CHEWOLOGY

"Open for: Dinner Price range: $$ Chef Katie Liu-Sung blends dishes from her native Taiwan with Midwestern ingredients and influences in this energetic Midtown restaurant, where the dining room is colorful and the cocktail list creative (and illustrated). Start with the dressed eggs and pliant gua bao (pork belly buns), before moving onto Taiwanese beef noodle soup with beef shank, pickled mustard greens, and “chile bomb.” Know before you go: Look out for pop-up Stray Kat dinners with special themes and dishes, including hot pot." - Liz Cook

"Known for being one of (if not THE) the best restaurant in KC, Bluestem really doesn't disappoint. Opt for the bar instead of the dining room for the same exception service & less expensive menu selections. Among their signature dishes are the shrimp & grits (which always hits the spot) & the hanger steak, which is one of the best in the city. (Being Kansas City, that says a lot.) The bar area is usually packed, which adds to the lively ambiance. Be prepared to spend a pretty penny if you decide to splurge on their 3, 5, or 10-course dinners." - Cat Coquillette

"This sit-down Taiwanese street food spot in Westport has an excellent selection of shareable plates, like bao buns, noodles, and dumplings. Start with the smacked cucumber salad and the dan dan noodles, plus one of their refreshing cocktails, like the Land Bridge with rye, Campari, and umami bitters. They started at the Lenexa Public Market, so the neon signs, geometric wallpaper, and metal chairs keep the space feeling similar. It's nice they have more room though so we can bring groups here and have easy access to napkins. We’ve learned the hard way not to wear outfits we’re attached to at Chewology, as we always leave happy, full, and covered in chili oil." - ryan bernsten

"This sit-down Taiwanese street food spot in Westport has an excellent selection of shareable plates, like bao buns, noodles, and dumplings. Start with the smacked cucumber salad and the dan dan noodles, plus one of their refreshing cocktails, like the Land Bridge with rye, Campari, and umami bitters. They started at the , so the neon signs, geometric wallpaper, and metal chairs keep the space feeling similar. It's nice they have more room though so we can bring groups here and have easy access to napkins. We’ve learned the hard way not to wear outfits we’re attached to at Chewology, as we always leave happy, full, and covered in chili oil." - Ryan Bernsten

"Chef Katie Liu-Sung blends dishes from her native Taiwan with Midwestern ingredients and influences in this energetic midtown restaurant with a creative (and illustrated) cocktail list. Start with the beef-kimchi dumplings and pliant gua bao before moving onto Taiwanese beef noodle soup with beef shank, pickled mustard greens, and a chile bomb. For a more formal experience, book one of the restaurant’s Stray Kat dinners, which feature a 10-plus-course Taiwanese tasting menu." - Liz Cook