Longboards has been part of my story since my UMKC days. I first went after hearing all the hype,…read moreand as they've expanded, I've followed them from location to location. When they finally opened in Overland Park, I was ecstatic -- it felt like my old college staple had grown up with me.
One side note that says it all: during KU Hospital orientation, HR did that classic icebreaker -- "What's your favorite restaurant?" Someone mentioned Longboards, and instantly a chorus of people chimed in with "Yeah!" That kind of reaction tells you everything -- Longboards isn't just food, it's a Kansas City cult favorite.
Menu-wise, they do things differently. Think grilled burrito-style wraps or deli-style cold wraps, but you can make any of them into an "OG" (their giant version with a hard-boiled egg inside) or turn them into a rice bowl. That's what makes it fun -- the creativity of the flavors plus the flexibility to make it your own.
My forever go-to is the Argentine quesadilla flat wrap -- steak, shrimp, guac, mozzarella, pico, and chimichurri ranch. It's basically surf-and-turf at a reasonable price, and the flavors just explode. Easily a 10/5.
I usually grab a second item too. This time it was the WOW Kung Pao wrap -- chicken, peanuts, veggies, rice, spicy Chinese sauce. Think kung pao stir-fry, but wrapped up. Perfect balance of heat and crunch, a solid 4/5. Over the years , I've also loved the 5 Alarm Beef (spicy, but worth it). The the Cabo chicken/steak (crowd favorites), and the 619 OG (go big or go home) are prety solid too.
And don't sleep on their rotating monthly creations -- some of the most fun menu items they've done. My favorite was One Time in Bangkok -- as spicy and naughty as it sounds. Basically a pad thai wrap loaded with Thai Peanut, Spicy Chinese, and 5 Alarm sauce. Absolutely amazing, and another 10/5. Honestly wish they'd make it a permanent menu item.
The sauces are what really set Longboards apart. They bottle a few (Thai Peanut, 5 Alarm, Chipotle Ranch, Teriyaki), and I wish they'd sell their Spicy Chinese sauce too -- it's that good. Same with the chimichurri ranch on the Argentine -- I could honestly bathe in both of them. Pro tip: grab a bottle of Thai Peanut sauce and use it at home to instantly level-up Trader Joe's bowls. Sometimes the bottles are half off during happy hour times.
I've tried their noodle bowls and rice bowls -- tasty, but rice noodles aren't my thing. And the Hawaiian sliders? Hard pass. Stick to the wraps, flat wraps, or OG-style burritos and you can't go wrong.
The staff is always friendly, the food is consistent -- super quick, super fresh, always hot. Seating is limited (this location is mainly carry-out), but I love the surf-inspired vibe with the surfboard-shaped countertop.
What makes Longboards stand out most is the value. They've managed to keep prices fair while maintaining high quality -- even post-COVID, when so many places either dropped standards or raised prices. That combination of affordability, creativity, flexibility, and consistency is rare. Longboards is a KC institution for a reason. Five stars every time.