Dining Near the KC Convention Center

The blocks surrounding the KC Convention Center and Municipal Auditorium offer quick options as you get started in the morning, between meetings or when the day is done. Grab a coffee at PT’s Coffee Power & Light, enjoy an all-day menu at the Made in KC Cafe or pair your meal with a little competition of your own at Blade & Timber. Looking for an unmatched destination to keep an eye on the day’s scores? Turn to the city’s largest indoor video wall at BarCentral inside the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.

Up the street, Mildred’s and Banksia have your breakfast and brunch needs covered, while Milwaukee Deli offers pizza slices and sandwiches for lunch and dinner. Head a few blocks west of the Convention Center for a visit to Spokes, a hybrid bike shop and café popular for its breakfast burritos, salads and sandwiches.

For an upscale experience to end your day, The Town Company at Hotel Kansas City delivers one of the city’s best new menus in an undeniably cool, modern and mellow dining room. Head downstairs afterward for another round along with live DJs and performers at Nighthawk, or make your way up the street for another subterranean stakeout at P.S. Speakeasy inside Hotel Phillips.

At all hours, the options you’ll find for dining and drinks inside the Loews Kansas City Hotel offer to enhance your week. Enjoy upscale American dishes at The Stilwell, cocktails with some of the best views in the city at Bar Stilwell, and local coffee at Red Wheat Baking Co.

Distance from KC Convention Center: Within a few blocks

In the heart of all the action, Kansas City’s Power & Light District provides a popular nightlife destination—plus so much more. The centrally located Kansas City Live! Block boasts favorites for all, including Kansas City’s beloved barbecue flavors on a laid-back patio at County Road Ice House, the chance to catch Major League Soccer matchups at the Sporting Kansas City-inspired No Other Pub, and a classic neighborhood bar menu at Johnny’s Tavern. For a menu of intriguing and over-the-top takes on bar food, Guy Fieri’s Dive & Taco Joint offers a delightfully irreverent approach to dining along with one of the block’s premier outdoor seating areas.

Discerning diners enjoy Bristol Steak + Seafood + Social or 801 Chophouse, two Kansas City institutions celebrated for their seafood and steak. The district’s latest arrival is Blue Sushi Sake Grill, a dazzling two-story space that offers stunning city views along with its extensive menu. Need a quick bite? Turn to Meshuggah Bagels for a New York-style breakfast or PROTEINHOUSE for a fresh and filling smoothie.

Distance from KC Convention Center: 0.5 miles/10 minute walk

Foodies who head north to the River Market won’t have to walk far to uncover a plethora of palate-pleasing dishes in the historic district. The Farmhouse sets the bar high with its farm-to-table, tip-to-tail comfort food done right. Make plans for happy hour at Harry’s Country Club and enjoy classic fare plus a cocktail, try authentic Brazilian fare at Taste of Brazil or keep it fresh with a selection of bowls and wraps at the Hungry Hatch.

Fresh and creative burgers, sandwiches and more are always a hit at Pigwich. Right next door, enjoy one of KC’s favorite pizzas at Minsky’s. Looking for a flavorful outing to wrap up the day? Stop by Betty Rae’s for a scoop of ice cream and take your pick of the shop’s surprising and inventive flavors, or slip into Thou Mayest, where you’ll find a rustic charm that’ll keep you lingering a little longer.

Distance from KC Convention Center: 0.8 miles/20 minute walk

Restaurant choices in the Crossroads make up an eclectic gallery all their own. History is served at delightfully reimagined venues like Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue and Lazia at the Crossroads Hotel. Or take your taste buds on a world tour at Lidia’s Kansas City (authentic Italian cuisine), Affäre(modern German plates) or Grünauer(Austrian-German cooking).

Sample inventive plates at the award-winning Corvino, hit up Town Topic, a classic American diner that’s been open 24/7 since 1937, or grab a bite and a margarita at Manny’s Mexican Restaurant. For a pick-me-up, Messenger Coffee Co., Mildred’s and Café Corazón are ready to keep you caffeinated.

If you’re looking for a drink of a different kind, make your way to the East Crossroads—starting at 18th & Oak Sts. is an easy way to access the neighborhood—for blocks full of breweries like Casual Animal Brewing Co., Brewery Emperial, Double Shift Brewing Co. and more. (Plus, keep tabs on your tastes and access savings along the way with the KC Tap Tour.) Prefer wine or distilled spirits over beer? Turn to KC Wineworks, Mean Mule or Lifted Spirits for a pour.

Distance from KC Convention Center: 1 mile/20 minute walk

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