Welcome to a friendly tour of plant-based smoke and sauce around town. This guide shows where vegetarian kansas city diners find bold flavors, from smoked jackfruit to hearty mushroom sandwiches.
We map easy picks across menus and neighborhoods so you can order with confidence. Many restaurants don’t mark vegan vegetarian items clearly, so asking staff or calling ahead helps avoid surprises.
Expect a mix of all‑plant restaurants, counters with great vegan options, and bakeries serving sweet treats. You’ll learn where smoke meets plants, which menu items to seek, and simple tips for sides and sauces.
Key Takeaways
- Find spots that serve real barbecue flavor using jackfruit and mushrooms.
- Check menus and ask staff about preparation and shared fryers.
- Explore both all‑plant restaurants and regular restaurants with solid options.
- Look for signature items: sandwiches, bowls, and Ethiopian platters.
- Plan by neighborhood to make quick stops across the city.
Best Vegetarian Kansas City BBQ Spots Right Now
From jackfruit sandwiches to smoked mushroom burgers, these restaurants bring real ‘cue vibes. Each stop below pairs bold smoke with smart plant-based swaps that taste like barbecue should.
Char Bar Smoked Meats & Amusements — Try the Jackknife Sandwich: smoked jackfruit, melted provolone, avocado, and fried jalapeños for a stacked sandwich with crunch and cream.
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que — The Portobello Z-Man centers on smoked mushrooms, smoked provolone cheese, and those signature crispy onion rings for a fry-forward bite.
Jazzy B’s BBQ — Smoked portabella tacos and burgers deliver handheld barbecue flavor, perfect for a casual date or a quick grab-and-go meal.
Mattie’s Foods — Their glazed tofu “brisket” sandwich comes with vegan mac & cheez for classic comfort on the side.
Beer Kitchen (Westport) — A full vegan menu includes jackfruit tamales and several smoky, saucy items worth sharing.
- Pro tip: Ask staff about shared grills or fryers and whether they can hold dairy or swap sauces to match your needs.
Beyond the Pit: Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants Kansas City Foodies Love
Explore spots where plants take center stage and bold, smoky flavors stay front and center. These places range from fast-casual counters to full-service kitchens with menus built for sharing.
Café Gratitude — An all-plant, fast-casual cafe where the menu is simple to navigate. Order mushroom tacos or a grain bowl and skip the guesswork; everything fits a vegan vegetarian plan.
Blue Nile Cafe — At The City Market, blue nile cafe serves Ethiopian vegetarian combo platters. Build a plate with stews, injera, and rice-heavy sides for great value and variety.
The Fix — All-vegan comfort food on E 31st. Try the fried “chicken” sammie, jalapeño poppers, and an expanded case of baked goods for dessert.
- Mud Pie — Overland Park cafe known for coffee and morning baked goods; arrive early for best picks.
- True Food Kitchen — Plaza spot with veggie pizzas, bowls, and balanced dinner choices.
- Mesob — Vegan paella with black mushroom rice, eggplant, greens, and an ample Ethiopian platter to share.
- Tree Hugger — Plant-based pub classics: Reubens, burgers, and loaded nachos.
Pro tip: Look for combo plates and bowls to sample multiple items and keep dinner affordable.
Vegetarian Kansas City by Neighborhoods & Notable Menus
Map your meals by neighborhood to hit the best produce-forward plates and smoky swaps.
Country Club Plaza & Midtown
True Food Kitchen on the Plaza is a go-to for veggie pizzas, bowls, and crisp salads. It’s easy to book for a relaxed date or weekend dinner.
Café Gratitude has an all-vegan menu that makes choosing simple. For an intimate evening, Mesob serves vegan paella and Ethiopian platters that shine with eggplant and seasonal vegetable sides.
39th Street, Westport & Crossroads
On 39th Street, Aladdin Cafe offers generous Middle Eastern plates and shareable mezze. Westport’s Char Bar adds smoked jackfruit to the barbecue mix, while Beer Kitchen runs a wide vegan menu including jackfruit tamales.
In the Crossroads, Extra Virgin lists many veggie tapas and XR/Lazia at the hotel turns out pizzas with mushroom-forward toppings.
Overland Park, Leawood & Lenexa
Mud Pie in Overland Park is perfect for vegan dessert runs and coffee. Billie’s Grocery (KC and Leawood) serves breakfast bowls and a beet-root veggie burger that’s a local favorite.
Leawood’s Blue Koi offers solid vegetarian appetizers, and Silo Modern Farmhouse in Lenexa plates mains like Agedashi Tofu and handmade oregano gnocchi for an elevated dinner.
| Neighborhood | Standout Spots | Top menu picks | Best time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country Club Plaza & Midtown | True Food Kitchen, Café Gratitude, Mesob | Veggie pizza, vegan paella, grain bowls | Dinner, date nights |
| 39th St / Westport / Crossroads | Aladdin Cafe, Char Bar, Beer Kitchen, Extra Virgin | Mezze plates, jackfruit sandwich, veggie tapas | Lunch, late night |
| Overland Park / Leawood / Lenexa | Mud Pie, Billie’s Grocery, Blue Koi, Silo | Coffee & desserts, bowls, tofu mains, gnocchi | Breakfast, dinner |
- Look for mushroom and eggplant dishes across menus and ask about rice or tomato additions to round a plate.
- Mix stops: a taco or wrap at a cafe, a burger or tapas share, then a dessert run at Mud Pie.
- Scan each menu for vegan menu indicators and ask staff about prep to avoid surprises.
Conclusion
Finish strong by choosing one iconic veggie sandwich or a shareable platter and build your meal from there. Use this guide to find vegan vegetarian hits—from smoked jackfruit and the Portobello Z‑Man to full menus at Beer Kitchen and Café Gratitude. These spots show how barbecue and plant-based food mix into bold, familiar dishes.
Ask about onions, cheese, and sauce swaps and confirm shared surfaces if you need strict preparation. Save room for baked goods at Mud Pie or grab goods to go. Bowls with rice are a quick, reliable choice when you want something filling.
Plan a date or group dinner by clustering stops in Country Club, Westport, or the Crossroads. Pick a restaurant that fits your mood, call ahead on items, and enjoy a relaxed tour of plant-forward barbecue across kansas city.
FAQ
Do barbecue joints offer non-meat options like jackfruit or smoked mushrooms?
Yes. Many smokehouses now feature jackfruit, smoked portobello, or marinated tofu as main options. Places like Char Bar and Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que list sandwiches and tacos using smoked jackfruit or mushrooms that capture smoky, saucy flavors without meat.
Where can I find an all-plant menu for a full vegan meal?
Several local spots serve exclusively plant-based fare. Café Gratitude and The Fix focus on all-plant menus with tacos, grain bowls, vegan “chicken” sandwiches and expanded baked goods, while Mud Pie in Overland Park is a great choice for coffee and vegan pastries.
Are there good vegetarian-friendly options on the Country Club Plaza?
Absolutely. True Food Kitchen and Café Gratitude on or near the Plaza offer veggie pizzas, bowls, and hearty salads. Mesob adds Ethiopian-style platters for a shareable, plant-forward dinner.
Can I get vegetarian barbecue sides and shared-plate options?
Most barbecue restaurants provide vegetable-based sides like mac and cheese, grilled corn, collards, or smoked beans. Always ask staff about cross-contact on shared surfaces and which sides are prepared without animal products.
Which neighborhood has the best variety for plant-forward dining?
Midtown and the Country Club Plaza host a strong mix of plant-forward spots, while 39th Street, Westport and Crossroads offer eclectic choices—from casual bar-food classics to upscale bowls. Overland Park and Leawood add family-friendly cafés and bakeries.
Do any places offer vegan baked goods and coffee nearby?
Yes. Mud Pie Vegan Coffeehouse & Bakery in Overland Park specializes in vegan pastries and coffee. The Fix also features house-made baked goods that pair well with espresso.
How can I identify truly vegan dishes on mixed menus?
Look for menu tags like “vegan” or “plant-based,” and ask about dressings, cheeses, and broths. Substitutions such as vegan cheese, tofu, or jackfruit are common—confirm preparation methods to avoid dairy or egg.
Are there Mexican or taco places with smoked mushroom or jackfruit tacos?
Yes. Several taquerias and fusion spots include smoked portobello or jackfruit tacos and even vegan tamales. Beer Kitchen and neighborhood taco joints often list plant-based taco options for smoky cravings.
Will mainstream barbecue restaurants accommodate dietary restrictions like egg or dairy allergies?
Many will, but you should call ahead. Restaurants can often modify dishes and recommend sides that avoid eggs and dairy, but cross-contact remains a possibility—ask about kitchen practices before ordering.
How do I find updated vegan menus and daily specials?
Check restaurant websites and social media for current menus and specials. Apps like Yelp and Instagram often post daily updates from places such as Blue Nile Cafe, Beer Kitchen, and Char Bar.
Are there plant-based comfort-food classics available, like burgers or mac and cheese?
Definitely. The Fix, True Food Kitchen, and several gastropubs serve plant-based burgers, mac and “cheez,” and fried “chicken” sandwiches that deliver classic comfort flavors without meat.