A Football Trip to Kansas City
Kansas City is located in the Midwest state of Missouri with a lot to do, see, and eat! As a first timer exploring the city we took the amazing recommendations from the locals. The KC patrons were unbelievably kind and hospitable during our short weekend trip. The main purpose for our trip to KC was attending the Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs football game, but we had to hit up some hot spots before kickoff.
Hotel Stay
200 West 12th Street, Kansas City, MO, USA 64105
Located in the heart of the lively downtown Power & Light District, this hotel was perfect. We walked to many restaurants and bars as the weather was a sunny 68 degrees. Rooms were clean, large lobby bar and restaurant where bills fans congregated for a pint.
Close to the hotel:
-CVS 921 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64105
-Yard House
-Taps on Main: Bills backers Party
-Cosentino’s Market 10 E 13th St, Kansas City, MO 64106 5 minute walk. This is where we grabbed our beer, chips and disposable cooler to tailgate.
-Pizza Hut Delivery 1020 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64105
First Day: Started with BBQ
101 W. 22 St Kansas City, MO 64108
(From hotel to Jacks - 23 min walk, 5 min drive)
Kansas City is known for its barbeque. Truly! Slow-smoked goodness comes in many forms, but Kansas City style stands alone as one-of-a-kind. I must admit I’m not the biggest BBQ fan, but this was some of the best upscale BBQ I have ever had. I made a reservation for lunch prior as it was extremely busy when we arrived. Our server, Cory, directed us with how much and what to order. Our group started with the onions rings and pulled pork mac & cheese to start- yum! My husband and I split the 3-meat combo. We were told the fan favorite was Crown Prime Beef Rib; so, we had to try that with smoked sausage and the beef burnt ends. What is beef burnt ends? We did not know either, but our server told us we had to get them (info link). The beef burnt ends ended up being our favorite part of the meal. The meat was outstanding--lean, succulent, tender and juicy, and with the Jack Stack BBQ sauce, they were out of this world. We left extremely full, and this BBQ is a must try if you are in the KC area.
30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108
(2-minute walk over the pedestrian bridge)
We walked through this beautiful train hub on our way to Boulevard Brewery. The building is over 100 years old, with model trains, shops, restaurant, and more. This was our tourist stop.
2501 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
You'll find the Boulevard Brewing Company in the Westside South neighborhood in downtown Kansas City; or a 12-minute walk from Union Station. Visitors can take a free guided tour, which includes a short video of how the beer is made, a history of the Boulevard Brewing Company, a walk-through and some samples. Right when we walked in, we were greeted with a funny anti-Bills sign. The hostess was very friendly and directed us to the 4th floor as there were bar games (table shuffleboard, foosball, full shuffleboard courts and more) and the least busy. The brewery had multiple floors and such a fun atmosphere. We met some amazing locals and tried some fantastic brews.
1715 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108
A pour your own beer bar with bar food and a ton of TVs. Taps was located in KC's Crossroads Arts District and a 10-minute walk back to the Marriott. The tent outside was packed with a sea of red, white and blue dancing to great music from a local DJ. We met up with tons of Bills fans, Buffalo Bills alum John Fina, and Josh Allen's dad, who may I add sang Sweet Caroline (video below)! The biggest downfall to report; the wings were served with ranch dressing. After the HUGE Bills Sunday win, we returned to Taps to continue the celebration!
Right when we arrived at 9am the hostess, Mia our server, and Marty the owner were all incredibly welcoming (even though we were decked out in Bills gear). This brunch spot served up delicious French press coffee and a large cinnamon bun to start. We ordered the French toast special, and eggs benedict. Farmhouse prides themselves on supporting local farmers, and they work with farmers from Kansas and Missouri. This brunch was the perfect start to our day!
Our Tailgate Plan:
We planned ahead of time with some other Bills fans who were driving. I was told many times that similar to Orchard Park, there would be no chance of getting an Uber quickly from the stadium— So have a plan! We loaded up the car & off we went to the Stadium. Everything flowed fast and the area is super clean and organized! We parked and all the Bills fans congregated in an area! When tailgating, I met the nicest fans and they were KC fans!
Last Day After a Win! Town Topic! I was told this would be similar to our late night eats.
Other Recommendations:
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, known for its smoked meats and sandwiches. I went here during another trip- portions were huge and it is located in a gas station!
Jack Stack Barbecue, offering great food and a matching environment.
Q39 Midtown, serving innovative BBQ dishes and craft cocktails.
Rosedale Bar-B-Que, a classic joint with a long history.
Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque, a legendary spot with a famous sauce.
Brunch:
Society. Located in the trendy and entertainment-filled Crossroads district
Barrio. Barrio offers a Mexican-inspired brunch menu at multiple locations
Blvd Tavern. Another Crossroads hot spot, Blvd Tavern
Succotash. Hands down, one of the best brunch restaurants in Kansas City