Street food$crossroadsDaily 06:00-20:00
Town Topic in Kansas City's Crossroads has run a tiny stainless-steel diner since 1937, selling smashed burgers and hand-dipped malts at the counter.
Try: Smashed burger, chili
Tip: Hours rolled back from 24 hours in May 2026 over safety concerns; closes at 20:00 daily now.
Street food$river-marketDaily 10:00-17:30
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.
Try: Romano sandwich, Philly steak
Tip: The Romano on house bread is the canonical order; pick up tomatoes from the case before leaving.
Street food$westportDaily 11:00-22:00
Westport Flea Market Bar and Grill on Westport Road serves the 10-ounce burger the Food Network's Meat and Potatoes named the city's best. At 817 Westport Rd.
Try: 10-ounce burger
Tip: Condiment bar adds the personal touch; pair with onion rings and a pint of Boulevard.
Street food$river-marketMon and Wed-Sat 09:00-20:00, closed Tue
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.
Try: Pho, banh mi
Tip: Closed Tuesdays. The banh mi is the second order; cash works fastest.
Street food$westsideMon-Tue and Thu 10:00-21:00, Wed 10:00-19:00, Fri-Sat 10:00-24:00, Sun 11:00-19:00
Tacos El Gallo on Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City's West Side has run since 2015. Birria pizza is the unique pick; the salsas bar is generous.
Try: Birria tacos
Tip: Birria pizza is the unique pick; the salsas bar is generous.
Street food$river-marketDaily 11:00-16:00
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.
Try: Smoked pork sandwich, dry-aged burger
Tip: 6.5-ounce dry-aged beef burger is the second order. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.