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    Town Topic

    4.1 (516 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

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    TOWN TOPIC ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Town Topic

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    Onion rings
    John C.

    This is a small, old-school burger shop in Kansas City. We were visiting and came in late, and it was one of the only places still open. The burgers are honestly pretty solid, and the onion rings were very good. Unfortunately, there are a few issues. First, the burgers are miniature. The singles are basically kid-sized, and the triples feel more like a normal single. On top of that, the prices are pretty steep for the portion sizes. You can easily spend around $18 for a double cheeseburger and onion rings, and I still felt like I could have eaten a full meal afterward. Another downside is the staff. As mentioned earlier, they didn't seem particularly friendly and came across as a bit rude during our visit. Overall, the food itself is good, but if you end up going here, be prepared to pay a hefty price for not a whole lot of food.

    Outside
    Bridget H.

    We stopped by Town Topic in Kansas City while passing through because it's one of those iconic "you have to try it" spots that everyone talks about on Yelp. Definitely felt like a must see for us. When we arrived around 9:42, the inside was closed, so we ended up standing outside in the chilly wind to order. Not the most comfortable experience, but we were committed once we got there. My husband and I each got a cheeseburger with fries. For a true hole-in-the-wall burger stand, the food honestly hit the spot. The burgers were tasty, and the fries were really good, hot and delicious. The only downside for me was the chocolate milkshake, which unfortunately didn't taste right. It had a strange flavor, almost like butane, so I'm not sure if something was off that night. Even with that, I wouldn't say it ruined the experience. Overall, it was still a fun little pit stop on our way out of town, and I'm glad we tried it. I'd definitely come back again, but probably skip the shake next time.

    24 diner in KCMO open for 75 years
    David G.

    No frill burgers and fries spot. It's a local institution that's been open for decades. I dig the old school simple vibes of this burger spot.

    Vaidehi C.

    Town Topic has always been an iconic joint and a beloved spot for many years now and is still loved by everyone over these years. I have been visiting the joint for many years now but reviewing it now.. I know, so late!! I always get their onion rings and double cheeseburgers, and they are always freshly made with the right amount of toppings, taste great and served hot. The onion rings are nice and crispy (sometimes oily), but that's ok. I have had their pies too ,especially their strawberry and rhubarb pie and that one was amazing too! It straight took me back to my university days in the UK, where rhubarb custard pies were freshly sold at a nearby restaurant .. very nostalgic. I will give Town Topic a wholeheartedly 5 stars. Service is always prompt. However, I am not a fan of sitting inside Town Topic because the sitting area is small, but at night they are only open for to‑gos and after getting your order, you can stand outside or near your car in the parking lot and eat it. If you love a classic hot burger with fresh onion rings, fries, or tots on a cold or warm day or night then this one is for you!

    Inside view n menu
    Taylor R.

    Small small inside surprisingly has seating. Great food people going in and out. Have to pay for parking next door. Place been here for ages. American style food. Great food just pricey for food n parking n crammed inside.

    Don't let the exterior look fool you - the place is worth trying!
    Richard S.

    I never get tired of this place (ever). Open late night....this cozy little place does your burgers well. And even if it looks busy...no worries....the staff knock the food out fast. - Flat top cooked burgers with caramelized onions....always a good burger rendition. - Onions rings....dash the salt on them...a good onion ring experience. - Chili: Now...this chili is pretty good actually. BUT....this stuff is greasy as greasy can be. I always like a greasy bowl of chili...but this (one), is one of the greasiest bowls of chili, (I) can recall ever having.

    View from bar - Pie selection
    Mandy L.

    One of KC's best late night favorites is actually great at all times. Classic burgers, fries/tots, breakfast, pies, shakes, and more! It may be small and sometimes it gets busy but this staff is experienced and keeps the orders turning.

    Town topic late night after concert
    Jennifer D.

    so you know when you've been out drinking since 5 PM ...going to a concert ...stopping at another bar and on your way back to the hotel you think I'm hungry... This is the place to stop burger, onion rings and chocolate malt all to smash at 1 AM before going to bed. Walk up counter quick service just the vibe I was looking for.!

    Joseph W.

    Stopping by late at night this is a good place to get some junk food. To help sober up. The price is here are slightly high in my opinion for what you get. The burger is here. Do taste great however the patties are a little bit underseasoned. I would skip on the chili cheese fries as the pretty basic. The pork tenderloin sandwich could also be skipped.

    Onion rings.
    Angelina E.

    This burger spot is close to our hotel and after walking by/driving past the last couple of days, we decided to stop in for a quick late lunch around 3:30 on a Sunday. My husband and I both ordered single burgers, along with an order of onion rings and a Coke. We were lucky and got the last 2 barstools at the counter. (By the time we left, there was a line formed) The prices are very affordable, our bill came out to about $21. We ordered our burgers with everything which is grilled onion, and pickles: I probably could have used some mayo but it still tasted pretty good. Onion rings were great and the crushed ice for the fountain drinks make for a refreshing soda pop.

    The sign... of great burgers...
    Jerry B.

    This is a slice of 1950s diner culture. My burger was prepared perfectly and I was dazzled with the pork tenderloin. Not a plate-filler, but was just outside the bun and was delicious. My pineapple pie was tremendous and I really wanted one to go. The service was excellent with friendly, talkative folks doing a great job making and serving great food. I look forward to going back someday. Your mileage may vary...

    Chili cheese fries
    Cheryl W.

    We placed an order on the phone which is super convenient since this place gets packed. All we had to do was make our way up to the counter and inform them we had placed an order over the phone and it was ready. Staff wasn't the friendliest, but the food made up for it. We got a couple cheeseburgers as well as the chili fries, and everything was delicious. The place is super small with maybe 6 seats, so we usually eat in the car.

    Double smashburger and fries
    Lucinda B.

    You just can't beat a place that has been open since 1937! Their location is tiny and cozy. We have been known to order and eat in our car. Their smash burgers are flavorful and served with pickles and grilled onions. They offer a good choice of sides. Their portion sizes are a good size. They also have pies, serve breakfast, chili, coneys, shakes and malts and ice cream. The staff is very friendly and always greet you with a smile. It's our favorite place to go for burgers when we are downtown.

    Double cheese burger

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    2 months ago

    love the double cheese burger with grilled onions.Glad they are open even if it is till 8 pm.

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    2 months ago

    Heard it was a great place to get a burger. Must be a place to go after all night drinking. Food? Well one and done. Hard pass

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    Page 1 of 13

    Ask the Community - Town Topic

    Why is is called Town Topic?

    Because it's the talk of the town!

    Is there a drive thru?

    no, There absolutely is not. What are these other people even talking about?

    Can I get here via the street car?

    Sure why not? It's a short walk but after the burgers you'll need yo walk them off somehow.

    View All 4 Questions

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    Sunrise On 39th

    Sunrise On 39th

    4.5
    (134 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$

    Don't skip coming here…read more We went with the two recommendations from Our server and we're NOT disappointed. My husband got the huevos rancheros. Delicious. I got the chilaquiles with chicken and for the two sauces choice the white and verde. It was the best I've ever had. Everything was cooked to perfection and the flavors were spot on! The service was slow but that was bc every single table was taken - and now I know why. We will be back.

    It was a really cute little restaurant! There is not a whole lot of space but I really liked the…read moredesign and space. The food was very good the flavor was on point and my favorite was the hash browns they were buttery and crunchy. My wife and I shared the meat lovers breakfast burrito and it was good size and filled with the filling. The sauce on top had a little kick to it but that could have been the veggies on top, but would get it again. Our friend got the breakfast enchiladas and said it was very good, she likes the green sauce over the red. I didn't personally try so I can't say how it was. My son ordered the traditional breakfast, and that's exactly what it was, but he liked it. The pancakes are the size of the plate and had a fluffy center and crispy edges. We did have to ask for more syrup because they were so big. The only reason it was not a 5 was because I felt the waitress could have been around more. I felt that since we had a group of 7 and the gratuity was already added she didn't worry about it. Our waters went empty and we had to ask a different waiter for more water and syrup, when she came over the water was warm and didn't have any ice. A kid spilled her syrup we went and asked for a rag and we cleaned it up which we expected but we had to flag someone down to see if she could get more syrup. I just felt she wasn't as attractive as she could have been. We went there on a Monday around 9:45, so it wasn't extremely busy. I would say that you should try it, it was good food!

    Photos
    Sunrise On 39th
    Breakfast Sopes
    Breakfast Sopes
    Sunrise On 39th

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    Messenger Coffee

    Messenger Coffee

    4.6
    (662 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    My friend and I got coffee and pastries here several times during our visit. The service was great…read moreand the coffee and pastries were even better. My usual order - a 16oz. vanilla latte and pan au chocolate - was amazing, and we plan on coming here again the next time we are in town.

    Visited this place twice while staying in downtown KC. I was pleasantly surprised that they had…read moresome solid gf options- I tried the chocolate banana muffin (gf) one morning, which was delicious + not overly sweet, imo. I also got a breakfast burrito (not gf) the second morning, which was delicious + had great heat. The coffee here was also amazing, although I opted for very basic oat milk lattes each morning. My husband got a maple tahini latte one morning + a smoked something or other on the other morning we went. My husband + son got croissants both mornings and loved them, but they also had some seriously cute rainbow donuts on display, which I was a bit shocked that my five year old passed by. The baristas were all very friendly and helpful, which I appreciated + the space was great with an open kitchen concept/plenty of seating. This seems like a great spot to work from, although they also had a wonderful (windy) rooftop to sit on also.. that looked like it had a fireplace for chillier days- so cozy. Best coffee in KC.

    Photos
    2nd floor seating
    2nd floor seating
    Toffee crunch cookie, iced Caramel Latte
    Toffee crunch cookie, iced Caramel Latte
    Soy latte 12 oz on the patio table

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    Soy latte 12 oz on the patio table
    McLain's Bakery

    McLain's Bakery

    4.5
    (312 reviews)
    6.2 mi
    $$

    In the storied enclave of Waldo, where the rhythm of Kansas City pulses with a quiet, neighborly…read morecharm, there stands a sanctuary not of silent stone, but of flour, butter, and memory: McLain's Bakery. To step through its threshold is to surrender to the siren song of warmth that curls from the oven like a whispered secret. I have made it my pilgrimage to traverse the entirety of their menu, a culinary odyssey that has yielded no false steps, only a symphony of consistency that borders on the miraculous. Each offering, from the flaky, golden architecture of their pastries to the robust, honest comfort of their savory fare, is a testament to the artisan's hand. Here, affordability is not a sacrifice of quality but a generous invitation, a rare confluence where the exquisite meets the accessible. There is a certain magic in the air at McLain's, a sweetness that feels woven into the very fabric of the establishment. It is a place that understands the language of comfort, speaking it fluently in the dialect of a perfect crust or the rich, dark notes of a expertly pulled espresso. It is perhaps no surprise that such a bastion of authentic delight has garnered a reputation that extends far beyond our local borders; if the standard of excellence is high enough to grace the plate of Taylor Swift, then surely, it is more than enough for us, the grateful residents who claim this treasure as our own. Yet, beyond the flour-dusted counters and the glowing glass cases, my deepest admiration is reserved for their spirit. In a world that often measures worth in cold, transactional metrics, McLain's chooses to honor those who pour themselves into the future of our community. As a teacher, I feel that recognition in the small gestures, the welcoming nods, and the genuine appreciation they extend to educators. It is a profound kindness, a recognition that the work of shaping minds requires nourishment, both intellectual and literal. They understand that a classroom is a marathon, and they act as the essential pit stop, providing the fuel that keeps the light of inquiry burning bright. To dine at McLain's is to participate in a ritual of belonging. It is a place where the passage of time is marked not by the ticking of a clock, but by the turning of the oven trays. It is a reliable heartbeat in the neighborhood, steadfast and true, offering a reprieve from the clamor of the outside world. Whether one seeks a quiet moment of reflection over a cup of coffee or a celebratory feast that honors the simple, profound joy of eating well, McLain's remains an unrivaled steward of taste. It is not merely a bakery; it is the living, breathing soul of Waldo, a place where every bite serves as a reminder that some things in this life are exactly as good as they ought to be.

    The young man at the register was so helpful!!! He made it fast and easy. The cake decorator even…read moreput my daughter's name on it in GOLD! All in 15 minutes! Thank you.

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    McLain's Bakery
    Custom Cookies
    Custom Cookies
    Chicken Bacon Wrap

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    Chicken Bacon Wrap
    Heirloom Bakery & Hearth

    Heirloom Bakery & Hearth

    4.2
    (255 reviews)
    5.2 mi
    $$

    I love me a good bakery and coffee shop and thanks to the 2026 spring Caffeine Crawl I may have…read morefound my favorite it both categories. We were welcomed with a brief overview of the company and treated to a sparkling matcha limeade on the patio. Following this we were treated to a fantastic sandwich and beverage pairing. The diced chicken was marinated in Coca Cola and cold brew then served on toasted fresh made bread with house made bbq sauce and veggies. Then paired with a cold brew mixed with Coca-Cola and topped with a cherry-vanilla cold top. Phenomenal. Just as incredible was the bakery case. After a tough decision making process, I took home a cookie, Lemon Goat Cheesecake, and blueberry pop-tart. The cheesecake and poptart were best I've ever had in each category and the cookie that I didn't even get a taste of, was declared "the best damn cookie I've ever had" by my wife. Two days later she is still talking about it. With the welcoming and friendly owner and staff, the creative and top tier products, and a cool environment; I'm all in for frequent trips from the Northland to Brookside for further exploration.

    I love their setup that balances both dine-in and takeout. I got a meat biscuit sandwich ($12) and…read moreoat milk latte for dining in. The biscuit sandwich was oozing with cheese and sauce so I ended up cutting into it with a fork and knife. The pear compote had an apple pie filling vibe to it, which was almost too sweet for me even though it went well with the salty smoked ham. The nutty bitterness from the fontina added a little bit too much contrast for me. This would be a good choice for people who like sweet and salty things. Overall, each component was tasty, but this particular sandwich wasn't exactly my preferred taste! The oat milk latte was good! Nice and foamy with a good amount of bitterness from the espresso. I was curious about their huge pastry case and would love to try those in the future.

    Photos
    Vibrant bakery!
    Vibrant bakery!
    Bakery items
    Bakery items
    Entrance

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    Entrance

    Town Topic - burgers - Updated July 2026

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