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Kansas City is famous the world over for its barbeque. It all started in the early 1920s, when Henry Perry, the "Father of KC Barbeque," began selling barbeque that he'd cooked in an outdoor pit, wrapped in newspaper. Others emulated Perry's style, and the rest is history. Every local has his or her own favorite joint, but the undisputed "Big Three" of KC barbeque are Arthur Bryant's (1727 Brooklyn Ave.), Gate's (3205 Main St.), and Fiorella's Jack Stack(13441 Holmes Rd., near 135th St.). Though Kansas City barbeque is all slow-smoked, usually over hickory wood, each establishment has its own special recipe for meats and sauce. No matter where you go, make sure you try the KC's defining delicacy: burnt ends (the dry, blackened ends of the brisket).
You won't get stellar service, you won't have to dig very deep—prices range from $8 to $15 at all barbeque joints. The American Royal BBQ Contest (www.americanroyal.com) is a two-day festival held in the West Bottoms neighborhood each October. It's the largest amateur competition of its kind in the world, and it's a great way to sample a lot of local flavor in one stop.
The menu changes monthly at this local favorite, but you can always count on Swiss favorites like the cheese pie and the cheese, onion, and bacon quiche. Try the chocolate torte and European-style pastries, served in this chalet-style building just south of the Country Club Plaza. This is a non-smoking café.
Although there are more than 100 barbecue joints in Kansas City, Bryant's—low on decor but high on taste—tops the list for locals, who don't mind standing in long lines to order at the counter.
Just north of downtown, Chappell's is best known for meat entrées like the London broil and burgers, but it also serves lighter sandwiches and soups in an exceedingly casual, sports-bar environment. Chappell's houses the country's largest private collection of sports memorabilia displayed in a restaurant. A kids' menu keeps the little ones happy.
Traditional Cajun fare mixes with a variety of specialty pastas at this lively and boisterous downtown eatery. Neon lights together with zydeco, blues, and jazz performances give it the appeal of a Bourbon Street nightspot. Live music is presented every night.
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