Bbq$east-kc
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.
Signature: Burnt ends, Beef sandwich, Ribs
Order: Beef sandwich piled high, sauce on the side.
Tip: Open Monday through Saturday lunch through dinner. Cash works best, line and decor are part of the experience.
Bbq$$westport
Char Bar in Westport, Kansas City pairs Mitch Benjamin's award-winning smoke programme with the city's largest dog-friendly patio plus games and a fire pit.
Signature: Burnt ends, Hot chicken and waffles, Charred cauliflower
Order: Burnt ends platter and the charred cauliflower, on the patio with a Boulevard draft.
Tip: Brunch on weekends from 10:00-14:00. Kitchen runs until 22:00 most nights; the beer garden stays open later.
Bbq$$columbus-park
Wolfepack BBQ in Columbus Park Kansas City, an all-wood smoker pit using Creekstone Farms brisket and Duroc ribs in a tin-ceiling brick-walled vintage room.
Signature: Brisket, Pork ribs, Burnt ends
Order: Brisket sliced fat and lean, plus a side of burnt ends if they have any.
Tip: Tue to Sat opening through sell-out; arrive at lunch. Walk-in only; no reservations.
New American$$$longfellow
The Antler Room in Kansas City's Longfellow is Nick and Leslie Goellner's husband-and-wife room. Kitchen leans new american. At 2506 Holmes St.
Signature: Persian-influenced grilled meats, Hand-rolled pastas, Mediterranean small plates
Order: Whatever pasta is on, plus a glass from Leslie's growers-only list.
Tip: Chef Nick Goellner has been a James Beard Best Chef Midwest semifinalist three times. Reservations open online and fill weeks out.
French$$$river-market
Le Fou Frog in Kansas City's River Market is Mano and Barbara Rafael's French bistro on the corner of 5th and Oak, with Provencal classics since 1996.
Signature: Steak au poivre, Sole meunière, Crème brûlée
Order: Steak au poivre with frites and a Pinot Noir from the list.
Tip: Open Tue to Sun for dinner; reservations recommended. Bring cash for the tip cup. Mano makes the rounds nightly.
New American$$$crossroads
Novel in Kansas City's East Crossroads is Ryan Brazeal and Jessica Armstrong's tasting-menu room, opened on the Westside in 2013 and relocated to McGee.
Signature: Tasting menu, House-made charcuterie, Seasonal pastas
Order: The chef's tasting menu, with the wine pairing built around small-importer bottles.
Tip: Reservations via Tock open 30 days out; the bar serves a shorter menu without booking. Pastry is Jessica's domain.