Kansas City: How To Spend A Weekend In Missouri’s Midwestern Metropolis
Published September 9, 2023
I have always loved taking advantage of three-day weekends to go explore a new city, and that’s exactly what I did for Labor Day this year! For one reason or another, Kansas City, MO was calling my name. Maybe it was the barbecue; maybe it was the city’s location right on the border of Missouri and Kansas. Either way, I’m glad I got to see a part of the Midwest that I had never been to before!
Kansas City is known for a lot of different things: football, jazz, and barbecue. I found that there was even more here to discover, including a vibrant coffee scene, amazing museums, and lots of lovely neighborhoods. A three-day weekend (or even regular weekend) in KCMO is the perfect getaway, and this guide will tell you everything you need to know!
Below are all the topics covered in this blog post. To skip down to any particular one, click or tap the corresponding link!
Food Ideas in Kansas City
Most visitors to Kansas City, MO are probably on the hunt for the city’s famous style of barbecue. Local cuisine was definitely a reason I wanted to go! Below are some of the places I found.
Barbecue, Of Course!
I’ll admit right off the bat that I’m no barbecue expert. Nonetheless, I had fun comparing smoked meats in Kansas City to the barbecue I’ve had in Texas and other parts of the US. Here is one resource that explains what makes KC-style unique. It seems like it comes down to the sweet sauce, the large variety of meats, and the sides: baked beans and slaw.
Although there are dozens of BBQ joints in Kansas City, I tried one per day on this trip for a total of three restaurants. I originally wanted to go to four or five places, but barbecue is too heavy for me to eat twice a day.
Joe's Kansas City BBQ
Address: 3002 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, KS 66103
Website: https://www.joeskc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joeskcbbq
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeskc/
Joe’s appears on basically every list of Kansas City barbecue restaurants that you absolutely must try. They’ve won a lot of awards, and there are a few locations to choose from. The flagship location is connected to a gas station, and I recommend going to this one if you can. Not only is it the original, but it’s also across the state line in Kansas City, KS (as opposed to Kansas City, MO). Joe’s was the perfect excuse for me to technically visit another state!
If you go to Joe’s, arrive about ten or fifteen minutes before they open to avoid a long line. In fact, my Lyft driver who brought me over here told me that they’ll often open a few minutes early to start letting people in. When I arrived a little bit before 11:00 a.m., there was a short line. By the time I left about an hour later, that line was out the door!
In terms of food, I ordered Joe’s two-meat combo with ribs and brisket. It came with Texas toast and one side, so I asked for their spicy slaw. I also got an extra side of dirty rice and a fruity vodka drink. Everything was delicious, but the ribs were probably the highlight of the meal. The dirty rice was also delicious; it tasted like it had some Cajun spices in it.
Joe’s is also famous for “The Z-Man Sandwich,” which I will have to try the next time I’m there. It’s a brisket and provolone sandwich that also has two onion rings on a Kaiser roll. I’m dreaming of a return trip to KC just to try this mouthwatering concoction!
Q39
Address: 1000 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: https://q39kc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Q39kc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/q39kc/
Q39 is named for their Midtown address on 39th street. Like Joe’s, Q39 also has an additional location, but you might as well go to the original. When I did, there was no line and I got seated immediately. A lot of BBQ places will require you to order at a counter and then find a seat. However, Q39 is a full-service sit-down restaurant.
One of the main highlights of Q39 is their beef brisket poutine, pictured above. I ordered that along with a two meat combo plate (again with ribs, brisket, and slaw). I was worried that this would be way too much food, but it actually wasn’t outrageous. I recommend doing the same, as long as you’re decently hungry. I didn’t finish every last bite, but I was able to eat more than half of both plates.
The poutine appetizer really stood out, especially with delicious cheddar cheese curds, gravy, and barbecue sauce. On the two meat combo plate, those big, tender pieces of brisket were amazing. I preferred them to the brisket at Joe’s, which was more thinly sliced and a little drier.
Wolfepack Barbecue
Address: 910 E 5th St, Kansas City, MO 64106
Website: https://wolfepackbbq.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wolfepackbbq
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolfepackbbq/
If you have three or more days in Kansas City, I suggest trying one or two of the most famous places (like Joe’s and Q39) along with a more local establishment. Some smaller BBQ houses in the city are relative newcomers, but some have been around for a while. A great way to tell quickly if a place is one of the big names is to see if they have thousands of reviews on Google compared to only hundreds. Wolfepack was an excellent local eatery that I’m glad someone recommended on Reddit!
At Wolfepack, I ordered the three-meat combo, which came with two sides. I got brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork, fries, and mac-and-cheese. It was a ton of food, and I especially loved the burnt ends. The mac-and-cheese was also really creamy, and those seasoned fries were delectable!
Other Cuisine Options
Since I ate barbecue for lunch three days in a row, I was never really hungry enough for a heavy, meat-based dinner during my visit to Kansas City. Instead, I went with Southeast Asian food in the evenings. All the veggies for dinner served as a counterbalance to those huge lunches! Here’s a few places I tried.
Pho Tower Vietnamese
Address: 3623 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: https://www.photower.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iphotower
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ipho_tower/
This restaurant’s name is a clever play on the words “Eiffel Tower.” When I went for dinner on my first night in KC, I ordered gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls) and a seafood phở. Both dishes were so tasty, and it was really refreshing after a BBQ feast for lunch. As a phở enthusiast, I am always excited to try this classic Vietnamese noodle soup in any city that has it. Pho Tower did not disappoint!
Lulu's Thai Noodle Shop
Address: 2030 Central St, Kansas City, MO 64108 (there are also other locations)
Website: https://www.lulusnoodles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lulusnoodles/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lulusnoodleshop/
I saw this local Thai chain a few times and figured one of their vegetarian curries would be perfect for dinner on my second night! However, I was honestly a little disappointed with Lulu’s. If you’re craving Thai food, there are lots of other options around town.
I was excited to taste the wild mushroom curry at Lulu’s, along with a tom kha gai soup appetizer. Normally, I love how tom kha gai is a little creamy but spicy. Furthermore, it’s generally pretty light and not viscous. At Lulu’s, this soup was pretty thick, and it tasted like it was missing a lot of the spices that give tom kha gai its distinctive flavor.
The wild mushroom red curry similarly felt like it was missing a lot of flavor. It was really spicy, which I don’t mind, but that was about it. Great Thai curries have an aromatic mix of slightly sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, but this one just didn’t have any complexity to it.
I don’t know if this location of Lulu’s was having an off day, or if their recipes are always like this. Either way, I suggest eating Thai food somewhere else. The one thing I appreciated was that the red curry had a generous serving of broccoli, multiple kinds of mushrooms, and other veggies. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t that good…
Cool Local Coffee Shops
I was absolutely thrilled to discover that Kansas City has a vibrant coffee culture to go along with its decadent food offerings. Read on to learn more!
Anchor Island Coffee
Address: 4101 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110
Website: https://www.anchorisland.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnchorIslandCoffee/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anchorislandcoffee/
This was the closest coffee shop to my Airbnb, so I stopped in to get a refreshing iced latte. I loved the décor and the theme, which really did make me feel like I was on a tropical island somewhere! The colorful murals on the walls were my favorite part of this cute little cafe.
Vested Coffee
Address: 310 W 8th St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Website: https://www.vested.coffee/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vested.coffee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vested.coffee/
Vested Coffee’s name pays homage to the Garment District, which is where this cafe is located. It’s in the heart of downtown, and I loved how chic and bright the interior of Vested Coffee was. I tried one of their seasonal fall drinks, but ordered it iced since it was really hot the weekend I visited KC. The coffee was delicious without being overly sweet!
Oddly Correct
Address: 4141 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110
Website: https://oddlycorrect.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oddlycorrectcoffee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oddly/
I loved everything about this quirky, artsy cafe near Hyde Park! To match their memorable name, Oddly Correct also had an oddly specific theme: cats in space suits and octopus tentacles. I really enjoyed the iced sage caramel latte I got here. It had a distinctive smoky and floral flavor that really elevated the drink!
Broadway Cafe and Roasting Company
Address: 4106 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: https://broadwayroasting.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Broadway-Cafe-and-Roasting-Company/100052710945417/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/broadwayroasting/
Located in Westport, Broadway Cafe is the ideal spot to rest for a little bit while sipping a cold brew. The interior is cozy with lots of seating, and the surrounding neighborhood is a fun one to check out if you have time.
Museums
Did you know that Kansas City has a flourishing museum scene? I had no idea until I arrived! If you’re into art, music, history, sports, or all of the above, KCMO has a museum just for you. Below are all the ones I saw during my visit!
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Address: 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: https://www.nelson-atkins.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nelsonatkins
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nelsonatkins/
The Nelson-Atkins is undoubtedly the centerpiece of KCMO’s vast array of cultural institutions. It’s also a symbol of the city with its gorgeous open lawns, public outdoor art, and iconic giant shuttlecocks (the world’s largest, apparently).
The main building of the Nelson-Atkins is a beautiful example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Its prominent columns give it a very distinguished look. Take some time to walk all the way around the museum before heading inside. The beautiful lawns, sculpture gardens, and reflecting pool in the back are all worth seeing!
The interior of the museum is just as exquisite as the exterior. Its main foyer (Kirkwood Hall) is supported by massive black-and-white marble columns that complement the limestone ones outside. Rozzelle Court Restaurant, the museum cafe, is also very picturesque. According to the museum’s website, it was inspired by an Italian courtyard!
In terms of exhibits, the Nelson-Atkins has a very extensive collection. I’m not a huge museum buff, but I found the displays here to be top-notch. I really liked the hieroglyphics on display in their Egypt gallery, as well as the Asian art on the second floor.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
Address: 4420 Warwick Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: https://www.kemperart.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KemperMuseum
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kempermuseum/
This modern art museum isn’t too far from the Nelson-Atkins. It’s much smaller, and there weren’t many other visitors when I was there. Because of this, I found it easier to engage with each individual piece of art on display. The Kemper Museum took me about half an hour to explore in its entirety.
National WWI Museum and Memorial
Address: 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108
Website: https://www.theworldwar.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theworldwar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalwwimuseum
If you only have time to visit two museums in Kansas City, I’d say visit the Nelson-Atkins and the National World War I Museum and Memorial. Both are incredible, and they offer very different experiences. One of the coolest things about the latter is that you can actually take an elevator to the top of the memorial, which is the tower shown in the picture below.
As you might expect, parts of the National WWI Museum can be pretty depressing. Nonetheless, the museum (located below the memorial) provides a lot of historical context for the Great War. I liked the layout of the exhibits too, with the first half focusing on what was happening globally and the second half focusing on the US.
When you purchase tickets, you’ll have to decide if you want to visit the museum, the top of the memorial tower, or both. I think you get a small discount if you buy the bundle. For those interested in the memorial, there’s an elevator that will take you most of the way. Then, you have to ascend a few more stairs to get to the open-air observation deck. The top of the tower provides a stunning 360-degree view of Kansas City!
One thing that really surprised me about the memorial is that it was completed in 1926, before anyone knew that World War II would begin the following decade. The structure went through periods of decline since then; it even closed in 1994 due to disrepair. Luckily, the monument was restored and is in excellent condition. Today, the National WWI Museum and Memorial is an integral part of Kansas City’s cultural identity.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum & American Jazz Museum
Address: 1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Website: https://www.nlbm.com/
https://www.americanjazzmuseum.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NegroLeaguesBaseballMuseum/
https://www.facebook.com/AmericanJazzMuseum/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nlbmuseumkc/
https://www.instagram.com/ajazzmuseumkc/
These two museums are housed in the same building, and you get a slight discount if you want to purchase tickets to both of them. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) provides a fascinating look at a time when sports were segregated in America. Even though I’m not really into sports, I really enjoyed learning about the Negro Leagues and one of their most important teams, the Kansas City Monarchs.
The NLBM is a captivating museum, with one long, winding hallway that acts as a timeline. The walls are covered in placards, artifacts, memorabilia, and more. At the end of the hallway, you’ll find yourself on an indoor model of a baseball diamond with life-size statues of famous players.
The American Jazz Museum is also a cool place to visit. I feel like it was kind of geared towards kids, but there were still great exhibits for all ages. Learn about the different instruments, what sets jazz apart from other genres, and the lives of famous musicians like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.
The American Jazz Museum and the NLBM are located in the neighborhood known as “18th & Vine,” a reference to the intersection where the city’s historic jazz clubs are clustered. In fact, this building is connected to a performance venue called The Blue Room with regularly scheduled concerts and public jam sessions. If I had more time in KCMO, I would’ve loved to do an evening out at one of the clubs in this part of town!
Cultural Attractions
In addition to its many museums and galleries, Kansas City is also home to a variety of other cultural attractions. There really is something here for everyone! Read on to discover what I found.
City Market
Address: 20 E 5th St #201, Kansas City, MO 64106
Website: https://thecitymarketkc.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCityMarketKansasCity
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citymarketkc/
Most cities have some type of farmers market, but I was blown away by City Market in KCMO! It is a large, bustling venue with so many vendors. I walked around one morning and saw lots of fresh produce, flowers, crafts, souvenirs, and hot food.
Despite being early, I couldn’t resist trying a caipirinha from Taste of Brazil and chatting with the staff for a bit in Portuguese. It was a very tasty cocktail and a nostalgic throwback to my year and a half living in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro!
Kansas City Central Library
Address: 14 W 10th St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Website: https://kclibrary.org/library-locations/central-library
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kclibrary
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kclibrary/
There’s a neighborhood downtown called the “Library District,” which piqued my curiosity about this historic landmark. After visiting, I would say the Central Library is a beautiful building, but it’s not an absolute must-see. The first floor has pretty columns, chandeliers, and ornate high ceilings. There’s also a little rooftop garden with views of downtown.
Union Station Kansas City
Address: 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Website: https://unionstation.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnionStationKCMO
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unionstationkc/
Union Station is the crown jewel in the Kansas City skyline, especially when viewed from the National WWI Memorial. Like the Nelson-Atkins Museum, Union Station was also built in Beaux-Arts style. I find it to be most impressive at dusk when the front is illuminated in bright colors!
After viewing Union Station and the skyline from the National WWI Memorial, walk over to the station to see what it looks like inside. The main hall’s most noteworthy feature is its intricately designed ceiling. There are also restaurants, children’s museums, and temporary exhibits.
Berkley Riverfront
The Missouri River runs directly north of Downtown KCMO, and there’s a pedestrian path on its southern shore known as the Berkley Riverfront. It feels a little industrial, but I still enjoyed walking here. Just know that on hot days, the Berkley Riverfront is very toasty! There’s not a ton of shade along the path.
Brush Creek
About six miles south of the Missouri River, you’ll find Brush Creek. This calm waterway also offers a lovely place to walk outdoors. Of the two, I liked Brush Creek a little more than the Berkley Riverfront. Brush Creek is within walking distance of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Further to the west, it runs through Country Club Plaza, an upscale shopping district.
Neighborhoods to Explore
One thing I loved about Kansas City is that it had a lot of distinctive neighborhoods! Below are a few parts of the city worth exploring.
Downtown
Since I live in Chicago, I’ll admit that downtown Kansas City felt pretty quiet. However, I really liked the architecture in the city center, and many of the attractions listed above can be found here (such as City Market, the Central Library, and the Berkley Riverfront).
Country Club Plaza
This fancy neighborhood directly north of Brush Creek is basically a huge outdoor mall. Walk along the water and enjoy the Spanish-style architecture. Country Club Plaza opened in 1923, so it’s actually celebrating its centennial this year!
Westport
This historic district is located between Downtown and Country Club Plaza. Originally, this was a major trading post near the starting point of the Oregon Trail. Due to its history, Westport has a distinctive western vibe. Today, this is one of the city’s most popular bar and entertainment districts.
East Crossroads
Located directly south of the heart of downtown, East Crossroads looks sort of like an industrial warehouse district. Despite being a little rough around the edges, this neighborhood has a lot of impressive street art.
In addition to its outdoor murals, East Crossroads is also Kansas City’s hub for beer and cocktails! There are tons of breweries and distilleries clustered around the intersection of Locust Street and East 18th Street.
I only had time to visit one brewery in East Crossroads, but I was very impressed! It was called Casual Animal Brewing Company (website | location), and I ordered a delicious beer flight here. I loved their bright, open seating area. It was so colorful, complete with plants hanging from the ceiling and fancy rugs on the floor.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is a historic residential neighborhood located halfway between Downtown and Country Club Plaza. This is where my Airbnb was, and it was a pretty convenient location. I also enjoyed walking around Hyde Park and seeing the beautiful homes.
This large neighborhood seemed like an offbeat yet charming part of Kansas City. I think Hyde Park also has a local, under-the-radar coffee scene, which is awesome!
Enjoy KCMO!
I hope this blog post serves as a helpful blueprint for a weekend in the “Paris of the Plains.” And if you’re considering a getaway to Kansas City but are still on the fence, I’d say it really is worth visiting! Whether you love BBQ, architecture, museums, or coffee shops, KC has something for everyone!
Have you been to Kansas City before? Is there anything I missed this time that I should see on my next trip? Leave a comment below and let me know! I’d also appreciate additional BBQ recommendations for next time!
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This post was published on Sept 9, 2023
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