As Huff Post put it, “The stone age is over. Kansas City definitely got the memo.” The article refers to the new KC Streetcar. With 16 delicious stops, the free and modern transit system connects some of Kansas City’s most diverse culinary offerings.
So, take a weekend or just the night—here’s just a tease of the tastes in store:
River Market West (4th & Delaware)
- Quay Coffee (412 Delaware) – Pronounced “key,” this neighborhood coffeehouse puts off a great vibe to caffeinate your journey. The eclectic menu ranges from pour overs to paczeks (Polish doughnuts).
- The Farmhouse (300 Delaware) – The tofu bacon BLT will stop you in your tracks at this “tip-to-tail” sensation, featuring fresh farm ingredients from across the Heartland.
- Il Lazzarone (412 Delaware) Serving up authentic Neapolitan recipes, Il Lazzarone’s wood-fired iron reaches 800 degrees to bake savory pies in less than 90 seconds. Try the Bruxelles, a marriage of Brussel sprouts and bacon with extra virgin olive oil.
City Market (5th & Walnut)
- Harry’s Country Club (112 E Missouri) – Things are hopping at Harry’s, named one of the best bars in America by Esquire. Take in the honky-tonk hospitality with a classic cocktail.
- The City Market (20 E 5th) – The largest farmers’ market in the Midwest also boasts a healthy crop of top-notch eateries. Ethiopian, Vietnamese and sweet and savory beignets are among the worldly flavors on the map.
Library (9th & Main)
- Charisse (1006 Walnut) – Combining old French and New American, Charisse is a hidden gem accentuated by a hearty happy hour menu. Indulge in the likes of cheese boards, escargot or mussels with saffron.
- Milwaukee Delicatessen Company (101 W 9th) – Dating back to 1881, this historic building has now been restored to its former glory. These days, people are stopping in for pizza as big as their faces.
Metro Center (12th & Main)
- Tavernonna Italian Kitchen (106 W 12th) – Housed in the newly revamped Hotel Phillips, Tavernonna celebrates the rich history of Italian food and wine.
Power & Light (14th & Main)
- Bristol Seafood Grill (51 E 14th) – Discerning diners enjoy Bristol—a Kansas City institution where seafood is flown in daily.
Kauffman Center (16th & Main)
- Anton’s Taproom and Restaurant (1610 Main) – Step off the streetcar in front of Anton’s for a steak as big as you want them to cut it, and beer taps as far as the eye can see.
- Tannin Wine Bar + Kitchen (1526 Walnut) – Food-obsessed wine bar or wine-obsessed restaurant? You decide. Either way, you win with awesome bistro bites and an impressive vintage list.
Crossroads (19th & Main)
- The Rieger (1924 Main) – History is served at this trendy bistro, once a traveler’s hotel. Chef Howard Hanna has a passion for the pig, so any pork dish is usually outstanding.
- Extra Virgin (1900 Main) – This concept from James Beard Award winner Michael Smith showcases adventurous tapas and a stellar bar program.
- Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room (1828 Walnut) – New on the scene and close to the tracks, the restaurant features seasonal and live jazz each night.
Union Station (Pershing & Main)
- Pierpont’s at Union Station (30 W Pershing) – Around these parts, the New York Strip has always been the KC Strip. Order one to your liking at this elegant steakhouse tucked away inside KC’s stunning 1914 train depot.
Inspired by the Rail
- The Streetcar cocktail, Tom’s Town Distilling Co.(1701 Main) – Pendergast’s Royal Gold Bourbon with grapefruit and lemon oleo-saccharum
- Streetcar Swing candle, The Polished Edge(1301 Main) – Local creation from 5B & Co. Candlemakers
RIDE, THEN BIKE
Take advantage of RideKC Bike, the metro’s bike sharing service, with stations conveniently located near the Streetcar’s River Market North, Library and Union Station stops.
STREETCAR OPERATION HOURS – 6 a.m.-midnight Mon.-Thu., 6 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday, 7 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday and 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. Streetcars arrive every 10-15 min.
