I was trying to be very clever with the title for today’s blog, but felt like perhaps for once simple is best.
Several conversations have cropped up in my world lately that have given me the general impression that many of my fellow Kansas Citians have no idea what a veritable bevy of breakfast eating out options exist here in our fine cities. I am sure that I will miss several important restaurants, but I want to take this chance to tell you all that Kansas City has some fantastic breakfast options. You should know, if you don’t already, breakfast is bar none my favorite meal of the day. Just about any kind of egg dish will do the trick, and sometimes pancakes. Not sure if I posted this on here, but I made some fantastic almond poppyseed pancakes about a month ago I think. Recipe is on pinterest.
The point is, I am a breakfast devotee. I will go to the ends of the earth in the pursuit of a crazy good breakfast. Okay, self-aggrandizement aside, the following are a few of my favorite breakfast places here in town that you can try so you can stop saying that Kansas City has no good breakfast restaurants. I don’t want to hear that anymore! (These may or may not be in any particular order of preference — also, none of these places know that I am writing about them)
1. Succotash. 2601 Holmes, KC, MO: This restaurant used to be located in the River Market, but it needed a lot more space because it is so fabulous. It has very interesting art (try to make sure you are facing away from the scary huge painting on the north wall), but it’s salmon benedict can’t be beat. It also has fresh-squeezed juices of just about any kind you can think of. It’s also not too far away from Crown Center and Union Station, so you could make a little day trip out of it, for those of you that live all the way out south. And to me, those of you that live past 75th street live “all the way out south.”
2. Farmhouse.http://www.eatatthefarmhouse.com/ Located in the River Market, this place has a sophisticated atmosphere. I would go here every day if I could just to have their french press coffee. Something about french press coffee feels so decadent. Another bonus, the back of their menu shows you who supplies all of their food, and it’s all local. The daily quiche, the 3 egg omelet, and the eggs benedict are all fantastic (read above about my love of eggs). I have also heard that the corned beef hash is spot on.
3. The Drop. 409 E. 31st Street. This is in Martini Corner. I actually went here for the first time on Saturday for brunch. They have slightly later hours than some other places, not opening on Saturday until 11 I think. Still, this was worth the wait. I had a groupon, and was therefore able to have an insane brunch there, including a cinnamon roll with pecan cream cheese frosting, crabcake eggs benedict, and a strawberry mimosa. They also have a nice outdoor area for seating. This one really surprised me, mainly because I didn’t know they offered breakfast, and then because it was so ridiculously good.
4. Swagger. 8431 Wornall, KC MO. I heard that this place was featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, but I missed that episode. My disclaimer for this place is that it looks pretty sketch. It is genuinely a dive bar most of the time. I convinced my family to go here for breakfast the other day though, I’m lucky to have an adventurous family. They are actually open pretty early on Saturdays and Sundays. Their breakfast was as eclectic as it was good. They had a truly interesting selection, and everyone seemed very happy with their choices. I of course had an omelet, and it was as big as my face. Just the way I like it 😉 I think the original Swagger is in Martin City, and they are known for craft beer? Please feel free to correct me. The atmosphere of Swagger for breakfast is kind of bizarre, but the food was worth it.
5. Beer Kitchen. Westport. I was kind of shocked to hear that a bar in Westport served breakfast, however my shock should really be put in check more often. Beer Kitchen has everything from drunken donuts (which I haven’t tried yet but I have heard good things) to my omelets, to the corned beef hash and pancakes that many in my family adore. I also had a frittata there that was fantastic.
6. Woodsweather Cafe (affectionately called Greasy Spoon, I think just by my family and me). 1414 W. 9th Street, in the West Bottoms. This place is truly a truck stop type diner. The portions are ginormous, but it is all comfort food. If you order a pancake, hopefully you didn’t eat the whole day before because that pancake could probably kill you it is so big. Super delicious though, and such a fun place. A little out of the way, but worth a trip.
7. Chez Elle. 1713 Summit. This is a creperie. If you have never been to a creperie, here is your chance. Before going to this restaurant, the only kind of crepes I knew of were the kinds that had chocolate in them. Don’t ask me where I had that, because I think I am making that up. Anyway, Chez Elle turned that notion on its head. They make the most delicious assortment of crepes, savory, sweet, whatever suits your fancy. I had one on my birthday that had artichokes and salmon, capers, and deliciousness. I think it was called the Eiffel Tower. Not sure. I believe they also have mimosas. Such a great and fun place.
I think I will stop there for now, because I am making myself hungry, and because this should be enough to get you started for now. Believe me, there are more than just this short list, this is just a sampling. I’ll probably have to do a separate post about happy hours, since I have been going to a lot of those lately. Start exploring your city, and let me know if you try any of the above, and what you think of them! Have a great week everyone!
Sagacious Student 