Dish & Drink KC: Iron Grill’s smash burgers and MaMa Ramen’s bowls hit the spot

Iron Grill // Photo By Tiffany Watts

Last year marked my return to eating meat after years of following a vegan diet. Even now, I steer clear of beef and pork, which makes finding a truly satisfying burger a challenge. Too often, plant-based patties feel like an afterthought—bland, dry, and lacking that crave-worthy bite. But Iron Grill packs theirs with flavor, and it does not disappoint. 

So when I found myself in the mood for a good burger, I knew exactly where to go—Iron Grill at the Iron District in North Kansas City. The Iron District is one of my favorite spots to grab a bite when it’s nice out because it’s basically one big patio. Imagine an open-air food hall made from repurposed shipping containers and packed with local eateries, bars, and shops. It’s the kind of place where you can meet up with friends, grab a drink, or just treat yourself to something good without any fuss.

Of course, I ordered the vegan burger ($12), made with a Beyond Burger patty and topped with fresh greens, pickles, onions, and mustard. I skipped the tomato and ketchup, doubling up on onions and pickles instead—because if I’m eating a burger, I want that extra crunch and tang in every bite. After a few minutes of waiting, I decided a side of onion rings ($4) was necessary too. 

When my food was ready, it was served hot. The burger? Delicious. The patty is well-seasoned, with that crispy, caramelized edge you want in a smash burger. The toppings are fresh and balanced—crisp lettuce, fresh onions, and just the right amount of pickles to give every bite a satisfying crunch. And the onion rings? Golden, crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside, with the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Every bite hit just right.

As I sat outside, inhaling my food and soaking up the sun, I couldn’t help but think that I should have spent that extra $4 to add another patty to my sandwich. 

Iron Grill is located at 1599 Iron Street, Unit H, North Kansas City MO 64116.

MaMa Ramen Photo By Tiffany Watts

As a self-proclaimed ramen enthusiast, I’m always hunting for the next great bowl to slurp up. So when MaMa Ramen came highly recommended by my friends and followers on Instagram, I knew I had to check it out. This spot is all about customization, where you build your dream bowl from a menu full of possibilities. 

What really stood out to me about MaMa Ramen was how easy the whole experience was. Every table is equipped with a stack of order forms and a cup of pencils. You simply check off your choices from the list, customizing your ramen bowl with your preferred noodles, protein, broth, toppings, and spice level. It was like a mini DIY project that left me excited for the final result.

I decided on rice noodles with a mix of chicken and shrimp, paired with a shio (chicken) broth. (Broth had not yet been added to the bowl photographed above.) I opted for jalapenos and bean sprouts as my toppings, and I cranked up the heat to the “hot” spice level. When the bowl arrived, I was impressed that it took less than 15 minutes, which is perfect when you’re in the mood for something comforting without the wait.

The ramen was everything I’d hoped for. The rice noodles were perfectly cooked. The shio broth was light yet flavorful, providing a smooth base that balanced the richness of the chicken and shrimp. The jalapenos added a nice little kick, and the bean sprouts gave the dish a fresh, crunchy texture. Each bite was a satisfying mix of flavors, and the heat level was spot on—just spicy enough to wake up my taste buds without overwhelming them.

With social media, it’s always a bit of a gamble—sometimes, things aren’t as good as people hype them up to be. But this time, the Instagram recommendations were spot on—MaMa Ramen definitely delivers. The food is delicious, and the ordering process is so straightforward, which I imagine is a huge relief, especially if it’s your first time trying ramen. It eliminates any mystery and lets you focus on enjoying your meal exactly how you want it.

MaMa Ramen is located at 1513 Grand Blvd A, Kansas City, MO 64108.