If Independence were a mullet, it’d be all party in the back. This southeast Kansas town might surprise you with its culinary chops—from sit-down spots perfect for celebrating small-town victories to counter-service joints where you can grab something while plotting your next move. Our 2026 guide covers both, so let’s make your Independence dining a little less business, a little more business-in-the-front.
Saiko Sushi & Hibachi
$ | (620) 926-1639 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving Japanese food in Independence, try Saiko Sushi & Hibachi. This place operates from a permanent food truck, and they serve generous portions that completely fill the container. The must-try dish here is the steak hibachi, but you can also enjoy their excellent sushi – and all the meals come with quick service and friendly smiles from staff who remember regulars.
The setup is modest, but it’s a great spot for takeout, where you’re always greeted warmly and leave completely satisfied.
Braum’s Ice Cream & Dairy Store
$ | (620) 331-1514 | WEBSITE
Ask anyone traveling through Independence how often they stop at Braum’s, and they’ll probably get sheepish about their answer. This is a very dependable family-friendly option in the area, and it’s the kind of place that will help you recharge during a long drive. There’s a spacious dining area if you have time to sit down, and a walk-up counter that usually has a steady stream of customers (and moves pretty efficiently).
The ice cream is the first thing you should try here, but they also have burgers, fries, and shakes that hit the spot. Plus, you can pick up fresh milk, butter, and other dairy products on your way out.
Scooter’s Coffee
$ | (620) 714-2010 | WEBSITE
If you’re rushing to get the kids to school, you probably shouldn’t swing by Scooter’s Coffee on your way out. The drive-thru in the morning is always pretty backed up, but it’s much more manageable in the afternoon, when you can grab afternoon treats like a perfectly made iced caramel macchiato, or evening drinks, like a smooth hot chocolate or the seasonal pumpkin spice latte with extra whipped cream.
Taco Inn
$ | (620) 577-4624 | WEBSITE
If the corner you happen to find yourself on is a little closer to Main Street than Broadway, then the Taco Inn should be your Taco Inn. It’s nearly identical to the other Mexican spots in town, but with a little more cozy cafe seating.
El Pueblito Mexican Restaurant
$ | (620) 331-5860 | WEBSITE
El Pueblito opens for lunch every day, and it’s perfect if you want a welcoming spot to enjoy really good Mexican food with family or friends to celebrate a special occasion. We really love the warm and crispy chips with the great salsa, including that unique mild puréed option, as well as the overall delicious food – which they’ll keep serving until you’re completely satisfied.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
$ | (620) 714-5067 | WEBSITE
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit isn’t our first choice for barbecue in Independence, but it’s a reliable fallback when you can’t get into a place like Big R’s or Hickory House. The barbecue here is decent and not outrageously pricey, and the space is spacious and clean, with a couple of large accommodating tables perfect for events around the edge of the dining area. Plus, the service is attentive.
Sonic Drive-In
$ | (620) 331-4930 | WEBSITE
There are a few locations of Sonic Drive-In, and the one in Independence is on the main strip. And despite the fact that it’s a quick-service drive-in with no wait time for food, it still manages to feel like something you’d find in a classic American town. Stop by for a quick carhop meal, or just come by and pick up a burger and fries to go. The food here is really good, and (possibly due to the fact that it’s clean and welcoming) it doesn’t get as chaotic as it could.
Big Cheese Pizza
$ | (620) 331-2330 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving pizza but don’t want the fuss of a formal dinner, head to Big Cheese Pizza, a long-standing local favorite that’s more relaxed than most family restaurants, yet still nicer than typical takeout joints. The comfortable dining area just off the main street has booth seating, where you can enjoy a lively atmosphere while digging into a deep-dish pizza with that buttery, crispy crust, or loading up at the fresh salad bar with all the vegetarian options.
It’s the kind of place where kids can play arcade games while you savor those homemade Ranch-dipped cheese bread sticks—worth every penny of the slightly higher price.
Delicias 2 GO
$$$ | (703) 621-3084 | WEBSITE
Sometimes you just want a cake for dessert – but not a sad one that’s been sitting in a plastic case at a grocery store, waiting for a kind stranger to put it out of its misery. That’s what Delicias 2 GO is for. This is a cake lover’s paradise in Kansas City, and it serves some very good cakes, whether pre-made or custom, with options like the mouth-watering tres leches cake.
It’s also a charming little shop with a cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy your cake and pretend you’re at a special celebration (if you squint).
Down Home Family Restaurant
$ | (620) 331-6999 | WEBSITE
Down Home Family Restaurant is easy to overlook as you drive through Independence, and since the dining room is spacious, you may find plenty of seating. But tables fill up pretty quickly during peak hours, and if you’re with family or a small group, you should be able to find a spot in the main area. At dinnertime, there are $15 buffet options.
Uncle Jack’s Bar & Grill
$ | (620) 330-7090 | WEBSITE
Uncle Jack’s Bar & Grill is a solid choice for a lively sit-down meal. It’s a bustling bar and grill specializing in hearty American fare, with plenty of satisfying options to choose from. You can get your meal with a side of grilled shrimp (highly recommended), or some excellent ribeye steak.
Eggbert’s
$ | (620) 331-0520 | WEBSITE
Eggbert’s is a breakfast spot known for its reliable and tasty food, offering gluten-free and vegetarian options for those with dietary needs. The gluten-free pancakes are a particular highlight. The food comes out fast and is consistently solid. The service can be hit-or-miss; while some servers are friendly and on top of things, others might be a bit slow. One recent visit featured a really kind server who apologized for a small mistake, which made the experience pleasant.
The restaurant also has vegetarian choices like omelets, pancakes, hashbrowns, and other breakfast items many places skip. Even with occasional service lapses, it’s worth supporting this local business and maybe asking for a different server if needed. The vibe is warm, and the focus stays on serving good food to everyone.
Los Compadres Street Tacos
$ | (620) 926-1027 | WEBSITE
On a typical afternoon when the sun’s out, you’ll often spot 30+ folks waiting patiently for their Mexican fix from this unassuming spot, and it’s completely understandable. The flavors are outstanding, and $8 will score you a beef tongue taco plate that’ll make your friends jealous.
Turbos
$$ | (620) 331-6480 | WEBSITE
It’s the weekend, and you’ve been running errands all morning – now you just want to settle somewhere comfortable and enjoy a solid meal. Head over to Turbos. It’s a popular sit-down restaurant that gets quite busy, especially on weekends, and there are plenty of tables where you can relax and have a plate of delicious 8-ounce sirloin steak or a tasty burger with classic sides. As an added bonus, the whole place has that welcoming atmosphere of a neighborhood favorite.
Fish & Shrimp Diner
$ | (620) 577-4272 | WEBSITE
Depending on where you live, you’ll either find it a hidden gem or a surprising discovery that one of the best seafood spots in Independence is tucked away in this quiet location. Fish & Shrimp Diner offers a variety of options in a cozy, well-lit setting that works if you want a comfortable meal. They serve the same amazing dishes that regulars rave about, like the perfectly seasoned grilled fish that’s not greasy, and the crispy fried fish with those golden fries.
The catfish and crab cakes are standout choices, while the jumbo shrimp and popcorn shrimp might cost a bit more but are worth it. The atmosphere feels family-like with helpful staff and artwork on the walls, making for a relaxing experience at reasonable prices.
Casey’s Creations Bakery & Deli
$ | (620) 714-5030 | WEBSITE
Casey’s Creations is a bakery and deli, and we like to pretend it’s pronounced “kay-sees.” Try it. It’s fun. We also like to watch the fresh salad bar behind the counter. There are a few different kinds, including pasta salads and vegetarian options, and you can get this food in a takeout box or at a table with a couple of sides like cookies and diet sodas. It can get a little busy here at lunch, but the line moves quickly.
Ane Mae’s Coffee and Sandwich Shop
$ | (620) 331-4487 | WEBSITE
Another coffee shop, and probably our favorite spot. There’s just one Ane Mae’s – right there in Independence – and it has the same menu of excellent coffee and sandwiches. Like the BBQ sandwich, which comes with just the right sauce, and muffins and coffee on the side. The food here is exactly the sort of thing everyone in your office will ask you about when you return carrying a bag of it (except for the people who’ve already been inducted into the Ane Mae’s fan club).
On the off chance you need a 2pm iced salted caramel latte pick-me-up instead of a $5 sandwich, that’s also an acceptable way to use this shop.
Stoney’s Grub and Pub
$ | (620) 331-0771 | WEBSITE
Perhaps you’ve heard of Stoney’s Grub and Pub. It’s a spot where you can get a pretty good hamburger steak (which, if you’re unfamiliar, is a plate of meat with mashed potatoes and green beans). For some reason there’s only one location in Independence, so it gets incredibly popular, and you should plan to arrive early for a table.