March 2009 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine
Table Hopping - March 2009
“Dive in to these Drive-In’s”

Christy’s Tasty Queen
1405 South 55th Street
Kansas City, KS 66106
(913) 287-2800

Owners, Marla & Lowell Christy, are thrilled their restaurant is on the map with foodies across the KC metro. By lunch, a line snakes out the front door for Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches that are as big as your outstretched palm and made from scratch each morning. Breading hundreds of pork loins each day, each is dipped into a milk bath then dredged with three different types of breading. Although they have a tempting menu full of other items, it is the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich for $5 that they claim as their own. This family-run operation is fast and friendly, chatting up any new faces they see coming through their doors. EAT: outside (as there is no inside seating) when the weather allows at the handful of picnic tables located outside of the restaurant. 

Mugs-Up Root Beer Drive-In
700 East 23rd Street
Independence, MO 64055
(816) 254-7040

Bill and Ann Kendall have owned this mecca to loose meat and root beer for about 15 years. If you speak to anyone who grew up in the Independence area they will speak nostalgically about Mugs-Up. Loose-meat Zip Burgers for $1.85 feature feather light ground beef sandwiches while Whiz Burgers, Zips with cheese, are only $2.05. Bill tells me his Root Beer, $1 for a medium, is still mixed in the basement, so you know you must get the Big Black Cow — a combo of root beer and vanilla ice cream. MAKE: sure you tell your carhop if you want your items for here or to go. If you order root beer for “here” you will get the traditional glass mug, get it to go and you will get a portable Styrofoam cup.

Sam’s Tastee Treat
435 South Parker Street
Olathe, KS 66061
(913) 764-4757

What started as a Tastee Freeze in 1963, owners Sueko "Sam" and Hugh Silvernale, changed to Tastee Treat when they took it over in 1997. The location is interesting, with just a handful of seats inside. But the most important thing you need to know is that they offer over 40 different flavors of shakes or malts. Dipped cones and plain ones. The menu includes all of the usual Drive-In favorites, but it’s the selection of dairy treats that will keep you coming back again and again. Although the name has changed, the creamy frozen treats remain the same. CALL: before you come at the end of the year as they close for a few weeks around the holidays. (Many thanks to Kansas Travel for allowing me to use their photo.)

Teresa's Drive-In
6450 Truman Road
Kansas City, MO 64126
816-483-0370

For 20 years, owner, Sam Gallo Jr., has been providing his loyal customers on the east side simple, honest burgers, fries and shakes along with a whole host of other diner staples such as corn dogs, tacos and breakfast sandwiches. What his restaurant lacks in location, atmosphere and seating it makes up for in value. A single cheeseburger (a whole lotta burger) with everything is only $3. They have old-fashioned shake flavors including Butterscotch, one of my favorites. Teresa’s kitchy sign, featuring a cute carhop, is the only landmark you need to find this little hole-in-the-wall. PULL: through the drive-thru for a faster fix, you won’t miss anything by not going inside.

Stacks Drive-In
3828 North Chouteau Trafficway
Kansas City, MO 64117
(816) 452-1003 

The sign above Stacks Drive-In located near the entrance of Harrah’s Casino says “serving you since ’62”. No doubt a simpler time with simpler fare, but the menu can still hold it’s own today. The food reflects an Italian influence in addition to its more traditional favorites. Spaghetti and Meatballs, Italian Sausage Sandwiches and Italian Steaks all sit beside a host of staples like cheeseburgers and spicy chicken sandwiches. Try the Double Cheeseburger for around $5 and get two thick and juicy patties of beef piled high with fresh toppings on a soft bun. See what brings families and bikers alike to this daytime and late night dining spot. SAVE: room for dessert and go across the street to the famous Donut King and sample one of their 36 kinds of donuts, open late.

Comments

[Cookie]

Sounds like a yummy road trip, or chance to get some good grub on the move.

[Jimbo]

Teresa's Drive In is one of the best things about owning a BMW motorcycle (it is cattycorner from the local dealer). I love the Italian Sausage Sandwich. Home made and oh so delicious.

Jimbo

[JH]

I think the Humdinger drive-in 2504 E 9th St Kansas City, MO 64124 deserves a spot on this list. My burger and fries were delicious.

[Beer Mugs]

These all sound like great places! I drove across country and made it a point to only eat at local places like these. It was some of the best food I have ever had.

[l arginine online]

The plant are dried, ground into a powder, and consumed in the form of a beverage.