Dish & Drink KC: Soulful flavors at Lutfi’s Fried Fish and happy hour at Beer Kitchen

Lutfi’s // Photo By Tiffany Watts

Lutfi’s

When the craving for fried fish hits, there’s only one logical move: follow the scent of golden batter to the best spot in town. This time, my taste buds led me to Lutfi’s Fried Fish in the Northland—a local treasure that Kansas City swears by. With their reputation for crispy comfort food that speaks to the soul, I was ready to dig in and let the indulgence begin.

I went for the 4-PC Fish Dinner ($16), which comes with two sides and a drink, which felt like a steal. For my sides, I chose the fried okra and collard greens, both essentials for a truly soulful meal.

The star of the plate, the fried fish, was everything you’d want and more. Perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, the batter was seasoned to perfection, enhancing the flaky, tender fish inside. To top off, it wasn’t greasy, just pure, crunchy goodness that delivered on every bite.

The fried okra held its own as a worthy sidekick.

Lutfi’s // Photo By Tiffany Watts

Every bite was a delightful contrast of crispy coating and earthy, tender okra, making it the kind of snack you nibble on long after you’re full. And then came the collard greens—the soulful star of the sides. Slow-cooked and deeply seasoned, they delivered a garlicky, smoky warmth that felt like they’d been simmering all day just for me. Tender but not mushy, they were the perfect balance to the crunchy textures on my plate.

And let’s not forget the value: Lutfi’s portions are as generous as their prices are fair. For a meal packed with bold, soulful flavors that leave you completely satisfied, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better bang for your buck.

Lutfis is located at 305A NE Englewood Rd, Kansas City, MO 64118. More locations here.

Beer Kitchen // Photo By Tiffany Watts

Beer Kitchen

Beer Kitchen in Westport has always been a spot I’ve visited for drinks with friends on a buzzing Thursday or Friday night. It’s the kind of place where the clinking of glasses and lively chatter create the perfect backdrop for a fun night out. This time, however, I traded the usual evening vibe for a relaxed late afternoon meal with my mom after a long and busy day. 

Little did I know that Beer Kitchen’s menu would surprise me with a new favorite that rivals their famed craft cocktails and cold brews.

My mom had already experienced Beer Kitchen’s dining side with her friends, so she confidently steered me toward the Gaucho Chicken ($14) sandwich. Described as “campfire-rubbed cast-iron chicken,” this sandwich sounded like a hug for the taste buds. And let me tell you—it delivered. The chicken was smoky and well seasoned, its charred edges giving each bite a subtle crunch. Topped with creamy avocado and a zesty pico de gallo, every mouthful was a refreshing burst of flavor. The crispy jalapeños added a delightful heat, balanced out by the shre’ttuce (shredded lettuce) and Duke’s mayo, which offered a silky richness. All of this goodness was cradled by a soft yet sturdy egg bun that held together even under the weight of the layers—no soggy mess here.

Beer Kitchen // Photo By Tiffany Watts

Though the sandwich didn’t come with fries, we took full advantage of their happy hour (daily from 3 – 6 p.m.) and ordered a jumbo bowl of their hand-cut, Belgian-style fries ($5) with a side of spicy veganaise dipping sauce. The fries really hit the spot. Crisp and golden on the outside, yet pillowy soft inside, they were the kind of fries you find yourself nibbling on long after the meal ends. The spicy veganaise added a deliciously creamy touch; while it wasn’t quite spicy enough to deliver a real kick, it was flavorful and kept things interesting without overpowering the palate.

The service was equally noteworthy. Our server was attentive and warm, making sure the food arrived quickly and exactly as we ordered. They checked in often but never hovered, ensuring everything tasted as good as it looked (spoiler: it did).

For a spot I’d previously pigeonholed as a place for a lively night out, Beer Kitchen surprised me with its comfort food prowess. From the smoky Gaucho Chicken to those unforgettable fries, this was a meal worth lingering over—even after a long day. 

Beer Kitchen is located at 435 Westport Rd. Kansas City, MO 64111.