Rich in taste and history 🍴

Kansas City’s oldest restaurants

Town topic KCtoday
You have to try the tater tots. | Photo by KCtoday
Kansas City is a history buff’s dream, with well known spots like Union Station and the WWI Memorial — but did you know about the restaurants here too? Foodies, buckle in.

Many local eateries have watched our city grow and evolve over the last several decades — we’re talking 70+ years. If walls could talk, we’d listen to these ones. We’re serving you seven spots that will dish out a tasty meal with a generous side of KC history.

Dagwood’s Cafe, 1117 Southwest Blvd., KCK | 84 years
This classic cafe has been serving up their well-loved open face roast beef sandwiches + burgers since 1938 — the same year that electricity came to rural Kansas. The spot has maintained the small town feel, from the menu items down to the interior decor.

Town Topic, 2021 Broadway Blvd., KCMO | 85 years
This little diner, established in 1937, is a KC staple. DYK — a burger was just five cents when the spot opened up?

Rosedale Bar B Que, 600 Southwest Blvd., KCK | 88 years
This spot originally began as a neighborhood hot dog + beer stand known as “The Bucket Shop” in 1934. Shortly after, the owners decided to start a new business — but this one required a barbecue pit. The rest is history.

The Peanut, 5000 Main St., KCMO | 89 years
This bar and restaurant existed as a speakeasy before officially opening after Prohibition in 1933.

Stroud’s, 5410 NE Oak Ridge Dr., KCMO | 89 years
This spot is known as the “home of pan-fried chicken,” getting its start in 1933.

Dixon’s Famous Chili, 9105 E. US Hwy. 40, Independence, MO | 102 years
Vergne Dixon set up shop downtown selling his unique style chili from a street cart, which in 1919 turned into his first restaurant on 15th and Olive. Fun fact: Vergne was such a believer in his particular type of chili that he banned the use of ketchup in his restaurant.

Savoy Grill, 219 W. 9th St., KCMO | 118 years
The original building went up in 1888, allowing this American style restaurant to open up shop by 1903 — making it one of the longest standing spots in our city.

Click here to have your event featured.

Today, Dec. 2
  • West Bottoms First Friday Weekends | Friday, Dec. 2 | Times vary | 1401 W. 13th St., Kansas City, MO | Free | December’s First Fridays starts with a tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. and includes pictures with your favorite holiday characters. 🎄
  • ArtsKC Winter Market 2022 | Friday, Dec. 2-Saturday, Dec. 10 | 6-9 p.m. | 106 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, MO | Free admission | Check out ArtsKC’s first ever Winter Market benefiting the Who Needs Art campaign.
Saturday, Dec. 3
  • Swap Your Stuff: Holiday Edition | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Indian Creek Library, 16100 W. 135 St., Olathe, KS | Free | Swap out you old holiday decor or pick up something new at this exchange. 🛍️
  • Reindeer Romp | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | 416 Cherokee St., Leavenworth, KS | $0+ | Romp around town and create holiday treats, gifts, and memories.
Sunday, Dec. 4
  • Winter Porch Pots DIY Class | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 12-2 p.m. | Next to Nature Farm, 23338 Kissinger Rd., Leavenworth, KS | $60 | Take in the natural elements to create a beautiful pot that can last through the cold days of winter. 🪴
  • The Story of The Nutcracker on Ice | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 1-2 p.m. | Cable Dahmer Arena | $10-$15 | The Heartland Figure Skating Club is bringing you the magic of “The Nutcracker” on ice. ⛸️
Monday, Dec. 5
  • Dine at the Vine | Monday, Dec. 5 | 5:30 p.m. | Wandering Vine at the Castle, 12401 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS | $50+ | This decadent night of food and wine raises money for the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund. 🍷

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather
  • 59Âş | Partly cloudy | 8% chance of rain
Announced
  • Drum roll, please. The Country Club Plaza announced its $100,000 Centennial Grant Program winners: Assistance League of Kansas City, Lead to Read KC, Newhouse, and Operation Breakthrough. These organizations received the most public votes + will each receive $25,000. 💰
Sports
  • After leading the Chiefs through the month undefeated, Patrick Mahomes has been named the AFC Offensive Player of the Month for the fifth time in his career. Yes, that’s yet another franchise record broken by our QB1. 🏈 (Arrowhead Pride)
  • The Kansas City Royals announced two new hires to their coaching staff — Pitching Coach Brian Sweeney and Infield Coach JosĂŠ Alguacil. ⚾
Edu
  • Independence School District is looking to make the switch to a four-day school week — something 25% of Missouri schools have already implemented. This would make them the largest school district in Missouri to participate. The Board of Education will make the final decision on Tuesday, Dec. 13. (FOX4)
Cause
  • Parade of Hearts is now accepting applications for its third + final beneficiary for the upcoming season. Public charities from the Kansas City region are encouraged to apply by Thursday, Jan. 12. The selected beneficiary will be announced Wednesday, March 1. ❤️
Development
  • A $33.8 million Jazz Hill renovation project (located on The Paseo) will soon undergo construction. Developers will renovate 11 historic apartment buildings — built between 1896 and 1906 — into 197 affordable units. The project is expected to be completed by summer 2024. 🏢 (CityScene KC)
Opening
  • It’s official. District Biskuits is opening Tuesday, Dec. 13 with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. — located at 504 Armour Rd., North Kansas City. We got a first glimpse (and taste) in November, and it’s safe to say this spot is a must-try. 🍽️
Gallery
  • The sleigh bells are jinglin’ at Union Station. Haven’t had the chance to stop by the Holiday Reflections experience yet? Check out a sneak peek of the magic here. Word on the street is that Santa might make a special appearance this weekend. 🎅
Shop
  • Your holiday music just got better. 1byoneaudio sells high quality and easy-to-use turntables equipped with incredible sound quality and hi-fi speakers, plus some that connect to Bluetooth headphones. Think: a great gift for the record lover in your life (or even an early present for yourself). 🎶*
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Three cheers for three new pop-ups

20 holiday pop-up bars in KC, 2024

KCtoday_Holiday Hideaway
Savoring the season is a little easier with string lights overhead. | Photo by Chicken N Pickle
The 17 pop-up bars of Christmas. Yes, you read that right — we have three more pop-ups to add to the list. If you are looking for good tidings + a jolly good time, we recommend taking a sleigh ride to these newly announced spots. Talk about festive AF.

Pawlidays, 2001 Walnut St., KCMO | Starting Dec. 2 | Join CITYDOGs and Dane Fabrications for this furry-friendly pup-up bar. Each ticket includes a complimentary bottle of champagne + a goodie bag for your pet.

The Northeast Pole, PH Coffee | Starting Dec. 8 | Experience the magic of Christmas with specially crafted holiday cocktails and sweet + savory bites alike.

Winter Wonderland, The Kauffman Center for Performing Arts | Starting Dec. 7 | Executive Chef Laura Comer invites the whole family to snack on small plates + sip specialty cocktails — before or after a performance.
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Bella.


Editor’s pick: Who else is ready for the USA World Cup match on Saturday morning? I’m headed down to the Power and Light District bright and early to watch, and I couldn’t be more pumped to experience this crowd.


Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Here’s 26 venues with 1,000+ seats.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Bella Rainey, Travis Meier, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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