Working on this list.

Brookside/Waldo…
- Julian: Delicious dishes are whipped up from local ingredients and served with love, either in the charming dining room or on the lovely neighborhood patio. Sunday night
Family Dinners are a major favorite, and the award-winning chef tweets the
daily specials to keep all of their followers well-informed. 6227 Brookside Blvd, KCMO 64113.
CHECK - The Roasterie: This local coffee roasting company now has two coffee shops, but their flagship cafe in Brookside is our favorite.  They also sell their roasts at many spots around town, and you can even visit their website to create your own custom roast! 6223 Brookside Blvd, KCMO 64113.
- Blue Grotto: They specialize in artisan, handstretched pizzas, but their antipasto platters
are a must, to start. 6324 Brookside Plaza, KCMO 64113.
-Glace: The deliciousy icy brainchild of the local chocolate-genius, Christopher Elbow, Glace offers refreshingly unique flavors like goat cheese with honey, salted pretzel and blueberry cream cheese (in addition to some classic favorites). I recommend adding espresso to the venezuelan spice chocolate for the best affogato you’ve ever had. 4960 Main Street, KCMO 64112.
- Bon Bon Atelier: this charming shop is run by a darling set of sisters who have a whimsical taste and a love for all things crafty. They have a great selection of craft and design books, patterns, designer fabrics and sewing notions. It is my go-to spot for gifts for my girlfriends or clients. 314 Westport Road, KCMO 64111.
- Murrays: They make their very own ice cream in-house each week, and I have honestly never tasted anything better. The Creamy Lemon and One Drunk Monk (coffee + frangelico = amazing) are my favorites. 4120 Pennsylvania Ave, KCMO 64111.
- Beer Kitchen: McCoy’s younger, hipper brother is just across the street.  Their “make your own” mac and cheese is amazing… add ingredients such as spinach, shitake mushrooms and truffle butter.  My personal favorite is the Vegetarian Shepard’s Pie, but everyone I know who has been there gives the whole menu rave reviews. 435 Westport Road, KCMO 64111.
- Bluestem: With a plush lounge on one side and a bright dining room on the other,
Bluestem is good for both fancy cocktails with friends or a romantic dinner with someone special. They serve “progressive American cuisine”, and I have never been disappointed. 900 Westport Road, KCMO 64111.
- Urban Mining Homewares: Set up like an antique mall, with individuals stocking their own separate booths, this space is a well-edited collection of vintage and antique items, and I can’t EVER walk out of there without buying something. 3924 Walnut Street, KCMO 64111.
- Mash Handmade: Adorable handmade goods for your home that are brought to you by a mother/daughter dynamic duo! 3900-A Pennsylvania Ave, KCMO 64111.
- Pot Pie: Their menu is written on the wall in chalk because it changes often, and some of my faves are the delicious spinach and brie tart and of course, their chicken pot pie. 904 Westport Road, KCMO 64111.
Crossroads Art District/Downtown…
- Filling Station: located in the nearby Union Hill neighborhood, the folks at the Filling
Station serve delicious quiche, pastries, and Oddly Correct coffee that is locally roasted to perfection. If the weather is nice, be sure to sit outside on one of the best patios in town. 2980 McGee Trafficway, KCMO 64108.
- I Love You Shop: Located in the middle of Hammerpress, this two-chair hair studio also offers a small retail selection of apothecary items and foodstuffs that can’t be found anywhere else in Kansas City – a somewhat strange, yet lovely twist on the traditional General Store.
- Succotash: You’ll know it when you drive up by the giant, hot pink chandelier hanging just outside the door… in my opinion, this is the most delicious breakfast spot in the
city. Funky decor, friendly servers and an amazing chef who is happy to pop out of the kitchen to sip coffee with the regulars. 2601 Holmes, KCMO 64108.
- You Say Tomato: Just a few blocks down from Succotash, You Say Tomato is another little cafe that will blow your socks off. They serve fresh and seasonal menu items, and also
have a great little market section where you can buy organic and locally grown produce and other products. 2801 Holmes St, KCMO 64108.
CHECK - The Cashew: A three story bar and restaurant with amazing sangria and garage-style windows that are open in nice weather… they also have a great event space upstairs and
offer catering for parties and such. 2000 Grand Boulevard, KCMO 64108.
CHECK - Christopher Elbow: This local chocolatier has expanded his “sweet” business by opening up a second store in San Francisco, and last summer he grew again to add the local artisan ice cream shop, Glace, to his offerings. 1819 McGee St, KCMO
64108.
CHECK- The Rieger: In a beautiful historic building that was once a hotel, The Rieger, describes itself as “A Kansas City Classic brought forward in time.”  The original tile floor and fixtures give it an old-world charm and they claim that their food celebrates the bounty of our region… having just tried it for the first time, I can say that it truly does just that.  1924 Main Street, KCMO 64108.
- Manifesto: This modern speakeasy is a secret to some, but a regular stop for others. It’s a bit tricky to get in (it’s tucked away in the basement of The Rieger), but once you do, you won’t want to leave.  It’s a cozy spot that serves unique prohibition-era cocktails, and in order to get your name on the list, you’ll have to text the owner.
- Skyline Salon: On the fourth floor of the old Abdiana “high-rise”, this salon has floor-to-ceiling windows that face the heart of downtown. The stylists stations are made from reclaimed wood (by The Utilitarian Workshop) and they also carry a handful of styling
products and locally made clothing and accessories in their in-salon boutique. 2001 Grand Blvd, KCMO 64108.
- Speak Salon: It’s got walls decorated with “speech bubbles” and has several skylights and windows, which means that these ladies have lots of inspiration to draw from. Old hardwood floors add lots of character to this otherwise modern space with fantastic stylists. 327 1/2 Southwest Blvd, KCMO 64108.
- Nick Carter & Co.: Quirky collectibles for your home, handpicked by Mr. Carter, himself.
They always have fun new curiosities to look through, and anytime I stop in, I have to use every ounce of self control to not leave with new art for our home. 3410 Main St, KCMO 64111.
CHECK - La Bodega: By far, the best place in town for delicious and unique tapas dishes and the choice of either red or white sangria. A super spot for happy
- Spool: This tiny, yet action packed shop specializes in “non-cookie-cutter looks for
the current ladies” and carries various local designers such as Decoy Lab and Early Jewelry. 122 West 18th St, KCMO 64108.
CHECK- The Westside Local: a menu full of locally grown food (some of the produce comes straight from the ground outside of the restaurant) and a beer garden that is perfect for sitting outside and sipping brew on a nice day. The parmesan garlic fries are to die for, and the “localities” are perfect for munching. 1663 Summit St, KCMO 64108.
CHECK- Bluebird Bistro: Organic. All-natural. Sustainable. Local. They’ve got it down to a science, but the space is so warm and friendly that you’ll feel like you’re dining in someone’s home. 1700 Summit St, KCMO 64108.
- Fervere: The handcrafted bread baked in Fervere’s brick oven rivals any other I’ve ever had. The olive rosemary bread is bay far, my fave, but you’ll have to act fast because they are only open Thursday through Friday and they close each day after they have sold out of their delicious loaves. 1702 Summit St, KCMO 64108.
- Fud: A fairly new addition to the KC restaurant scene, Fud specializes in vegan, vegetarian and raw dishes.  They offer creative cooking classes, as well, but whether you go to learn or just to dine, you’ll need to bring some bills because it’s cash only. 813 West 17th Street, KCMO 64108.
- Lill’s on 17th: This casual, yet initmate dining experience, is a favorite for local dog-lovers… the owners welcome patrons to bring their pup, so that both can enjoy tasty treats and exceptional customer service.  Reservations are recommended, and be sure to check the website for their seasonal hours. 815 West 17th Street, 64108.
West Bottoms…
- R Bar: Stepping into this restaurant is like going back in time…a rustic saloon-style bar with live music, and the best cocktails in the city (be sure to try the Saint Marguerite). They serve delicious seasonal food that is artfully prepared, and at dinner they bring savory funnel cake with spicy dipping sauce to munch on while you wait for your food. 1617 Gennesee, KCMO 64102.
CHECK - Good Juju: A healthy mix of vintage, antique, and mid-century items including furniture,
clothing, art, unique home decor, fresh flowers, architectural findings and ”assorted nonsense.” 1412 West 12th Street, KCMO 64101.
- Foundation: A full service architectural resource center specializing in the reuse of architectural antiques and salvaged building materials from classical to modern. This is
treasure hunting where most of the hunt has been done for you. 1221 Union
Ave, KCMO 64101.
- Jerry’s Woodsweather Cafe: A truly greasy spoon, Jerry’s was voted having the best Reuben in town and their biscuits and gravy are said to be divine. 1414 West 9th St, KCMO 64101.
River Market…
- Urban Dwellings Design: By far, one of the most well-curated retail spaces in town, the sisters who own this shop have made it feel like you are stepping into a friends home when you arrive. They also offer custom interior design services, write for the local newspaper and keep an informative and inspiring blog. 412 Delaware St, KCMO 64105.
CHECK- The Farmhouse: this charming restaurant is located in the middle of the urban River Market, but it has a very cozy country feel. Their fresh from the farm menu and wide
variety of comfort food does not disappoint. 300 Delaware St, KCMO 64106.
CHECK- Le Fou Frog: A quaint little bistro with authentic French food and a fabulous outdoor dining space. This spot is a local favorite and the menu is peppered with unique dishes such as kangaroo and ostrich. 400 East 5th St, KCMO 64106.
CHECK- Happy Gillis:  technically in Columbus Park, this cafe & hangout has a relaxed atmosphere and some of the most amazing lunch/brunch options around.  With soups like Szechuan carrot and Maple-Pumpkin with chile de arbol and sandwiches like the chorizo + carmelized onion frittata melt, you practically HAVE to order a few and share with friends.  549 Gillis Street, KCMO 64106.
Other Areas…
- Habitat Shoes: by far, the most well curated selection of shoes in the city. They also carry some apparel and fabulous handbags, but you’ll have to drive to the suburb of Leawood to find them. 4569 West 119th St, Leawood, KS 66209.
CHECK- Oklahoma Joe’s: featured on Travel Channel Anthony Bourdain’s 13 places to eat before you die, OKJ’s is located in a gas station convenience store but their BBQ is fingerlickin’ good. Best french fries in town. 3002 West 47th Ave, KCK, 66103.
CHECK- El Patron: Is it time for a margarita yet?  Head to El Patron and your newest amigo (and the owner of the space) Arturo, will give you a friendly greeting and lead you to your cozy booth.  This family-owned spot for tasty Mexican cusine is a little off the beaten path, but it’s delicious menu and hip atmosphere is absolutely worth it. 3063 Southwest Blvd, KCMO 64108.