Best Group Dining in Kansas City

The barbecue is generally well-regarded, with many dishes known for tenderness and flavor, particularly the beef ribs, burnt ends, and cheesy corn bake. However, some diners found certain meats, like brisket and sausage, to be dry or lacking in flavor.

“The meats were unreal.”

Service is frequently highlighted as outstanding, with numerous staff members named for their attentiveness, friendliness, and professionalism. Even during busy periods, service is often noted as prompt and accommodating.

“Phenomenal customer service is hard to find”

The restaurant boasts a well-regarded atmosphere, with diners frequently commenting on the impressive decor, historic building, and energetic, cozy ambiance.

“Incredible decor and atmosphere”

While portions are often described as generous and the quality high, some diners noted that the price point makes it a bit pricey, with some feeling the portion size was small for the cost.

“Portions were rather small”

The food is well-regarded for its authentic, bold, and delicious flavors, with many dishes described as outstanding and cooked to perfection. Oxtails, jerk chicken, and rasta pasta are frequently highlighted.

“Absolutely phenomenal! The food is so delicious”

Service is frequently described as warm, friendly, welcoming, and professional, with staff often going above and beyond to ensure a positive experience.

“Warm and friendly service”

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as immaculate, warm, inviting, colorful, and authentic, creating a vibrant and enjoyable dining experience.

“The vibes are immaculate”

While many find the portions generous and the prices reasonable for the quality, a few diners felt the value was lacking, particularly for specific dishes or smaller portion sizes.

“Huge portions. Friendly service, too!”

The Wise Guy consistently delivers delicious Italian fare, with many dishes, particularly pizzas, pasta, and appetizers like mozzarella sticks and meatballs, receiving high recognition for flavor and quality. Some dishes, like chicken parmesan, occasionally lean towards being overcooked or too salty, but this is not a widespread issue.

“Stellar food”

Service is frequently described as outstanding, friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, with specific staff members often highlighted for going above and beyond. However, an isolated rude host and a mention of a forgotten Caprese salad indicate occasional service lapses.

“Went above and beyond with service”

The atmosphere is a major draw, well-regarded for its cool, moody, romantic, and intimate speakeasy-like ambiance, often enhanced by dim lighting and a well-curated music playlist.

“Great vibes”

Diners generally find the value to be good, with reasonable pricing for the quality and portion sizes, especially for happy hour offerings and lunch specials.

“Provides a great value”

Food quality is generally described as good to delicious, with specific recognition for brunch items, steaks, and burgers. However, some recent signs suggest a decline in quality, with mentions of dry food, undercooked pastries, and flavorless chicken.

“Food was good”

Service is overwhelmingly regarded as outstanding, attentive, friendly, and professional, with numerous servers highlighted by name for their outstanding contributions.

“She was very attentive”

The atmosphere is generally considered relaxing and suitable for various occasions, though noted that customer-selected music could detract from the ambiance.

“Atmosphere was relaxing”

Value is a point of contention, with some diners finding prices high for the portion sizes, while others celebrate the affordability of happy hour and brunch deals.

“Overpriced (for the amount of serving given)”

Food quality is generally known for flavor and freshness, though some diners found it unseasoned or bland. Tacos and nachos are frequently highlighted.

“Amazing flavor”

Service is consistently described as friendly, amazing, and outstanding, with several staff members, particularly Cheyenne, Coco, and Kay, well-regarded.

“Amazing and consistent”

The atmosphere is a significant draw, frequently described as fun, lively, a 'vibe,' and having a 'tiki/island' or 'cozy' feel.

“The vibe is beautiful”

Value is a mixed bag; while some find prices reasonable for the quality and portion size, others consider the tacos overpriced and portions small.

“Overpriced unseasoned tacos”

The food is well-regarded for its authentic Middle Eastern flavors, fresh ingredients, and delicious preparation, with many dishes highlighted as outstanding.

“Best Mediterranean food I've had”

Service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, fast, and accommodating, with staff often going above and beyond for guests.

“Staff were fast, attentive, genuine”

The atmosphere is consistently described as welcoming, clean, modern, and comfortable, suitable for both casual meals and conversations.

“Atmosphere was welcoming and cozy.”

Most diners find the prices reasonable for the quality and quantity of food, though a few recent diners mention smaller portions and higher costs.

“Amazing food at reasonable prices”

Chicken and waffles are the standout items with crispy, juicy chicken and well-executed Belgian waffles. Creative loaded fries and sauce combinations impress most diners, but some report inconsistency—stale fries, watery syrup, and occasional overseasoning suggest kitchen execution varies.

“Best chicken sandwich I've had in my lifetime.”

Staff well-regarded for friendliness, attentiveness, and going above and beyond. Specific staff members (Unique, Irfan, Tannyn, Patricia, Arianna) named repeatedly. One concern: staff pressuring customers to leave reviews mid-meal.

“Staff was attentive, friendly, and made the experience much better.”

Casual, welcoming atmosphere with good decor and cleanliness. Music volume noted as 'good but a little loud.' Described as a fun spot to try unique food combinations. No major complaints about ambiance or seating comfort.

“Wonderful environment.”

Generous portions and large chicken tenders justify pricing for most diners. However, cite overpricing, especially when quality falters. One diner paid $60 for partial meal unable to finish. Prices consistently described as 'a little on the higher side' but typically deemed reasonable.

“Way too overpriced for what it was.”

The food is frequently described as outstanding, with many dishes receiving high recognition for flavor and preparation, particularly the lamb, burgers, and stuffed salmon. However, some diners found certain dishes to be mediocre or lacking in flavor.

“THE FOOD WAS 10/10!!!”

Service is generally reported as friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, with staff often going above and beyond. A few instances of less welcoming or inattentive service were noted.

“The service was friendly and attentive”

The atmosphere is well-regarded for being cool, unique, historic, and inviting, making it a popular spot for various occasions.

“Very cool atmosphere and ambiance.”

While many find the food and experience worth the price, a notable number of signs suggest that portions can be small or that the overall cost is high for the quality received.

“Felt overpriced”

The pan-fried chicken is well-regarded for its crispy, golden crust and juicy interior, with many calling it the best they've ever had. Sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, and cinnamon rolls are also highly regarded.

“Always so incredibly delicious”

Service is generally described as friendly, welcoming, and attentive, with many servers being highlighted for their outstanding care. However, there are occasional mentions of less-than-ideal interactions.

“Stacy gave us first-rate service”

The restaurant is celebrated for its unique, historic, and charming atmosphere, often compared to visiting a grandparent's home or a rustic farmhouse.

“Unique historical establishment”

Portions are consistently described as huge and served family-style, offering substantial value for the price. Many diners note that leftovers are common.

“Portions are huge”

Minsky's is well-regarded for its delicious pizza, with many diners highlighting fresh ingredients and unique flavor combinations. While most dishes are well-received, some pasta and appetizer items have received criticism for being bland or poorly executed.

“Minsky's has remained Kansas City's best place for pizza.”

Service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, and outstanding, with many staff members, particularly managers like Alex and servers like Abbie and Bella, well-regarded for their hospitality and attentiveness. However, some instances of slow or inattentive service due to understaffing or inexperience have been noted.

“My favorite location and my go-to waitress!”

The atmosphere is well-regarded as warm, friendly, family-friendly, and having a classic pizza joint feel, with some locations noted for their unique or European-inspired ambiance.

“Nice place with warm, magical environment”

While many find the pizza worth the price, some diners felt certain items, like the mac & cheese or specific pizzas, were overpriced for the portion size or quality received.

“Worth whatever price they set!”