Kansas City, often celebrated as the barbecue capital, is now gaining national recognition for its vibrant and diverse Mexican culinary scene. Recently, Yelp unveiled its Top 25 Mexican Food Spots in the U.S. for 2024, and Kansas City proudly boasts two entries on this prestigious list, one from Kansas and one from Missouri, proving that the city’s gastronomic offerings extend far beyond barbecue.
Kansas City, Kansas: GG’s Birria Barbacoa Cafe – A Fusion of Flavors
Ranking at an impressive No. 14 nationwide is GG’s Birria Barbacoa Cafe, located in Kansas City, Kansas. This culinary gem has garnered significant attention, evidenced by its 94 five-star Yelp reviews. Owned by Gabriel and Lourdes Gonzalez, GG’s Birria Barbacoa Cafe is creating waves with its unique “no-frills Mexican-BBQ fusion” concept.
Owners of GG’s Birria Barbacoa Cafe, Gabriel and Lourdes Gonzalez bringing authentic Mexican flavors to Kansas City.
Gabriel Gonzalez shared their excitement upon learning about the Yelp accolade, recounting how a customer delivered the good news. GG’s Birria Barbacoa Cafe, which opened its current location in 2022, stands out as the only restaurant in Kansas City, Kansas, serving dishes inspired by the flavors of Tabasco, Mexico. Gabriel emphasizes their commitment to authentic Tabasco taste, noting the unique touch from southern Mexico in their soup and barbacoa. The couple believes their secret ingredient is simply “love,” poured into every dish they create.
Located at 1032 Minnesota Ave, Kansas City, KS, GG’s Birria Barbacoa Cafe welcomes diners from Monday to Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed on Sundays. Yelp reviews frequently highlight the Birria Tacos, Enchiladas Casserolas, and Chilaquiles Barbacoa Birria as must-try dishes. For those less inclined to spice, the menu also offers milder options, ensuring a delightful experience for every palate.
Savor the flavorful Birria Tacos at GG’s Birria Barbacoa Cafe, a top-rated Mexican restaurant in Kansas City.
Ellisville, Missouri: Malinche Mexican Culinary Experience – Tapas with a Twist
On the Missouri side, Malinche Mexican Culinary Experience in Ellisville, a St. Louis suburb, secures the No. 11 spot on Yelp’s national list, boasting an impressive 356 five-star reviews. Malinche offers a different take on Mexican cuisine, specializing in dinner-only tapas. This isn’t your typical spicy food joint; Malinche presents a sophisticated menu featuring options like open-faced tacos and El de Pescado, a delicate tilapia dish with red cabbage and a creamy chipotle-jalapeno dressing.
For those planning a visit, Malinche Mexican Culinary Experience is open Monday to Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and closed on Sundays. Reservations are recommended and can be conveniently made online, promising an exquisite dining experience.
National Recognition: Yelp’s Top Mexican Restaurants and Methodology
Topping Yelp’s list at No. 1 is La Paleta in Las Vegas. Yelp’s ranking methodology involves identifying businesses within their Mexican restaurant category and then ranking them based on the total number of reviews and customer ratings from 2001 to February 14, 2024. To ensure geographical diversity, the list includes a maximum of two businesses per state.
Kansas City’s inclusion of two restaurants in Yelp’s Top 25 Mexican Restaurants in the U.S. is a testament to the city’s evolving and increasingly recognized Mexican food scene. Whether you’re in Kansas City, Kansas, or Ellisville, Missouri, these top-rated restaurants offer a delicious dive into authentic and innovative Mexican flavors, proving Kansas City is a true culinary destination.
