Top end
801 Chophouse
A late 1920's New York City steak house interior with leather booths, cherry wood furnishings, wooden floors, granite counter tops and high ceilings. The chef creates a fresh sheet that highlights seasonal fresh soups and salads, oysters on the half shell, five species of fresh fish, live Maine lobsters and king crab legs. The bar opens daily at 4PM with happy hour from 4-6PM on Monday - Friday.
Capital Grille
The Golden Ox
Classic steakhouse.
The Hereford House
Savoy Grill
Little Chef
First export from the UK roadside Kwality Koozine Specialists.
Other
Stroud's
Fried chicken.
The Peachtree
Authentic southern/soul food restaurant located in the Power and Light District. The lunch menu, at $7.99 for an entree, two sides, and bread, is a really excellent value. The restaurant serves delicious fried catfish, meatloaf, southern fried chicken, etc.
Diners
Chubby's
Greasy spoon that attracts the after 3AM bar closing crowd.
Town Topic
Small diner with low prices.
YJ's Snack Bar
6 tables, live music in a laid-back atmosphere. Attracts a diverse crowd from the surrounding arts district.
Barbecue
Arthur Bryant's
It has pictures on the wall of presidents and other famous people who have visited. The sandwich consists of a large pile of brisket and two pieces of butternut bread. One sandwich could feed three people. Ask for sauce for take-outs. Bryant's signature sauce is a vinegar based sauce with slight lower neutral overtones. There are alternate, sweeter versions of the sauce available. There is a security guard in the parking lot at night.
Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue
Jack Stack is considered to be the Kansas City area's "High Class" BBQ resturant Although Jeans & T-shirts are perfectly acceptable Jack stack offers one of the largest varieties of meats in the metro area. Choices can vary from lamb ribs, to prime rib. Jack Stack's sauce is extremely similar to Gates sauce in that it is sweet, but slightly less tangy than Gate's version. Notable sides include their hickory pit beans and cheesy corn bake.
Gates
When you walk in, you will immediately hear: "Hi, may I help you?" So, if you're eating in, and you have absolutely no idea what to order, shout back "Beef and a half on bun", "Mixed Plate" Mixed plate includes ribs, sliced ham & sliced turkey or "Burnt End on Bun". Guy Fieri of the Food Network once declared the Burnt End On Bun to be his single most favorite meal in the country. Gates Sauce is world famous and widely considered to be one of the best sauces available. It is sweet & tangy with very slight vinegar undertones.
Haywards
Great onion rings and the BBQ sauce is one of the most unique in the city. Also known for very juicy Burnt Ends.
LC's
Though not much to look at, don't let the barred door and admittedly intimidating surroundings scare you off; specialties here include sandwiches that feed two and thick cut fries.
Oklahoma Joe's
Situated in a gas station/liquor store in Kansas City KS, Oklahoma Joe's has quickly established itself as the "Pulled Pork King" of the area. Pulled pork is the self proclamed specialty, but just about all things swine are amazing. Walk around to the serving line and have some of the best ribs in KC. The Z-Man sandwich Beef brisket and melted provolone topped with two onion rings and the "Carolina Style" served open-faced with cole slaw are also favorites. Anthony Bourdain included Oklahoma Joe's in his "13 Places To Eat Before You Die" list published in GQ magazine. Lines are punishingly long during lunch, but very well worth the wait. Call in and go to the front register for a take out order.
Rosedale
Winslow's
Ask the cook what's best. The burnt ends are really good.
"Who has the best barbecue in Kansas City?" is a question that causes much debate in Kansas City. Although the debate is usually in good humor, be ready for a passionate explanation which may take some time or a light-hearted argument if asked in front of more than one person. Although the different restaurants each have their own unique flavors, they will usually have a sauce which is thicker and sweeter than offered in most other parts of the U.S.
Kansas City is also home to a barbecue dish that is rarely found outside the area, called "Burnt Ends." These are the overcooked ends and edges of a brisket, which although dry and chewy, are amazingly smoky and full of flavor much more flavorful than any other cut. If you are feeling open-minded about your KC barbecue experience, they are definitely worth a try.