Located in the heart of the Midwest, Kansas City is known for its thriving culinary scene. Home to the meat and potatoes mentality, the city is filled with traditional American-style eateries where classics like biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, and chicken-fried steak never go out of style. The many restaurants also showcase Kansas City’s diverse culture, from its home-cooking style to its indigenous flavors to its fusion foods and everything in between. It’s a place where KC barbecue and KC strip reign supreme, but that doesn’t mean a quaint Parisian-style café can’t be found. From upscale to down-home, every breakfast style can be found in Kansas City.
Town Topic Hamburgers
Opened in 1937, Town Topic Hamburgers began as a small burger joint that sold hamburgers for just five cents. Now, over 75 years later, much has changed while everything has also stayed the same. They are still slinging burgers by the bagful, but now they do so in three locations. They still cook the same way with steamed buns and grilled onions, but their burgers cost a little more. And they still have their same full breakfast menu made fresh-to-order, but the regulars look a little different. When guests order at this historic counter they can expect a fine selection of American classics, including their Truckstop Omelet, Frenchy (French toast), and the Haystack Sandwich with egg, ham, sausage, or bacon, and cheese on Texas toast, served with hash browns.
2021 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64108, Phone: 816-842-2298
Blue Bird Bistro
Blue Bird Bistro is one of the original farm-to-table restaurants in Kansas City, featuring a menu that is all-natural, organic, sustainable, and utilizes only the freshest local ingredients. A landmark in the Westside community, they feature a rustic design with eclectic decor providing a warm and welcoming ambiance. Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they offer an array of mid-American style menu items made with locally grown ingredients. For breakfast diners can order standard two-egg dishes, Benedicts, pancakes, grains, and bowls. Brunch provides an assortment of salads, sandwiches, and specialty items such as their Moroccan stew.
1700 Summit, Kansas City, MO 64108, Phone: 816-221-7559
Chaz on the Plaza
Situated on the legendary Country Club Plaza, Chaz on the Plaza is an acclaimed hotel restaurant that embodies the spirit, culture, and food of Kansas City. It offers a warm sensuality mixed with an energetic vibrancy through its decor, creating an intimate atmosphere highlighted by beautiful live music. The ambiance is only accentuated by the modern, regional, American-style cuisine developed from authentic French fundamentals and infused with geographic and ethnic influences. Brunch menu selections include options such as the steak Benedict with a 6-ounce grilled bistro filet, toasted English muffin, poached eggs with hollandaise, and the Chaz parmesan potato cake. They also offer a classic American breakfast menu daily.
325 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64112, Phone: 816-756-3800
Chez Elle
The Chez Elle Creperie and Coffeehouse is a cozy and relaxed eatery situated inside the historic, newly converted Summit Theatre building. Modeled after the Parisian cafes that line the cobblestone streets of France, visitors will delight in the vast selection of sweet and savory crepes to pair nicely with their assortment of beverages from their full coffee bar. All menu items are prepared using only the finest ingredients, including hand-selected meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and their made-from-scratch batters. From hearty breakfast crepe options like Chez Elle, made with roasted chicken, sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, mozzarella, and pesto, to sweet treats like their Paris crepe made with banana and Nutella and topped with whipped cream, Chez Elle has it all.
1713 Summit Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, Phone: 816-471-2616
Classic Cup Cafe
Open since 1977, the Classic Cup Café is an award-winning restaurant known for their beautiful, scenic views and delectable food. Their acclaimed chefs offer classic yet dynamic menus made with fresh, local ingredients, traditional recipes, and invigorating cooking methods. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as brunch on the weekends, selections include items such as Florentine ham frittata, smoked turkey hot browns, and grits and grillades – Scimeca’s spicy grilled Italian sausage over Southern garlic cheese grits and house red sauce, served with two eggs any style. This bright and airy eatery features large floor-to-ceiling windows and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
301 West 47th Street, Kansas City, MO 64112, Phone: 816-753-1840
Eggtc.
Eggtc. is an award-winning breakfast, brunch, and lunch restaurant situated in the heart of Kansas City. This comfortable and casual eatery boasts a modern yet rustic design with warm yellow walls complemented by rich mahogany furnishings and abstract art paintings. It’s warm and cozy atmosphere is enhanced by their friendly staff and traditional American-style gourmet fare. They offer an all-day breakfast menu featuring a selection of omelets, pancakes, waffles, and crepes as well as made-to-order quiches, pastries, Benedicts, and omelets. Their lunch menu offers a selection of delicious signature garden fresh salads, sandwiches, and homemade soups. A full coffee bar with an exquisite selection of gourmet coffees and espressos is also available.
5107 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64112, Phone: 816-561-0116
Harvey’s at Union Station
A Kansas City staple, originally named the Harvey House Diner, this breakfast spot opened in 1914. The recently re-opened Harvey’s at Union Station still shares many of the core values of the original. This open-air restaurant situated in historic Union Station was once one of more than 80 train diners offering train passengers a full, quality meal well before their next train was due to arrive. They have maintained this standard to this day, providing visitors with a unique dining experience steeped in rich history. They are open 7 days a week serving up American-style fare with an all-day breakfast menu on Saturdays and Sundays.
30W Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO 64108, Phone: 816-460-2274
Kate’s Kitchen
Kate’s Kitchen was modeled after the gregarious spirit of owners Dave and Kelly Hendrix’s daughter Kate. It was her love of a playdough kitchen, and all the delightful creations she made with it, that inspired the ambiance and menu at Kate’s Kitchen. Guests are welcomed into this casual diner-style eatery by the very owners themselves, their son Ronnie, and of course Kate, who seats diners as they arrive. Guests will delight in the American-style breakfast and lunch menus featuring all-American breakfast classics, omelets, Benedicts, griddle items, and pastries. Try Ken’s Cadillac of Burritos, with chorizo scrambled eggs, tomatoes, avocado, and spinach.
8002 North Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, MO 64118, Phone: 816-436-7200
Neighborhood Cafe
Neighborhood Café in the Waldo neighborhood of Kansas City is the second location of this traditional American-style eatery. Known for its large portions, affordable prices, and complimentary cinnamon rolls served fresh when customers first sit down, Neighborhood Café is a warm and inviting restaurant with a hometown feel. Visitors will delight in their all-day breakfast and lunch menus featuring a wide array of diner classics. This includes omelets, burritos, Benedicts, pancakes, waffles, skillets, and specialty items like their chicken and biscuit plate served with two large deep-fried chicken breasts on two biscuits smothered in melted American cheese.
7531 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64114, Phone: 816-701-6981
Reserve Restaurant & Lounge
Located in downtown Kansas City in the trendy, upscale Ambassador Hotel, Reserve Restaurant & Lounge provides a sophisticated ambiance and an innovative menu. Reserve’s menu is based on a culinary style of traditional American food with a contemporary edge. Much of the inspiration was taken from the recipes the chef’s father and grandmother prepared on their family farm. Visitors will enjoy classic yet modern menus made with only locally sourced ingredients and selections that are updated seasonally. Menu items include options such as an egg white frittata, brioche French toast, Italian sandwich, classic turkey club, filet mignon, and Scottish salmon.
1111 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64106, Phone: 816-298-7700
Room 39
A dynamic farm-to-table restaurant, Room 39 is a casual eatery with a simple yet rustically chic design boasting handcrafted wood tables, sundrenched yellow walls with pops of exposed brick, and subdued romantic lighting providing a warm and welcoming environment. Opened in 2004 by Ted Habiger and Andrew Sloan, Room 39 is an American-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner restaurant offering elegant but uncomplicated menus. Visitors will dine on an array of menu selections, including steak and eggs Benedict, their famous half-pound burger, and fresh-made pastas. All of their ingredients come from local farmers, suppliers, and producers, including their extensive list of artisanal wines.
1719 W 39th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111, Phone: 816-753-3939
Succotash Restaurant, Kansas City
The Succotash restaurant is a Kansas City staple opened in 2001 by Beth Barden. Its name was inspired by the song Groove is in the Heart, specifically the lyrics “my supper dish, my succotash wish.” It came to her while she pushed through exhaustion one late night working on the restaurant’s interior. Styled using an eclectic kitschy décor, Succotash is a true labor of love featuring large windows, slender columns, a patterned vaulted ceiling, wacky artwork, and a myriad of tables paired with various colorful chairs. Succotash’s American-style breakfast and lunch menus proudly utilize local vendors and farmers in order to create a natural, organic selections, like their slow roasted pork hash.
2601 Holmes Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, Phone: 816-421-2807
The Big Biscuit
The Big Biscuit is an American-style eatery known for providing their guests with a warm, neighborly ambiance. The company has over a dozen locations throughout Kansas and Missouri, the first of which opened in 2001. For nearly two decades they’ve provided friendly service, large portions, and affordable prices. Serving up breakfast and lunch daily, guests will enjoy classic American-style fare that includes selections from the griddle, traditional egg dishes, omelets, scrambles, and signature items such as their biscuits and gravy. For lunch, it’s all burgers, sandwiches, and old school lunch options like their Winner Winner Chicken Dinner – hand-breaded fried chicken breast smothered with gravy and served with a Big Biscuit.
6332 NW Barry Road, Kansas City, MO 64154, Phone: 816-326-8838
The Farmhouse
The Farmhouse is an industrially chic restaurant with a rustic twist boasting brick walls, dark wood furnishings, chalkboard menus, and colorful artwork. The restaurant’s slogan “Farm-to-table, Tip-to-Tail” perfectly sums up its culinary style and practices. They only use local farmers who raise animals specifically for their needs to ensure there is no waste. Additionally, they use as much of each animal as possible by making their own bacon, lardons, chicharrones, stews, and broths. The same care is taken with the vegetables, anything left over is used to make sauces, stocks, and ketchup. Their uniquely designed and delicious seasonal menus include items like bread pudding French toast sticks with Bloom Bakery’s cinnamon raisin bread with sorghum custard, Chantilly cream, and maple syrup.
300 Delaware Street, Kansas City, MO 64105, Phone: 816-569-6032
The Homesteader Cafe, Kansas City
The Homesteader Café is located in the vibrant downtown area of Kansas City and serves as an extension of the owner’s home. Their philosophy is that family, friends, and neighbors deserve a laidback eatery to gather and unwind while dining on locally sourced good food. A contemporary eatery, the design features a balance of warm and cool tones, vaulted, exposed ceilings, comfortable booths, and a sleek bar area. They offer classic American-style brunch and dinner menus featuring an array of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees, and house favorites. Brunch selections include items such as biscuits and gravy, sweet potato hash, and French toast. For dinner, options include a bison burger, BLT mac and cheese, blackened catfish, and a slow-cooked pot roast.
100 E 7th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106, Phone: 816-474-8333
The Mixing Bowl Noshery
Opened in 2014, The Mixing Bowl Noshery has become a popular neighborhood restaurant on Kansas City’s Westside. This eatery provides guests with a warm and cozy ambiance thanks to its exposed wood-beam ceiling, light oak tables and chairs, expansive bar area, and colorful, kitschy decor. Their eclectic interior is only enhanced by their breakfast and lunch menus, consisting of made-from-scratch comfort food that would rival any grandma’s home-cooking. Homemade corned beef, juicy burgers, beef tenderloin, hand-made pies, and freshly baked cinnamon rolls are just a few menu highlights. Items such as the Mixing Bowl Noshery Loaded Hashers, hash browns smothered with crumbled sausage, bell peppers, and onions, are also popular.
2934 Southwest Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64108, Phone: 816-491-9127
Westport Cafe and Bar
A casual Paris-style bistro, Westport Café and Bar provides a spirit and ambiance reminiscent of both old-school New York City and Europe. A black and white checkered floor, soaring ceiling, large windows draped in stunning red fabric, and café-style dark brown wood tables and chairs create a charming, casual elegance. Their French-inspired dinner menu pairs excellently with their craft specialty cocktails and the list of boutique wines and spirits only add to its appeal. Guests can indulge in their classic Parisian dishes such as escargot and steak frites every day of the week as well as their brunch menu every Saturday and Sunday. Menu selections include brioche French toast and their signature chicken hash.
419 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO 64111, Phone: 816-931-4740
You Say Tomato
You Say Tomato is an independently owned grocery store, deli, and café offering breakfast and lunch during the week as well as brunch on the weekends. A warm and inviting eatery, it boasts warm and cool tones, shelves lined with goods, chalkboard menus, and a hodgepodge of colorful furnishings and wall decor. They feature seasonal menu items made in-house from scratch daily. You Say Tomato serves traditional American-style cuisine with breakfast items that include baked French toast, corned beef hash, and a breakfast casserole made with scrambled eggs, white cheddar cheese, and the choice of ham, bacon, or tomato. For lunch they offer a selection of salads, soups, and sandwiches, like the Pocket Rueben and the BLT.
2801 Holmes, Kansas City, MO 64109, Phone: 816-756-5097
