Best of Johnson County 2024 Food & Restaurants winners

Best Breakfast: The Big Biscuit

The Big Biscuit serves the classic comfort foods you crave—in a big way! Whether you’re in for our plate-sized Buttermilk Pancakes, Kansas City Omelet- enough protein to feed a football champion, or 24-hour brined and hand-breaded “Almost Famous” Fried Chicken, The Big Biscuit is your spot for a bigger, better breakfast! Locally founded, owned, and operated since 2000, The Big Biscuit serves genuine hometown hospitality in Johnson County. Hungry for more? Check us out at BigBiscuit.com or visit any of our locations open daily from 6:30 am-2:30 pm.

Breakfast finalists: McLain’s; Pegah’s Family Restaurant; eggtc.; Ronnie’s Restaurant; Urban Egg

Best Burger: Burg & Barrel

Welcome to Burg & Barrel, a culinary gem now serving three Johnson County locations. For over a decade, we’ve been renowned for the finest fresh, locally sourced burgers that’ll satisfy any craving. But it’s not just about the food—it’s about the experience! Our vibrant and inviting atmosphere, paired with attentive service from our friendly staff, ensures that every visit is nothing short of exceptional. Whether you’re stopping by for one of our signature burgers or indulging in our carefully curated selection of craft beers, we are dedicated to creating moments to savor.

Burger finalists: The Snack Shack on Johnson Drive; Cosmo Burger; Grandstand Burgers; story.

Best Coffee Shop: Black Dog Coffee House

When you walk through Black Dog’s doors, you will find yourself among students, musicians, artists, bookworms, families, game enthusiasts, corporate men and women, and a whole slew of others. We put a lot of time and care into catering to all of our customers’ needs and desires through activities and events such as exhibitions of local art and game nights. You will always find something fun and exciting going on at Black Dog!

Coffee Shop finalists: Homer’s Coffee House; Hattie’s Fine Coffee; Urban Prairie Coffee; Serendipity Farm and Vine

Best New Restaurant Finalist: Los Gallitos

At Los Gallitos, Our vibrant eatery is a celebration of flavors, where each dish is a testament to our passion for fresh, high-quality ingredients. From the moment you step in, you’re part of our family, greeted with warm smiles and an atmosphere that’s as inviting as our food. Our dedicated team, led by stars like Maria, Edin, Fernanda, and Eric, ensures every visit is exceptional, making us more than just a restaurant but a destination for those who cherish good food and great company. Whether it’s the zesty kick of our chile de arbol salsa, the comforting embrace of our enchiladas, or the unique twist of our charro beans, we’re committed to leaving a memorable mark on your palate.

Best New Restaurant: KC Craft Ramen

Other New Restaurant finalists: Vintage ‘78 Wine Bar; Modern Market; Café Celeste at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Best Wings Finalist: WingStand

WingStand by Jefferson’s on Johnson Drive & Nall Ave in Mission offers fresh, never frozen wings and hand-squeezed lemonade that you can enjoy on our bright patio! You might recognize us for our giant chicken, Flipp, or how we’re always experimenting with new and unique flavors and sauces. We also offer catering and fundraising for many different organizations. Come visit us in Mission or catch up with our brand new food truck!

Best Wings: The Peanut

Other Wings finalists: Buck Tui BBQ

Best Bakery: McLain’s

Bakery finalists: Tous les Jours; Dolce Bakery; Best Regards Bakery & Cafe; Kate Smith Soirée

Best Bar Food: The Peanut

Bar Food finalists: Johnny’s Tavern; The Bar; Tanner’s Bar & Grill; Coach’s Bar & Grill; Revel Sports Tavern

Best Barbecue: Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Barbecue finalists: Q39; Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue; Blind Box BBQ; Zarda BBQ; R.J.’s Bob-Be-Que Shack; K & M Bar-B-Q; Crazy Good Eats

Best Brunch: Shack

Brunch finalists: Rye; eggtc.; Another Broken Egg; TACO NACO KC; Wandering Vine at the Castle

Best Cheap Meal: QuikTrip

Cheap Meal finalists: The Snack Shack on Johnson Drive; TACO NACO KC; Pegah’s Family Restaurant; El Pulgarcito Salvadorean Restaurant

Best Chef: Philip Quillec, Café Provence

Chef finalists: Penny Mufuka, Bamboo Penny’s; Hannah Winnett, Wandering Vine at the Castle; Fernanda Reyes, TACO NACO KC; Carl Thorne-Thomsen, story.; Kyle Ketchum, Vintage ’78 Wine Bar

Best Chinese: Bo Lings

Chinese finalists: Dragon Inn; ABC Cafe 釗記餐廳; Fortune Wok; China Chef; Sichuan Dynasty

Best Donuts: LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee

Donuts finalists: Mr. D’s Donut Shop; Fluffy Fresh Donuts; Daylight Donuts; Yos Donuts

Best Fine Dining: J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood

Fine Dining finalists: Café Provence; Wandering Vine at the Castle; story.; Vintage ’78 Wine Bar

Best Gluten-Free Options: Billie’s Grocery

Gluten-Free Options finalist: Meddy’s; TACO NACO KC

Best Ice Cream: Sylas and Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream

Ice Cream finalists: The Golden Scoop; Fairway Creamery; Summersalt Ice Cream Co.; Foggi Ice Cream

Best Indian: Korma Sutra

Indian finalists: India Palace; Ruchi Indian Cuisine; Touch of Asia; Shagan’s

Best Italian: Garozzo’s

Italian finalists: Johnny Cascone’s Italian Restaurantl; Ricco’s Italian Bistro; Maggiano’s Little Italy; Viona’s Italian Bistro

Best Japanese: Sushi UNI

Japanese finalists: Jun’s; Sushi Mido; Sushi House; Ika Grill Sushi & Pan Asian

Best Lunch: Strang Hall

Lunch finalists: McLain’s; Meddy’s; The Snack Shack on Johnson Drive; TACO NACO KC; Caffetteria Modern Cafe

Best Mediterranean: Mr. Gyro’s Greek Food & Pastry

Mediterranean finalists: Meddy’s; Holy Land Cafe; Hummus and Pita; Kinzi

Best Mexican: Mi Ranchito

Mexican finalists: K-Macho’s Mexican Grill and Cantina; Jose Pepper’s; Rudy’s Tenampa; TACO NACO KC; Campesino Mexican Grill & Cantina

Best Outdoor Dining: Bamboo Penny’s

Outdoor Dining finalists: Meddy’s; Wandering Vine at the Castle; story.; Vintage ’78 Wine Bar

Best Pizza: Minsky’s Pizza

Pizza finalists: Old Shawnee Pizza; Buffalo State Pizza; Pizza Shoppe; Rosati’s Pizza; Third Coast Pizza

Best Restaurant: Café Provence

Restaurant finalists: TACO NACO KC; story.; Wandering Vine at the Castle; Vintage ‘78 Wine Bar

Best Steakhouse: J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood

Steakhouse finalists: Hereford House; 801 Chophouse; Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Best Thai: Thai Place

Thai finalists: Thai Place; Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop; Lemongrass Thai Cuisine; Buck Tui BBQ; Hot Basil Thai Cuisine

Best Vegetarian: Meddy’s

Vegetarian finalists: Enjoy Pure Food + Drink; TACO NACO KC; Caffetteria Modern Cafe