Kansas City is, in many ways, a foodie’s paradise. Oh, you thought all we had going for us was barbecue? While we do have plenty of sauce-soaked and spice-rubbed deliciousness, the city’s restaurants also boast about every other type of cuisine you could fancy.
A Stroll Away
First, we have a list of every restaurant we could find within easy walking distance of the hotel. Sometimes, you just need something that’s nearby. But be aware! Many of the restaurants in and around Crown Center close earlier than you might expect.
Spectators ($$-$$$) – The hotel restaurant and bar.
One East Urban Bar + Kitchen ($$-$$) – The restaurant at the nearby Westin.
Jimmy John’s ($) – Chain sandwich place, across the street from the hotel. Closes at 7pm on weekdays, at 5 on Sat, closed on Sun.
Panera Bread ($) – Chain sandwich shop right next to Crown Center Square. Closes at 8pm.
The Antler Room ($$) – Mediterranean food, dinner-only. Closed on Mon & Tue.
Succotash ($$) – Breakfast & lunch. Closed Tue & Wed.
Jack Stack Barbecue ($$) – One of the better-known local chains. They’ve got ribs!
Grünauer ($$) – Austrian-German cuisine and European beer.
Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop ($$) – Thai restaurant.
Lidia’s ($$$) – Upscale Italian food, dinner-only. Open 4-8pm Sun, Wed, Thurs, 4-9pm Fri & Sat, closed Mon & Tue.
In the Crown Center shopping mall:
Spin! Neapolitan Pizza ($$) – An Italian-style pizza chain that originated in Kansas City. Closes at 8pm.
Unforked ($) – Casual lunch fare. Closes at 6pm Mon-Thurs, 8pm Fri & Sat, 5pm on Sun.
Fritz’s ($) – Classic diner fare where your food is delivered via model train. Closes 7pm Mon-Thurs, 8:30pm Fri & Sat, 6pm on Sun.
Burnt End BBQ ($$) – BBQ & burgers. Closes 9pm Mon-Thurs, 10pm Fri & Sat, 7pm Sun.
Zaina Mediterranean Cuisine ($) – Mediterranean cafe. Closes 7pm Mon-Sat, 3pm Sun.
La Fuente ($) – Mexican street food. Closes 7pm Mon-Sat, 6pm Sun.
Taste of Philly ($) – Sandwich shop. Closes 6pm Mon-Sat, 5pm Sun.
Potatoes & More ($) – Fast food. Closes 6pm Mon-Sat, 5pm Sun.
Curry in a Hurry ($$) – Quick Indian food. Closes 6pm Mon-Sat, 5pm Sun.
Pak Ling Express ($) – Fast Chinese food. Closes 6pm Mon-Sat, 5pm Sun.
You can also visit Chip’s Candy Factory, Shang’s Tea House, Starbucks, and Sheridan’s Frozen Custard inside the mall during regular mall hours.
In Union Station:
Harvey’s ($$) – Casual dining, breakfast & lunch only. Closes 3pm.
Pierpont’s ($$$) – Fancy steak & seafood place that showcases an entire wall of whiskey. Closed Mondays. Open 3-9pm Tue-Thurs, 3-10pm Fri, 10am-10pm Sat, 10am-9pm Sun.
Downtown
This next set of restaurants are all accessible via the free streetcar that runs between Union Station and Downtown. These are all locally owned Kansas City businesses!
Cosentino’s Downtown Market – This one is actually a grocery store, but has some extensive food service available.
Pigwich ($) – Sandwich shop at City Market. Closes at 6:45pm every day.
BRGR Kitchen + Bar ($$) – Burger & fries in the Power and Light District.
Yard House ($$) – Sports bar with a good draft beer selection.
City Barrel Brewery + Kitchen ($$) – Pub fare and microbrews. Note that they close quite early (5pm) on Sundays, and they are a several-block walk off the streetcar route.
Blue Nile Cafe ($$) – Ethiopian with excellent GF and vegan options. Closes early (3pm) on Sun, closed Tue.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill ($$) – Sushi & Japanese tapas and fancy mixed drinks.
Drum Room ($$) – Restaurant & lounge in the Hilton President Hotel that features live jazz and cocktails.
Charisse KC ($$) – French/American cuisine. Closed Sundays.
Grinders ($$) – Pizza and cheesesteak. This one is a few blocks off from the streetcar line.
The Farmhouse ($$) – American restaurant on the River Market. Closed Mon & Tue.
Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room ($$) – American food & tasting menus. Dinner-only.
The Town Company ($$$) – Upscale restaurant inside the Hotel Kansas City. Closed Mon.
Novel Restaurant ($$$) – Nice dinner restaurant that uses seasonal ingredients and offers classic cocktails. Open dinner-only. Closed Sun & Mon.
Affäre ($$$) – Posh restaurant that serves German cuisine. Open dinner-only. Closed Sun & Mon.
Tavernonna Italian Kitchen ($$$) – Upscale Italian inside the Hotel Phillips. Open for breakfast, Sat/Sun brunch, and dinner.
Bristol Seafood + Steak + Social ($$$) – Upscale restaurant.
801 Chophouse ($$$$) – Fancy steakhouse. Open dinner-only.
The American Reserve ($$$$) – Fancy restaurant and lounge at the Ambassador Hotel.