Messenger Coffee: Whether you’re staying for breakfast or want a good latte and a fresh-milled classic croissant to go, this is your spot. The line can be long (especially on the weekends), but don’t let that sway you. It’s well worth the wait. (@messengercoffee)
Monarch Coffee: Sure, this trendy coffee shop makes a mean cup of coffee, but where they really shine is in their ever-changing specialty drinks. They’re as tasty as they are works of art! (@monarchcoffeekc)
Quay Coffee: Strong, simple, delicious. The people at Quay take great pride in the coffee they produce, and it shows. They serve one of the best cappuccinos in the city! (@quaycoffee)
Breakfast
Thou Mayest: What better way to start your day then at hip coffee shop with a full-blown cereal bar?! $5 at Thou Mayest will get you a hot cup of coffee and a hefty bowl of Kix (or Froot Loops, Captain Crunch, Honey Bunches of Oats… heck, they’ll even mix them all together for you if that’s your style)! (@thou_mayest)
The Classic Cup: They’re a local favorite, and for good reason - the food here is good. It’s simple American cooking done right - and Bobby’s still dreaming about their egg sandwich! (The Classic Cup on Instagram)
Bobby’s pick: Egg Sandwich
Alli’s pick: The Turkey Omelete
Rye: This hip, farm-to-table restaurant in the Kansas City Plaza serves up a mean brunch on the weekends. From melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls, to homemade biscuits and gravy, to their hearty brisket burnt end hash… it’s definitely a weekend treat. And you’ll definitely need a nap after. (@rye_kc)
Messenger Coffee: If we only had time to grab coffee/breakfast at one spot while we’re in Kansas City, this would be it. Not only is everything they serve delicious (Ohhhh, the pastries!), but the space is big and modern and open in the best kind of way. If it’s nice out, we suggest sitting on their rooftop patio! (@messengercoffee)
Bobby’s pick: Fresh-Milled Biscuits and Gravy
Alli’s pick: Classic Breakfast
Lunch/Dinner
Joe’s Kansas City BBQ: You can’t go to Kansas City without experiencing Joe’s Kansas City BBQ. This world-famous BBQ joint is known for its ribs, “Z-man” sandwich, brisket, and more. Oh, and did we mention that it’s in a gas station!? Get here early, as this place has a cult following - and the line can take awhile! (But trust us - it’s worth it.) (@joeskc)
Bobby’s pick: The Z-Man Sandwich
Alli’s pick: One Meat Dinner with Brisket
Q39: Our other favorite BBQ joint in town is Q39. It’s a little nicer than Joe’s, and takes reservations - which is always a plus in busy seasons. While we love the vibe of Joe’s, we’ll go out on a limb and say that the BBQ might be just a liiiiittle better at Q39 (we’ll probably offend some people)… Try both and let us know what you think. ;) (@q39kc)
Bobby’s pick: Judges Plate
Alli’s pick: Combo Plate
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream: This ice cream shop isn’t technically a lunch or dinner restaurant - but it’s a MUST!! The flavors change seasonally, and they’re out-of-this-world amazing. Ice cream lovers, you’ll want to get a triple scoop. (@bettyraes)
Extra Virgin KC: This lively Mediterranean-style tapas restaurant is the perfect spot for a date night - and their half-priced happy hour (M-F, 4-6pm) is not to be missed! Try one of their specialty cocktails - and their famous deviled eggs! (@extravirginkc)
The Rieger: Since 1915, The Rieger has been a Kansas City institution. Once a hotel, it’s now one of the best restaurants in the city. The food is hearty and innovative and the cocktails are strong. (@theriegerkc)
Bobby’s pick: Turkey Garganelli
Alli’s pick: Gnocchi alla Romana
Manifesto: This iconic bar (located in the basement of The Rieger) was once operated as a speakeasy during prohibition, and had its share of famous guests - including Tom Pendergast and Al Capone! The drinks, service, and low-lit ambiance are as phenomenal as ever- causing it to still be one of the best cocktail bars in town! (@manifesto_kc)
The Monarch Bar: This is definitely on our list of top-ten most beautiful cocktail bars. From the opulent chandelier to the velvet seats, it’s upscale and fancy and totally striking. They change their menu seasonally, and source only the freshest ingredients available. (@themonarchbarkc)
Bar K Dog Bar: Bar K is a dog’s dream. A riverfront bar, restaurant, and dog park located on the shore of the Missouri River. Bar K was so hard to visit because we didn’t have Sally! They offer local beers, craft cocktails, smoothies, coffee, and great food. It’s the best destination for people AND puppy watching! (@barkdogbar)
The TikiCat: No matter the weather, there is a secret tropical hideaway in the heart of Kansas City - and it’s EPIC. From authentic tiki cocktails and decor, to the fun and quirky staff, it’s one of the best kept secrets in town (located in the basement of HopCat)! (@tikicatkc)
Bobby’s pick: The Port Light
Alli’s pick: Fog Cutter
The Fontaine: We loved staying at this chic and luxurious boutique hotel in the heart of Kansas City. The staff is incredibly kind and helpful, the rooms are modern and incredibly spacious, and their rooftop pool is a fun perk in the warmer months! (@thefontainehotel)
The Raphael Hotel: Classy and quaint, this boutique hotel also has a prime location (Country Club Plaza) and is another great KC option. We’d stay here just for the nightly hot chocolate and cookies! (@raphaelhotelkc)
Hotel Phillips: KC’s most historic hotel is also their most hip hotel. Hotel Phillips just went through a $20 million renovation at the end of 2016, and the result is stunning. It’s worth a visit - even if it’s just for a drink at the bar! (@hotelphillips)
Jazz at the Green Lady Lounge: There’s no doubt that the jazz scene in Kansas City is alive, thriving, and growing. Everyone we asked would tell us that the best place to catch a jazz performance is at the historic Green Lady Lounge. They’re open seven days a week, and you’ll never have to pay a cover charge. Obsessed yet? Wait until you get there. The decor inside will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time, and the music will have you bee-bopping in your seat! (@greenladylounge)
Tour the Nelson-Atkins: Fine art, iconic architecture, and free admission… The Nelson-Atkins Museum is one of the best in the country. Not only do they feature a strong collection of Impressionist paintings (Van Gogh, Cézanne, Monet), they’re also famous for their extensive Japanese collection of art. It contains more than 2,000 pieces ranging from the 7th century C.E. to the early 20th century! And don’t miss the gigantic shuttlecocks outside the building! (@nelsonatkins)
Brewery Hop & Shop in the Crossroads: The Crossroads is one of our favorite areas in Kansas City. It’s filled with craft breweries, eclectic shops, and tons of tasty spots to eat. We suggest spending your afternoon here, shopping, drinking, and maybe even striking a pose or two by one of the dozens of murals! Four spots you should check out are, Casual Animal, Brewery Emperial, East + West and Christopher Elbow Chocolates.
See the Kansas City Symphony at the Kauffman Center: Words can’t describe how absolutely breathtaking this iconic performing arts center is. The whimsical architecture and perfect acoustics make you feel as though you’re in a dream. You’ll dance in your chairs to Beethoven’s Triple Concerto and Symphonic Dances, and marvel at the sheer talent of the musicians… it’s basically the perfect date night.
If Bar K Dog Bar tells you anything, it’s that Kansas City loves dogs. There’s lots of parks, dog-friendly restaurants and hotels. If KC wasn’t such a far drive from California, you better believe we’d be taking Sally there ASAP!
