Looking for the next new restaurant hitting KC’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Kansas City — plus, some spots coming soon. Keep tabs on this list to stay ahead of the cuisine curve. And don’t forget to bookmark it.
August openings
American Way Smokehouse, 17710 E. 39th St., Independence | Barbecue
This biz is bringing Arizona-born, KC-style barbecue right next to Merchant Square’s antique mall. Known for ribs with a side of house-baked sweets, the spot chose KC flavors “because KC is better,” according to its owner. Hard to argue with that.
Plaza Provisions, 4620 Wornall Rd. | Food hall
This food hall features an all-in-one physical menu, sit-down service delivering straight to your table, and a homegrown lineup: J. Rieger & Co., Lula Southern Cookhouse, Hawg Jaw Que & Brew, and Guy’s Deli & Pizza.
Neighbors Coffee + Hospitality, 8135 The Paseo | Coffee
Now brewing in Marlborough Heights with coastal-inspired decor, roomy patios, and a 15% “neighbor” discount. Bonus: the biz doubles as a nonprofit, offering jobs + mentorship to young adults aging out of foster care
July openings
AR’s Breakfast & Brunch, 4117 Pennsylvania Ave. | Mexican
In Chingu’s former Westport digs, the restaurant’s second location is slinging fajita omelets, churro pancakes, and mimosa glasses the size of your head.
Pizza 51, 200 S. Kansas Ave., Olathe, KS | Pizza
After two decades as the resident haunt for huge slices and cold beer in South Plaza, Pizza 51 has expanded to a second location in downtown Olathe. True to form, it’s inside a retrofitted Phillips 66 station, keeping the gas-and-go vibe alive for hungry locals and longtime fans alike.
Anjin, 1708 Oak St. | Japanese
This cozy, 20-seat izakaya from the team behind The Antler Room features a rotating menu, sake galore, and even soft-serve centered around a cozy u-shaped bar.
Tupelo Honey, 16720 City Center Dr., Lenexa, KS | Southern
This Southern-inspired spot known for “Asheville” hot chicken and sweet potato pancakes is part of Lenexa’s new Restaurant Row.
Martin City Tavern, 4950 Main St. | American
The debut of this new concept from the Martin City Brewing Co. crew includes hot chicken sandwiches and a top-tier smashburger — best enjoyed on the string-lit patio with a cold beer in hand.
Sea Capitán Cocina Costera, 5070 Main St. | Mexican-inspired seafood
From the team behind Earl’s Premier and Bacaro Primo, this coastal-inspired restaurant is landing in the old Blu Hwy space.
Something Good, 802 Broadway Blvd. | Bar
This neighborhood lounge is popping up in the Garment District, featuring “comfort cocktails” and classic bar fare with a twist (chips + caviar, anyone?).
Off the Hook BBQ, 7506 N. Oak Tfwy., Gladstone | Barbecue
Started by self-taught pitmaster Wardell Hooks Jr., the food truck-turned-catering standout is now serving up saucy staples.
Gilda’s Bar de Tapas, 5815 Nieman Rd., Shawnee, KS | Spanish
The real flavor here is in the company — though the roasted red pepper almond dip and char-grilled lamb chops don’t hurt. This new spot near Wild Child and Hank’s Garage serves up Spanish-style small plates and conversation, the kind meant to linger.
June openings
You Say Tomato, 2801 Holmes St. | Brunch
The Midtown mainstay is back with its beloved casseroles, breakfast croissants, and more — ending its two-year, catering-only era.
Earl’s Provisions, 649 E. 59th St. | Market
Earl’s Premier fans, prepare to stock your fridge with the East Coast-style oyster bar’s next door expansion — a market with crab cakes, dips, soups, and more.
Nour’s, 3855 Warwick Blvd. | Lebanese
Dish on Mediterranean faves in a beautifully designed space honoring the owner’s late daughter.
Two Birds One Stone, 1000 E. Riverfront Dr. | Beer garden
If you’ve been dreaming of condensation dripping off pint glasses and waterfront yard games for a while now, stop in during a Riverfront stroll for an order of onion rings with avocado green goddess sauce, paired with Cinderblock’s “Juicy Pils.”
85°C Bakery Cafe, 12061 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS | Bakery
The Taiwanese chain’s first KC location is serving up everything from mango brulee cake to garlic cheese bread and spicy sausage buns.
Paris Baguette, 11137 W. 95th St., Overland Park, KS | Cafe and bakery
The french-inspired chain is now serving fresh-made pastries + sandwiches near Oak Park Mall.
Swig, multiple locations | Soda
Known for decked out drinks that include cream, syrup, fruit puree and candy, the dirty soda chain has opened its Mission locations — just in time for season two of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”
Le Champion, 4149 Pennsylvania Ave. | Champagne bar
Coffee bar by day, moody charcuterie + cocktail bar by night — all wrapped in a vintage sports theme.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in June? Let us know.
May openings
Origin Coi Nguon, 7711 N. Oak Trafficway | Vietnamese coffee
Expect egg tarts and custard buns from this spot decorated with glowing lanterns.
Tiffany Bakery, 4111 Pennsylvania Ave. | Bakery
Whether you’re craving bánh mì or German jelly doughnuts, Westport’s newly opened Tiffany Bakery is selling a variety of European, American, and Asian treats.
Kohinoor, 921 McGee St. | Bar
Named after one of the world’s most famous diamonds, the downtown cocktail lounge features a Latin-inspired drink menu, luxe lounge vibes, and heritage at its heart — thanks to a 26-year-old KC-native owner and a beverage pro behind menus at T’aha Mexican Kitchen + Le Lounge.
New York Butcher Shoppe, multiple locations | Multi
The South Plaza location is now open, with another one of the restaurant, wine bar, and butcher shop concepts opening in Prairie Village’s Corinth Quarter this fall.
1888 Coffee, 3504 Gillham Rd. | Coffee
Hyde Park’s newest caffeine fix is taking over the old Mother Earth Coffee spot with familiar vibes — Parisi beans, Wi-Fi-ready seating, indoor/outdoor tables — plus kid-friendly perks, thanks to the young family of regulars-turned-owners.
Zhoug Mediterranean, 3904 Bell St. | Mediterranean
The former d’Bronx space is now serving up build-your-own bowls, pita wraps, platters, and even baklava.
Tiki Taco, multiple locations | Cal-Mex
The new Olathe Pointe location is best known for tacos, burritos, and loaded fries — plus, an ice cream collab with The Golden Scoop.
Chick-In Waffle, multiple locations | Fried chicken
What started with a waffle iron, pregnancy cravings, and a dream is now Overland Park’s newest late-night eatery off 135th Street and Antioch, serving up its signature dish topped with everything from spicy Nashville hot sauce to creamy Monterey Jack queso.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in May? Let us know.
April openings
Go Chicken Go, 380 NE Vivion Rd. | Fried chicken
The fried chicken classic has expanded for the first time in 25 years, with more than enough G-sauce to go around.
The Vault, 1701 Main St. | Bar
Tom’s Town’s new underground speakeasy pays homage to Tom Pendergast’s “favorite indulgences — plenty of booze and good ol’ fashioned vice.
Soli Deo Coffee & Bakery, 3934 Main St. | Bakery
Stop by the revived Enchanté space for a fresh pastry and people-watching in its prime Westport digs.
Smalls Sliders, 704 NW Mock Ave., Blue Springs | Burgers
Nosh with the NFL at the Drew Brees-backed burger joint.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in April? Let us know.
Coming Soon
Car No. 551, 426 Delaware St. | Deli | ETA: September
With Donutology gone, the vintage River Market streetcar is boarding a new passenger. The grab-and-go deli will serve specialty cocktails, offer indoor-outdoor seating, and eventually double as a micro event space for pop-ups + private parties.
1587 Prime, 1500 Baltimore Ave. | Steakhouse | ETA: Wednesday, September 17
Reservations are now open for the high-heat collab from Patrick Mahomes + Travis Kelce. Think of it as the ultimate off-season side quest — except instead of touchdowns, they’re serving tomahawk steaks.
Janssen’s House Coffee, 4041 Broadway Blvd. | Coffee | ETA: TBD
One of the US’s only farmer-owned roasters is planting itself in Westport.
Umami Revolving Sushi, 8180 W. 135th. | Japanese | ETA: Later 2025
Overland Park foodies, mark your maps: Umami Revolving Sushi is taking over the former First Watch on West 135th with a new spin on Sakura Sushi Train II — plus Vietnamese eats.
Urbana Sur, Pennway Point | Mexican cantina | ETA: Early 2026
Expect Mexico City-style tacos, tequila + mezcal cocktails, and live music, plus a walk-up Palacana stand in the back.
Chicken Salad Chick, multiple locations | Drive-thru | ETA: TBD
It’s exactly what it sounds like: a heaven made of chicken salad and southern-style desserts, like its famous buttercream frosted cookies.
