http://kcanthonysongrand.com/
My favorite Italian place is Anthony's at 701 Grand. A third generation little Italian place that is not much to look at but, by far, the best Italian food in the city, and at a good price. The veal is the best in the city, and the steaks are a not advertised secret. They only buy the best steaks, and not too many because most people who visit ask for an Italian dish. Ask what they have.
For Bar-B-Q: Rosedale Barbeque at 600 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, Kansas has been around since 1934.
http://www.kansastravel.org/rosedalebbq.htm
They are one of the best and least expensive.
For lunch try Cascone's Grill, 17 E. 5th, KCMO in the River Market, the Westport Flea Market for great burgers, or Portia's Cafe (3840 East Truman Road, KCMO). Both Cascone's and Portia's have the old fashion
PAN FRIED CHICKEN on Thursday. Get their early, because they both usually sell out. Neither are not much to look at, but just good food at a reasonable price. Portia's is $8.00 for lunch, including tea. Cascone's is a little cheaper, bigger pieces of chicken, but charges for the drink. Both have mashed spuds, and green beans with the meal. Portia's has a better choice of side dishes if you ask.
As you can tell, I don't much go for the chain places. If they have good food, I go back. I like the small, family owned places, that just have good food. I have been going to Rosedale's for over 40 years. Forget Gates, not worth the time to get yelled at. Oklahoma Joe's and Zarda's are OK but the food doesn't match Rosedale's. Arthur Bryant's BBQ at 1727 Brooklyn Avenue, KCMO is a fine old time BBQ with a different taste than Rosedale's. The servings have a LOT of meat. Also good, but the meat is more of a grease pit - but great food that several President's have visited since 1920. At the lunch hour expect a long line. Good prices, long line, good food, but not fancy. If you want to put on the dog, try the chains. If you want something other than a sandwich and fries go somewhere else. The bad reviews for Bryant's come from the "upper crust" that doesn't understand basic down home BBQ."
Good Soul food, is either of the Niecie's Restaurants for lunch with the real Soul food cooking. I don't mind being the only white guy in the place sometimes because you get really good food. The Peachtree (also Soul) 6800 Eastwood Trfy, KCMO. GREAT southern fried Chicken.
Authentic Japanese? the only place in the city is Jun's at 7660 State Line Road, Prairie Village, KS. The only sushi choice in the city. If you want a dinner instead of sushi, try the Red Snapper: at $18 it is a huge portion. I have been going there for about 25 years. Great food.
The only good Thai place in town is Bangkok Pavilion, 7249 West 97th Street, Overland Park, KS. A family place that is visited by the Thai and Chinese population of the city. No fake stuff, just good oriental cooking. Keep in mind that with most oriental cooking, you have to tell them how hot you really want it. Most Thai families like it hot, so ask them to dial it back if you aren't use to it. You will still get a great meal if you don't like it hot. If you do like it hot, they can take it as hot as you want.
Lulu' Thai Noodle Shop; just forget it. The food is bad, and the prices are high.
Well that is enough for now.
JR