Kansas City Food: The 5 Best Meals in KC under $10

Delicious food does not have to be expensive. Visit these 5 locations for a culinary experience that will not break the bank.

As the Kansas City food scene continues to grow, so do the price points. A dinner-date for two can easily add up to over $100 now a days. I have no problem paying more money for a great culinary experience, but I have always believed that expensive food is not necessarily always the best, and that some of the best food can be relatively cheap. I am definitely not a food elitist, but I also know good food when I taste it. I am not afraid to call bullshit when a meal is overpriced, and for that reason I give you the 5 Best Meals in KC under $10:

1. Town Topic Hamburgers | 2021 Broadway, Kansas City, MO

When one thinks of the “best burger” some might envision a culinary masterpiece consisting of a mango habanero chutney or a triple-stacked venison and boar burger. Show stopping burgers now a days consist of rare ingredients and overzealous flavor combinations. For those of us who appreciate a simpler burger, there is Town Topic Hamburger. This burger is going to satisfy that carnivore sensation you have been having but leave some money in your wallet. Town Topic has been serving burgers for over 75 years and they have mastered the art of culinary simplicity. You can order yourself a single cheeseburger, fries and a Coke and come in at a whopping $8.65.

2. Vietnam Cafe | 522 Campbell Street, Kansas City, MO

Vietnam Cafe. Photo by @kansascityfoodiefinds

With the recent cold weather plaguing Kansas City (low 20’s in April?!), a giant bowl of Pho sure does hit the spot. One of my favorite spots to frequent is Vietnam Café. A very dear friend of Laos decent introduced me to Pho about five years ago. When I moved back to Kansas City in 2015 I went on the hunt for a delicious bowl of Pho and everyone kept pointing me in the direction of Vietnam Café. The hard work and tradition that goes into making Vietnam Cafe’s pho is exuded in every spoonful of flavor. At $7.25 for a bowl of combination pho, it is an absolute steal. But make sure to arrive early or expect to wait because Vietnam Cafe is a very popular place on the weekends.

3. James Tacos on Wheels | 299 S. 10th Street, Kansas City, KS

James Tacos on Wheels. Photo by @kansascityfoodiefinds

Tacos! I myself divide tacos into two categories: traditional and fusion. Both are absolutely delicious, but they fall into different categories. You cannot compare an al pastor taco to a black, mole octopus taco garnished with three different types of radishes (that taco can be purchased at Jarocho Authentic Mexican Seafood, but that is for a different story). Although many will have a difference in opinion, James Tacos on Wheels near 10th and Kansas is my absolute favorite place for traditional street tacos. I always order the tacos al pastor and they have yet to fail me. Be warned, this location does not give you an option of condiments. They come fully garnished with onion, cilantro and a spicy, green salsa. Once the al pastor meat is cut off the trompo, it is thrown on a grill for an added outer crispiness. James Tacos on Wheels does sell their tacos a little pricier than most traditional taco places, but at $2 a taco, it is a great bargain.

4. The Corner Cafe | 8301 N. Flintlock Road, Kansas City, MO

If you are familiar with the Northland, you might know this next location. The Corner Café in Riverside has been an iconic figure for over 35 years. This is not going to be your trendy brunch location serving up mimosas and Bloody Marys. What The Corner Cafe is serving up is home-style cooking in large portions. When you walk into The Corner Cafe you will be welcomed by the fresh smell of baked goods and sweet, older ladies ready to fill up your stomach with a hearty meal. At $7.59 my favorite meal was the Biscuit Topper: an open-faced biscuit topped with a scrambled egg and sausage gravy with a side of bacon, sausage links or patties.

5. Joe’s Pizza Buy the Slice | 4058 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, MO

Joe's Pizza. Photo by @kansascityfoodiefinds

If you have ever stumbled drunk out of a bar in Westport, you are probably familiar with our next location. Joe’s Pizza Buy the Slice is one of my favorite locations to visit after a day, or night, of adult beverages. At $3.16 for a slice of pepperoni, you will definitely subdue your drunk eating desires. Pro Tip: Make sure to put honey on your pizza. I repeat, put honey on your pizza.

I hope you have enjoyed my list of great meals in KC for under $10. Make sure to follow me on Instagram at @KansasCityFoodieFinds for more great food recommendations.

Cheers,

Benjamin Fuentes