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Central Standard

Food Critics: Kansas City's Best Lunch Spots

Stacy Spensley
/
Flickr -- Creative Commons

It's not uncommon for Americans to work through lunch, thoughtlessly scarfing down sustenance at a desk or —worse — in a car.

But at its best, lunch can be a time to unwind and savor the moment, getting out in the city while nourishing body and soul.

Some Kansas Citians are keeping the mid-day meal alive in all its glory. Hosted by Charles Ferruzza, KCUR's food critics led a search for exquisite lunch experiences in Kansas City on Friday. 

Here are some of their recommendations:

  • Beautiful pastries and breads, ham and Swiss on baguette, chicken salad sandwich, creamy artichoke soup — Sasha's Baking Company, 105 West 9th St., Kansas City, Mo.
  • Michael Smith, 1900 Main St.
  • Fish tacos, reuben sandwich — Cafe Sebastienne, 4420 Warwick Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
  • Small plates —Extra Virgin, 1900 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 
  • Gennessee Royale, 1531 Gennessee St., Kansas City, Mo.
  • The Mixx, 4855 Main St. and 1347 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.
  • Kale salad with brussel slaw and bacon — Westside Local, 1633 Summit, Kansas City, Mo.
  • Burgers and salmon sandwich, truffle fries — Blanc Burger, 4120 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, Mo.
  • Cafe Europa, 323 East 55th St., Kansas City, Mo.
  • Eggplant fries — Remedy, 500 W. 75th St., Kansas City, Mo.
  • Make it a Mia lunch special — Spin Pizza, multiple locations
  • Family-owned diner —Home Skillet, 6225 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, Mo.
  • El Pollo Rey, 901 Kansas Ave., Kansas City, Kan.
  • Great tortillas and tacos — San Antonio Market, 830 Kansas Ave., Kansas City, Kan.
  • Two-course lunch special — Capital Grille, 4740 Jefferson, Kansas City, Mo.
  • Cuban sandwich — Succotash, 2601 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.

Here are some recommendations from listeners:

  • Lunch specials — Lulu's Thai Noodle Shop
  • Terrific meatballs, some of best sandwiches in Kansas City — Pandolfi's Deli, 538 Campbell, Kansas City, Mo.
  • French Market, Cafe Provence, 3936 W. 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, Kan.
  • Service, tapas de dia, good flavor and good value — La Bodega, 703 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
  • Something different every day, very fresh — Bloomsbury Bistroat Mission Road Antique Mall, 4101 West 83rd Street, Prairie Village, Kan.
  • Authentic Chinese buffet, especially on Sunday — Fortune Star, 7328 West 119th Street, Overland Park, Kan.
  • Coconut soup — Majaraja, 1216 N.W. Highway 7, Blue Springs, Mo.
  • Citrus crunch taco — Unforked, 7337 West 119th Street, Overland Park, Kan.
  • Fresh and delicious Egyptian food — Basha, 7016 W. 105th Street, Overland Park, Kan.
  • Burgers are lean, salmon BLT, cobb salad — Majestic Restaurant, 931 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo.
  • Pizza — The Other Place, 7324 W. 80th Street, Overland Park, Kan.
  • Local Pig, 2618 Guinotte Ave., Kansas City, Mo.  

Here are some new and noteworthy restaurants from the critics:

Central Standard