FCS: Best of 2023
The opening of a new terminal at Kansas City International Airport not only defined 2023 in KC, it will define this city for generations to come. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
Published December 21, 2023
Here we are once again! Somehow, some way, this time of year manages to always sneak up on me. 2023 came, it’s here, and soon enough, it will be gone.
Ever since I started disKCovery, I have wrapped up the year by releasing a set of Fountain City Superlatives (FCS) that were unique to me and my annual experience. This “Best Of” is always special for me because it’s a recap of my year as I recount the best things I tried in a given year that were NEW TO ME.
However, for those of you who have been following this year’s journey, 2Q23 has not been like other years. After broaching a variety of topics in 2022, this site existed with a nearly singular focus this year as I took a deep dive into Kansas City barbeque.
I had such tunnel vision in that regard this year that for a moment, I considered not keeping this tradition alive. After all, in visiting nearly every barbeque joint in this city this year, there were a number of things I missed out on.
Some of the superlatives of past years editions just would not be possible this year. Having just published two editions of FCS about barbeque, I nearly punted on this altogether.
But then, I was reminded of what this particular article has always been about. It’s about reflecting my own path of discovery and taking a moment to remember where this year took me.
So, there are a few staple categories missing that I hope to bring back in 2024. There are a few new ones here that may not make the cut in another year. This is, after all, about capturing the essence of the 2023 that I enjoyed.
In naming my “Best of 2023” it does not necessarily mean that this was the best thing in that category for the year. It does not mean that it is brand new to Kansas City. It means that of all the things in _____ category that I enjoyed for the first time in 2023, these were the best of those things.
2023 took me to a LOT of barbeque in Kansas City, but fortunately, it took me to a number of other great things as well. It is my hope that this list will similarly encourage you to get out there and try something new!
Rewind Video and Dive breaks the norms of a typical speakeasy concept, which is what makes it so fun. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
Best Bar - Rewind Video and Dive
410 Armour Road, North Kansas City, Missouri
In recent years, speakeasies have become all the rage in Kansas City as more places open up concepts that pay homage to this city’s Pendergast Era. In 2022, Screenland Armour chose to take a stab at the concept but did so in a way that, while shockingly familiar, was altogether new. Located under the historic movie theater (with a back alley entrance), Rewind Video and Dive is a speakeasy in a sense that it’s a hidden bar. Like many speakeasies, it is underground and it is a throwback to a time passed us by, but that’s where the similarities end. It combines the nostalgia of a small town video store (and yes, they do rentals!) with the basements that many Gen Xers and Millennials remember. So go ahead, order a cocktail off their DVD jewel case menus and grab a seat on the couch to battle your friends in N64’s Goldeneye and enjoy a few hours back in the 20th Century.
Worth A Mention: Jim’s Alley Bar
Best Barbeque Joint - Made for KC Barbecue Experience
Kansas City International Airport, Concourse B, Kansas City, Missouri
The legwork needed to complete Kansas City’s one-and-only “BBQ Bible” this year took me to all corners of the metro and to at least 25 new-to-me BBQ joints. It is definitely tough to determine which one goes down as “best” so instead, I focus on the one that I considered most important. Of all the local flavors that our new terminal chose to incorporate, the most significant is the Made for KC Barbecue Experience. In partnership with the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), Outstanding Hospitality Management (OHM), created a barbeque restaurant concept that celebrates our competition circuit. Every year, local barbeque teams compete for the right to operate this space for one year. For the 2023 year, that was the Smoke ‘n Magic team out of Grain Valley, Missouri. Beginning in March of 2024, they will hand over the space to O.G.Bandits BBQ of Oak Grove. A prime restaurant location in our airport that celebrates the American Royal’s history and gives up-and-comers a chance to compete and share their barbeque flavors with the world? This is the essence of what Kansas City’s barbeque community should always be about.
Worth A Mention: 3Halves Brewpub & BBQ AND Branding Iron BBQ
Vine Street Brewing Co. made history as the first black-owned brewery in the state of Missouri. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
Best Breakfast Spot - Pegah’s Family Restaurant
11005 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas
Pegah’s Family Restaurant has been around for over 25 years but like many, the cozy Kansas chain of family restaurants was thrust onto my radar by none other than Chiefs’ running back Isiah Pacheco, when local news outlets heavily documented his affinity for the spot during last year’s playoff run. What diners can expect to find when they walk into any of Pegah’s locations is fast, friendly service and super affordable, tasty Midwestern breakfast and dinner staples. Known for their skillets, Pegah’s also offers a wide variety of both sweet and savory breakfast plates that are sure to satisfy. It’s their skillets for which they are best known. Perhaps what makes Pegah’s one of my favorite breakfast spots is that their breakfast menu is served all day, well into the evening. No matter the time of day, a hearty breakfast, and perhaps a chaser of one of their wide varieties of cakes and pies, is sure to satisfy.
Worth A Mention: Big Belly’s Italian American Kitchen
Best Brewery - Vine Street Brewing Co.
2010 Vine Street, Building 2A, Kansas City, Missouri
Opened in the summer of 2023, Vine Street Brewing is not just the first craft brewery in the historic 18th & Vine neighborhood, it is by all accounts the first black-owned brewery in the entire state of Missouri! Reclaiming the once-abandoned Street Department building on Vine, the brewery has transformed the limestone building into a gorgeous, massive space that it shares with another restaurant concept. Given their roots, diversity and inclusion are at the center of what Vine Street Brewing hopes to accomplish, and that commitment is ever-present in their offerings. The eclectic line-up of beers has included a wide range of European, Latin American, American, and different regional styles that ensures there is always something for everyone at one of KC’s newest microbreweries.
Worth A Mention: Servaes Brewing Company AND Limitless Brewing
A commitment to quality ingredients makes the burger at Harp Barbecue very special indeed. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
Best Burger - Harp Barbecue
6633 Raytown Road, Raytown, Missouri
In doing a deep dive into Kansas City barbeque in 2023, I never imagined that I would also find one of my favorite burgers in the city. When offered, that’s exactly what the burger at Harp Barbecue is. It’s one of the best in the city! As far as burgers go, the Harp edition is rather straightforward and simple, but the quality of ingredients is what sets it apart. A hefty, juicy, smoky patty of ground beef brisket is grilled and topped with Deli style American cheese, house-made pickles, and a secret sauce that feels like Thousand Island but almost has a smoky Chipotle flair. Served on a perfectly, toasted, soft sesame seed bun, this is the archetypal burger. In recent months, the sandwich has gone from being a regular daily offering to more of a weekly special. It can be tough to pass on Harp’s mouthwatering barbeque but if you have the chance to try this burger, don’t even hesitate.
Worth A Mention: The Spot
Best Cocktail Spot - Verdigris
5245 W. 116th Place, Leawood, Kansas
From the outside, Verdigris does not look like much. It appears to be just another storefront in another suburban Kansas shopping village. Through those doors however lies a chic, posh, and dare I say, swanky, cocktail lounge that is sure to dazzle any first-timer. The bottle selection behind the bar alone is enough to grab your attention. Taking their name from the greenish patina that can form on metallic antiquities, the choice of tealish-green walls and ceilings with bright brass highlights throughout seems quite appropriate. As expected, Verdigris does offer an incredibly wide selection of wines and spirits and a phenomenal cocktail program. Every cocktail is well-built and exactly what one would expect in a spot like this. But perhaps what makes Verdigris so special is their accessibility. Oftentimes, the best cocktail places can seem intimidating but that is far from true at Verdigris. Personable and skilled mixologists combined with a smartly-segmented menu makes this a place where anyone who enjoys good spirits can find something they like and feel right at home.
Worth A Mention: Gael’s Public House
The Spicy Mayan Mocha from Café Corazón is a nice balance of spicy and sweet. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
Best Coffeehouse - Café Corazón
110 Southwest Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri
As a person who adores local coffeeshops, it can often be difficult to keep up with the ever-growing number of them. The derivative nature of many of them often discourages trying new spots. However, places like Café Corazón are always a reminder of why such discovery is important. The incredibly popular Crossroads shop stands apart from all other shops in the city because of the fusion of Indigenous, Latin American, and South American influences. These flavors feature in their menus and offerings in a way that no other coffee shop could hope to replicate. To date, I have found nothing in this city, or elsewhere, quite like Café Corazón. Of specific note, their latte flights and mocha flights are a fun way to sample that which they do best. For me, the Spicy Mayan Mocha, spiced with ancho and chipotle chilis is a very special treat. And even if you are not a coffee drinker, never fear. Their variety of smoothies, hot chocolates, teas, sodas, and yerba mates should be enough to get any person through the door.
Worth A Mention: HITIDES Coffee
Best Donuts - Big Daddy’s Donuts
801 E. North Avenue, Belton, Missouri
With locations in both Belton and Raymore, Big Daddy’s Donuts is an old-school neighborhood donut shop. Open as early as 5:00am daily, they are the perfect spot to drop in before work whether grabbing your own breakfast or a few boxes for coworkers. As the name implies, the pastries, and the variety itself, are quite “big”. Every kind of donut you can imagine is sure to be available. A known destination for their blueberry cake donuts, cronuts, and apple fritters, what really stands apart is their maple bacon donut which, in this writer’s opinion, is the very best version of that treat in the city.
Worth A Mention: Hana’s Donuts
The variety at Big Daddy’s Donuts is rarely matched. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
Best Event - 2023 NFL Draft
Union Station - Kansas City, Missouri
For the National Football League, their 2023 season picked up right where the 2022 season left off. In February, NFL media and tens of thousands of fans descended on downtown Kansas City as the Chiefs’ celebrated their second title in four years. Then, less than three months later, they both did it again as Kansas City was home to the 2023 NFL Draft. Transforming the beautiful facade of Union Station into the largest stage this city has ever seen, downtown Kansas City served as the backdrop as 259 football players learned what NFL team they would play for. In the weeks leading up, Kansas City really was the center of the sports world. It was not uncommon to turn on ESPN or NFL Network and find Pro Football Hall of Famers talking about their favorite places in Kansas City to grab a drink or, of course, eat some Kansas City barbeque. As momentum builds towards Kansas City hosting the largest event in our city’s history, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the NFL Draft was just the beginning of us showing this country, and eventually the world, just what we are capable of.
Worth A Mention: Enchant Christmas at Legends Field
Best Fine Dining - Golden Ox
1600 Genesee Street, Kansas City, Missouri
When it comes to Kansas City, the Golden Ox steakhouse is an institution. Many in the city were distraught when it seemingly closed its doors forever in 2014. Then, a few years back, the West Bottoms steakhouse was brought back to life! The novelty of the Golden Ox is enough to make it worth a visit. Located in the ground floor of the historic Livestock Exchange building, the space itself is a celebration of the city’s status as a “Cowtown”. The restaurant’s general motif feels as if not much has changed since the 1940’s. And if you can snag such a seat, the counter that looks into the open kitchen is a special treat. Luckily, the food quality matches the hype and the history. Steaks are perfectly prepared. The sides are flavorful. And the cocktails are well-crafted. No matter, what you order, consider finishing the night with their espresso martini which opts for brandy instead of the traditional vodka.
Worth A Mention: Final Cut Steakhouse
A mixed plate of Korean Fried Chicken from Kobi-Q. On the left, the Spicy Sichuan Dry Rub and on the right, the Sweet-Garlic Glazed. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
Best International Food - Kobi-Q
1531 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri
For years, I have driven past Kobi-Q but 2023 is the year that I finally gave it a try. Truthfully, I am disappointed that it took me so long. The original location on Grand Boulevard prides themselves in making Korean comfort food that incorporates elements of traditional Korean cuisine with the flavors of various Asian-American street foods. As expected, short ribs, bibimbap, dumplings, crab rangoon, fried rice, and Korean pancakes all feature. However, the main reason many come to Kobi-Q is for the Korean Fried Chicken . The crispy, juicy pieces are offered tossed in the Spicy Sichuan Dry Rub or with a generous coating of the Sweet Garlic Glaze. The pro move is to offer the ten piece mixed option to give yourself a taste of both phenomenal flavors.
Worth A Mention: Buck Tui BBQ
Best Pizza - Third Coast Pizza
7820 Quivira Road, Lenexa, Kansas
As someone who loves Chicago deep dish, one lesson I learned early on is that whenever the dish is supposedly available outside of the Chicagoland area, it should always be met with tempered expectations. It’s not simply a matter of not being able to compare to the likes of Lou Malnati’s, Gino’s East, or, my personal favorite, Pequod’s; it’s that many seem to lack an understanding of the basic elements that define a Chicago deep dish. So, of course, I was quite skeptical when my friend Luke swore by the offerings at Third Coast Pizza in Lenexa. While my concerns were justified, it was unwarranted. Sure enough, Third Coast is utilizing the local ingredients of Kansas City to serve up Chicago-inspired dishes here in the metro. The deep dish pizza looks the part. Gooey cheese, robust sauce on top, a nicely baked deep crust, and if inclined, the house-made giardiniera is fantastic. Additionally, they offer a nice line-up of Vienna hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and their famous, quick to sell-out cheesecakes. If you are a fellow deep dish fiend, this is as close as you’ll find without boarding a plane or train.
Worth A Mention: Rockhill Pizza
Many imitators of Chicago deep dish lack a basic understanding of what deep dish pizza actually is. That is not the case at Third Coast where they use Kansas City ingredients to turn out a delicious Chicago-inspired pie. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
Best Show I Saw - Les Misérables
Kansas City Music Hall - May 2, 2023
I have always loved theater but 2023 was special in that I attended a staggering nine shows here in Kansas City! I actually recapped the first eight earlier this summer. I have long been familiar with Les Misérables but had never had the opportunity to see it. Having now done so, I feel that for all the fanfare and hype this show receives, it is still somehow underrated. Simply put, it was fantastic! The story, the music, the acting, the use of lights, the effects, the set changes, this show was an unbelievable spectacle that will forever be seared into my memory. I go into much more detail in the previously referenced article but allow me to say this. As someone who has been to Broadway and London’s West End, this was not only the best show I have ever seen in Kansas City. This was the best stage production I have ever seen of anything, ever.
Worth A Mention: To Kill A Mockingbird (October) AND Hadestown (January)
Barbie headlined a summer of blockbusters that brought movie-goers back to theaters. The popularity of this imaginative take on the iconic toy was something the KC Streetcar authority capitalized on. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
Best Streetcar Wrap - Barbie Dreamcar
Kansas City, Missouri
As they typically do, the Kansas City Streetcar Authority (KCSA) continued to amaze with the various ways that they dressed our Streetcar. This year, there were so many good nominees. Many of the local sports teams gave the Streetcar their own look. Worlds of Fun celebrated 50 years. Seeing every single NFL team represented during the Draft was really cool. However, it was the sporadic choice to theme one after the hit summer blockbuster Barbie that really turned heads. The KCSA seized on the popularity of the surprising summer blockbuster about the iconic doll to create a deep pink wrapped streetcar that captured the film’s aesthetic. Whether you were a fan of the movie or the toy that inspired it, or neither, the small touches like “Kensas City” and “Batteries Included” were sure to entertain. The Barbie Dreamcar has been a welcome splash of color and imaginative concept that has brightened Main Street the past few months.
Worth A Mention: NFL Draft AND KC Public Library
Best (Pork) Tenderloin - Big Mouth’s
3010 Van Brunt, Kansas City, Missouri
Located right off I-70 highway, Big Mouth’s may not look like much from the outside. In fact, it does not look like much from the inside either. This unexpected greasy spoon was a pure impulse visit for me and it’s one I am thankful to have discovered. A haven for fast casual comfort-food inspired favorites, this is an excellent spot for chicken, burgers, and their amazing cinnamon rolls. However, it’s the Pork Tenderloin sandwich this is truly special. It is not an oversized tenderloin but instead thick, meaty, juicy, crispy filets of pork are piled on a bun with greens and pickles. The breading is delightfully seasoned but what sets it apart is the subtle dessert-like sweetness on the back of every bite. There are a lot of great tenderloins in KC but none quite like this.
Worth A Mention: Nelle Belle’s Diner
The pork tenderloin at Big Mouth’s is a little nontraditional but wholly delicious. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
This was a year for the city that in many ways is hard to define.
From April 27 - 29 of this year, tens of thousands descended upon the Liberty Memorial Lawn to see the next wave of players get drafted into the NFL. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
It began with our city, once again, hosting a Super Bowl parade as the Chiefs’ celebrated their second such win of the Andy Reid era. A few weeks later, the Kansas City International Airport (MCI) opened its new state-of-the-art terminal to much local and national acclaim. A beautiful gateway that placed an emphasis on local art, fare, and homages to bring all corners of KC to the Northland, gives all who pass through it an undeniable “sense of place” that once seemed impossible.
And that truly was just the beginning as our city hosted the Big XII Tournament, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, and the 2023 NFL Draft. As large as those events were, it seems possible that nothing compares to the visitors and economic impact that this city saw from Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour coming to GEHA Field this past July.
Speaking of “eras”, that is likely how this year will be ultimately remembered. There were so many incredible things that happened in 2023 worth celebrating but when we look back, we may ultimately see this as a bit of a “bridge year”. Ultimately, 2023 could be seen as the end of one era, and the beginning of something new.
The opening of Kansas City’s new airport terminal. The hosting of the NFL Draft. The establishment of a heated Midwestern men’s professional soccer rivalry. The construction of a stadium purpose-built for a women’s professional team. The search for long-term solutions for the Chiefs’ and Royals’ stadiums. The continuation of the Parade of Hearts. The inclusion of the next generation of Kansas City celebrities in Big Slick. The transformation of Pennway Point and the Rock Island Bridge.
The events of 2023 do set it apart in that many of them have the potential to define Kansas City. Not only will they shape the coming year but ultimately, the seeds of the Kansas City inherited by the next generation will have been planted this year. I truly believe that a decade from now, we will all point to 2023 as a major turning point for our city. It will be the end of one era and the beginning of another.
For me, this year flew by way too quickly, but already knowing some of the exciting things that the coming one has in store, I say wholeheartedly - ON TO 2024!
It is so hard to believe that another year has already come and gone. Thank you so much to all of you have taken the time to read disKCovery this year and especially, to my subscribers. It is always such a pleasure to write for all of you! I wish all the best things for you during the holiday season.
