5 New & Unique Places to Eat in Kansas City

Spring has sprung, which means new restaurants are opening up left and right in the metro. Intrepid foodie explorer Carolina Pokidaylo is here to take you around to some of KC’s fabulous fresh eats– we can’t wait to see what pops up next!

Taps on Main | 1715 Main St.

I don’t know about you, but I find pouring my own beer to be a super fun activity. What I also love about Taps on Main is actually their interior design. Large windows allow plenty of sunlight to fill the room. All the better to see the deliciousness that’s about to get in your belly and, of course, getting that Insta-worthy shot.

My recommendation: The Breakfast Burger with Nacho Fries to share. OMG those fries… seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, avocado, Pico de Gallo, sour cream (my fellow Russian peeps will agree, sour cream is life) and pickled jalapeños.

Here’s their Happy Hour (Monday–Friday, 4–6pm) menu if you find yourself in the Crossroads Arts District:

$3 wells and domestics
$4 local pints
$5 house wines
1/2 price appetizers (including wings!)
1/2 price fries and tots

#YoureWelcome

Kurry Up KC | follow along on social media to see where their truck is parked

Brace yourselves – your lives are about to change. Kurry Up KC is a health-conscious, build-your-own, Indian Fusion food truck located in Blue Springs, MO., serving Tacos, Frankies and Rice Bowls with entirely fresh ingredients and exotic spices.

My recommendation: Opt for the Triple Taco Bar with Paneer (cottage cheese) Butter Masala and of course, a Mango Lassi.

Be sure to check out their specials as they change weekly, and look out for their new menu coming this summer. Keto-friendly options are available too!

Café Equinox | 7036 Nieman Road

Transplant yourself to a tropical, warm and sunny island with aromatic coffee sourced from all over the world, all while staying right here in Kansas City. I know many of us have been feeling drained over this drawn-out winter. Do yourself a favor and head over to Café Equinox, located in Family Tree Nursery.

This brilliant collaboration with Thou Mayest is going to spark so much peaceful energy to the community. There is plenty of space to sit in the greenhouse and take in all the chlorophyll you need. Bring the littles and enjoy some baked goods from Heirloom Bakery and Hearth and Mud Pie Bakery (gluten-free and vegan options available too!).

Moving from NYC three years ago, I honestly didn’t know what to expect of Kansas City. Three years later and I’m still so in love with this place and these people. Café Equinox will definitely be a cozy, beautiful spot I bring all of my out-of-town visitors to.

Ni Hao Fresh | 6029 Metcalf Ave

Now ladies, I truly apologize for what this next image is going to cause your ovaries to do. You’ve been warned! Cuteness overload!

Ni Hao Fresh, (Ni Hao meaning “hello” in Chinese) is a newly opened, family-run, pick your own poke and stir-fry restaurant in Overland Park. After experiencing poke during their travels, owners Rebecca and James decided to bring their healthy, fast food alternative concept to KC.

With Chinese cuisine as their staple, Ni Hao offers tastes in Korean BBQ with certified Angus beef, Hawaiian-style poke with Japanese sushi grade fish, organic non-GMO tofu, and other high quality proteins.

Pictured is the Ni Hao Poke and the Spicy Korean stir-fry bowl, their most popular dishes. BUT, I love that you can choose your base and protein, mix-ins, marinades, toppings and sauces, and even opt for vegan and gluten free options!

Photo by Carolina Pokidaylo- design by @Marshallmadeco

Enjoy Pure Food | 10573 Mission Rd.

Enjoy Pure Food + Drink has been one of my absolute favorite healthy casual café spots in KC. If you haven’t yet heard the news, Enjoy is now newly reopened with a bright and charming additional space.

To go along with their reopening, Enjoy has updated their already delicious menu. For breakfast, I would recommend their avocado toast with poached egg and their charcoal lavender latte with vanilla, maple syrup and almond milk.

If you’re feeling empowered during your lunch break, opt for their Take on the World (GF, V) bowl with kale, red and white quinoa, avocado, broccoli, beets, almonds, hemp seeds, and ginger-miso dressing with a glass of wine, beer, or a specialty cocktail from the bar.