Is Everyone In Kansas City Irish?

Browne's Irish Market - A K.C. Treasure

What is one of the biggest holidays in Kansas City?  Anyone who lives here will tell you it's St. Patrick's Day.  With a huge parade through the heart of town and big celebrations throughout the city, the entire area turns into a sea of frenzied green on that festive day.

If one of your favorite parts of St. Patrick's Day in Kansas City is eating Irish food, consider trying Browne's Irish Marketplace.  Through St. Patty's Day, they are offering a traditional Irish breakfast for $12.95 which includes rashers (bacon), bangers (sausages), eggs, potatoes, tomatoes, Irish soda bread, toast, coffee, Bewley's tea, and orange juice.  They also have several yummy holiday lunch choices like corned beef and Irish potato soup.  

Located at 3300 Pennsylvania, Browne's is only a block away from the St. Patrick's Day parade route, so it is a perfect place to start your holiday fun or to grab a bite to eat after the parade.  Even better, on St. Patrick's Day, Browne's is providing a large outdoor heated tent, live Irish music and dancers, bagpipers, a children's Irish village with inflatables, games, vendors and a bar for the crowds that are sure to be in the area. They will also be open expanded hours on Saturday, March 16, and Sunday, March 17.

Opened in 1887, Browne's Irish Marketplace is a Kansas City cultural and historical treasure.  Walk through their doors, and it feels like you have stepped back in time a hundred years (in a charming way).  At its current location since 1901 and still run by the family of the original owners, the worn oak planks on the floor creak as you step inside and try to absorb everything crammed into the store and on its walls (even in the bathroom).

The main room consists of an old-fashioned meat counter, tables and chairs for dining, and shelves of various Irish gifts and packaged foods.  If you decide to pop in at Browne's you will notice many "regulars" occupying seats in the eating area.  That's because their deli has such tasty food - and by the way, their egg salad sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies are delicious.  

Besides the main room, Browne's has expanded so there are now several more rooms stuffed to the rafters with Irish hats, home decor goods, kilts, hoodies, scarves, baby clothing, and so much more for the person who wants or needs anything Irish!

Browne's Irish Marketplace is usually only open through lunch, but once a month, they host "Third Thursday" and offer an Irish dinner, cold beer and live music from 5-9 p.m.  In June, they also host a street fair event.  

Whatever you decide to do for St. Patrick's Day, be safe, have fun, and consider checking out Browne's Irish Marketplace for a fun, tasty and traditional Irish holiday experience.

KC BBQ Is A Scrumptious Food Choice At Kansas City's First Fridays

Brisket Sandwich w/chips, pickle and drink

Heading to Kansas City's Crossroads District for First Fridays is a great way to spend an evening...a little art, a little entertainment, and some really good food.

But what has made First Fridays even better over the last year or so are the numerous food trucks that are now allowed to set up shop (you can find them all at approximately 21st and Wyandotte) and serve anything from tacos to snow-balls.

On one recent trip to First Fridays I decided to try the offerings of the KC BBQ truck.  First of all, it was hard to miss.  It was a huge red truck with flames on the side.  But what really drew me to them were the free pulled pork and brisket samples they were handing out - yummy!

The KC BBQ Truck At First Fridays

As I ravenously checked out their menu, not only were my taste buds pleased with their delicious "teaser" meat samples, my nose was happy as well.  Coming from their truck was the irristible smell of fresh smoked meat.

On the menu that evening was either a pulled pork or brisket sandwich with chips and a pickle for $7 or a rib basket with either potato salad or coleslaw for $8.

They also offered several kinds of soda, bottled water and frozen lemonade.  The side items by themselves (potato salad and coleslaw) were $2.

Lots of BBQ Sauces To Choose From

I ordered the brisket sandwich with chips, and it was delicious.  I also had my choice of four different BBQ sauces - mild, sassy, zesty and hot.  Additionally, they had onion and pickle slices available to top off their sandwiches.

After I wolfed down my food, I told the gentlemen working on the KC BBQ truck how much I enjoyed my meal and that I was going to write about them in my blog.  They were nice enough to answer questions about their business and give me a tour of their truck.

Inside The KC BBQ Food Truck

When I stepped inside, the first thing I noticed was how clean it was.  I also noticed that besides a full kitchen, they had two built-in smokers in the truck.  And when they opened those smokers, the smell made me want to eat all over again.

I also learned that KC BBQ has been catering for aproximately eight years.  They work most First Fridays, state fairs, and cater for many special events in the area.

Imagine How Good This Smells!

I found their brisket to be juicy, flavorful and a choice I would make again.  They also stressed to me they only make and serve what they call "honest food."  That means their premium cuts of meat are minimally processed, the rubs they use are MSG free, they don't believe in using fillers or "mystery solutions" to enhance taste, and they only use fresh, natural ingredients for all of their dishes.

So, with First Fridays coming up again at the end of this week, if you find yourselves in the Crossroads and hungry, consider giving KC BBQ a try.  I don't think you'll be sorry, and you might even find yourself heading back for more!

 

KC BBQ at the Crossroads

Unk's Burgers In Lee's Summit Is Serving Up Some Tasty Patties

A Traditional Unk Burger With Seasoned Fries

A flavorful burger, old-fashioned hospitality and reasonable prices are what I discovered when I recently visited Unk's Burgers in Lee's Summit.

I decided to try Unk's after I repeatedly kept hearing people say, "You've got to go there.  They have one of the best burgers in town," and for the most part, I agree with that statement.

Opened in November 2011 by Jesse "Unk" Mack, what makes the burgers different at this family-run establishment is onion and seasonings.  Unk's Burgers adds onion and a special seasoning mixture directly to their hamburger when they make the patties so that their unique taste is infused into the entire burger - not just added to the outside of the patty while it cooks.

That being said, onion haters do not fear.  They will make your hamburger without onion if you request it that way.  As for the seasoning, I really liked it, but if you are not a person who likes a heavily seasoned burger, Unk's Burgers might not be your favorite.

Serving It Up At Unk's Burgers

I also enjoyed the personal service I received as soon as I walked into the restaurant, which felt a little like walking into a basement rec room converted into an bright urban diner.  I was greeted warmly by one of Unk's family members who happily explained their menu and took my order.

When I was done eating, it was "Unk" himself who rang me up at the register.  He seemed genuinely interested in my dining experience there and what I had to say.  He also seemed appreciative of my business, and with a friendly smile, he welcomed me back to "his place" anytime.

As far as the menu, the selection was not huge, but it didn't need to be. They have their regular and double burgers along with a couple of specialty burgers which include the Sweet Auntie Burger, (topped with bread and butter pickles) and the Bodacious Baked Bean Burger (which drips with homemade turkey baked beans.)

Besides the regular toppings for your burger, they also have some more non-traditional choices like blue cheese, fried egg or fried pickles - if you feel adventurous.

Inside Unk's Burgers

Additionally, if you want to try something other than a traditional burger at Unk's you can order the turkey burger, chicken sandwich (grilled or fried), garden chicken salad or the juicy chicken tenders.

There are also a variety of side items to choose from including two kinds of fries (seasoned or sweet potato), and two kinds of onion rings (beer battered or peppercorn).  I tried the peppercorn onion rings, but they were a little bitter for my liking.

Most of the main entrees are priced from $4.79 - $5.99,  and the majority of the side items cost $2.79, so you could easily eat there for $10-$12.

I would recommend Unk's Burgers as a new place to try.  My personal favorite burger in Kansas City is still Hi-Boy's junior double cheeseburger, and in my opinion, Unk's burgers did not beat that, but Unk's was still pretty tasty and worth checking out if you happen to be in the Lee's Summit area.

Unk's is located in the Summit Shopping Center at 240 NW Oldham Parkway.  Their phone number is 816.600.2277.  Their hours are:

Unk's Burgers In Lee's Summit

11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday


11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday


Closed on Sunday

Where Can You Find One of the Best Tenderloin Sandwiches in Kansas City?

Small tenderloin sandwich with onion rings from Pop's Cafe

Pop’s Café Serves Up One Tasty Tenderloin Sandwich

When I heard that Pop’s Café in Independence had one of the best tenderloin sandwiches in Kansas City, I was skeptical.  After all, the place is a tiny, nothing-to-look-at diner next to what looks like a no-tell motel on 40 Hwy in Independence.

Never the less, I decided to give it a try, and boy, am I glad that I did.  The tenderloin sandwich was hand-breaded, delicious, and best of all, not greasy.  I actually had a choice of either a small tenderloin for $5.79 or a large one for $6.79, and both are served with lettuce, pickle, onion, mayo, and horseradish. 

The sandwich normally comes with chips, but there are also several other side-item choices including french fries, steak fries, tater tots or onion rings for a slight upcharge.

What pleased me further was that, although not fancy, this family-owned restaurant was clean, and the service was quick and friendly. 

Even better, I discovered that for a small place, Pop’s has a decent menu selection including several other sandwich choices, burgers, dinners, breakfast, daily specials, and homemade pies. 

On the day I was there, the place was packed, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the food and old-fashioned diner experience.  Plus, everything that came out of the mom-and-pop kitchen looked homemade and smelled wonderful.

So, not only will I be going back for another tenderloin soon, I will be going back to try some of their other menu offerings as well.  

If you're looking for an inexpensive place to find a great tenderloin, Pop's Cafe is the place to go.

Pop’s Café is located at 15014 E US 40 Hwy in Independence, with the following hours:

Mon-Fri: 6:00AM-8:00PM

Sat: 6:00AM-8:00PM

Sun: 7:00AM-4:00PM

Pop's Cafe in Independence