We are enjoying the golden era of dining in Kansas City and food regions are developing in front of our eyes. KCFoodGuys.com wants to introduce you to some of the lessor known restaurant regions in Kansas City. Look for our series Dining Destinations for new and lessor known food zones.
Kansas City’s Northeast area is located Northeast of downtown Kansas City. Northeast neighborhood is south of Northtown stretching from I29 to the East to 435 to the West. Simply stated it is the area between downtown and Independence along 24 highway/Independence Ave.
This is a populous part of town with an international community, beauty and plenty of history. Northeast has some of Kansas City’s oldest and most stunning homes, plenty of scenic spots and impressive parks. The Pendleton Heights neighborhood is Kansas City’s first suburb. This is a colorful part of town and it has some some scars from a colorful past. If you love Kansas City then you have to love Northeast. This melting pot has some great grub. There are hidden food gems within many unassuming small restaurants and markets everywhere within the Northeast corridor.
iPhoTower at 1447 Independence Ave is a wonderful Vietnam and French fusion restaurant that is famous for bowls of Pho and the cities best Bahn Mi sandwich and delicious spring rolls.
La Hamburguesa Loca at 3009 Independence Ave is a authentic Mexican restaurant that also makes one of KC’s best burger including the Crazy Burger for those looking to eat something famous.
Rambo’s Chicken and Burgers at 2619 Independence Avenue is a newcomer to the neighborhood and example of this viable food region. This no frills dive is deep fried goodness.
Humdinger Drive In at 2504 E 9th St for a 60’s dinner vibe and classic burgers. Don’t get the fires but get their awesome tots.
La Flor de Chiapas at 3253 Independence Ave for their famous blended mango salsa and the full variety of Mexican tacos.
Taqueria El Korita at 6225 Winner Rd has great house specialty taco options, and serve up some of the most vibrant and colorful plates in town. This meager taco shop has good food and is a locals favorite.
Peachtree Cafe’teria 2128 E 12th St is classic soul food including catfish, Chicken and waffles and gumbo.
Taco Express at 6520 Independence Ave is your cheap $1 Mexican tacos with fresh chips.
El Güero at 6100 St John Ave is a must. Awesome Mexican street tacos with a quesadilla bar and their famous avocado sauce. Note, dinner only and this is a walk-up exterior counter
El Paso Del Norte at 3430 Independence Ave for authentic Barbacoa street tacos and Chicharones and Mexican bakery items.
Gates Barbecue at 1221 Brooklyn Ave is the original Gates and arguable the best barbecue in town. Step thru these doors and you will experience epic Kansas City grit, barbecue and attitude. Gates sauce is the most unique sauce ever created. Beef and a half sandwich with fries is a towering thinly sliced brisket masterpiece. Chopped brisket on a hoagie is another legendary plate.
Safari Cafe is at 4432 Saint John Ave is a courteous family owned East African (Somalia/Kenya) restaurant. The food is fresh and prepared as you wait. Try the authentic Samosas.
Don’t judge a book by it’s cover in Northeast. Some of these restaurants are unassuming and a sense of adventure is the perfect mindset for a dining tour to Northeast. If your too snobby to dine in Northeast then buy a season pass for your local Applebee’s and do us all a favor and stay out of our way because some of the best eating in town is just off the beaten path in Northeast.
Get more info about this great neighbor at the Northeast Chamber of Commerce.
Fred is a enthusiastic and opinionated food writer that dreams in barbeque, craves street tacos and boasts about organics. Fred is an adventurous eater who balances the local classics but loves to try out the new spots and trends. Fred loves the Downtown/Crossroads/Westport lunch scene and is currently campaigning for true BBQ in the BBQ Dead Zone(aka: Liberty MO).
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