Johnson Countians cast nearly 90,000 votes to determine the winners in 80 categories in the inaugural Best of Johnson County. Congrats to the following organizations, which came out on top in the Food and Drink categories!
Best Fine Dining
Winner: Story
Story is a creative American restaurant from James Beard Foundation nominee Chef Carl Thorne-Thomsen and Susan Thorne-Thomsen. Enjoy seasonal cuisine such as ceviche, braised beef short ribs or Alaskan halibut, in the contemporary dining room, at the intimate bar or on the expansive patio. Pair your meal with a fine wine from their Wine Spectator award-winning wine list or enjoy a craft cocktail. You can also order meals to enjoy at home on their website at storykc.com.
Runners up: Cafe Provence and J. Gilbert’s
Best New Restaurant
Scratch Gourmet Express
Scratch Gourmet Express offers gourmet comfort food with a creative flair. Scratch releases seasonal menus featuring shareables, soups & salads, entrees, and desserts that deliver great tastes and a quality with a flexible dining experience for dine-in lunch and dinner. Scratch provides an elegant yet comfortable dining room and patio making it a great destination for date night as well as a quick meal in gym clothes.
In addition, Scratch expanded its wine offerings by adding a wine by the glass program that offers several delicious, limited-time varities to its seasonal menu. There are options for guests enjoying any occasion to elevate their next meal.
Scratch is located at 3939 W 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, KS 66208 and is open for lunch and dinner Monday – Saturday from 11am to 8pm. For more information visit www.scratchgourmet.com.
Runners up: Glory Days Pizza and Bamboo Penny’s
Best Pizza
Minsky’s
At Minsky’s Pizza, “Gourmet, and going to stay that way” is more than just a slogan. From the moment you bite into one of our award-winning gourmet pizzas, you’ll understand why Minsky’s has been repeatedly voted “Kansas City’s Best Pizza!” Our savory pizzas begin with hand-rolled dough layered with generous portions of lean, succulent meats, fresh-cut vegetables, aromatic herbs and topped with 100% Wisconsin mozzarella, then baked to bubbling perfection. Our Original or Honey Whole Wheat doughs are both offered in Thin + Crispy, Minsky’s Original or Deep-Dish Pan. Or try our gluten-free, Cauliflower or Keto crusts – we promise, they won’t disappoint! Teamed with your favorite beverage from our full bar – including our very own Minsky’s Burlesque Lager and Burlesque IPA – we think you’ll taste why Minsky’s Pizza has been Kansas City’s favorite neighborhood pizzeria since being founded here in 1976!
Runner up: Old Shawnee Pizza
Old Shawnee Pizza is the oldest operating restaurant in Shawnee, family owned since 1969! We have 2 locations in the KC area: Shawnee and now Lenexa!
Runner up: Buffalo State Pizza
Best Mexican Food
Winner: Mi Ranchito
Runners up: K-Macho’s Mexican Grill and Cantina and Jose Pepper’s Mexican Restaurant
Best Burger
Winner: Snack Shack
The Snack Shack is a family owned and operated neighborhood burger joint. Proudly serving premium meats, fresh cut produce & bakery fresh buns! Stop in and try a few of our favorites! 100% made from scratch Veggie Burger, Hand-breaded Pork Tenderloin, Handcrafted Shakes, Malts, Floats, Sodas, and Dipped Cones! We are located in Downtown Mission, Kansas, at 6018 Johnson Drive.
Runners up: BRGR Kitchen + Bar and Burg & Barrel
Best Italian Food
Winner: Old Shawnee Pizza
Old Shawnee Pizza is the oldest operating restaurant in Shawnee, family owned since 1969! We have 2 locations in the KC area: Shawnee and now Lenexa!
Runners up: Garozzo’s Overland Park and Ricco’s Italian Restaurant
Best Wings
Winner: The Peanut
Runner Up: Old Shawnee Pizza
Old Shawnee Pizza is the oldest operating restaurant in Shawnee, family owned since 1969! We have 2 locations in the KC area: Shawnee and now Lenexa!
Runner up: Johnny’s Tavern
Wine List
Winner: Wandering Vine
The Best Wine List in Johnson County is part of the extraordinary wine and dining experience at Wandering Vine. Our warm and inviting hospitality makes Kansas City’s historic Castle the most romantic dining experience in the area. Your hosts, Carla and Dan Dyer, are Johnson County natives who have traveled and explored the food, drink and culture in more than forty countries. At Wandering Vine you can enjoy delicious seasonal dishes made fresh in house by our talented chef Hannah Winnett, as you wander the world through our wine list, with wines from 15 countries, curated by our in-house sommelier Chris Valentine. Visit wanderingvine.com for more information, to learn about our special wine dinner events, and to make reservations. Wine, Dine, Wandering Vine
Runners up: Louie’s Wine Dive and Story
Best Caterer
Winner: Jack Stack Catering
Runner up: Scratch
Scratch Gourmet Express is more than just catering. Scratch works with you to create an elevated culinary experience that can be curated and customized for your event, whether it’s a private dinner party, residential gathering, wedding, holiday celebration or charity event.
No matter the occasion, Scratch will provide you with an imaginative menu filled with fresh ingredients, great flavors and tastes that will leave your guests wanting more.
For more information visit www.scratchgourmet.com/catering to start building your menu from Scratch today.
Scratch is located at 3939 W 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, KS 66208 and is open Monday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Runner up: HyVee Catering
Asian Restaurant
Winner: Bo Lings
Runners up: Thai Place and Dragon Inn
Bakery
Winner: McLain’s
Runners up: Corner Bakery and Dolce Bakery
Barbecue
Winner: Joe’s Kansas City
Runners up: Q39 and Jack Stack
Breakfast spot
Winner: First Watch
Runners up: The Big Biscuit and McLain’s
Coffee Shop
Winner: Black Dog Coffeehouse
Runners up: McLain’s and Urban Prairie Coffee
Donut Shop
Winner: Lamar’s Donuts
Runners up: Mr D’s Donut Shop and Fluffy Fresh
Happy Hour
Winner: The Peanut
Runners up: Red Door Woodfired Grill and Nick & Jake’s
Ice Cream
Winner: Andy’s Frozen Custard
Runners up: Sylas & Maddy’s and The Golden Scoop
Microbrewery
Winner: Martin City Brewing Company
Runners up: Rockcreek Brewing Company and Servaes Brewing Company
Sushi/Japanese
Winner: Sushi UNI
Runners up: Oishi Sushi and Jun’s
Vegetarian
Winner: Holy Land Cafe
Runners up: MudPie Bakery and Elsa’s Ethiopian