Some people make to-do lists — we make to-dine lists. Many hot new Kansas City restaurants have opened over the past several months, from underground sushi spots to upscale raw bars.
To satisfy those who are really hungry for fresh dining options, we’ve got details on several more KC restaurants coming soon, too. Grab your forks as we dig right in.
Newly open
1981 K-Chicken, Overland Park | Korean cuisine
Bite into Korean chicken at this restaurant + bar, or go for a taste test with our KCtoday preview.
The Blue Palm, Strawberry Hill | Tiki bar + lounge
Lounge around like you’re on vacay at this tropical tiki bar.
Enjoy:: Pure Food + Drink, Leawood | Healthy
Sister restaurant to Mission Farms, this spot offers cold-pressed juices, cocktails, and lunch + dinner options on Lenexa’s Restaurant Row.
Green Dirt on Oak, Crossroads | Cheese
Green Dirt Farm opened its new cheese-centered spot in early 2024 complete with a rooftop deck and event space.
Sushi Kodawari, Crossroads | Sushi
Kansas City’s first omakase restaurant opened this year. The upscale sushi spot has only eight seats and offers two seatings per night.
Whataburger, various locations | Drive-thru
As we’re sure you’ve heard, Patrick Mahomes plans to saturate KC with Whataburgers. Several have opened across the metro in 2024 under his business KMO Burgers, LLC.
Whole Harvest Kitchen, Leawood | Healthy
This spot features 100% plant-based dishes that you can enjoy in an earthy atmosphere.
Coming Soon
The Fresh Mediterranean Co., Westport | Mediterranean
Started in a Lawrence Cenex gas station, this spring you can enjoy its gyros + falafel in KC.
Night Goat, Westside | Dive bar
Previously a barbecue pop-up at Fox and Pearl, soon enough it will have its own permanent spot.
This jalapeno cheddar sausage sandwich is just what your stomach ordered.
Photo by @nightgoatbbq
Chicken Salad Chick, multiple locations | Drive-thru
It’s exactly what it sounds like: a heaven made of chicken salad and southern-style desserts, like its famous buttercream frosted cookies. Five are set to open around the metro, with the first coming in 2025.
Go Chicken Go, Northland | Chicken
The local fried chicken staple is opening its sixth finger-licking location at 380 NE. Vivion Rd., KCMO, complete with a drive-thru for any on-the-go G-sauce needs.
Le Champion, Westport | Champagne bar
We’ve all been waiting patiently for the re-brand after Ça Va closed in March, and now it’s finally here (almost). Come this holiday season, Le Champion will open as a coffee bar by day, moody charcuterie + cocktail bar by night.
McLain’s Market, NKC | Bakery + cafe
Something sweet is coming to 1720 Swift St., NKC on Monday, Sept. 30.
Swig, multiple locations | Soda fountain
The “dirty soda” chain popularized on reality TV show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” is making its way to KC with six new shops, all expected to open next year.
