Every city in America has its own iconic foods, and in Kansas City, Missouri, that food is barbecue. But sometimes we aren’t always craving barbecue, and that’s okay, because when it comes to iconic Kansas City food, barbecue isn’t the only option. It’s true. You might not know it, though, because if you ask, “What food is Kansas City known for,” you’ll most likely hear barbecue. For a city with one really iconic food item, it’s sometimes hard to feel like the others get their share of the limelight. For that reason, here’s a list of Kansas City food items to eat before you die. Luckily, they are mostly not barbecue. Mostly.

1. A KC Strip at The Rieger
Yelp/Lee L.
1924 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
Yelp/David F.
KC Strips are a cut of meat named after the city, so it makes sense to try one while you're here. The Rieger just happens to be one of the best places for one in town, so you've gotta give it a try!
2. Oysters at Bristol Seafood Grill
Yelp/Andrew S.
51 E 14th St, Kansas City, MO 64105, USA
Yelp/ David F.
If you're not a fan of oysters, there are so many other great dishes that Bristol Seafood Grill has to offer. However, if you do like oysters, then you'll find this is one of the best places for them. They're delicious and served on a bed of ice with lemon. I wouldn't have them any other way!
3. One of everything at Christopher Elbow's
Yelp/Tracy I.
1819 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
Yelp/Karl W.
We mean it sincerely when we tell you that the chocolates at Christopher Elbow's are a work of art, inside and out. They're on the pricey side, for obvious reasons, but they usually have monthly sales, where prices are drastically dropped.
4. A cheese slipper at Ibis Bakery
Fervere Facebook
1702 Summit St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
Fervere Facebook
We know that a cheese slipper sounds like a breakfast accident, but we assure you that these creations at Ibis Bakery are definitely ordered on purpose. They come with anything from tomatoes to eggs as toppings, but you'll have to taste one to understand their beauty.
5. All the meat you could want at Fogo de Chão
Yelp/ Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
East 47th Street, E 47th St, Kansas City, MO, USA
Yelp/ Dina R.
A Brazilian steakhouse, Fogo de Chão serves never-ending meats at a flat price per person, which makes it a little more expensive but possibly the best idea ever. You pay to have endless meats like lamb, filet mignon, and other great variations served to you as long as you keep your card green.
6. Chicken Spiedini Georgio at Garozzo's
Yelp/Tom K.
526 Harrison St, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA
Yelp/ Azile Y.
This awesome dish is authentic Italian fare at its finest. If you can't decide on what to eat in Kansas City, consider Italian at Garozzo's because it's revered for serving the best pasta in Kansas City, Missouri.
7. Burnt ends on a bun at Gates Bar-B-Q
Yelp/Ryan M.
1325 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
Yelp/Pam T.
The burnt ends at Gates Bar-B-Q are perfectly at home in a bun, and you'll have a great time tasting them.
8. A rack of ribs (or whatever isn't already gone) at Joe's Kansas City BBQ.
Yelp/Fox E.
3002 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
Yelp/Jared N.
If you live and eat in Kansas City, then you have to try Joe's. If you haven't, are you really living? All jokes aside, this awesome little joint is a must for all locals, as it doles out the best barbecue in the nation.
9. Fried chicken at Stroud's
Yelp/ Leslie K.
5410 NE Oak Ridge Dr, Kansas City, MO 64119, USA
Yelp/Jessica T.
Tasty fried chicken is almost as common as BBQ here, and Stroud's is a delicious part of Kansas City's restaurant base. Where else will you find homemade fried chicken that's touted as the best fried chicken in Kansas City, Missouri.
10. Wings at The Peanut
Yelp/Tom K.
418 W 9th St, Kansas City, MO 64105, USA
Yelp/ Judy L.
These wings are so good, you'll think you can fly off with them. Really though, they have extra meat attached that other places just don't have. Plus, their other bar food at The Peanut is excellent as well!

The Peanut is located at 418 W 9th St., Kansas City, MO.

So, have you tried all these awesome things to eat in Kansas City, Missouri restaurants? Did you know about these famous Kansas City food items? Ever tried these iconic dishes? How would you answer the question, “What food is Kansas City known for?” Tell us!

When it comes to must-try Kansas City food, there’s much more than the dishes mentioned above. For instance, these bakeries in Kansas City serve up some of the state’s best cupcakes.

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Daniella DiRienzo | May 09, 2022

What is the most popular restaurant in Kansas City, Missouri?

The list of iconic Kansas City food could go on and on, just like the list of iconic Kansas City restaurants. Among the unique, most popular restaurants in Kansas City, though, is The Farmhouse. Opened in 2009, the farm-to-table restaurant, which is located in the KC River Market, specializes in locally sourced fresh food. The restaurant secures its ingredients from more than two dozen local farmers! And since the eatery uses only the freshest of the fresh, the menu changes regularly, depending on what’s available, so every visit offers a new experience.

What are the local favorite restaurants in Kansas City, Missouri?

When it comes to local favorite restaurants in Kansas City, you can’t go wrong with one of the many hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Kansas City. Just like books, restaurants should never be judged by their looks, and several city restaurants, including Cupini’s, prove that point. Since opening in 2003, Cupini’s has become a go-to for Italian staples, such as pasta, pizza, and Panini. Never on Sunday is another eatery that doesn’t look like much, but serves up some great grub. A laid-back Greek restaurant, the menu features classic dishes, such as gyros, hummus, and more. Max’s Burgers and Gyros is another great place to get your gyro – or burger – fix. Not only is the food delicious, but it’s incredibly fresh. Everything is made right in front of you, from scratch.

What is the smallest restaurant in Kansas City, Missouri?

Good things really do come in small packages, and Tay’s Burger Shack is proof! True to its name, it’s a no-frills spot; however, what it lacks in frills it more than makes up for with the delicious fare. The old-fashioned burgers are so good they’ve transformed the eatery from a local favorite into a sought-out destination by burger lovers from near and far. Another tiny eatery that shouldn’t be overlooked is Humdinger Drive-In and Food Truck. A must-visit since 1962, the eatery is known for serving up quality grub at affordable prices. The menu is pretty varied, too, and includes everything from breakfast to burgers.

 

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