BLACK FRIDAY: Save up to $1,322 on our trips! Limited spots. Book Now.

The Top Restaurants In River Market, Kansas CIty

Downtown Kansas City skyline with Union Station in the foreground
Downtown Kansas City skyline with Union Station in the foreground | © Sean Pavone / Alamy Stock Photo

River Market is a riverfront neighborhood in Missouri that is the first and oldest district in Kansas City. Situated right on the Missouri river, the large waterfront warehouses have turned into a number of residential areas, restaurants, bars and cafes. While at the River Market, here is a list of the best restaurants to visit.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Le Fou Frog

On East Fifth Street is Le Fou Frog, a friendly and unpretentious French bistro that’s a small jewel in River Market. Run by married couple Mano and Barbara Rafael, Le Fou Frog’s lively atmosphere offers highly rated food that will make any night out memorable. Come here for the classic French cuisine and enticing happy hour menu.

Farm House

The Farm House in the heart of Delaware Street is a perfect example of farm-to-table fare. By working with local farmers on utilizing the moderation of meats, crops and daily ingredients used in the kitchen, The Farm House creates beautiful dishes with minimal environmental impact and air miles. Come here for the fried frog legs and waffles, a dish you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

Vietnam Cafe

Arguably the best Vietnamese food in Kansas City, Vietnam Cafe is run by owner Thanh Son, who immigrated to the U.S. from Vietnam in 1992 and used his entire life savings to open the cafe in 2001. With friendly service and affordable prices, Vietnam Cafe offers a variety of tasty cuisine sure to keep customers coming back for more. Come here for the delicious Pho orders that make this establishment known and loved, throughout the city.

Happy Gillis Cafe and Hangout

A River Market hot-spot, run by husband and wife duo Josh and Abbey-Jo Eans, Happy Gillis Cafe may be the coziest restaurant in all of Kansas City. Decorated like a kitsch kitchen, Happy Gillis makes you feel right at home the second you walk in. They may only be open for breakfast and lunch, but the food is so delicious it’s worth moving your reservation to a midday event. Try the classic Ham and Cheese Melt or sophisticate it up with their Pulled Pork on ciabatta. And whatever you order, make sure you pair it with one of their expertly sourced beers.

Burrito Bros

Locally owned in the heart of City Market, Burrito Bros has been providing delicious casual Mexican food for an affordable price for several years. Choose any burrito, quesadilla, taco or taco salad, the choices are seemingly endless for topping varieties. Choose between meat options such as chicken and chorizo or vegetable options such as veggie and spinach. Come here early though; Burrito Bros closes at 4:00pm throughout the week and at 3:30pm on Sundays.

Harry’s Country Club

On Missouri Ave is Harry’s, a prime spot in the River Market for happy hour and lively dining. With a wide bar and classic Kansas City bar food, Harry’s has options for everyone. One aspect of Harry’s that is special to the River Market is its live entertainment.

Minsky’s

With gourmet pizzas, homemade calzones and hot pasta dishes, Minsky’s is a Kansas City staple with locations all over the state of Missouri. Pizza is the dish to get here. Choose from Original or Honey Whole Wheat dough and utilize the many toppings and styles of pie to get original or deep dish options.

The Blue Line Sports Bar

Down on Walnut Street is The Blue Line Sports Bar, Kansas City’s hockey themed bar and popular local hangout. Come here for cheap, classic bar fare; such as Wisconsin cheese curds and a number of hot sandwiches. This is a definite spot for all hockey fans.

If you click on a link in this story, we may earn affiliate revenue. All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip.
close-ad