Chefs around the city have transformed the way Kansas Citians eat, opting for smaller, more shareable portions that allow diners to sample a wide range of flavors and cultural influences either with friends, family, significant others or all to themselves.
From hip whiskey joints to upscale date-night dining, discover some of the most popular small-plates spots in Kansas City.
Casual Bites
Not every dinner needs to be special to enjoy small plates fare.
- BLVD Tavern: Embedded in the heart of the Crossroads Arts District, BLVD Tavern is a casual hang that offers unique takes on comfort food classics, such as crab cakes and cheese curds.
- Julep:Westport’s resident whiskey bar touts a menu full of Southern-inspired small-plates, including shrimp & grits and deviled eggs.
International Fare
Expand your horizons beyond your comfort zone for delicious, globally inspired dishes.
- La Bodega: This Leawood- and Southwest Boulevard-based Spanish restaurant features a menu full of hot and cold tapas—arguably the most extensive list of small-plates options in the city.
- The Antler Room: Elegant dishes pair Mediterranean and East Asian delicacies with Midwestern roots with amazing results, all complemented by artful cocktails and a warm atmosphere.
- Extra Virgin: Mediterranean offerings shine at Extra Virgin—helmed by James Beard-winning Chef Michael Smith—thanks to a diverse array of options, including cured meats, flavorful cheeses, fresh vegetables and oysters.
- Muni: Head to Delaware Street in the River Market area for a culinary journey, drawing inspiration from non-traditional Thai-Mexican cuisine.
Date Night
Save these spots for romantic dinners out on the town.
- Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room: A sleek setting and smooth live jazz meet wildly creative cuisine in this Crossroads hotspot.
- Freshwater: Daily menu changes with highlights such as whitefish mousse and striped bass crudo emphasize just how fresh the offerings are at this Midtown restaurant.
