American Restaurant
Crown Center, 25th St. and Grand Ave., Ste. 321, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816/426-1133
Over $40
Kansas City
Contemporary

Contemporary and traditional American cuisine with ethnic influences is what draws diners to this restaurant with the intricate wood ceilings rich burgundy carpeting, the white grand piano, and broad views of the Kansas City skyline. The seasonal menu changes daily and might include sautéed West Coast halibut with mushrooms and Yukon gold potato puree. A pianist performs nightly. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.

Arthur Bryant's
1727 Brooklyn Ave., Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816/231-1123
Under $20
Kansas City
Barbecue

Although there are reportedly more than 70 barbecue joints in Kansas City, Bryant's - low on decor but high on taste - tops the list for locals, who don't mind standing in long lines to order from the counter. AE, MC, V.

Californos
4124 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816/531-7878
$20 to $30
Kansas City
American

Its laid-back California feeling and trendy Westport location make this restaurant a popular spot. Steaks and grilled salmon are specialties. There's open-air dining and a pianist on Saturday night. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun.

Canyon Café
4626 Broadway, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816/561-6111
Under $30
Kansas City
American, Southwestern

This airy, two-level restaurant on the Country Club Plaza has Southwestern artifacts, 35-ft ceilings, and arched windows. Dinner is by candlelight, and the lighting is also soft during lunch. Try the chile-rubbed tuna steak and the Southwestern barbecued ribs. There's live jazz on Wednesday and Sunday evenings, and a happy hour from 4 to 7 during the week draws the local business crowd. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Golden Ox
1600 Gennessee St., Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816/842-2866
$20 to $30
Kansas City
Steak

Down the street from Kemper Arena, this popular steak house serves prime rib in a comfortable western atmosphere. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sun.

Lidia's
101 W. 22nd St., Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816/221-3722
Under $30
Kansas City
Italian

Northern Italian dishes, such as veal with spinach tagliatelle, are the house specialty in this simple but classic restaurant in Kansas City's midtown, a growing area with galleries and ethnic food. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Mon.

Metropolis American Grill
303 Westport Rd., Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816/753-1550
$20 to $40
Kansas City
Contemporary

The decor at this hip Westport venue is refined and modern, enhanced by a cool lighting system. The "casual-urban-contemporary" dishes focus on regional American cuisine; rosemary-scented smoked rack of lamb and wild mushroom strudel are standards. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun.

Plaza III-The Steakhouse
4749 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816/753-0000
$30 to $40
Kansas City
Continental, Steak

This handsome, nationally known restaurant at Country Club Plaza serves excellent steaks, prime rib, and seafood. The steak soup is legendary. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sun.

Savoy Grill
219 W. 9th St., Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816/842-3890
$20 to $30
Kansas City
Continental

Locals often choose this historic, turn-of-the-century beauty when celebrating a special occasion. Maine lobster and a T-bone steak from the restaurant's own herd are good choices. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sun.

Stroud's
5410 N.E. Oak Ridge Dr., Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816/454-9600
$20 to $30
Kansas City
American/Casual

This sprawling building on Kansas City's north side was once the first stagecoach stop for travelers on their way to St. Joseph. After feasting on fried chicken and homemade pies, take a stroll around the grounds, complete with ponds, geese, and swans. AE, DC, MC, V.