Kansas City is fortunate to be home to many local farms where sustainable, organic foods are grown. With 30+ farmers’ markets in the area (see Kansas City's Farmer's Markets), supporting local farms is easy. Did you know that you also can support local growers even when you’re dining out? These local restaurants serve up some of the best food in town… the menus are delicious, nutritious, family-friendly and feature organic or locally grown food (as much as possible), taking the guilt out of eating out!
The Snack Shack on Santa Fe
8039 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, 913.428.7749 (Mon.-Sat., 11:00-8:00)
The family-owned and -operated Snack Shack on Santa Fe is quickly becoming the neighborhood hangout in historic downtown Overland Park. The burgers are made with Bichelmeyer’s locally-raised grass-fed angus beef, delivered fresh to the restaurant daily. The Snack Shack also serves local bread and organic produce. Vegetarians enjoy the garbanzo bean veggie burger or grilled cheese sandwich. Expect a little heat if you order the garden grilled cheese complete with jalapeno peppers.
The Kid Factor: The burgers are delicious, but the winners for kids are the crispy sweet potato fries and hand-dipped shakes.
In the Know: The restaurant features barstool countertop seating (they do not have high chairs) or picnic tables outside. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, make a point to visit the Overland Park Farmers' Market.
Fresher than Fresh Snow Cones
Visit Fresher than Fresh Snow Cones for a location schedule.
Fresher than Fresh is Kansas City's all natural snow cone stand on wheels! The delicious and unforgettable flavors will tempt your taste buds. Watermelon basil, lemon prickly pear, espresso and Mexican cane sugar, and pineapple and Serrano pepper are just the beginning of the exotic offerings.
The Kid Factor: Kids love snow cones, and moms love healthy treats… truly this is a win-win for everyone! For real fun, order the Daredevil Special, an ever-changing concoction that will keep you guessing, billed as “always adventurous, never gross.”
In the Know: Fresher than Fresh is known to frequent local farmers’ markets, First Fridays in the Crossroads, and other midtown and downtown family-friendly venues.
FÜD
813 W. 17th St., Kansas City, MO, 816.785.3454 (Tue. & Wed., 11:00-3:00; Thu.-Sat., 11:00-9:00)
FÜD (pronounced fōōd) is a restaurant in the Westside focusing on organic, local, all-vegan food. Featuring a selection of both raw and cooked dishes, the made-from-scratch offerings are healthy and delicious.
The Kid Factor: Guilt-free homemade cheesy mac is an absolute fave for kids, but other delicious choices include the eggywich (a tofu sandwich made to taste like an egg sandwich), quesadillas and a variety of sandwiches and salads.
In the Know: FÜD is a cash-only restaurant and the popular bistro is not currently accepting reservations, but the food at FÜD (pardon the pun) is worth the wait! For those with food allergies, the chefs happily volunteer to adjust any recipe.
You Say Tomato
2801 Holmes, Kansas City, MO, 816.756.5097 (Mon.-Sat., 7:00-3:00; Sun., 8:00-2:00)
You Say Tomato lives up to its motto of “homegrown goodness served daily.” The eclectic neighborhood restaurant offers a seasonal menu supporting the local and organic farmer. Part of the fun of eating at YST is the ever-changing menu, off which they serve fresh, seasonal produce. Even the décor focuses on “repurposing,” as all the chairs and tables are mismatched sets undoubtedly purchased at local thrift shops and garage sales.
The Kid Factor: For breakfast, you must try the rightfully famous baked French toast, and lunch is known for some of the best chicken potpie in town.
In the Know: YST, not far from Crown Center, offers a small market in the restaurant where you can purchase organic produce and other kitchen goodies.
Succotash
2601 Holmes, Kansas City, MO, 816.421.2807 (Sun.-Sat., 8:00-3:00)
Succotash dishes up large portions of home-style cooking supporting local farmers and vendors at this urban eatery. Known for brunch, their menu offers a range of comfort foods you’ll love, but they also make outstanding cakes for any occasion!
The Kid Factor: Our top kid pick? The Cake and a Smile, a large buttermilk pancake with two sunny-side up “eyes” and a bacon “smile,” is the ultimate fave for kids of all ages!
In the Know: We recommend Succotash for brunch before you head to Crown Center or Union Station on a Saturday—and grab a fresh juice to go.
Eden Alley
707 W. 47th St., Kansas City, MO, 816.561.5415 (Mon.-Tue., 11:00-2:30; Wed.-Sat., 11:00-9:00)
Eden Alley, the Plaza’s vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free restaurant dishes up delicious salads, soups, burritos, sandwiches and cakes with organic, local ingredients. The restaurant is one of Kansas City’s first vegetarian eateries with a loyal local following.
The Kid Factor: Eden Alley offers kids’ meals for $4.35 served with peppermint lemonade or Shatto milk and a variety of main dish choices, including tacos, burritos, sandwiches and quesadillas.
In the Know: Eden Alley is tucked away in the basement of the Unity Temple on the Plaza, giving it that church basement atmosphere because, well, it is.
The Coffee Girls in Waldo
7440 Washington St., Kansas City, MO, 816.221.2326 (Mon.-Fri., 6:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 7:30-7:00)
Don’t let the name fool you. The Coffee Girl is more than a neighborhood coffee shop. Serving organic sandwiches, wraps, granola, smoothies and comfort food, the casual atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating, makes for a great brunch or lunch spot.
The Kid Factor: The “Little Peeps” menu offers organic PB&J, the Plain Jane (turkey and cheddar sandwich) or smoothies, all for under $4.
In the Know: One of the perks at The Coffee Girls is the free wi-fi.
Blue Bird Bistro
1700 Summit St., Kansas City, MO, 816.221.7559 (Mon.-Sat., 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Sun., 10:00-2:00)
In the Westside, perfect for dining before or after a performance at the Kauffman Center, you’ll find a quaint converted space turned restaurant serving up wholesome and hearty dishes with organic, sustainable and local ingredients. The Blue Bird Bistro is a true treat for the senses. Local chefs prepare seasonal dishes and comfort at this upscale restaurant where the food is identified by the farm where it was grown.
The Kid Factor: The Blue Bird is one of the most expensive restaurants on our list, but the food is delicious. This is a great way to introduce kids to gourmet foods prepared with healthy ingredients in a fun space.
In the Know: The bistro is a sit-down upscale restaurant, so it’s not a place to eat in a hurry. Plan ahead and make reservations in advance if you’re attending a show downtown.
Kristina Light loves to support local businesses and thinks it’s even better when local=delish!