Things to Do

A collection of local haunts and Kansas City recommendations (from people who take eating very seriously)

Morning Bites

(for the before-noon crowd)

  • A KC classic for breakfast sandwiches and their namesake iced coffee. Efficient, delicious, and will not judge your caffeine dependency.

    908 Baltimore Ave Ste 103, Kansas City, MO 64105

  • Putting the serve in counter-serve. Try the Little Richard or the pancakes and prepare to be emotionally changed.

    2601 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64108

  • Their croissants are as airy their interior. Come for coffee, stay because you got distracted by how cool their merch is. (Seriously, Katie loves their graphic design.)

    1624 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

  • Classic coffee with Latin inspiration and homemade empanadas. Despite Joe’s lobbying efforts, they declined to rename it Herba Mate, so you’ll still have to settle for their excellent yerba mate.

    1721 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111

  • The first place Joe and Katie walked for breakfast after moving into their KC home.
    Joe: Rye with any schmear
    Katie: Sesame with chive & onion schmear
    You: Happy.

    1208 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111

  • The only logical explanation for Joe winning “Second Year of the Year” in residency is that he brought these donuts at the start of every rotation. There can be, literally, no other reason. 

    3395 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111

Midday Grub, Drinks, Adventures

Engagement Photo Safari (Yes, This Is a Thing)

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art → then lunch at Hi-Dive Lounge

We highly encourage recreating one of our engagement photos.
Unofficial contest: Best reenactment wins morning coffee on us. Tag @joeherba or text Joe for judging privileges and eternal glory.

  • Joe discovered a welcoming KC tennis community here and has rarely left since. Katie trained for a marathon here, which she remembers slightly less fondly. A beautiful spot for a stroll if you need a break from eating.

    5200 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64112

  • The best homemade rolls we have ever encountered.
    Her order: Blue Blaze (seasonal)
    His order: El Jefe
    Also his order: Blue Blaze

    4706 Holly St, Kansas City, MO 64112

  • Claimed “best wings in KC” according to Joe. Slightly emotionally tainted for us after watching the Bears lose here, but the wings remain innocent and delicious.

    418 W 9th St, Kansas City, MO 64105

  • A stone’s throw from our house, which makes it the most dangerous. Try the Hazy IPA or No Way José.

    1320 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111

  • Pair their excellent Mexican food with an Alpha Pale Ale or Hang ’Em High IPA.

    1708 Campbell St, Kansas City, MO 64108

  • Great lunch spot with fantastic fish & chips (impressive for a landlocked city).
    Katie: Rad AF IPA
    Joe: Extra Crispy Italian Pilsner

    1740 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64108

  • Award-winning for a reason. No bad choices. Joe loves the Pilsner, Katie loves the Hazy IPA (can you sense a theme).

    633 E 63rd St #120, Kansas City, MO 64110

  • The soccer (football, for our international friends) brewery for Premier League mornings. Home of a foundational pillar of Katie & Joe’s relationship: the beer-mosa. This place will have you asking “how many cylinders” you are running on. 

    316 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64106

Obligatory Kansas City Barbecue

(How could we not?)

Katie’s Pick: Slap’s BBQ

Favorites: Baked potato casserole, Polish sausage, burnt ends, cheesy corn.

Joint Pick: Harp BBQ

Possibly the best burnt ends and brisket in the city. Show up hungry. Leave changed.

Joe’s Pick: Joe’s KC BBQ

It’s in the name. Order the Burnt End Z-Man, ribs, seasoned fries, and baked beans (and he doesn’t even like baked beans — that’s how good they are).

  • Inventive, beautifully made cocktails. The couple recommends you try something outside your comfort zone. You’ll be glad you did.

    5817 Nieman Rd, Shawnee, KS 66203

    11022 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS 66203

  • Cozy, underground speakeasy vibes. Cash only (we have learned this the hard way). Their milk punches are spectacular.

    210 W 19 Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64108

  • If you order the Orange Negroni, tell Katie. She will grab your arm and say, “IT’S SO GOOD, RIGHT?!” This is a promise, not a threat.

    1531 Genessee St, Kansas City, MO 64102

  • A newer discovery and home to the only margarita that can rival Joe’s. Plan for two.

    2041 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

Late Night Cocktails