Food & Drink

First opened as a pop-up kitchen inside Dodsons Bar & Commons in Waldo, Cosmo Burger's smashburgers and tots quickly became a Kansas City favorite. Their new location on Locust Street sits in a popular corner of the Crossroads Arts District, and will add new menu items like fries, milkshakes and cocktails.

With many different styles of chili, it's hard to pick a favorite. But these Kansas City-area restaurants and bars make chili worth a trip of their own — some with our city's signature barbecue and one that is presidential-approved.

Since 1951, one locally-owned fast food chain has been a cult favorite for generations of Kansas City residents. How In-A-Tub, famous for its deep-fried tacos coated in a bright orange powdered cheese, came to be.

The locally-owned fast food restaurant — a cult favorite since 1951— is famous for its deep-fried tacos coated in a bright orange powdered cheese. For generations of Kansas City residents, there’s really nowhere else like “the Tub.”

Home to cult favorites, hidden gems and family-run eateries, the Northland’s culinary scene is brimming with cultural diversity. Here’s where to eat and drink like a local, north of the river.

A bill in Kansas would eliminate state income taxes on tips for workers like food servers. But the idea’s fate in the state likely hinges on whether Congress acts.

Several new coffee shops are building out spaces in a block that already includes Blackhole Bakery, High Hopes Ice Cream and The Littlest Bake Shop. "Hopefully, the more the merrier," one owner says.

In Good Company is setting itself apart from nearby Power & Light hot spots. Members will pay a minimum of $50 a month for access, which includes four drink credits and up to four guests per visit.

Orange By: Devoured, the brainchild of local chef Jhy Coulter, opened last fall in midtown's Martini Corner neighborhood. The restaurant began life as a pop-up and specializes in "neo-Neapolitan" pizza and tapas-inspired plates.

At Cake Loft in Olathe, Chrissy Zemencik offers cakes, cupcakes, and a wide variety of gourmet cookies. Baking has been her passion since a "super young age," and she was in culinary programs starting in high school.

Spanning venerable favorites and creative newcomers, wings and vegan fare, Caribbean and crab, you'll want to explore these Black-owned restaurants, cafes and more around Kansas City, as picked by local diners.

Beyond burnt ends, Kansas City also has a scene for Korean barbecue (K-BBQ) and Japanese barbecue (J-BBQ) full of flavorful sauces, marinated meats and enormous portions. Here's a guide to local restaurants and how to cook at home.