Where to eat

Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque Come to one of three locations for burnt ends, ribs and sandwiches doused in Bryant’s special sauce. See reviews and ratings. [1] (816) 231-1123; arthurbryantsbbq.com [2]

Bo Ling’s River Market’s award-winning Asian restaurant offers a huge menu, plus seasonal specials. Try the dim sum. See reviews and ratings. [3] (816) 423-8036; bolings.com [4]

Classic Cup Cafe Country Club Plaza shoppers nosh on fluffy buttermilk pancakes, Thai chicken pizza and bread pudding with caramel sauce. See reviews and ratings. [5] (816) 753-1840; classiccup.com [6]

The Farmhouse Simple farm-to-table lunches (and brunches on weekends) star in the trendy River Market neighborhood. See reviews and ratings. [7] (816) 569-6032; eatatthefarmhouse.com [8]

Gates Bar-B-Q Staff greet customers with “Hi, may I help you?” before serving generous portions of signature pork ribs. Eat at six locations around the metro. See reviews and ratings. [9] (816) 923-0900; gatesbbq.com [10]

Jack Stack Barbecue A local chain (there’s one in Country Club Plaza) serves great BBQ and amazing baked beans. See reviews and ratings. [11] (816) 531-7427; jackstackbbq.com [12]

Lidia’s Kansas City North of Union Station, PBS TV chef Lidia Bastianich lends her name (and her recipes) to a menu heavy with authentic Italian fare. (816) 221-3722; lidias-kc.com  [13]

Michael Smith You can easily drop a bundle at the James Beard Award-winning chef’s restaurant, but his tender eight-hour pork roast and green-onion risotto are worth it. (816) 842-2202; michaelsmithkc.com  [14]

Succotash Indulge in plate-size pancakes, just-squeezed juices and fresh ingredients in an artsy setting. See reviews and ratings. [15] (816) 421-2807; succotashkc.com [16]