Best of KC 2025: New hits and old faves in food world
Blackhole Bakery // Photo by Sarah Sipple
Earlier this month, we published The Pitch’s annual Best of Kansas City issue. You can take a peek at the results of the readers’ poll here. The issue also included a list, compiled and written by our editorial staff, of some local people, places, and things that we thought clearly won 2025. We’ll be publishing these items online throughout November.
You, Pitch readers and discerning diners, voted Hank’s Garage and Grill as your favorite New Restaurant of the year. Like you, we’re glad it has brought another food option to a historic downtown experiencing a revival—all done in a way that looks chill but plays it serious in the kitchen.
New is exciting and necessary, but at The Pitch, we’re never going to overlook the established, proven, and old-reliable eateries that have earned a spot in Kansas Citians’ weekly or monthly meal rotations. For Food & Drink Editor Sarah Sipple, one of the most frequented stops of the last year is Blackhole Bakery. (So was Baramee Thai Bistro, but another writer wanted to cover that one as her favorite.)
At 56th & Troost, Blackhole Bakery has mastered the balance of consistency with surprise. New mochi donut flavors are announced each month, but the majority of the menu remains stable year after year, as they’ve perfected both the recipes and the quantities demanded by the adoring public.
The mochi donuts are a must-get each time, especially the chocolate and anything nut or berry flavored, but don’t forget to try a pastry now and then. The savory puff pastry with caramelized onions and goat cheese is the most satisfying baked good in the city, and the creative selection of shmears that accompany bagels could be just the shake-up your day needs. We’re excited for them to expand into the West Plaza soon.
New vs. proven, habitual vs. adventurous… both approaches matter when it comes to our plates. It’s natural, even practical, to gravitate towards restaurants in your own neighborhood, but we hope you’re expanding your palate with new areas and cuisines regularly. If your prideful KC BBQ opinions are based on a spot you committed to decades ago, and you haven’t branched out since then, it’s time to get out of your bubble before you’re deemed obnoxious in a comment section.
Click below to read the November Best Of 2025 Issue of The Pitch Magazine:
