Is it possible to have a crush on a city? I genuinely love Kansas City, Missouri. It manages to have the impressive restaurants, diverse neighborhoods, and grand museums, while also holding on to its charm. In some ways, each neighborhood feels like its own small town.
I have been to Kansas City three time (so far!) and I am excited to break down all of my recommendations into this Kansas City Guide.
Basic Information
Kansas City is just a 1 hour and 20-minute flight from Chicago. While Kansas City doesn’t have much public transportation, it is very easy to use ride sharing services. You don’t need to rent a car.
Where to Stay
The Fontaine – a beautiful boutique hotel on the plaza with a rooftop pool.
Hotel Phillips – this hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places and has Art Deco details.
What to Do
Nelson-Atkins Museum – a top notch museum with a vast collection including Chinese Art, Impressionist paintings, and Modern Art.
BBQ Tour – perhaps the best way to experience the KC BBQ culture is to spend a chunk of a day going from BBQ join to BBG joint.
Tour Boulevard Brewery – This local brewery has a fun tour that ends with beer tastings. The tour is fast paced and full of information on how beer is made.
Where to Eat
Port Fonda – home to the best chimichangas that I have ever tasted, this place has incredible authentic Mexican food with a modern twist.
Bluestem – this restaurant combines fine dining cuisine with an approachable atmosphere, the food is exceptional, just make a reservation in advance.
t.Loft – a fast casual health food spot that will balance out the indulgent eating you are bound to do it KC.
Woodyard – the place to go for an authentic barbecue experience, they smoke the meat outdoors and the ribs fall right off the bone.
Extra Virgin – a Mediterranean restaurant with a mix of Spanish and Italian cuisine.
Char Bar – a fun restaurant with a large patio and a bocce court and seriously amazing barbecue, get the brisket burger and the mac and cheese.
Where to Have Drinks
Ça Va – a wine bar with a wonderful list of bubbly, live jazz, and a big patio.
Corvino – a wine bar and cocktail bar with live jazz and a sexy vibe.
Boulevard Brewery – If you don’t want to do a tour you can head straight to the massive beer hall for tastings.
Beer Kitchen – we loved the beer cocktails at this bar/restaurant.
Where to Get Coffee
Monarch Coffee – a beautiful coffee shop with homemade pastries and a nice selection of teas and coffees.
YJ’s Snack Bar – a funky 90 year old coffee shop in the Crossroads neighborhood.
Where to Shop
Halls – a massive department store that is unique to KC, they have everything from vintage designer purses to local brands.
Country Club Plaza – an area with lots of shopping, you will find lots of national brands with some locally owned shops mixed in.
River Market Antiques – a 3 story shop filled with antiques.
Normal Human – a locally owned tee shirt shop, my husband Charles is a big fan.
Read More:
Kansas City BBQ & Plaza Art Fair
This post was sponsored by Visit KC, the opinions expressed are my own.