12 Fun & Unique Restaurants in Kansas City

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Kansas City’s food scene is packed with personality, mixing its famous barbecue roots with bold, creative dining experiences. From quirky spots in historic neighborhoods to sleek, modern eateries, this city knows how to keep your taste buds and Instagram feed happy. Imagine devouring fall-off-the-bone ribs at a smokehouse, sipping craft cocktails in a speakeasy-style lounge, or enjoying globally-inspired dishes in an artsy setting. Whether it’s a rooftop with skyline views or a retro diner with a twist, these 12 fun and unique restaurants showcase KC’s vibrant food culture and endless flavor. Come hungry, because this list is packed with spots that are as cool as they are delicious!

👉 Pro Tip: Want to explore Kansas City’s vibrant craft spirit scene? Try this Small Group Distillery Tour! This guided experience takes you behind the scenes of a local distillery, where you’ll learn about the art of making premium spirits like whiskey, vodka, and gin. Discover the history of Kansas City’s distilling traditions, see the production process up close, and, of course, enjoy tastings of their finest creations. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just curious about craft distilling, this tour offers a fun and flavorful way to experience KC’s booming spirits culture. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of your favorite to take home!

Unique Restaurants in Kansas: 12 Incredible Kansas Eateries

From classic BBQ joints to innovative farm-to-table eateries, Kansas’ unique restaurants are a testament to the state’s diverse and evolving food scene. Join us as we embark on a flavorful journey, discovering hidden gems where each meal is a delightful experience!

1. Blue Nile Cafe

• 📍 Location: City Market Area
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Ethiopian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Communal dining experience, eating with injera bread (no forks needed!), rich aromatic stews, traditional coffee ceremony available.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous eaters, group sharing meals, Ethiopian food lovers, cultural dining explorers, and fans of vegetarian/vegan options.

Ditch the forks and dive hands-first into a vibrant Ethiopian feast at Blue Nile Cafe! Located near the bustling City Market, this spot brings the authentic flavors and communal spirit of Ethiopia to KC. Get ready to scoop up incredibly flavorful stews!

Ordering a combination platter to sample a variety of dishes is a great idea. The rich chicken stew doro wat is a must-try. Fantastic lentil and vegetable options like the vegetarian combo, or savory beef tibs, are also excellent.

2. Fogo de Chão

• 📍 Location: Country Club Plaza
• 💲 Price range: $60 – $90+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Brazilian Steakhouse (Churrascaria)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Continuous tableside carving of fire-roasted meats, gourmet Market Table (salad bar), upscale Plaza setting, authentic Brazilian cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Serious meat lovers, celebratory group dinners, experiencing Brazilian churrasco, upscale dining fans, and indulging in AYCE protein.

Unleash your inner carnivore at Fogo de Chão on the Plaza! This upscale Brazilian steakhouse offers the thrilling “churrasco” experience, where gaucho chefs continuously bring skewers of sizzling, fire-roasted meats right to your table for carving.

Beyond the endless parade of succulent meats, their signature picanha (prime top sirloin) is essential. Juicy frango (marinated chicken legs) or flavorful cordeiro (lamb chops) are also fantastic. Don’t miss the massive gourmet Market Table.

3. Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Crown Center (Iconic location) & other locations
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic American Diner Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Food delivered via overhead model trains, quirky railroad theme, family-friendly fun, classic diner menu.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Families with kids, train enthusiasts, nostalgic diner fans, casual fun meals, and unique burger delivery experiences.

Choo-choo-choose your lunch! Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant delivers pure, unadulterated fun alongside classic diner grub. Place your order via telephone at your booth, then watch as model trains chug along overhead tracks to lower your food to your table.

This Kansas City institution is a guaranteed hit. The menu features diner staples like a satisfying cheeseburger. The locally loved Gen-Dare Melt (a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich), or an old-fashioned milkshake, are also popular. It’s a memorable railroad adventure.

4. Succotash

• 📍 Location: Midtown / Union Hill Area
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Creative American Brunch & Lunch
• 🔥 Standout Features: Eclectic/quirky decor, hugely popular brunch spot, creative takes on comfort food, vibrant atmosphere, often busy.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Brunch fanatics, lovers of quirky cafes, adventurous comfort food seekers, casual daytime dates/gatherings, and indulging in unique dishes.

Get ready for a brunch experience that’s anything but boring at Succotash! This beloved Midtown spot bursts with quirky charm, colorful decor, and a menu full of creative twists on American comfort food classics. Expect a lively atmosphere and potentially a wait!

Dive into unique dishes. Their decadent eight-layer citrus cake (yes, for breakfast!) is legendary. Savory pulled pork hash with poached eggs, or the satisfying Burrito Sunrise packed with flavor, are also fantastic. Everything is fresh and served with personality.

5. Chez Elle

• 📍 Location: Near Summit St / Volker Neighborhood
• 💲 Price range: $12 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: French Creperie & Coffeehouse
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic sweet & savory French crepes, charming Parisian cafe ambiance, quality coffee/espresso drinks, cozy setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Crepe lovers, Francophiles, cozy coffee dates, delightful brunch/lunch seekers, and fans of Parisian cafe culture.

Transport yourself to a Parisian street corner at Chez Elle! This utterly charming creperie and coffeehouse delivers authentic French flair, from its delightful decor to its perfectly executed crepes. Get ready to say ‘Ooh la la!’ over every delicious bite.

Indulge in the classic savory Normandy Crepe (chicken, spinach, mushrooms, béchamel). Surrender to the sweet temptation of the Tour Eiffel Crepe (Nutella, banana, whipped cream). Their traditional French onion soup is also a highlight. C’est magnifique!

6. Cafe Gratitude

• 📍 Location: Crossroads Arts District
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Organic Plant-Based / Vegan
• 🔥 Standout Features: 100% plant-based menu, affirmation-themed dish names, focus on organic/local ingredients, bright/airy positive vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Vegans/Vegetarians, health-conscious eaters, fans of unique concept dining, and mindful eaters.

Feed your body and lift your spirits at Cafe Gratitude! This bright, welcoming spot in the Crossroads offers a unique dining experience centered around delicious, 100% organic, plant-based cuisine and positive affirmations. Ordering here is declaring something wonderful!

Order dishes by their affirmation names. The satisfying “I Am Magical” (a black bean burger) is a great choice. The flavorful “I Am Humble” (an Indian curry bowl with quinoa), or the refreshing “I Am Awakening” (key lime pie), are also popular.

7. The Ship

• 📍 Location: West Bottoms
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per drink
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic Cocktails & Bar Snacks
• 🔥 Standout Features: Restored 1930s nautical-themed bar, historic dim/atmospheric setting, expertly crafted classic cocktails, live music stage (jazz/blues focus).
• 🎯 Perfect For: Classic cocktail aficionados, history buffs, live music lovers, atmospheric date nights, and unique bar explorers.

All aboard for classic cocktails at The Ship! Tucked away in the historic West Bottoms, this bar is a meticulously restored 1930s gem, complete with original nautical fixtures and a palpable sense of history. Step inside and sail back to an era of smooth drinks.

The focus is on perfectly executed classic cocktails. Order a flawless Old Fashioned, a crisp Gin Rickey, or a sophisticated Sazerac. While snacks are available, the main draw is the incredible atmosphere, top-notch drinks, and fantastic live music.

8. Conductor Club

• 📍 Location: Union Station (Above Pierpont’s)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $25 per drink
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Craft Cocktails / Speakeasy
• 🔥 Standout Features: Hidden train-car themed speakeasy bar, intimate/exclusive atmosphere, located within historic Union Station, focus on high-end spirits/craft cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Speakeasy hunters, craft cocktail enthusiasts, intimate/impressive date nights, pre/post-event drinks at Union Station, and seeking hidden gems.

Unlock a hidden world of sophisticated sips at the Conductor Club. Tucked away above Pierpont’s in majestic Union Station, this intimate, train-car themed speakeasy offers an exclusive escape. Finding it is part of the adventure!

Settle into the plush seating. Try inventive cocktails inspired by historic train routes like the “B&O Manhattan” or the “Orient Express Martini.” Their bartenders also make an excellent classic Vesper. The dim lighting and luxurious decor make it perfect.

9. O’Malley’s Pub

• 📍 Location: Weston, MO (Historic Brewery Cellars)
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Irish Pub Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Located deep underground in historic 1840s brewery cellars, multi-level limestone caverns, live Irish music stage, authentic pub atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Unique pub experience seekers, live Irish music fans, history buffs, day trips from KC, and enjoying Guinness in a cavern.

Go underground for an unforgettable pub experience at O’Malley’s Pub in Weston! Housed deep within the multi-level limestone cellars of America’s oldest brewery west of the Hudson, this place is dripping with history and authentic Irish charm.

Descend into the caverns and enjoy live Irish music. Order a perfectly poured Guinness or an Irish whiskey. For food, hearty pub grub like traditional fish and chips, warming Irish stew, or a simple corned beef sandwich are available.

10. Winter Skies

• 📍 Location: Seasonal
• 💲 Price range: $14 – $20 per drink
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Themed Cocktails & Small Bites
• 🔥 Standout Features: Seasonal themed pop-up bar (winter/holiday), elaborate festive decor, creative themed cocktail menu, rooftop/unique venue setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Holiday spirit seekers, themed cocktail lovers, Instagrammable bar experiences, festive group outings, and unique seasonal fun.

Get wrapped up in seasonal magic at pop-up experiences like Winter Skies! Appearing during specific seasons atop rooftop bars like Canary, these temporary transformations offer elaborately themed decor, inventive drinks, and pure festive fun. Your Instagram feed will get festive!

Expect over-the-top decorations. Sip on cleverly named, seasonally inspired cocktails like a warming “Spiced Cranberry Mule.” A decadent “Peppermint Hot Chocolate Martini” or “Gingerbread Old Fashioned” are also popular, paired with small themed bites.

11. Fox and Pearl

• 📍 Location: Westside, Kansas City
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $80 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Midwestern / Hearth Cooking / Farm-to-Table
• 🔥 Standout Features: Focus on wood-fired cooking and smoking, house-made charcuterie, seasonal and local ingredients, rustic-chic atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Fans of smoky flavors, upscale comfort food, charcuterie lovers, seasonal dining, and intimate date nights.

Experience the soulful flavors of hearth cooking at Fox and Pearl on the Westside. This acclaimed restaurant centers its menu around a wood-fired hearth, infusing dishes with smoky depth and highlighting seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The ambiance is rustic yet refined.

Trying their house-made charcuterie board is a great way to start. For mains, the smoked brisket or any of their wood-roasted meat or fish dishes are exceptional. Their hearth-roasted vegetables also shine with smoky goodness. Fox and Pearl offers a warm and flavorful experience.

12. Up-Down KC

• 📍 Location: Crossroads Arts District
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person (Drinks/Games); Pizza extra.
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Arcade Bar / Craft Beer & Pizza
• 🔥 Standout Features: Huge selection of retro arcade games/pinball/Skee-Ball, extensive craft beer list (60+ taps!), pizza by the slice, lively rooftop patio (seasonal).
• 🎯 Perfect For: Arcade game nostalgics, craft beer lovers, casual fun nights out, group activities, and reliving your 80s/90s kid dreams.

Press start on an awesome night out at Up-Down KC! This massive arcade bar in the Crossroads is packed wall-to-wall with classic arcade games, pinball machines, and Skee-Ball, fueled by an epic craft beer selection and tasty pizza. Get ready to mash buttons!

Grab tokens and challenge friends to Pac-Man. Explore the rotating list of over 60 craft beers on tap. A pizza by the slice (pepperoni is a classic) or their mac & cheese bites are perfect for refueling between games. With its energetic vibe, Up-Down delivers pure fun.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Unique Places To Eat In Kansas City

Looking for the scoop on unique restaurants in Kansas? Our FAQ has all the answers to feed your curiosity and your appetite.

What food is unique to Kansas City?

Kansas City stakes a claim to some of the best BBQ in the country. The city’s unique take on smoky, tangy barbecue, especially the slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone ribs, sets it apart. But it’s not just about the BBQ. You’ll find unique spins on classic dishes at the unique restaurants in Kansas City, like jazzed-up comfort foods and farm-to-table freshness that capture the city’s spirit.

Is Kansas City a foodie city?

Absolutely! Kansas City is a treasure trove for food lovers. From its world-renowned barbecue to its innovative culinary creations, the city offers a diverse food scene. It’s a place where foodies can indulge in a variety of flavors, including those found at unique restaurants in Kansas City that serve up more than just a meal; they serve an experience.

Where is the restaurant that rotates in Kansas City?

The restaurant known for its rotating view was Skies, located atop the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. While Skies closed in 2011, the space has been reborn as Winter Skies, a seasonal pop-up bar that still offers stunning views of the city, albeit without the rotation.

Can you find international cuisine in Kansas City?

Kansas City is a melting pot of international flavors. You can travel the world with your taste buds, from authentic Ethiopian dishes to Brazilian steakhouses and French creperies. Each restaurant brings a piece of its culture to the heart of the Midwest.

Are there vegetarian options at Kansas City restaurants?

Yes, Kansas City caters to vegetarians with a variety of options. Many restaurants offer creative plant-based dishes that are as delicious as they are nutritious. Places like Café Gratitude highlight how Kansas City’s food scene is inclusive, offering something for everyone.

What makes Kansas City’s food scene unique?

It’s the blend of tradition and innovation. Kansas City respects its roots, like the BBQ it’s famous for, while also embracing new trends. Chefs here are not afraid to experiment, which means diners can always find something new and exciting on their plates.

Where can families dine out in Kansas City?

Kansas City is family-friendly, with many restaurants offering fun themes and menus that appeal to all ages. Places like Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant not only serve delicious food but also deliver it with a model train, much to the delight of kids and parents alike.

Are there any historic restaurants in Kansas City?

Yes, Kansas City is home to several historic restaurants that have been serving guests for decades. These establishments are time capsules of flavor, offering a taste of the city’s rich history along with their meals.

Final Thoughts On Unique Kansas City Restaurants

Kansas City is a place where every meal can be an adventure. With so many unique restaurants in Kansas City, you’re never far from a food experience that’s both delicious and different. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic BBQ, a spin on your favorite comfort food, or something you’ve never tried before, this city has it all. And if you’re looking to fly from Kansas City, why not dive into the flavors of the city before your next adventure takes off?

Remember, it’s not just the food that makes these places special. It’s the stories, the people, and the fun you’ll have along the way. So grab your friends, or bring your family, and see for yourself why Kansas City’s restaurants are talked about far and wide. You’re sure to leave with a full belly and a big smile, ready to plan your next visit.