Kansas City has always been a food town, but COVID-19 has kept most of us dining on our cook-at-home favorites and carryout. As we are able to get out more safely, here are a few UMKC students’ favorite spots to eat.

Paleterías Tropicana 

“My absolute favorite spot to eat in Kansas City is Paleterías Tropicana.” – Adriana Suarez '23, business administration

Since 2003, Paleterias Tropicana has served homemade authentic Mexican ice cream. From its original location on Kansas City’s westside, there are now five locations in the metropolitan area. While lime, mango and banana are safe bets, hibiscus, pineapple chile and tamarind with chile will delight the adventurous eater.

Town Topic

“I enjoy getting a burger and pie from Town Topic with my friends. We like taking our burgers and pies to go so that we can enjoy our food while overlooking the Kansas City skyline near the World War I Memorial.” – Emily Wesley '21, biology

Town Topic is a Kansas City tradition. Open 24 hours a day with three locations – two of which are basically around the corner from one another – this is a go-to for smash burgers and breakfast for both locals and newbies.

Wings Cafe

“Wings Café is one of the best places in the city for chicken wings by far. Go there and tell me I’m wrong.” ­– Brandon Henderson '21, political science

Convenient to both campuses, Wings Café, a family-owned restaurant in Westport, serves bare wings, boneless wings and breaded wings, but their selection doesn’t stop there. Fish, shrimp and chicken are also options as well as the opportunity to mix things up with a “combo.”

Tiki Taco

“Go! You’ll thank me later.” – Jonaie Johnson '22, business administration

Tiki Taco bills itself as “your chill neighborhood taco shop dishing out yummy California-style Mexican fast food.” “Chill” is the key word as Tiki Taco has a cool laid-back vibe. Plenty of options for vegetarians, too, with creative tacos featuring jackfruit or mushrooms along with more standard options of avocado and “mean” bean.

Chai Shai

“My favorite so far has been Chai Shai. My roommate wanted me to try Pakastani food for the first time, and she took me there.” – Marlena Long '25, medicine 

Tucked into a quiet neighborhood just south of the Volker campus, Chai Shai offers a variety of dishes that often lend themselves to sharing. Spices such as cumin, cardamom, star anise and turmeric delight – but do not overwhelm – the senses.