KC Restaurant Week is now here. Here are 3 must-try bites from local spots
Kansas City Restaurant Week is returning this week for its 17th year, and ahead of the celebration, I got a sneak peek at what local restaurants will be serving during the annual event.
The 10-day dining experience starts Friday, Jan. 9 and runs through Sunday, Jan. 18, featuring more than 200 participating restaurants across the metro that are offering “prix fixe” menus at discounted price points.
The weeklong event, KCRW for short, gives KC foodies the option to try a new restaurant or revisit their favorite spot while keeping affordability at the forefront. There are many small, family-owned restaurants participating, too. A portion of all proceeds from KCRW will go to benefiting local charities.
From comfort food classics to more elevated plates, several bites stood out at a preview event. Here are three dishes I’d recommend trying this year.
The best bites of KC Restaurant Week (in no particular order)
Cochinita Pibil Tacos at TACO NACO KC
Restaurant Week price: 3 Trio Mole for $12 and Taco Tuesday 3 (Original tacos) for $11.88 for lunch and dinner
What it is: A slow-cooked pork street taco served on a corn tortilla. The pork is marinated for 12 to 24 hours in a special blend of Mexican spices mixed with orange juice, according to a restaurant representative, and cooked for five to six hours. The taco is topped with a chipotle aioli and red pickled onion.
Why it stood out: It’s a rush of flavors. The pork was incredibly tender and juicy, with a bold but balanced mix of spices that didn’t overpower each other. The mix of spices held a hint of spiciness, but still pretty flavorful and wasn’t overwhelming. And the red pickled onion gave it a sweet, tangy crunch to top the rich flavor of the meat and corn tortilla.
Best for: Casual diners, a quick lunch or dinner and fans of bold flavors
Shrimp & Grits at J. Rieger & Co.
Restaurant Week price: $50 dinner menu (three-course meal)
What it is: Part of an elevated three-course dinner, J. Reiger’s shrimp & grits feature lightly seasoned grits made with Parmesan, cheddar and butter. The grits are paired with andouille sausage, paprika beurre blanc and crispy spinach.
Why it stood out: The grits were the standout element; they offered a savory, rich and well-balanced taste. The sausage added a slightly spicy, smoked flavor that paired well with the shrimp. The dish is especially appealing for diners who prefer savory grits over sweet grits.
Best for: Date night, fine-dining lovers and special occasions
Crispy Chicken Panang and Crab Rangoon at Thai Orchid
Restaurant Week price: $20 lunch menu and $50 dinner menu at their Mission location. The dinner menu is $65 at their Northland location.
What it is: The lunch menu offers two courses to choose from, while the dinner menu offers three courses including a dessert option. The crispy chicken panang features a hand-battered, fried chicken thigh over a rich panang curry with pickled red onions, bell peppers and peas. The crab rangoon is made with a crispy, fried wonton wrapper filled with a creamy cream cheese mixture.
Why it stood out: The coconut-based panang curry delivered a sweet, but spicy kick. The creamy sauce on the chicken gave a good balance of sweet paired with the tender cut of chicken. The crab rangoon added a satisfying crunch and works well as a sharable appetizer.
Best for: Diners wanting to try something new, fans of bold flavor and casual weeknight dinner
What to know before you go
- Reservations are strongly encouraged at many restaurants
- Menus and pricing may vary by location
- Restaurant week menus may be offered for limited times during business hours
- KCRW has an app that offers an easy way to explore menus and participating restaurants
This story was originally published January 9, 2026 at 6:00 AM.
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