Kansas City Essentials

By Lisa Waterman Gray, FrontDoor.com | Published: 3/26/2009

Lidia Bastianich, regarded as the first lady of Italian cuisine, opened this popular restaurant in a historic Freight House Building. Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association

Learn what makes Kansas City tick -- a laid-back atmosphere, great food, entertainment for every taste, and unabashed friendliness.

Food and Drink: The Best Places To?

BUY GROCERIES

McGonigles Market, corner of Ward Parkway & 79th St., (816) 444-4720

This family-owned market offers top quality meats from homemade sausage to ostrich filets, bison roasts, and premium steaks; plus fresh seafood, a deli, spirits, and a full-service grocery. Saturdays are extremely busy.

Cosentino's Downtown Market, 10 E. 13th St., (816) 595-0050 (Downtown), 14 W. 62nd St., (816) 523-3700 (Brookside)

The latest full-service market owned by the Cosentino family offers urban dwellers paninis, gelato, and fresh sushi, a wine and spirits section, and traditional grocery items. Grab a bite in-house and meet the neighbors.

EAT ETHNIC FOOD

Bo Ling's , 20 E. 5th St., (816) 423-8036 (River Market; plus other metro locations,)

Named one of 10 great places to eat Chinese in the country by USA Today, Bo Ling's opened its first location more than three decades ago, focusing on freshly prepared Chinese food and no MSG. Native river rock, granite, and red and yellow paint create a cozy, inviting space.

Lidia's, 101 W. 22nd St., (816) 221-3722

New York City restaurateur, Lidia Bastianich, built her first restaurant outside of the Big Apple in Kansas City, 10 years ago. A Zagat favorite in the thriving Crossroads Arts District, Lidia's serves Northern Italian cuisine. Be sure to try the frico and tiramisu before and after dinner.

EAT A BURGER

Westport Flea Market, 817 Westport Road, (816) 931-1986,

Westport Flea Market is believed to serve one of the city's best burgers, with endlessly long curly fries, coleslaw, or cottage cheese. A favorite spot of local politicians, there are 50+ beers available, daily specials, and nightly activities.

Michael Smith, 1900 Main St., (816) 842-2202

Kansas City Star restaurant critic, Lauren Chapin, called this burger ?appropriately juicy, decadently thick, served smoldering hot off the grill, the cheddar cheese melting onto the slab of medium-rare beef...' Enjoy great beef in modern, elegant surroundings.

GET A BEER

Kelly's Westport Inn, 500 Westport Road, (816) 561-5800

For more than 60 years, people from all walks of life have met at Kelly's Westport Inn. Comfortable and congenial, this legendary bar offers 45 domestic/imported beers, 120 liquors, cheap bar drinks, weekday happy hours, and pizza, sandwiches and appetizers from Joe's Pizza, in back. And you'll seldom find a better St. Patty's Day celebration.

The Brick, 1727 McGee, (816) 421-1634,

Funky, small, and locally owned, The Brick is a favorite hangout for the Crossroads Arts District. They also serve made-from-scratch food, including breakfast on weekends.

GRAB A LATE-NIGHT BITE

Chubby's on Broadway, 3756 Broadway, (816) 931-2482

One of this area's very few all-night diners, Chubby's is as great for people watching as it is for breakfasts served any time, or 10-ounce burgers with all the fixings. Add fries and a shake for a few dollars more.

Harry's Bar & Tables, 501 Westport Rd., (816) 561-3950

People from every type of occupation share this antique bar until 3 a.m., where racks are full of magazines, martinis are a favorite, and smokers appreciate the huge courtyard. Late night favorites include specialty pizzas and barbecue-type items.

BEST PLACES TO SIP A LATTE

The Roasterie Cafe, 6223 Brookside Blvd., (816) 333-9700

Sleek and modern, The Roasterie Cafe offers coffee drinks crafted by well-educated baristas. This offshoot of The Roasterie, Kansas City's largest independent coffee brewer, entertains folks from throughout the metropolitan area. The latte and mocha are crowd favorites.

Mildred's Coffeehouse, 1821 Wyandotte St., 816-471-1155 (also in Overland Park, Kan.),

A downtown standby, Mildred's is all coffeehouse each morning, with a full lunch menu later on. If there's coffee in it, Mildred's makes it. Open late on First Fridays, with live music.

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