The Lunch Box

The first time I visited The Lunch Box was in January 2024, and I was impressed to find that it resembled a large convenience store, offering typical products that you would find at any gas station but in larger quantities. When I researched The Lunch Box, I thought of it as a bigger version of Price Rite Market & Deli, a Kansas City convenience store located 7 miles north of Riverside, Missouri, on Waukomis Drive. Both businesses share a similar concept: a hole-in-the-wall restaurant paired with a convenience store style of service. Inside The Lunch Box, the décor was appealing, and they offered a variety of items, including chips, nuts, trail mixes, candy, sweet treats, sodas, coffee beverages, energy and nutritional drinks, juices, milk, automotive supplies, medicines, charcoal, fuel, and even pet food. Snacks sold at The Lunch Box feature popular brands like Frito-Lay, Little Debbie, Hershey’s, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Red Bull, Monster Energy, Dole, and Hiland Dairy. The selection of medicines and first aid products includes Advil, Pepto-Bismol, Claritin, and personal care items such as Degree and Old Spice deodorants. It’s great to see that The Lunch Box is generous, catering to both residents and travelers. As for the restaurant aspect, The Lunch Box specializes in hot grab-and-go meals available for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and daily specials, all made fresh each day. Their menu features breakfast sandwiches and burritos, biscuits and gravy, burgers, lunch sandwiches that are either hot or cold, hot dogs, sausages, salads, side dishes, and daily specials. During my visit in January, I ordered their Giant Tenderloin Sandwich, as my father and I are fans of breaded and fried pork tenderloin sandwiches with meat that hangs over the bun. The sandwich I had was incredibly delicious, just like any great breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. If I return to The Lunch Box with my father, I would think about trying one of their breakfast burritos or the biscuits and gravy platter. If I were to compare The Lunch Box to other businesses, I would mention Price Rite Market & Deli on Waukomis Drive near Riverside, Fetterman’s Deli in Platte City, Christine’s Firehouse in North Kansas City, and Christy’s Tasty Queen in the Turner neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas. I highly recommend that anyone in the West Bottoms of Kansas City visit The Lunch Box if they’re looking for a hot and fresh meal, whether the customers are locals or traveling through the Kansas City metropolitan area. For potential improvements, I suggest adding gasoline pumps outside the storefront and perhaps an ice cream sandwich freezer or a slush machine for customers who might want a cold dessert with their meal during the summer. I would also suggest adding flavored coffee machines for customers if they want a coffee with cappuccino for their hot coffee beverages.

It's a small liquor store with food. A small amount of convenience store stuff, too. I happened to be in the area this morning simply by chance. I tried their breakfast burrito. It was so good! Big too. Two hander. I plan to make a trip back to this place on purpose this time. Give them a try!

We were somewhat taken aback when we first walked in. First impression was “Hole in the Wall”. Upon further inspection, it was very clean and eclectic. VERY friendly staff. The breakfast burritos were excellent, the biscuits and gravy were very good (could have used a bit more sausage) but my favorite was the Train Wreck. Absolutely delicious. We fed 5 adults for less than $50. We have big appetites and everyone was FULL! Highly recommended!

Great little place. Like a corner store but you can also order from a menu of items- sandwiches and fries and stuff. There is no seating. The store has lots of food goodies as well as some basic household items and the prices were surprisingly good. They had an ATM in there as well. Oh- also a soda fountain if you prefer that to a can/bottle.

The people working there were nice but my food...it was burt to a crisp. Straight up charcoal status. Neva eva again. Not in this economy. I will spend my dimes and pickles elsewhere.

If you know how to set your expectations this place is great. It is a convenience store with a kitchen. Odd combo but the food is actually really good. I had the Philly cheese steak and it was very good. Don’t go in thinking it’s a sit down place. Worth checking out.

Usually, I'm not disappointed here. On that note, order the full order of fries, not half. I ordered half cause a full is Usually over flowing with fries, a half was not even 1/3 of a bag. They do offer military discounts, so I chalked it up to food given for food actually paid for. If you ever have an issues it's the cooks that don't seem to care about customer service (not my only bad experience with them) the gals that work up front are great.

There are places you go to eat, and then there are places your soul drags your tired body to because it remembers what real food, real people, and real satisfaction feel like. The Lunch Box in Kansas City, Missouri? That’s the second kind. It’s not trying to be trendy. It’s not on Instagram doing duck-lipped selfies with truffle aioli. This place is an honest to God hole in the wall legend, where the floors might creak and the walls might whisper stories, but the grill? The grill sings. You walk in smelling like sweat, drywall, and dignity, and nobody looks at you sideways. You’re greeted like family maybe not the fancy Christmas kind, but the "pass the ketchup and don’t touch my fries" kind. It’s glorious. Now let’s talk food. I didn’t come here for quinoa. I came for a double cheeseburger that could knock the stress out of your spine. And brother, they delivered. Two sizzling patties that taste like they’ve been blessed by every hard hat saint in the Midwest, stacked with melty cheese that clings like your toddler on a school morning. Toss in golden fries that are just the right kind of crispy and an ice cold beer that makes you hear country music in your head even if you're a metalhead, and you’ve got what I call the working man’s Eucharist.  This isn’t lunch. This is baptism in beef.  The decor? Who cares. It could be duct tape and drywall screws holding the place together and I’d still come back. You don’t judge a church by the paint in the foyer you go because something sacred happens there. And at The Lunch Box, the sacred is sizzling on a flat top next to a cook with a beard, a laugh, and probably an opinion on the Chiefs’ offensive line. It’s places like this that remind you America still knows how to eat. No pretension. No $18 avocado toast. Just meat, fries, cold beer, and a place to rest your weary soul. Final Verdict:   If you’ve worked all day, sweated through your boots, and your back sounds like bubble wrap when you stretch The Lunch Box is your temple. Come hungry. Leave full. Return often.

Grease, Grins, and Grub: The Best Food Wagon You'll Regret Not Finding Sooner" Tucked in the streets of West Bottoms like it's hiding from fame, this little food destination slings burgers and cheesesteaks that could make a grown man weep. Don't let the grungy exterior fool you -- inside is a sizzling symphony of flat-top perfection. The burgers? Juicy, messy, and unapologetically delicious. The cheesesteaks? A hot, melty love affair between steak and cheese. You'll need a fistful of napkins and zero shame to tackle either. The crew behind the counter is fast, friendly, and witty enough to make you forget you're loitering in a parking lot. It's like they know they're slinging some of the best grub around -- and they do it with a wink and a smile. This place isn't trying to impress you with aesthetics. No Instagrammable decor, no cutesy menu boards -- just killer food that speaks for itself. If you're looking for ambiance, you're in the wrong spot. But if you're after a burger that'll haunt your dreams (in a good way), this is your place. Pro tip: Get extra napkins. And don't wear white!

The folks behind the counter were very friendly and helpful. I placed my order for a double cheeseburger. It was ready in about five minutes, hot and fresh. This place has a lot of character, but no chairs or tables; you will not be dining in. I had a delicious cheeseburger in my car. They have plenty of other things besides hamburgers and sandwiches. They have hotdog as well and drinks, chips, beer, cocktails, and a decent selection of liquor. There was a ton of foot traffic here during my visit on a Friday night around 9 PM. They're doing a good business. They're also serving some excellent food and taking care of their customers.

Definitely a spot if you get those late night munchies. Got a simple pork tenderloin sandwich - it was tiny bit over cooked in my opinion, but not quite burnt. Still tasted perfectly good overall. It's a big slab of pork tenderloin - it'll fill you up. Can't complain for the price and what I got. Compared to Kitty's cafe, I prefer kitty's - but at the same time, kitty's isn't open till 1:30am. I ordered as a pick up order and my food was ready when I showed up after about 10-15 minutes. There's no real seating - the lunch box is basically built into a convenience store, so you walk in, grab your food, and that's about it.

Great food and fast service!! Mushrooms, fries and onion rings are really good. Haven't had anything here that wasn't fantastic!

Tucked away in the West Bottoms in an industrial area is this Corner store/liquor store/deli/ whatever. At 1:30 on a Tuesday this place was hoping! No indoor seating ... it's a grab and go We had the Cowboy burger and the chicken club. With sides of tater tots and hand cut fries. All servings are generous and prices economical. Now the Cowboy burger is NOT for the faint of heart! Very tasty and delicious however if you don't like HEAT, order without jalapeños. I literally broke out in a sweat!! They definitely don't use your average jalapeños! The chicken club comes either fried or grilled. We opted for grilled and I was thankful for the mayo on it to kill the burn in my mouth! Another very generous serving of chicken with lettuce, tomato, bacon and cheese. The hand cut fries were nicely seasoned and the tater tots crispy. Service was extremely fast.

Great little hole in the wall. Surprisingly big menu with a ton of options. We were the only ones in there when we placed our order and got it in less than 10 min. I had the Cuban missile it was great and had a ton of flavor. My wife liked her grilled chicken sandwich as well, she got the combo with crinkle cut fries they were hot and fresh. Would go again if we're in the area.

This is no swanky place, I'm giving them a hardy 4 stars for the food, service and variability of goodies all in a one stop shop. You need work gloves, how about batteries, little frozen drink balls at 15% alcohol, snoop dog potato chips....they got you. Quality food, fresh and hot at an affordable price...yep. They are not snooty and overcharge you. The fries are FIRE and I wonder if they soak in brine, so good! The Philly was perfect; soft, cheesy, meat melts in your mouth, and let's not forget the B.A.D. (Big arse drink), iced sprite went down smooth. I loved everything about the experience. The dudes sitting out front, the beautiful mural on the side of the building, the pit bull waiting in line with his owner who could not wait to let us pet him as he wildly wagged his tail. The service was great and people in line were quick to tell us what they loved on the menu. The ONLY thing I would add is picnic tables and ice cream cones, summer business would BOOM. We will be back, with friends, and our out of town guests. This is the kind of place that embodies the Midwest, Kansas City, and the West Bottoms, it's this unique eatery that sets us apart. This Lunch Box has something for everyone!

Good spot for solid and easy food. Biscuits and gravy was tasty and the breakfast burrito my friend ordered was top notch too. Affordable prices and a no frills location. Prompt service and ordering as well. Get some drinks and a bite to soak up all the booze, or get something to help the hangover, you can't go wrong here

Holy Gutbuster. This diner grill / deli / whatever in a liquor store is something else. I've only visited for breakfast, which is served in heaping portions. Seriously, you can turn your order into two or three meals. You'll find a menu full of sandwiches, burritos and creative concoctions. Examples include the Big West Bottoms Trucker (Sausage, bacon, ham, eggs & cheese piled high on a toasted hoagie roll, topped with mayo, lettuce and tomato.) and the Train Wreck (Full order of biscuits & gravy topped with hash browns, two sausage patties, two fried eggs with your choice of hot sauce, or salsa.) The food is perfectly acceptable, however could have used more flavor. Especially the sausage and gravy. It's good, but it could be better. One small note, this restaurant does not have seating. It is carry out only.

Ordered food charged totally different price than listed workers mad when asked why said there's a sign cash price different than card no where does say that nor would be that price if ordered online there own menus don't say such thing pointed to a small sign that clearly says liquor got angry refused to tell me his name so I took his photo Workers were high dealing drugs at counter in front of everyone I called for a manager they argued with me on the phone saying don't got one then finally someone got on claimed to be a manager told me call for Erin and I called next day number was blocked but eventually spoke to some girl who refunded me

This review is for breakfast, specifically the biscuits and gravy. I stopped here one recent Sunday morning, and it seemed like my kind of place. A cool hole in the wall with good reviews. The service at the counter was fast and friendly. I ordered the biscuits and gravy and unfortunately were not very good. Everything just tasted like flour. The biscuit was dense and stuck to my teeth and roof of my mouth and had a strong flour taste. The gravy was thick and I only tasted flour and some pepper. Unclear if there was sausage in there. I maybe saw a few small pieces, but it was a pretty wimpy sausage gravy. Maybe just an off day, but the menu touts that the biscuits and the gravy are both homemade. I definitely plan on coming back to try something else, but after two bites I threw this away and got a donut down the street at Blip Roasters.

Great place for a quick easy bite. Definitely not diet friendly but who cares if you are just looking for a lunch and don't want to drive far. I would recommend ordering online, especially if it is around lunch time.

Placing order ahead of time is helpful if in a hurry as no seating is available. Having multiple cashiers speeds up the wait. Food is also very good, never had anything I didn't like.

First time eating here and I just say I WILL BE BACK!!! The food was amazing and the price was very fair.

Good burger and fries would recommend this place. Also thought it was nice sitting outside by Wyandotte county lake

Food and service were very good. There is no place to sit and eat inside so that was a surprise.

Food was excellent. The French fries were amazing and the cheesesteak was a classic. The food was well priced and the portions were great. I have no complaints about the food at all. But honestly, I don't think there was a clean surface in the entire convenience/pickup/ordering area. The drink machine was almost entirely out of syrup and everything was sticky. It smelled like a gym locker room and it was very crowded. They cater mostly to construction worker so I understand the smell at lunchtime but it was very off putting. I understand the lunch rush but I find myself not wanting to come back because of how dirty it was in and how much the area was neglected.

If you find yourself out late and hungry, this is the place to go. It's one of those places that tastes better the later it is and the more desperate you are for some good, substantial food. I ordered the tenderloin sandwich, as it looked like one of their signatures, and it wasn't the best, but it definitely hit the spot. I would still certainly recommend it. It can be a little difficult to find, but just follow google maps and if it looks like it's taking you to a really small gas station-like building, your'e in the right place. The restaurant itself is located in a store where you can buy an assortment of goods like a gas station, so it's nice you can get some essentials and snacks while you're there! Service and friendly and quick, I would definitely recommend checking this place out, if not just for the experience and the vibe!

You know you're always in for a wild time in the West Bottoms, but walking into this empty liquor/convenience store in search of a sandwich on a Sunday morning was an adventure. There was no one in sight except for maybe one man peeing on the curb, but do not let this scare you. I have not stopped thinking about this giant tenderloin sandwich for a week. I got 2 whole meals out of it, and I want more. You head to the back of the store and order at the counter, and they'll call you back to the counter when your to-go bag is ready (it seems like based on pictures on Yelp you used to be able to eat at tables inside, but there are no tables currently maybe due to COVID?). Shop around for Bud Light tall boy or some cat food while you wait. Our sandwiches came out quick and hot, and they were perfect after a night of drinking. My tenderloin was salty and crisp and the perfect amount of greasy. I'm about to make this place a frequent stop when I'm out in the West Bottoms late at night. There's plenty of parking on the streets around the building, and fair warning the building is not red like a lot of the old pictures on this app might lead you to believe. The building is blue, but not hard to find because there's a sign over the door on the fGetting a sandwich here is definitely worth a trip to the West Bottoms from wherever you are!

This place reminds me of the nyc bodegas who you didn't know had bomb deli sandwiches. It's a liquor store packed with snacks and has a deli in the back. I saw a lot of unique drinks that you can't find many places. To order walk up to the cash register. There should be a menu you can refer to. They had plenty of breakfast items and good selection of lunch specials. This place was definitely tasty! I ordered the turkey club, which was juicy and packed with flavor. My co-workers all enjoyed their sandwiches too. The tator tots were amazing too! Make sure to grab some napkins on your way out. We didn't have any in our bag so we had greasy hands afterwards. Only con is that there's no seating available. So grab and go! Overall will definitely stop by if I'm in this part of the city.

The most bizarre all in one, but I was there for it. It's a convenience store, liquor store, and grill with a full menu. Got their well known tenderloin sandwich and fries, which were superb. Crunchy on the outside, and well seasoned too. It took a little bit for my order to come out, but then again, you're in a convenience store setting! Cashier was friendly!

I asked yelp for the best burger in Kansas City, and The Lunch Box came as a recommendation. It did not disappoint. It was exactly what other Yelpers said it would be. It did not look like much on the outside. But it delivered in an exceptional experience on the inside! I describe it best as a convenient store meets liquor store with fantastic food. We ordered both the cheeseburger and a Philly cheese steak with onion rings and french fries. We wanted to try a little of everything. I've literally been talking about it all evening to family and friends. It was absolutely delicious. The food was hot, fresh, and well seasoned! Service was friendly and awesome! It is not a dine in establishment, so I took the food home. I felt like such a winner when my mother exclaimed "now THIS is a hamburger"! We will be back!

These owners, and their staff are determined to make the customer have a good experience. Service is great and food is delicious.

Everything on the menu is delicious and low cost! The staff is very nice and quick with service

I got there and wasn't sure where it was! However it is in fact the building that looks like a gas station. When I first walked in I thought Ibwss in the wrong building but alas it's like a gas station with great food. The burgers were amazing and prices were good as well. Definitely will be coming back!

Had the fried baloney sandwich yesterday... It was the first one I've ever had, and it was delicious! Try it with mustard.

A small liquor/convenience store and only to go menu. Have tried the burgers,tenderloins and hotdogs. Also polish sausage and breakfast. I have not been disappointed yet. Great food

First time trying this place out today and I think I just discovered my new favorite spot! We ordered and the food was ready so fast. It was DELICIOUS!!

Small gas station like store, wouldn't recommend going past 10pm but they have snacks and drinks if in a pinch.

The food and service here is amazing. My brothers and I frequently come here before work to get a breakfast burrito which is always out of this world good. The ambiance is nice to, the store is small but is well stocked full of essential items you would possibly need.

Definition of hole in the wall! A little out of the way from the majority of the antique stores in the West Bottoms but well worth the stop. The breakfast sandwich was great but the Cuban missile sandwich is the best thing I've had from there. The salami truly added so much to the sandwich and the bread was pressed to perfection. I will be dreaming about this Cuban for a long time

I used to get this for lunch about once a week, recently it seems to have taken a turn for the worse. The tater tots and fries are usually soggy and greasy and the food has become pretty pricey. They also charge a buck for the convenience of ordering online now, which is bush league in my opinion. I probably won't be going back.

My family got takeout from here for the first time yesterday and it was awesome! Food was ready when we got there and delicious when we got home. Even my 3 year old who's a picky eater loved it. For sure adding this to our rotation!

I gotta be honest, I don't see the appeal here. It's completely off the beaten path, basically a liquor store restaurant hybrid, and really was just okay. The vibe was so weird. We tried their famous pork tenderloin and it was pretty good but not remarkable. Really thin and really salty. For having the hidden gem reputation, I was excited to see what this was all about but I can't see any reason why I'd go out of my way to come back here.

Working man's lunch specials. Takeout only. In an industrial area where work trucks gather.

This is the definition of a hole in the wall. After zig zagging through the city from the downtown airport, we found the Lunch Box hidden in the industrial area. The staff was very friendly and promised our food would be ready fast, since we didn't have a lot of time. I went with the KC Cheesesteak and used the yelp check in deal for free fries. While the sandwich was smaller than most cheesesteaks, it was priced perfectly. They give you a large order of fries that could easily be shared. This is a great option to grab and go with a quality lunch.

Lots of great options at good prices! There isn't anywhere to sit you just grab it and go but it's close to Kaw Point Park that overlooks the city to sit in your car or sit at a table and enjoy the city is a perfect little date.

First of all this isn't the Capital Grill, what it is, is a lunch counter in a small convenience store with a couple of tables. What it is- is a place to get outstanding food at reasonable prices and quickly. I believe the burger is outstanding, up there with Hi Boy, Tay's, and Corner Cafe. The Tenderloin is also fantastic..up there with Cross's, and Jerry's Cafe. IMPORTANT- On Tuesdays it's Taco Tuesday, the 4 street tacos and a drink for $7, you could pay 3.50 apiece for a taco not near this good. BREAKFAST- yes they have it, the burrito is a handful.

KC cheesesteak sandwich was GREAT and the CowBoy Burger was AMAZING!! Customer service was helpful when making a decision. We will be back !

I ordered the chicken sandwich with fries and got a large diet coke fountain drink. There's not seating which is fine. That's what deli's are like! Very fast service! Great music playing, and staff was very friendly. Back to the food. My sandwich was absolutely amazing. I've been back already since my first visit and will be going back next time I'm in town. I'd recommend this to anyone. You will not be disappointed.

Best Cuban sandwich in the history of Cuba. I mean second to none and then some. And it's all here in Kansas City. Who knew.

Such a gem in an unexpected spot! Go out of your way to try this out. We are sure glad we did! We had those hand cut fresh French fries, the turkey sandwich grilled perfectly and a burger. Next time we will tackle the tenderloin. We ordered online from the website and carried out. Highly recommended and great portions too!

Food was really good and quick service. I ordered for a group of 8 and they had everything ready within 15 mins.

At a time when it's seemingly impossible to grab even the most basic lunch/ bite/ late-night/ etc. under $20, I actually parallel parked on the pork tenderloin, prolly 2/3 of my tots are bagged and resting comfortably until I'm ready for round 2, and at some point during the transaction I morphed into my parents, as my mind became transfixed on the word(s) "portionsize," for $11 and change *I wanted to tell him to just give me a $5 back, but totally froze; no clue what tipping protocol is* Also, and this is f****** key: Included with meal (not sure if it's a promotion or what), was a tiny little man who hopped into the back of my head, and has been whispering, "you know that cheesesteak be a flamethrower, too.. ewwww, and did you say you gots a Cuban for me, as well??"

ThIs place has really good food. It's a grab and go. It's in a filling station/small market looking building but don't be fooled. They make really good breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Big portions too! Good value.

Some morning you might find yourself hungry while touring the scenic rust belt of the Kansas City West Bottoms. If so, wander over by West 9th Street and State line. Watch out for the hand painted sign that says, "Deli Liquor" (with an arrow), and in a block or so you will find "The Lunch Box." It is just a cement block building on the corner: no golden arches or drive through, street parking and a door. Inside it is hard to tell if it is a liquor store or a sandwich shop, that is because it is both (best of both worlds). If you are bringing along more than 14 friends, somebody will have to stand, it is kind like what real estate agents call cozy. Breakfast is made up mostly of burritos, and lunch is based on some impressive sandwiches. It is a tough choice between the Mexican Hot Dog and the KC Strip Philly, because there is always the huge tenderloin! The tough part is that they are all pretty amazing. Prices fit well with the neighborhood, expect to pay around $6 or $7 for a sandwich. I did not price the Crown Royal, but I would bet it is competitive. There is not any WiFi, nor are there walls lined with flat screen televisions - enjoy your meal and talk to each other. Parking is at the curb, but should be available most any time. If you are out to impress a date or your new boss, then head south to the plaza. If you want a great sandwich in a clean no-frills environment, then this is the place. Remember, anyone can find a testy lunch to $25 or $30, but $10 is something to brag about.

I ended up here at around 2pm and got some of the best fries I've ever eaten! Highly recommend.

Absolutely delicious. We were looking for something quick while shopping at First Friday and we found The Lunch Box quite by accident. What a GREAT accident!! I will definitely be back for the potato salad alone!

I work in the area and usually stop in for my bottle of water or some kind of snack to have while at work. The guys that work here are always nice. I never have a problem with customer service here. They're good people. I found their online ordering site while at work and took a gander and it looked like they had a lot of options. I settled on the philly and fries. They were delicious!!! The philly meat was tender and juicy not dried out like at other places and the fries were nice hand cut fries. It's a great local spot with great service and good food.