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    Town Topic

    4.1 (524 reviews)
    Open • Open 24 hours

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    TOWN TOPIC ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Town Topic

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    David L.

    Stopped for a late lunch which I believe this is the first time I have been here during the day. The cheese burger didn't take long at all to come out and was really good. If you are in the area and looking for a good burger this is a great spot!! I didn't know that they have breakfast or pies, however reading the menu I will definitely have to stop in here and check out breakfast!!

    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

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    2 months ago

    The absolute worst burger that I've ever had. Poor service or rather, lack of service. Don't waste your money.

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    5 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 14

    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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    The City Diner - The Bob special

    The City Diner

    3.8(190 reviews)
    1.6 mi•Rivermarket, Greater Downtown
    •$

    The is a great local diner with a menu that has local flair as well the regular items you would…read moreexpect. We came in and were told to take a seat. Nice seats by the window to enjoy the neighborhood activity. The server was pleasant, attentive and helpful. I had a half order big biscuit. Eggs, has browns and a biscuit smothered in sausage gravy. It was delicious and I wouldn't have been able to eat the full order. Awesome place and very popular from what I could tell.

    We've been wanting to come here since we moved to Kansas City three years ago. Today was the day…read more We had a little staycation downtown and skipped the hotel breakfast to come here. The City Diner is outstanding! They definitely have their locals and regular customers, but we're also welcoming to us as first timers. Our waitress was jovial and courteous, and answered all of our silly questions. My wife had a half order of biscuits and gravy. I had a double cheeseburger, which was enormous. Those patties are no joke. I would get a single next time. Thankfully, it did not come with fries or tots as that would've been entirely too much food. I could hardly finish it, and I was ravenous. We want to come back and try other things here. It will not take a long time before we return. My wife loved her biscuits and gravy, and she is from the south. The biscuits were pillowy, soft and flaky. We have found our divvy diner that we love. The City Diner opened in 1937. One taste of their food and you'll know why they've been around almost 90 years.

    Photos
    The City Diner
    The City Diner - That's a thick country fried steak in there

    That's a thick country fried steak in there

    The City Diner - Small parking

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    Small parking

    Harvey's - Our award winning brunch buffet has everything you could imagine, including these gorgeous pastry options!

    Harvey's

    3.5(414 reviews)
    0.3 mi•Midtown
    •$$

    We stopped here in the heart of Union Station after touring the Berlin Wall exhibit and had a nice…read moreexperience. We were seated upstairs at a very comfortable table with great scenery, and our server, Shannon, was outstanding--she had complete command of our lively group and took great care of us throughout the meal. ​The food and drinks hit every mark. I started with a traditional Bloody Mary (major bonus points for the crispy bacon garnish and salted rim). For my main, I ordered the KC Classic burnt ends sandwich with sweet potato fries. The sandwich was packed with flavor and had a great spicy kick, while the fries were so crispy and perfectly cooked that they didn't even need dipping sauce. The chicken and waffles, club sandwich, and Reuben ordered around the table looked just as impressive. ​The only minor drawback was a chilly draft blowing directly on our table--it almost felt like we were seated in a paranormal cold spot! Shannon took it in stride with great humor, rightfully pointing out that Union Station's vintage ventilation was the culprit rather than the restaurant. Luckily, the boozy coffee warmed us right back up. I'll definitely be back for seconds!

    i stopped for a late lunch here after i toured the berlin wall. i really wanted to sit on the…read morebalcony, so i could pretend to be a princess, and gaze loftily at people in the lower areas, but alas, no one was being seated upstairs. maybe another day... the atmosphere was relaxing, the tables are well spaced - you aren't so close to a neighboring table that you are tempted to ask them for a french fry while you wait for your own food. which brings me to the food... honestly, the food isn't great. it's kind of like the food you'd expect at a greasy diner, one where the cook wears a greasy apron and hits the 'ready' bell with a spatula. that said, beware of harvey's original burger. do you remember the hamburgers they used to serve in school cafeterias? this hamburger (double) had the same kick - one like my 92 year old mum tried to give me when she was mad. no flavor. no strength. nods to the hot french fries though. the k.c. classic also lacked in flavor, but the presentation was nice. this review is so tepid i'm pissing myself off. two things made this food bearable - well, three, since i had two glasses of pinot noir. all that walking during the berlin wall made me thirsty. don't judge. our waitress was awesome - very friendly, patient, everything was great. her name was alexis, i watched her, much like a stalker, while picking at a bland k.c. classic. she visited all her tables, made happy talk with customers, brought them take away cartons, and accepted payments. alexis - five stars food - one star total bill before tip - $63.84 oh! i almost forgot the free entertainment. a couple were taking wedding photos by the post office - i will forever wonder if they wanted the post office logo, as well as the parking garage logo featured prominently in the background. or how photographs of the couple laying on the floor of union station turned out. they were a happy couple, and very polite about being in a public space - they were mindful of foot traffic, photographer was great too. union station is a cool stop if you are in the vicinity. except for the parking fee. next: my cat and what her meows actually mean.

    Photos
    Harvey's - Cinnamon Roll Pancakes = Breakfast Perfection

    Cinnamon Roll Pancakes = Breakfast Perfection

    Harvey's - Who says salads are boring, check out our Southern Chicken Salad. Topped with avocado, bacon, corn, bleu cheese and so much more!

    Who says salads are boring, check out our Southern Chicken Salad. Topped with avocado, bacon, corn, bleu cheese and so much more!

    Harvey's - The meat to bun ratio of our Pork Tenderloin Sandwich is on point!

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    The meat to bun ratio of our Pork Tenderloin Sandwich is on point!

    The Lunch Box - KC Cheesesteak Combo

    The Lunch Box

    4.5(189 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    •$

    I've been a lunch box consumer for the last 6 years. When I first graduated highschool and got my…read morefirst construction job the guys introduced me for the first time, I was broke had almost no money and I could come here and get a giant $8 grande burrito and a water and it would last me all day. This place got me through some hard times lol and the best bang for your buck both with quality and quantity. Perfect place for a big guy like me and I've never had a bad meal here EVER! Also try the train wreck! It's the shizzz

    The first thing that stood out to me about The Lunch Box was the prices. It's a little…read morehole-in-the-wall sandwich shop with old-school charm, and it's hard to beat how affordable everything is nowadays. The service was great as well. Everyone was friendly, welcoming, and our food came out quickly. I ordered a turkey club while my dad got one as well, and unfortunately we both had the same issue. The turkey was on the dry side, and it was sliced much thicker than I personally prefer. I tend to like a thinner deli-style sliced turkey, so it just wasn't my favorite sandwich. My mom ordered one of the salads though, and honestly it looked better than my sandwich. It was loaded with fresh toppings, and she said the ranch was excellent. If I come back, I'd probably skip the sandwich altogether and give one of the salads a try. Overall, I can definitely appreciate what they're going for. The prices are fantastic, honestly unheard of in present day, and that's the main reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 3. It's a true local spot, and I wouldn't mind giving it another chance to try something different from the menu.

    Photos
    The Lunch Box - Place is kinda bodega or neighborhood grocery, so you can get all manner of packaged food.

    Place is kinda bodega or neighborhood grocery, so you can get all manner of packaged food.

    The Lunch Box - Pork The Giant Tenderloin Sandwich

    Pork The Giant Tenderloin Sandwich

    The Lunch Box - Breakfast menu (as of 07/2025)

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    Breakfast menu (as of 07/2025)

    Spectators - Yum

    Spectators

    2.9(74 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    •$$

    We ended up going here 2x during our long weekend. We had dinner here 1 night and next night we…read morecame here after the festival was rained out. There was many many people who also headed here after festival canceled. Spectators did bring in other staff to help with the crowd and I'm gotta give a shout out to Vlad who did a great job. When we ate dinner we also had good service too. Food orders in our group were Chop Chop salad, double smash burger, chicken quesadilla and brisket grilled cheese. Servings were all plentiful and the food was very good. Prices were a tad high but that's typical of hotel bar/restaurant.

    With it being slow, the restaurant should've been clean. I walked in to one side of the floor being…read moredirty. Trash on the floor. So I went to the other side to sit. The girl that was with him working never said anything to me until she saw the tip. THEN she asked if she could help. Just NOT very friendly. The food wasn't anything to rave about. I had the Blacken Cajun Chicken recommended by Zac. I added an additional piece of chicken b/c the piece was small, but they gave ALOT of pasta. They have A LOT of sauce, but it was some THICK ALFREDO SAUCE. The second piece of chicken was SMALLER than the first, but I ate and was satisfied. The place was ABSOLUTELY dead, but Zac's customer service was good which is why I'm giving TWO stars! He was attentive and had a great sense of humor. On my way to my room, I met a lady that comes here once a month for work. She was saying how GROSS the food is, and she was going to try the appetizers tonight. I told her to have a glass of wine to help wash it down. After getting to my room, the food keeps running up in my throat. I hope I don't throw up. Do NOT order the Cajun Chicken Pasta or Flank steak. I spoke with a gentleman there that was having it, and he stated it wasn't very good. Which is why I chose the pasta.

    Photos
    Spectators
    Spectators - Fried mushrooms and zucchini.

    Fried mushrooms and zucchini.

    Spectators - Menu - April 2026.

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    Menu - April 2026.

    Town Topic - burgers - Updated October 2026

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