By Roxanne Rabich, Service Coordinator at Umbrella Managed Systems
Below is a list of the top 5 lunch places in the River Market where you might spot an Umbrella employee at lunchtime. If you happen to see us at one of our favorite locations, be sure to say hi!
Harry’s Country Club
Before I even started working at Umbrella, I went to Harry’s Country Club for lunch with Heath one day. On the way to Harry’s, he said smiling, “I think we single handedly keep them in business.” The food is excellent and they have a great selection of top shelf and unique hand crafted adult beverages. The place opened in 2003 but it feels like it’s been there since the 1950’s. The old photos and memorabilia of country music take you back in time. The outdoor patio is “the place to be” in nice weather.
Directions to Harry’s Country Club at 112 E. Missouri Ave, Kansas City, MO
Opera House
Opera House is our home away from home. Gillis Opera House opened in 1883 (more on that story here.) The building has held a variety of occupants including The River Market Brewery, one of the first micro brews in the city opened in 1994. The transition to current day Coffee & Food Emporium was a welcome site right across the street from us. The coffee bar includes $1.00 refills, all kinds of flavor choices with cool song titles as beverage names. They also blend fresh juices and protein shakes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the grill. Some of the best potatoes we’ve ever tasted! It’s an eclectic, casual environment that invites you to stay as long as you want.
Directions to Opera House at 500 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO 64106
The Blue Line
The Blue LineThe Blue Line is Kansas City’s only hockey bar. But hockey is not the only sport they have streaming on their numerous TVs available for viewing inside and out. This is another hot spot in nice weather. They have tables lining the sidewalks creating a pet friendly gathering place. We have the daily lunch specials memorized! Monday’s Carnitas Tacos and Wednesday’s Wings are by far the favorites.
Directions to The Blue Line at 529 Walnut Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106
KC Taco Company
KC Taco Company is a new and welcome addition to the neighborhood, but not new to KC. They have another location in Westport. The fresh take and variety on their menu is not your typical Mexican food. (The pineapple margaritas are amazing!) Get there early for lunch on Taco Tuesday or you’ll find yourself standing in line for a table. The place is small with a really cool vibe. The owner works there most days and is more than happy to describe anything on the menu. They also offer catering. Sign up online to Get Deals sent to your email!
Directions to KC Taco Company at 520 Walnut Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106
Cascone’s Grill
Cascone’s Grill opened in 1930. Italian Cuisine meets American Diner, serving breakfast and lunch. My freshman 15 (first few months at Umbrella) came from Cascone’s biscuits & gravy. It’s a tradition for Heath to take his kids there for Mickey Mouse shaped pancakes. One of our guys frequents so much, they allow him to order the Chicken Parmesan sandwich for breakfast. (Don’t try this yourself! Or if you do, don’t tell them how you heard about it!) I’m dying to try some homemade pie they have on the counter but I’m still carrying those extra pounds!
Directions to Cascone’s Grill at 15 E 5th St., Kansas City, MO 64106
Dessert Bonus: Bloom Baking Company and BabyCakes
We can’t leave out Bloom Baking Company and BabyCakes if you are needing dessert.
Bloom Baking offers scratch made bread, all sorts of desserts, breakfast items and lunch. Some of the best macaroons in several fabulous flavors you’ll ever find. The sandwiches are made with their own fresh bread. You can watch the baking in action at Bloom. They have recently expanded services to include catering and delivery. Tell Sarah that Umbrella sent you!
BabyCakes has freshly made cupcakes, cakes and Whoopie pies. They offer a great variety and a fun twist on seasonal flavors. The frosting and decorating designs are unbeatable. I recommend the minis so you can taste several! The regular sized are big enough to share but who would want to?
Just because the title of this story is Top 5 Lunch spots, these places aren’t just for lunch. You can spot an Umbrella employee any time of day at any one of these fun spots. Additionally, this is only a few of the many places in the River Market area offering great food and beverage. Come see for yourself!