Nothing satisfies a morning craving quite like a diner.

Craving breakfast, but not entirely sure where to go for a meal that will have a resounding impact on you – or your stomach? Having deeply nostalgic moments where you want to dive, head first, into a space of yesteryear? Solve both of these incredibly different dilemmas by visiting a new-to-you diner in the Kansas City area!

While the days of Denny’s and Perkins have slowly dwindled, your shot at trying tasty breakfast items from local dine-ins in the area is consistently high quality. Many of our favorite diners in the area have actually been there for decades – some nearing a century. So if you’re looking for breakfast on a random weekday or want to try something super specific, here is our list of 8 nostalgic stops for a really delicious diner experience.

Plus, each spot is super cute and photogenic. Just in case you were wondering.

Kate’s Kitchen

If you live anywhere near the Northland in Kansas City, then you have undoubtedly heard of this super cute restaurant in a mid-sized strip mall on North Oak Trafficway. Kate’s Kitchen, tucked amidst Carlito’s and an Italian cookie shop, serves up budget-friendly breakfast and lunch options from 6:30am to 4pm during the week and 7am to 2pm on the weekends.

The inside feels like a Denny’s or Perkin’s, with a little less fanfare. Choose from flavorful menu items like salmon, chicken fried chicken, omelets, salads, benedicts, favorites from the griddle, and beyond. The cinnamon roll french toast platter is a fan favorite, as is the filling, sweet and savory stuffed french toast option.

Portia’s Cafe

Travel just east of downtown on Truman Road and you’ll wander into Portia’s Cafe, a family-run diner that is cute as a button. Known far and wide for their fried chicken dishes, their breakfast menu is where it’s at. Dive into their incredible biscuits and gravy or french toast dishes with a side of eggs or bacon.

If you happen to find yourself there later in the day, indulge in a truly juicy double cheeseburger, oven roasted beef sandwich, or the aforementioned fried chicken.

Kitty’s Cafe

Kitty’s Cafe is known for their thinly sliced tenderloins, fried in tempura batter and served multiple patties high. A tasty, crunchy method of cooking that is used on both catfish and chicken sandwiches as well, you won’t soon find something on the menu that isn’t amazing. The same goes for their (admittedly, limited) breakfast options, which include four loaded, egg-based sandwiches.

Make sure to take your cash, as that is all they accept at Kitty’s Cafe.

Opera House

In the River Market, there are many delectable dining options to choose from. However, the historic Opera House Coffeehouse is not only conveniently located across from the main entry to the River Market, but they offer delicious drinks, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and alcohol all day long at super affordable prices. Plus, they serve breakfast all day.

I like to wander in after 2pm and grab a half order of biscuits and gravy, just to laugh at everyone who can’t get breakfast this time of day. Their chicken salad sandwich and sweet potato fries are really well done too. I have tried every caffeinated beverage on their entire cafe menu, and have even started to branch off into their fresh pressed juices and smoothies. Their staff is kind, and the decor will entertain you infinitely.

Dagwood’s Cafe

If you are ever down by The Boulevard, consider swooping into this retro cafe that is just on the west side of the state line in KCK. One of two locations in the metro - Raytown is stop #2 - this tasty spot has been serving delicious breakfast and lunch options since 1938.

The outside is strikingly mid century modern, so it’s hard to miss. Inside, you’ll find some tasty - and filling - menu items, like the Double Decker Dag, a crispy breakfast burrito, and a Mexican omelet loaded with chorizo. Like any diner of the time, you can absolutely treat yourself to a piping hot bowl of oatmeal, a large cinnamon roll, or some classic corned beef hash – and you can do it for a reasonable price in a fun, historic spot.

Sunrise on 39th

If you want a true Mexican-inspired menu for your breakfast adventure, head to Sunrise on 39th, at 39th Street and Southwest Trafficway, Thursday through Tuesday, 7 am to 2 pm. Huevos Rancheros, Breakfast Sopes, Enchiladas, and Chilaquiles highlight the menu, alongside fruit, bacon, and a stacked turkey sandwich with Machego cheese.

If you aren’t in the mood for a Mexican meal, the Salmon Benedict was truly one of the best dining experiences I have had in a while, and they have a mess of incredible omelets to choose from. Grab a burrito if you’ve got some place to be, because it will travel best.

Eggtc.

A delicious, relatively spacious classic brunch dining experience can be found in South Plaza at the ever-so-cute Eggtc. A traditional eggs benedict might be up your alley, or a tasty breakfast egg sandwich, like The Belt or The Sunrise.

Many people like to take a turn through their tasty, decadent menu and try items like their lavish lobster or Apple and Creamy Goat Cheese Omelet, Crepe Mascarpone, Lemon Cream French Toast, or perhaps a Sriracha Chicken Fritatta. I have many friends who come back time and time again for the Buttermilk Biscuits and Chorizo Gravy and, having tasted it, I can’t blame them.
My most recent sweet tooth favorite? The Banatella French Toast. The Honey Cream Latte and Very Berry Pomegranate smoothies are also really worth an order!

City Diner

City Diner has been a staple in the River Market area since 1937, making it a beacon of sorts for the community. A reliable, tasty menu accompanies its legacy, with affordable pricing that is rarely seen elsewhere in the city. The biscuits and gravy are a classic, and the chicken fried steak and french toast are fan favorites.

I tried their breakfast tacos, and was especially pleased when they granted me the wish of having some gravy on the side to dip them in, alongside the delicious salsa.