Homer's Drive-In
In February 2025, Halley Zitterkopf, Digital Engagement Manager for KC Parent updated this article to include the latest information on Red Door Grill, Williams Grant Park, Cosmos burger, and more.Â
The original Winstead's is a great way to end a family outing to the Plaza or Loose Park. Devour one of their famous steakburgers or make it a triple. For the tiny tots, there is even a mini version of this sandwich that’s been a Kansas City staple for more than 70 years. Be sure and get the giant skyscraper milkshake for the whole table to share!
After a day spent exploring all that the National World War I Museum or Union Station has to offer (Science City, Model Rail Experience and the Gottlieb Planetarium, to name a few attractions), take a seat at the counter and order up the half-pound Bigger Burger at Town Topic, another iconic Kansas City diner.
Fritz's Railroad Restaurant in Crown Center is always a favorite with train-crazy kids (or adults) after a visit to Kaleidoscope, Coterie Theatre or Sea Life. Watch with delight as your old-fashioned burger is brought to your table by a choo-choo in miniature.
Spend the morning picking out the freshest homegrown fruits and vegetables at the Merriam Marketplace Farmers Market or IKEA, then drive up to the "best homemade burgers in town" at Grandstand Burgers for a tasty lunch.
When you're out at My Play Cafe or the Newly renovated Williams-Grant Park in Lee's Summit, head to Johnny Ray's Drive In. Since 1956, they has been serving steakburgers with “all the fixin’s,” homemade malts and see-through-the-bag fries and rings at a drive-in that feels as though it is straight from the screen of a ’50s car classic.
After an educational field trip to Wonderscope Children's Museum of Kansas City stop in and refuel at Cosmo Burger offers two locations, one in Waldo and another within the Lenexa Public Market.Â
When you feeding the fish at Family Tree Nursery, head to the Snack Shack on Santa Fe is another cool neighborhood spot to try. It's a great place to grab a bite while browsing the local shops in Historic Downtown Overland Park. TheÂ
Check out LC's Burgers right off the highway the next time you're headed to The Rabbit hOle;Â you won't be disappointed. These burgers are oozing with cheesy goodness and have kept regulars coming back for more than 20 years.
If you take a day trip to Lawrence, KS to visit Prairie Park Nature Center, stop in at the new Burgers by Biggs to have a bite. A must-try is the Jay Hog, a 50/50 split between a hamburger patty and bacon, a mouth-watering mash-up.
Finally, the next time you are touring historic Fort Leavenworth or its Frontier Army Museum (or even the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum), make sure you go to Homer's Drive Inn diner for a taste of nostalgic Americana. A classic, greasy burger perfectly hits the spot at this little gem of Leavenworth history.
When you are at the InspireU Children's Discovery Center in downtown St. Joseph, Mo, grab a burger at  Red Door Grill (several Metro locations) where they have killer burger specials every Monday night.
Margaret Bristow is a KC native with a taste for delicious dining.