The Top 5 Budget-friendly Restaurants in Kansas City is home to a diverse range of budget-friendly restaurants that offer delicious food and great service. Whether you’re in the mood for classic American dishes, authentic Mexican cuisine, or traditional Vietnamese flavors, there’s something for everyone. Here is why they are the best restaurants in Kansas City for your budget.
1. Grinders: This funky pizza joint and bar, one of the top budget-friendly restaurants in Kansas City, is a favorite among locals for its creative toppings, such as mac and cheese, pulled pork, and even peanut butter and jelly. Customers also rave about the garlic knots and the live music. Grinders has a laid-back, eclectic vibe and is a great spot for a casual night out.
2. Gates Bar-B-Q: Gates, one of the most popular budget-friendly restaurants in Kansas City, has been serving up BBQ in Kansas City since 1946 and is known for its tangy, spicy sauce. Customers love the burnt ends, the ribs, and the beans, and many say that the sauce is addictive. Gates also offers a range of sandwiches, sides, and desserts.
3. The Farmhouse: This farm-to-table restaurant, among the top budget-friendly restaurants in Kansas City, serves up classic American dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Customers rave about the fried chicken, the burgers, and the homemade pies. The Farmhouse has a cozy, rustic atmosphere and is a great spot for brunch or dinner.
4. El Pollo Rey: This unassuming Mexican restaurant, another of the top budget-friendly restaurants in Kansas City, is a hidden gem in Kansas City. Customers love the juicy, flavorful grilled chicken, which is served with tortillas, rice, and beans. El Pollo Rey also offers a range of other Mexican dishes, such as tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
5. Vietnam Cafe: This family-owned restaurant, amid the top budget-friendly restaurants in Kansas City, serves up authentic Vietnamese cuisine, such as pho, banh mi, and spring rolls. Customers love the fresh ingredients and the flavorful broths. Vietnam Cafe also offers a range of vegetarian and vegan options.
Top 5 Budget-friendly Restaurants in Kansas City
Grinders
Address: 417 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11am – 9pm; Friday – Saturday: 11am – 11pm; Sunday: 11am – 9pm
Phone Number: +1 816-472-5454
Grinders, one of the top budget-friendly restaurants in Kansas City, is a funky pizza joint and bar located in the Crossroads Arts District of Kansas City. The restaurant has a laid-back, eclectic vibe, with colorful murals on the walls, a giant tree in the middle of the dining room, and an outdoor patio that features live music on weekends. The menu at Grinders features a variety of creative pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
One of Grinders’ signature dishes is the “Mac Daddy” pizza, which features mac and cheese, bacon, and green onions on a thin, crispy crust. Another popular item is the “Macho Nachos,” which are loaded with cheese, beans, sour cream, jalapenos, and your choice of meat. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, such as the “Meatless Marvel” pizza, which features mushrooms, onions, peppers, and vegan cheese.
One unique aspect of Grinders is its live music scene. The restaurant hosts local and national bands on weekends, and customers can enjoy their pizza and beer while listening to live music in the outdoor patio area. Grinders also offers a variety of craft beers and cocktails, as well as a selection of wines.
The service at Grinders is friendly and efficient. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. Customers can order at the counter or through the restaurant’s website, and their food is delivered to their table.
Main Menu Items:
▣ The “Mac Daddy” Pizza – This pizza features creamy mac and cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions on a thin crust. It’s a favorite among Grinders’ customers and has become one of the restaurant’s signature dishes.
▣ “Macho Nachos” – These nachos are loaded with cheese, beans, sour cream, jalapenos, and your choice of meat. They’re perfect for sharing and are a great appetizer or main dish.
▣ “The Philly” – This sandwich is made with thinly sliced beef, onions, peppers, and provolone cheese on a hoagie roll. It’s a classic sandwich with a Grinders’ twist.
▣ “BBQ Meatball Sub” – This sub features homemade meatballs smothered in BBQ sauce and topped with melted cheese on a hoagie roll. It’s a hearty and flavorful sandwich that’s perfect for meat lovers.
▣ “Veggie Deluxe” – This pizza is topped with mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives, and your choice of vegan or regular cheese. It’s a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking for a healthier pizza option.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the ‘Meatless Marvel’ pizza and it was amazing! The crust was crispy and the toppings were fresh and flavorful. The atmosphere was fun and quirky, and the live music was a great addition. I would definitely recommend Grinders to anyone looking for a unique dining experience.”
“I ordered the ‘Macho Nachos’ and they were huge! The portions at Grinders are definitely generous. The service was friendly and fast, and the atmosphere was casual and fun. I’ll definitely be back to try more of their menu items.”
“I came to Grinders for the live music, but was pleasantly surprised by the food. I ordered the ‘Mac Daddy’ pizza and it was one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had. The mac and cheese on top was a game-changer. The drinks were also great – I tried a few of their craft beers and they were all delicious. Overall, a great experience!”
In summary, Grinders is a fun and funky pizza joint and bar in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District. With a variety of creative pizzas, sandwiches, and appetizers, as well as live music and a selection of craft beers and cocktails, Grinders offers a unique dining experience at an affordable price point. The service is friendly and efficient, and the portions are generous. They rank amid the top 5 budget-friendly restaurants in Kansas City for good reasons
Gates Bar-B-Q
Address: Multiple locations in Kansas City, MO. The main location is at 3205 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111, United States.
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:30am – 9pm; Sunday: 11am – 4pm
Phone Number: +1 816-753-0828
Gates Bar-B-Q, one of the most popular budget-friendly restaurants in Kansas City, has been serving up classic Kansas City-style BBQ since 1946. The restaurant has several locations throughout Kansas City, but the main location on Main Street is the most iconic. The interior of the restaurant is casual and cozy, with wood-paneled walls, red vinyl booths, and photos of famous customers on the walls.
The signature food item at Gates is the burnt ends, which are made from the crispy, flavorful pieces of meat that are cut off the end of a brisket. The burnt ends at Gates are smothered in a tangy, spicy sauce that has become a legend in Kansas City. Other popular menu items include the ribs, the pulled pork, and the beans.
One unique aspect of Gates is the way they call out their orders. Customers line up at the counter to place their orders, and when their food is ready, the staff yells out the order in a loud, sing-song voice. It’s a fun and unique experience that adds to the casual, friendly atmosphere of the restaurant.
The service at Gates is fast and efficient. Customers order at the counter and their food is delivered to their table. The staff is friendly and helpful, and they’re happy to answer any questions about the menu.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Burnt Ends – These crispy, flavorful pieces of meat are cut from the end of a brisket and are one of Gates’ signature dishes. They’re smothered in the restaurant’s famous tangy, spicy sauce and are a must-try for any BBQ lover.
▣ Ribs – Gates’ ribs are slow-cooked until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender and are also covered in the restaurant’s famous sauce. They’re available in full or half slabs and come with a side of fries or beans.
▣ Pulled Pork – The pulled pork at Gates is slow-cooked for hours until it’s tender and juicy. It’s served on a bun with a side of fries or beans and is also covered in the restaurant’s famous sauce.
▣ Beef Brisket – This slow-smoked beef brisket is sliced thin and served with a side of fries or beans. It’s a classic BBQ dish that’s done to perfection at Gates.
▣ Sausage – Gates offers a variety of smoked sausages, including hot links and Polish sausage. They’re sliced and served with a side of fries or beans and are a great option for anyone looking for a different BBQ dish.
Customer Reviews:
“The burnt ends at Gates are out of this world! They’re so tender and flavorful, and the sauce is the perfect balance of tangy and spicy. I also loved the beans, which had a great smoky flavor. The service was fast and friendly, and the atmosphere was casual and laid-back.”
“I tried the ribs and they were amazing! They were fall-off-the-bone tender and had a great smoky flavor. The sauce was a bit too spicy for me, but I loved the flavor. The service was quick and the staff was friendly. I’ll definitely be back!”
“I had the pulled pork sandwich and it was delicious! The meat was tender and juicy, and the sauce was tangy and flavorful. I also loved the fries, which were crispy and perfectly seasoned. The service was fast and efficient, and the staff was friendly and helpful.”
In summary, Gates Bar-B-Q is a classic Kansas City BBQ restaurant that has been serving up delicious burnt ends, ribs, and other BBQ favorites since 1946. The casual atmosphere, friendly service, and iconic sauce make Gates a must-visit for any BBQ lover in Kansas City. They stand out among the top budget-friendly restaurants in Kansas City.
The Farmhouse
Address: 300 Delaware St, Kansas City, MO 64105, United States
Hours: Monday – Friday: 11am – 10pm; Saturday: 9am – 10pm; Sunday: 9am – 3pm
Phone Number: +1 816-569-6032
The Farmhouse, among the top budget-friendly restaurants in Kansas City, is a farm-to-table restaurant located in the River Market district of Kansas City. The restaurant focuses on using locally sourced ingredients to create classic American dishes with a modern twist. The interior of The Farmhouse is cozy and rustic, with exposed brick walls, wooden tables and chairs, and a long communal table in the center of the dining room.
One of the signature dishes at The Farmhouse is the fried chicken, which is crispy and juicy and served with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy. Other popular menu items include the burgers, which are made with grass-fed beef and served on a brioche bun, and the homemade pies, which are baked fresh daily.
One unique aspect of The Farmhouse is their commitment to sustainability and supporting local farmers. The restaurant sources most of its ingredients from farms within a 100-mile radius of Kansas City and uses compostable or recyclable packaging and utensils.
The service at The Farmhouse is friendly and attentive. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. Customers can order at the counter or through the restaurant’s website, and their food is delivered to their table.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Fried Chicken – This crispy and juicy fried chicken is one of the signature dishes at The Farmhouse. It’s served with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy and is a must-try for any fried chicken lover.
▣ Grass-Fed Beef Burger – The burgers at The Farmhouse are made with grass-fed beef and are served on a buttery brioche bun. They’re topped with lettuce, tomato, and pickles and come with a side of fries.
▣ Biscuits and Gravy – This classic Southern dish is done to perfection at The Farmhouse. The biscuits are fluffy and buttery, and the gravy is rich and flavorful. It’s a great option for breakfast or brunch.
▣ Chicken and Waffles – This dish features crispy fried chicken served on top of a fluffy waffle and drizzled with maple syrup. It’s a savory and sweet combination that’s perfect for brunch.
▣ Homemade Pies – The Farmhouse offers a variety of homemade pies, including apple, cherry, and chocolate cream. The pies are baked fresh daily and are a great way to end a meal on a sweet note.
Customer Reviews:
“The fried chicken at The Farmhouse is amazing! It’s so crispy and flavorful, and the mashed potatoes and gravy are the perfect complement. I also loved the homemade pies – the apple pie was the best I’ve ever had. The atmosphere was cozy and the service was friendly and attentive.”
“I tried the burger and it was delicious! The beef was high-quality and cooked to perfection, and the brioche bun was so buttery and delicious. The fries were also great – crispy and perfectly salted. The service was quick and the staff was friendly. I’ll definitely be back!”
“I had the biscuits and gravy and they were incredible! The biscuits were so fluffy and buttery, and the gravy was rich and flavorful. I also loved the coffee – it was fresh and brewed to perfection. The service was friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere was cozy and welcoming.”
In summary, The Farmhouse is a cozy and rustic farm-to-table restaurant in the River Market district of Kansas City. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and classic American dishes, The Farmhouse offers a unique dining experience at an affordable price point. The service is friendly and attentive, and the commitment to sustainability and supporting local farmers sets The Farmhouse apart from other restaurants in the area. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 budget-friendly restaurants in Kansas City.
El Pollo Rey
Address: 901 Kansas Ave, Kansas City, KS 66105, United States
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11am – 7pm; Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Phone Number: +1 913-371-4243
El Pollo Rey, another of the top budget-friendly restaurants in Kansas City, is a budget-friendly Mexican restaurant. The restaurant specializes in grilled chicken, which is cooked over an open flame and seasoned with a secret blend of spices. The interior of El Pollo Rey is simple and no-frills, with plastic chairs and tables and a counter where customers place their orders.
The signature food item at El Pollo Rey is the grilled chicken, which is available in whole, half, or quarter sizes. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices for 24 hours before being grilled over an open flame. It’s tender and juicy with a smoky, flavorful char that’s hard to resist. Other popular menu items include the tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, which are all made with the same delicious grilled chicken.
One unique aspect of El Pollo Rey is the outdoor patio, which features picnic tables and a large grill where customers can watch their food being cooked. It’s a fun and lively atmosphere that adds to the overall experience of dining at El Pollo Rey.
The service at El Pollo Rey is fast and efficient. Customers order at the counter and their food is delivered to their table or to-go. The staff is friendly and helpful, and they’re happy to answer any questions about the menu.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Grilled Chicken – The grilled chicken is the signature dish at El Pollo Rey. It’s available in whole, half, or quarter sizes and is cooked over an open flame and seasoned with a secret blend of spices. The chicken is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
▣ Tacos – The tacos at El Pollo Rey are made with the delicious grilled chicken and are topped with onions and cilantro. They’re served on soft corn tortillas and are a great option for a quick and tasty meal.
▣ Burritos – The burritos at El Pollo Rey are loaded with grilled chicken, beans, rice, and cheese. They’re wrapped in a large flour tortilla and can be topped with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
▣ Quesadillas – The quesadillas at El Pollo Rey are filled with grilled chicken and cheese and are crispy and delicious. They’re served with a side of salsa and are a great option for sharing.
▣ Chicken Salad – The chicken salad at El Pollo Rey features chopped grilled chicken on a bed of lettuce with tomatoes, onions, and avocado. It’s a lighter option that’s still packed with flavor.
Customer Reviews:
“The grilled chicken at El Pollo Rey is the best I’ve ever had! It’s so tender and juicy with a smoky, flavorful char that’s hard to resist. The tacos were also amazing – the chicken was perfectly seasoned and the tortillas were soft and fresh. The outdoor patio was a fun addition to the dining experience.”
“I ordered the burrito and it was huge! The grilled chicken was delicious and there was so much of it. The beans and rice were also great, and the chips and salsa were a nice touch. The service was fast and friendly, and the prices were unbeatable.”
“The quesadilla at El Pollo Rey is a must-try! It’s loaded with grilled chicken and cheese and is crispy and delicious. I also loved the side of beans and rice, which were flavorful and satisfying. The service was quick and the staff was friendly and helpful.”
In summary, El Pollo Rey is a no-frills Mexican restaurant in Kansas City, Kansas that specializes in delicious grilled chicken. With fast and friendly service, unbeatable prices, and a lively outdoor patio, El Pollo Rey is a great option for anyone looking for a tasty and affordable meal. They have earned the rank of the top 5 budget-friendly restaurants in Kansas City.
Vietnam Cafe
Address: 522 Campbell St, Kansas City, MO 64106, United States
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:30am – 8pm; Sunday: 11am – 7pm
Phone Number: +1 816-472-4888
Vietnam Cafe, amid the top budget-friendly restaurants in Kansas City, is a budget-friendly Vietnamese restaurant located in the River Market district of Kansas City. The restaurant serves classic Vietnamese dishes, including pho, banh mi, and vermicelli bowls. The interior of Vietnam Cafe is simple and no-frills, with plastic chairs and tables and colorful decorations on the walls.
One of the signature dishes at Vietnam Cafe is the pho, which is a traditional Vietnamese soup made with broth, rice noodles, and a variety of meats or vegetables. The pho at Vietnam Cafe is flavorful and aromatic, with a rich, beefy broth and tender slices of beef or chicken. Other popular menu items include the banh mi, which are Vietnamese sandwiches on crusty baguettes, and the vermicelli bowls, which feature rice noodles, vegetables, and a choice of meat or tofu.
One unique aspect of Vietnam Cafe is their commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant sources its meats and vegetables from local farms whenever possible and uses authentic Vietnamese ingredients to create traditional flavors.
The service at Vietnam Cafe is fast and friendly. Customers order at the counter and their food is delivered to their table. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Pho – The pho at Vietnam Cafe is a traditional Vietnamese soup made with broth, rice noodles, and a variety of meats or vegetables. The broth is rich and flavorful, and the tender slices of beef or chicken add protein and flavor.
▣ Banh Mi – The banh mi at Vietnam Cafe are Vietnamese sandwiches on crusty baguettes. They’re filled with a variety of meats, such as grilled pork or chicken, and are topped with pickled vegetables, cilantro, and spicy mayo.
▣ Vermicelli Bowls – The vermicelli bowls at Vietnam Cafe feature rice noodles, vegetables, and a choice of meat or tofu. They’re topped with peanuts and served with a side of fish sauce, which adds a tangy and savory flavor to the dish.
▣ Spring Rolls – The spring rolls at Vietnam Cafe are filled with a mix of vegetables and noodles and are served with a side of peanut sauce. They’re a great option for a light and refreshing appetizer.
▣ Grilled Pork – The grilled pork at Vietnam Cafe is tender and flavorful, with a slightly sweet and savory marinade. It’s served with a side of rice and vegetables and is a great option for anyone looking for a classic Vietnamese dish.
Customer Reviews:
“The pho at Vietnam Cafe is amazing! It’s so flavorful and aromatic, with a rich, beefy broth and tender slices of beef. The banh mi was also great – the crusty baguette was the perfect complement to the flavorful filling. The service was fast and friendly, and the prices were unbeatable.”
“I ordered the vermicelli bowl and it was delicious! The rice noodles were perfectly cooked and the vegetables were fresh and crunchy. The grilled chicken was flavorful and juicy, and the sauce was the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The service was quick and the staff was friendly and helpful.”
“The vegetarian options at Vietnam Cafe are amazing! I tried the tofu banh mi and it was so flavorful and delicious. The tofu was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the pickled vegetables added a nice tangy flavor. The service was fast and friendly, and the prices were very reasonable.”
In summary, Vietnam Cafe is a budget-friendly Vietnamese restaurant in the River Market district of Kansas City. With a commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and a menu full of traditional Vietnamese flavors, Vietnam Cafe is a great option for anyone looking for a tasty and affordable meal. The service is fast and friendly, and the pho, banh mi, and vermicelli bowls are all worth trying. They can definitely be counted among the top budget-friendly restaurants in Kansas City.
From the smoky grilled chicken at El Pollo Rey to the flavorful pho at Vietnam Cafe, these top budget-friendly restaurants in Kansas City offer a unique dining experience that won’t break the bank. So, if you’re looking for a tasty meal, be sure to check out one of these top budget-friendly restaurants in Kansas City and enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank. This is why they are the best restaurants in Kansas City for your budget.
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