cooked mussel

Our guide to Kansas City Airport restaurants offers a look at some of the best dining options available to satisfy your hunger, whether you have time for a sit-down meal or need a quick bite before your flight.

Find the best bites at restaurants near and inside MCI below…


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Restaurants Inside Kansas City Airport

1. Meat Mitch BBQ

double patty cheeseburger

Yelp rating: 3.5/5

Meat Mitch BBQ brings the rich, smoky flavors of Kansas City BBQ right into the airport. Known for its tender meats and tangy sauces, this Kansas City Airport restaurant is perfect for BBQ enthusiasts looking for a quick and satisfying meal.

Location: Concourse A, near Gates A10-12

Menu Highlights:

  • The Royal Double is a must try if you want to indulge, featuring double-stacked patties, brisket smash and delicious toppings.
  • If you’d prefer to enjoy something on the lighter side, try the Seared Salmon Salad which comes with avocado, egg, bacon-dijon vinaigrette, baby spinach, pecans and pickled onion.

Ambiance:

Casual and welcoming, with a rustic decor that emphasizes its BBQ roots. This restaurant inside Kansas City Airport is perfect for a quick yet hearty meal before a flight.

2. Soiree Steak & Seafood House

cooked mussel

Yelp rating: 4.3/5

Soiree Steak & Seafood House offers premium steaks and fresh seafood. Ideal for travelers seeking a chic experience, this restaurant ensures a memorable meal before takeoff.

Location: KCI Airport New Terminal

Menu Highlights:

  • No visit to this MCI Airport restaurant is complete without trying the Chargrilled Oysters! Choose between half or a dozen oysters topped with herb butter sauce and melted cheese
  • Don’t forget to try one of the signature sides, like the Lobster Mash which is made with homemade mashed potatoes, sour cream, bacon, onions and Monterey jack and cheddar cheese.

Ambiance:

Sleek and refined, providing a memorable dining experience for travelers looking to relax before their journey.

3. Hearth Locavore Kitchen

Pancakes at The Conduit

Yelp rating: 2.2/5

Hearth Locavore Kitchen features ingredients from local Kansas City farms in its dishes. This is the go-to spot for health-conscious travelers who appreciate sustainability and fresh flavors.

Location: Concourse A, near Gates A6-10

Menu Highlights:

  • If you want to enjoy a sweet & savory treat, order the Buttermilk Pancakes. These come with a choice of sausage or thick cut applewood bacon.
  • Want a filling breakfast? Order the Breakfast Sammie; this comes with three fired eggs, thick cut applewood bacon, cheddar cheese, tots, tomator and lettuce on sourdough toast.

Ambiance:

Cozy and inviting, with an fireplace to boot! The atmosphere is warm and friendly, ideal for a leisurely meal.

4. Brown & Loe

charcuterie, meat, cheese, and vsco

Yelp rating: 4.1/5

Brown & Loe offers a modern dining experience with a menu that blends classic and contemporary dishes. This chic eatery is perfect for those who enjoy a stylish setting and inventive cuisine.

Location: KCI Airport New Terminal

Menu Highlights:

  • If you want something for everyone to enjoy, why not order the Chef’s Board? This comes with cheeses, cured meats and accompaniments.
  • If you like avocado, choose the Preuvian Guacamole. Grilled corn, puffed quinoa and sweet potato are a few highlights of this dish.

Ambiance:

Chic and stylish, with modern decor and an open kitchen. It’s a great spot for those who appreciate a more contemporary dining environment.

5. Big Chicken

burger in brioche bun

Yelp rating: 2.4/5

Big Chicken delivers bold flavors with its crispy fried chicken and hearty sandwiches. Founded by Shaquille O’Neal, this fast-casual restaurant is ideal for travelers craving comfort food with a twist.

Location: KCI Airport New Terminal

Menu Highlights:

  • If you can handle the heat, order Uncle Jerome’s Nashville Hot burger, featuring Nashville hot chicken, mayo, pickles and lettuce.
  • Lucille’s Mac n’ Cheese is not to be missed. This indulgent side is coated in a delicious Cheez It crust.

Ambiance:

Fun and vibrant, with a fast-casual setup. Ideal for a quick, delicious meal on the go, especially for fans of bold, flavorful chicken dishes.


Restaurants Near Kansas City Airport

1. Nick and Nino’s Pub

food, beer, food and drink

Yelp rating: 3.6/5

Nick and Nino’s Pub is a restaurant near MCI providing a cozy, casual setting perfect for unwinding with classic pub fare and a refreshing drink. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy some hearty food either before or after your flight.

Address: 10024 N Ambassador Dr, Kansas City, MO 64153

Distance from MCI: 5.7 miles

Menu Highlights:

  • There are several 12-inch pizzas to choose from, however, we recommend the Supreme Pizza. Pepperoni, sausage and mushrooms are a few highlights of this dish!
  • If you’d prefer a burger, try the Garlic Bacon Burger which comes with a ½ lb beef patty, bacon & garlic aioli and cheese.

Ambiance:

Laid-back and casual, with a classic pub atmosphere. A great place to unwind with a drink and some comfort food.

2. Burger Theory

Chicken burger and fries

Yelp rating: 3.2/5

Burger Theory specializes in gourmet burgers made from high-quality ingredients. With a modern and clean environment, it’s a family-friendly restaurant near Kansas City Airport that caters to travelers of all ages.

Address: 11728 N Ambassador Dr, Kansas City, MO 64153

Distance from MCI: 3.3 miles

Menu Highlights:

  • Love siracha? Order the Ultimate Siracha burger; this contains crispy bacon, grilled onions, salad, siracha mayo and siracha glaze.
  • The starters at this restaurant near MCI Airport are all worth trying, especially the Buttermilk Chicken Tenders.

Ambiance:

Modern and clean, with an emphasis on gourmet burgers and a family-friendly environment. It’s a perfect spot for travelers of all ages.

3. Waffle House

waffles with maple syrup

Yelp rating: 3.4/5

Waffle House is an iconic American diner known for its all-day breakfast and hearty meals. Its 24/7 service makes it a convenient choice for travelers at any time of day.

Address: 9750 N Congress Ave, Kansas City, MO 64153

Distance from MCI: 5.6 miles

Menu Highlights:

  • Be sure to try one of the waffles when visiting this restaurant, such as the tasty Peanut Butter Chip Waffle.
  • If you’d prefer something savory, choose one of the breakfast hashbrown bowls, like the Sausage, Egg & Cheese Hashbrown Bowl.

Ambiance:

Quintessentially American diner-style, known for its 24/7 service and straightforward, comforting food. Great for a quick bite or a full meal any time of day.

4. Smokebox BBQ Café

roasted ribs with sliced tomatoes and potatoes

Yelp rating: 3.3/5

Smokebox BBQ Café brings the essence of Kansas City BBQ to its patrons, offering smoky and flavorful meats. It’s an excellent place to enjoy a taste of local cuisine.

Address: 10020 N Ambassador Dr, Kansas City, MO 64153

Distance from MCI: 5.7 miles

Menu Highlights:

  • The Pork Rib Dinner is a great choice and is served with fries, barbeque beans, pickles, coleslaw and bread.
  • Alternatively, go for a lighter bite and try one of the specialty sandwiches, such as the Cajun Chicken sandwich.

Ambiance:

Casual and homey, with a strong focus on traditional BBQ. Perfect for BBQ lovers looking to enjoy some local flavors.

5. Scott’s Kitchen

pulled pork sandwich on a wooden cutting board

Yelp rating: 4.7/5

Scott’s Kitchen offers a welcoming atmosphere and a menu centered around smoked meats and hearty portions. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a satisfying and robust meal.

Address: 11920 N Ambassador Dr, Kansas City, MO 64153

Distance from MCI: 3 miles

Menu Highlights:

  • The Pulled Pork Sandwich is a fantastic option and packed with flavor, and if you want to elevate your pulled pork dish, you could order Pilot’s Pulled Pork, which comes on a hoagie with jalapeño apple slaw.
  • Another hearty option is the Buffalo Chicken Bowl. This is packed with chicken breast, green onion, buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles.

Ambiance:

Friendly and relaxed, with a focus on smoked meats and hearty portions. Ideal for a satisfying meal before or after a flight.


Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, Kansas City Airport and its surrounding area offer dining options for every taste.

Now you know where you’re eating at MCI, have you sorted out parking? Don’t worry, here at Airport Parking Reservations we have partnered with a great range of partners offering parking near MCI Airport with shuttle service.


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