FIFA World Cup 2026™ Kansas City
Food, Beverage & Marketplace
A TRUE MELTING POT: EAT LIKE A KANSAS CITIAN
Immigrants, pitmasters, brewers, bakers, farmers and chefs shaped our region’s food scene that reflects far more than barbecue. Yes, you'll find legendary smoked meats. But you'll also find Salvadoran pupusas, Austrian schnitzel, Argentine steakhouses, North African markets and one of the most authentic taco trails in America.
The only challenge is deciding where to start. For many visitors, that answer is barbecue.
Kansas City Barbecue Icons
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que sits inside a working gas station and routinely appears on lists of the best barbecue restaurants in America. The Z-Man sandwich has achieved near-mythical status, and during the World Cup, expect to stand in line with fans from multiple continents.
Presidents, athletes and musicians have been making the pilgrimage for more than a century to Arthur Bryant’s, and Gates Bar-B-Q delivers its own unmistakable style, greeting customers with its famous “Hi! May I help you?” before serving some of the city’s most iconic sauce-covered ribs and brisket.
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que sits inside a working gas station and routinely appears on lists of the best barbecue restaurants in America. The Z-Man sandwich has achieved near-mythical status, and during the World Cup, expect to stand in line with fans from multiple continents.
Presidents, athletes and musicians have been making the pilgrimage for more than a century to Arthur Bryant’s, and Gates Bar-B-Q delivers its own unmistakable style, greeting customers with its famous “Hi! May I help you?” before serving some of the city’s most iconic sauce-covered ribs and brisket.
Modern Barbecue and Smoked-Meat Heritage
Want the next generation of Kansas City barbecue? Head to Q39 or Char Bar, where championship-level smoking techniques meet modern dining experiences.
Then visit the Museum of BBQ, the only institution in the world dedicated entirely to barbecue culture. Because in Kansas City, smoked meat is a part of our heritage.
Want the next generation of Kansas City barbecue? Head to Q39 or Char Bar, where championship-level smoking techniques meet modern dining experiences.
Then visit the Museum of BBQ, the only institution in the world dedicated entirely to barbecue culture. Because in Kansas City, smoked meat is a part of our heritage.
Global Flavours Across KC
Of course, Kansas City offers cuisine beyond barbecue.
With Argentina opening tournament play in Kansas City and calling the region home throughout much of the summer, local favorites like Piropos, Los Hornos and Buenos Aires KC become gathering places for traveling supporters. Austria’s appearance provides an equally perfect excuse to visit Affäre and Grünauer, where schnitzel and Austrian wine feel as if they were transported directly from Vienna to downtown Kansas City.
Of course, Kansas City offers cuisine beyond barbecue.
With Argentina opening tournament play in Kansas City and calling the region home throughout much of the summer, local favorites like Piropos, Los Hornos and Buenos Aires KC become gathering places for traveling supporters. Austria’s appearance provides an equally perfect excuse to visit Affäre and Grünauer, where schnitzel and Austrian wine feel as if they were transported directly from Vienna to downtown Kansas City.
Restaurants That Feel Like Home
Across the metro, visitors will discover something even more meaningful: restaurants that make international fans feel recognized.
World Fresh Market stocks ingredients from around the globe. Habashi House, Island Spice, El Pulgarcito and El Salvadoreño offer familiar flavors to visitors who may be thousands of miles from home. Along Southwest Boulevard and throughout Kansas City’s immigrant communities, food becomes one of the easiest ways to experience the city’s true identity.
Across the metro, visitors will discover something even more meaningful: restaurants that make international fans feel recognized.
World Fresh Market stocks ingredients from around the globe. Habashi House, Island Spice, El Pulgarcito and El Salvadoreño offer familiar flavors to visitors who may be thousands of miles from home. Along Southwest Boulevard and throughout Kansas City’s immigrant communities, food becomes one of the easiest ways to experience the city’s true identity.
Markets Locals Love
The same is true across the region’s markets.
Spend a Saturday morning wandering the City Market in the River Market district. Explore the Overland Park Farmers’ Market. Make the drive to Lawrence for the Lawrence Farmers Market. They’re traditions locals have loved for decades, and that’s ultimately what makes Kansas City’s food scene special.
The same is true across the region’s markets.
Spend a Saturday morning wandering the City Market in the River Market district. Explore the Overland Park Farmers’ Market. Make the drive to Lawrence for the Lawrence Farmers Market. They’re traditions locals have loved for decades, and that’s ultimately what makes Kansas City’s food scene special.
Drinks, Sweets and Regional Stops
You’ll find craft beer at Boulevard Brewing Company and Free State Brewing Company. Sip your way through KC’s craft spirits at J. Rieger & Co. in the East Bottoms or make the 30-minute drive north to Holladay Distillery in historic Weston – Missouri’s oldest distillery and one of the most atmospheric stops in the region.
You’ll find ice cream inspired by World Cup nations at Betty Rae’s and iconic glass-bottle flavors from Shatto Milk Company. Venture north to Pirtle Winery in historic Weston or spend an evening enjoying dinner at Of Course.
You’ll find craft beer at Boulevard Brewing Company and Free State Brewing Company. Sip your way through KC’s craft spirits at J. Rieger & Co. in the East Bottoms or make the 30-minute drive north to Holladay Distillery in historic Weston – Missouri’s oldest distillery and one of the most atmospheric stops in the region.
You’ll find ice cream inspired by World Cup nations at Betty Rae’s and iconic glass-bottle flavors from Shatto Milk Company. Venture north to Pirtle Winery in historic Weston or spend an evening enjoying dinner at Of Course.
But more than anything, you’ll find a city eager to share its table. And during a summer when the world gathers in the Heartland, that may be Kansas City’s greatest tradition of all.
There’s even more to discover across the Kansas City region. Check out all of the amazing food options in the Heartland.
