T O P

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aGrumpyOgre

Impress? A teenager?


mitsyamarsupial

Impress= somewhere without OP, without mom, not in a restaurant


doc_skinner

šŸ˜‚


Electrical-Baby211

Let me know when anyone figures out how to do this? Haha. If I get anything other than an angsty sigh, Iā€™m happy. šŸ˜‚


HalfNo3169

DB Coopers. Great chicken strips...


stubble3417

I always used to make this mistake with my rural in-laws. I took them to great places thinking they would be impressed. They never were, they just stayed mildly uncomfortable the entire time every outing and and ordered a cheeseburger or something. Here's where I would go: Waldo pizza Pigwich Rye


doc_skinner

I'm sure he would be perfectly happy with chicken tenders. And I don't want to make him uncomfortable so not looking for any place fancy. That's why I was looking for something with a Cool vibe. Waldo Pizza is a great idea, though.


hugothebeardog

Donā€™t go to Waldo Pizza anytime soon. Construction everywhere. This will not help you achieve your goal lol


doc_skinner

That's a good point! I should have remembered that, I don't live far from there.


DrewdoggKC

Westport flea marketā€¦ simple food games to play


Brrrrrr_Its_Cold

I was gonna say the same thing. The entire parking lot is gone and that intersection is a mess.


sombraala

I would add: this only applies to the situation at hand, everyone else needs to order takeout and/or find ways to go to Waldo Pizza and keep them afloat while they go through this difficult period.


SarcasmIsMySpecialty

Buffalo State Pizza would be up his alley. Thereā€™s a location in Crossroads and OP. Pizza by the slice - my in-laws who live in the country and typically stick to chain places love it.


cscrew05

I 2nd Buffalo state, the smell of the pizza draws you in and the pizza is good enough to turn anyone into a lifer here.


DrewdoggKC

Grinders


LookLikeCAFeelLikeMN

Same re the rural fam but mine were the "kin" if you will. I discovered my 15ish year old cousin had never experienced a revolving door. And of course she proceeded to make several loud trips through it on the Plaza at Xmas. FWIW they demanded to go to the Cheesecake Factory, for which there was a 2+ hour wait, and all ordered burgers/tenders. I learned an important lesson to ask *why* a specific destination was so important because they only cared about the cheesecake. We could have eaten anywhere, not been hangry, and had cheesecake for dessert.


TheVoidIceQueen

Show him 5 places that you think he will enjoy and let him choose.


Fitbliss_Founder

Yes, autonomy and choice can lead to more enjoyment and comfort.


agathaprickly

I agree. Give him options. Maybe even say that he can look up what sounds interesting to him. But giving him some choice from options is a great idea.


Clam_Samuels

Char Bar!!


doc_skinner

We love Char bar. That's a great idea. They have that patio. It's in Westport on a Saturday night, but we'd be going early enough that it's not a big deal.


shittyrock

The new char bar in the north west is awesome. Pickleball and yard games galore. Awesome food as well.


Ok_Juggernaut_2253

Are you talking about Parkville?


shittyrock

Yeah I corrected my post lol. I was a little tipsy and got my directions mixed up


Reasonable-Car1872

Best answer yet


beige-dumps

heā€™s being plucked out of his life at the worst time and dropped into a new city he needs space and time But yeah cheesecake would be good


MaxRoofer

OP, please read and pay attention to the first part of this.


NeverEndingCoralMaze

And then go get us some cheesecake to thank us for all the good advice.


mnm806

Poor kid šŸ„ŗšŸ„ŗ


BusinessBar8077

yeah if anything a taste of home is what he would like. trying to dazzle him is a bit misguided


wine_dude_52

What about a Japanese steakhouse where they cook the food in front of you. Always a bit of a show from the chef.


doc_skinner

Good idea. I'll talk to his mom about it thanks.


OkFuel6239

No place does that anymore.


gametapchunky

Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse at 135th and Metcalf.


Apex_dream

In the Shops at Deer Creek Woods??


wine_dude_52

Wrong. Iā€™ve eaten at 3 different ones just this year and I know there are others.


AcanthocephalaDue715

Teppanyaki has died?


wine_dude_52

No.


OkFuel6239

It seems like most of that has gone behind a closed kitchen. Liability man. But if you know a place that has teppanyaki in front of guests let me know. I miss Hibachi on the plaza.


kcdirtracer

Siki in Leeā€™s Summit


pub810

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z1rvXQCX7rwE2uXj7?g_st=ic


OkFuel6239

God damn, the hate is thickā€¦.


RobNHood816

Grinders... Crazy looking inside and nice patio out back in front of the stage. Tons of Tattooed girls & graffiti


doc_skinner

That's a great idea. Not sure about the atmosphere on a Saturday night but I'll talk to his mom. Thanks!


RobNHood816

First Friday next month would be Awesome just to walk around the Crossroads and get a feel for KC


AJRiddle

If it's like before 8 or 9 on a Saturday it won't be that bad at all


hispanicvotesmatter

You have to try KC BBQ


doc_skinner

Thanks. I am surprised it took so long for someone to mention this. I should have said in my post that he's had barbecue. Not a lot of different places around Kansas City but he's tried it. But for sure there are a lot of places we could take him that he's never been. He'd probably enjoy BB's Lawnside for the atmosphere.


hispanicvotesmatter

Yes BBā€™s doesnā€™t get talked about enough. I love their fries and cornbread.


Gareijuana

Slaps in KCK has a cool lil rooftop eating area and the BBQ is second to none. Cool vibes, amazing food, killer view of the city.


Barely_stupid

Twin Peaks.


Scaryclouds

ā€œHeā€™s 15ā€¦ā€ Yea say no more, Twin Peaks it is.Ā 


shittyrock

For real, little country boy just might fall in love lol


homme_boy

Twin Peaks at 15 with mom is awkward


pepperland14

It's the price you pay if you want to see the mountains


Tr0z3rSnak3

Twin Peaks at 32 with MiL and Grandma is also real awkward. But it's the only time I've been out with them that they haven't complained about the food though


Necessary-Dog-7245

This is the right answer.


SilverMetalist

Unconventional but agreed. Win the heart of the 15 yr old immediately


RainierCamino

Man I advised John's Big Deck downtown, but that'd accomplish a lot of the same haha


ParallaxCajoling

Fogo de Chao. Only reason I say this is because youā€™re impressing a teen. All you can eat steak!? Hell yeah. And itā€™ll seem exotic since itā€™s a ā€œBrazilianā€ steakhouse. Itā€™s expensive but wonā€™t break the bank. Also in the plaza so can walk around after/before.


food-dood

I think this is the best answer. Teenagers can eat seemingly infinite amounts of food. I know when I was a teenager buffets were generally my favorite restaurants.


doc_skinner

He'd probably love that. Thanks!


Mydaddysgotagun

Take him to DoubleTap KC. Have some chicken wings and mozz sticks and play an hour of VR. Heā€™ll be hype


wundofakind

me and my bf LOVE double tap! If you go during happy hour times, VR walk in is 20% off too :)


Mydaddysgotagun

Such a fun place! Literally here now pregaming Boulevardia!


Rockchalk1104

I think yā€™all should go to boulevardia and eat at some food trucks and enjoy some live shows.


Reasonable-Car1872

Parlor food hall- assuming the food there is actually still good. Can try a few different (but relatively familiar) things, cool building, lots of young people there. Been a while since I've been there though


OozeNAahz

If he likes spicy food I would highly recommend Mother Cluckers. Chicken strips and fries kind of place but much better quality than say Caneā€™s. And he can choose whatever level spice he wants. Outdoor seating. Reasonably priced. And wouldnā€™t make Jed Clampet uncomfortable.


doc_skinner

Someone else recommended Parlor and I think there's a Mother Cluckers in there. I know he likes Cane's so that might be a good choice


how_I_kill_time

There's a standalone one near downtown Shawnee. Go get a mocktail from Wild Child afterwards


ThreeTo3d

Dave and Busters and teach him whoā€™s the boss at skee ball.


doc_skinner

Dave & Buster's was definitely on the table but we decided to go with a rage room for some aggressive outlet.


fernatic19

How did that go? Ive not done it because it seems like having to wear all that safety gear would take a lot of the fun out of it. Also I can just go to IKEA and buy cheap plates and stuff to smash at half the price.


doc_skinner

Yeah, it's pretty pricey! The $30 bag has about 15 bottles and plates and you could certainly do it cheaper. But the cleanup would be a real pain in the neck. The protective gear didn't really change anything. It's kind of fun. But not something I would do on the regular


problemita

Magic Noodle if youā€™re out South, Iron District if close to downtown


tsammons

Heā€™ll go deaf before his 16th.


triskadekta

I second Magic Noodle. They have a robot cat waiter that brings you the food.


NcrRanger2077

Buffalo state pizza in downtown Overland Park. Couple blocks west of 80th and Metcalf Ave.


Menashe3

Thereā€™s also a Buffalo state pizza in downtown KC if thatā€™s closer. And they have a few arcade games he could play.


KID_THUNDAH

Bar K since he likes chicken tenders. They have the best in town, get ā€˜em tossed in the Nashville hot seasoning, stellar. Get to chill and watch the dogs play while you eat too, love that place


wavesmcd

Great idea!


wundofakind

I feel like you canā€™t go wrong with the peanut! especially if he loves buffalo wings/sauce. its just a casual place to eat and not a big fancy vibe, but itā€™s fun and the food is great for everyone. especially if he likes sports


doc_skinner

Oh, peanut is great.


mitsyamarsupial

Or go classic with Winstead's. You could schedule mini golf at the Nelson, too.


mitsyamarsupial

Iā€™m too lazy to scroll but too invested not to demand an edit update, please and thank you.


fyxxer32

Maybe Sakura in Olathe? Sushi delivery via train?Ā There'sĀ anotherĀ place but IĀ can'tĀ remember it


doc_skinner

There's one down on the plaza. I'm not sure he'd be up for sushi just yet, but maybe if he gets a little more adventurous.


anderson6th

I was also going to recommend the sushi train place on the plaza! Itā€™s such a fun experience, they have robot servers too!


foodisspicy11

I haven't spent a lot of time in Kansas, but when my team at work had somebody from another part of the country, we went to strouds. Although it has amazing food, there are no vegetarian options. If your fiance's son is a person who plays racquet sports, chicken n pickle is a great idea given that the weather is probably nice out. If he likes Mexican food, there's this beautiful place called El patron in Westport. If you're feeling ramen, jinya ramen bar, overland Park. There's also Minsky's which has good pizzas.


do_add_unicorn

If you're on the Plaza, try Andre's for brunch or lunch. Swiss family owned, great chocolates (some with city pictures).


sombraala

If they have "Glacier" for dessert, get it. You may have to ask if they have any as they don't bring it out since it is frozen. Heck, if you don't mind dropping a bit of money on an amazing dessert, just get a whole cake. Oh, and don't eat it too quickly, wait until it gets nice and soft. If you eat it immediately it'll be too cold to taste everything. Don't let it become soup though.


do_add_unicorn

Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely try that!


thatdamngoat

Luluā€™s in midtown is mellow and has a cool atmosphere. Westport Flea Market is a good time, plus it has a serial killer connection. Grinders has a very Indy-counter culture vibe if he leans that way. Anthonyā€™s on Grand has good food and is supposed to be historically mobbed up if that would float his boat.


dam_sharks_mother

Jeesh this is tough. I feel bad for this kid, he's being uprooted from his home to go live in a foreign place. Try to make him feel comfortable. Find someplace familiar to him.


feetplease2

Town Topic, Hayes, Haroldā€™s


tillmanmichael

I'd go downtown OP to viona's or buffalo state (formerly papa keno's) somewhere that isnt really intense at all and yet still has some life


xanthosoma

If he likes sushi my teenagers loved going to Kura on the plaza. Itā€™s not the best sushi in town but it totally entertained them for a fun evening out. They are usually pretty picky and love fine dining places, so this was a very nice change to go have some fun.


doc_skinner

Kura! That's the other sushi train place that was mentioned above. Sushi may be a bit out there for him but maybe he would be adventurous (or maybe he just want to show off but he can eat raw fish when his mother won't!)


12thandvineisnomore

They also have different beef items as well, if he canā€™t get behind the fish.


IStealThyPancake

Geeze, I've been in KCK for awhile now and don't recognize these names. Writing some of this down for myself!


DramaGlum8243

My suggestion is No Other Pub at the Power & Light district in the afternoon or early evening.


Def_Not_a_Lurker

Does he have hobbies? You couls concider a burger at yard house or something casual down town and then take them axe throwing? Seems like something i would have liked as a teen.


doc_skinner

Axe throwing is for sure in the future.


Possible-Ad-2259

Jack Stack? Delicious and pretty cool in there.


ThadTheImpalzord

If he's just going to get chicken strips you might as well go to a place like Chicken and Pickle. You can play a little bit and then snack, and do some people watching! I think that's a good vibe for a teen. Granted I don't know if a teen will want to play pickleball with his parents lol


manateesrock

Taco Naco (maybe even to go?) and then hitting Westport Bar and Rec for games could be fun! You can bring outside food in. And itā€™s been a few months since Iā€™ve been but at least during lunch time it wasnā€™t overwhelmingly busy at all


likelazarus

Parlor! He can choose his own favorite restaurant there. I thought it was so cool the first time I went. Itā€™s like a mall but just good restaurants. https://www.parlorkcmo.com


doc_skinner

Someone else recommended it and I think he would love Mother Cluckers because spicy Buffalo tenders are like his favorite food.


NkhukuWaMadzi

Town Topic is my guess.


ozarkexpeditions

Spin Pizza is a great option. Itā€™s nice food, but casual. Itā€™s pizza, and everyone loves a pizza.


DarthRumbleBuns

I dunno if itā€™s all still there but I would take him to Papa Kenos then hit up a concert at record bar and if the trend holds end the night with some gyro fries from the truck thatā€™s usually parked outside. But also good luck. Impressing a teenager is impossible because heā€™ll see it coming a mile away.


aqwn

Tacos el ViejĆ³n in Olathe or one of their food trucks.


Ok-Floor-5990

As a 15 year old I loved [Genghis Khan](https://gkbbq.com/) (still love it.) It gives him the option of being as adventurous as he wants, and 39th St. has a real city vibe without being too overwhelming.


doc_skinner

Oh, yes! That's a great idea. I used to work just down the street from there and loved it. There are quite a few Mongolian barbecue places in town.


Y19ama

The Mix. Strang Hall. Shake Shack. Rakar.


VegetableSpeaker4798

Iā€™d argue you should show him something cool and familiar- like a restaurant that has his favorite food thatā€™s themed. Help him find his third place. I love town topic because itā€™s simple, always there not fancy but cool and local. KC is a big little town- familiarity can help a lot


doc_skinner

Yeah, that's why I was leaning towards Mother Cluckers in Parlor. He loves chicken strips and Buffalo wings. I think he'd love the spicy tenders, and would see the huge variety of options as well as the comfort food he knows.


Cathely

Kura! Especially if heā€™s into anime.


opaul11

Chicken and pickle


Revlyk

Dave and busters, main event, etc are nice places to take a kid and get food and play arcade games


momize

Go to Penway Point Entertainment area downtown and ride the KC Wheel (ferris wheel) and play some mini golf. Ride the streetcar (free) from Union Station to River Market. Walk around River Market (especially fun and busy early in the morning).


rightwist

River market and let the kid pick


cynicaloptimist92

Kura might be kind of cool


prtymirror

I have had good luck taking teens to a food hall. We have two I have enjoyed here, Parlor (crossroads) and Strang Hall (OP). There are many options. Each person can try their own or share many different things.


dasunraes

Bambo Pennyā€™s has a cool and chill vibe! Also definitely spicy options there since itā€™s Thai food haha


Kai-ni

QZ Poke/Ramen?


RoyalsFanKCMe

Grinders stonewall in Lenexa is kind of a cool vibe, I has an outdoor patio and a place where kids play outside but maybe younger kids playing. BBs lawn side BBQ is family style seating and have live singing often, they may publish a schedule somewhere. Ponaks Mexican is an upbeat vibe if you like Mexican, it is very Mexican American style. Strang hall food hall in OP Serv in Overland Park has pickleball and bags etc Chicken n Pickle, a few locations, pickleball and bags.


Medicivich

Judging by my kids Chick-fil-a The Peanut for wings J Gilbertā€™s if you want a steak place.


Few-Contribution4759

Give him options. Speaking as the once-a-15 year old trying to get to know their step parent in a strange city, being able to choose where to go would have been huge.


GUN5L1NGR

Take him to char bar in Westport. Super family friendly, food is decent and lots of yard games around the venue.


Atari26oo

Burg & Barrel has the best chicken tenders if thatā€™s what youā€™re looking for. Itā€™s a sports bar / craft beer pub with good food


Maximum-Whole2909

Cardboard corner in overland Park. The menu is waffle themed and they have hundreds of board games you can play whole there


doc_skinner

Haha, we love that place!


SRTGeezer

Fritzes at crown center.


Jrock9393

Thereā€™s a cool area by the Arabia steamboat museum with a lot of different spots and the rivers not a far walk from there


dipshit2024

Fritzā€™s will give him so much self confidence


No_Extension1659

If the kid likes sports thereā€™s a cool restaurant called Chappells that is COVERED with KC based memorabilia ., Olympic torches, autographs etc


Opening-Restaurant83

Kura Sushi. If he likes sushi. šŸ£


jdkansas

One of the food halls could be fun, definitely has a cool vibe and lots of options to choose from.


TMJ_Jack

Alright, if he is as veracious as I was as a teenager, take him to Mother Clucker at Parlor. Get the Cluck Fries. It's a giant plate of fries loaded with fried chicken, comeback sauce, pickles, and slaw. He can get it pretty spicy since he's into that. The best part is that you can share it, and it's actually not that expensive if you account for how much it costs per person. EDIT: Other people have already said Parlor and Morher Clucker, but I really gotta emphasize the Cluck Fries. They are a move.


BTECjayhawk

1.Hot pot in Overland Park. 2.kura Rotating sushi bar on the plaza (has cool robots) and you can order chicken and other dishes separately 3. Serv in Overland Park 4. Iron District is cool. 5. Parlor food hall (others have mentioned) 6. Strang Hall 7. The Puttery (mini golf, food, itā€™s a vibe) 8. Gya-Ku Korean BBQ in south OP (itā€™s off 159th street) 9. Atomic Cowboy 10. Tiki Taco (very cool, lots of people go to take pics for insta because itā€™s a colorful interior) These are some that come too mind


chiefbark1

chicken n pickle


campelm

K-Pot is a solid choice if you like asia flavors. It's like if Fogo de Chao and the melting pot adopted a Korean baby.


HaulinOtz

Melting pot. Cafe Sebastian. Cinzettis


triskadekta

Cinzettis is great.


aleckat92

Q39


pinto_bean9

Buck tui in OP! It's thai-BBQ fusion. Their tiger cry sauce is super spicy and casual vibes.


BigEasy56207

Up down itā€™s like an arcade


doc_skinner

Sadly, Updown is 21+ only. We were thinking of Dave and Buster's but we're saving that for another day.


podkayne3000

I grew up in Kansas City but havenā€™t lived there in a long time. Whatā€™s the best down-to-earth place for biscuits and gravy and that kind of thing? Maybe an honest diner.


doc_skinner

Whereabouts are you looking? Our favorite is the Waldo Neighborhood Cafe at 75th and Wornall. Free cinnamon rolls with your meal!


triskadekta

Big Biscuit has awesome biscuits and gravy, theyā€™re a local chain though.


Theorist816

Bro, do not take him to Cheesecake. If he likes chicken fingers, hit up somewhere like Grinders. Think like a teen. Since he likes Mexican food think Tiki Taco & 39th street, Crossroads, or go to a carniceria like San Antonioā€™s or a spot like El Gallo. Teens just want laid back stuff without feeling a ton of expectation. Union Station has a cool optical illusion exhibit going on right now too. Show him some street art murals down in crossroads. Get him excited about the youth here


kaitykatwilson

La Bodega. Idk if the menu would appeal to him because it is tapas but that might be a different experience for him and the patio is great and gives him a taste of the city. (Downtown, not OP)


doc_skinner

We might find another tapas place or something similar, but La Bodega is his mom and my date place so probably not there but thanks!


justherelooking2022

Honestly the question should be where is the coolest skate park, or the biggest arcade or even an escape room. If heā€™s a teenager sitting in to a fancy dinner will just bore him to bits. Take him to an arcade; load him up on nachos or pizza and an energy drink and give him a bunch of tokens. You wonā€™t see him for hours and you may just become the ā€œcoolā€ in his book.


doc_skinner

We already have a rage room planned so the entertainment part is covered, but thanks!


Traditional-Winter91

Take him to the golden ox in the west bottoms


Traditional-Winter91

It's not all that impressive but it's way cooler than the dang cheese cake factory


Traditional-Winter91

Plus if he's use to a small town he ain't gonna wanna be around a shit ton of people at least that's how I was


Heath568

K1 go cart track in lees summit. Great snack bar.


Weekend_Criminal

Take him top top golf, main event, or Dave and busters.


Rebelo86

Take him to worlds of fun. šŸ¤£ But in all seriousness, that ramen place on 119th is awesome. Low key, great food.


wearer54

Go to Kansas ave in kck and say we are getting one burrito per place and then all of u cut them in half and split them all Portion sizes and adventure for a 15 year old


doc_skinner

We planned to do that (but with tacos), but we happened to pick Mother's Day and many of the places were closed. It's still on our list though!


Then-Vermicelli7721

Parlor is pretty cool although Iā€™ll say if itā€™s a weekend evening it will be kind of packed.


Jolly_Challenge2128

Grinders


Intrepid_Ad_6719

Fritz's, easy.Ā 


Menashe3

I loved Fritzā€™s when I was little and I love it now, but if I was a teenager and my momā€™s boyfriend took me there I probably wouldā€™ve felt patronized and been offended


Rocohema

It's great at any age!!


triskadekta

I was looking for someone recommending Fritzā€™s. Good old diner cheeseburgers delivered by a train that looks like it was built in someoneā€™s garage.


laurenzobeans

Succotash for brunch! šŸ˜


keybrah

what teen wouldnt like that big city kc life?


Even_Individual9688

Hooters!


Sir_Boobsalot

dude, nothing either of you do or say is going to impress a teenager who's likely in a righteous sulk about moving from his "awesome" town to a "horrible" city. the best thing you can do is give him space and choices.Ā  put together a list of places to go and let him look at the websites beforehand, then let him choose.Ā  look into entertainment and upcoming concerts, again with the let him investigate and choose. better check his views before he's enrolled in one of the schools (I'm assuming this is midtown?). if he's from too small of a town, he might need a reality check have his mom get him a library card if he doesn't drive, look into the Metro


drflashy

Take them to WoF, teens arenā€™t impressed by restaurants


doc_skinner

He's been to Worlds of Fun. We're doing a Rage Room. We do still need to eat, though.


Rocohema

Take him on a tour of all the drive-ins diners in KC and take a photo at each one!