KC Carryout Comforts
Take home the ultimate comfort food.
Greetings fellow pandemic navigators! We live in confusing, complicated times, but it does seem like we are beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel. That being said, it is important to remain vigilant and find alternative ways to embrace our city and support our local restaurants. Similar to the aforementioned light at the end of the tunnel we, like everyone, started utilizing carryout, delivery, and curbside pick-up as the light at the end of the work-week to help brighten the repetitiveness of homebound days. Here is a list of five particularly comforting dishes we recommend that soothe the mind and satiate the belly.
Chef J BBQ | 1401 W 13 St. Suite G Kansas City, Mo 64102
All photos by Emily Bordner
Probably the newest addition to the KC culinary scene on this list, Chef J opened their restaurant’s doors during the pandemic. We originally started going here for the pulled pork, but on our last venture branched out and tried a platter of brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, with a side of bow tie mac and cheese and baked beans. By far the stand-out this time was the ribs. Good. Grief. Thick and meaty. Super flavorful. My pregnant wife devoured them and immediately wanted more. This one can be a little out of the way in the West Bottoms (near where The Beast haunted house is), but it is worth the journey. It’s only open on weekends though, so plan your schedule ahead of time. Limited hours of 11:30am-4pm on Fridays and Saturdays and also on Sundays of First Fridays. Also, they will shut the doors once they sell out– so plan ahead and enjoy!
Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop | 2701 W 47th Ave. Westwood, KS 66205, or 2030 Central St. Kansas City, MO 64108
If you want the epitome of warm, satisfying, carby, creamy dishes, the Rainbow Peanut Noodles at Lulu’s are an absolute must. With red bell peppers, scallions, carrots, bean sprouts, cilantro, peanuts, cucumbers and rice noodles all covered in a peanut sauce, there is a lot going on. We like to add chicken too, to help get some protein in there. This is some of the most legitimate nap fuel I’ve ever experienced! A single order is perfect for sharing, but if you decide to tackle a whole coma-inducing order yourself, Godspeed. Additionally, in all the carryout we’ve delved into in the last year, Lulu’s is top tier — their food stays warm by the time you get home.
The Russell | 3141 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111
For us, we consistently turn to The Russell’s Rueben. It’s got lightly crispy, flavorful corned beef, with house-made Thousand Island dressing and sauerkraut, all on lightly grilled marble bread. Truth be told, I am not a big sauerkraut fan, but this sandwich really makes me question some ill-advised sandwich exclusions I made in my younger days. The bread is soft and satisfying, while the meat and dressing combination makes for a rich, savory delight. The sandwich comes with your choice of pretzels or chips, or you can upgrade to a variety of other sides or salad. We’ve returned to this one time and time again. Make room.
Minksy’s | Multiple locations in Prairie Village, Kansas City, Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Olathe, Shawnee. You’ll have to search on your own for the one closest to you.
Yes. Maybe this is an obvious one. But during these times, known entities can provide some of that delicious comfort and consistency that we’re all so desperate for. I’m sure you’ve all had some kind of pizza from Minsky’s in your life and have your preferred order. That being said, we would urge you to try the Mediterranean. Made with lamb sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, pesto sauce, and topped with mozzarella and feta. Simply put, pesto should just be on more things. A lot of times big change ups on pizza can make it feel less like pizza. This still maintains all its … pizzaness and adds whole new flavor combinations as well. A personal fave.
Ragazza Food & Wine | 4301 Main St. Kansas City, MO 64111
Is there a more categorically satisfying and comforting food than Italian food? I honestly don’t know that I can think of one. Then within that realm, as I think back over my life, a single dish has had a secure foothold in my heart since childhood: lasagna. At every stage of life, this meal has been on a pedestal. Whether it was my mother’s homemade version or that awesome stage of adolescence where Olive Garden was the apex of restaurant experience, lasagna has been there. Now, as an adult, Ragazza’s Lasagna Bolognese is king. I can’t really wax poetic about it. It’s just friggin’ good. Sometimes we add meatballs. Doesn’t need it. This last time we added sausage. Doesn’t need it. Order online. Pick it up. Speed home. Annihilate it. Thank me later.
The end is coming folks. Enjoy your carryout and stay safe!
