Hidden Gems of the Northland
Northland resident, professional photographer & expert explorer Katie Currid walks us through her favorite hidden gems up north.
Photos by Katie Currid
Sometimes I feel like the Northland is the stepchild of Kansas City. We don’t have the super fancy grocery stores or the luxury chain retailers. We often don’t get the long-anticipated chef-driven stylish restaurants or hip districts filled with artsy murals. But that’s okay. As Northlanders, we know what we’ve got, and like most Midwesterners, we don’t have to brag about it. Some of our best spots are in strip malls, and that’s alright, because it’s the quality that we’re here for, not the flash.
The Northland is firmly substance over style, and we’re proud of our local spots. You may not have heard about a lot of them — they’re not usually the type of places that get write-ups in magazines. So I’m here to spill the beans on some of the best spots in the Northland. Cross the river sometime — these places are worth it!
Eat & Drink
Photos by Katie Currid
In-A-Tub | 8174 NW Prairie View Road and 4000 N Oak Trafficway in KCMO
A few years ago, I worked on a story about the Kansas City taco. I literally did not know there was such a thing as a Kansas City taco, but after reading that it was a deep-fried taco that married Mexican culture and Italian cuisine with the addition of Parmesan at a time when both of those immigrant communities were up-and-coming in Kansas City, I realized that one of my husband’s favorite foods was actually steeped in Kansas City history — the In-A-Tub taco. The In-A-Tub taco is not fancy — it’s a deep-fried taco made of beef, beans or both topped with orange powdered cheese. But boy, you will know you’ve found a Northlander if you’ve got an In-A-Tub fan. As someone who did not grow up here, In-A-Tub tacos took me a while to love, but we’ve passed on the enthusiasm to our children — they can’t resist the orange cheese, either.
Helen’s JAD Bar & Grill | 2002 Armour Road, North Kansas City
If you’re a dive bar enthusiast, look no further than Helen’s JAD Bar — which stands for Just Another Dive. Helen’s literally does not care if you like it or not. It’s not a hipster bar pretending to be a dive bar. It has, like, two windows, the floor is sticky and the stools are wobbly. But their food is amazing and so are their drinks. They have quite an impressive menu with great burgers, wings and sandwiches, but honestly, the thing I crave most from there is their french fries with ranch dressing and their Diver’s Delux pizza.
Noah’s Cupboard | 521 Main Street A, Weston
My husband and I lived abroad in Italy for many years, and we spent our first few years in Kansas City searching for the taste of Italy that we so missed. But during dinner at Noah’s Cupboard one night, we found it in chef Nick Martinkovic’s maltagliata pasta. Noah’s Cupboard is a tiny restaurant on Weston’s main street serving farm-forward dishes full of heart. It’s an intimate space — you can watch Chef Nick prepare your food from your table — and it’s always a special one every time we go.
Haye’s Hamburger and Chili | 2502 NE Vivion Road, Kansas City
I’m a full-on sucker for an old-school counter diner, and if you are too, Haye’s is the place to go in the Northland. Whether you want a greasy spoon breakfast or a classic diner hamburger, Haye’s can meet your needs.
Dari-B Drive In | 901 Isley Boulevard, Excelsior Springs
I can’t spend a summer in Kansas City without at least one pilgrimage to Dari-B. The retro ice cream hut is located in Excelsior Springs, and I spent many summer nights there as a teen. Their menu is extensive and it’s as old school as it gets – there are no places to sit, there’s no air conditioning — you just queue up, order your ice cream, and eat it on the curb or in the back of your vehicle.
Little Saigon Plaza | 6583 North Oak Trafficway, Gladstone
In an unassuming strip mall in Gladstone is Little Saigon Plaza, a collection of American Asian-owned businesses. While many of the businesses are Vietnamese, such as Pho Tuoi, San’s Sandwiches and Broken Rice, there are also other cuisines represented, such as at Lotus Hot Pot & Grill and GoCha Tea & Beverages. It’s such a cool cultural corner of Kansas City.
Fox & Fire | 102 W Lawrence Street, Kearney
Get ready to come at me KC, because some of your best barbecue is in a tiny orange trailer, open only two days a week in Kearney. And though we don’t care what Texans think, one of Texas Monthly’s renowned barbecue critics agrees. I was skeptical when I first visited Andy Fox’s place on a spring Saturday, but one bite of his brisket — which doesn’t even need sauce — and you’ll agree. His barbecue is impeccable, his sides are stellar, and you definitely can’t skip the banana pudding, either. They’re only open on Fridays and Saturdays until sell-out, so plan accordingly.
Price Rite Market & Deli | 6400 NW Waukomis Drive, Kansas City
Some of my favorite spots are unassuming little places that are surprisingly good, and Price Rite is definitely one of those. Literally no visit to Line Creek is complete without it, and we always love to stop in after a hike for a slice (or two) of New York-style pizza as big as your face. Their sandwiches are also amazing, and they also have your standard gas-station fare and fresh produce outside.
Scott’s Kitchen and Catering at Hangar 29 | 11920 N Ambassador Drive, Kansas City
Some of the best barbecue is in the Northland, and I know them’s fightin’ words, but Scott’s can back it up. Located in an old rental car building near the airport, Scott’s Kitchen has impressive barbecue platters that will get you crossing the river more than you’re used to, though I am particularly a fan of his barbecue tacos.
Danny’s Burger Shack | 8002 North Oak Trafficway #107, Kansas City
I crave a good burger more than I care to admit, and Danny’s Burger Shack satisfies that craving better than most. Their perfectly crispy smash burgers are fantastic, though they also have some pretty excellent chicken sandwiches too, and their onion rings are a cult favorite.
KC Fresh Donuts | 5557 NW Barry Road, Kansas City
New York City often has their wild food crazes, and who can forget 2013’s cronut from Dominque Ansel Bakery in SoHo. Have I ever been to that bakery? Nope. But I’ve had that beautiful marriage of a croissant and a donut, thanks to Fresh Donuts off of Barry Road. I maintain that they have some of the best donuts in Kansas City — all of them, not just the cronut.
THINGS TO DO
Else-Wares | 414 Main Street, Weston
Get ready to be transported to old-world France with one step into Else-Wares, a beautiful antique shop on Weston’s main street. Owner Brittany Romero curates a special collection of vintage items and quirky art-filled finds. She specifically has a soft spot for the bar, so you can find beautiful barware, decanters and even the liquor to fill them at her shop. Check hours before you go — the shop is open the second weekend of the month, and sometimes more.
Mad Potter Studio | 525 Main Street C, Weston
Weston is known for many things — apples, whiskey, underground Irish pubs — but their cute downtown has a collection of really special shops. I’m partial to Mad Potter Studio, a ceramics studio located off of Main Street, right by the city fountain. Artist Pat Larsen makes beautiful pottery pieces that deserve a special spot on your shelf at home. Stop in next time you’re visiting Weston.
Line Creek Trail | 2699 NW 60th Street, Kansas City
Our family spends many beautiful days at Line Creek. We’re partial to the trail and the creek — we like to bike the whole path out to Sonic, and then hit the creek to cool off on our way back. The creek is great for dipping your toes and for kids to splash around and explore. You also can’t forget the Kansas City Northern Minature Railroad, a mini rideable train that you can hop on for only 75 cents a ride. They’re open May-September on Saturdays and Sundays.
Larry’s Nursery | 2501 NW Platte Road, Riverside
I spend a good chunk of my paycheck on plants, like any good millennial, and Larry’s is always my first stop. They have an awesome selection on houseplants, but also plenty of vegetable plants for your garden or beautiful landscaping plants. Their prices can’t be beat, either.
Weston Bend State Park | 16600 MO-45, Weston, MO
Speaking of Weston, if you’re looking for a great fall hike — or really, a great hike any time of year — Weston Bend can’t be beat. The bluffs provide beautiful overlooks of the Missouri River and there are so many different hiking paths to explore, and even two historic tobacco barns on the state park property.
Screenland Armour | 408 Armour Road, North Kansas City
We love an indie theater, and Screenland is a North Kansas City institution for a reason. The quirky movie spot runs new blockbusters but also old favorites and their bar is always coming up with themed drinks to coincide with their showings. Their theaters are on the smaller side, but it provides an intimate experience you don’t often get at some of the bigger cinemas. Don’t miss the 80s-themed bar in the basement or their outdoor summer series.
Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historical Site | 26600 Park Road North, Lawson
Watkins Mill is a historic Missouri state park, with a woolen mill on the property. But it’s also a feast of outdoorsy activities too, with paved bike trails, great camping, fishing spots and even a swimming beach. It’s a little out of the way, but you can easily spend all day here exploring the property.
