Best Brunch in Kansas City
I don’t consider myself a foodie, but that’s not to say I don’t love good food. And ever since I was young, Sunday brunch has been one of my favorite meals. My family always ate brunch together after church, and that tradition continues today. In fact, I’ve yet to find eggs Benedict as good as my Dad’s.
Since my favorite brunch spot in Kansas City closed a few years ago (Benton’s at the top of the Westin in Crown Center), it’s been my unofficial mission to find a new spot. Below are some yummy eateries in KC to satisfy your brunch cravings.
Grand Street Café
I hadn’t visited the Grand Street Café in years. Then a location opened near my home, and I visited several times for dinner. On a whim when my sister was in town, we tried the brunch. I am so glad we did! This is a strong front runner for my new fave. You start with the appetizer buffet, which includes enough to be a meal in itself. I especially enjoyed the hummus, and the watermelon was extra tasty! As it was out of season, I was hesitant to try, but it was so good. My girls gave high marks to the shrimp, too. I don’t care for shrimp, so I’ll take their word for it. Diners order an entrée off the menu. I have tried the eggs Benedict, chef’s omelet and the chilaquiles. Save room to head back up to the appetizer buffet for something sweet to round out the meal. In addition to all of this food, a plate of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls is delivered to your table. You won’t leave hungry! They have you covered in the drink department as well, with a bloody Mary bar and other tasty libations.
Plaza: 4740 Grand Ave., Kansas City, MO, 816.561.8000
Lenexa: 8815 Renner Blvd., Lenexa, KS, 913.601.3500
The Corner Café
This doesn’t fit the definition of a brunch restaurant as the breakfast is offered seven days a week, but it is just too good not to include! We visited the original location in Riverside and were warned that the wait on a Sunday could be long. While the waiting area was packed, we were seated within 15 minutes. We tried corn beef hash, ham and eggs, French toast, biscuits and gravy and a cinnamon roll. While it was all good, the standouts for us were the perfectly-cooked-to-order eggs and scrumptious cinnamon roll. When I tell you it’s as big as your head, I am not stretching the truth! I was also pleasantly surprised at how fast we received our food, and with our check. The total for all of us was under $40, and let me tell you, we had a lot of food! Go hungry to the Corner Café and you will leave happy and full.
Riverside: 4541 NW Gateway Ave., Riverside, MO, 816.741.2570
Liberty: 8301 N. Flintlock Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.415.0050
Independence: 4215 S. Little Blue Pkwy., Independence, MO, 816.350.7000
Brewbakers Bar & Grill
I know that brunch and buffet aren’t synonymous, but I do like brunch to come in buffet form. I enjoy having lots of choices and spreading out my enjoyment of the meal. That’s one of the things I love about Brewbakers. Not only will you find a buffet of brunch items, carving station and the opportunity to build your own omelets, but they also offer a French toast bar where you can load up your bread with fruit, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, crushed candies and lots of other assorted goodies. Not only is the scope of the food vast, but the quality is very good. One other thing I really appreciated was the size of the booth. It was nice and roomy, and there was plenty of room for all of our plates, cups and other things. We weren’t cramped, and we were certainly stuffed when we left.
Lenexa: 9482 Renner Blvd., Lenexa, KS, 913.322.BREW
Not your typical breakfast/brunch restaurants with must-try items:
- Town Topic: Know before going, this is definitely a “greasy spoon diner.” But, the Truck Stop is SO good! They take almost every breakfast item known to man, throw it all together and fry it up. The result is truly amazing.
- Pacuigo: Can a drink be considered a breakfast item? When it is the gelatte from Pacuigo, I think yes. If you fancy a latte, then run, don’t walk, to Pacuigo and order a gelatte, stat! It’s a traditional latte but flavored with gelato. So decadent and so yummy!
- Wendy’s: I know what you are thinking. Wendy’s, really? If you haven’t had the oatmeal bar, then you must try it. It is the perfect mid-morning snack and it has oatmeal—so it’s healthy, right?
- Eggtc: The breakfast potatoes here are the best I’ve had. Just the right amount of crispy on the outside while not being overcooked. Plus, they make a mean pumpkin latte. I’ve been able to get it year-round, so when I’m craving one, this is my go-to stop.
- IHOP: I get it—by now I’ve totally lost my street cred. But, full disclosure, I was the weekend hostess at the local IHOP in high school, so it holds a special place in my heart. The Harvest Grain and Nut pancakes are delish, and I love the way they sop up the syrup.