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    Town Topic

    4.1 (513 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

    Town Topic Photos

    Business Info

    TOWN TOPIC ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Divey
    Casual
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Town Topic

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    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 cheese burger
    Andre C.

    Town Topic has a top 5 burger in Kansas City, and I wouldn't be surprised if it's many people's number 1. The patties were crisp but still moist without being overly greasy, and the onions smashed into the patty added moisture and sweetness. I recommend keeping the default toppings of mustard and pickles. I also ordered onion rings, which were pretty good but nothing special. The restaurant itself is tiny so it may be a good idea to plan on ordering take out. Despite being very busy, our food came out fast.

    Double smashburger and fries

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    8 days 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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    10 months ago

    It's gonna take some time to get your food but WELL worth it! The party melt and chili is my go-to!

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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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    For the first time ever I used McLain's for catering and I'm officially bumping my review from 4 to…read more5 stars because honestly they did such a spectacular job at such a reasonable price I'm already wishing I had another excuse to order from them again! A few months ago my sister and I hosted a baby shower for our other sister and after looking around an options we decided to go with McLains. It was a smaller group, and we were doing a brunch theme, and our sister LOVES sweets. That paired with our desire to support local, and our shared love of McLains, this was just the most obvious choice. We ended up ordering a cake and first of all I have to say their cake flavor choices are insane - I think we settled on a chocolate cake with peanut butter filling (YUM), but I don't think you can go wrong here. We also ordered one of their pre-set pastry bundles for pick up and honestly everything was wonderful. I think I placed the order about a week out and it was ready when I came to pick it up. What pushed this experience into five star category for me? Just the friendliness of the staff, the serving tools they send you home with, and how thoughtful everyone was. The food was also really just exactly what we needed and it was so good there were hardly any leftovers, I think the kids cleared us out by lunch! At any rate, if you're on the hunt for a great spot to support for your next brunch event consider McLains - they won't let you down!

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    Entrance

    Town Topic - burgers - Updated May 2026

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