Kansas City Recommendations

Book a dinner reservation on the Plaza for Friday! It's my favorite spot in Kansas City and right next to your hotels.

Prime Social: Doesn't accept reservations, but it's one of our very favorite restaurants on the plaza. Taylor Swift has been sited here before fyi! It also has a rooftop restaurant that offers small bites and cocktails but is pricier than downstairs.

Eddie V's: Elegant fine-dining chain with a seafood & steak menu, plus a cocktail lounge featuring live jazz.

Jack Stack: the best BBQ on the plaza (though our very favorite KC bbq is Joe's KC and Q39 which is a bit further away).

Gram & Dunn: This lively restaurant features elevated American comfort food with a twist. Enjoy a welcoming ambiance and a great selection of cocktails.

The Capital Grille: An upscale steakhouse offering an exceptional dining experience with dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine selection. Perfect for special occasions or refined meals.

Joe's Kansas City BBQ: A must-visit for authentic Kansas City barbecue, Joe’s is famous for its mouthwatering brisket, ribs, and the iconic Z-Man sandwich. Don't forget to grab some of their delicious sides! This was our favorite BBQ spot growing up! Side note - this is located in a gas station.

Q39: Known for its award-winning barbecue, Q39 offers a modern twist with a menu featuring smoked meats, gourmet sandwiches, and fresh sides. The casual yet vibrant atmosphere makes it a great spot for lunch. This is a relatively newer spot (i.e. it didnt exist when Libby was growing up in KC), but it has become a tie for Libby's 1st place vote for KC BBQ (alongside Joe's Kansas City). There are two locations, make sure you pick the closer one!

The Mixx: Located right off the Plaza, The Mixx is a healthy salad spot offering a variety of create-your-own salads. It’s the perfect option if you’re staying at The Raphael and want to enjoy the outdoor shopping area.

Plaza: An outdoor shopping mall featuring a variety of shops and restaurants. Enjoy scenic views and beautiful architecture while strolling through the iconic district. If you like shopping, walking, and lunching, I'd plan to spend your Saturday afternoon here.

Pickleball at Chicken N Pickle: A fun restaurant with pickleball courts, cornhole, shuffleboard, and ping pong. Make reservations in advance! It’s a great Saturday daytime activity since the wedding isn’t until 5:30 PM.

Workout Classes: While both hotels have complimentary gyms, here are nearby workout options for fitness aficionados: Core Power Yoga (2 min)

Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (a stunning collection of art in a beautiful setting and free admission) or explore Union Station (a historic train station with shops, dining, and a science museum) for those interested in art & KC culture.

I'd recommend either going to the Plaza or Power and Light District for night life!

Plaza: Granfalloon (dive bar), Odowds (dive bar), Gram & Dunn (cocktail bar)
Power and Light District: McFadden's (sports bar), & Johnny's Tavern (sports bar)