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!
Slap’s BBQ – Another spot really close to KCCC; Basically, go across the state line to KCK and it is shortly after that. This place keeps winning trophies at competitions. But they get lines often (and can run out of que), so order quick!