Many restaurants in Kansas City have signature dishes. Stroud’s is known for its fried chicken, Jess and Jim’s is famous for its steaks. But what about the dishes that complement the main course?
Some restaurants do wonders with the lesser-known side dishes: potatoes, vegetables, greens and rice. In fact, a well executed side dish can draw your attention to the entrée—complementing or contrasting the texture, sweetness or bitterness of other servings.
On this edition of Central Standard, host Charles Ferruzza and our food critics Gloria Gale and Emily Farris veer sideways into the side dishes that either enhance or diminish the featured item on the plate.
And if you have a suggestion for a favorite side dish and the restaurants that serve it, we want to hear your opinions, too.
Best Sides:
Sauteed mushrooms
- Extra Virgin 1900 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Potatoes
- Oklahoma Joe's fries 3002 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, KS 66103
- Bluestem truffle fries 900 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111
- The Capital Grille mashed potatoes 4740 Jefferson St, Kansas City, MO 64112
- Pigwich potato chips 2618 Guinotte Ave, Kansas City, MO 64120
- Jess & Jim's baked potato 517 E 135th St, Kansas City, MO 64145
- Louie's Wine Dive poutine 7100 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114
- Beer Kitchen poutine 435 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111
Brussel sprouts
- Gram and Dun 600 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64112
- Pizzabella 1810 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108
Beans
- Strouds green beans with ham 5410 NE Oakridge Rd, Kansas City, MO 64119
- The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange heirloom beans 1924 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Cabbage
- Oklahoma Joe's spicy slaw 3002 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, KS 66103
- Sobahn kimchi 7800 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Overland Park, KS 66202
Onion rings
- Oklahoma Joe's 3002 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, KS 66103
- Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue various locations
Lobster Mac & Cheese
- Bristol Seafood Grill 51 E 14th St, Kansas City, MO 64106
Chilaquiles
- Port Fonda 4141 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64111
Veggie kabobs
- Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue various locations
Eggplant fries
- Remedy 500 W 75th St, Kansas City, MO 64114
Cheesy corn
- Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue various locations
New & Noteworthy:
- 801 Fish House in Park Place 11615 Rosewood, Leawood KS 66211
- Rosseau Hotel Sorella Country club Plaza, 901 W. 48th St. Kansas City, MO 64112
- Standees 3935 W 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, KS 66208
- Westport Cafe & Bar 419 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111
- Sake Lounge 11953 S Strang Line Rd, Olathe, KS 66062
- Grand Street Cafe 4740 Grand Ave Kansas City, MO; 8815 Renner Road, Lenexa KS
- Story 3931 W 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, KS 66208
- Room 39 1719 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111; 10561 Mission Road, Leawood, KS 66206 at Mission Farms
- Sobahn 7800 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Overland Park, KS 66202
