The Local’s Guide to Kansas City: BBQ & Beyond
Are you new to the Kansas City area? Whether you’re moving for a new job, visiting for family fun like a ball game or Kansas City Zoo, or starting school at one of the nearby universities, we’re excited to welcome you to the community! Take the time to get to know your new neighborhood and settle into the KC life with the help of SubTropolis Storage.
Experience the Best of Kansas City, Missouri
The KC Fandom
Sports are central to Kansas City’s culture. The Kansas City Chiefs, who play in Arrowhead Stadium, brought home the Super Bowl championship in 2020 and have a devoted fanbase who take pride in the team and bring their game faces for every game day. For baseball, the Kansas City Royals host games at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals have two World Series wins under their belt, and games feature fun traditions like fans waving “K C” signs during the singing of “Royals.”
Apart from the Chiefs and Royals, you can also watch MLS soccer with Sporting Kansas City, catch Kansas City Mavericks ice hockey, or root for the Kansas City Comets indoor soccer team. And the city’s sports culture goes beyond the pros, too. The University of Kansas and University of Missouri have a famous college basketball rivalry that dates back over 100 years. Plus, if you are interested in getting in on the fun yourself, you can also find plenty of community 5Ks, cycling events, pickleball tournaments, and other local sports events to participate in.
Learn the Area’s History
Steeped in stories from the expansion of the American West, Kansas City still retains remnants of its storied past. Wander through museums like the National World War I Museum and Memorial to immerse yourself in the city’s history. The must-see Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of European paintings, Asian artifacts, and outdoor sculptures. At Country Club Plaza, take in the Spanish-inspired architecture while browsing boutiques and grabbing a bite at one of the many restaurants.
A BBQ Like No Other
Of course, no trip to Kansas City is complete without experiencing the famous barbecue.
Kansas City is renowned nationwide for its distinctive style of barbecue. Two key features set Kansas City ‘cue apart from other regional styles: the sauces and the smoked meats. Kansas City barbecue sauce has a sweet, tangy tomato base flavored with molasses and often contains a touch of heat. This contrasts with the more vinegary sauces found in North Carolina or the dry rubs of Memphis. The meats slow-smoked over hickory wood and served in KC differ, too. Brisket, pork ribs, and pulled pork feature prominently along with Kansas City’s signature item—burnt ends. These flavorful, charred ends of brisket are only found in KC-style barbecue. The variety of meats and sauces gives Kansas City barbecue a versatility you don’t find with other regional styles. Whether you want a sweet, tomato-based sauce coating your brisket or a slightly spicy, peppery dry rub on your ribs, Kansas City barbecue has you covered. The marriage of savory smoked meats with distinctive sauces creates a barbecue tradition unique to Kansas City.
So where should you go to find some of the best BBQ the city has to offer? Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Q39, and Arthur Bryant’s are local favorites. In between trying different barbecue joints to find your favorite, you should also enjoy the rest of the city’s diverse dining scene with options.
More Local Flavors: Our Favorite Restaurants
- The Rieger: Set in a historic building, The Rieger impresses with its seasonal fare and farm-to-table approach. Splurge on the chef’s tasting menu for the full experience paired with craft Kansas City cocktails.
- Novel: The exciting, ever-evolving menu at Novel incorporates the region’s seasonal ingredients into contemporary American plates. Don’t miss the duck confit or catfish specials.
- Stock Hill Steakhouse: This upscale steakhouse serves top quality beef alongside fresh seafood towers, tableside Caesar salads, and an extensive wine list. The elegant atmosphere makes it a go-to spot for a special occasion.
- Cafe Gratitude: Get your plant-based fix at this artsy, vegan cafe serving wholesome bowls, sandwiches, and salads in a warm and welcoming space. Don’t miss their signature kale Caesar salad.
- Corvino Supper Club: The tasting menus at this contemporary American supper club offer creative takes on comfort food classics. Every bite boasts intense flavors that will leave you wanting to come back for more.
- Grunauer: Austrian fare takes center stage at Grunauer. Savor Wiener schnitzel, house-made sausages, and Austrian wine in a setting inspired by 1920s Vienna.
- Jax Fish House: Sustainably-sourced seafood shines at this airy, nautically-themed eatery. Diners rave about dishes like the miso glazed Chilean sea bass and lobster roll.
- Lidia’s: Named for celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich, this spot serves inspired Italian cuisine in a trendy, modern space. Homemade pastas and first-rate service make it a local favorite.
What Is It Like to Live in Kansas City?
Residents enjoy Kansas City’s blend of Midwestern hospitality and big city amenities. The thriving arts scene, buzzing nightlife, unique museums, and abundance of green space make Kansas City an engaging place to live. Plus, its affordability and convenience also make it attractive for new residents.
Compared to other major metropolitan areas, KC’s housing market is very affordable. Home prices tend to be lower than national averages, especially when you look at the suburbs on the Kansas side like Overland Park and Olathe. Popular neighborhoods close to downtown like Brookside and Waldo offer historic homes and walkability, but at higher price points. Rental prices are also lower than other cities, with average one bedroom apartments going for $750-$1100 per month.
Kansas City’s education system provides options including public, private, charter and magnet schools. When it comes to higher education, UMKC, Rockhurst University, and Kansas City Kansas Community College offer excellent local choices.
Public transportation primarily consists of the KCATA metro bus system which services downtown and key corridors. Getting around by car is easy with uncongested major highways like I-35, I-29 and I-70 crossing through town. The city is very drivable compared to many metro areas. Kansas City International Airport provides nonstop flights across the U.S. and international service.
Make Room for Your Move with SubTropolis Storage
Looking for secure storage to hold your belongings in Kansas City? As a new resident, take advantage of SubTropolis Storage for all your vehicle needs. SubTropolis Storage is the ultimate storage solution, with climate-controlled underground vehicle options that naturally protect your vehicles from weather damage. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your RV, classic car, boat, or other vehicles are safe from storms, flooding, extreme temperatures, and more. The location is conveniently located near downtown Kansas City and major highways for easy access.
With 24/7 security guards patrolling the premises, camera surveillance, and appointment-only access, you can trust your belongings are secure. The underground setting also minimizes risk of fire with sprinklers installed throughout. Bright lighting and wide aisles make navigating the paved facility smooth and simple.
Whether you need short-term or long-term storage, SubTropolis Storage offers specialized options for RVs, boats, motorcycles, and any other vehicles. Take advantage of assisted parking, electricity access, and flexibility for long-term storage. As a new Kansas City resident, see how SubTropolis Storage can alleviate some of your storage needs. Your vehicles will stay protected while you focus on settling into your new hometown.
Katie Mest
About the Author: Katie Mest is a Content Marketing Specialist at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. She specializes in writing about the self storage industry, including storage tips and helpful resources. Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors and snuggling in with a crochet project and her cat, Billie.
