By Kiran Ross and Kate McKinney of KCKidsFun.com

I’ve got four kids – two of them are extremely finicky eaters; two are slightly more adventurous, if you consider eating salsa risk-taking. So, eating out is often an interesting proposition. Over the years, we’ve tried many of Kansas City’s restaurants with the kids. And we’ve come up with a solid list of local favorites – most of which are reasonably priced and none of which seem to upset my children’s picky tastebuds.

Pizza is a big hit with my entire family. We like to choose local pizza joints – and ones that make not only a good cheese pie but also a few which are a bit more interesting.

Try Pizza 51, Grinders and Waldo Pizza (all in KCMO) for unique environments and excellent pizzas. D’Bronx also has outstanding pizza, in three locations – two in Kansas City, MO and one in Overland Park, KS.

If burgers are more your family’s speed, don’t miss local legend Winstead’s in several locations across the metro.

Thin burgers, good fries and better milkshakes make Winstead’s an all-time Kansas City kids’ favorite. For thicker burgers, be sure to check out Westport Flea Market.

Kansas City has a number of stellar, moderately-priced Italian restaurants that are perfect for family dining.

Three to try: Garozzo’s (multiple metro locations), Cupini’s (multiple metro locations) and Carmen’s (KCMO). Spaghetti and bread – what more could a kid want?
 

Do your children enjoy food with an Asian flair? If they do, I’m jealous. I’d love to take my kids to the Japanese steakhouses at Gojo or Hibachi in Kansas City.

Or even to the solid local Chinese restaurant chain Bo Ling’s (multiple metro locations).

If your children enjoy the experience as much or more than the food, you’ll want to try Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant (Kansas City, KS and Crown Center), T-Rex Café (Kansas City, KS) or the Harvey House Diner at Union Station.

All offer kid-friendly food in very interesting environs.
 

I haven’t mentioned Kansas City’s legendary BBQ joints or the great tacquerias on Southwest Boulevard! But I’ve got to cut this list off somewhere.

I could go on and on but this list will get you started in your family’s exploration of Kansas City’s wonderful restaurants.

Map It! Kids Guide to Great Places to Eat

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About the Authors

Kiran Ross and Kate McKinney are two Kansas City metro-based businesswomen and mothers. Kate and Kiran operate KCKidsFun.com, an online resource that assists readers in finding activities and classes for children as well as family-friendly events in the Kansas City area.