Unpacking KCK: Things to Do, See, and Eat in Kansas City, KS

on Dec 03, 2024

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I’m on a walking tour of Kansas City, Kansas, or KCK to the locals, where our guide, Lisa Peña, enthusiastically describes the area’s diverse history and culture. It’s the first of many things to do in KCK that we plan to experience, and we’re off to a great start.

Lisa captivates us with stories of the Indigenous Wyandotte Tribe as we walk the neighborhood of Strawberry Hill, marvels at the historical view in Quindaro, an integral part of the Underground Railroad, and shares about the immigration of Eastern Europeans over the past century.

A woman stands in front of a colorful mural depicting people in traditional attire dancing.

Stone sign reading "Quindaro" with trees and a river visible in the background.

As Lisa shares story after story, we hear about Latin Americans and the Southeast Asian Hmong people who also settled here, creating a tapestry of nations right in the heart of middle America.

Her love of her hometown shines through as she speaks, and storytelling is her gift. It doesn’t hurt that KCK has hand-painted murals and interesting views to greet us along the way.

Mural on a brick building depicting a person working with machinery under a large letter "K".

After being invited by Visit KCK to experience a taste of what the city has to offer, I was not disappointed. But what truly stayed with me was the kindness of strangers I experienced over and over again.

KCK is a diverse city with delicious food and incredible history but that is just the beginning. If you find yourself in the area for business or family travel, pack a healthy appetite for adventure and some good walking shoes.

Journey through KCK History

If you’ve heard the people in Kansas City are some of the kindest around, take it from me—it’s all true. Midwestern charm is authentic and thriving in Kansas City. If you ever have to rely on the kindness of strangers, you hope they will be strangers like this.

During our urban hike, Lisa is recognized by locals. She introduces us to shop owners and band members and, by happenstance, grants us impromptu access to one of the most extraordinary old-fashioned bowling alleys I have ever seen.

This is Kansas City, Kansas.

As we cross the threshold of the more than one-hundred-year-old Croatian St. John’s Catholic Club, it’s like we’re stepping back in time.

Entrance of St. John's Catholic Club featuring blue doors with a white cross and checkered shield. Red awning above and brick walls surrounding, with a visible phone number.

The red and white checkered floor leads us to tabletops made from repurposed bowling lanes with arrows painted on top. There is a bar surrounded by years of memorabilia, Kansas City Chiefs decor, and tallboys of Croatian beer for sale by the can.

Photos of the local Croatian population adorn the walls, with trophies and years of memories creating layers of history.

Red bowling ball on a ball return at a bowling alley, with lanes and pins in view.

Bowling balls and shoes of all sizes are stacked on cubicle shelves, and antique ashtrays stand between each lane—a callback to the days when this was a men’s-only club, and smoking was permitted indoors.

You won’t find computer screens to keep score. Instead, large paper sheets lay atop easels for hand-scoring, a lost art, according to Kenny Yarnovich.

Man in a "KC" shirt reads a book at a bar counter, surrounded by bottles and lit signs.

He stands behind the bar with an album full of black and white photos and tells us about the good ol’ days. But the fun isn’t only in the past; the club is still open for events and was even featured on an episode of Queer Eye in 2019.

A hand holding a can of Ožujsko lager against a blurred urban background. The can features special commemorative packaging.

I asked Kenny if I could purchase a Croatian beer. He gave it to me for free. That’s just KCK for you.

Getting Around Kansas City, Kansas

Kansas City is not a small town. There are some walkable areas, but to see the most, you’ll want a car, especially if you plan to add a stop in the other Kansas City (Missouri) to your trip. Getting around is not difficult, but you will save money by having your own transportation.

There are five distinct neighborhoods in KCK; As you plan your visit, consider the locations of the attractions you plan to visit the most and choose a hotel nearby. You can view local hotels on the Visit Kansas City website and choose one that is right for you.

If you are flying, plan to arrive at the Kansas City International Airport in Missouri. I recommend booking your car in advance so it’s ready for you upon arrival.

Where to Eat in KCK

There’s no shortage of delicious food in KCK, but what stood out to me was the sheer variety of cuisines: tacos, Cajun style, Vietnamese, and, of course, barbecue.

I often plan trips around the meals, and you will want a few good meals in KCK. Here’s what I recommend.

A platter with sliced pork ribs, pulled pork, and chicken. Accompanied by sliced pickles and bread rolls. — Joe’s Kansas City BBQ

Tray with fries, onion rings, mac and cheese, chili beans, rice, and corn topped with cheese. — Joe’s Kansas City BBQ

Joe’s Kansas City BBQ: This iconic barbecue joint (don’t be fooled by its gas station location!) serves up ribs, pulled pork, and brisket that dreams are made of.

Take a bite of history along with a serving of KCK hospitality. Leave room in your bags for souvenirs like hats, T-shirts, and even some of their famous sauces and seasonings.

Two pastries on a table, one with pink icing and white drizzle. Next to them are two drinks in cups, one with a clear lid. Background features a colorful mural and seating area. — Coffee and Pastries at Splitlog

Customers order at a cafe counter with a menu board above. Bread and pastries are displayed nearby. An employee assists patrons under hanging lights. — Coffee and Pastries at Splitlog

Splitlog Coffee: This hotspot in Strawberry Hill is the perfect place to grab breakfast and a pastry before heading out for the day.

A woman with long hair smiles while holding a large plate of creamy soup with a mound of rice in the center, seated in a restaurant. — Shrimp étouffée at Jazz

A cozy bar with two people seated at the counter. A neon "Jazz" sign glows above, and a lit green lamp is in the foreground, creating a relaxed ambiance. — Shrimp étouffée at Jazz

Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen: This small chain brings classic New Orleans flavor to town with a great atmosphere.

A person stands next to a black bus labeled "KCK Taco Trail Tour.

Taco Trail Party Bus: With more than 60 taquerias in KCK, there is no shortage of tacos. But why stop there? Book a spot on the Taco Trail Party Bus and try a few different places in one night! Music, fun, and beer included!

A Vietnamese drip coffee maker is placed on a glass containing sweetened condensed milk. A person in a black shirt with colorful letters holds the glass.

Vietnam Cafe 39: Delicious food and Vietnamese coffee done right! Stop in for a real treat and leave room for dessert.

Bonner Springs: A Small-Town Gem

If you have a few spare hours, I have one more recommendation. Just a short drive from KCK, Bonner Springs is a delightful escape brimming with small-town charm and is a side quest worth your time for at least two reasons.

An overhead view of a cluttered workspace with colorful glass pieces, tools, and rods arranged on a table, indicating glassblowing activities.

Moon Marble Company: Learn the art of marble-making at this quirky little shop where you can watch live demonstrations and take home unique souvenirs. You may even be lucky enough to meet the owner and marble master himself, Bruce Breslow.

Bruce is another KCK star and storyteller extraordinaire. Plan to spend at least an hour browsing the marble memorabilia (say that 5 times fast) and an array of fun and entertaining toys of yesteryear. If you’re lucky, you may even see a demonstration of making a glass marble by hand.

An artisan with curly hair and sunglasses works on a glass creation using pliers in a workshop filled with tools and hanging items. — Bruce Breslow creating a marble

Display of colorful, patterned marbles on a wooden tray and a holder. Sign reads "Bruce Breslow, Platte City MO. — Bruce Breslow creating a marble

Range 23 Brewing: Bonner Springs is also home to the area’s only craft brewery, and a stop into the beautiful taproom is worthwhile. The menu rotates, but take my word for it: everything was delicious.

Small bites and snacks are also available.

When you’re done, wander downtown Bonner Springs for one more serving of small-town charm at a slower pace, perfect for recharging before returning to city life.

A flight of five assorted craft beers in small glasses on a wooden tray labeled "Range 23 Brewing.

Kansas City, KS, has everything you could want in a getaway: history, sports, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable eats.

Whether you’re shopping, strolling the Legacy Trail, or discovering the charm of Bonner Springs, you’ll leave with plenty of memories and maybe a few new friends!