This Sunday’s Super Bowl marks the biggest sporting event of the year for Kansas City. But there's one question we all have to figure out before kickoff: Where to go for game day takeout?
The most popular Super Bowl snack in Missouri and Kansas is reportedly seven-layer dip and Buffalo chicken dip, respectively.
That checks out for KCUR food critic Carlton Logan.
"We go for the cheesy items like dips. We also gravitate towards fried items to get that crunch factor," Logan says.
With sliders, nachos, wings, Chiefs-themed desserts and more — Kansas City restaurants have pulled out all the stops for this weekend's festivities. Whether you're watching the game alone or with a small group, here's what KCUR's food critics recommend:
Danielle Lehman, Open Belly Podcast and CurbsideKC:
- Mr. D's Donut Shop — Kansas City Chiefs cake donuts. These donuts are a perfect way to start your pre-game celebration and this shop has some of my favorite frosted cake donuts in the metro. Picture red frosted donuts with a Chiefs logo in the center and yellow frosted donuts with red and yellow sprinkles. They even have a donut that resembles QB Patrick Mahomes.
- Heirloom Bakery & Hearth — beer cheese soup, pop tarts. This bakery has some of the best soups in the city on their lunch menu and this beer cheese soup with pretzel bites is one of the crowd favorites. You can order it ahead for Super Bowl Sunday, and while you're at it, be sure to pick up some Chief-themed pop tarts.
- Broadway Butcher Shop — beef queso dip. This dip is smoky, tomato-y and doesn't skip on the beef. Just warm it up and serve with tortilla chips for a classic game day appetizer. While a butcher shop might not be the first place you think of to go for Super Bowl snacks, this has been a standout in the rotating selection of dips they've had the past few weeks.
- Batch Country Kitchen & Que — "Big Willy Style" fried okra. These are a great vegetarian alternative to buffalo wings. The fried okra is seasoned with a garlic, onion & ranch powder, their "Slap Yo Mama" Cajun seasoning, and then drizzled in Buffalo sauce. While the grand opening is actually this weekend, this new concept from the folks at Wings Cafe has been quietly open for weeks.
- Johnny Wings — extra crunchy Buffalo wings. These are great for takeout because they've got a thicker, crunchier breading that stays crispy on the ride home. If you're in the mood for something else though, don't fret. This new ghost kitchen inside District Pour House offers several other wings with various levels of crunch and sauce.
- J's Fish & Chicken Market — fried chicken wings. All of J's fried chicken is beloved, but the wings are breaded and tossed in an especially delicious lemon pepper seasoning. It's so tangy and lip smackin' that most regulars like me can't get enough of it and order the wings with extra seasoning.
- Jovito's Italian Cafe & Deli — lasagna, pasta, meatball grinders. This place might be known for its meatball grinders, but the pastas and lasagnas are also fantastic. Jovito's is closed on Sundays, but you can get a take and bake tray of lasagna to heat up at home with 24 hour advance notice.
- Buffalo State Pizza Co. — Buffalo Bill pizza. I highly recommend this flavorful pie topped with chicken, green onion, blue cheese, pepperoncini peppers and Buffalo sauce. Usually I am a classic pepperoni gal, but this is a great choice when you want a little something extra for the Super Bowl. This game day, I'd urge everyone to order from a locally owned pizzeria like Buffalo State instead of a national chain.
- Sweet Petites — Kansas City Chiefs sugar cookie kits. These decorate-your-own cookie kits include sugar cookie cutouts, frosting and sprinkles. And in addition to being a fun activity to keep the kids entertained, they're tasty enough for everyone to enjoy. You can pre-order the cookie kits now, but Sweet Petites will also have a limited supply available for walk-ins.
Carlton Logan, Kansas City Eats:
- Brobecks Barbecue — smoked ham salad. Picture smoked turkey, smoked ham and seasonings bound together with creamy mayo. This has a smoky, salty flavor that is far elevated from a traditional ham salad. I recommend pairing it with crackers or the house made potato chips.
- Red Kitchen Tamales — birria taco tray. Owner Alejandra de la Fuente cooks these beef tacos in adobo sauce, adds cheese to the crisp taco shells and serves them with a rich, meaty soup. Each tray comes with 10 tacos, consommé soup, salsa and limes. If interested in ordering for Sunday, I would suggest calling ASAP.
- Tabard’s Kitchen — Mexican avocado fries, Louisiana shrimp dip. For this popular avocado appetizer, slices of avocado are deliciously fried in a spicy tempura batter and served with a chipotle cream dipping sauce. The cheesy Louisiana shrimp dip served with tortilla chips or baguettes is also a standout here. Shrimp and andouille sausage are cooked in wine with red pepper, cream cheese and spices.
- Old Shawnee Pizza — Crab Rangoon pizza. I’m always looking for interesting pizza topping combinations and if you like Crab Rangoon, this is the unique pizza pairing for you. This pie features house made Crab Rangoon filling, green onions, an Italian cheese blend, a drizzle of sweet chili sauce and a topping of crunchy fried wontons. It's somehow creamy, crunchy, spicy and sweet all at once.
- Best Regards Bakery & Cafe — Kansas City Chiefs sugar cookies, porchetta party pack, soup, Texas sheet cake. Owners Robert and Cherrie Duensing have gained notoriety for appearing on the Food Network, but their fabulous sugar cookies are what really take the cake here. They're extremely soft and thick with a layer of sugary icing. Pre-orders for the game are now over, but there will be a few extras available Saturday until they run out. The porchetta sandwiches, soups and Texas sheet cake are also delicious.
- Go Chicken Go — fried chicken gizzards. There are only a few places in town who fry up tender tasty gizzards and Go Chicken Go is one of the best of them. You can purchase an entire box or do a split box with fried chicken livers. While you're here, you might as well get a bottle of Go Sauce for dipping.
- Gates Bar-B-Q — small party tray. Barbecue goes well with football and Gates is the barbecue that I grew up eating. This party tray is great because it's full of enough beef, ham, turkey and pork to easily feed 4 to 5 people in your household.
Listener recommendations:
- Minsky's Pizza — Joe's KC pizza.
- Happy Gillis cafe & hangout — nachos.
- Waldo Thai Place — barbecue.
- The Peanut — chicken wings.
- Burnt End BBQ — chicken wings.
- Buca di Beppo — spicy arrabbiata pizza.
- Wiener Kitchen.
- Elephant Wings.
Danielle Lehman and Carlton Logan joined Steve Kraske on a recent episode of KCUR's Up To Date.
