Countless unique Kansas City breakfast and brunch spots break the mold of the traditional morning meal, expanding diners’ options and taste buds with meals way beyond routine.
Here are some of the most unique dishes to start your day:
Donutology’s Donut Milkshake
The mad scientists at Donutology in Westport have crafted one of the wildest breakfast concoctions imaginable. The 20-ounce Donut Milkshake comes in vanilla, chocolate or any of the seasonal flavors and anchors a full espresso bar menu at the create-your-own-donut shop.
Pick one up as a treat-yourself or pair it with any of your mini donut creations for a sweet morning.
Succotash’s Kitchen Sink Scramble
The Kitchen Sink Scramble from Succotash in Union Hill combines some of the tastiest breakfast ingredients into one incredible meal.
The original includes scrambled eggs with ham, onions and peppers, served on home fries and topped with cheddar cheese and sausage gravy. The best part? The scramble comes in both vegetarian and vegan options, so just about anyone can enjoy this scrumptious dish.
Happy Gillis Café & Hangout’s Biscuits & Gravy & Egg
Tossing a fried egg on biscuits and gravy admittedly isn't the craziest possible combination, but there is something special about the fresh ingredients and cozy atmosphere at Happy Gillis Cafe & Hangout, a breakfast staple in Columbus Park.
A true staple of innovation is the breakfast-all-day mentality present here, meaning you can get your fluffy biscuits covered in Broadway Butcher sausage gravy (all topped with an egg) well into the afternoon.
Affäre’s Apfelstrudel a la Mode
Brunch is an artform at modern German restaurant Affäre, a must-visit Crossroads Arts District establishment.
While the menu changes from season to season, patrons can always count on one of the hotspot’s signature desserts: Apfelstrudel a la Mode, a decadent apple strudel dish beautifully paired with vanilla ice cream. Meanwhile, jazz performances run throughout brunch service, providing the perfect accompaniment to your morning meal.
Meshuggah Bagels’ Pastrami Nova Salmon Sandwich
One of the most popular morning stops in the region offers an array of bagel flavors and schmears so authentic they promise even a New Yorker couldn’t tell the difference.
But Meshuggah’s calling card is its bagel sandwiches. Pair an everything bagel with the Pastrami Nova Salmon option for a fresh wakeup call featuring smoky flavors and your choice of schmear, as well as capers, onions and tomatoes if your appetite so desires.
Rye’s Burnt End Hash
Found in both the Country Club Plaza and Leawood, Rye restaurant is home to elevated comfort food that celebrates Midwestern roots. Think down-home favorites like steak & eggs and buttermilk pancakes, but with a classically trained chef’s touch.
With that in mind, diners can opt for the Brisket Burnt End Hash, a unique combination of Kansas City’s smoked specialty (crispy brisket burnt ends) with a brunch staple (flavorful hash medley), resulting in a must-try for lovers of KC barbecue.
Chez Elle’s Signature Crepe
Nestled in the Westside neighborhood just off Southwest Boulevard is Chez Elle, a French-themed restaurant that specializes in crepes (or, thin pancakes) of all kinds.
The establishment’s namesake dish, Chez Elle, delivers distinct flavor with roasted chicken, sautéed mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, baby spinach, mozzarella and pesto, all topped with marinara sauce.