Food & Drink

From fine-dining institutions to neighborhood favorites, we take a stroll down memory lane of since-closed Kansas City restaurants. These spots shaped generations of diners — and their closures have something to say about the city’s evolving food culture.

Whether you're craving lox and cream cheese, or a breakfast sandwich piled high with pastrami, Kansas City has a growing number of bagel shops starting the day early.

Some of Kansas City’s most highly regarded culinary figures are among this year's nominees, including Helen Jo Leach and Johnny Leach at The Town Company. The list also includes several new area restaurants.

Dozens of restaurants open in Kansas City every year. But which stand out in the region’s growing food scene? Here are the metro’s best new restaurants and bars for diners of all tastes.

During Kansas City Restaurant Week, from Jan. 9-18, 2026, diners can eat at more than 250 participating restaurants offering special menus. But while bigger-than-normal crowds are welcome for struggling businesses, there are some things diners can do to make the best possible experience.

Watts had a long stint serving up treats with her sisters under Big Momma’s Bakery-Cafe and then as a home-based business. This past May, she opened her own brick and mortar on E. 12th Street.

Winter is the perfect season to dive headfirst into the wide world of tea. Luckily, you can find loose leaf shops and tea houses around Kansas City that will help you develop your taste — from historic downtown Liberty to the middle of Crown Center.

Every year during the holiday season, Kansas City's own Doug Frost joins Up To Date to discuss the state of the alcohol industry, recommend delicious options for the holidays and taste several wines.

A restaurant in Westport and two Crossroads cocktail bars had to navigate death, loss and grief in 2025. KCUR spoke with their family, coworkers, and friends to remember their commitment to the Kansas City hospitality scene, and to memorialize what was lost.

A Kansas City cookbook author gives us a glimpse of her warm kitchen this winter season. Plus, while many people go online or to the mall to shop for presents, some rural towns go all out to try and attract holiday shoppers.

Slow Rise's sourdough doughnuts nearly always sell out at the Lawrence and Overland Park farmers markets. Owner Jessica Dunkel says she hopes to open her Overland Park brick-and-mortar location within a month.

Whether you’re looking for a sourdough loaf, a croissant, or a cake, the Kansas City region is full of bakeries worth exploring. Here’s where to find the best from-scratch breads, pastries and more.