Best Restaurants in Kansas City

Eat at some of the best restaurants in Kansas City—from barbecue to vegan and gluten-free—there's something for every palate.

B.B.'s Lawnside BBQ

Blues and barbecue beckon at B.B.'s Lawnside BBQ, a rustic roadhouse that rocks with live music and offers signature entrees like KC-style brisket with crispy ends smoked all day in the circa-1950s oven. Feeling adventurous? Dive into the BBQ Sundae, layers of beans, slaw and pulled pork topped with a dill spear in a mason jar. Red-and-white checked tablecloths and the twinkling glow of outdoor lights invite neighborly feasting. Pictures plastering the walls tell the stories of KC's barbecue and blues—B.B.'s owner founded the Kansas City Blues Society. If you fall in love with B.B.'s, you won't be alone; the Travel Channel dubbed it one of KC's best for barbecue.

Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue

If you're looking for the best in the U.S., you'll find it in KC—at least according to Zagat. Specializing in its sauces and burned-ends brisket, Jack Stack Barbecue has consistently earned high reviews from Zagat, The Today Show and others. There's a comfort in savoring the mouth-watering rubs and sauces Jack Stack became famous for over 50 years ago. For the coziest and original of the four KC locations, duck into KC's Martin City neighborhood with its lushly canopied old trees and small-town feel. Inside the restaurant, the relaxing atmosphere continues with warm woods, comfy booths, soft lighting, a fireplace and patio.

Seva Cuisine of India

Seva Cuisine is ranked as one of the best places for Indian food—even the most finicky eaters in your group can enjoy something at this family-owned restaurant, where much of the food is sourced from local farms. Delve into a variety of dishes at the lunch buffet or order off the menu; either way, you'll find vegan and gluten-free choices. You don't have to fear the fire, either; mild and medium spices are also offered.

Pierpoint's at Union Station

Indulge in historical, artistic and architectural splendor along with perfectly aged steak and fresh seafood at Pierpoint's in KC's circa-1914 Union Station. For a budget-friendly lighter meal, drinks and a jaw-dropping look at the 30-foot tall mahogany bar, stop in for happy hour. The lunch menu is also an affordable option. Pierpoint's gets top ratings for its ambiance and food. It also is one of the favorite places for out-of-towners to visit because of its location in Union Station—impressive in its own right with towering walls and architectural marvels.

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