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One hundred percent recommend! Take cash and patience. You will wait, but it's worth it. We ordered a plain pork tenderloin sandwich with tots. It was SO good!!! We will be back to try the rest of the menu. Please note, the wait is long, the restaurant is small and there isn't room to dine in. So patience is necessary! Enjoy!!
Drove by this place for about 3 months before I finally stopped.... And the best part was they were not open until the week I chose to stop!!Small little spot but it isn't small in food or service! Chef's Kiss! Food, Service! The best tenderloin ever!! A must for anyone in the Kansas City area!!
I read about this place on atlas obscura and was surprised its been around since the 50s and my in-laws who live in KCK have never heard of it. We went on a Friday around lunchtime and it was pretty busy. My fiance wanted to try the cheeseburger and I had to have the famed pork tenderloin sandwich. The wait was about 30 minutes and it is CASH ONLY so as long as you're prepared, neither is an issue. The pork tenderloin sandwich and the hot sauce on it were great and I'd love to have another. The cheeseburger wasn't bad but seemed pretty similar to Sonic or a run of the mill fast food cheeseburger. I had to have a mexican coke with it and it made for the perfect combo. Overall, a good visit.
My partner and I swung by Kitty's to grab a quick lunch to eat on the Nelson-Atkins lawn before making the trek back to Bentonville. We knew this place was no-frills and cash only, so we came prepared. We got the famous pork tenderloin sandwich, a cheeseburger, and fries. There's no dining room or much of a waiting area, so we waited approximately 10-15 minutes outside. I was impressed by how well the pork tenderloin sandwich held up, because it took another 15-20 minutes to find free street parking by the Nelson. The tenderloin was amazingly crispy, and paired well with the hot sauce and fixings. Admittedly, we had eaten so much BBQ the past few days of our trip that I was not able to thoroughly enjoy it. As for the burger, it was fine--it tasted like your average, greasy spoon diner burger (we regretted not getting the catfish sandwich instead). The fries were standard, crinkle-cut fries that were nice and hot out of the fryer, but needed just a little bit of salt. I would still recommend this to folks visiting KC who want an affordable, tasty bite.
Believe the hype. This is the best pork tenderloin sandwich I've ever had. The fries were amazing too! The service was friendly. The cashier told us it would be about a 30-minute wait for our food. Soon after, she was telling people 45 minutes. Their delivery truck hadn't come and they were out of tots, fries, bacon and something else. No matter. People took it in stride. They were not there for any of those things. It's all about the hand-breaded tenderloin. They have pork, chicken and catfish. We also tried a cheeseburger, which was excellent. If I wanted a meal, I'd get a double or triple cheeseburger. A single is more of a snack. It seems like a melting pot there. We met and talked to folks from all over the metro while we were waiting. We drove in from Lee's Summit for lunch on a Friday. Prolly 60% of us were first timers. The veterans just smiled at us. They knew what goodness lay ahead. I won't have a tenderloin anywhere else. It won't be as good. I'm ruined.
Went to Kitty's awhile back when it reopened. Super nice people working, very understanding with the long line because of the reopening. They gave me an estimated 1 hour wait for their pork tenderloin sandwich. I left and ran some errands and came back after an hour, so roughly accurate wait time. I expect that now the wait is a lot less. Pork tenderloin sandwich itself was solid. Very crispy, pork itself wasn't too thick. Tasted fresh, with good toppings. For what it was, I think it surpassed my expectations. I'd say the sandwich is a little bit dry for my personal taste, but overall it's a classic. For the price, I do think it's a little expensive, but where else can you get a pork tenderloin sandwich? Kitty's cafe itself doesn't have any real seating area. It's basically a walk in and order at the counter place. Expect to take your food to go. Overall, 4/5, and I'd probably return if I ever was craving another pork sandwich.
Finally got my hands on the famous pork tenderloin sandwich from Kitty's Cafe. And no, there are no cats there. The sandwich was delicious and crispy with hot sauce being the only condiment - which really allows you to focus on the flavor of the sandwich. + it was NOT greasy! I would definitely come back and try the catfish next time! Make some time to go check out this Kansas City classic! CASH ONLY!
Delicious classic Kansas City food. I have been waiting to try the famous Kitty's Cafe for a long time and was so excited to finally get to taste the tenderloin sandwich. This long anticipated sandwich did not let me down. It was more than just a tasty greasy sandwich. It filled my soul with joy. After parking on the street and a swift walk to the door, it was so packed we had to wait outside for a couple of minutes before ordering. While ordering we were notified that the wait would be about 30 min. We had time so we enjoyed the nice weather on the patio and walked over to the surrounding small businesses. There is no seating inside but there is a big covering outside. The food was ready almost exactly 30 minutes later. The pork tenderloin had a tasty spicy sauce on it which I loved. The cheesebuger was delicious but I should have opted for a double or triple. Overall worth the wait!!
I was impressed and I will be back. You The prices were very affordable which is a plus during a time when everyone seems to be overpricing things including food. I ordered the breakfast sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich. Beware, it comes with Mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and onion. I had it all removed and added bacon. Very good! Took about 10 minutes. So, very quick. In terms of ambiance, there isn't much. I mean the ceiling is cute and the place is clean. That's enough. This is a grab and go spot. No sitting and staying
Kitty's is an interesting place and a little tricky to find. We had the address and drove by it before realizing it. It is a very small place, carry out only. They key is to find the door. They focus on tenderloin sandwiches and burgers. They also have fries. We got the tenderloin sandwich. For the money it is a big sandwich. Loaded with battered pork tenderloin. Battered versus breaded. It was juicy and tender. All around good taste. However, with the meat being battered and given the thickness of the tenderloin it made for several layers of batter with several layers of tenderloin - the ratio of batter to meat was higher than I liked, which is why I only gave it 4 stars. With that said, it is a good sandwich and a good experience. You should give it a try, keeping in mind it is carry out only.
Closed for Renovations right now (May 2024) Always outstanding! Tenderloin of legend and lives up to the hype! Cash only!
Quintessential hole-in-the-wall place! How did I find out about Kitty's? I was in class one day, looking at food places that were nearby and stumbled across Kitty's. I was confused as to how I live nearby but had never seen nor heard about it - yet there were so many reviews that were raving about it. So, I had to check it out! Why I would rate it 4 stars - given the location, there's basically no parking (good luck with street parking). It's also pretty small so you can't sit in - this is a takeout place. So it got pretty crowded and took a while for food to come out. However, service was nice, food is CHEAP, and you get a decent amount for how much you're paying! The tenderloin sandwich was FILLING and so good. It also definitely knocked me out for a good chunk of the afternoon, lol! If you're in the mood for a tenderloin sandwich, or a burger, I'd recommend trying this place out - it might become your new go-to!!
3 months ago
If you know, you know... and if you don't, you NEED to discover Kitty's Café immediately. This place is an absolute Kansas City treasure and hands down one of the best hidden gems in the city. The star of the show is their legendary pork tenderloin sandwich, don't do pork you could get it in chicken or fish version!! . It's huge, perfectly breaded, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor in every bite. But here's the secret: you have to get it fully loaded. The pickles, onions, tomatoes , and that famous house hot sauce take it to a whole different level. That hot sauce is pure magic -- tangy, spicy, and the perfect kick that ties the whole sandwich together. Every bite is messy in the best possible way, and honestly that's how you know it's done right. It's the kind of sandwich that makes you stop mid-bite and just appreciate how good it is. I definitely couldn't eat it all in one setting! Places like this are why Kansas City's food scene is so special. No frills, just incredible food made the way it should be. If you haven't been to Kitty's Café yet, you're seriously missing out. FYI it is a cash only! read more
8 days ago
One hundred percent recommend! Take cash and patience. You will wait, but it's worth it. We ordered a plain pork tenderloin sandwich with tots. It was SO good!!! We will be back to try the rest of the menu. Please note, the wait is long, the restaurant is small and there isn't room to dine in. So patience is necessary! Enjoy!! read more
1 year ago
3 months ago
Drove by this place for about 3 months before I finally stopped.... And the best part was they were not open until the week I chose to stop!!Small little spot but it isn't small in food or service! Chef's Kiss! Food, Service! The best tenderloin ever!! A must for anyone in the Kansas City area!! read more
I read about this place on atlas obscura and was surprised its been around since the 50s and my in-laws who live in KCK have never heard of it. We went on a Friday around lunchtime and it was pretty busy. My fiance wanted to try the cheeseburger and I had to have the famed pork tenderloin sandwich. The wait was about 30 minutes and it is CASH ONLY so as long as you're prepared, neither is an issue. The pork tenderloin sandwich and the hot sauce on it were great and I'd love to have another. The cheeseburger wasn't bad but seemed pretty similar to Sonic or a run of the mill fast food cheeseburger. I had to have a mexican coke with it and it made for the perfect combo. Overall, a good visit. read more
6 months ago
My partner and I swung by Kitty's to grab a quick lunch to eat on the Nelson-Atkins lawn before making the trek back to Bentonville. We knew this place was no-frills and cash only, so we came prepared. We got the famous pork tenderloin sandwich, a cheeseburger, and fries. There's no dining room or much of a waiting area, so we waited approximately 10-15 minutes outside. I was impressed by how well the pork tenderloin sandwich held up, because it took another 15-20 minutes to find free street parking by the Nelson. The tenderloin was amazingly crispy, and paired well with the hot sauce and fixings. Admittedly, we had eaten so much BBQ the past few days of our trip that I was not able to thoroughly enjoy it. As for the burger, it was fine--it tasted like your average, greasy spoon diner burger (we regretted not getting the catfish sandwich instead). The fries were standard, crinkle-cut fries that were nice and hot out of the fryer, but needed just a little bit of salt. I would still recommend this to folks visiting KC who want an affordable, tasty bite. read more
Believe the hype. This is the best pork tenderloin sandwich I've ever had. The fries were amazing too! The service was friendly. The cashier told us it would be about a 30-minute wait for our food. Soon after, she was telling people 45 minutes. Their delivery truck hadn't come and they were out of tots, fries, bacon and something else. No matter. People took it in stride. They were not there for any of those things. It's all about the hand-breaded tenderloin. They have pork, chicken and catfish. We also tried a cheeseburger, which was excellent. If I wanted a meal, I'd get a double or triple cheeseburger. A single is more of a snack. It seems like a melting pot there. We met and talked to folks from all over the metro while we were waiting. We drove in from Lee's Summit for lunch on a Friday. Prolly 60% of us were first timers. The veterans just smiled at us. They knew what goodness lay ahead. I won't have a tenderloin anywhere else. It won't be as good. I'm ruined. read more
Went to Kitty's awhile back when it reopened. Super nice people working, very understanding with the long line because of the reopening. They gave me an estimated 1 hour wait for their pork tenderloin sandwich. I left and ran some errands and came back after an hour, so roughly accurate wait time. I expect that now the wait is a lot less. Pork tenderloin sandwich itself was solid. Very crispy, pork itself wasn't too thick. Tasted fresh, with good toppings. For what it was, I think it surpassed my expectations. I'd say the sandwich is a little bit dry for my personal taste, but overall it's a classic. For the price, I do think it's a little expensive, but where else can you get a pork tenderloin sandwich? Kitty's cafe itself doesn't have any real seating area. It's basically a walk in and order at the counter place. Expect to take your food to go. Overall, 4/5, and I'd probably return if I ever was craving another pork sandwich. read more
Finally got my hands on the famous pork tenderloin sandwich from Kitty's Cafe. And no, there are no cats there. The sandwich was delicious and crispy with hot sauce being the only condiment - which really allows you to focus on the flavor of the sandwich. + it was NOT greasy! I would definitely come back and try the catfish next time! Make some time to go check out this Kansas City classic! CASH ONLY! read more
Delicious classic Kansas City food. I have been waiting to try the famous Kitty's Cafe for a long time and was so excited to finally get to taste the tenderloin sandwich. This long anticipated sandwich did not let me down. It was more than just a tasty greasy sandwich. It filled my soul with joy. After parking on the street and a swift walk to the door, it was so packed we had to wait outside for a couple of minutes before ordering. While ordering we were notified that the wait would be about 30 min. We had time so we enjoyed the nice weather on the patio and walked over to the surrounding small businesses. There is no seating inside but there is a big covering outside. The food was ready almost exactly 30 minutes later. The pork tenderloin had a tasty spicy sauce on it which I loved. The cheesebuger was delicious but I should have opted for a double or triple. Overall worth the wait!! read more
7 months ago
I was impressed and I will be back. You The prices were very affordable which is a plus during a time when everyone seems to be overpricing things including food. I ordered the breakfast sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich. Beware, it comes with Mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and onion. I had it all removed and added bacon. Very good! Took about 10 minutes. So, very quick. In terms of ambiance, there isn't much. I mean the ceiling is cute and the place is clean. That's enough. This is a grab and go spot. No sitting and staying read more
Kitty's is an interesting place and a little tricky to find. We had the address and drove by it before realizing it. It is a very small place, carry out only. They key is to find the door. They focus on tenderloin sandwiches and burgers. They also have fries. We got the tenderloin sandwich. For the money it is a big sandwich. Loaded with battered pork tenderloin. Battered versus breaded. It was juicy and tender. All around good taste. However, with the meat being battered and given the thickness of the tenderloin it made for several layers of batter with several layers of tenderloin - the ratio of batter to meat was higher than I liked, which is why I only gave it 4 stars. With that said, it is a good sandwich and a good experience. You should give it a try, keeping in mind it is carry out only. read more
9 months ago
5 months ago
1 year ago
Oh. My. GOODNESS. This place's location is a little sketchy but the food is we will definitely be going back! The sandwich packs a punch. So worth it read more
Quintessential hole-in-the-wall place! How did I find out about Kitty's? I was in class one day, looking at food places that were nearby and stumbled across Kitty's. I was confused as to how I live nearby but had never seen nor heard about it - yet there were so many reviews that were raving about it. So, I had to check it out! Why I would rate it 4 stars - given the location, there's basically no parking (good luck with street parking). It's also pretty small so you can't sit in - this is a takeout place. So it got pretty crowded and took a while for food to come out. However, service was nice, food is CHEAP, and you get a decent amount for how much you're paying! The tenderloin sandwich was FILLING and so good. It also definitely knocked me out for a good chunk of the afternoon, lol! If you're in the mood for a tenderloin sandwich, or a burger, I'd recommend trying this place out - it might become your new go-to!! read more
3 years ago
Double Cheeseburger-I can't believe I've been living in KC this long and had not tried this place. I ordered a double cheeseburger and tater tots and man...it was amazing. Can't wait to go back and try their famous pork tenderloin. FYI-it's cash only. read more
9 months ago
For years, maybe even a decade or more this dive has been on the list of "best tenderloin" in the city. I finally made it. And yes it's all that everyone has said it is. This place is busy during the lunch hour. All sammys are made to order and the wait is not bad. They have a covered patio area if you want to eat there. Most folks take it to go. The menu is simple- burgers, tenderloins, chicken, tots, fries. My friend ordered the pork tenderloin, I ordered the chicken and tots. It was sooo good. The patties are thin and battered and double stacked with lettuce and tomato. The wet batter fries up light and perfectly golden brown. Yum. Yum. Yum. They only accept cash. And 1 person can eat for less than $12. read more
3 years ago
Excellent tenderloin unlike any other. Tempura style batter. Worth the wait. Make sure to get the hot sauce, dont tell em to hold it off. Its not that hot. Its what ties it all together. The burgers are really yummy too ! read more
3 years ago
Solid spot on my rotations of regular spots in KC. Nothing too special (no offense!) but that's a good thing. You get a solid meal, every time, and at a great price. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
I can't believe I hadn't been here before. I live close by and it was the perfect spot to grab a quick lunch to go. The pork tenderloin was right up with the best I've ever had. The homemade hot sauce was a great dressing for the sandwich. I had seen it mentioned a few times that it was cash only, and to reaffirm that, yes it is cash only. read more
1 year ago
Get a burger and a pork tenderloin sandwich. Get the fries. Grab a coke, relax and enjoy on the covered outdoor patio! The burgers are fresh and tasty. Fills your tummy without feeling overstuffed like at other places. I recommend getting the pork tenderloin sandwich with everything. The flavors together are so wonderful and those crinkle cut fries are everything! Loved this place! read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
The burgers were okay. The tenderloins were great. Stacked high. Had a crispy tempura batter. Cash only read more
2 years ago
7 years ago
If you haven't had a tenderloin from Kitty's Cafe then don't pretend to enter an argument about the best tenderloin in Kansas City. You just won't have any street cred! Hands down, Kitty's serves the most tasty and unique tenderloin in town. The diameter of the sandwich isn't as big as a basketball like some places, because Kitty's doesn't build out, she builds up! Each sandwich is stacked with three thin succulent pork filets that are breaded in a tempura-ish batter and fried. The other bonus is the hot sauce - similar to Go-Chicken-Go that also serves a signature hot sauce. The resulting flavor combination is purely in another league! Sorry Tenderloin Grill, Christine's Fire House, Harold's, Christy's... it looks like you are staying in Triple A as long as Kitty's is in town. read more
The pork tenderloin sandwich lived up to the hype. It came with a hot sauce on top that added a touch of spice. The staff were friendly and the food came out quick. I arrived 10 till closing on a Saturday and they got me out fast. There were plenty of people still rushing in to get their orders. There's no onsite ATM so make sure you bring cash! read more
1 year ago
Finally got around to trying Kitty's Cafe and it was soooo good. There is usually a small line out their door, but for good reason. The tenderloin and sauce were amazing. Tots were a great side and burgers looked amazing. Don't forget to take cash! read more
Finally got to stop by Kitty's to try their infamous pork tenderloin sandwich. The tenderloin was perfectly fried and loved the semi-spicy hot sauce they had in it. My office is walking distance from Kitty's and will try their other offerings, if weather permits. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
Oh Kitty. You make my heart purrrrr. I first spotted you while ubering and wondered what you were about. Nestled in a quaint little red building, people were filing in and out of your door as if to see the wizard behind the curtain. I then saw an IG post a few days later bragging of your pork tenderloin ways being the best in the land. A few days later, I grabbed cash as I had made note you are a cash only business and headed your way. It was around 1:30 on a weekday and there was several people inside waiting for their order while others sought to place theirs. After placing mine with the friendly face who greeted me, I read the article on your wall of how The NY Times had executed a road trip searching for the 50 best places to eat in the nation and you, of course, made the list. I got a pork tenderloin, light on the hot sauce with tater tots and a canned root beer. My, oh my. Upon pulling back the wrapper, I was immediately impressed with your generous portion. I quickly sang your praises to anyone and everyone I came in contact with that day boasting of your delightful brilliance that is stacked 3 high with tempura fried tenderloins. Crispy. Hot. Fresh. Fantastic. I was smitten. Today, I had a hankering and circled back around but this time I indulged in your chicken sandwich. KITTTAYYYY!!!! Chik-Fil-A who??? Popeye what? I sat in my car munching on my sandwich and extra crispy tots licking my lips and fingers, in awe. I have never had a chicken sandwich so smackin' in my life. Again, 3 pieces stacked high with mayo, lettuce and pickle slices. Tempura pieces falling off as I sank my teeth into each and every bite which served as little rewards of golden goodness to devour at the end of my meal. Speechless. I contemplated embracing my inner chubby side and walking back in to order a second one just so the moment could last a little longer but restrained myself. Don't be fooled my friend,; I will be back tmrw for more and the many days leading up to your remodel when you will be closed for what is sure to feel like forever. If you wanna pet my mental health and stroke my belly while on hiatus by sneaking me chicken sandwiches til you return to open your doors post facelift, holla at ya girl. I promise, I will holla back without hesitation. You reign supreme like a sphinx in the night and I will forever be your biggest fan. Pinky promise. read more
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More info about Kitty's Cafe
810 E 31st St
Kansas City, MO 64109
Longfellow
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(816) 753-9711
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