40 cheap eats places in Kansas City, editor-picked. the best low-budget spots in Kansas City: the places editors actually return to. All Kansas City food.
Ibis Bakery ★ 4.7
crossroads · 1624 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Ibis Bakery shares the Messenger Coffee flagship on Grand Boulevard in Kansas City's Crossroads, baking sourdough miche and laminated pastries 7:00 to 17:00.
Tip: Bread is best by 09:00; the laminated pastries sell out by lunch. Wholesale to Black Dog and several KC cafes.
Messenger Coffee ★ 4.7
crossroads · 1624 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Messenger Coffee's three-story flagship on Grand Boulevard in Kansas City's Crossroads pairs an in-house roastery with Ibis Bakery downstairs and a rooftop.
Tip: Rooftop opens for sunset; the second floor is the work-friendly seat. Daily 7:00-17:00.
Joe's Kansas City Z-Man ★ 4.7
kck · 3002 West 47th Ave, Kansas City, KS 66103
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que in the working Shamrock gas station at 47th and Mission in Kansas City, Kansas serves the Z-Man sandwich, brisket and provolone.
Tip: Closed Sundays; the line is the experience. Cash and card Cash is faster than card.
Heirloom Bakery and Hearth ★ 4.6
brookside · 401 E 63rd St, Kansas City, MO 64110
Scott and Kate Meinke's Heirloom Bakery on 63rd in Kansas City's Brookside is the destination bakery. Cheddar-herb biscuits and Pop-Tarts are signatures.
Tip: Bakers arrive at 03:00; the breakfast burrito and Pop-Tart combo is the move at 09:00.
Cafe Ca Phe ★ 4.6
river-market · 916 E 5th St, Kansas City, MO 64106
Jackie Nguyen's Cafe Ca Phe on 5th Street in Kansas City's Columbus Park is the city's first Vietnamese coffee shop, with Vietnamese-American specialty.
Tip: The Hella Good with ube is the signature; the cafe operates as a community hub on weekends.
Heirloom Bakery and Hearth ★ 4.6
brookside · 401 E 63rd St, Kansas City, MO 64110
Heirloom Bakery and Hearth in Kansas City's Brookside is Scott and Kate Meinke's destination bakery and breakfast counter, with cheddar-herb biscuits.
Tip: Tue to Fri 7:00-14:00, Sat 7:00-15:00, Sun 7:00-14:00. The line forms by mid-morning.
L.C.'s Bar-B-Q ★ 4.5
east-kc · 5800 Blue Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64129
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.
Tip: Open Monday through Saturday lunch through dinner. Cash works best, line and decor are part of the experience.
Banksia Bakehouse ★ 4.5
downtown · 1183 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Banksia Bakehouse on Main Street in downtown Kansas City is the city's first Australian-style bakehouse and cafe. At 1183 Main St. Booking recommended.
Tip: The pork and fennel sausage roll is the Diners Drive-Ins and Dives pick. Pavlova and ANZAC cookies anchor the Australian side of the case.
Ibis Bakery Leawood ★ 4.5
leawood · 11930 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS 66209
Ibis Bakery's Leawood outpost on Roe Avenue in suburban Kansas City sells the same breads as the Crossroads flagship, with parking and a quieter pace.
Tip: The Leawood store opens earlier than the flagship; pain de campagne sells out by mid-morning.
Thou Mayest River Quay ★ 4.5
river-market · 412 Delaware St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Thou Mayest at River Quay on Delaware in Kansas City's River Market acquired the former Quay Coffee in 2019 and pours Thou Mayest's own roasts on the corner.
Tip: Bo Nelson's roastery is the Kansas City coffee-scene anchor; the River Quay shop is the weekend hub.
Pigwich ★ 4.5
river-market · 20 E 5th St Ste 101C, Kansas City, MO 64106
Pigwich at City Market in Kansas City's River Market is the sandwich-and-burger counter that began as a butcher shop. Open daily 11:00-16:00.
Tip: 6.5-ounce dry-aged beef burger is the second order. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Yoli Tortilleria ★ 4.5
westside · 1668 Jefferson St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Yoli Tortilleria on Jefferson in Kansas City's Westside makes heirloom-corn tortillas at the shop and runs a counter of tacos and quesadillas alongside.
Tip: Yoli Westside is the cafe; the original supplies the city's best restaurants and grocery stores.
Vietnam Cafe ★ 4.5
river-market · 522 Campbell St, Kansas City, MO 64106
Vietnam Cafe on Campbell Street in Kansas City's Columbus Park is the pint-size institution that serves the city's most-praised pho, with generous portions.
Tip: Closed Tuesdays. The banh mi is the second order; cash works fastest.
L.C.'s Bar-B-Q ★ 4.5
east-kc · 5800 Blue Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64129
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.
Tip: Cash works fastest; the line is the experience.
Vietnam Cafe Pho ★ 4.5
river-market · 522 Campbell St, Kansas City, MO 64106
Vietnam Cafe on Campbell Street in Kansas City's Columbus Park is the city's most-praised pho counter, with generous bowls of broth and noodles under $15.
Tip: Closed Tuesdays. Banh mi is the second order; cash works fastest.
Niecie's Restaurant ★ 4.4
south-kc · 6441 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64131
Niecie's Restaurant on Troost Avenue in Kansas City has run Black-owned soul food since 1985, when Denise and Perry Ward opened their first location.
Tip: Daily plate specials rotate; the lunch buffet is the value. Sunday gospel brunch packs the room.
Habashi House ★ 4.4
river-market · 309 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Habashi House in Kansas City's City Market runs a family-owned Middle Eastern counter with halal meats, including beef shawarma and falafel platters.
Tip: Open Mon-Tue 10:00-14:00, Wed-Fri 10:00-17:00. Cash works fastest; takeaway is the move at peak lunch.
Carollo's Italian Grocery and Deli ★ 4.4
river-market · 9 E 3rd St, Kansas City, MO 64106
Carollo's Italian Grocery and Deli on 3rd Street in Kansas City's City Market has run since 1989, with Mike Carollo serving specialty subs and imported.
Tip: Open daily 10:00-17:30. Counter sandwiches go fast at lunch; pick up groceries while you wait.
The Russell ★ 4.4
midtown · 3141 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111
The Russell on Main Street in Kansas City's Midtown is Amanda Lopez's all-day cafe and lunch counter, with house-baked biscuits and a strong vegetarian.
Tip: Tue to Sat 7:00-14:00, Sun 8:00-14:00, closed Mondays. Gluten-free and vegan options strong.
Mud Pie Vegan Bakery ★ 4.4
mission · 6850 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS 66202
Mud Pie Vegan Bakery on Johnson Drive in Mission, Kansas runs a 100 percent vegan and largely gluten-free programme. Open tue to sun 7:00-18:00.
Tip: Friday 7:00-18:00 is the late shift; weekends are family-friendly.
Messenger Bakery and Cafe ★ 4.4
crossroads · 1624 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Messenger Bakery shares the Grand Boulevard flagship with Ibis on the ground floor. Located in Crossroads. Open daily 7:00-17:00. At 1624 Grand Blvd.
Tip: Walk between Messenger, Blip Roasters and Cafe Ca Phe; all are close on a Crossroads coffee crawl.
Carollo's Italian Grocery Deli ★ 4.4
river-market · 9 E 3rd St, Kansas City, MO 64106
Carollo's Italian Grocery and Deli on 3rd Street in Kansas City's City Market has run since 1989, with Mike Carollo's imports plus a daily run of cannoli.
Tip: Pick up imported tomatoes and olive oil; the deli builds sandwiches on the same bread out front.
PT's Coffee at the Crossroads ★ 4.4
crossroads · 310 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
PT's Coffee on Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City's Crossroads pours the Topeka-based direct-trade roaster's beans, with a steady espresso programme.
Tip: Sister Power and Light location at 1310 Baltimore covers the downtown blocks.
Black Dog Coffeehouse ★ 4.4
lenexa · 12815 W 87th Street Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66215
Black Dog Coffeehouse in Lenexa has poured Messenger Coffee beans and Ibis Bakery toast since 2003, with a family-friendly counter and the suburb's farmers.
Tip: Live music nights and game nights are regulars on the calendar; free dog biscuits at the counter.
The Russell ★ 4.4
midtown · 3141 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111
Amanda Lopez's The Russell on Main Street in Kansas City's Midtown is the all-day cafe and lunch counter, with house-baked biscuits and strong gluten-free.
Tip: Tue to Sat 7:00-14:00, Sun 8:00-14:00. Egg-and-biscuit sandwich is the move at 8:00.
Messenger South Plaza ★ 4.4
plaza · 5050 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64112
Messenger Coffee's South Plaza cafe in Kansas City brings the Grand Boulevard flagship's roasts to the Plaza corridor, paired with Ibis Bakery's daily breads.
Tip: Smaller and quieter than the Crossroads flagship; the patio works on weekday mornings.
Tacos El Gallo ★ 4.4
westside · 806 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Tacos El Gallo on Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City's West Side has run since 2015. Birria pizza is the unique pick; the salsas bar is generous.
Tip: Birria pizza is the unique pick; the salsas bar is generous.
Habashi House ★ 4.4
river-market · 309 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Habashi House in Kansas City's City Market is the family-owned Middle Eastern halal counter since 2000, with shawarma, falafel and combination platters.
Tip: Cash works fastest at peak lunch; takeaway is the move Cash typically expected.
Carollo's Italian Deli ★ 4.4
river-market · 9 E 3rd St, Kansas City, MO 64106
Carollo's Italian Grocery on 3rd Street in Kansas City's City Market has run sandwiches and imported groceries since 1989, with Mike Carollo at the counter.
Tip: The Romano on house bread is the canonical order; pick up tomatoes from the case before leaving.
Tacos El Gallo ★ 4.4
westside · 806 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
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.
Tip: Mon-Tue and Thu 10:00-21:00. The salsa bar adds the personal touch.
Habashi House ★ 4.4
river-market · 309 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Habashi House in Kansas City's City Market runs the city's cheapest halal Middle Eastern lunch counter, with beef shawarma and falafel platters under $14.
Tip: Cash works fastest; the combination plate is the value Cash is faster than card.
Carollo's Italian Deli ★ 4.4
river-market · 9 E 3rd St, Kansas City, MO 64106
Carollo's Italian Grocery and Deli on 3rd Street in Kansas City's City Market has run since 1989 with specialty subs and imports. Located in River Market.
Tip: Buy imported olives and tomatoes for home while you wait for the sandwich.
The Russell Cafe ★ 4.4
midtown · 3141 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111
The Russell on Main Street in Kansas City's Midtown serves house-baked biscuit sandwiches under $12 with strong vegan and gluten-free options.
Tip: Closed Mondays. The egg-and-biscuit sandwich plus a coffee runs under $10.
McLain's Bakery ★ 4.3
waldo · 201 E Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64114
McLain's Bakery in Kansas City's Waldo has run since October 1945, making it the city's longest-running independent bakery. At 201 E Gregory Blvd.
Tip: Cake doughnuts and birthday cakes are the must-orders; the kitchen closes at 14:00 daily.
Mildred's Coffeehouse ★ 4.3
crossroads · 1901 Wyandotte, Kansas City, MO 64108
Mildred's Coffeehouse on Wyandotte in Kansas City's Crossroads has run breakfast, brunch and lunch since 1994. At 1901 Wyandotte. Booking recommended.
Tip: South Plaza outpost at 5060 Main and the 9th Street downtown shop carry the same menu.
Succotash ★ 4.3
longfellow · 2601 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Succotash on Holmes Street near Kansas City's Longfellow runs a long-standing breakfast and brunch counter with local and organic ingredients.
Tip: Mon 8:00-14:00, closed Tue, Wed. Open Thu to Sun 8:00-15:00; brunch packs the room.
McLain's Bakery Cafe Waldo ★ 4.3
waldo · 201 E Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64114
McLain's on Gregory Boulevard in Kansas City's Waldo opened in 1945 and runs the city's longest-running independent bakery counter, with old-school cakes.
Tip: Sun and Mon 7:00-14:00, Tue to Sat 7:00-16:00. The kitchen closes at 14:00 daily.
Niecie's Restaurant Lunch ★ 4.3
south-kc · 6441 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64131
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).
Tip: Lunch buffet on weekdays is the value; Sunday gospel brunch is a different price.
You Say Tomato ★ 4.2
brookside · 2801 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64109
You Say Tomato in Kansas City's Brookside corridor is a quirky neighbourhood cafe with daily specials, veg-friendly options and a slow-paced breakfast.
Tip: Wed to Sat 8:00-14:00, closed Mon, Tue, Sun. Walk-in only, expect a wait on weekends.
McLain's Market Overland Park ★ 4.2
overland-park · 10610 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS 66206
McLain's Market in Leawood is the suburban Kansas City spin-off of the 1945 Waldo bakery, with a wider cafe menu and a full case of cakes, doughnuts.
Tip: Cinnamon rolls hot from the oven at 09:00. The cafe runs daily breakfast and lunch.