It was pouring rain. Stopped in for a burger at the drive through after seeing Rick Steves at Unity Temple down the street. The gal working the drive through was super friendly. Nothing like a Winstead's burger when you're super hungry. I got a triple cheeseburger for less than $8 and shard it with my wife. Filled both of us up and SO tasty! The Plaza location is one of the few left and it still hits good. Yum!! read more

Winstead's, once a staple of KC, has aged quite poorly, unfortunately. I will always stan Winstead's, and have taken my girls here quite a bit, but to me, it's on it's last legs. First off, let's hope for a major infusion or potentially new owners, I don't really know. But it's undeniable, the vibes that made this Winstead's growing up and coming here with grandparents are long gone. The jukebox remains, but doesn't work. The carpet remains, but isn't cleaned. The original booths remain, but are cracked to pieces. They don't even pipe in music half the time, which leads to an odd atmosphere. The crowd can be interesting here too, depending on the time of day. That being said, the combo of nostalgia + price + kid friendly makes this a spot we still attempt to visit from time to time. The servers are always friendly here, and their onion rings are delicious. Of course, you have to get a shake/malt/skyscraper of some kind as well. Lately, each burger I've had here has been a step down from the last. There are quite a few fast food burgers that are better than these. Hopefully they can revive some of the glory days of this iconic spot, and if not, we'll still find ourselves here on occasion, taking in the Plaza lights and having some fun family time like we used to with our grandparents back in the day. read more

Such a fun place to go. Have been going to Winstead's for as long as I can remember and it remains the same. Good ole steak burgers and malts-a blast from the past- the 1940s to be exact with a juke box and color decor from 1945. Upon entering, you are whisked away to a more simpler time, where prices are realistic and the food is simple but really good. I opted for a breakfast sandwich and a chocolate frosty. The bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich in wheat toast was a great way to the start the morning. The chocolate frosty was very good as well, it is advertised that a spoon is needed and they weren't lying! It was sweet and delicious. Our server was very friendly and was quick to refill the coffee cup. Two sandwiches and a malt for $16. In this economy- that's a steal. There are two Winstead's left in the KC area. Highly recommend getting to one soon. read more

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Winstead's is without a doubt a KC staple, and if you've never eaten here, are you truly a Kansascitian? The answer is no--you're not. I remember coming here since I was young, so any time I find myself eating here, it takes me back to when I was a kid. Now from the outside, it is not the most glorious place, I will admit, but there is nothing better than a cheap burger, some onion rings, and a milkshake. My go-to is a single Winstead, a side order of Fifty-Fifty (onion rings & tots, of course), and a strawberry milkshake, though I don't feel like you can go wrong with any of their classics. The burger is always thin and seasoned well, the onion rings are crispy and huge, and the milkshakes taste like the good old days. Once you walk inside, you will feel like you time traveled because of the retro vibe the restaurant still maintains, and I have found the servers are always very kind. If you plan on going through the drive-through, be prepared to spend a little time waiting because there is typically a line, but it moves relatively quickly. Overall, I would recommend trying Winstead's out if you haven't already, and if you want a continuously good burger, this is your spot! read more

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There is nothing good I can say about this latest experience. Two years ago, this place was great. Everything has gone downhill- the service along with the wait time and the food were both horrible. I've never been inside but the drive thru could use some sprucing up for sure. The bag was a greasy mess when she handed it to me. It took forever for us to get our food. I won't be coming back. It's unfortunate because this place used to be a favorite of mine not to mention it has been here for such a long time. read more

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Great burgers and onion rings! Sauces are great. Malts, and limeades are a tasty treat as well. Service was quick and friendly. read more

Winstead's Steakburger - Double burger and order of onion rings and 50/50 of tots and O-rings - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

For the price? Food is great! The experience feels so nostalgic and service is quick. Obviously an older building with not the nicest things but there's a reason they're still in business. read more

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I love that this so close to the street car stop. It's a great place for a cheap quality burger and fries, but the shakes might be the best thing on the menu. I tried a butterscotch shake and added hot fudge and I can't get it out of my mind three days later. The servers are nice but don't expect too much out of an old diner in the city. Definitely go and try the burgers and shakes if you ever get the chance. They're open late and have a happy hour that has good deals. read more

I came right before 12am and my birthday was near! So glad I came through! Food tasted like home to me! And the cherry limeades are now my favorite here! I can't get enough. Everything was so clean, calm, and nostalgic. Not to mention my waitress and one of the other waitresses told me I was gorgeous and we had the same birthday! Amazing people in here. read more

Winstead's Steakburger - Cherry Limeade - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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My fiancé first introduced me to Winstead's and we go every few months. Extremely affordable and incredibly tasty! I typically get a burger and tater tot's. If I'm feeling indulgent I get some ice cream. The brownie sundae is incredible! A must try for all kinds of folks read more

Get there before 11 for breakfast! Fast, inexpensive and filling. Not gourmet but fills you up!

A friend from home here did a tik tok on or and so I decided to hit it while passing through. Thought they were open 24 hours. Kinda. Drive through is. Cherry Lime aid is spot on. Burgers were decent. Fries were so so. But it was 10pm at night during the weeek. I want to come back during the day and try it out. read more

Winstead's should really train their employees how to make a proper soft serve cone. This isn't really how they are supposed to look. Also, fix your drive thru. Goodness this place has gone downhill. read more

Winstead's Steakburger - Soft serve ice cream cone - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

This diner in Kansas City opened in the 1940's and has been serving up delicious dishes since! Winstead's is a staple in Kansas City for their steakburgers and breakfast. The menu is simple but each dish is amazing! Grab your food to go in the drive-thru, or dine inside of the 1940's themed restaurant. We went for breakfast and enjoyed the breakfast platter, pancakes, and biscuits & gravy. If you haven't been to Winstead's, make sure to add it to your Kansas City food bucket list! read more

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Service was ok. Food was cold unfortunately. Took my husband there for the first time. Over all a bummer.

Food was as basic as it gets...burgers, shakes, fries, etc. But the quality & service are outstanding! Their onions rings were great. One of KC's Westport areas best features! read more

Winstead's Steakburger - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

We stopped in here for a old-fashioned burger with tator tots and fries. I heard this is one of the oldest places still open..bring me back to those times.. read more

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Took the grandkids to winsteads at the Plaza. Montea was our server she took good care of us. Food was good. It'd just be nice if they get new seats.I think those are the original ones from nineteen forty. read more

we went in the establishment at 11:49 and got our food at 12:45 this is in unbelievable. I wanted to have nice food after a trip and was given thin patties and hair in my food. even the bathrooms where disgusting with stains and liquid all over the floor. the seats had holes in them and cut my arm while standing up. the automatic gratitude fee is also unacceptable 18% for almost the worst food I've ever had. there was a stench in the restaurant and the air felt heavy. would NOT recommend. read more

We ordered first and we still haven't gotten our food and the people next to us ordered last and got their food and finished it then got their dessert and then finished it the bathroom was absolutely disgusting and the seats have holes in it this is ridiculous we have been waiting for over an hour and then there was hair in my drink and the banana split dessert and we weren't even compensated for the deserts or the drink read more

Charming and very affordable old-fashioned diner. Service is always quick and very friendly. Burgers are just the right size to enjoy a side of tots and onion rings and not feel overstuffed. read more

Something from childhood! My favorite steak-burgers dbl winstead with cheese with onion pickle catchupmustard. Limeade breakfast is a local staple eggs to order! read more

Food is always hit or miss. If it will be cooked properly or not is a gamble. Pretty much roll the dice with food safety, not just quality. Weve given this place a try a few times and only received good enough food to eat once. Today: our burger looked like it had been boiled, bread stiff as a rock, tater tots all overcooked or extremely old, drink tasted like bleach. Never again. This place is affordable and thats the only positive it has going for itself. Affordable doesnt mean risk a hospital trip for food. read more

Legendary Kansas City drive-in next to the beautiful Plaza. I have vivid memories over the decades, coming here as a child, and later, doing eating contests of their giant Skyscraper shake. Famous New York writer, Calvin Trillin, called the Winsteads Steakburger the best in the country. My wife had a single steak burger with cheese while I opted for the triple steak burger without cheese, including grilled onions. We split an order of 50-50, onion, rings, and tots. The tots and rings were cooked quite nicely and were very crispy. The best limeade I have ever had is here at Winsteds. They put a little scoop of lime sherbet in the drink, and it really makes a difference! Their shakes are exceptional, as is their special drink, the Frosty. If you aren't in the mood for a burger, try the fried egg sandwich or their grilled cheese. The taste of their steakburgers, and the quality of meat they use is what makes Winsteads stand out above others. Eighty-plus years and they are still going! read more

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Was so excited when I saw this place but the Burger was mid at best. Fries were ok. Not sure if this is normal, but they were pouring their sodas out of 2L bottles. My feeling is the people who started this place and the people who are running it now aren't the same. I don't know when but there's no way these people have been running it since 1930s. Below average food, atmosphere & service. read more

Had lunch, double burger and rings, and was quite pleased. Burger was very well prepared. Not too much bun and didn't fall apart early. Rings were nice and not greasy. Have recommended to others and would eat here again . read more

I had the ham,egg and cheese breakfast sandwich on an English muffin with no butter. So yummy. And what a deal! This is a no frills diner stocked full of locals. Good cheap food. read more

Winstead's Steakburger - $4.29!! - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

There was a sign that said wait to be seated so we did. Then got told to sit wherever. Sitting in our seats for over 20 min when a worker who came and asked if we needed anything. Note no drinks , food on our table. We said yeah to order. She said she would send the 1 waitress over and we waited another 5 to 10 min for her to finally come over. We ordered our food and shakes. One chocolate and one hot fudge. We had to stir up the chocolate and fudge ourselves as they barely mixed them . Multiple staff standing behind the counter talking and drinking drinks and not helping the customers. read more

Overall tasty burger spot but a little disappointed from this experience. Burger patties were cold and the service busy, so took a while to get the food. That being said solid KC burger joint and hopefully they can have more attention to detail next time. read more

Winstead's Steakburger - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

We came here later before 9 pm so it was not busy but the waitress was very nice and attentive coming back to check on us or our drinks. The design inside feels like a classic diner still even if it is an older building/ older furniture. The cherry limeade was so good, tart and sweet and both burgers had enough toppings and sauce on. Everything came out fast and overall it was a fun experience to go to a more classic diner like this. read more

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We had a great visit with our family - while the interior could use a renovation, it's all part of the charm. The burgers were great - love the custom toppings options. The 50/50 with tots and onion rings were excellent, not greasy at all. What tipped this from a 4 to 5-star review was our server, Nicole. She was friendly, efficient, and patient with our group of 6. read more

If you're going to or wanting to go to Winstead's to eat, do yourself a favor and not go to this one, go to the other one in Leawood right off of the Roe Ave Exit. It is so much better than this specific location, service isn't bad here, atmosphere is what you expect from an 80+ year old establishment, not bad but somewhat falling apart. The food however is not good at all, may be a bit harsh giving it 1 star but me and my grandparents have tried this place a few times to see if it has improved and it hasn't, our food wasn't warm when served, buns are cold or almost frozen, burgers are small too, the other location has bigger burgers, and they just unfortunately let this specific location down this much. The atmosphere isn't anywhere close to what brings this down to 1 star, it's again that me and my grandparents have tried to give this place the benefit of the doubt many times to improve on their food and especially how it's served but no effort towards that was put forth the past few times we've gone. read more

My all time favorite burgers and ice cream! Such good prices, love the classic vibe in there. I dream of their chocolate frostier and cherry lime aid. read more

Winstead's Steakburger - Chocolate frosty, butterscotch sundae, fries, chicken strips - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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Went through the drive thru. Burger was cold and so was the service. Only reason for giving two stars instead of one is because their cherry limeade is delicious read more

I really enjoyed this place. Great simple smash burgers that were satisfying. Onion rings were crispy and delicious. Malts were a great texture, obviously made with real ice cream. Really cute classic diner. Servers were friendly. Wish this place was closer to me!! read more

Winstead's Steakburger - Double Winstead Steakburger with cheese, pickles, onion, ketchup and Onion Rings - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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Hard to not like this place! A KC staple. Thin steakburgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, 50/50 fries & onion rings/tots, malts, cherry limemades, and reasonable prices! Admittedly, the inside is a bit run down, with the occasional ripped booth, but that classic diner feel is still intact. Plus, I've never had an issue with service here, whether dining in or in the drive through. Another plus, the drive through is open 24 hours! It does get busy late at night, but worth the wait in my opinion. I'd pick this over other fast-food spots like McDonald's any day! read more

Winstead's Steakburger - Cherry limemade - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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Great burgers, friendly environment. 10 minute turnaround on order to plate. Highly recommended already and i back that opinion read more

Winstead's Steakburger - Burgers fries, tots and onion rings - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

The best 99 birthday party for our father! There were 60 of us on this Sunday, June 29, 2025, and Winstead's did a fabulous job. Special thanks to manager Sarah and her colleague Nicole. We will be back fir the 100! read more

Love their Steakburgers, the cherry limeade is to die for. My very favorite spot on the Plaza for a quick snack at lunchtime read more

When you're looking for a blast from the past, this is it. Very simple & classic vibe, what you can call a diner. Menu is simple, & the service itself is great. I believe it's the fastest I've ever gotten my meal honestly. Portions aren't huge, they're just enough. Onions rings were crunchy, & burgers were it. Cream soda was great, & not to mention their lemonade! Those 2 were sincerely the cherry on top (small pun). read more

Winstead's Steakburger - Single Winstead Onion Rings - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri