Spring is a magical time in Kansas City. To take advantage of all that the season has to offer, Up To Date invites food writers and enthusiasts to share their favorite spots for outdoor dining across the metro.
Between the sub-freezing temperatures and the heat of summer lies the mild, short-lived spring – those few wonderful weeks when the nights aren’t frosty and the humidity hasn’t become suffocating.
Flatland writer Jill Silva tells KCUR’s Up To Date that she enjoys the hustle and bustle of spring, the energy of the holidays and the outdoor dining that comes with it.
“I love it when there’s a lot of people on the patio,” she says. “There’s an outdoor party feel to it.”
Carlton Logan, co-administrator of the Facebook Kansas City food page, extols the benefits of rooftop dining, such as the kind offered at The Well on Wornall Road.
“The rooftop gives you the kind of height you might not get on a patio,” he says.
Whether you’re dining at ground level or higher up, one thing is for sure, Silva says: “It’s good to have options.”
Here are Around the Block’s Silva, Logan and Mary Bloch, sharing their tips for dining al fresco in the Kansas City area.
Jill Silva:
Jones Bar-BQ – Make your own sausage. My first visit to Jones Bar-BQ was in 2015. The weather had warped many of the tables and planters, but really, what more do you need than their coarsely ground sausages, burnt ends, some conversation and a huge hug?
Cafe Equinox – pastries. Walk to the back of the store and hang out in the conservatory space with tables, comfy garden chairs and plenty of plants. Food includes seasonal baked goods from Heirloom Bakery and a variety of interesting coffees and teas.
Jack Stack Lenexa has expanded its outdoor lounge area into an outdoor living space with a full-service bar and flat-screen TV. Enjoy all your barbecue favorites – ribs, hand-rolled pork macaroni and cheese, Poor Russ or onion rings.
Messenger Coffee Co. – kouign-amann. I love sitting on the rooftop with an Indian milk tea latte (I’m not a coffee drinker) and a sweetened kouign-amann, a sweet Breton cake made from layered dough.
Earl’s Premier is a great community spot with Black Lives Matter painted on the fence and kids playing laser tag in the dark. The patio is an unforgettable space where you can enjoy clam dip, fresh oysters and chilled gin and tonic.
La Bodega’s awnings and planters are the perfect place to stop and enjoy wine and Spanish-inspired tapas. During happy hour, Tortilla Espanola and Papas Fritas Con Ajos are my favorites, along with half-price sangria.
Lenexa Public Market is a great hangout with a fire pit on cold days and live music on Friday nights in the summer. You can dine at any of the indoor restaurants, including Cosmo Burger, Red Kitchen and Sohaila’s, among others.
Grinder’s Stonewall has a funky little patio with picnic tables. Like the Crossroads location, founded in 2004 by “starving artist” Stretch, the menu centers on New York-style pizza and Philly cheese steaks and live music.
Carlton Logan:
Cafe Trio is known for its fabulous holiday décor. The back patio and bar enjoys views of the Country Club Plaza and an eclectic menu that includes small plates and creative cocktails.
The Well’s rooftop patio/deck is a popular destination for happy hour and warm weather. It’s an open space with a railing overlooking Wornall Road and is a great place for beer, pretzels and burgers.
Trezo Mare is one of my all-time favorites. It has a spacious stone patio complete with different seating arrangements and plenty of space around. I love everything on the menu, including brunch, appetizers, pasta and pizza.
Classic Cup- All day breakfast and lunch. Classic Cup is classic Kansas City. There is seating right down the street – a great place to see and be seen – and a patio with a wooden fence, tables and umbrellas in the back.
Parlour is a food court with seven kitchens serving a variety of cuisines, including Filipino, Korean and American. The upstairs deck is near one of the two bars on site.
Iron District – Ice Cream. Open-air food hall with wooden picnic tables, umbrellas and other seating arrangements. Meltbox ice cream is one of my favorites.
Bar K is unique in our area as it is probably the only dog park that offers beer, cocktails, casual snacks and a dog menu. The patio is sunny and a great place for dogs to run around and enjoy the weather.
Mary Bloch:
Fox and Pearl’s patio is a cozy, private oasis surrounded by trees and a wooden fence, featuring a brick patio and wooden tables. It’s a great place to enjoy a delicious cocktail, a bowl of homemade pasta, smoked meats and chargrilled vegetables.
Newly renovated. With a pergola, new furniture and stunning lighting, you won’t have to endure the heat or the sun while you enjoy pasta, chunky pork chops, octopus or any of Chef Ryan Brazeal’s specialties.
Pigwich has a great space overlooking the City Market farmers’ market. Stop in for a sandwich and then pick up some steaks or pork chops to grill from the Local Pig butcher next door.
Rye Leawood has a lovely patio overlooking the pond, complete with tables and lounge seating. You can’t beat the fried chicken, burgers or shrimp and grits.
Tailleur – Bistro Burger. Small and charming, you won’t even notice that the patio is right next to the parking lot. Go for a great burger, steak frites, scallop risotto or Cobb salad.
Extra Virgin is always the perfect place for a happy hour sip or a leisurely meal. Recent renovations mean it now has full coverings and heaters. Plus, it’s one of the few places that’s open on Mondays!
Gram and Dun is the most coveted patio on the Country Club Plaza. I love the homemade jumbo chips with sauce, tuna tartare ravioli chips, burgers and fries. Don’t miss the salads, either.
Verbena has a large patio overlooking Lake Meadowbrook and is often used for special occasions such as bridal shower or ladies lunches!
