Today’s Kansas City City Guide comes to us from Kansas City resident Rachel Porter. Rachel has lived in Kansas city with her two children and husband for the past five years and loves learning about this midwestern metropolis every chance she gets. Along with her sister Chelsea, Rachel has put together this week’s guide to shopping, dining and playing in Kansas City. Thanks ladies for sharing your city with us! —Stephanie

Read the full guide after the jump…

I’ve been a part of the Kansas City area since high school. But it wasn’t till after I came back from college that my love for the city grew. My husband and I have lived in the urban core of Kansas City for five years now, and can’t imagine life anywhere else.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of what Kansas City has to offer. In fact, I had to stop writing down names of great places KC has to offer so I wouldn’t overwhelm you with my long list. Locals, feel free to add rec’s in the comments. Visitors, I hope visiting Kansas City makes you feel loved and welcome as a part of the community as we have over the years. There’s so much fun local stuff to see and do. Enjoy!

Check out the Google Map with the below listings!

Midtown

Shopping

Donna’s Dress Shop – An amazing combo of things new and vintage. A great little place for a new dress or accessory.

Vinyl Rennaisance– A record shop with some sass. TONS of different vinyl to chose from and if they don’t have what you’re looking for, they can order it for you!

Bunker– A clothing, shoe and accessory shop with some attitude. Great finds for casual wear and carries all the latest trendy shoes and accessories.

Prydes– Known as “the hardware store for cooks” this kitchen/home store has been around forever. Upon entering you will be offered iced tea while you shop and search through the tons of kitchen appliances, supplies and accessories. They also have an incredible pie shop in the basement.



Restaurants

Room 39– SWOON. The best breakfast in the city. They use local in season ingredients and everything I have tried I have fell in love with. The atmosphere is also really cute and great for a coffee or breakfast date. Also open for lunch and dinner.

Beer Kitchen– A great local joint serving up lunch and dinner with any beer you can think of. They have a wide selection of drinks, and even incorporate ales into some of their entrees. Yum.

Pot Pie– If it’s not obvious, this is what you should order as your entrée. The best pot pie I’ve had, it comes out hot and bubbly and oh so good. It’s also situated in a very cute and cozy space in the city.

Port Fonda- What used to be a food truck has quickly turned into a Kansas City love of many. Now situated in their own restaurant space they offer very unique and delicious rustic Mexican food.

Coffee

Oddly Correct– True to it’s name, this is the place to go if you want to take your time to have one of the best cups of coffee in the city. True story: I did not like black coffee until this place. They pour their hearts and souls into making the best cup for you using a pour over method.



Westside

Shopping/Drinks

Little Freshie– What originally started off as snow cones served in a trailer, has turned into its own store. Serving up awesome homemade snowcones, sodas, as well as cute stationary and other house warming gifts, this is a place not to miss.

Boulevard Brewing Company- our local brewers that serve up the best beer this side of the Mississippi ; ) They offer tours daily of their facility and their tasting room looks like a debonair bar out of the 1940’s. Yum yum.

Fervere– Handcrafted bread made daily. Oh my goodness. I haven’t met a bread here I didn’t love. They always offer free samples and trust me, you’ll be thinking of ways you can buy and use more than one loaf at a time. Check website for hours, as they’re open early and often sell out.

Restaurants

Westside Local– Serving up fresh local food from their garden out back or one of their great vendors, this place is always sure to please. Plus I think they have the best pint of fries in town.

Bluebird Bistro– Can we say Anthropologie in a restaurant? This little place used to be an old drug store and they now spend their time serving up fresh and often organic cuisine. Sunday Brunch here is a must!

Chez Elle Creperie– Serving a wide variety of sweet and savory crepes, this place is a must. They have every combination you can think of and each crepe is made to order.



Brookside

Shopping

Frankly Basic– This women’s store is a part of a row of shops that have been around since the early 1900’s. Great if you’re looking for a new accessory or dress.

Crestwood Flowers– The most adorable flower shop I’ve visited. Opened in 1932 and going strong ever since. They have every variety you could want.

J’Adore– A classic French inspired boutique that sells everything from furniture, to bath accessories and plants. Want something but don’t see it? Ask the owner or one of the staff, they’re great about getting in exactly what you are looking for.

Lauren Alexandra– The cutest baby boutique in the city. They offer baby clothes, furniture, diaper bags and other accessories. The best place to go for a gift for someone you know that’s expecting.

Restaurants

Aixois– A French Restaurant that serves some delicious traditional French cuisine; crepes, snails, etc. Don’t worry. They also have great burgers and salads if you prefer the more tame side of things. They also have a cute little coffee bar open daily if you want a quick cup.

Café Europa– A cute restaurant serving up local eats as well as a small selection of baked goods. Great Sunday Brunch as well! Their French toast for brunch is amazing.

Julian– You gotta love this place and the Chef. Chef Tio has been a part of some recent Food Network competitions and has cooked right alongside Michael Simon. Delicious meals with a creative twist.

Coffee

The Roasterie– A loud and bustling coffee shop that’s been going strong for 20 years. A great place to meet a crowd of friends for some coffee or tea. Try the “crunched for time” mocha. You won’t be disappointed.

Play

Loose Park– One of our biggest parks in the city, it reminds me of being in Europe. There’s a huge walking trail around the perimeter of the park, as well as a rose garden complete with giant fountain, a playground and a splash park. A great outdoor option if you wanna be outside.



Westwood

*This part of the city is tiny, but so darn cute. This is why I only have two places listed in this neighborhood, but it didn’t feel right to not include these two gems.

Restaurant

Oklahoma Joe’s- Truly an experience. Set inside a gas station, this BBQ joint has won too many awards to mention. One of the best BBQ’s in KC, once you visit here you’ll come back for more every time you’re in KC. Promise.

Coffee

Hi Hat Coffee– Don’t blink or you’ll miss this little guy. Situated inside an old 1940’s gas station, this coffee shop has charm and some cute outdoor seating to boot.

The Plaza

Restaurants

Gram and Dun– A great local place to grab a bite to eat. Excellent cocktails and outdoor seating in the summer.

Bo Lings– If you’re craving Chinese, this is the place to be.

Blanc Burgers and Bottles- They serve gourmet burgers with beer battered onion rings or fries. A great stop if you’re a burger lover. They also have a wide selection of beer to choose from.

Shopping

Zoom– a local toy store that has everything a kid can imagine. Be sure to check it out if you have kids or need a gift for one.

Panache Chocolatier– handcrafted chocolates and much more to treat yourself (or someone else) to!

Three Dog Bakery– the place to buy your puppy a treat (or cute little sweater) while you’ve been away.

Baldwin Denim– A Kansas City based clothing store that prides itself on quality made denim for men (and now women too!) American made and modern simple designs make this place a great resource for that perfect pair of jeans.

Play

The Nelson-Atkins Art Gallery– Even the lawn of this Art Gallery is Beautiful. A great place for a quiet afternoon of art. New exhibits every season. Or if you prefer a more active afternoon, perhaps a game of Frisbee golf on the front lawn?

Coffee

Latte Land– A great place to grab a latte while shopping. There are 2 locations on the Plaza as well.

Hotels

The Raphael– one of Kansas City’s boutique hotels, they offer outstanding service and are centrally located right at the Country Club Plaza.

The President– once known as the hotel in Kansas City any incumbent President would stay in, hence the name ;) Located downtown this hotel is regal, elegant and hosts some amazing old photos of the hotel and our Presidents from the 20’s and 30’s

Notable Locals