Wondering where to find the best diners near you?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable diners in Kansas City, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to satisfy your cravings.
1. Town Topic
Topping the list is Town Topic, located at 1900 Baltimore Ave. The diner, breakfast and brunch spot, which offers burgers and more, is the highest-rated budget-friendly diner in Kansas City, boasting four stars out of 51 reviews on Yelp.
The site has lots more information on Town Topic.
"In 1937 Claude Sparks opened a little white diner at 2442 1/2 Broadway in downtown Kansas City and began selling hamburgers for 5 cents each," the business says in the history section of its Yelp profile. "75 years later Town Topic Hamburgers has established itself as an iconic piece of Kansas City history. Come in and experience the great food and atmosphere that is the same today as it was back then at this authentic American diner."
In terms of signature items, "Well, it's 75 years later, and Town Topic is still selling hamburgers by the bagful," it notes on Yelp in the section explaining specialties. "We still cook 'em the same way with grilled onions and a steamed bun. In fact, the downtown diners haven't changed a whole lot since the early days."
2. Winstead's Steakburger
Next up is Park Central-Research Park's Winstead's Steakburger, situated at 101 Emanuel Cleaver Ii Blvd. With four stars out of 211 reviews on Yelp, the diner and steakhouse, which offers burgers and more, has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for a budget-friendly option.
Yelper Dave P. said, "Delicious food, great ambiance, and incredible service. Can't beat the prices either."
3. Leed's Diner
Leeds's Leed's Diner, located at 6422 Stadium Drive, is another top choice. Yelpers give the cheap diner 4.5 stars out of 39 reviews.
Yelper Josh L., who reviewed Leed's Diner on June 12, wrote, "This place is a 10/10. If you're looking for KC's best hole in the wall spot then you've found it. Incredible service. Huge portions. Generous specials. My favorite is the tenderloin. You can't go wrong here."
And Jovie L. wrote, "If you don't know about Leeds -you don't know about nothing! Best kept secret in KC. The food is amazing, always served hot and fresh. And the pies, oh my lord, the pies! Best in the biz."
4. Portia's Cafe
Portia's Cafe, a diner in East Community Team North, is another much-loved, affordable go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 31 Yelp reviews. Head over to 3840 E. Truman Road to see for yourself.
Yelper Tony B., who reviewed Portia's Cafe on Oct. 21, wrote, "Good home cooking! Best breakfast spot in the northeast area, hands down! These ladies are the best at what they do!"
Trisha W. noted, "I've met a customer here a few times and I really love this place. Growing up in a diner, this place brings back a lot of memories. Service is always great and your treated like family."
5. Jim's Diner
Over in Self Help Neighborhood Council, check out Jim's Diner, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 25 reviews on Yelp. Dig in at the diner by heading over to 6901 Prospect Ave.
Yelper Mia S., who reviewed Jim's Diner on Aug. 3 wrote, "I love it here and husband absolutely love pig snot and feet I don't cook pig snot & feet. Thank God for Jim's Diner."
Yelper Jeffrey E. wrote, "One of the best burgers I've had, I travel around a lot for lunch and I would put this burger against anyone's. Great flat top crust on it!"
This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
