They’re the categories we’ve all been waiting for… Congrats to the winners of this year’s Best of Johnson County Food & Restaurants categories!
Best Barbecue: Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
BBQ Made Famous in a Gas Station! Joe’s KC BBQ has 2 great locations in Johnson County. Come see us near Town Center in Leawood or 119th & Strang Line in Olathe. Joe’s KC serves up championship competition BBQ 6 days a week! Dine-In or pick up curbside using our Joe’s To Go App!
Finalists: Jack Stack BBQ, Q39, Meat Mitch Barbecue, Blind Box BBQ, Bates City Barbecue
Best Burger: Burg & Barrel
Burg & Barrel is where local burgers, local beer, and good company come together. From our signature burgers and hand breaded chicken tenders to fresh salads, every item is made to satisfy. Whether you’re catching a game, meeting friends or taking the family our for dinner, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere and flavor worth coming back for. Pull up a chair and see why Burg & Barrel has become a local favorite.
Finalists: Red Door Woodfired Grill, Snack Shack on Johnson Drive, Hank’s Garage & Grill, Whole Harvest Kitchen
Best Bakery: McLain’s Bakery
Finalists: Tous les Jours, Best Regards Bakery & Cafe, Dolce Bakery, Mud Pie Bakery & Coffee
Best Bar Food: The Peanut
Finalists: Johnny’s Tavern, The Other Place, Austin’s Bar & Grill, The Bar
Best Breakfast: The Big Biscuit
Finalists: HomeGrown, The Shack, Pegah’s Family Restaurant, Ronnie’s Restaurant, AR’s Breakfast & Brunch
Best Brunch: The Big Biscuit
Finalists: HomeGrown, Red Door Woodfired Grill, AR’s Breakfast & Brunch, Whole Harvest Kitchen
Best Cheap Meal: Pegah’s Family Restaurant
Finalists: Strip’s Chicken, Werner’s Fine Sausages, WingStand
Best Chef: Penny Mufuka, Bamboo Penny’s
Finalists: Alan Atkins, Pad Thai Restaurant, Bryan Sparks, Wandering Vine at the Castle, John Crabtree – Vintage ’78 Wine Bar
Best Chinese: Bo Lings
Finalists: ABC Cafe, Pine & Bamboo Garden, Dragon Inn, Monkey King BBQ and Noodle
Best Coffee Shop: Black Dog Coffeehouse
Finalists: Dolce Caffè, Homer’s Coffee House, Sweet Tee’s Coffee Shop, Parisi
Best Dessert: Betty Rae’s Ice Cream
Finalists: Dolce Caffè, Whole Harvest Kitchen, Fountain City Sweets
Best Donuts: LaMar’s Donuts
Finalists: Mr D’s Donut Shop, Daylight Donuts, KC Donut Co.
Best Fast Casual: Meddys
Finalists: Unforked, Twisted Fresh, Strip’s Chicken, WingStand
Best Fine Dining: J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood
Finalists: Bristol Seafood Grill, Café Provence, Wandering Vine at the Castle, Of Course. Kitchen & Company
Best Gluten-Free Options: Billie’s Grocery
Finalists: Strip’s Chicken, Whole Harvest Kitchen, Vintage ’78 Wine Bar
Best Ice Cream: Betty Rae’s Ice Cream
Finalists: Sylas & Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream, The Golden Scoop, Summer Salt Ice Cream Company, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Best Indian: Korma Sutra
Finalists: India Palace, Of Course. Kitchen & Company, Rajadhani Indian Cuisine, Ruchi Indian Cuisine
Best Italian: Garozzo’s
Finalists: Ricco’s Italian Bistro, Viona’s Italian Bistro, Toni’s Italian Restaurant, Avelluto’s Pizzeria & Ristorante
Best Japanese/Sushi: Sushi UNI
Finalists: Kyoto Sushi & Steak, Jun’s Sushi Restaurant, Sushi Mido
Best Lunch: Red Door Woodfired Grill
Finalists: McClain’s, Pad Thai Restaurant, Whole Harvest Kitchen
Best Mediterranean: Meddys
Finalists: Mr Gyro’s Greek Food & Pastry, Jerusalem Cafe, Holy Land Cafe, Hummus and Pita
Best Mexican: Mi Ranchito
Finalists: K Macho’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, Jose Pepper’s, Rudy’s Tenampa, Los Gallitos
Best New Restaurant: Hank’s Garage and Grill
Finalists: Tupelo Honey, Bella’s Italian Restaurant, AiOe, Don Chuy’s, Gilda’s Bar de Tapas
Best Outdoor Dining: Rye
Finalists: Hank’s Garage and Grill, Red Rock Canyon Grill, Pad Thai Restaurant, The Bar, Penny’s In the Village
Best Pizza: Minsky’s Pizza
Finalists: Old Shawnee Pizza, Martin City Brewing Company, Buffalo State Pizza Co., Whole Harvest Kitchen
Best Restaurant: Nick & Jake’s
Finalists: Bamboo Penny’s, Pad Thai Restaurant, Whole Harvest Kitchen, Vintage ’78 Wine Bar
Best Steakhouse: J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood
Finalists: J. Alexander’s Restaurant, 801 Chophouse, Hereford House, Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Best Thai Food: Bamboo Penny’s
Finalists: Thai Chili Cuisine, Pad Thai Restaurant, Thai Place, Lemongrass
Best Vegetarian: Thai Chili Cuisine
Finalists: Pad Thai Restaurant, Enjoy Pure Food + Drink, Whole Harvest Kitchen
Best Wings: The Peanut
Finalists: Thai Chili Cuisine, Pad Thai Restaurant, WingStand, The Bar
