Finding Latin dishes for $15 or less around the city is easy, but the real thrill lies in uncovering those hidden gems often overlooked. We’ve crafted this list with a focus on the hole-in-the-walls, strip mall treasures, and off-the-beaten-path spots while still enjoying some KC classics. Some of Kansas City’s best food is also some of its most affordable—if you know where to look.
Curated by Tyler Shane Written by Dawnya Bartsch, Rachel Layton, Patrick Moore, Tyler Shane and Kyle Wisecarver. Photography by Sara Alvord. Illustrations by Linzie Hunter
Torta De Chorizo Con Huevo | $12.99
Cien Por Ciento Mexicana
7926 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park
Alejandra de la Fuente’s tamale pop-up has certainly come a long way. The Mexico City native began her journey in 2017 at the Lenexa Public Market, where she had a Mexican street food vendor-style spot named Red Kitchen. De la Fuente proudly displayed her roots with brightly colored Mexican banners and a massive painting of artist Frida Khalo. Her burritos were dubbed best in the state of Kansas by Food & Wine.
As of February, Red Kitchen transformed into the breakfast and lunch eatery Cien por Ciento Mexicana (translating to “100 Percent Mexican”). It sits in the downtown OP strip directly across from the area’s beloved farmers market, and on warm days, de la Fuente opens the garage door. The space is simple yet comfortable, and the Khalo painting from her original spot is there to welcome you.
The tamales and burritos are, of course, menu staples. But in other sections of the from-scratch menu, salsas, breads, chorizo, eggs, fresh crisp tomatoes, crunchy lettuce and crumbly cotija cheese are all interchangeable ingredients. It’s casual eats, but the chilaquiles, birria tacos, tostadas and more all have that invigorating freshness associated with quality Mexican cuisine.
As for the torta de chorizo con huevos, the breakfast egg sandwich is a favorite of de la Fuente’s—and of mine, too. A bolillo roll is sliced open and toasted to buttery perfection. It’s then given a smear of refried beans and stacked with scrambled eggs, chorizo sausage, avocado, tomato, onions and jalapeno pickles. Pair it with a warm day and a cup of coffee or some fresh aguas frescas and you’ll be happy you followed Frida all the way to Cien por Ciento Mexicana.
2 Pupusas And 2 Tacos | $13.50
El Pulgarcito
5921 Merriam Drive, Merriam
When you hear “Salvadoran food,” you should automatically drool for some pupusas—cornmeal griddle cakes filled with various fillings. You’ll find no shortage of them in the busy industrial area of Merriam at the small Salvadoran restaurant El Pulgarcito.
Go for the traditional chicharron stuffed with juicy, fatty shredded pork and topped with their homemade cabbage slaw. If you are still hungry, order some of their traditional carne asada tacos topped with white onion, cilantro and avocado verde sauce—an ideal summer meal for just under $15
Half Chicken | $11.25
El Pollo Rey
901 Kansas Ave., KCMO
El Pollo Rey is a Mexican cuisine staple in KC with a menu composed of just three dishes: whole chicken, half chicken and chicken wings. The half chicken is the perfect size for a solo lunch and is simply prepared with classic seasonings, crispy skin and tender meat. Always served with rice, tortillas, and charro beans, you can make this chicken your own. Either pull it apart street taco style or eat it straight from the plate itself. El Pollo Rey’s menu is simple for a reason. It’s just that good. At only $11.25, the half chicken is easy on your wallet, too.
Cousin Rob Plato | $15
Lilly’s Cantina
900 Southwest Blvd., KCMO
Lilly’s family-run cantina opened on the West Side last year, and there’s something familiar yet refreshing about the small joint. Maybe it’s the welcoming blue front door framed with mosaic tiles, the full bar or the menu that serves comfy Mexican platters and tacos—done really well.
Think of the Cousin Rob as the ultimate combo plate, complete with a deep-fried taco, a tostada, a mole-covered cheesy enchilada, a crunchy corn quesadilla and, of course, the quintessential side of rice or beans.
Burrito | $4.75
Burritos To Go
1235 Central Ave., KCK
This spot is aptly named, if only for the “to go” part. Snugly fitting into a KCK strip mall, the shop only has enough room for you to walk up to the counter and order before shuffling around the next customer in line. Luckily service is quick. Your tortilla is warmed on the flat top for a few seconds, filled, wrapped in foil, et voilà. Lunch is served.
We recommend the No. 2, with ground beef and potatoes, or the No. 3, with pork smothered in a red sauce. Grab a Jarritos drink of any neon hue to finish it off.
Looking for more cheap eats ideas beyond our Top 5 Latin Bites In KC For $15 or less? Check out our 34 Amazing Kansas City Meals For $15 Or Less.
