Best Bagel: Meshuggah Bagels
These classic New York-style bagels are the best in Kansas City. Our question: Where would they rank in New York?
Best Bar: The Monarch Bar
This West Plaza lounge has received a number of national nods.
Best Barbecue: Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
In a city full of great barbecue, Joe’s special blend of flavor and spice sets it apart.
Best Barbecue Sauce: Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Take home the sauce made famous by the iconic 47th & Mission gas station spot.
Best Bartender: Berto Santoro of Extra Virgin/Farina
With over 17 years of experience, Santoro puts a unique spin on familiar cocktails.
Best BBQ Sandwich: Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Joe’s nearly swept our barbecue categories — losing only burnt ends to Q39.
Best Brewery: Boulevard Brewing Company
The city’s oldest and largest craft brewery continues to excel.
Best Brunch Spot: First Watch
Enjoy freshly made entrees and coffee at this brunch chain.
Best Burger: Westport Flea Market
Named for the nearby market, The Flea is “10 ounces of hamburger heaven.”
Best Burnt Ends: Q39
Smoked for 15 hours, these tender burnt ends melt in your mouth.
Best Burrito: Manny’s Mexican Restaurant
This rich, family-owned burrito recipe has been around for 36 years.
Best Chef: Michael Smith
The James Beard Award winner currently owns the modern Italian restaurant Farina.
Best Chinese Restaurant: Bo Lings
Try Bo Lings’ premier dim sum.
Best Cocktail: The Monarch Bar
This summer’s upscale cocktail menu was based on monarch butterflies’ flight patterns.
Best Coffee Shop: The Roasterie Café
Stop by Monday-Friday from 2-4 pm for $1 coffee.
Best Distillery: J. Rieger & Co.
Dating back to 1883, the East Bottoms distillery will offer guided tours in August.
Best Dive Bar: The Peanut
This Kansas City staple is renowned for its world-beating wings.
Best Dog-Friendly Restaurant/Bar: Bar K Dog Bar
Enjoy a beer or cocktail while your pooch roams the two-acre dog park (see page 85).
Best Doughnut: LaMar’s Donuts and Coffee
Indulge in LaMar’s crispy donuts at one of nine KC locations (see page 77).
Best Ethiopian Restaurant: Blue Nile Café
Grab a shared plate at Blue Nile’s all-you-can-eat weekday lunch buffet.
Best Food Truck: Paige’s
Based in Overland Park, the truck sells homemade desserts and shaved ice around the metro.
Best Gluten-Free Restaurant: SPIN! Pizza
For $3 you can sub gluten-free crust for SPIN!’s traditional offerings.
Best Ice Cream: Betty Rae’s Ice Cream
Betty Rae’s sets itself apart with over a dozen constantly-changing ice cream flavors.
Best Indian Restaurant: Korma Sutra Indian Restaurant
Enjoy affordable, authentic Indian cuisine in the heart of Overland Park.
Best IPA: Boulevard Brewing Company
Take a tour of this Kansas City brewery for just $5.
Best Italian Restaurant: Jasper’s Italian Restaurant
The restaurant is home to authentic Italian cooked by Jasper Jr. and his nephew.
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant: Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant
Call in your order on of the restaurant’s novelty phones and watch your food be delivered by train.
Best Korean: Chosun Korean BBQ
Guests have the option to cook their own meat at grilling tables.
Best Liquor Store: Lukas Wine & Spirits Superstore
Find the largest selection of beer, wine and spirits on the Kansas or Missouri side.
Best Margarita: Ponak’s Mexican Kitchen & Bar
A staple at this Southwest Boulevard restaurant, the marg’s recipe has been around for 40 years.
Best Mediterranean Restaurant: Mr. Gyro’s Greek Food & Pastry
Gyros are their speciality along with other Greek-inspired favorites.
Best Mexican Restaurant: Ponak’s Mexican Kitchen & Bar
Also voted “best ethnic food” in the Kansas City area.
Best New Bar: BB’s Grill and Bar Olathe
Happy hour specials range from $2-$5 on select days of the week.
Best New Restaurant: Parlor
A three-story space that holds seven different food counters to choose from.
Best Patio: Gram & Dun
Where you’ll find comfortable seating with an excellent view of the city.
Best Pizza: Minsky’s Pizza
Minsky’s’ pizza crust is made fresh every day with a hint of sea salt and olive oil.
Best Pub Food: Martin City Brewing Company
Known as Kansas City’s fastest growing local brewery.
Best Ribs: Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Readers just cannot get enough of Joe’s.
Best Sandwich Shop: d’Bronx
A chain that features authentic deli sandwiches made with premium ingredients.
Best Smoothie/Juice Bar: Ruby Jean’s Kitchen & Juicery
Health nuts will go crazy for these 100% natural, gluten free and sugar free concoctions.
Best Sports Bar: Chicken N Pickle
Stop by for a round of pickleball — plus eat fried chicken and watch the game.
Best Steakhouse: The Capital Grille
Filet mignon with a side of parmesan truffle fries has never looked this decadent.
Best Sushi: RA Sushi Bar Restaurant
Discover a twist on traditional sushi with alternative rolls such as handrolls, maki, nigri and sashimi.
Best Tacos: Taco Republic
Chicken or beef tacos are only $2 on Taco Tuesdays.
Best Thai Restaurant: Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop
Try their family recipes that contain a combination of sweetness and spice.
Best Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant: Café Gratitude Kansas City
This restaurant strives for sustainability and freshness, as everything on the menu is 100% organic.
Best Winery: KC Wine Co.
This barrel-shaped wine haven can host events for any occasion.
Best Wings: The Peanut
Good job, readers, you nailed this one. The Peanut’s wings reign superior to all.
