Zoo Bites—The Best Restaurants Near the Kansas City Zoo
LC's Bar-B-Q
More than just a restaurant, LC's Bar-B-Q is one of the most prized BBQ pits in all of Kansas City. While the interior is no frills, the traditional BBQ food is smoked to perfection. The restaurant focuses all of its energy on food, and every plate leaves patrons wanting to come back. While every dish is worth a try, LC's burnt ends are probably the most popular dish here. Classical BBQ items can also be enjoyed here, like smoked brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. This BBQ pit has been operating for nearly 40 years, making it a hit across generations.
Waldo Thai
Should you want a break from BBQ and southern cuisine, Waldo Thai is an excellent choice. This restaurant was voted as the best Thai food in Kansas City, and for good reason. Waldo Thai offers classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai and Papaya salad, but you will also find exciting and exotic offerings. The Tiger Cry Beef and ThomKhem are such examples. No matter which you choose, you can rest assured knowing that Waldo Thai prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients to ensure a flavorful punch with every bite.In addition to its food, Waldo Thai has an impressive bar selection. The bar master fuses tradition into exciting new concoctions.
The ambiance is warm, welcoming, and a little bit chic. This makes it the perfect restaurant to end a date day at the zoo. As its name implies, the restaurant is located in Waldo, about a 15-minute drive from the zoo.
Go Chicken Go
If you're new to Kansas City, I am pleased to introduce you to Go Chicken Go. This family-owned operation has become so successful that it now boasts 6 locations across the KC area, including one that is only a ten-minute drive from the KC zoo.As their name implies, Go Chicken Go specializes in southern-style fried chicken. While the fried chicken is amazing, you'll find offerings that aren't available in your standard chain. A gizzard and liver basket is available for those who value nutrient-dense meat with bold flavors. While the chicken is fantastic, don't forget to try their amazing sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw. The atmosphere is fast-food-like, making it a great spot to grab a quick meal on the way to the zoo.
Char Bar Smoked Meats & Amusements
If you're feeling a bit carnivorous after your time at the zoo, you can't go wrong with Char Bar Smoked Meats & Amusements. The restaurant prides itself on being "Kansas City's House of Meat," and it easily achieves that goal. The food at Char Bar could be described as part BBQ, part southern comfort. You will find lots of BBQ classics such as brisket and pulled pork. The menu also boasts exciting new offerings on the menu, like Brisket Cheesesteak and the Burnt Heaven sandwich.Beyond the meat-filled menu, Char Bar also offers "amusements." The outdoor beer garden is one of the largest in KC, and is full of fun activities like bocce ball, corn-hole, and ping-pong. Regulars of the beer garden proudly refer to themselves as "Charbarians".
Char Bar is located in Old Westport, about a 15-minute drive from the zoo.
Grünauer
Should you need a fix for that old-world craving, Grünauer specializes in Central European cuisine. From German to Polish to Viennese, Grünauer brings the best of Central Europe to Kansas City. The Chefs love creativity and trying new things. As such, the menu is frequently changing at this eatery. While you are likely to always find some kind of sausage-wurst and schnitzel, the menu can look quite different from season to season. The interior resembles a "gasthaus" like atmosphere, which will make you feel like you're in the middle of the Austrian Alps.Grünauer is located on the southern edge of downtown, making it about a 20-minute drive from the zoo.
