South Plaza Guide
Eat your way through South Plaza— full of sweet treats, date night spots, delicious drinks and so much more!
Stock Hill. Photo by Kelly Hollowell
Aptly named, South Plaza is a lively and energetic neighborhood filled with great local offerings - just south of the Country Club Plaza. This list isn’t exhaustive of every restaurant in the area, but it’s a great place to start. It’ll take you more than one day to eat your way through this delicious corridor, so feel free to explore it time and time again.
Andre’s. Photo by Kaley Kocinski
André’s Confiserie Suisse | 5018 Main St
Making chocolates in KC since 1955, André’s is a sweet staple you won’t want to miss. If you like a meal before diving into dessert, you’ll be happy to discover well-curated menus for breakfast, lunch, shared plates, coffee, and cocktails.
Banksia | 4800 Main St Suite 103
With a full bakery case to greet you as soon as you arrive, you’ll be craving dessert before you even look at the menu. This Australian bakery and cafe started in downtown KC (9th and Baltimore) and recently expanded to bring a new breakfast and lunch option to South Plaza. A full bar and TVs make it a great place to catch a game with a few friends. The same owners created Duck & Roll, a restaurant inspired by Chinese hawker stalls, next door. Be sure to check them both out.
Crow’s Coffee | 304 E 51st St
South Plaza is more than just Main Street. If you head east a few blocks on 51st, you’ll find yourself perfectly situated to grab a coffee and snack to settle in with a book or head out for a stroll along the Trolley Trail. Crow’s Coffee is open from 6:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. every day, so you have plenty of time to get caffeinated on the way to work and grab a beer on the way home.
Stock Hill. Photo by Anna Petrow
Stock Hill | 4800 Main St Ste G-001
There’s no question that Stock Hill is a great place to impress a date with a perfect steak and swanky space, but don’t count them out for other occasions, too. They offer social hour specials daily from 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. and a $14 wagyu burger special on Wednesdays that includes the triple-cooked fries I find myself dreaming about at night. And don’t sleep on their brunch menu. From 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Sundays, you can find yourself sipping bottomless mimosas or drinking (eating?) your way through the Monroe Mary - a house-made bloody mary topped with shrimp cocktail, a wagyu meatball, pork belly, blue cheese olives, and celery - all to the backdrop of live music.
Osteria Il Centro | 5101 Main St
If you’re looking for the coziest dinner in the city, look no further. Casual and refined at the same time, eating here is the dinner equivalent of a hug. It’s always worth your time to hear about the wine list and food specials (hello, lobster spiedini), but my “go to” is the orange roughy topped with crab meat, sauteed spinach, and garlic lemon butter - with a side of tomato herb pasta of course. While you’re in the neighborhood, don’t forget that Osteria Il Centro’s sister restaurants (Minsky’s and Eggtc.) are right next door.
Mission Taco. Photo by Anna Petrow
Mission Taco | 5060 Main St
When a craving for tacos and margaritas hit, nothing else will do. Mission Taco always delivers with a wide array of a la carte tacos and tasty sides. I love to get three tacos - I never skip the Portobello - and the Mission Margarita or a Paloma, but you can’t go wrong with any combo.
The Peanut | 5000 Main St
Ah, the KC original. I love everything about this perfect little bar. Beer, BLTs, THOSE WINGS. This is a true neighborhood bar and South Plaza staple. If you’re looking for fancy, look elsewhere. But if you want classics done right with great company, you’ve found your home.
Prime Sushi. Photo by Anna Petrow
Prime Sushi | 4980 Main St
Equally as wonderful for a night out with friends as it is for an easy carry out meal during Covid, Prime Sushi is the perfect neighborhood spot to grab a few sushi rolls and sake. I’ve yet to meet a roll I haven’t loved, but the Yellowtail Killer Roll and the Rainbow Roll are always favorites. Sushi not your thing? Not to worry. Prime offers bento boxes, noodle soups, stir-fried noodles, fried rice, and even Korean bibimbap. Whatever your choice, don’t forget to start with the seaweed salad.
Pizza 51 | 5060 Oak St
I love picking exactly what I want on a pizza and not having to compromise with anyone else. Sue me. Pizza 51 makes it a breeze with their giant 5-topping slice for $6.25. I can mix and match to my heart’s desire without the need to argue my personal feelings about pineapple on my pie (it’s a no from me). With a deal that good, I always add a salad and beer for a well-balanced meal. If you’re looking for me when the weather warms up, you’ll likely find me here on the patio with my pup.
Yogurtini | 4853 Main St
What’s not to love about picking your own flavors and toppings and making it JUST the way you like it? This self-serve froyo shop boasts more than just yogurt - they also have sorbets, dairy-free yogurt, and the oh-so-incredible Dole Whip. Pro tip: follow them on Instagram to be notified of $5 cup days - fill a cup as high as you can for only $5.
The Mixx. Photo by Anna Petrow
The Mixx | 4855 Main St
Whether you’re looking for dairy free, gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, or simply a delicious, healthy lunch, The Mixx has you covered. With an extensive list of menu options - including many “build your own” - you’ll never run out of soups, salads, sandwiches, and bowls to try. Walking into this bright, sunny space is always a pick-me-up on a busy day.
Kin Lin | 314 E 51st St
Known for their extensive menu and authentic Chinese cooking, Kin Lin has been an affordable South Plaza staple for families and students alike for years. They serve up all your favorites— but be sure to try some of their traditional cooking, too– you just might end up with a new go-to order!
