What comes to mind when you hear “American food”? For a lot of people, it’s the classic image of apple pie, you know, “As American as apple pie” a symbol of comfort and good times. Others might picture juicy steaks, smoky barbecue, or those juicy burgers. But American cuisine is a way more than just those basic things. It’s like a huge tapestry of flavors, with everything from vegan dishes to Tex-Mex treats and hearty pork roasts. That’s what makes eating at American restaurants so fun—there’s really something for everyone.
If you’re searching for the best American restaurant in Kansas City, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this guide will help you find the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings.
What Qualifies as American Food?
What exactly is American food? If you ask locals in Kansas City or look at popular American restaurants, you might get a variety of answers.
American cuisine is characterized by its diversity and regional variations, capturing the influences of numerous cultures including Indigenous peoples, European settlers, and various immigrant groups. In Kansas City, American food can showcase these traits in many delightful forms. As noted by various sources, including popular media outlets like According to Thrillist and CNN, American food is often defined by specific categories and dishes that resonate nationally and regionally.
It’s interesting to note how different perspectives from around the world view American cuisine. For example, if you ask your friends from other countries, you might be surprised by what they say. A funny article in Insider says some people think American food is basically the same as their own local food – For example, a lot of Chinese people think that American-Chinese food represents the essence of American like Chinese food or hot dogs, which are super popular everywhere. Hot dogs are especially known as a symbol of American cuisine because they started in Coney Island and are still really popular today.
So, why not dive into the diverse world of American dining in Kansas City? Check out the awesome American restaurants in Kansas City and get a taste of what makes American cuisine so good and satisfying.
Finding the Perfect American Restaurant Near Me for You
Kansas City is renowned for its dynamic dining scene, particularly when it comes to American cuisine. It helped the city get picked by National Geographic as one of the best places to visit in the world. With a variety of American restaurants available, the city offers a culinary experience that’s all about classic dishes and new ways to make them.
If you’re in search of the best American restaurants in Kansas City, here are several top picks that showcase the breadth of local dining options:
Barbecue
What are the best barbecue spots in Kansas City and what makes Kansas City cuisine so special? The answer is that Kansas City is a paradise for barbecue lovers, offering a rich variety of smokey flavors and styles that cater to every taste.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, exploring the city’s barbecue restaurants will give you a true taste of Kansas City cuisine. If you’re searching for the best barbecue in Kansas City, these top barbecue spots should be on your list:
Restaurant Name | Signature Dishes | Ambiance | Notable Features | Google Rating | Google Maps Link |
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que | Burnt Ends, Rocket Pig | Casual | Originated in a gas station | 4.7 | Google Maps |
Q39 | Chef-Driven BBQ | Upscale | Innovative, scratch-kitchen concept | 4.6 | Google Maps |
Jack Stack Barbecue | Hickory-Smoked Meats | Family-Friendly | Largest wood-fired cookery in U.S. | 4.5 | Google Maps |
Gates Bar-B-Q | Mutton, Signature Sauce | Casual | Historic, family-owned | 4.3 | Google Maps |
Slap’s BBQ | Brisket, Ribs | Laid-back | Family-run | 4.6 | Google Maps |
Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque | Brisket, Unique Sauce | Casual | Iconic name in BBQ | 4.2 | Google Maps |
Woodyard BBQ | Hickory-Smoked Chicken | Relaxed | Friendly atmosphere | 4.4 | Google Maps |
Plowboys BBQ | Award-Winning Sauces | Casual | Competition BBQ team | 4.5 | Google Maps |
Porky’s Blazin’ Bar-B-Q | Daily Wood-Smoked Meats | Rustic | Unique barn setting | 4.4 | Google Maps |
Smokehouse BBQ | Hickory-Smoked Chicken | Upscale | Quality focus | 4.3 | Google Maps |
Char Bar | Variety of Smoked Meats | Vibrant | Outdoor space | 4.4 | Google Maps |
Chef J BBQ | Texas-Style BBQ | Casual | Open Thursday-Sunday | 4.5 | Google Maps |
Scott’s Kitchen | Flavorful BBQ | Casual | Near the airport | 4.6 | Google Maps |
Harp BBQ | Delicious Smoked Meats | Friendly | Local favorite | 4.7 | Google Maps |
Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue | Extensive Menu | Family-Friendly | Nationwide shipping available | 4.6 | Google Maps |
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Sandwiches and Burgers
Kansas City isn’t just about barbecue, you know. Kansas City is famous for its vibrant food scene, and when it comes to sandwiches and burgers, the city doesn’t disappoint. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cheeseburger or a gourmet sandwich, Kansas City has something to satisfy every craving.
To give you a better idea of what I’m talking about, check out these places for sandwiches in KC.
Restaurant Name | Signature Dishes | Ambiance | Notable Features | Google Rating | Google Maps Link |
Yard House | Classic Cheeseburger | Lively sports bar | Extensive beer selection, outdoor seating | 4.5 | Yard House |
BRGR Kitchen + Bar | Brgr with Fried Egg | Modern and casual | Gourmet toppings, local ingredients | 4.6 | BRGR Kitchen + Bar |
KC Smoke Burger | Smoked Brisket Burger | Cozy and laid-back | Unique smokehouse flavors | 4.4 | KC Smoke Burger |
The Lunchbox | The Lunchbox Burger | Retro diner vibe | Comfort food, nostalgic decor | 4.3 | The Lunchbox |
Beer Kitchen | Beer-Battered Burger | Casual and friendly | Craft beer pairings, local brews | 4.5 | Beer Kitchen |
54th Street Grill & Bar | BBQ Bacon Burger | Family-friendly | Diverse menu, sports viewing | 4.2 | 54th Street Grill & Bar |
Westport Flea Market | The Flea Market Burger | Eclectic and vibrant | Outdoor market atmosphere, local vendors | 4.0 | Westport Flea Market |
Summit Grill | Summit Burger | Upscale casual | Seasonal menu changes, craft cocktails | 4.4 | Summit Grill |
Mickey’s Hideaway | The Hideaway Burger | Rustic and cozy | Live music events, friendly service | 4.3 | Mickey’s Hideaway |
Cliff’s Taphouse | Cliff’s Burger | Laid-back pub | Extensive beer list, community vibe | 4.1 | Cliff’s Taphouse |
Blvd Tavern | Blvd Burger | Casual and trendy | Great patio, craft beer selection | 4.5 | Blvd Tavern |
The Farmhouse | Farmhouse Burger | Rustic and inviting | Farm-to-table ingredients, seasonal menu | 4.4 | The Farmhouse |
Torn Label Brewing Co. | Torn Label Burger | Industrial and modern | House-brewed beers, food truck events | 4.3 | Torn Label Brewing Co. |
Upscale American ($$$) Knsas City
Upscale restaurants are like fancy places where the food is super yummy and special. They’re like the fancy dining rooms in movies.
The city’s restaurant scene is thriving with high-end American eateries that offer not just a meal but an experience. These places aren’t just about eating; they’re about enjoying every bite in a setting that feels special. Let’s dive into some of the top spots that are making waves in Kansas City’s upscale dining scene.
Restaurant Name | Signature Dishes | Ambiance | Notable Features | Google Rating | Google Maps Link |
The Antler Room | Elk loin with mushroom risotto, duck liver mousse | Cozy, refined with rustic decor and elegant furnishings | Seasonal tasting menu, extensive wine list | 4.7 | The Antler Room |
The Capital Grille | Steak, lobster mac and cheese | Elegant, classic steakhouse | Extensive wine list, impeccable service | 4.6 | The Capital Grille |
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood | Fresh seafood, extensive wine list | Sophisticated, upscale | Romantic setting, impeccable service | 4.7 | Eddie V’s Prime Seafood |
Pierpont’s at Union Station | Fresh seafood, prime cuts of meat | Classic, refined with historic setting | Stunning views of Union Station, impeccable service | 4.6 | Pierpont’s at Union Station |
Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room | Creative, innovative dishes | Lively, contemporary | Tasting menu, changing menu | 4.6 | Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room |
Novel Restaurant | House-made charcuterie, lobster mac and cheese | Sleek, contemporary with a warm atmosphere | Extensive cocktail menu, creative culinary presentations, special tasting events | 4.8 | Novel |
Voltaire | Wild mushroom risotto, roasted rack of lamb | Elegant decor with a sophisticated atmosphere | Artistic presentations, extensive selection of rare wines and spirits | 4.6 | Voltaire |
The American Restaurant | American cuisine with a modern twist | Elegant with panoramic views of downtown KC | Iconic, award-winning restaurant | 4.8 | The American Restaurant |
Gram & Dun | Gourmet burgers, artisanal salads | Vibrant, contemporary | Lively atmosphere, fresh local ingredients | 4.7 | Gram & Dun |
Seasons 52 | Seasonal dishes, perfectly cooked scallops | Inviting, contemporary | Commitment to quality and flavor, healthy yet indulgent options | 4.8 | Seasons 52 |
Brown & Loe | Seafood tower, prime ribeye steak | Classic, upscale with elegant decor | Meticulous food and service, extensive wine and bourbon selection | 4.7 | Brown & Loe |
The Westside Local | Sriracha chicken sandwich, meatloaf | Warm, exposed-brick space with outdoor beer garden | Farm-to-table American cooking, dog-friendly | 4.5 | The Westside Local |
Room 39 | Grass-fed beef tenderloin, roasted beet salad | Modern, comfortable with open kitchen | Farm-to-table philosophy, popular brunch menu | 4.6 | Room 39 |
Canary Bar + Bistro | Seasonal dishes, craft cocktails | Cozy, inviting | Extensive cocktail menu, local ingredients | N/A | Canary Bar + Bistro |
Society | Contemporary American cuisine | Chic, modern | Focus on local ingredients, vibrant atmosphere | N/A | Society |
A Coffee Break and Dessert Options
Looking for a sweet treat or a cozy coffee break in Kansas City? The city has some fantastic places where you can grab a yummy dessert or enjoy a delicious cup of coffee. Let’s check out some great spots where you can relax and enjoy.
Location | What to Try | Why It’s Great | Rating | Google Maps Link |
The Roasterie | Rich hot coffee, iced coffee, muffins, scones | Cool, friendly vibe, perfect for hanging out | 4.8 | The Roasterie on Google Maps |
Mamma Mia’s Gelato | Creamy gelato in flavors like chocolate hazelnut, strawberry cheesecake, coffee | Fresh gelato, tastes like Italy | 4.7 | Mamma Mia’s Gelato on Google Maps |
LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee | Classic glazed donuts, maple bacon donuts, filled donuts, coffee | Fresh donuts, strong coffee, great for morning or midday treat | 4.6 | LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee on Google Maps |
Sweet Magnolia’s | Homemade pies (pecan pie), cakes (chocolate cake), coffee, tea | Cozy, homemade desserts, feels like home | 4.5 | Sweet Magnolia’s on Google Maps |
Panera Bread | Coffee, cookies, brownies, pastries, hot chocolate | Cozy atmosphere, quick snack, great for catching up | 4.4 | Panera Bread on Google Maps |
Messenger Coffee Co | Seasonal drinks, pastries | Light-filled, multi-level | 4.8 | Messenger Coffee Co on Google Maps |
Blip Coffee Roasters | Craft coffee, unique blends | Motorcycle-themed, casual | 4.7 | Blip Coffee Roasters on Google Maps |
Café Corazón | Latin-inspired coffee, pastries | Cozy, vibrant | 4.6 | Café Corazón on Google Maps |
Made in KC | Coffee, local art, seasonal lattes | Creative, community-focused | 4.5 | Made in KC on Google Maps |
Billie’s Grocery | Inventive lattes, bakery items | Bright, inviting | 4.7 | Billie’s Grocery on Google Maps |
Mildred’s | Breakfast, brunch, coffee | Lively, welcoming | 4.5 | Mildred’s on Google Maps |
Thou Mayest Coffee | Specialty coffee, pastries | Cozy, artistic | 4.8 | Thou Mayest Coffee on Google Maps |
Vested Coffee | Onyx Coffee Lab offerings | Unique Airstream camper | 4.7 | Vested Coffee on Google Maps |
Filling Station Coffee | Breakfast, lunch, coffee | Garage-themed, casual | 4.6 | Filling Station Coffee on Google Maps |
Café Equinox | Coffee, local pastries | Botanical, tropical | 4.6 | Café Equinox on Google Maps |
Opera House Cafe | Breakfast, lunch, coffee, desserts | Spacious, relaxed | 4.5 | Opera House Cafe on Google Maps |
Two Sugars | Pastries, breakfast sandwiches | Cozy, inviting | 4.5 | Two Sugars on Google Maps |
Be sure to check out The Cheesecake Factory and other local sweet spots where you can indulge in a variety of desserts that reflect quintessential American flavors. Treat yourself to classic desserts like cheesecake and pie, which are as much part of local American cuisine as the savory dishes.
If you are searching for the best American cuisine restaurants near me? Here are some useful tips for you:
- Use local search terms like American restaurant near me or good American food restaurants near me.
- Explore popular review sites for recommendations on Kansas City restaurants.
Conclusion
Kansas City restaurants offer a rich and diverse culinary landscape that showcases the best of American style restaurants. Whatever you’re in the mood for—whether it’s a traditional barbecue experience or an upscale meal featuring gourmet twists on beloved American dishes—Kansas City likely has it all.
With many dining options available, you’re bound to find the perfect American restaurant near you. Dive into this vibrant food scene and discover the flavors that make Kansas City a destination for food lovers everywhere.
For further details on dining options and to discover the hidden gems of Kansas City cuisine. Check out local food blogs and guides for iconic Kansas City restaurants.
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