Location: Independence
Top Restaurants in Independence
Top Things to do in Independence
Missouri, United States Food Guide: 10 American food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Independence
Discover Restaurants offering the best American food in Independence, Missouri, United States. Independence is the fifth-largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri. It lies within Jackson County, of which it is the county seat. Independence is a satellite city of Kansas City, Missouri, and is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. In 2010, it had a total population of 116,830.
Things to do in Independence
10. 54th Street Grill & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 122 reviews
54th Street was founded in Kansas City, MO by Thomas E. Norsworthy in 1989. He envisioned a place that would accommodate a consistently crowded dining room as well as a lively bar crowd, while offering the quality food and drinks that exceed national chai
Reviewed By Les R
We loved everything about this place! Great decor...an army of hard working servers and staff...service is fast...good menu selection at very reasonable prices....We liked this place so much we ended up going twice on one weekend...we had GREAT Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches...good burgers and fries...and awesome blackened salmon and steamed vegetables...the salmon dinner came from great bread and an awesome honey butter...only negative was the Caesar salad was bland...can't wait to go back!!!Thank you Les R for the wonderful comments! We always appreciate a kind guest with the appreciation of our quirky decor. Hopefully on your next visit we can find a solution with our Caesar Salads and make your experience a 5 for 5!! Can't wait to see you again soon!!
9. Court House Exchange
Overall Ratings
4 based on 125 reviews
Located below street level, the rock walls, wooden bar, and fixtures lend the bar a cozy feel. Pop in for a hearty bite to eat or a cold drink with friends. The Court House Exchange serves some of the best sandwiches in town. Try our burgers & fries, the
Reviewed By TheSuperPaul
Unfortunately this quaint place on the Independence Square has gone downhill. The last two trips there got progressively worse and not sure now if we'll go back again.Service is always friendly. Atmosphere is neat and feels historic. The food, however, which is what you're likely going to go there for, has really become a disappointment. Luke warm and salty are not what one thinks about when describing a great meal. We also tried their new spinach artichoke 'dip' that was 80% spinach and 20% cheese that wasn't even melted well. This was so thick you couldn't eat it with the (salty) chips because they'd just break. We had to send it back and let them try again, same result so a no go.The tenderloin platter is probably the best thing on the menu but watch out for the, you guessed it, salty green beans.This used to be a great place with great food so I don't know if it's new people cooking or what but it's a shame what it has become.
8. First Watch
Overall Ratings
4 based on 93 reviews
First Watch specializes in delicious creations freshly-prepared to order. Their fresh, award-winning Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch dishes are made using only the best ingredients without the use of heat lamps or deep fryers. The best part is their creative
Reviewed By Miles Y
I was swooned by the unique ingredients that really had such great taste! We started off with the kale tonic drink (kale, English cumcumber, Fuji Apple and lemon)-simply refreshing! And the unique Mediterranean drink (beets, tumeric, Orange, lemon juice) [as pictured] And for the meal we had the âhashâ which included the most soft well cooked potatoes, chorizo, eggs, and a sauce of chipotle, avacado,cheese and sour cream! Such good mix of hearty food (husband enjoyed it) and I had avocado toast side of eggs with the Floridian French toast- Served with Home made jam and seriously great maple syrup!!! [also pictured]. Almost forgot the best part- âmillion dollar baconâ! I love me some maple brown sugar with lightly sprinkled black peppers! Yep a winner If I do say so! You Wonât be disappointed if you like the finer things in life and have great taste! And the price is what you get ( :) grand) so expect at least $10 a plate, $4 for drinks. P.s- the name is kinda weird ( thought it was a religious cafe at first)
7. Hereford House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 325 reviews
Hereford House is one of Kansas City's legendary steakhouses. Great food, casual atmosphere, superior service and reasonable prices. Voted Kansas City's Favorite Steakhouse!
Reviewed By barkus1968
This restaurant is located next to the Hilton Garden Inn. It shares space. I was looking for dinner. After wandering in and looking around - I chose to just have a drink at the bar and dinner elsewhere. It looks more formal from outside. The bar menu was standard. Itâs an odd outdated looking place.
6. Smokehouse Barbecue - Independence
Overall Ratings
4 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By Heidi B
Some of the BEST bbq in the region. We always take our visiting friends from out of town here and everyone loved it! Great short ribs. Yesterday, I had their brisket. Husband had bbq chicken tender & flavorful. Delicious, no fatty parts and tender. Order sweet potato fries or onion rings. Their baked beans are awesome. Nice atmosphere too and the help are friendly and give great service. Now they deliver too with GrubHub.
5. Corner Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 331 reviews
There has always been a small restaurant at the âCornerâ in Riverside, Missouri. Enter Ed & Kathi Rule. They had never been in the restaurant business before, but they always felt they knew what good food was all about. It began on May 15, 1983, when they
Reviewed By MJKC_11
Having visited this restaurant more than 100 times, a noticeable difference has taken place in the last few months. The menu hasnât really changed since the cleverly decorated country restaurant opened years ago. But, the food quality has. Breakfasts have less taste, and the fried chicken is not as good. Evening hostesses have little personality. The last time we were there we listened to a loud server with a piercing voice complain to the hostesses that she didnât want anyone else seated in her sectionsâ-she was too busy. If eating thereâ-stick to the good salads and desserts!I am sorry to hear about your experience. We seek to offer great food and great service to each guest and clearly your visit was not what we strive to deliver to our customers. If you would be willing to send your contact information to [email protected], we would like to further address the issues you experienced.
4. Vivilore
Overall Ratings
4 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By JocoKathy
This place is so unique! There is nothing like it in the Kansas City area. And unless you Google "best restaurants in Independence, MO" you would never know it existed. This is a family run business...brother and sister...and they do it right. The atmosphere is cozy, warm and inviting. The food is fantastic every time I have been here. My faves are still the crab cakes and their New England Clam Chowder. This week they had Fettucine Alfredo as one of the lunch specials, and it was truly one of the best Fettucine Alfredo's I have ever tasted. I ordered mine with grilled chicken; my friend ordered hers with salmon. Both were delicious. And save room for dessert because it is worth the calories. Lemon marscapone cake is yummy. Take time to walk off some of the calories you ingested by walking through the huge antique/gift shop that is several stories tall above the restaurant. And in the summer take a stroll through the immaculately planted and decorated gardens out back. If it is nice out, eat outside and enjoy the beauty of the gardens. It's lovely! This place is perfect in every way! It is a dining experience that you are sure to enjoy!
3. A Little BBQ Joint
Overall Ratings
4 based on 478 reviews
Reviewed By Robin B
We went for lunch and shared a pulled pork sandwich, fries and beans. The pork was delicious. They have three types of sauce on the table. The beans were good as well. The problem was with the fries. When then came out they were cold. When we mentioned that to the server, instead of just bringing more fries, she told my husband to take his sandwich off the plate, whisked away the plate and didnât come back for ten minutes. He had to place a paper towel on the table for his sandwich. He also forfeited his pickle, which was on the plate. By the time the fries eventually came out, he was done with his sandwich. While the fries were very good, but it would have been nice if they were served correctly the first time. Still, I think the barbecue here is good and would definitely return.Thanks for leaving us a review, Robin. We appreciate all your feedback-good and bad about the fries- because we will use the information to continue to improve our guestsâ experiences! Hopefully we will have the pleasure of serving you again soon.
2. Ophelia's Restaurant & Inn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 253 reviews
Overlooking the historic Independence Square, Ophelia's offers an infusion of cultural flavors in an eclectic American menu. The steaks, seafood, duck, and lamb are a few of our guest's favorite items. Layers of flavors contribute to all of the dishes we
Reviewed By KeldCNielsen
Not that many restaurants around when we were looking for a good quality meal. Ophelia's sure delivered. The food was excellent and the service perfect. It was not very busy that evening and I hope the get sufficient business stay open. Would come back again!
1. Webster House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 292 reviews
Webster House is one of Kansas City's most unique destinations offering remarkable dining and a distinctive shopping experience. Dine in the award winning farm-to-table restaurant while taking in the spectacular views of downtown, and Liberty Memorial. Br
Reviewed By AVGTXN
Monday lunch. Webster House is a great location for a business lunch, a wedding, or another special event. We all enjoyed our fresh salads and sandwiches, but four people for lunch ran $90 with no alcohol. The downstairs is a women's clothing store, and the upstairs is the restaurant and meeting rooms. Free street parking or a garage across the street. Attentive service.
