Neighborhood Guide: Westside Part 1
A guide to eating and drinking your way through KC’s wonderful Westside– a neighborhood so full of life & great eats, that we’re splitting it into two parts.
Photo by Anna Petrow
The Westside, just west of the Crossroads, is one of the oldest neighborhoods in KC. With such a large footprint, this guide focuses on the North end of the vibrant neighborhood that has staked claim to some of the best food and shopping the city has to offer.
Photo by Anna Petrow
Bluebird Bistro | 1700 Summit Street
Focused on local and organic food, Bluebird Bistro has been a mainstay in the Westside for years. You can get your fix seven days a week, but I’m partial to Saturday morning breakfast (try the Trout & Eggs). While the menu is packed with high-quality local meat, it’s also vegan-friendly. Everyone will find something to love at Bluebird Bistro.
Photo by Kelly Bunch
Chez Elle Creperie and Coffeehouse | 1713 Summit Street
If you’re ready to be whisked away to France, but you can’t quite make that happen, Chez Elle will fill the Paris-shaped void. Choose from sweet or savory crepes–I recommend the Le Jardin (spinach, artichokes, sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, provolone cheese, and creme fraiche) or the Paris (Nutella and banana topped with whipped cream). You’ll feel like you’re in the city of love in no time.
Clay & Fire | 815 W 17th Street
Nestled in a historic home on a hill, Clay & Fire focuses on near-Eastern foods cooked over a live fire. Try the award-winning C&F Grandma Pizza or the Khachapuri, which is a Georgian cheese bread they refer to as “the original stuffed crust.” This might just be the coziest restaurant in town.
Photo by Anna Petrow
Goat Hill Coffee & Soda | 811 W 17th Street
Pop into Goat Hill’s bright and welcoming shop for an artisan coffee or house-made soda–or both with The Goat, an espresso soda that can be served sweetened or unsweetened. The vibes are always high and the staff is always friendly and ready to mix up one of the seasonal drink specials.
Los Alamos Cocina | 1667 Summit Street
What started as a grocery store in 2001 evolved over time to serve food, eventually transitioning fully to a restaurant in 2019. Huevos rancheros and chilaquiles are beloved breakfast items, and people line up on weekends for menudo, a traditional Mexican soup. When you’re craving authentic Mexican food, Los Alamos Cocina is always a good call.
Photo by Anna Petrow
The Westside Local | 1663 Summit Street
Seasonal American dishes grace the menu at Westside Local, a neighborhood restaurant known for its farm-to-table offerings. The grilled cheese with tomato soup and fries is as pure as comfort food comes and the kale salad (add salmon!) is, arguably, the best in the city. Join on a cold winter night or take advantage of the outdoor beer garden on warm summer days.
Triune | 1656 Washington Street
Steven Blakely, the brains behind Sauced, an urban burger stand in the Crossroads, opened Triune in 2024 after being presented with an opportunity to design his own space in the former Screenland Theater building. Triune specializes in combining the beauty of small plates, great service, and its patrons into a unique dining experience. The Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Triune Smash Burgers have become favorites among a solid menu.
Westside Storey | 1701 Summit Street
We’re beaming with Kansas City pride (we’re Made in KC after all), so we love a spot with city spirit! If you’re searching for the perfect team gear, Westside Storey should be on your list. New and vintage goods line the shelves at this Westside staple. Even Taylor Swift is in the know–she famously wore a vintage Chiefs sweatshirt she purchased from Westside Storey to a game to cheer on KC’s favorite tight end.
Photo by Anna Petrow
XO | 709 W 17th Street
Immerse your senses with a hifi listening experience, fresh cocktails, natural wine, and a small plates menu curated by James Beard nominated chef Johnny Leach. The small bar will delight audiophiles with its well-curated vinyl collection that covers decades of musical greatness.
Photo by Anna Petrow
Yoli Westside and Lonchería | 1668 Jefferson Street #100
Yoli, the 2023 winner of the James Beard Award for outstanding bakery, was born from a mission to recreate the Sonoran-style tortillas from co-founder Marissa Gencarelli’s hometown in Mexico. Now, Yoli products can be found throughout the city and shipped nationwide, but the best place to try them is at the source. Yoli Westside and Lonchería features burritos, tamales, and baked goods to showcase their famous tortillas.
Photo by Anna Petrow
Zero Zero | 1702 Summit Street
With a commitment to quality ingredients, Zero Zero (a nod to the type of flour used in their recipes) has mastered authentic Italian pasta. You can find their pasta in their Westside shop or at local farmers’ markets. If you want a fun date night, sign up for one of their cooking classes so you can recreate the magic at home. And–hot off the press–they just received their liquor license and plan to start offering aperitivo and dinner service this spring.
Photo by Anna Petrow
Fetch | 1659 Summit Street
If you’ve been to Fetch before, you may think we have them in the wrong guide! But the shop that spent 7 years in the West Bottoms has recently moved to the Westside. Full of new and vintage gifts, Fetch is not only the place to grab essentials like “grilled cheese” beanies and Patrick Mahomes prayer candles, but it’s also an outspoken mainstay for community inclusivity. We love to see it.
rOOTS KC Plant Shop | 818 W 17th Street
“Cool plants for cool people” is how the Oots family describes their shop. You’ll find plants for green thumbs and novices alike, including pet-safe and low light options. rOOTS KC’s Westside location is the first of three spots for this woman-owned plant shop. You can also find them in Zona Rosa and the River Market.
T/LUX | 814 W 17th Street
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a whole-body wellness center in the neighborhood, but the Westside hit the jackpot. Female founded, T/LUX offers custom-designed therapies to help clients feel their best. Acupuncture, IV therapy, and weight management are just a few of the available offerings.
Fairway Creamery | 809 W. 17th St
Fairway’s favorite ice cream shop now has an outpost in the Westside. The founders grew up for many years in the neighborhood, and are excited to be back scooping up sweet treats just in time for warm weather! Don’t miss out on the ice cream sandwiches, too.
