Carollo's Italian Deli is an italian budget eat in River Market, Kansas City.
Editorially verified May 20, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Tip: Buy imported olives and tomatoes for home while you wait for the sandwich.
Address: 9 E 3rd St, Kansas City, MO 64106
Niecie's Restaurant on Troost Avenue in Kansas City has carried Denise Ward's Black-owned soul food since 1985 (current Troost address since 2009).
Try: Daily plate special
Tip: Lunch buffet on weekdays is the value; Sunday gospel brunch is a different price.
The Russell on Main Street in Kansas City's Midtown serves house-baked biscuit sandwiches under $12 with strong vegan and gluten-free options.
Try: Egg biscuit sandwich
Tip: Closed Mondays. The egg-and-biscuit sandwich plus a coffee runs under $10.
L.C.'s Bar-B-Q on Blue Parkway in Kansas City is the East Side dive that pitmasters cite quietly, with heavy smoke and heavier sauce since 1986.
Try: Beef sandwich
Tip: Cash works fastest; the line is the experience.
Tacos El Gallo on Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City's West Side runs counter-service tacos under $5 each since 2015. At 806 Southwest Blvd.
Try: Birria tacos
Tip: Mon-Tue and Thu 10:00-21:00. The salsa bar adds the personal touch.
Winstead's on Kansas City's Plaza is the 1940 Streamline Moderne drive-in. The double steakburger and Frosty malt under $14 are the canonical KC fast-food.
Try: Steakburger and malt
Tip: Curb service still runs; the milkshake is the must-buy Cash is faster than card.
Town Topic on Broadway in Kansas City's Crossroads has run a stainless-steel diner since 1937. Closes at 20:00 now; cash works fastest. At 2021 Broadway St.
Try: Smashed burger and chili
Tip: Closes at 20:00 now; cash works fastest.
