You can’t go wrong with the classics. | Photo via The Snack Shack on Johnson Drive
Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Kansas City. Check out this list of 15 places where a lunch for one costs $10 or less.
Fast and casual
The Snack Shack, 6018 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS
While Editor Maddie hasn’t dined here since its days on Santa Fe, the Snack Attack combo is undefeated... though we’re not against spending our lunch money on dipped ice cream cones in this weather.
Go Chicken Go!, multiple locations
Try the snack pack (2 pieces, mashed potatoes, roll, sauce) for $8.49 or a chicken wrap for just $3.99. Pro tip: double up on G-Sauce, or better yet, buy a bottle.
Sandwiches and wraps
Gates Bar‑B‑Q, multiple locations
Barbecue is anything but cheap, unless you snag the single sandwich, a two meat sandwich with fries totaling ~11 (or upgrade to the Nooner for ~$13).
Tacos
Tacos El Gallo, multiple locations
Best known for its street taco takeout options, you can also order a 12" quesadilla with all the fixings for $10.25.
John’s Big Deck, 928 Wyandotte St.
This three‑story downtown bar slings $1 tacos every Tuesday — load up and still come in well under budget.
A clear crossbody bag to fit all your essentials for summer concerts + future sporting events. We love this option’s adjustable strap, smooth zipper, and chic hardware.
Jeopardy! Bar League | 7-9 p.m. | Social | Free | No more shouting at your TV. Put your trivia skills to the test during this free, team-style trivia night using real clues from the iconic quiz show.
Friday, Aug. 1
“Replicake” Pop-up with Pastry Chef Nichole Taylor | 6-8 p.m. | Belger Crane Yard Studios | Price of purchase | Celebrating its exhibition of hyper realistic artworks, culinary artists crafted “replicakes” for tasting and purchase at the pop-up.
Saturday, Aug. 2
The Boozy Bee: A Drunken Spelling Bee | 12-4 p.m. | Teocali Mexican Restaurant & Cantina | $5+ | Can you spell “super-cali-fragilistic-expialidocious” after a shot of tequila? This one-night showdown pits sharp wits against stiff drinks as contestants take swigs of their fave spirit before stepping up.
Divorced Dad Rock Night | 7-11:30 p.m. | Arts on Broadway | $14 | You don’t have to be a divorced dad to rock out to the angsty, grungy rock selections of Creed, Nickelback, Stone Temple Pilots, Creed, Shinedown, Hinder, and even more Creed.
Sunday, Aug. 3
“White Chicks” | 9-11 p.m. | Rooftop Cinema Club | $20+ | Watch this cult‑classic comedy under the stars at the new rooftop theater, complete with skyline views, movie snacks, and a full bar for the 21+ crowd.
The dreaded repair bill is coming... are you covered? | Photo by Choice Home Warranty
When your A/C goes kaput or your fridge quits fridging, homeowners’ insurance won’t save you. But a home warranty can help cover costly breakdowns from everyday wear, so you’re not stuck paying thousands out of pocket.
With 24/7 support, 8 million+ service requests handled, and 25,000+ pros nationwide, Choice Home Warranty has protected over 2.4 million homes. Thousands of five-star reviews echo that when something breaks, they’ve got your back.
Protect your home (and your wallet) before the next unexpected breakdown.
It’s not explicitly Google, but it’s Google. A $10 billion, 500-acre data center campus dubbed Project Mica is coming to the Northland near I-435 + Hwy 169. Port KC just approved funding, with the project expected to bring $1.75 million upfront for workforce development benefiting the Smithville School District + Northland Career Center. (Axios)
Opening
Pho lovers have long known Columbus Park’s Vietnam Cafe is one of the best spots in the city, and now it’s heading south. The pho favorite will open a second location inside OP’s former Beef-A-Roo spot off 135th. No construction timeline yet, but we’re already primed for another helping spring rolls and spicy curry. (Johnson County Post)
Eat
Oprah calls it the “sexiest ice cream alive,” but we’ll just call it delicious. Clementine’s Creamery is previewing its first KC shop with a pop-up at André’s flagship on Friday, Aug. 8 + Saturday, Aug. 9. Expect scoops like Gooey Butter Cake, André’s Chocolate Bourbon Road, and plenty of non-dairy options.
Shop
Missouri’s tax-free weekend runs Friday, Aug. 1–Sunday, Aug. 3. Score school supplies, clothing, and computers without the 4.23% state sales tax (plus any local taxes) — and you don’t have to be a student to save. (The Beacon)
Community
With last weekend’s fatal partial building collapse at Broadway’s Family Dollar in mind, it’s good to know who to call when you suspect an unsafe building. Browse a list of buildings currently marked as dangerous and set for demolition, and report any new concerns by calling the city’s 311 line.
Transit
Main Street’s orange cones are clearing — and new transit-only lanes + signage are appearing. Avoid tickets (and confusion) by brushing up on the KC Streetcar Authority’s fact sheet.
Trending
From potbelly pigs in HOA hot water to a pet store capuchin monkey (Frankie, not Marcel) with 65,000+ signatures demanding its freedom, KC’s pet drama can get… weird. Stay on the city’s good side (and out of the headlines) by checking our guide to properly registering your pets. (Kansas City Star)
Older Adults
Beyond bulk deals and clipping coupons, did you know several retailers offer customers 55+ hefty discounts — sometimes up to 20% off? Learn about key Senior discounts and several more savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*
Shop
Could your feet be comfier right now? We’ve got two summer shoe recommendations: these ultra-cushioned pillow slides and tried and true classic Crocs.*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I asked earlier this week what you all would like to see take over the former Donutology trolley in the River Market — and a little birdie in our inbox says a new tenant is already lined up (announcement coming this week).
While we wait with bated breath, here are a few of my favorite reader suggestions:
Robert R. is rooting for an açaí bowl spot, a nutritious counterpoint to Betty Rae’s next door.
Mel N. pitched a monthly food truck pop‑up or even an event space hosting Central Library readings.
}})
