The Best Foodie Trails In Kansas City
Kansas City, Kansas, is home to two incredible foodie trails that I have fallen in love with. The BBQ and Taco Trail have won me over. My only regret, I did not have weeks to stay in the area to try them all. The good news is that I have several reasons to return. These are some of the best places to eat in Kansas City while in the metro area.
*Thank you to Visit KCK for hosting Todd and I in December of 2025.
Here’s a glimpse into what you can expect when you tackle these two trails.
The KCK BBQ Trail and KCK Taco Trail are both mobile-exclusive with no apps to download. Eat BBQ and tacos, earn points, and win prizes- it doesn’t get much better than that, does it?
Let’s start with two incredible BBQ experiences- Slap’s BBQ and Joe’s Kansas City KCK BBQ
Slap’s BBQ
553 Central Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66101
slapsbbqkc.com
Slap’s BBQ has been in KCK since 2014 and has won the locals over. Each year, the BBQ team competes in dozens of BBQ contests. It’s not uncommon to find a line out the door and to learn your favorite BBQ meat is sold out. With so many options to choose from, this is one of the best places to eat in Kansas City.
The menu is large and offers an abundant selection of meats and sides.
The best tip I have for you is to dine earlier in the day to avoid disappointment.
Joe’s Kansas City BBQ
The Original Gas Station Restaurant
3002 W 47th Ave
Kansas City, KS 66103
When you pull into the crowded parking lot at Joe’s Kansas City BBQ, find a parking place and join the line. The line may appear long, but let me tell you this- it’s worth every second you stand in line!
Many people travel hundreds of miles to indulge in the Z-man sandwich.
Now, you may be asking what the Z-man is. The Z-man sandwich consists of a slow-smoked beef brisket, smoked provolone cheese, topped with two crispy onion rings, on a toasted Kaiser roll.
Now, let’s talk about tacos. Let’s continue your foodie experience in KCK, taking you multiple places to enjoy tacos. The KCK Taco Trail will not disappoint. Todd and I found ourselves hopping from taco eatery to the next one.
We also found each stop to be very affordable. We did not spend more than $12 on tacos for both of us at each stop. You can easily plan your full day around eating tacos in KCK <— which I highly recommend.
El Camino Real
903 N 7th St Trfy
Kansas City, KS 66101
El Camino Real KC
We stopped into El Camino Real , in the downtown KCK area. We fell in love with the setting and delicious tacos.
I tend to be picky about Mexican rice, and I would return here for a plate of rice. The tacos are delicious with flavorful meat.
You won’t find cheese or sour cream in this establishment, but you will find a mouthful of delicious tacos!
Bonito Michoacan
1150 Minnesota Ave
Kansas City, KS 66102
facebook.com/Bonitomichoacanks
As soon as we stepped foot into Bonio Michoacan we quickly learned this was a local favorite.
The line was long, people were laughing and enjoying each other’s company, and the food looked amazing. We waited in line and sure enough, we had ourselves another winner on the KCK Taco Trail.
This dining establishment is not only a restaurant, but it’s also a grocery store.
If you are wanting to create your own authentic, Mexican dishes, they have you covered.
Carniceria y Tortilleria San Antonio
830 Kansas Ave
Kansas City, KS 66105
facebook.com/CarniceriaYTortilleriaSanAntionio
Carniceria y Tortilleria San Antonio is not only a full-service meat market, it’s also a restaurant featured on the KCK Taco Trail. We continued our goal of trying as many tacos as we could handle, this was our third stop and we were getting full.
For less than $10, we enjoyed tacos and rice- so good! You can shop for authentic Mexican goods and grab meat at the full-service meat counter for your next delicious meal at home. Do not overlook grocery stores, as they are often some of the best places to eat in Kansas City.
Most importantly, grab a package of freshly made tortillas for the road.
With two delicious foodie trails in Kansas City, Kansas, you will never struggle to find a delicious meal. Wear your stretchy pants, arrive hungry, and prepare to experience the variety of cultures and foods that make up Kansas City.
