Picnics & Pairings
The weather is perfect, the leaves are turning and there’s never been a better time for a picnic.
All photos by Anna Petrow
Grab some handhelds to go from your favorite local restaurants– supporting them now is more important then ever– and go enjoy some fresh air, clear views and the great outdoors. A list of KC’s greatest picnic spots and the best grub nearby:
Ravenous & Liberty Memorial
Chef Michael Corvino’s burger is legendary for a reason: perfectly crispy diner-style patties, homemade bun, epic pickles and gooey cheese, it’s one of the best burgers in town. Grab one to go from their new spot inside of Parlor (1701 Locust), pack a blanket and post up on the lawn of Liberty Memorial for some of the best views of the city.
Bay Boy & The Nelson
Everybody loves the Nelson lawn, and everybody loves the Dutch crunch bread at Bay Boy sandwiches. It’s a natural pairing. Grab some sandos (don’t forget the fresh baked cookie of the month!) and enjoy the beautiful ginko trees on the Nelson lawn— if you’re lucky you’ll be there at peak fall foliage time, when they turn bright yellow. Plus, our beloved museum is back open– just make your reservation to visit ahead of time! (And check out our writer Glynnis Stevenson’s guide to fall at the Nelson)
Mission Taco & Loose Park
Taco party in the park? Sign me up. Order a whole case of street tacos from Mission Taco on Main Street– be sure to try the spicy chorizo and the friend chicken with pickles– and enjoy them on the grassy knolls of Loose Park. Plenty of people watching and space to play frisbee.
Pirate’s Bone & The Scout
The Scout is one of the most famous views of the skyline– you can see just about all of the Crossroads and downtown, as well as plenty of Westside. Head to Pirate’s Bone before you plop down your picnic blanket. Vegan delights abound! Try their burger and fries, or check their Instagram to see what’s new at the moment– they often have creative takes on comfort food classics, like cauliflower hot “wings” and spicy “chicken” sandwiches.
Il Lazzarone & Riverfront Park
Pizzas were just made for picnics, don’t you think? Grab a Neopolitan pizza at Il Lazzarone in River Market, and make your way down to the riverfront, where you’ll find the trail to scenic Riverfront Park. Enjoy the breeze coming off the water, and all the pups walking nearby as they make their way to BarK!
Yasmeen’s Cafe & Cliff Drive
Take a stroll on scenic Cliff Drive, and enjoy their signature dish, rolex– an egg omelette and veggies wrapped in a chapati. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or a snack and easy to eat on the go! Don’t miss the Kansas City museum, located at the main entrance to Cliff Drive. It isn’t open yet (currently undergoing renovations), but the architecture is a sight to behold.
