Eating Kansas City: 3 Top Spots to Dine in KCMO

When you think food in Kansas City, Missouri, your mind might get overtaken with visions of succulent, slow-smoked meats slathered in a tangy, sweet sauce. Afterall, the metro area is home to more than 100 barbecue joints (my top pick is Oklahoma Joe's). However, Kansas City's culinary offerings go far beyond its most famous food. Whether you are craving Spanish tapas or salivating for soul food, Kansas City is equipped to satisfy any appetite. I recently took a weekend trip to KCMO to indulge in my inner-foodie. One of my best friends from college lives there, and we both love to eat, (read about our Columbia, MO dining adventures here) so we had no shame in devoting my visit to the pursuit of getting our grub on. Here's a little taste of our mini-food tour. These are three Kansas City eateries that get the official PNM Media Blog seal of approval. Bon Appetit!

La Bodega Tapas & Lounge (703 SW Blvd, Downtown, labodegakc.com)

Judías Verdes: Green beans, roasted potatoes and figs tossed in a walnut-fig dressing.

Albóndigas Caseras: Meatballs in a spicy garlic cream sauce.

Posted by Porcshe N. Moran

Tortilla Española: Spanish omelet of potato & onion with red pepper aioli.

La Pelota Estofadas: Meatballs in a red wine-bravas sauce, served on crostinis, topped with Manchego cheese and a dash of Maldon salt.

Pintxos de Higo: Roasted red peppers, goat cheese and a fig coulis on grilled bread.

Pincho de Pollo y Chorizo: Skewered chicken and chorizo with garlic and lemon sauce.

My first experience with Spanish tapas was in 2008 while I was living in London. After a tasty lunch at El Parador in the city's Camden/Primrose Hill neighborhood, I was hooked. So, of course, I jumped at the chance to try out Kansas City's take on tapas. La Bodega did not disappoint. We arrived during happy hour, and kicked things off with glasses of white and red Sangria. Several menu items were half-off. We eagerly selected six tapas to share. Everything that arrived at our sidewalk table was fresh and flavorful. Each dish was layered and complex. The ingredients boldly unfolded one by one in my mouth. In addition to the yummy food, the service was lightening fast.  I also enjoyed the interior decor which featured decorative, mosaic wall tiles. If tapas are your thing, Las Bodega is a must-stop when you're in KC.

The Peanut (5000 Main Street, Downtown, peanutkc.com)

Buffalo Chicken Wings from The Peanut

The Peanut promises patrons the best wings in Kansas City. They describe their buffalo wings as "famous", "world-class" and "winger lickin' good."  My friend, who had already had the wings several times, backed up the claims. Needless to say, my expectations were on high when we arrived at The Peanut at 11 PM on Friday night.  My first bite into these extra large wings (they include both the wing and drumstick) confirmed all the hype. The sauce has a slight kick to it without being too fiery to enjoy. The wings are fried nice and crispy. They even make their own blue cheese sauce in-house for your dipping pleasure.
We reheated our leftover wings the next morning for breakfast, and they were still very tasty. Another plus for The Peanut is that their kitchen doesn't close until 1 AM Monday-Saturday, which is great news for those like myself who love a late-night snack. Best of all, it is super easy to get your Peanut wing fix even if you aren't in KC. A quick online order will get their wings and sauces shipped nationwide.

Peachtree Buffet (6800 Eastway Traffic Way, Eastwood Hills West, peachtreerestaurants.com)

From left: Candied yams, collard greens, honey buttermilk cornbread muffin, macaroni and cheese.

From left: BBQ rib tips, macaroni and cheese, catfish, spaghetti, collard greens.

When I was thinking about what to write for my review of Peachtree Buffet, I realized that words simply can't do this place any justice. Peachtree serves up ridiculously good southern-style comfort food in the tradition of Thanksgiving, and old-school Sunday dinners. I took more trips than I care to admit up to the buffet to load up on soul food staples like macaroni and cheese, collard greens, candied yams, spaghetti, rolls, BBQ rib tips and honey buttermilk cornbread muffins. The law of diminishing returns doesn't seem to apply at Peachtree, as every bite is more awe-inspiring than the one before it. If you want to try everything that this restaurant has to offer, be quick. Trays of the more popular items such as the fried chicken, catfish and peach cobbler, empty out almost as the servers set them out. Run, don't walk, to this Kansas City gem, and treat your stomach to the Peachtree experience. 

Pro Tip: Wear sweatpants, and block off a few hours for a nap after your meal. This is SERIOUS eating. 

Leave a Comment Below: Where are you favorite places to eat in Kansas City?