restaurants

Kansas City hosted six matches during the monthlong tournament, which cost nearly $200 million in public funds for this region’s part alone. Did local businesses actually benefit in the end? Or will the event’s impact only be felt years down the road?

A temporary city policy allowed 16 bars to stay open and sell alcohol until 5 a.m. during the World Cup. Some owners said businesses saw an influx of foreign visitors because of it, and now want the city to make the change permanent.

The very first drive-thru restaurant opened in Missouri in 1947. Decades later, Kansas City drivers can swing through a diverse restaurant scene, including classic American fare, coffee shops, Mexican food, Chinese takeout, and even Filipino cuisine.

Kansas City’s role as a World Cup host involved a significant investment from federal, state and city coffers — but the event paid little economic dividends to businesses along Troost Avenue. Owners say city leaders should have set more realistic expectations.

French fries are quintessentially American, and nearly ubiquitous at Kansas City restaurants. Here’s where you can find the best straight-cut, waffle, and curly fries, plus tater tots, poutine and more.

Chicken Mary’s and Chicken Annie’s sit nearly next to each other, and they share similar origin stories of women turning to cooking for money after the mining industry left their husbands unable to work.

Owners of Lulu's Thai Noodle Shop say the World Cup has delivered an unexpected one-two punch: underwhelming sales at the Fan Festival, where visibility for local restaurants is limited, and slower-than-normal traffic at their Crossroads location.

Argentina vs. Algeria filled the screens of The Quaff in downtown Kansas City, one of the few bars allowed extended liquor sales during the World Cup. But even though it was a Tuesday night, the party continued long after the match ended.

Missouri loosened its liquor laws for the World Cup. Then Kansas City reined them in — restricting 23-hour liquor sales only to businesses in certain neighborhoods that submitted security plans.

Algerian Delights in Lenexa, Kansas, served a steady stream of green-and-white adorned customers before Tuesday night's World Cup game between Algeria and Argentina. Many drove from out-of-state for the chance to see their country compete.

Visitors can explore a range of foods from around the globe when they visit the free FIFA Fan Festival on the grounds of the National WWI Museum and Memorial — but Kansas City food takes center stage.

The Crossroads Arts District is the metro’s biggest hub for creativity, and its restaurant scene is just the same, with innovative dishes available on seemingly every corner. Here’s where to find the best eats this neighborhood has to offer.