This year brought plenty of new places to dine and taste new fare in Johnson County.
From new places to sip to popular Kansas City mainstays expanding their footprint, here’s a look at some of the Post’s most popular stories about local bars and restaurants opening in Johnson County this past year.
Champion Burritos — Shawnee
Opened: July
Known for: Burrito el campeon
Location: 16322 W. 65th St.
Website: https://championburritos.com/
Read more: KC-area burrito shop owner brings concept home to Shawnee
Wild Child — downtown Shawnee
Opened: July
Known for: Wine, craft cocktails and no or low ABV cocktails
Location: 11022 Johnson Drive
Website: https://www.wildchildkc.com
Read more: Wild Child, ‘no and low’ alcohol cocktail bar, debuts in downtown Shawnee
Lemon Cake Bakery — Leawood
Opened: December
Known for: Lemon cake and other baked goods
Location: 10683 Mission Road
Website: http://www.cafeeuropakc.com/
Read more: Kansas City café reopening in Johnson County with focus on sweets
Gallagher’s Coffeehouse — Shawnee
Opened: September
Known for: Rollover bagel sandwich
Location: 22742 Midland Drive
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Gallaghergrinds/
Read more: Beloved Shawnee coffee shop reopens with new name, location
El Rinconcito — Lenexa
Opened: January
Known for: Empanadas de platano and pupusas
Location: 7936 Quivira Road
Website: https://www.facebook.com/elrinconcitolenexa
Read more: Family-run Salvadoran restaurant makes old Lenexa Le Peep its home
Campesino Mexican Grill and Cantina — Mission
Opened: December
Known for: Margaritas, mango tilapia and sopes
Location: 5405 Johnson Drive
Read more: Mexican restaurant will open in former Stroud’s space in Mission
Billie’s Grocery — Leawood
Opened: December
Known for: Nutrient-dense meals and snacks
Location: 3614 W. 95th St.
Website: https://www.billiesgrocery.com/
Read more: Billie’s Grocery, KCMO organic eatery, opens Leawood location
Vintage ‘78 Wine Bar — downtown Overland Park
Opened: May
Known for: Wine, charcuterie and sandwiches
Location: 7251 W. 80th St.
Website: https://vintage78winebar.com/
Read more: Vintage ’78 Wine Bar opens in downtown Overland Park
Betty Rae’s — Olathe
Opened: September
Known for: Strawberry pretzel crunch and Joe’s BBQ burnt ends ice cream
Location: 10470 S. Ridgeview Road
Website: http://bettyraes.com/
Read more: Betty Rae’s, Kansas City ice cream staple, expanding to Johnson County
Sierra Grill — Lenexa City Center
Opened: January
Known for: Goat cheese poutine and steak frites
Location: 8659 Penrose Lane
Website: https://sierragrillkc.com/
Read more: Lenexa’s Sierra Grill steakhouse moves to new City Center spot
Los Gallitos Fresh Mexican Grill — Mission
Opened: December
Known for: Nacho ordinary nachos, ceviche and queso birria tacos
Location: 6508 Martway St.
Website: https://www.losgallitos.net
Read more: Los Gallitos Fresh Mexican Grill opens in Mission space once occupied by local favorite
Saints Express — Shawnee
Opened: November
Known for: Smash burgers and wings
Location: 13655 W. 63rd St.
Website: https://saintspub.com/
Read more: Saints Express opens in old Taco Hangover location in Shawnee
Becks Place — Overland Park
Opened: August
Known for: Maple bourbon chicken sandwich and salted caramel brownies
Location: 9148 Santa Fe Drive
Website: https://becksplaceop.com/
Read more: Becks Place takes over former McGuire’s spot in Overland Park
Friction Beer — downtown Shawnee
Opened: June
Known for: Pale ales and milk stouts served in a music-themed taproom
Location: 11018 Johnson Drive
Website: https://frictionbeer.com/
Read more: Friction Beer set to open in downtown Shawnee — Here’s what else is new
