Food Stand
Pricing: $
SAUCED has made its mark as an urban lunch counter concept. It’s a small, yet permanent, establishment tucked into a courtyard between the Corrigan Station buildings. The menu at SAUCED focuses on efficiency and flavor, perfect for the downtown lunch crowd.
It includes smash burgers, juicy chicken sandwiches, fries, salads, and a variety of sauces. The team at SAUCED encourages experimentation, leading to a dynamic and ever-evolving menu.
Town Topic Hamburgers
Cuisine: Diner, Late Night
Pricing: $
Town Topic, a storied hamburger joint in Kansas City, has been a culinary landmark since its inception in 1937. Initially starting as a little white diner, it has maintained its tradition of serving classic hamburgers with grilled onions and a steamed bun.
The cooking process at Town Topic is a delightful throwback to a bygone era. Customers can watch their hamburgers being made in the open kitchen, a process that hasn’t changed much over the decades. The beef used is an 80/20 ground chuck, fresh daily, typically served as a two-ounce patty.
The atmosphere at Town Topic, with its Formica counters and timeless quality, offers a unique dining experience that transports patrons to different decades of American life. Their Broadway Boulevard location is open 24 hours.
Lula Southern Cookhouse
Cuisine: Southern
Pricing: $$
The vision for Lula was to create a culinary space that reflects true Southern cooking, distinct from the Midwestern interpretation of Southern food. The menu features authentic Southern staples such as pig tails and blue crab pimento cheese fritters, alongside comfort food classics like blackened catfish and gumbo gravy.
Lula Southern Cookhouse has a rustic and inviting ambiance with its exposed brick interior, wood-rafter ceilings, and decorative mason jars. Lula’s commitment to authentic Southern cuisine and a welcoming dining experience has made it a favorite among locals seeking a taste of genuine Southern hospitality and cuisine.
Mildred’s
Cuisine: Cafe
Pricing: $
Mildred’s, a family-owned and operated cafe, began as a simple “Ma & Pa” establishment and has blossomed into a popular breakfast and lunch spot. The cafe prides itself on its abundant variety of scratch-made baked goods, an extensive specialty coffee and espresso bar, and notably delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups.
The cafe is renowned for its “Standard Breakfast Sandwich,” often hailed as the ultimate breakfast sandwich in the city. Mildred’s is a go-to destination for those seeking high-quality, comforting café fare in a welcoming, homely environment.
Anton’s Taproom and Restaurant
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Pricing: $$$
Anton’s combines a traditional butcher shop and steakhouse experience with modern sustainability practices. The restaurant has been dedicated since 2012 to developing relationships with local farmers.
The menu at Anton’s features a wide array of selections, from in-house aged steaks cut to order to daily fish offerings, beer can chicken, and penne pasta.
The restaurant’s focus on quality and sustainability extends to their impressive beverage selection, boasting over 50 bottles of wine and 75 taps.
The Stillwell
Cuisine: New American
Pricing: $$
The Stilwell, located in the Loews Kansas City Hotel in the heart of downtown Kansas City, is a dining venue that celebrates the city’s rich history with railroads, barbecue, and bourbon. Its rustic yet elegant interior design incorporates mirror and wood columns that reflect back-lit liquor bottles on floating shelves, and an impressive glass chandelier illuminates the bar area.
The open concept allows for direct views into the kitchen and of the Kansas City skyline, enhancing the dining experience. Additionally, there is an inviting outdoor wraparound terrace and bar area, complete with firepits, adding a cozy richness to the ambiance.
The Stilwell offers a range of appetizers, including whipped goat cheese with grilled Ibis sourdough and butternut squash moustarda. The menu is also a celebration of local produce and products, emphasized by the restaurant’s commitment to sourcing from nearby butchers and family farms.
Manny’s Mexican
Cuisine: Mexican
Pricing: $ – $$
Manny’s Mexican Restaurant, a family-owned and operated business, has been a staple for over 40 years. Manny’s is celebrated for its authentic family recipes and fresh ingredients, offering a wide array of traditional Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tamales, and fajitas.
The restaurant began as a modest 50-seat establishment and has since expanded to a 350-seat capacity, owning the entire building at its iconic location on the corner of 20th and Southwest Boulevard. A highlight of Manny’s is its famous salsa, so popular it’s sold in stores across Kansas City.
The Brick
Cuisine: Classic American
Pricing: $
Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
Featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, The Brick has established itself as an iconic dive bar in the area, offering a range of classic American cuisine – the meatloaf sandwich being a local favorite. This casual, no-frills bar features live music.
Cheers!
Each restaurant in this neighborhood, from New American eateries to authentic ethnic cuisines, offers a unique dining experience that goes beyond just food. It’s a celebration of flavors, a testament to the creativity of chefs, and an homage to the local culture and history of Kansas City.
So, whether you find yourself craving a sophisticated cocktail, traditional street food, or a comforting and hearty dish, Kansas City’s dining scene promises to satisfy and leave you with a memorable evening.
If you’re planning an extended visit to Crossroads, we recommend you read our comprehensive guide on the artsy neighborhood.
