Hey, Cincinnati fans coming to the Chiefs game: Kansas City’s a lot more than barbecue | Opinion

On Sunday, Kansas City will take on Cincinnati for a spot in Super Bowl LVII. Bengals fans and visitors from all over are expected to pump tens of millions of dollars into the local economy, tourism folks told us. We won’t tell Who Dey nation how to spend their hard-earned cash. But Cincinnati fans should know this: Kansas City is much more than world-class barbecue.

Kathy Nelson is president and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation, the agency that landed the 2023 NFL Draft and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. She’s also the first woman to serve as president and CEO for Visit KC, the regional tourism bureau. She says the financial windfall from Sunday’s game and the activities leading up to it is nothing to sneeze at.

Over the weekend, folks will eat, drink, book hotels, rent vehicles and much more — to the tune of about $13 million, Nelson told us. The economic benefit of hosting the game here — and not at a neutral site game in Atlanta, happily — is sizable.

Out-of-town visitors aren’t the only ones paying the tab. Local people spend money, too, Nelson noted. Sunday’s game is “a huge win for us,” she said.

While the game should command its fair share of attention here and elsewhere across the NFL, there’s plenty of things to do before kick-off Sunday evening — from a cornucopia of dining establishments to the city’s renowned jazz spots and world-class museums.

Such sites as Union Station and the renowned National WWI Museum and Memorial should be required stops. A few miles east in Independence is the newly renovated Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum. Visitors may also want to inquire about guided tours of the Truman Home on North Delaware Street in Independence.

Restaurants, coffee, cocktails

Fine dining and libations on your mind? We’ve got that covered in Missouri and just over the state line in Kansas. This year, Kansas City area restaurants and chefs were named semifinalists for seven James Beard Awards — one of the most prestigious honors in the food industry.

Michael Corvino of Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room, Nick Goellner of The Antler Room and Waldo Thai’s Pam Liberda are up for Best Chef Midwest. Their culinary skills — and extensive menus — are exceptional, according to food aficionados. Johnny Leach of The Town Co. advanced in the Outstanding Chef category and an Outstanding Bakery nod went to Yoli Tortilleria and its corn and flour tortillas that go to restaurants tables throughout Kansas City.

Craft beer and coffee? Try Rochester Brewing and Roasting Company near the Crossroads Arts District. For extra caffeine to fortify you for Sunday’s evening game, baristas at Cafe Corazon — with its house-made whipped cream — and Messenger Coffee Company makes a mean latte.

Booze only? Our recommendations include nearby Torn Label Brewing and Casual Animal Brewing; downtown distilleries such as Tom’s Town Distilling Co., Lifted Spirits Distillery; West Bottoms Whiskey Co., and North Kansas City’s Restless Spirits Distilling Company for traditional whiskey cocktails.

And there are many more options, too numerous to list. Suffice to say, Kansas City knows how to party.

If you choose to indulge, drink responsibly — and don’t drive yourself. Check the daily service for the Kansas City Streetcar. With its routes from the River Market to Union Station, our fancy starter line is a safe, reliable transportation option — and it’s free.

We didn’t forget to mention barbecue. A quick Google search will reveal more choices than one could handle. We’re partial to tender brisket, burnt ends packed with flavor, delectable ribs that fall off the bone, and all the delicious side dishes. In Kansas City, there is no shortage of must-visit joints, it goes without saying.

There are plenty of other culinary options, too, of course. Top-notch pizza, smashed and juicy hamburgers, Mexican restaurants (authentic and Tex-Mex) are plentiful. For homemade tamales and other staples of Mexican cuisine, we suggest a trip along Southwest Boulevard or the Taco Trail in Kansas City, Kansas.

We’re not forgetting our vegan friends. Check out Cafe Gratitude in the Crossroads, Blue Nile Cafe in the River Market and Blue Bird Bistro in Kansas City’s Westside.

Soul food lovers, we got you covered too. You must sample Peachtree restaurants (two locations) or Niecie’s Restaurant on Troost Avenue, both tried and true, and locally-owned.

Legoland, Nelson-Atkins, 18th & Vine jazz

Looking for family-friendly events? Kansas City is rich with things to do for children. Legoland Discovery Center and ice skating at Crown Center are sure to please. Science City at Union Station is an excellent draw, as is the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. And we can’t forget about the Negro Leagues Baseball and American Jazz museums, located side by side in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District.

Speaking of jazz, late-night sessions can be found at the Green Lady Lounge on Grand Boulevard, and the Mutual Musicians Foundation near 18th & Vine says the party isn’t over until the sun rises.

After all that, you might think we’re giving short shrift to the big game. We’re definitely not. Sunday’s match marks the fifth consecutive year Kansas City will host the AFC Championship. Only two other teams in NFL history have achieved that. The record-breaking accomplishment is no small feat. And success on the field never gets old.

But it is our hope that the Who Dey crew and visiting football fans from all over enjoy the sights and sounds of our great city before and after Sunday’s game. We invite Bengals boosters to explore our city with empty stomachs and open minds — and dont forget their wallets.