10+ Kansas City Restaurants for Foodie Families ⋆ Sugar, Spice and Glitter

One of my favorite things to share when we research or visit a new city is our top foodie restaurants for families, so today I’m sharing our top 10 Kansas City family-friendly restaurants.

Kansas City Restaurants for Families

Kansas City is so much more than BBQ! Your guide to unforgettable family dining in KC

Positioned at cross-roads of America, Kansas City boasts cuisine options that reflect both its Midwestern roots and the unique fusion of local ingredients and the talents of chefs from both coasts. Whether you’re in town for the weekend or a week, you’re sure to share some unforgettable meals with your traveling companions, regardless of age and preferences.

Check out these options when you’re hungry in the BBQ Capital of the World, even if you’re not a BBQ fan.

(And be sure to check out our Top Ten Family Attractions in Kansas City.)

Top 10 Kansas City Family Restaurants

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que.

Locals still know it as Oklahoma Joe’s, although the owners recently changed the name. Pretty much everything on the menu is stunning, and even BBQ skeptics will be tempted by the Z-Man Sandwich. Dining in is a great option to contain the mess, but I often like to take it out and enjoy the feast in one of the several nearby parks.

Check out Joe’s menu for yourself here.

Beer Kitchen

While the name might have your attention already, Beer Kitchen is repeatedly boasted as one of KC’s best restaurants by a variety food bloggers. Menu options range from traditional American fare with a twist to gluten-free and vegetarian options. Build your own mac and cheese or choose a decadent burger. Oh, and there’s a carefully chosen beer to accompany each dish.

Find a weekend special and make a reservation here.

Westside Local

Another favorite, Westside Local, spotlights local ingredients in its focus on Farm-to-Table cuisine. Entrees are both affordable and unique, and the menu clearly indicates vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices, making it easy for everyone to find something they love. Consider combining small plate options for the kids to keep everybody happy.

Learn more here.

Kansas City River Market

This is a foodie’s paradise and a one-stop-shop for whatever your family might be looking for. American food is well represented as are cuisines from across the globe. Wander, explore, eat, and shop but plan on spending a few hours. Weekends and Wednesday evenings the market also hosts a huge farmer’s market with even more goodies to try.

Find the schedule of events here.

Gram and Dun

I’m not sure there’s anything on the menu at Gram and Dun that doesn’t make me drool. Options span fish, chicken, pork belly, aged ribeye, and veggie dishes turned up to 11. If you’re looking for something off the regular kid’s menu, little and big diners will adore the loaded baked potato gnocchi or chicken and waffles but be sure to get extra plates for sharing. This is also a fantastic weekend brunch option.

Check out Gram and Dun’s menus here.

Lidia’s Kansas City

If you’re a fan of her long-time cooking show on PBS, Lidia Bastianich’s Kansas City restaurant is a can’t miss stop. The location in the historic Union Station will make you feel like you’re dining in a warm Italian farmhouse and the food will whisk you off to Northern Italy. Come hungry, and soak up la dolce vita.

The pictures will sell you; check them out here.

Betty Rae’s Ice Cream

If you miss the Betty Rae’s food truck traveling throughout the city, be sure to stop by their adorable location in the trendy Waldo neighborhood. Not only do their flavor options make other ice cream shops look quaint (do not miss the goat cheese, apricot, and candied walnut flavor), but they also solicit flavor suggestions from guests. P.S. You can even take pints home with you. As many as you want.

Save time in line by checking out the flavors here.

My friend Kate from Twitchetts is actually from Kansas City and she recommends the following:

Friends Sushi on 39th Street
Cupinis for Italian. More low key than Lydia’s. I love both.
Joes is ok for BBQ but I prefer either Danny Edwards (only open for lunch) or Q39.
Lulu’s for Thai/noodles.
Gus’s Fried Chicken (I haven’t eaten there but my hubby recommends it.)

Check out Kate’s Facebook page: Twitchetts