“Eat” listings
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Carmen's Park Place
The Italian and festive tapas menu is a hit at this upscale neighborhood trattoria. Diners favor the mouthwatering variety of spiedini, pastas and the special bread dipping sauce, made at the table with olive oil, basil, garlic, red and black peppers and grated Parmesan. $$$ (08/2011)
11526 Ash St
913-327-7115
carmenscafekc.com -
The Beer Kitchen
The name suggests it’s all about the hops, but while the list of brews might bring you in, it’s the impressive food that will keep you coming back. From honey-bacon-glazed Brussels sprouts to truffle- Parmesan fries and burgers with toppers like prosciutto, maytag blue cheese and fontina, this gastropub’s got it going on. $$ (05/2011)
435 Westport Rd
816-389-4180
beerkitchenkc.com -
Piropos Grille
A 7-mile drive from downtown KC will bring you atop a perch overlooking the quaint town of Parkville. Pork tamales and beef arepas are appetizer highlights of the Latin American menu. For the main event, go for the shrimp and veggie brochelas (skewers) or one of the authentic grilled meat dishes. $$$ (03/2011)
1 W First St, Parkville
816 -741-9800
piroposgrille.com -
JJ’s
This cozy restaurant is one of KC’s longest operating independent restaurants, open for 26 years. Duck confit sits atop a crostini with white-bean purée, quail is exquisitely grilled, and osso buco is tender and hearty. Though the ambience is casual, the 1,800-bottle wine list is equal to those of the country’s finest restaurants. $$$$ (03/2011)
910 W 48th St
816-561-7136
jjs-restaurant.com -
WESTPORT CAFÉ AND BAR
This new French bistro hits all the right notes, with authentic Parisian fl oor tiles, mirrored walls and out-of-this-world profi teroles. Stop in any time of day for tuna nicoise or steak frites, paired with sophisticated cocktails. $$ (01/2011)
419 Westport Rd
816-931-4740
westportcafeandbar.com -
THE AMERICAN RESTAURANT
This is fine dining at its most elegant. Ask for a table by the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Crown Center, and settle in for a lovely three-, five- or seven-course prixfi xe dinner. $$$$ (11/2010)
200 E 25th St
816-545-8001
theamericankc.com -
HAPPY GILLIS CAFÉ & HANGOUT
Mismatched furniture and a bright orange velvet sofa are part of the charm at this laidback soup and sandwich spot. The owner’s rendition of banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) is a standout, as are his daily soup offerings. $ (09/2010)
549 Gillis St
816- 471-3663
happysoupeater.com -
FIESTA AZTECA
Let go of your inhibitions and allow your waiter to order for you at this tiny restaurant. You may be treated to moist carnitas, spicy shrimp and chicken smothered in black beans. $$ (07/2010)
7534 S Raytown Rd
816 -737-0772 -
THE MAJESTIC RESTAURANT
The building that houses this all-American restaurant is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A one-time bordello and speakeasy, it now offers steak and fish and music from a jazz pianist. $$$ (07/2010)
931 Broadway
816-221-1888
majestickc.com -
TASTE
Half-bar, half-eatery, this place is mostly loved for its small plates, which include pork dumplings and duck with blackberry sauce. $$$ (07/2010)
7938 Santa Fe Dr
913-766-0320
taste-kc.com -
HOT BASIL THAI CUISINE
Chef Lee Chai’s menu includes such eccentric dishes as crispy sweet-and-sour catfish and crab fried rice. $$ (05/2010)
7528 W 119th St, Overland Park
913-451-3713
hotbasilkc.com -
JULIAN
James Beard Award-winning chef/owner Celina Tio serves up dishes like house-smoked salmon with potato-chive pancakes and lobster shepherd’s pie. $$$ (05/2010)
6227 Brookside Plaza
816-214-8454
juliankc.com
