Are you tired of getting all the same recommendations for Kansas City restaurants? Does it seem like each list in the search results has the same suggestions?
As Kansas City locals who appreciate every opportunity to experience the city’s culinary scene, we’ve noticed that a selection of restaurants seem to get all the hype. So, we’ve come up with a list of hidden gem restaurants in our hometown.
You may be wondering, what constitutes a place as a ‘hidden gem’? For some people, there’s a requirement that it be an unassuming door in a sad, almost-vacant strip mall.
That’s not what this list is.
While we certainly have some that could be classified as a dive, the restaurants on this list are located in downtown or midtown. The majority of them are trendy with a great ambiance.
When we browse culinary “best of” lists for Kansas City, we are always taken aback by all the wonderful local restaurants that are absent from said lists.
To us, these are the hidden gems. They are restaurants that are perhaps well known to their neighborhood regulars or certain foodies in the city, but they are not necessarily well-known.
So, we’re here to help you discover Kansas City’s low-key best restaurants. Let’s get into it!
Kansas City’s Hidden Gem Restaurants
These are our favorite under-the-radar local spots!
1. The Campground
Neighborhood: West Bottoms
Cuisine: Midwest
Pricing: $$
Nestled in the historic Stockyards District, The Campground is an intimate aperitivo cocktail bar and restaurant with a woodsy aesthetic.
Rooted in the influence of locally sourced, hunted, fished, and foraged ingredients, The Campground creates a haven where good drinks, comfortable conversations, and homemade eats converge.
The warm lighting and rustic decor create an ambiance reminiscent of a campy Wes Anderson film. The food offerings, which include an excellent brunch, are a testament to Midwest Harvest Cuisine, emphasizing local and seasonal ingredients used in unexpected ways.
Craft is at the heart of The Campground, not just in their cocktails but also in their culinary creations. They take pride in making everything from scratch, from syrups, liqueurs, and bitters to a diverse food menu. Embracing a “whole product use” philosophy, they utilize locally-sourced ingredients.
Menu highlights include a double smash burger, brussel sprouts with white cheddar and aleppo, and potato salad with fried egg aioli.
2. PotPie
Neighborhood: Westport
Cuisine: French Comfort Food
Pricing: $$
PotPie has been a local favorite for over 15 years, known for its commitment to “good food, not fast food.” Is there anything that sounds better in the middle of winter than a warming, comforting pot pie?
The unpretentious restaurant prides itself on a small seasonal menu that changes daily. They are most beloved for offering comfort food with pot pie crusts that are delicately flaky and completely delicious.
The intimate space, which seats forty, features exposed brick, candlelit wooden tables, and a chalkboard menu.
Menu highlights include pan-roasted chicken, mussels, chocolate chip bread pudding, and, of course, pot pie.
3. The Antler Room
Neighborhood: Midtown
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Pricing: $$$
The Antler Room has been recognized for their unique culinary approach by the James Beard Foundation. The chef’s culinary philosophy marries innovation with tradition, resulting in a menu that both surprises and comforts.
With an unwavering commitment to quality, they sources local ingredients, allowing the natural flavors to take center stage on the plate. The dishes are a symphony of textures, colors, and aromas, are designed to engage all your senses, promising an unforgettable dining experience.
The dining experience involves creative Mediterranean cuisine presented in elevated small plates to share.
Menu highlights include the smoked whitefish tartine, Georgian soup dumplings, winter squash tortellini, and seared duck breast.
4. Fox And Pearl
Neighborhood: Westside
Cuisine: New American
Pricing: $$$
Fox and Pearl is known for its rustic yet refined approach to Midwestern fare, focusing on wood-fired cooking and whole-animal butchery. It is a country-chic eatery located in a 1907 historic drugstore with a lovely outdoor terrace.
For us, Fox and Pearl is one of Kansas City’s top ten restaurants.
The cellar level, an intimate, speakeasy-style bar area, is at the bottom of a spiral staircase. With velvet booths, exposed stone and brick, and a view into the kitchen, it offers a charming and cozy atmosphere.
James Beard recognized Chef Vaughn Good combines a live fire hearth, smoker, and preservation techniques to create irresistible flavors. Collaborating with local farmers, he crafts seasonal menus blending French culinary expertise with regional comfort foods.
Menu highlights include the pork chop, duck, brisket, and pot pie.
5. Broadway Butcher Shop
Neighborhood: Midtown
Cuisine: Deli, Butcher Shop
Pricing: $ – $$
Broadway Butcher Shop, established in 2012, isn’t your average meat counter – owned by a former sous-chef, they offer premium meats and seafood, cheeses and local dry goods, inventive meat offerings (think octopus pastrami), prepared dishes, delicious sandwiches, and a flair for the unexpected.
Where they really shine is their daily sandwich menu. Crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients, the sandwiches are a testament to the shop’s creativity. The daily sandwich is different each day.
To know what it is, you’ll need to visit their social media stories. You can count on it to use premium ingredients, have a creative edge, and be totally delectable. Think offerings like the swunafish salad – top grade swordfish with ahi tuna on a fresh baguette.
While you’re waiting on your sandwich, browse their selections – akaushi beef, house-smoked bologna, 18-month serrano ham, sashimi grade fish, soups and stews, herby butters – we could go on and on.
Menu highlights include whatever they feel like making that day.
6. Voltaire
Neighborhood: West Bottoms
Pricing: $$
Cuisine: New American
Voltaire stands as a testament to the fusion of global flavors in the heart of the Midwest. With its carefully designed, trendy interior, Voltaire seamlessly blends rustic charm with contemporary elegance.
With its burnished wooden bar, exposed brick, and dimly-lit dining space, it’s every bit intimate. They feature occasional live music.
Their bar program is definitely worth mentioning. From bespoke cocktails to a curated list of wines, Voltaire provides a sophisticated setting for those seeking elevated spirits.
Their inventive menu caters to a range of palates, and features both classic, simple options as well as more exotic flavors.
Menu highlights include scallops, chicken meatball yakitori, shrimp and crab hushpuppies, and seared duck breast.
7. Clay and Fire
Neighborhood: Westside
Cuisine: Middle Eastern, “Near East”
Pricing: $$$
Offering a dining experience that weaves together history, culture, and culinary delights, Clay & Fire is something special. We almost left it off this list as to keep it a little-known secret.
Although we’re convinced that not many people know about it, reservations are hard to come by unless you book further out, primarily because of the limited number of tables and dedicated regulars.
Located in a turn-of-the-century home with steep granite steps and historic charm – including a clawfoot tub in the bathroom – the interior is every bit of cozy and intimate.
Whether you sit on the main floor or make your way up the creaking stairs to the second floor, you’ll be surrounded by warm wood tones, colorful tiles, bright accents, and beautiful textiles.
Their farm-to-table menu is filled with authentic dishes melded from a variety of places: Turkey, Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Lebanon. The dishes are beautifully presented, adding to the elevated experience.
The menu is mainly focused around mezze like charred eggplant spread, seasonal pickles, grilled halloumi, olive medley, and guajillo humus, among many others. The move here is to order several of the small plates and share so that you can get a taste of all the exquisite flavors.
In addition to mezze, they offer kebabs, woodfired chicken, and a highlight – Turkish pizza. It’s perfectly charred, just like the variety of flatbreads they offer, due to a large traditional clay oven.
At Clay & Fire, you’ll experience a welcoming, intimate ambiance with authentic food that showcases a fusion of flavors and culinary traditions. You’ll need to be patient – their kitchen takes care in creating the dishes. It’s not quick, but it’s more than worth the wait.
8. Mesob Restaurant & Rum Bar
Neighborhood: Midtown
Pricing: $$
Cuisine: Ethiopian, Caribbean
Mesob brings together the vibrant flavors of both Ethiopian and Caribbean cuisine through authentic dishes with a homemade quality.
The chef-owner applies French-inspired culinary techniques to prepare the cuisine with a refined presentation. He is known for plating meals that are as visually appealing as they are delicious, and he continually creates seasonal specials to provide an exceptional and memorable experience.
The dishes are not a fusion of Ethiopian and Caribbean – rather, they are two separate offerings. The menu at Mesob offers a variety of dishes including beef, poultry, seafood, and a wide range of vegan dishes.
The interior is well-decorated and the ambiance is inviting and cozy. They offer a craft cocktail menu along with their delectable dishes. If you like rum, they’ve got a wide ranging selection.
If you’re looking for a more elevated Ethiopian and Caribbean dining experience, we recommend Mesob.
Menu highlights include fried plantain, shrimp curry, sampler platters, and jerk chicken.
9. Milwaukee Delicatessen Co.
Neighborhood: Downtown
Pricing: $$
Cuisine: Deli, Pizza
Milwaukee Delicatessen Co. stands as a corner landmark with over a century of history. This iconic deli, once on the brink of demolition, has been meticulously restored to its former glory, preserving original marble floors, ceiling murals, and an arched balcony.
Established in 1900 by a German immigrant and his wife, the deli thrived through prohibition and the Great Depression. Reopened in November 2013, the Milwaukee Delicatessen Co. brought back the classics with a contemporary take, primarily serving sandwiches and pizza.
From cocktails served at the original 1881 bar to over 100 whiskeys and 20+ beers on tap, this deli is not just about honoring tradition; it’s about recognizing the classics.
Menu highlights include corned beef sandwich, pastrami sandwich, the reuben, potato salad, and their pizza by the slice.
10. The Fix!
Neighborhood: Midtown
Pricing: $
Cuisine: Vegan Comfort Food
The Fix has become a local favorite for plant-based delights, appealing to both committed vegans and those seeking a balance in their meat-to-veggie ratio.
The restaurant aims to create a welcoming space for all eaters, emphasizing a love for animals and a stance against animal cruelty as the motivation for plant-based eating. The Fix is not just about the greens; it’s about comfort food that happens to be plant-based.
The Fix adopts a stealth approach to labeling, avoiding explicit use of “vegan.” Despite some dishes successfully mimicking carnivore favorites, the lack of plant-based specificity on the menu may leave some diners unaware of the entirely plant-based offerings.
The dining room blends modern, brightly colored design with original tile work, creating a sunny, warm atmosphere.
Menu highlights include biscuits and gravy, french toast, nachos, onion rings, and burgers.
11. Westport Cafe and Bar
Neighborhood: Westport
Pricing: $$
Cuisine: French
Westport Café offers a delightful blend of modern French cuisine and craft specialty cocktails, creating dishes with simple, fresh ingredients. The quaint interior is reminiscent of a French bistro with exposed brick, checkered floors, rustic tables, velvet curtains, ambient lighting, and oversized mirrors.
When we visit, we opt to order several dishes from the shareable plates menu. The offerings are inventive with a wide range of flavors, from curries to béarnaise sauce. The dishes are plated beautifully and brought out by friendly, upbeat serving staff.
The authenticity of Westport Café comes from its owners, who both hail from France.
Their happy hour specials are great as well as the Steak Soiree, held every Tuesday, offering the signature steak frites with a traditional béarnaise sauce and house butter, accompanied by bottomless pommes frites for $15.
Menu highlights include mussels with coconut curry broth, lamb kefta, beignets, and scallops with black truffle risotto.
12. The Russell
Neighborhood: Midtown
Pricing: $$
Cuisine: New American
As you approach The Russell, the enticing aroma of hickory wood and sizzling delights from the ten-foot Argentinian fire table sets the stage for an exceptional meal. Its refined rustic vibe is ideal for those seeking layers of simple yet exquisite flavors.
At the heart of The Russell’s kitchen stands a colossal Argentinian fire table, weighing three and a half tons and handcrafted by the chef. In addition to this impressive feature is exposed industrial ceilings, cement floors, and a curated collection of antiques and vintage objects.
The regular crowd is diverse, from hipsters to young professionals. The restaurant seems to cater to a wide array of preferences. The menu features upscale homestyle dishes – think sandwiches, salads, burgers, and grain bowls. The offerings typically have a unique blend of flavors.
The desserts in particular are delectable.
Menu highlights include the steak and greens bowl, roasted root vegetable salad, salmon bowl, and chimichurri burger.
13. Blue Bird Bistro
Neighborhood: Westside
Pricing: $$
Cuisine: New American
For over two decades, Blue Bird Bistro has been celebrating local and organic farm-to-table ingredients.
Nestled in a historic 1880s brick-lined Victorian space, this charming bistro features Mid-American Artisan Cuisine made from scratch. The commitment to quality ingredients is not just a culinary choice; it’s a philosophy that defines the essence of Blue Bird Bistro.
Their breakfast in particular is loved by their regulars, and the occasional lines stretching out the door echo that sentiment. However, the Blue Bird experience transcends mornings. As the sun sets, the dining room bathes in candlelight, creating an ambiance perfect for savoring their hearty, comforting dishes.
Menu highlights include the pork benedict, chicken and french toast, biscuits and gravy, and salmon benedict.
14. André’s Confiserie Suisse
Neighborhood: South Plaza
Pricing: $
Founded by a master pastry chef from Switzerland, André’s started as a small storefront on Main Street in 1955. Since then, the locally adored café has expanded yet remained in the family.
While André’s is renowned for its chocolates, it also offers a variety of French pastries and dishes. Quiche has been a staple on the menu since the early days – in fact, André’s quiche lorraine has been a favorite for close to seventy years, showcasing the perfect blend of flavors and textures.
They have several other French pastries – macaron, almond croissants, pain au chocolat – and breakfast offerings that can be enjoyed in their café or tearoom.
15. The Lunch Box
Neighborhood: West Bottoms
Cuisine: Deli, Diner
Pricing: $
The Lunch Box is every bit a hole in the wall. Located on an unassuming corner of the West Bottoms, It’s a liquor store with eight tables and a chalkboard menu. It is the epitome of a dive, and it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking diner classics.
Locals love their pork tenderloin sandwiches – hand-pounded pork seasoned to perfection. Their menu is a range of sandwiches, burgers, and other familiar classics.
They are open from 6:00am – 1:30am for those with a late night craving.
Menu highlights include breakfast burritos, tater tots, bologna sandwich, biscuits and gravy, and the cuban sandwich.
Cheers!
We’re still a little unsure of how we feel about letting you in on these Kansas City secrets, but we want to give these local favorites the love they deserve.
If local is what you’re after, you should check out the best new restaurants Kansas City has to offer.
As always, thanks for supporting local!