Best Lunch in Kansas City

Affordability is a plus for Rm (Room) 39's farm-to-table-inspired lunches such as quiche of the day with salad or fruit, and complimentary bread plus olives are a pleasant way to begin each meal. Although some dishes have tasted bland to customers creamy cauliflower soup, pumpkin fettuccini and okra calamari salad have drawn great reviews, while folks who order breakfast for lunch like the avocado toast served with poached eggs or biscuits and gravy. With a menu that changes frequently, other dishes have included warm root vegetable salad and Croque Madame. Dessert fans adore the flourless torte and wine drinkers appreciate the expansive menu. Rm 39 gets high marks for its pretty ambiance and patio, as well as casual yet attentive, efficient and informative servers.

2013 James Beard Award for Best Chef Midwest, Colby Garrelts and staff create classic Midwestern fare with his wife, Megan, a James Beard Semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef. Whether you order the spicy crispy chicken sandwich, fried chicken with creamy mashed potatoes or Buffalo wings, there's plenty of tender, juicy chicken on the menu. Customers also applaud the deviled eggs and pulled pork sandwich, cooked beef short ribs and the double patty burger with house made pickles and fries. Baked Potato Soup gets high marks for its layered flavors too. Megan and her staff create must-do desserts, from strawberry rhubarb pie to Blackberry Honey Cake. Sit amid rustic décor, or on the patio overlooking a beautiful lake, while interacting with friendly servers and bartenders. Although some customers find rye KC pricey, many think food quality makes up for it.

If you enjoy people watching and have an adventurous palate then Extra Virgin, in Kansas City, Missouri's bustling Crossroads location fits the bill nicely. James Beard award-winning Chef Michael Smith is at the helm. Duck tongue tacos with salty Cotija cheese, sea urchin spaghettini, blue crab fried rice and chicken thighs are recent customer favorites from this tapas menu. Save room for desserts such as Churros & Chocolate Sauce or Peach-Blackberry Crostata too. In addition, there's a hip vibe and knowledgeable wait staff here. And, if you're in the mood for a midday cocktail an expert bartender will craft the perfect match for your meal. Sure, you can find old standbys such as a Sidecar, or order from a nice wine menu, but consider expanding your beverage horizons with a 'Backroad Paths and Beaver Traps' or 'Goonies Never Say Die.'

Built as the Webster School, in 1885, today Webster House appears on the National Register of Historic Places and offers delicious lunches amid classy surroundings. Dining here can be a little pricey, although lunches are fairly reasonable. Start your meal with Shrimp Toast, Buffalo wings or bruschetta, order a salad topped with lemon herb seared chicken breast, or order the soup of the day. Recent plates have included gluten-free Aguachiles (shrimp, scallop, halibut, salsa verde, cucumber, sweet onion, cilantro and a grilled tortilla) or Filet Pasta (seared filet tips, basil pesto, TORCHIO?, summer squash, white wine roasted tomatoes and Pecorino Romano). Customers have also raved about mouthwatering scallops and fried Brussels sprouts, fall-off-the-bone coq au vin and smoked blueberry cheesecake. Enjoy wonderful service amid fabulous antiques and classic architectural features and then shop downstairs while sipping a cocktail.

Elevated comfort food characterizes daily lunches, from delicious quiches to hefty lasagna portions or classic Beef Bourguignon, typically accompanied by a green or other vegetable salad. Freshly prepared quiche is a daily staple. Service is generally quite good, with occasional delays when the dining room gets busy. There's a distinct Old World vibe in this tearoom that seemingly transports customers to a cozy Swiss cabin full of wood beams and paneled walls, with brightly painted folkloric accents. It's a relaxing atmosphere that invites you to slow down from daily life while thoroughly enjoying a hearty meal and, of course, dessert. Whether you choose raspberry filled cake macaroons or chocolate dipped pecan pie, it will be a memorable ending for your meal.

Kansas City's industrial East Bottoms neighborhood is home to Pigwich, connected to beloved artisan butcher shop, Local Pig, where it's normal to see a beef quarter or a half-hog ready for prep. This place is about the food, served amid an unassuming neighborhood and décor. With a melting pot of patrons – from hipsters to overall-wearing laborers – the restaurant offers a small menu anchored by its namesake sandwich, the Pigwich. Think a moist and tender pulled pork patty topped with melted Provolone, pickled vegetables and aioli, served inside a soft bun. Brisket and Banh Mi sandwiches have received kudos, as have well-seasoned homemade potato chips. Looking for daily specials? They include patty melts on Fridays, Porchetta (Italian pork roast) on Sundays, and Tortas (braised beef) on Wednesdays. Vegetarians have a tasty option in falafel so good that meat eaters love it too.

Re-opening in a new space at the new PLEXPOD Westport Commons at the end of September, popular The Sundry Market & Kitchen will offer an expanded menu, and hours that stretch through dinner service. Customers already appreciate high quality ingredients that include house-made bacon, pickled vegetables, sausage and even craft soda with flavors such as Lemon Cardamom or Basil Mint Ginger Ale. In its original location, the creative though limited lunch menu has featured a delicious BLT with pickled fried green tomatoes as well as a Reuben and a turkey-bacon club sandwich. Biscuits and gravy, a Korean beef bowl and Wild Mushroom Cassoulet have been other popular dishes. Check the web site for a list of daily specials or gluten-free dishes that are always on the menu. Friendly wait staff serves your food quickly and The Sundry has added a bar too.

Offering 'Cozy. Craft. Cuisine.,' Happy Gillis café & hangout has become a Columbus Park neighborhood dining staple. From the blackboard-only menu to a roll of butcher paper and crayon-filled mugs scattered throughout the space, it's a charming spot to grab a bite Co-owners, Chef Josh and Abbey-Jo Eans, moved their young family here too, when they assumed ownership about four years ago. The couple strives to make individual ingredients – often sourced locally – shine with beautiful presentations. Widely known for terrific breakfast and brunch dishes, Happy Gillis offers tasty lunch options too, from savory, creamy shrimp and grits to delicious Cubano and nicely portioned steak sandwiches. Kale salad and fresh cookies also receive high marks. Feeling adventurous? Try unusual dishes such as Smoked Trout salad served on locally crafted Ibis Quinoa bread. The plate includes 'dilly beans,' olives, hard boiled, arugula salad too.

First, EJ's Urban Eatery operates in the funky, historic West Bottoms neighborhood. Second, these guys are passionate about the food they serve and welcoming their customers. Third, the restaurant will soon offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and even brunch. Most importantly, the food is amazing. Slightly spicy biscuits and gravy, ½ Herb Roasted Chicken, or Blackened Salmon with fried green tomatoes are several offerings. Meat and Three is a great way to sample mouthwatering sides that include amazing braised local greens flavored with pork, onions and jalapenos as well as roasted Brussel sprouts with green apple accents or baked macaroni and cheese. Other tasty sides include dirty rice, Creole Seasoned Fries and other Louisiana-inspired options. Or try signature white BBQ sauce atop perfectly cooked, espresso crusted brisket; plus Southern greens and rice with fall-off-the bone ribs. Customers love this place.