restaurants

Just southeast of Kansas City is Lee's Summit, Missouri, founded just a few months after the Civil War ended. Now, the city has a historic downtown shopping district, vibrant local arts scene and plenty of green space to explore.

The grant money will help 20 Kansas City restaurants improve their outdoor dining spaces ahead of the World Cup.

After several relocations for their P. Moore & Moore BBQ brand over the past few years, Gary Paul and Patricia Moore landed a new kingdom at 5932 Prospect Ave. And they’ve now fully embraced their nicknames by calling the restaurant The King & Queen of Barbecue.

Just a few years ago, Tiki Taco was a humble spot on 39th Street with a few seats and a walk-up window, specializing Southern California-style tacos and burritos. Now it has shops on Troost and in Overland Park, too, and several more in the works.

The culinary scene just east of Kansas City proper is full of hidden gems, neighborhood mom-and-pop shops and iconic old-school joints. Here’s where to eat like a local in Independence, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit and elsewhere.

Smack in the middle of the country, Kansas City is a melting pot of different cultures and cuisines — especially soul food. At these restaurants, there's plenty to enjoy with the big flavor, and portions, of Southern comfort cooking.

Eight Kansas City-area Applebee's closed overnight this week after their franchisee filed for bankruptcy, leaving just two restaurants in the entire metro. Former employees say they weren't given any warning — and still have unanswered questions.

The Kansas City Defender organized the celebration from Oct. 1-14 to bring awareness to Black-owned restaurants, with the hope of helping their long-term sustainability. “We are in a crisis for Black restaurants right now," says founder Ryan Sorrell.

Famous for its triple-decker pork tenderloin sandwich, the Kansas City restaurant closed unexpectedly this spring when its planned renovation hit roadblocks with contractors and the city. Jinna Soulivong says she didn't expect to see so much community support — or a line down the block when they reopened.

Union Station opened in 1914 as one of Kansas City's biggest architectural achievements. After being saved from disrepair, the building is now both a functional train depot and a key tourist destination, with restaurants, history exhibits and more.

At the popular Northland lunch spot Mudbug Cajun Po'Boys, husband-and-wife owners Chris and Heather Jones offer their twist on Cajun and Creole cuisine. While the restaurant struggled to get through COVID, the couple say they've seen more customers come looking for food that reminds them of "being at home."

Created by Jhy Coulter, Orange By: Devoured is the latest evolution of a pizza pop-up that began during the COVID pandemic. The Midtown restaurant is inspired by her travels to Spain, but it took more than a year to open after fundraising.