Actually that's why I'll be in town. I'm a Giants fan and the Giants and the Royals are playing a three game weekend series this weekend. I was kind of amazed that I was able to get very good seats on short notice.
I do want to give Arthur Bryant's a try, but if there's somewhere else that's better that locals recommend, I'll give it a shot.
Do try Arthur Bryants and if you really like good BBQ, try one of the several Gates BBQ outlets.
And yes, check out the fountains and the Plaza area. Consider a stop to Hallmark while you’re in town.
Buy the cheapest ticket you can get for the game and just scoot down to the infield line anywhere. Should be plenty of empty seats ... LOL!
Jack’s Stack (BBQ) (I don’t recommend Gates - rude. KC Masterpiece is the McDonalds of KC BBQ)
Oklahoma Joes, BBQ, get the “Z-Man”
Plaza III (steak)
McCormick & Schmick (seafood)
Bristol Seafood Grill
Westport for bars if you’re into that.
If you were from KC you wouldn't be. Usually tickets are fairly easy to get unless the Yanks or Cards are in town.
The "K" is undergoing renovations but it's a very beautiful ballpark. I may be going this weekend.
You've got to remember that there are two distinct types of barbecue. Arthur Bryant's uses a thinner, vinegar based sauce while Fiorello Jack's Stack is the thicker tomato based sauce. Both have their fanatics. But there are dozens of different sauces between the two. Someone once said that barbecue in Kansas City is like wine in France - go a mile down the road and it's completely different. I would recommend trying both Bryant's and Jack's Stack to get a good comparison.
I'm afraid that if you want BBQ, you'll really need to try 3 different places... The first two you mentioned: Bryants and Gates. Both are excellent, but VERY different. Frankly, I think that the meat is better at Bryants, but I don't care for their sauce at all. I like Gates' sauce better, but I'm not as crazy about their meats. But there are tons of people who swear by both... That "third" BBQ place you need to visit... Well, there are quite a few: Jacks Stack (or the Martin City Smokestack), or possibly LCs on 350 Hwy in Raytown, though I haven't been there in years. Those have long been my personal favorites. Are you going to be in town for all 3 days? If so, it will work out nicely! lol.
There are lots of other places you need to try: You're in luck... The "Original" Strouds has reopened. Some people say that the one up north is as good, but it never really was, IMHO. If you are coming to KC, YOU MUST EAT AT STROUDS. I'm sorry, but that's just the way it is! lol. It's not far from the Plaza, which was already mentioned. They've got the worlds greatest fried chicken, pork chops, chicken fried steak, and I've been told that their steaks are some of the best in KC. While you're there, you MUST get an order of their biscuits. I don't believe that they're on the menu, but they bake them fresh, and they're to die for. And they're great for mopping up the gravy.
Lydia's was mentioned, if you're interested in award winning Italian food, but Jaspers and Garozzos are excellent too. At Gorozzos, they're known around the country for their Chicken Spedini. We've also got some AMAZING Sunday brunch buffets too. Garozzos's has one... So does The Bristol in Overland Park. They're known for Louisiana style seafood and their pastries. Amazing place to eat. And if you're of a mind to select from a lunch or dinner menu (and I'm not kidding about "select," since they've got more than 60 different omelettes on their menu) there's "Mama's 39th Street Diner" at 39th and Southwest Traffic way. I heard about this place on The Food Network, and Guy Firetti (sp?) did a feature on the place in "Drive ins, Diners, and Dives." I had to try it and it was everything he said. BTW, it's got the best Corned Beef in KC, period.
If you just HAVE to do something that doesn't involve food, there have been some good things mentioned... There are LOTS of museums... The Nelson, The Kemper... There's also the Jazz Museum and the Negro League Museum - Geddy Lee of Rush just donated a set of original autographed Negro League baseballs there, but I don't know if they're on display yet. I'm told that he was quire impressed when he toured it. Plus, we've got the Liberty Memorial and Museum, the only monument and museum in the country dedicated specifically to WW I.
There are other places to eat as well, but now I've made myself hungry, and seeing as I haven't had dinner yet, I'm going to go eat something! lol.
Mark