Best of KC 2024: A full-time food editor favors these highlights from an overstuffed year of flavor
Orange By: Devoured. // Photo by Tiffany Watts
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 2024. We’ll be publishing these items online throughout November.
Disco Burger, Varsity Club, Orange By: Devoured, Bisou, The Wise Guy, Gnarly Hussle; This varied list of 2024 openings remains at the top of my mind amidst a myriad of openings and closings.
Bisou and The Wise Guy have nailed a distinctly memorable atmosphere without skimping on quality. Gnarly Hussle spoke to a not-so-niche group when they added a bar to their vintage clothing and thrift store. Orange By: Devoured just has damned good pizza. And I have weekly cravings for the cool-kid smash burger & spaghett combo from River Market’s Varsity Club and Disco Burger partnership.
A common thread here is that they have all carved out a unique identity without relying solely on kitsch or branding, and they truly deliver quality eats and service. Coming in around the middle ground of restaurants, these aren’t the spots where you need a sports jacket, nor are they cheap eats. Instead, they’re each perfect in their own way for Midwestern sensibilities in the time where inflation clashes with treating oneself.
Supporting your go-to, long-standing, trusty neighborhood joints is a must. New isn’t always better. These, however, are worth adding to your rotation.
