local food

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.”

The cancellation of two programs will affect more than $1 billion in expected funding this year. Food advocates worry the cuts are coming when other federal food programs are at risk.

Farms and non-profits around Kansas City have recently lost, or could lose, grant funding from the USDA under the Trump Administration. Despite facing financial uncertainty, urban growers plan to continue fighting food insecurity.

The first Betty Rae's franchise opened in Omaha, Nebraska, in September. The ice cream brand's Kansas City-based ownership wants to see it expand to Arkansas, Tennessee and Colorado, as well.

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.

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.

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.

TJ Roberts first opened Kinship Cafe in 2021 in Strawberry Hill. After a lease deal fell through with his property owner, Roberts is leaving his original location behind for new shops in Independence and at Kansas City, Kansas Community College.

After their cafe was named one of the country's best new restaurants by Bon Appetit magazine, the Kamal family expanded its dessert and pastry offerings next door, at Baba's Bakery. It's now open on Saturdays, and there are plans to expand hours soon.

Fans of the desserts at Baba’s Pantry will get to try even more sweet treats in a new, dedicated space right next door. After Kansas City embraced their Palestinian deli, the Kamal family is expanding with Baba's Bakery, which they call a "labor of love."