Rebekah’s Strawberry Hill and Downtown Kansas City, KS Food and Drink Guide

By Rebekah Baughman, Kansas City, KS Urban Hike Guide and Route Developer

If you’ve ever been on a Strawberry Hill/Downtown KCK Urban Hike you probably ended it drooling (and a little overwhelmed) at the thought of all the new spots to eat and drink suggested to you along the way.  It’s still somewhat of a secret that this part of town is a hub for not only history, but also hip watering holes and local spots to grab brunch, lunch or dinner. Never fear, after many requests we’ve finally put together a list of all the food and drink stops we talk about throughout our hikes. Who knows – your new favorite hangout just might be on this list!

For Brunch

Splitlog Coffee Co. – Each of our Strawberry Hill/Downtown KCK Urban Hikes begin and end at the minimalistic and trendy Splitlog Coffee Co. This makes it ultra-convenient for you to stop in for a post-hike pick-me-up of an iced Strawberry Hill Latte and a house-made breakfast burrito, or one of the delectable donuts delivered daily from KCK’s Hana’s Donuts. 548 Central Ave, KCK 66101

The Mockingbird Lounge – Our hikers usually remember The Mockingbird Lounge as “that place with the view,” and for a good reason! Mockingbird’s spacious patio is a local favorite to catch a view of the downtown Kansas City skyline. This cozy cocktail bar is great for anytime of the day, but my personal favorite is brunch time! The Chorizo Waffles are a must try, but the Breakfast Pizza and Eggs & Hash will also make your growling stomach pretty happy. After hiking almost six miles, it’s probably smart just to order all three, right!? Their drink menu is crafted seasonally, so make sure to order something cold to accompany your meal. 204 Orchard St, KCK 66101

For Lunch

SLAP’s BBQ – The aroma of smoked meats and sweet barbecue sauce permeates the air right around lunchtime when our hikes finish up. It makes it tough not to find yourself drawn to SLAP’S BBQ right across the street from our ending destination. This is KC after all! Don’t let the line of locals and visitors deter you from going. Take it from a pro, the hard workers at SLAP’S BBQ move pretty fast. As for the food? SLAP’S is simply the best barbecue. You can’t go wrong with the ribs, burnt ends or smoked sausage. And the sides – DO NOT pass up the sides! Salty, crispy French fries, flavorful warm potato salad, bacon mac & cheese, sweet and savory baked beans, cheesy corn – you should probably plan on ordering one side of each. Again, after six miles your body will thank you! 553 Central Ave, KCK 66101

 El Camino Real – If there’s a list of KC’s favorite tacos you can guarantee you’ll find El Camino Real on it! El Camino is a family-run taqueria in downtown Kansas City, KS. This is another lunch location whose scent will lead you to the restaurant door from a block away. This time it’s the smell of the corn tortillas cooked right in front of you, and the Al Pastor tacos – juicy, marinated pork slow-cooked with spices and fresh pineapple. Don’t forget to check this stop off on your KCK Taco Trail list while you’re at it! 903 N 7th St Trfy, KCK 66101

Tarahumaras – Another spot on the KCK Taco Trail, before you dine at Tarahumaras you’ll probably remember it as the building with the Loose-Wiles Biscuit Co. advertisement on the side of it. After you dine there, you will know it as the one-stop-shop for all your Mexican food cravings. The menu is extensive and includes classic dishes and twists on tried and trues. Order the birria tacos – rich shredded beef topped with melty cheese and wrapped in corn tortillas that have been griddled to perfection, then served with a warm broth made from the meat drippings. 503 N 6^th Street, KCK 66101

Breit’s Stein & Deli – Remember the place with the infamous Slivovitz shot? This is it! Owned by a local whose Croatian family has been in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood for generations, Breit’s Stein & Deli is a no-frills neighborhood joint where you can grab a lunch of cold beer and Kansas City’s most popular Reuban sandwich with a side for less than $10.  Not too shabby. 412 N 5^th St, KCK 661010

Caribe Blue-If you’ve never had Latin Caribbean, this is where it’s at.  Opening during the pandemic, Caribe Blue took off from the beginning.  There is nowhere else in KC where you can get the same food you’d find in Cuba, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.  Some of our favorites are their pollo guisado (stewed chicken), seafood rice similar to paella, sweet fried plantains and their avocado salad. They also have tropical fruit milkshakes or smoothies made to order. Go ready to share or have leftovers, as their portions are pretty large!  402 N 5th St, Kansas City, KS 66101

For Dinner

The Easy Inn – The Easy Inn (formerly known as Colonial Club) is an unassuming spot with weekly dinner specials, retro memorabilia, friendly bartenders and even friendlier patrons. Play some darts or pool, then slide into a booth, order a pizza and stay for some live music. I guarantee an entertaining time! 322 N 6^th St, KCK 66101

Sarah’s On the Hill – Sarah’s on the Hill might not open until the evening, but it’s worth freshening up and coming back for! The brick walls and natural light are a food photographer’s dream. Speaking of the food, Sarah’s is also known for their pizza, like their KC BBQ signature pie: choice of house smoked pulled pork or house smoked chicken, pickled hot pepper and red onion. Start off your meal with a charcuterie board (hint hint – they do not skimp on the meats and cheese here) and wash it all down with a Strawberry Shrub cocktail or house sangria. 612 N 5^th St, KCK 66101

For a Drink 

Chicago’s – After all your hiking, you’re going to need something to cool off with. Luckily for you Chicago’s opens at noon and is just feet away from where our adventure ends! Here’s where you’ll find the largest selection of craft tap beers in Strawberry Hill, and some popcorn to munch on while you pick out a place for lunch. 534 Central Ave, KCK 66101

403 Club – Home to a plethora of pinball games, lots of tv screens and plenty of beer to choose from, 403 Club has been a favorite of Strawberry Hill residents for a long time. It’s somewhat tucked away, but this is another spot you will want to bring all your friends anytime you’re hittin’ the Hill. 614 Reynolds Ave, KCK 66101

Fatt Matt’s Vortex – The ghost story spot. The one that used to be a funeral home. Yep – that one. In true Strawberry Hill fashion, Fatt Matt’s Vortex is a dive bar that welcomes you with open arms, and will probably have you staying longer than planned. Go ahead and ask the bartender if they’ve ever had any experience with the supernatural while at Fatt Matt’s, and order “The Grog,” so you can tell everyone you ordered a mystery shot at a haunted bar. 411 N 6^th St, KCK 66101