Seven iconic Kansas City meals you can’t miss

The curated articles collectively explore iconic meals that define Kansas City's rich culinary scene, drawing connections between diverse food traditions and the city's unique identity. Kansas City's offerings include barbecue, tacos, sandwiches, and more.

At Dunn Deal BBQ, jazz and barbecue converge to create a distinctive dining experience. Gerald Dunn brings Texas-style brisket to Kansas City, offering a unique touch to the barbecue landscape. In the heart of Kansas City's culinary delights, Carniceria y Tortilleria San Antonio serves up customizable tacos. Diners choose from a variety of salsas and toppings, creating personalized flavor combinations. The Z-Man sandwich from Joe's Kansas City exemplifies the city's barbecue excellence. This sandwich features slow-smoked brisket and crispy onion rings, capturing Kansas City's barbecue fame. Fritz's Railroad Restaurants offer a unique dining experience with their train-delivered meals. The Gen Dare burger, topped with hash browns, stands out amidst the playful train theme, appealing to both locals and visitors.

At Carniceria y Tortilleria San Antonio, in the Armourdale neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas, it is on the customers to dress their ideal street taco. Chopped onions, cilantro, limes, pico de gallo and four different salsas await at the self-service taco bar.

NO. 1: THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO HAVE THE PERFECT TACO AT THIS KANSAS CITY, KANSAS, MARKET

In this installment of “Let’s Dish, Kansas City,” reporter David Hudnall finds his bliss at his favorite taqueria. | Published January 5, 2023 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

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NO. 2: CHICKEN & BISCUIT WITH A CRAFT BEER: A PERFECT PAIRING AT THIS KANSAS CITY RESTAURANT

There it was, with a sign on the side saying “Beer,” and an arrow pointing to the front door. That was enough to get me through the door. | Published February 7, 2023 | Read Full Story by Blair Kerkhoff

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NO. 3: THE SIGNATURE DISH AT KC ITALIAN RESTAURANT IS POPULAR. I ORDER SOMETHING EVEN BETTER

At this longtime Kansas City Italian place, The Star’s Ian Cummings takes a light summer pasta and makes it — well, a little less light. (Sausage and meatball: Mmmmm.) | Published May 16, 2023 | Read Full Story by Ian Cummings

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NO. 4: THIS KC RESTAURANT IS KNOWN FOR A GIMMICK. BUT IT ALSO HAS THE BEST BURGER IN TOWN

For about 50 years, this restaurant has been serving a particular burger that is the best in Kansas City. Maybe the galaxy. | Published July 11, 2023 | Read Full Story by Mike Hendricks

Gerald Dunn, a jazz musician who also books acts for the Blue Room, has opened Dunn Deal BBQ in Grandview. By David Hudnall

NO. 5: BARBECUE AND JAZZ? NEW RESTAURANT IS POWERED BY KANSAS CITY’S TWO FAMOUS TRADITIONS

On the menu at this new barbecue joint: ribs, brisket, pulled pork, turkey and sausage (andouille with cheddar and jalapeno, served sliced). | Published June 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

Jeremy Smith with team KC Meat Sweats seasons baked beans before turning them into judging at the American Royal World Series of Barbecue on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in the infield of Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan. By Emily Curiel

NO. 6: ONE LIST SAYS THESE ARE THE BEST SIDE DISHES FROM MISSOURI, KANSAS. DO YOU AGREE?

As Thanksgiving approaches, are these side dishes included in your dinner plans? | Published November 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez

Orioles broadcaster Kevin Brown showed off the Z-Man he was prepared to eat at Kauffman Stadium. By Screengrab of Awful Announcing video

NO. 7: ORIOLES BROADCASTER INTRODUCES PARTNER TO KC BBQ: ‘YOUR MIND’S ABOUT TO BE BLOWN’

Spoiler alert, the Orioles broadcasters loved the taste of Kansas City barbecue. | Published April 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Pete Grathoff

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.