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Alia Salam Contributing Writer
If you have the time, the money and the means, it’s great to eat off campus.
There are so many local restaurants, ranging from Indian to Chinese to Italian to Middle Eastern. Because of this, it’s almost impossible to create a list of ten places to eat around campus.
But lo and behold, it’s been done. In no particular order, the top ten locally owned places to eat around campus that won’t burn a hole in your wallet this semester.
1. Joe’s Pizza – Buy the Slice
4058 Pennsylvania Avenue
Located in the back of Kelly’s in Westport, Joe’s Pizza is definitely one of Kansas City’s best-kept secrets. Open until 3 a.m. every night, it’s nice to grab a huge slice of fresh pizza after a long night out on the town.
Be sure to grab the little bottle of honey sitting next to you at the counter and drizzle it over your pizza. Seriously, it sounds gross, but I promise you’ll never look back. With only three tables, the atmosphere is a little crowded, but it’s always fun to sit outside and watch the passersby in Westport.
2. Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue
4747 Wyandotte Street
Kansas City is renowned for its barbecue, known as the “barbecue capital of the world.” Therefore, it’s only fair to include Jack Stack in my list of top ten places to eat around campus.
With their so smoky, tender, and delicious barbecue, it was hard to narrow down the best picks, but the burnt end sandwich and pork ribs are two “must haves” at Jack Stack. After visiting, you’ll understand why it’s one of the highest-rated barbeque joints in the nation.
3. Accurso’s Italian Restaurant
4980 Main Street
If you love Italian food, Accurso’s is definitely the way to go. Many “mom and pop” joints come and go, but Accurso’s has stayed solid for over 30 years. The garlic bread is endless, their salads are bigger than your head, and their chicken spiedini is one-of-a-kind. Be sure to save room for dessert, because their tiramisu is like nothing you’ve ever had. You won’t regret your visit to Accurso’s.
4. Korma Sutra
4113 Pennsylvania Avenue
Have a few hours between classes? Grab a couple friends and stop by Korma Sutra for their amazing lunch buffet. This Indian cuisine offers a vast variety of dishes, and a pretty nice vegetarian fare too. No time in between classes? Take it to go! You’ll love the free extras they give you, like as dessert and chai tea.
5. Muddy’s
318 E 51st Street
If you have a couple minutes to spare, stop by Muddy’s, a local coffee shop with a personality of its own. The baristas are extremely knowledgeable and as friendly as can be. Their coffee is fresh and their pastry case is always full of tempting deserts. Muddy’s even offers 50 cent refills on any of their specialty drinks. Can’t beat that.
6. Gojo Japanese Steak House
4163 Broadway Street
Starving? This is the place to go. Tons of delicious food, all reasonably priced. Each entry comes with a soup, salad, shrimp (yes, you want the yellow sauce), rice, veggies, and a bowl of sherbert, all for around $12, so it’s pretty hard to leave hungry. The atmosphere is great, and with the free entertainment provided by the cooks, you’re sure to have a good time. Just be sure you’re ready to catch a flying shrimp! The only downside? No free refills, so drink slowly.
7. Jerusalem Café
431 Westport Road
If you’re looking for authentic Mediterranean food, you have to try Jerusalem Café. Words can’t describe how good the food is here. Their gyro sandwiches are to-die-for and they have some of the best hummus I’ve ever tasted. Plus, where else can you enjoy a cup of fresh-squeezed mango juice? The portion sizes here are incredible, so be sure to sit and let it all digest with a little hookah.
8. Friends Sushi
1808 W 39th Street
If you’re craving sushi, Friends is the place to go. Not only do they have some of the best sushi in Kansas City, their servers are attentive and friendly. There’s no better time to stop by than on a Monday night, when their sushi is only $1. Not a big sushi fan? No worries, their teriyaki chicken is excellent as well.
9. Lamar’s Donuts
3395 Main Street
Hands-down one of the best donut places in Kansas City, Lamar’s is so delicious that even Jay Leno himself called Lamar the undisputed “King of Donuts.” Their cake donuts can’t be beat. The only complaint I have is that they don’t accept credit or debit cards, so bring cash.
10. Kin Lin Chinese Restaurant
314 E 51st Street
Last but not least, we have Kin Lin. A UMKC favorite, it’s practically on campus. If you’re running low on cash, Kin Lin is the place to go, with hearty lunch specials running around $5. You can’t beat their wonton soup, and they have some of the best crab rangoon I’ve ever had. Another bonus? They deliver.
asalam@unews.com
