Eat This Now: Cafe Trio’s $7 Steak Burger

Cafe Trio // Photo by Tiffany Watts

A great happy hour, in my book, boils down to three things:

Tasty food, stiff drinks, and a tab that won’t rattle you. Throw in a group of your favorite people catching up, and suddenly you’re looking at a picture-perfect evening. That’s where Café Trio enters the chat.

Tucked away on Main Street with a view of the city buzzing past, Cafe Trio hits a sweet spot between comfort and low-key glam. Even more so, they seem to have happy hour down to a science: bold flavors, easy atmosphere, and drinks that keep pace with the conversation. 

Speaking of drinks. That’s where we started. Almost immediately after being seated, we ordered the night’s first round of cocktails.

I went with the Margaritinis ($11), plural, because once you have one, it’s happening again. These tasty little delights are made with Cazadores Reposado Tequila, Triple Sec, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, and a half salt rim. Tart, silky, and a little wild. They go down like a dare and taste like a reward.

Cafe Trio // Photo by Tiffany Watts

Drinks in hand and menus thoroughly scanned, I made my next move: the Steak Burger was calling.

I ordered a 4-oz Choice patty grilled just right, layered on a soft brioche bun, sharpened by crisp red onion, dill pickle, and finished with your pick of gooey cheese. Honestly, it was love at first bite. The burger was rich but not greasy, filling but not heavy, with fries that earn their spot on the plate: piping hot, deliciously crisp, and seasoned like they’ve got stories to tell. All of that food, for just seven bucks. 

I know. Only $7.

You really do have to pause and appreciate all the good moments that don’t break the bank. Plus, by the time the plates clear and the last sips disappear, the only thing left to do is laugh, linger, and admit it: good food, strong drinks, and a cheap tab really is the trifecta.

Cafe Trio is located at 4558 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111.