KC 3 must haves...

[FriendOfTheDevil]

Hi. Traveling to KC next week from St. Louis. I will be with my 15 year old daughter. I want to keep it not too upscale for her. More on the middle of the road casual style.
I definitely want to get some BBQ. Looking for suggestions for Breakfast , lunch, and dinner.

Where must I go???

Thanks,

FOTD

[FriendOfTheDevil]

Hi all. Got back yesterday. Thanks so much for your suggestions. I got to a handful of them, and took some pictures so I am going to make a few new posts about the specifics.
Had a great time in your city!

FOTD

[FriendOfTheDevil]

Who has the best Fried Chicken? Is it Stroud's? Or?

FOTD

[heatherkay]

I haven't eaten out the Stroud's north of the river (the only active outlet), only the original, which was almost (not quite) as good as described. But I think the best fried chicken I have had recently in KC was at the Mango Room at 12th and Main (http://www.kansascitymenus.com/mangor...). Excellent southern and Caribbean cuisine -- nice but not fancy.

[stellamystar]

Tha Mango Room has fried chicken? I always thought it was a salsa club - shows what I know!! yum! It's on the list.

[WyCo]

Another vote for Mango Room.

[pollymerase]

Do you like Chinese food? I'd recommend Blue Koi on 39th St (by the U of Kansas Med Center). They have amazing dumplings and the atmosphere is casual-cool. Or, Ghengis Khan Mongolian grill is next door and also very good. Both are good places for lunch or dinner.

[FriendOfTheDevil]

We do love Chinese Polly. Only place I had in mind so far was Bo Ling.

FOTD

[pollymerase]

Bo Lings is certainly good too, especially for dim sum, but I really enjoy Blue Koi. It has a bit of a different vibe and like I mentioned before, dumplings to die for. The ants on a tree and other noodle dishes are good too.

http://www.bluekoikc.com/

[Mushroom]

A 15 year old, huh? Good luck!

Anyway...unless you need to be out in Overland Park for family and/or business - I would suggest staying on the Plaza. Your teenager will LOVE it - unless she is a very sophisticated (i.e., unlike any other 15 year old (God love 'em!)).

Carmen's is absulutely fabulous for middle of the road casual ( just a bit South of the Plaza). Grand St. is always a reliable choice. You'll be close to Jack's Stack's Plaza location (BBQ) - haven't been to that one yet - I prefer the original in Martin City or the one in the Freight House District. The Freight House District also leads you to Lidia's (Italian)...I love it.. my husband - not so much. Regardless, the atmosphere is very appealing.

In the same neck of the woods..1924, Michael Smiths, Pizza Pella, The Brick (fantastic dive bar food), Souperman, etc. There have been several postings lately about this area - read them and come to your own conclusions.

Once you figure out where you are staying, I'm sure the KC board will help you narrow down your choices.

[FriendOfTheDevil]

Mushroom any specific recs on where to stay maybe near the good restaurants? I was mainly staying in Overland Park to save $ to be honest.

Thanks everyone for all the recs!

FOTD

[jdl98]

What's your price range?

[FriendOfTheDevil]

I was at 125 a day in Overland Park. I can do whatever. Just trying to figure out what is best. I have no restrictions of any kind persay.

FOTD

[jdl98]

What else are you guys doing while here? There's a Fairfield closer to downtown just past the Plaza (Union Hill) that's reasonable and a pretty good location. Walk to Crown Center, Union Station. The Hampton Inn on the Plaza is great. We recently stayed at the Holiday Inn Aladdin downtown for a kid-getaway and it was nice - small room but a cool, old, hotel recently renovated. The price was great. I'll think of more...

[FriendOfTheDevil]

Ok I changed to the Hampton. Thanks!

FOTD

[Jakevol2]

If you are hitting the tourist spots I reccomend Chef Burger at that Power and Light District

also:

Souperman
Pizzabella
Pizza 51
Grinders

OH! and you must get to Murray's Ice Cream and Cookies in Westport.

[Jakevol2]

Oh I completely forgot. It would do you a great disservice to not go to Christopher Elbow's Fine Chocolates in the Crossroads. It isn't cheap I have dropped $60 in there and didn't bat an eye but the chocolate is ephemeral, seriously it is a religious experience.

http://www.elbowchocolates.com/

[FriendOfTheDevil]

That looks AMAZING! Def going there.

Thanks!

FOTD

[lora]

You Say Tomato at 28th and Holmes for any meal. It's cheap and casual (counter service) and you can get anything from a couple of scrambled eggs to something belly-busting. The food, though, is amazing. I have never had anything that I didn't love. Awesome bierocks, cheese grits, biscuits and gravy, and cherry pie (when it's available). And most importantly: really good, and endless, coffee.

[stellamystar]

They have bierocks?!?!?! hoorah!!!!

[amy_rc]

Breakfast: Chris Cakes http://www.chriscakeskitchen.com/
Lunch: Andre's http://www.andreschocolates.com/dinin...
Excellent desserts and good food. A KC institution for 50 years. Used to be where Ladies that Lunch...lunch. I like the Main location if you happen to be near the Plaza. If not there is a location in OP.

[heatherkay]

What part of town will you be staying in?

[FriendOfTheDevil]

Heather,
I have not firmly fixed that. I am thinking about Overland Park but will be travelling all around to the major "tourist" areas.

FOTD

[Lpflaum]

If you're gonna be in OP I'd definitely suggest the Thai Place. I prefer Ann's older location at 87th and Grant (between Antioch and US-69), its small and cozy, the more decorated and newer looking location at 119th and Quivira is just as good. Some of the best Thai i've ever had, anywhere and they'll make the spicy level almost any way you want ( i request mild plus).