50 Best American Restaurants in Kansas City

“Honestly we were waiting in line to eat somewhere else and we got tired of waiting and walked down the street to this place. Didn't have very high expectations if I'm being honest. The decore is a little 12 years ago, but it's to be expected. What I didnt expect was how good the food was going to be. First of all they have a pretty good beer selection and a lot of interesting cocktails. We got the chips and queso as a starter (which came out with our food, oh well). Unbelievably delicious. Restaurant made chips, perfectly salty and crisp. Very tasty queso. My wife and I then had the mix and match tacos. I had 2 chicken and 2 mahi mahi and my wife had the cheeseburger and the cane asada. They were all delicious, except the chicken was a little bland.

Our server, I can't remember his name now sorry, was excellent. Very attentive, professional, amiable. Top tier service.

The drinks were a little spendy but that is to be expected I guess. Actually turned out to be the most expensive meal we had on our trip. Big bonus was that there was no wait and the food came out quick. All in all it was a great experience.“

“Great seafood!! We had oysters, hush puppies and gumbo. All of it was delicious. Of course, our wine was also delicious!🍷“

“My boyfriend and I visited for our anniversary. our service was phenomenal, cocktails tasty, and the was in our top favorite meals we have ever eaten! He had the Pork Chop and I had Prime Rib! Very Good!!“

“Great customer service by the staff. Amazing food. I mean really really good. I had raw oysters, small Caesar, buttermilk fried chicken and a burger to go.“

“We sat at the chef's counter for dinner. We had the most delightful conversation with Megan, who eas making lobster bisque while we ate. She shared the history of the restaurant and many other delightful stories. She was amazing and made the evening even more special. Thank you!“

“Stunning space & fantastic food & staff. Must have a great local beef connection because it’s priced perfectly & very reasonably for the area“

“I like how right when you walk in the staff makes an effort to seat you whether you had a reservation or not. I do recommend a reservation because it gets busy! The food is good and there are great non-alcoholic drink options like kombucha.“

“My entire party agreed the food was fresh and delicious! Many options from which to choose.“

“Amazing food and staff. Will definitely be going back.“

“Tonight we went to celebrate an accomplishment by my teenage daughter. I am a member of a Northland restaurant group and I was told to ask for Jamie because she is highly recommended. She was our server and my gosh, she went above and beyond. She mad our night wonderful and my daughter could NOT have been happier. Absolutely beaming. Thank you Stroud’s and Jamie for giving us a wonderful night that we won’t soon forget.“

“My daughter vegan and myself non vegan enjoyed this restaurant equally. Amazing food and service. I can’t wait to return 💞“

“Fish and chips were amazing!“

“Incredible place in KC River market. Make it a go to every time you are downtown“

“Just discovered and it’s great for a diner style meal.“

“They have house made keto buns! The blue room burger was delicious as were the zucchini fries. My husband got the regular burger and said it was great as well. Everyone was friendly and the service was great!“

“service was great, waiter's were nice, the food was excellent, I would recommend Farmhouse to everyone,You Will love it“

“Amazing food and great atmosphere!!“

“Thanksgiving at Grand Street this year was an absolute home run.\n\nI booked a 3:30 Thanksgiving Day seating and went in expecting “good for a holiday buffet.” What I got was way closer to a full-on, white-tablecloth feast that just happened to be all-you-can-eat.\n\nThe buffet spread alone was insane: silky mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, roasted root veggies, rich gravy, Brussels sprouts, green bean casserole, stuffing, cranberry sauce, multiple salads, rolls, ham, roast turkey and a prime rib carving station. Nothing tasted like it had been sitting under a heat lamp—everything was hot, well-seasoned, and felt like someone actually cared when they made it.\n\nThe turkey was moist (which never happens on buffets), the prime rib was tender and juicy, and the classic sides were exactly what you want on Thanksgiving: comforting, not over-complicated, and executed really well. The roasted veggies and Brussels sprouts had great texture, not that sad mushy buffet vibe.\n\nDesserts were downright dangerous: pecan pie, apple pie, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, assorted cookies, and these ridiculous chocolate ganache brownies. The pumpkin cheesecake and the brownies were worth the trip by themselves.\n\nService was just as strong as the food. Plates were cleared quickly, waters and sodas were constantly topped off, and the bartender was *on it*—adult beverages came out fast and made it to the table without us ever feeling like we were waiting around. For a busy holiday service, everything ran impressively smooth. No cold food, no undercooked anything, no “sorry, we’re out of that.” Just steady, generous refills and a staff that clearly had their act together.\n\nBottom line: Grand Street turned what could’ve been a chaotic holiday buffet into a legit, stress-free Thanksgiving experience. Plentiful food, killer execution, and sharp service. I’d happily take my family here as a Thanksgiving tradition—absolutely worth it.“

“Always have a good time , and the salted bun. Must get“

“I recommend the restaurant and the staff. But the short haired manager with glasses makes the dining experience awkward for her team and uncomfortable for the patrons. Don’t berate your team, lady. But if you must, don’t shout it across the room. We eat here a lot and the staff is wonderful. Maybe she’s the common denominator among the problems she perceives.“

“Great atmosphere. Beef Tartar was wonderful. Excellent selection of wines. 100% will impress a girl. Go forth men. Show them a good night.“

“unbelievably just out of this world“

“I had breakfast. Very good biscuits and gravy. I also had a Mimosa.“

“The food experience. If you have not been to an authentic BBQ in Kansas before, this needs to be on your list“

“Ordered Pizza and a Salad for the crew at work and it was amazing as always.“

“My favorite go to neighborhood bar. I’ve been going there since 1992.“

“Great food & great atmosphere! Definitely will be going back!“

“Thank you for being open on Thanksgiving today...It worked out perfect for our family today of (4) The food was amazing and our sever Ashley was fantastic“

“Great little bar tucked away in Platte Woods. One of the last to allow smoking! The food is amazing, and very large portions. The drinks are great and they have a wide variety to choose from! Open 7 days a week with specials every day! The atmosphere is like a "Cheers" bar, go check them out!“

“good food and service and nice atmosphere“

“best food ever five stars or maybe 100“

“Our 4 night stay at Indigo was simplified and greatly enhanced by the amazing food and great service at Dott Boss. Excellent bar as well. The Cinderblock cherry cider is best in the nation.“

“Local Kansas Citian....stayed this weekend with my husband and had an AMAZING time! The room was spacious and clean! Bed was super comfy, and it was actually very quiet! We could see the city life below from our corner room, but most of the noise was completely blocked out! The hotel bar and the terrace bar were both amazing! And breakfast at the hotel was to die for! We will definitely be staying again!“

“Brooke was our waitress and she fantastic“

“Always have a good time , and the salted bun. Must get“

“We were visiting KC and went to dinner here on a Saturday night without a reservation at about 5:30-6. We sat at the bar (by choice) and the bartenders were really friendly. They made an excellent old fashioned and a great whiskey sour. We ate bread, deviled eggs, and pork rinds for appetizers. The bread was fresh. The eggs were so flavorful and the pork rinds were perfectly seasoned and piping hot. We shared the half chicken and some Brussels sprouts and fries as sides. The chicken was juicy and with the house made hot sauce and gravy on top it was so good. I know I’ve said tons of good things already but hands down the best thing we ate was the mokan pie. Best pie ever!!!! We bought a trillion cookies and a cookbook to take home. We eat out ALOT and I fancy myself a bit of a home chef. This place was perfect if you are looking for a laid back spot with fresh chef made unpretentious food, bartenders that know their drinks, and amazing dessert! DO NOT SKIP DESSERT!!“

“Great Food and service. Would come here again.“

“My wife and I stopped in for the first time in a few years. We were seated after a bit of a wait. It is after all a Friday night in a shopping district. Our server was bright and cheery. She had a warming smile and happy persona. we placed our drink order. Shortly thereafter our food order was taken. I ordered a flat iron steak and a baker. My wife ordered soup and salad. Our dinner was served fairly quickly. Unfortunately my steak was quite a bit overcooked, so I requested one that wasn't over done. When the replacement steak was delivered, it was a bit overdone as well. I was hungry so I kept it. The manager came by to talk to us. I've spent time in a kitchen or two and I understand a dinner rush. The manager stopped at our table and wanted to assure us that this was not acceptable. She made things right, but wasn't needed or expected. I felt bad for our server because she probably feared she wasn't going to get tipped for a fairly big check. She was pretty wrong. I tipped correctly and arguably better than normal. Our return visit ended up being a great experience. We met a couple of wonderful human beings. Had some pretty good food. And, of course, my wife and I got to connect.“

“My grandson loves Culver’s!“

“We dined here on Christmas Day. Amazing food and Crawford Auction Service“

“Highly recommend! I’ve watched the menu here for a while and planned a parent’s date night based on their fall menu offerings. The food, drinks and atmosphere were all great. Food takes a while to come out as it is prepared fresh. Very thoughtful cuisine and an eclectic blend of flavors married together seamlessly. Again, highly recommend, don’t let the concise menu dissuade you as it may be tiny but mighty.“

“SMAXX is the place to be! Especially on Wednesday’s for $1 whole wings. My husband has tried many other food items and likes it! 🔥phillies and burgers too! I don’t go at night so I can’t speak to that, but during the day, the music is always jammin’ with R&B hits. If you haven’t tried it, you should.“

“Lonnie and his jazz set is fantastic! He has been around the world performing since age 7. He plays trumpet, flugelhorn, tap dances and sings beautifully. His quartet includes fabulous backup musicians on stringed base, electric base,drum set and an incredible pianist. KC is the jazz center of the USA and Lonnie walks us through the early beginnings during the prohibition era, all night jazz sessions and up to present day. It was magical!“

“Finally got to get to Bistro 303 today and I am so glad we did!! Staff was professional and friendly and the food was amazing. We had the brunch menu and the avocado toast Benedict was soooo yummy! We will be back soon.“

“Went to a show at The Garage. Not a bad seat in the house, clean bathrooms, easy access to the bar, and CHEAP DRINKS! Got a shot of Jack and a Hamms for $7...AT A SHOW! Love love love this venue! Thanks again Chris for the hospitality. Beau Nasty's In The Pit Radio Show 💪🫠🤘“

“Merci was pleasant and knowledgeable. Great job!“

“We booked reservations for pre show dining. Dining 5:45 pm show 7:30pm. It was delightful. Excellent, unique options. The service was helpful and friendly. We also chose valet for the show, which ended up literally right outside the restaurant. Could not have been more convenient. It was a lovely night. The restaurant had plenty of staff, it was clean and time efficient. We had plenty of time to eat and relax and then find our show seats!“

“Food prices match expectations as a snack bar/restaurant in a zoo. You will pay premiums for food here obviously.

Staff is courteous and helpful, even if beset by large families. Wait times are reasonable at peak hours. Seating is clean and cool even at peak lunch hours.

Food selection is slightly limited and ymmv. I found the black bean to be a good example of the vegetarian option, but the buffalo chicken is a little basic. Overall, your choices in zoo are limited, but you will be treated well here.“

“What an amazing dining experience. The staff is fantastic. Had the pleasure of meeting Chef Mike.“

“The wild Boar and limoncello cake were amazing!“