We are so excited that our beautiful city is starting to open back up, and in support of so many local businesses, we wanted to share with you our Kansas City Weekend Guide! Spoiler alert, you’re going to love it here! Of course, we hope you will stay for more than just a weekend, but in case you only have a full two days to visit, here is our roundup!
I would kick off the afternoon on the Char Bar patio. Known for great BBQ and a fun atmosphere, you can park yourself on the patio under an umbrella, sip a local brew & play yard games. This is a great option especially if you have a large party because they always have plenty of seating! Bonus, you can even bring your dog!
Louie’s Wine Dive is one of our favorite evening spots! Though it’s not open super late, it is the coziest atmosphere for good wine & the best brussels sprouts in town! It is located in the neighborhood of Brookside, which you will love even more if you happen to visit in the Fall. Fun fact: our realtor took us here the first time we came to Kansas City after we looked at houses & we have been in love with it ever since!
For a fun Saturday in the city, I would kick off the morning with coffee from the cutest (and tiniest!) coffee shop in town, Hi-Hat Coffee. No room to sit in side, so you’ll want to park it on their patio or get your beverages to go. If you have time for brunch, I would head to either Rye on the Plaza or Room 39 in Westport (the best french toast of your life!). Spend the day in the West Bottoms, enjoying some of Kansas City’s historic buildings & antique shopping. If you come on the first weekend of the month, you’ll get to enjoy lots of additional shopping, food trucks & live music in the streets!
On the other side of town, you can find more of our favorite spots, Pink Antler, at an outdoor shopping center called Park Place. Though this shop is small, you can probably spend at least an hour looking at all of their whimsical decor & treasures. Especially magical during the holiday season & you’ll likely be able to go ice skating while you’re in the area!
Make dinner reservations at the Rockhill Grille, it never disappoints, & then enjoy an evening of prohibition style cocktails at local distillery, Tom’s Town. You will love learning about the history of this spot while you are there! The people are thirsty!
Sunday morning is a perfect time to head to McClains Bakery, it is a family owned shop with the most darling atmosphere and some of the best baked goods & coffee in town. If you’re around for the day and up for a good time, Boulevard Beer Hall is where it’s at. On Sunday mornings, from 11-1 they host Bingo with a side of Biscuits & Gravy and it is high energy fun for the entire family!! Get there early as it fills up quick.
A few more of our favorites around town:
Best Hotels: Crossroads Hotel, 21C, Loews or The Raphael
Best Pizza: 1889 Pizza Neapolitan (stunning boutique pizza place that is perfect for a date night but also super kid friendly!) or Artego (try the wings too!)
Best Cocktails: Manifesto, The Rieger (try the seasonal G&T!), Crossroads Hotel Rooftop
Best Margarita: Mission Taco
Best Sushi: Prime Sushi
Best Mexican: Tiki Taco (get the Kansas City burrito, it will change your life) or Ponak’s
Best BBQ: Joe’s (the z-man!) or Q39 (possibly the best poutine & BBQ wings you’ve ever had), but both are extremely busy most of the time so maybe not worth taking a chance on getting a seat if you’re just here for the weekend.
Best Happy Hour: Parlor KC (a super fun collection of restaurants & bars inside a historic warehouse building with lots of fun games & seating areas for a full afternoon or evening!), Ça Va (champagne bar, yes please!) Westport Café, and The Campground
Best Patio: Char Bar, Gram & Dun or Brewery Emperial
Best Healthy Food: Ruby Jean’s Juicery & Caffeteria
Best Brunch: Rye on the Plaza, Fox & Pearl, Port Fonda, Mildred’s (breakfast sandwiches!), or The Farmhouse
Best Family Friendly Spots: Nelson Atkins Museum, Deanna Rose Farmstead, Boulevard Beer Hall, Crown Center and Union Station
And the cherry on top, Best Ice Cream: Betty Rae’s and Made In KC (also a great spot for finding a perfect Kansas City souvenir or stocking up on Chiefs gear!)
We hope you find this list super helpful in planning your trip to Kansas City!! I’m sure I missed lots of great spots so if you have a favorite, drop it in the comments! It is such a beautiful city and I know you will LOVE IT HERE!!
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Sara says
Thanks for this! Can’t wait to try out some of these places when we visit!
Heather P. says
Thank you so much for this! We’re planning a trip to KC soon and this guide totally helps! You’re the best. ?
Brittany Smith says
Best doughnuts- Poppy’s in Independence just outside KC (cash only)
Best Greek Food- Tasso’s (live music, belly dancer, and plate breaking) it’s a great time.
Stephanie says
LOVE these KC spots! I would add the River Market for some casual farmers market shopping. Or the Tower at the WWI museum over looking the city. (Museum is incredible too if that interests you.)
Emma Prentiss says
Oh this is so clutch! Planning a weekend getaway (sans kiddos!) for this fall and KC may have to be it since you’ve already done the hard work for us!!
Lacey White says
This was so helpful! I’ve visited KC a number of times, but never know where good spots are. Thank you for sharing!!!