1019 E 63rd St, Kansas City, MO
Baba is a master of the hits. This casual Palestinian American deli serves sumac-topped falafel and hummus with a rich, spicy flavor. Don’t forget the fridge case. It is filled with both traditional and new dips, combining Midwestern dairy zeal and Palestinian flavors. There are only a few seats, but they go fast, so it’s well worth the wait to get one. A bakery adjacent to the restaurant serves rotating desserts on weekends (such as pistachio-rose cinnamon rolls and Qatayef).
Gladstone, MO 7319 N Oak Trafficway
The Italian Sausage Co, which has been in operation for only five years, is already a leading deli both in terms of Italian and modern cuisine. As you might expect from the name, the sausages are all made in-house—but so is almost everything else, from the Russian dressing on the massive Reuben to the fresh, seeded bastone loaves slathered with lemon basil pesto and ribboned with cold cuts. For those who are new to the restaurant, they should try the #22, an iced sandwich made with pastrami salami burrata garlic aioli and olives soaked in red wine chili oil. A second shop will open at the River Market in spring. While the original is located 15 minutes away from downtown. Are you here to watch a game or event? Their sausages are also available at Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium, where both the Chiefs (Chiefs) and Royals (Royals) play. Arrowhead will host the World Cup Games in 2026.
901 Kansas Ave, Kansas City, KS
If you had unlimited stomach space and could visit multiple places on the “Taco Trail” in Kansas City, Kansas, then that would be ideal. If you can only have one taco, El Pollo Rey is the best choice. You only need to choose between grilled chicken and hot wings. It’s not necessary to make a choice; you will probably choose both. The chicken here is Sinaloa-style—citrus-marinated and charred on a wood-fired grill—and served with soft corn tortillas, pickled onions, and a cold blender salsa. The hot wings come with as many tortillas and a vinegar-forward, prickly sauce. El Pollo Rey doesn’t have the only Sinaloa style chicken on the Taco Trail, but the only one still cooks it over hickory.
