The best restaurants in Independence

BBQ joint serving hickory-smoked ribs, pulled pork & comfort sides in rustic surroundings.

214 NW Hwy 7 (Blue Springs)

Simple chain spot offering American diner fare & all-day breakfast, including signature waffles.

1500 NW Woods Chapel Rd (Blue Springs)

Large family-friendly buffet restaurant offering Chinese dishes, Mongolian barbecue & sushi.

4400 S Noland Rd

Casual restaurant offering American dishes and a variety of entertainment options.

1012 SE Blue Pkwy (Lee's Summit)

Compact, busy strip-mall venue for traditional Japanese sushi, sashimi, salads & hot entrees.

12841 W 87th St Pkwy (Lenexa)

Fast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast.

10704 Shawnee Mission Pkwy (Shawnee)

Classic pit stop with carhops serving house-brewed root beer, hot dogs, burgers & sandwiches.

700 East 23rd St S

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

740 NW Blue Pkwy (Lee's Summit)

Easygoing, family-owned mainstay for classic BBQ, with unique car-themed decor & an outdoor bar.

1101 W US Hwy 24

Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.

951 NE Coronado Dr (Blue Springs)

Vibrant restaurant featuring crispy tacos, enchiladas, fajitas and margaritas.

3681 S Noland Rd

Casual noodle shop serving customizable bowls of ramen and teas, delivered by robots.

2650 SW State Rte 7 (Blue Springs)

Upscale restaurant in a restored castle featuring a menu of American fare and a wine list representing over 20 countries.

12401 Johnson Dr (Shawnee)

Old-fashioned diner with a train theme serving American breakfasts, burgers & soda-fountain treats.

13803 W 63rd St (Shawnee)

Fast-food chain specializing in frozen custard & signature burgers made with Midwest beef & dairy.

1275 SE Oldham Pkwy (Lee's Summit)

Modern, stylish restaurant serving Kansas City-style BBQ, whiskey flights & gourmet brunch.

13214 W 62nd Terrace (Shawnee)

Relaxed, family-friendly eatery featuring familiar Mexican fare, plus beer, wine and cocktails.

1414 NW Hwy 7 (Blue Springs)

Warm, low-key eatery serving seafood, burgers & salads plus an oyster bar, cocktails, wine & beer.

1672 NW Chipman Rd (Lee's Summit)

Casual spot crafting Japanese dishes alongside a menu of made-to-order, all-you-can-eat sushi rolls.

6010 Nieman Rd (Shawnee)

Fast food chain restaurant serving Hawaiian plate lunches including chicken, pork, and mac salad.

11600 Shawnee Mission Pkwy (Shawnee)

Family-friendly chain serving homestyle American classics such as chicken-fried steak & pot pie.

5800 Broadmoor St (Mission)

Sunny spot decorated with folk art & offering both casual & more elaborate Middle Eastern fare.

12275 W 87th St (Lenexa)

Chain offering a broad American menu & drinks in a relaxed setting with kitschy, eclectic decor.

815 SE 3rd St (Lee's Summit)

Cozy lake vibe burger joint offering sandwiches and craft beers, plus a gift shop.

1803 NE Colbern Rd Ste B (Lee's Summit)

Homey Italian trattoria with a menu heavy on pasta & veal, plus old-world wines.

12801 E US Hwy 40

Casual breakfast spot for omelets, pancakes and other staples as well as lunch and dinner fare.

1255 SW US, SW State Rte 7 (Blue Springs)

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

455 NE Coronado Dr (Blue Springs)

Casual Salvadoran fare like pupusas, tamales & fish tacos are featured at this compact eatery.

5921 Merriam Dr (Merriam)

Local cantina chain serving classic Mexican dishes & margaritas in a relaxed setting.

13000 W 95th St (Lenexa)

Easygoing chain serving familiar all-day comfort food & desserts in a woodsy setting.

4053 Little Blue Pkwy

Sophisticated American restaurant with a courtyard, plus an adjacent antique store & art gallery.

10815 E Winner Rd

Casual venue with TVs for watching sports and a patio, serving burgers, wings and beer.

1020 NW Pryor Rd G (Lee's Summit)

Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.

5880 Antioch Rd (Merriam)

Cozy eatery offering classic American plates, including steak and fried chicken, as well as a patio.

2061 NW Lowenstein Dr (Lee's Summit)

Casual, kid-friendly restaurant with cocktails, burritos, fajitas,, and a selection of beers and wines.

2003 NW Hwy 7 (Blue Springs)

Casual chain, with wine-tasting stations specializing in American cuisine.

540 NW Chipman Rd (Lee's Summit)

Huli huli chicken and other Hawaiian eats are on the menu at this fast-food joint with a casual atmosphere.

4030 S Noland Rd

Chain offering a broad American menu & drinks in a relaxed setting with kitschy, eclectic decor.

1307 SW State Rte 7 (Blue Springs)

Chef J BBQ hand-slices hickory-smoked brisket, burnt ends, ribs, sausage, and turkey, plus house-made sides like Hickory Pit Beans and…

1401 W 13th St Ste G (Kansas City)

Whether you're plotting a linger-y weekend or sneaking a midweek treat, The Farmhouse serves a seasonal, farm-to-fork menu that actually…

300 Delaware St (Kansas City)

Slow-smoked on old-school offset smokers with oak and hickory, Wolfpack BBQ & Burgers turns out tender brisket, pulled pork, and…

910 E 5th St (Kansas City)

Craving real-deal al pastor or carne asada that tastes like it came off a Mexico City sidewalk cart? Tacos Borrachos keeps it lively with…

10049 W 87th St (Overland Park)

From Yoder Smokers and Napoleon gas grills to drum smokers, pizza ovens, fuels, rubs and sauces, and even American Wagyu, American Fire BBQ…

342 SW Blue Pkwy (Lee's Summit)

Flapjacks 'n More is your Overland Park standby for signature stacks, airy waffles, crepes, savory omelets, and hearty breakfast skillets,…

7552 W 119th St (Overland Park)

Since 1972, Hayward's Pit Bar B Que & Catering has been stoking 100% hickory fires and keeping Johnson County happily sauced with…

10901 W 75th St (Shawnee)

Born in a converted gas station and still taking the high road for over 20 years, Pizza 51 keeps it simple with pizza, salads, sandwiches…

5060 Oak St (Kansas City)

Casual restaurant dishing up generous portions of Vietnamese fare, including pho and crab rangoon.

1447 Independence Ave #135 (Kansas City)

American bar & grill chain where diner classics & cocktails meet quirky entertainment.

3700 Broadway Blvd #110 (Kansas City) · ✓ checked Aug 4

Upscale burgers & fries star at this American option with an industrial vibe & patio seats.

11 E 14th St (Kansas City)

Chain dishing up Hawaiian plates such as chicken and huli huli pig, plus Dole Whip, for takeout.

6957 W 75th St (Overland Park)

Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

9501 Quivira Rd (Overland Park)

Casual, welcoming, music-themed eatery serving smoked meats and barbecue plates, such as brisket and pulled pork, alongside brunch…

1815 W 39th St (Kansas City)

Sizable New York–style pizzas are served along with sandwiches & craft beer at this old-school spot.

1815 Wyandotte St (Kansas City)

Low-key counter-serve eatery dispensing simple Mexican eats, including tacos, burritos & tortas.

10450 Metcalf Ave (Overland Park)

Cozy counter serves up Italian staples including pasta, pizza & panini in a laid-back setting.

1809 Westport Rd Ste 200 (Kansas City)

Upscale burgers & fries star at this American option with an industrial vibe & patio seats.

4038 W 83rd St (Prairie Village)

Vietnamese restaurant offering stir-fries, hot pots & noodle dishes in a minimalist setting.

6597 N Oak Trafficway (Gladstone)

Well-known spot for inventive Mediterranean tapas in lively, festive digs with a streetside patio.

1900 Main St (Kansas City)

Modern counter-service chain serving Baja-style tacos & other Mexican eats, plus beer & margaritas.

8909 W 95th St (Overland Park)

Local hangout with stone-baked pizzas, cocktails, and a range of craft beers.

4000 Indian Creek Pkwy (Overland Park)

Prime cuts of beef, seafood & a large wine selection offered in an elegant, clubby setting.

11616 Ash St (Leawood)

Relaxed restaurant serving healthy, plant-based takes on comfort-food classics.

4853 W 117th St (Leawood)

Casual spot with a car-garage vibe serving burgers (inc. unusual varieties), wings, nachos, fried pickles, onion rings, fries, chicken…

7111 W 95th St (Overland Park)

Farm-to-table American fare & rye cocktails served in a stylish, urban-farmhouse setting.

10551 Mission Rd (Leawood)

Fine-dining-style establishment offering classic steakhouse fare, cocktails & a big menu of sides.

8901 Metcalf Ave (Overland Park)

Chain restaurant serving steaks, seafood & cocktails in an upscale lodgelike setting.

6601 W 135th St Ste A9 (Overland Park)

Food truck, and later restaurant, featuring tacos and other classics from Mexico, plus a patio.

3029 Southwest Blvd (Kansas City)

Mall-based spot with a lengthy menu of pub grub & comfort foods plus weekend brunch & full bar.

5501 W 135th St (Overland Park)

Neapolitan-style wood-fired pies pair with craft cocktails & beers on tap in a hip, casual space.

412 Delaware St A (Kansas City)

Rustic Italian dishes by a James Beard award-winning chef in a casual setting with warm interiors.

1901 Baltimore Ave (Kansas City)

Latin American menu featuring tacos, tamales and birria; plus friendly service.

225 N 7th St Trfy (Kansas City)

Breakfast-&-lunch joint drawing weekend crowds with hearty American eats & a hip, quirky vibe.

2601 Holmes St (Kansas City)

Offbeat eatery boasts a market-driven menu in a pared-down dining room with local art on the walls.

1719 W 39th St (Kansas City)

Buzzy venue serving innovative American cuisine in a swanky but warm setting with patio seating.

600 Ward Pkwy (Kansas City)

Casual joint serving fried chicken and waffles in a variety of combos, along with loaded fries.

431 Westport Rd (Kansas City)

Easygoing bistro & bar turning out wood-fired rotisserie chicken & Southwest-inspired dishes.

13505 Metcalf Ave (Overland Park)

Italian chain eatery featuring Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, plus pasta & sandwiches.

9928 College Blvd (Overland Park)

Casual, modern Mexican counter serve offering tacos, burritos, bowls & enchiladas to order.

8617 College Blvd (Overland Park)

Burgers and other casual grub in an informal bar that's especially known for its chicken wings.

10911 MO-45 (Parkville)

Chain eatery & bar serving a diverse menu of classic Italian fare in a family-friendly setting.

10586 Metcalf Ave (Overland Park)

Semi-upscale chain for classic Italian fare served family-style in a relaxed, polished space.

7025 W 135th St (Overland Park)

Casual restaurant offering large portions of Italian fare, including baked rigatoni and fettuccine Alfredo.

3102 S 24th St (Kansas City)

Relaxed pizza shop offering Detroit-style pies and East Coast slices, along with beer.

415 Westport Rd (Kansas City)

Charming Italian eatery serving up pasta standards and pizza in a cozy, family-owned space.

7933 Marty St (Overland Park)

Barbecue is eaten at communal picnic tables in this no-frills roadhouse joint with live blues.

1205 E 85th St (Kansas City)

Family-friendly venue with pickleball courts and other games, plus a casual restaurant.

5901 W 135th St (Overland Park)

Vibrant, colorful venue pairs Spanish tapas with wine, with sidewalk seating & happy-hour deals.

703 Southwest Blvd (Kansas City)

Pizzas, handhelds & salads served in a laid-back destination with an industrial vibe & beer on tap.

7932 Santa Fe Dr (Overland Park)

Relaxed BBQ pit stop for slabs of ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, meat by the pound & sides.

11723 Roe Ave (Leawood)

Warm restaurant offering a changing menu of seasonal plates, plus beer, wine & cocktails.

2506 Holmes St (Kansas City)

Comfort-food truck dishing up burgers and fries, plus tacos and empanadas.

2976 Gillham Rd (Kansas City)

Fast-casual restaurant offering tacos and burritos in a relaxed setting with a patio and a bar.

7308 W 119th St (Overland Park)

Modern, Italian-inspired restaurant in the Crestwood Shops featuring focaccia and a curated wine list.

323 E 55th St (Kansas City)

New eatery serving up a variety of pies, along with salads.

2203 Lexington Ave (Kansas City)

Contemporary steakhouse meals are paired with cocktails, wine & craft beer in a fashionable setting.

4800 Main St Ste G-001 (Kansas City)

Creative Japanese restaurant featuring a moving sushi belt and sushi trains, plus a robot server.

200 W 47th St (Kansas City)

Buzzing destination providing artisanal sausages & meats, plus breakfast & lunch offerings.

9645 W 87th St (Overland Park)

Popular chain offering a variety of tacos including Korean BBQ and Hawaiian shrimp, plus a drive-thru.

12180 Blue Valley Pkwy (Overland Park)

Counter-serve barbecue joint specializing in smoked, dry-rubbed meats & classic sides.

4615 Indian Creek Pkwy (Overland Park)

Busy, no-frills counter serve offering locally-sourced burgers & hand-cut fries, with patio seating.

1019 Armour Rd (North Kansas City)

Bustling local chain known for its vast barbecue menu encompassing steak & seafood.

101 W 22nd St (Kansas City)

Celebrated upscale spot for Northern Italian dining in a glitzy locale with blown-glass chandeliers.

101 W 22nd St (Kansas City)

Homestyle American breakfast & lunch served in a laid-back setting with country-western decor.

9946 W 87th St (Overland Park)

BBQ & Southern eats with a modern twist in a big space with a retro vibe & beer garden with games.

4050 Pennsylvania Ave (Kansas City)

Elegant eatery focusing on farm-to-table fare (cheese cooked in-house) and cocktails, all served by warm staff.

1601 Oak St (Kansas City)

Casual eatery serving Mediterranean staples, such as gyros and shwarma, plus dips, falafel and kabobs.

8039 Santa Fe Dr (Overland Park)

Family restaurant serving tacos, enchiladas & margaritas also offering take-outs & catering.

11741 Metcalf Ave (Overland Park)

Industrial-chic food court with diverse eateries & outdoor tables on a grassy lawn.

7313 W 80th St (Overland Park)

Japanese dining offering sushi & cooked dishes, some prepared at the table by performing chefs.

6792 W 135th St (Overland Park)

Country-chic eatery in a 1907 building with a terrace plating rustic meals & BBQ dishes.

2143 Summit St (Kansas City)

Italian & Greek comfort food like pizza, gyros, falafel & wings in a basic counter-serve joint.

3834 Main St (Kansas City)

Modern, clubby restaurant featuring sushi & Japanese tapas, plus fancy mixed drinks.

101 E 14th St (Kansas City)

Casual restaurant with eclectic decor serving smoked burgers, plus cheesesteaks & hot dogs.

1610 W 39th St (Kansas City)

Modern German plates in a posh space accented with dramatic lighting & contemporary art.

1911 Main St (Kansas City)

Homey Italian tavern offering classic cuisine in a large dining room with an old-school vibe.

9950 College Blvd (Overland Park)

Popular all-day breakfast joint offering eggs benedict & pancakes with locally-sourced ingredients.

4921 W 119th St (Overland Park)

Established, old-school eatery making classic Italian fare such as ravioli & chicken parmigiana.

6863 W 91st St (Overland Park)

Japanese fare, including sushi and wagyu burger options, served in a stylish setting featuring communal tables.

334 E 31st St (Kansas City)

Eatery featuring reimagined favorites, wine pairings and takeout options.

3931 W 69th Terrace (Prairie Village)

Chicken and milkshakes chain where diners choose the spice level of their orders.

9097 Metcalf Ave (Overland Park)