Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Two Sandwiches + a Side
The Z-Man (brisket, smoked provolone, onion ring on a sesame bun) is $9.95. Pair with a pulled pork sandwich ($8.50) and split a side — two people eat the most celebrated BBQ in a BBQ city for right at $20. The 47th St gas station location is the original. Expect a line.
Rosedale Bar-B-Q
Classic KC BBQ Plates for Two
Kansas City's longest continuously running BBQ joint since 1934 — a Strawberry Hill institution serving no-frills smoked meats out of an old cinder block building. Sandwiches run $7–$9 each; two people eat an honest, historic KC BBQ meal well under $20. This is the real deal before the hype.
El Rancho Grande
Mexican Combo Plates for Two
Westside KC institution since 1974 — one of the city's most beloved authentic Mexican spots. Enchiladas, tamales, chile rellenos, and combo plates all priced well under $12 each. Two people eat a proper Mexican meal for under $20. A neighborhood anchor for over 50 years.
Winstead's
Two Burgers + Fries
KC's beloved burger landmark since 1940 — birthplace of the Skyscraper burger, hand-dipped shakes, and a classic diner vibe that hasn't changed in decades. Burgers $6–$8 each, shoestring fries around $3. Two full meals well under $20. The Ward Parkway and 39th St locations both hit.
Vietnam Café
Two Pho Bowls
A Westside KC institution for authentic Vietnamese pho, bún bò Huế, bánh mì, and noodle soups. Bowls run $9–$11 each with generous portions — two people eat a warming, exceptional Vietnamese meal well under $20. One of KC's most consistent neighborhood gems.
Stroud's
Pan-Fried Chicken Lunch for Two
KC's famous pan-fried chicken institution since 1933 — cooked in cast iron the old-school way, served with cinnamon rolls, mashed potatoes, green beans, and gravy. Lunch plates come in under $12 each. Two people eat a legendary KC meal for under $20. Tue–Fri lunch.
Grinders
Crossroads Pizza + Subs for Two
A Crossroads Arts District staple with a cult following — massive hot subs, loaded pizza by the slice, and a backyard patio that doubles as a concert venue. Sub sandwiches run $8–$10 each, slices $4–$5. Two people eat generously for under $20. A true KC original.
Cien por Ciento Mexicana
Breakfast & Lunch for Two — $12–18
Named best burritos in Kansas by Food & Wine — owner Alejandra de la Fuente's 100% Mexican scratch kitchen in downtown Overland Park serves chilaquiles verdes and rojos, birria tacos, pozole, chile relleno tortas, tamales, and the signature chorizo breakfast burrito that regulars drive across the metro for. Counter order, 26 seats, right across from the Overland Park Farmers Market. 4.3 stars, open Mon and Wed–Sat 7am–2pm, Sun 8am–2pm, closed Tuesday.
Hien Vuong Restaurant
Two Vietnamese Bowls — $14–18
A beloved Vietnamese institution in Kansas City's City Market with over 100 menu items — the Mi Xa Xieu is the standout: egg noodle soup with wontons, sliced BBQ pork, and fresh herbs. Pho, bún bò Huế, bánh mì, and noodle bowls all priced well under $10 each. Two bowls with spring rolls lands comfortably under $20. Genuine neighborhood gem in the City Market district with an extensive menu that rewards repeat visits.
PeachTree Cafeteria
Two Soul Food Plates — $14–18
Kansas City's go-to soul food cafeteria in the historic Gates BBQ plaza on Eastwood Trafficway — Southern fried chicken, smothered pork chop, baked chicken, catfish, collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, sweet potato pie, and red velvet cake. Generous portions with enough food to often come home with leftovers. A favorite of Travis Kelce's personal chef. Priced at $, friendly staff, family-oriented atmosphere. Two full soul food plates land well under $20.
Town Topic Hamburgers
Two Double Cheeseburgers for $19.50 💡 Add Tots for $5.50
KC's beloved 24-hour hole-in-the-wall burger joint, serving griddle-smashed classics since 1937. Double cheeseburger is $9.75, so two people eat for $19.50 — add tater tots for $5.50 to split. Cash-friendly, counter seating, zero pretense. Multiple locations including the original at 2021 Broadway Blvd.
Kitty's Cafe
Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches for Two — $14–18 💵 Cash Only
A Kansas City institution since 1951, founded by Japanese-American Paul and Kitty Kawakami after being released from a WWII internment camp. Three crispy tempura-battered pork cutlets stacked on a bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and house-made hot sauce for under $10. Featured by the New York Times. Cash only, steady line out the door on weekends. Mon–Fri 9am–4pm, Sat 10am–3pm, closed Sunday.
El Pollo Rey
Two Half Chickens with All the Sides — $17–18
Follow the smoke rolling off the building on Kansas Ave in KCK — wood-fired whole and half chickens that are among the most flavorful in the city. Half chicken with rice, charro beans, salsa, and tortillas $8.75. Buffalo wings with tortillas $8.00. Two half chicken meals = $17.50 total. Open Mon–Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 10am–5pm. Counter serve, no frills.
Tacos Valentina
Four to Six Tacos for Two — $16–20
Heirloom Mexican corn tortillas made from scratch daily inside Torn Label Brewery on Campbell St — mole vegano $4.50, barbacoa $5.00, carne asada $5.50 with beef from local Barham Family Farm. The Kansas City crunchy taco is the signature. 4.6 stars. Open Tue–Sun, closed Monday.
Vietnam Cafe (Columbus Park)
Two Bowls of Pho — $14–18
Rich, peppery bone broth pho that defines comfort food in Kansas City — a Columbus Park neighborhood staple at 522 Campbell St. Bowls under $10 each, spring rolls and banh mi round out the menu. Two bowls with a spring roll each lands well under $20.
Dagwood's Cafe
Two Breakfast Plates — $12–18
A classic American diner on Southwest Boulevard since 1938 — biscuits smothered in sausage gravy, the Irish Dagwood breakfast sandwich with corned beef hash, Swiss cheese, and egg on grilled marble rye, and generous portions that have kept locals coming back for generations. Diner prices throughout, two full breakfast plates well under $20.
Papu's Cafe
Two Gyros — $12–16
The only gas station in Kansas City with its own gyro spit — a hidden gem inside a Shell station in Waldo at 604 W 75th St. Generous hunks of tender lamb and beef shaved from the spit and served with tzatziki, tomatoes, and onion on warm pita. Gyro $6.99. Falafel also on the menu. Outdoor seating in good weather. Two gyros = $14. Open daily 11am–9/10pm.
Pizza Tascio
Two Slices & Drinks — $10–16
NY-style pizza with a cult following across the KC metro — the daily special is two slices and a drink for $10, one of the best per-person values in the city. Huge foldable slices, hand-selected toppings, spicy pepperoni with hot honey drizzle is the signature. Multiple KC metro locations: Overland Park, North KC, Lee's Summit, Westport, Waldo. Open daily 11am–9/10pm.
Lucky Boys
Chicken Sandwiches & Smash Burgers — $16–20 🌙 Late Night
West Bottoms dive bar at 1615 Genessee St with a short, killer menu — spicy hot chicken over coleslaw on a Farm to Market egg bun served with fries. Also does a proper smash burger and legendary poutine fries. Pool table, cheap drinks, eclectic decor. Mon–Sat 5pm–1:30am, closed Sunday.
The Peanut
Wings & Fries for Two — $16–20
Kansas City's oldest bar and grill operating as a speakeasy since 1933 — full wings with drums and flats still connected, mandatory 20-minute cook time that is absolutely worth it. Buffalo, BBQ, tiger cry, and sweet chili sauces. Blue cheese dipping sauce is legendary. Pork tenderloin on Tuesdays for $10. Multiple KC metro locations. Open daily.
The Combine
Large Specialty Pizza for Two — $15 💡 Rooftop Bar Upstairs
Neighborhood pizzeria and bar at the corner of 30th and Troost where Beacon Hill, Longfellow, and Hyde Park meet — Neapolitan-style pizzas with crisp crusts, deli sandwiches with local ingredients, and craft cocktails. A large runs $14.99 cut into 8 slices and feeds 2–3 adults — solid 2-for-20 math with room for a drink or a side of cheesy tots. 4.5 Google rating with average bills in the $10–$20 range. Bonus: Skyline at The Combine is their rooftop lounge on the top floor, overlooking the city — a rare perk at this price point.
Fritz's Meat & Superior Sausage
Daily Lunch Specials for Two — Under $20 💡 Weekday Lunch Only
Kansas City's oldest smokehouse, opened on 39th Street in 1927 and now on State Line Road in Leawood. Daily lunch specials are generous — half a slab of St. Louis pork ribs, pulled pork or BBQ beef sandwiches, and half a smoked chicken — priced cheap enough that two people can easily eat for under $20. Fritz's supplies meat to several of KC's biggest BBQ restaurants, so you're getting it straight from the smokehouse. The legendary Bette Rogers sandwich — smoked brisket, ham, and bacon topped with marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, mayo, and spicy mustard on a soft Roma roll — is the must-try and big enough to share. Pro tip: come between 10:30am and 3pm and try a hot sausage link fresh off the smoker.
Breit's Stein & Deli
Two Reubens + Sides for Two — Under $20 💡 KC's Best Reuben
Locally owned since 2002, Breit's is known for reasonably priced beer and sandwiches, with a signature Reuben featured in publications around the city. The tagline says it all: "Where you can always find perfectly poured Guinness and KC's best Reuben." Sandwich of the day runs around $7.95 with a side, standalone sides $1.50 — two people can grab Reubens plus sides and still come in under $20. No printed menu, just a wall plaque listing the limited options — adds to the charm. A bar with great sandwiches made fresh while you wait, just off I-70. Specialties: Italian Sub and the Reuben, both loaded with meat and served with a side (sweet/sour slaw is the move).
Sushi UNI
Lunch Special for Two — $15–20 💡 Mon–Sat 11am–2:30pm Only
A friendly neighborhood sushi shop in the KC metro (Lenexa, KS) where the lunch special gets you 3 rolls, a soup, and a side for $15 — easily splittable between two, or grab two smaller lunch combos and still stay near $20. Rolls start at $3.50 à la carte if you want to mix and match. Known for the Dino Roll and Jayhawk Roll signatures. Strip-mall spot, tight seating, often a wait — reservations recommended for larger groups.
Rico's Tacos Lupe
6 Street Tacos for Two — $15 💡 $2 Tacos Tuesday
Southwest Blvd street taco hole-in-the-wall in KC's Latino food corridor. Regular tacos are $2.50 each — pastor, chorizo, barbacoa, carne asada, chicken — served on small corn tortillas with finely diced onions reviewers say "live rent-free" in their minds. Three tacos each puts two people at $15, with room for a side. Tuesday is Taco Tuesday at $2 each — absurd value at that price. The Thursday burrito special is also a regular rave. Closed weekends; hours vary by day so call ahead.
The Borough KC
Two Cheeseburgers for Two — $18 💡 All-Day Breakfast
Homemade breakfast and lunch cafe in the Marlborough neighborhood, opened 2022, with all-day breakfast, a certified organic coffee bar, and vegetarian/vegan options. The "Everything" cheeseburger is $8.99 — two feed two for under $18. Breakfast plays too: a 2-2-2 plate (3 pancakes, 2 eggs, bacon, toast, plus protein) is $12, easily splittable. 4.4 Google rating, known for friendly service and a quiet atmosphere. Breakfast and lunch only, closes mid-afternoon.
Tiki Taco
8 Tacos for Two — $20 💡 Taco Tuesday Only
Cal-Mex neighborhood taco joint with hints of Asian fusion and five KC locations. The 2-for-20 play: Taco Tuesdays get you Street, Soft, or Crunchy Tacos for $2.50 each — eight tacos puts two people at $20 exactly. Mondays also offer $1 off burritos for Club Tiki members. Flagship at 1710 W 39th St in Volker, plus Troost and three more around the metro.
El Pueblito
Lunch Buster for Two — Under $15 💡 Open Til 4:30am Fri/Sat
Family-owned Mexican spot on Southwest Blvd with a Lunch Buster menu served 11am–3pm Monday–Friday — choice of chicken, cheese, or ground beef in enchiladas, tacos, burritos, or taco salads. Priced for two people to eat well under $15 at lunch. Kitchen stays open until 4:30am Friday and Saturday — rare late-night Mexican in KC. Menu also leans into seafood: grilled fish tacos, chipotle shrimp, and ceviche marinated in fresh lime juice.
Bella Napoli
Two Pizzas for Two — $20 💡 Monday Night Special, Dine-In Only
Authentic Italian ristorante in Brookside, opened 2001 by Jake Imperiale, with an in-house Italian deli and market stocked entirely with items imported from Italy. Monday night's $10 pizza deal is a KC favorite — two menu pizzas put two people at $20 exactly, dine-in only from 4pm to close. Thursday is also known for fresh gnocchi night if you want to return.
Meat Mitch Barbecue
Happy Hour Spread for Two — $18 💡 Weekdays 2–6pm Only
Championship pitmaster Mitch Benjamin's Leawood smokehouse, one of KC's most anticipated openings of 2021, known for competition-style BBQ and boundary-pushing 'cue. Regular menu runs high for 2-for-20, but weekday happy hour (2–6pm) delivers: Mini Wagyu Sliders $10, Smoky Chicken Nachos $8, Smoked Chicken Wings $6, Sweet BBQ Corn Ribs $5, BBQ Kettle Chips $3. Build a shared spread — nachos + wings + corn ribs = $19 for two.
💡 Pro tip: All deals are community-verified but prices and availability change. Always check the restaurant's website or call ahead before making a special trip — and if something's expired, flag it on our main directory so we can update it.
These chain deals work anywhere in the country, including Kansas City.
Applebee's
2 Entrees + Appetizer
One shareable appetizer + two full-size entrées. Fiesta Lime Chicken, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Boneless Wings & more. Available dine-in, takeout & delivery.
Chili's
3 for Me — $10.99/person
Each person picks a starter, full entrée, and non-alcoholic drink. Roughly $10.99/person — one of the best per-head values in casual dining.
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