DINING IN KANSAS CITY

Pretty close to KCCC (downtown area)

Johnny’s Tavern (located at KC Power and Light) – Bar food (several MWAVE attendees went here in Lawrence)
Pickleman’s Gourmet Café – Deli sandwiches
The Peanut – Local dive known for wings
Made in KC Café – The name says it all
Yard House – Limited chain with a varied menu
And typical chain spots nearby, such as Pizza Hut, Chipotle, Subway, Starbucks

Crossroads District (south of KCCC)

Parlor – Think a mall food court, but without the mall, and local vendors – variety of types of eateries
Grinders – Pizza, wings, and neighboring deli of the same name
Town Topic –Longtime, no frills burger spot
Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop – Very generous portions on their Thai main dishes
UpDown – A very, very, popular hangout spot for playing classic arcade games, delicious pizza by the slice (and other snacks), and to just unwind

River Market – North of downtown KC

Minsky’s Pizza – Local chain with traditional and varied pizza fare (First year MWAVE VIPs enjoyed this) –
Taste of Brazil – Sandwiches, cheese bread, and risole make this eatery (and food truck of the same name) worthy of your taste buds
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream – A neighborhood creamery that opened shop in River Market. If you’re lucky, they could be serving ice cream with burnt ends in it…
City Diner – Diner fare that is open for breakfast and lunch
Pigwich – Rotating selection of burgers, cheesesteaks, and even banh mi

North Kansas City – Across the Missouri River (also north of Downtown KC)

Chicken ‘N Pickle – Assorted chicken dishes, along with other sandwiches, varying sides, and indoor-outdoor seating (complete with outdoor games).  It is basically another place good for winding down.

Tay’s Burger Shack – Another no frills burger spot, and a smaller menu compared to Town Topic (however, flavor is not skimped on).  No website, however you can find one through a Google or Facebook search.

Hawaiian Bros. Island Grill – This newer chain (which started in KC) has been exploding not only across the USA, but also exploding with flavor from their varying Hawaiian-themed dishes.

Kansas City BBQ

“Good ‘Ole KC BBQ” – For those who want to explore what food puts Kansas City on the map! These recommendations come from Kansas City locals along with attendees from last year’s MWAVE – Ryan Charpentier, Ian Harns, Chris Czech, Matt Henik, and Jonathan Von Engeln.

Jack Stack BBQ – Very accessible BBQ spot – 1st year MWAVE VIPs went to one location, however Freight House location is nearby downtown KC
Joe’s Kansas City BBQ – Famous for a sandwich called the Z-Man, and being in a gas station
BBs Lawnside BBQ – More of a “dive” spot, with live music. Folks like the BBQ sundae
LCs BBQ – Ahead of the first MWAVE, Michael Pitogo made a special trip to this location, and walked out a massive fan. It is also the closest BBQ spot to the Chiefs/Royals stadiums!
Q39 – One of the newest places in the KC metro, and quickly became extremely popular in the past ten years
Gates BBQ – Another BBQ spot that helped put KC’s food scene on the map. Be prepared for everyone to ask- …or shout, “Hi, how may I help you?”
Hawg Jaw BBQ – A North Kansas City place with a large heaping menu of offerings.  Not sure what to get here?  Look at the reviews on the menu items themselves!