18-22 providence in Westport followed by beers and highballs at Harrys, Buzzard, chez charlies and minibar. Be young, be awkward, be silly and lose a game of pool or do some bar crawling. Love a little recklessly, you will survive the heartbreak I promise.
22-28 il lazzarone (sit in the bar area) with wine and amaro followed by ice cream at Betty's. Walk to the river, catch a drink at the harrys country club or hit the streetcar to places in the crossroads. You have a bit more money, and a bit more sense but not much. Everyone is still figuring it out so just explore. Let yourself get a little carried away. You can afford to.
29-50 Milwaukee delicatessen, followed by the art museum in 21c and cocktails and desserts at the Savoy in the same building. Alternatively the library is a great place to explore and a great place to learn about someone's values and interests. It has a beautiful rooftop.
Then walk to case park and watch one of the best sunsets in the city or mosey on over to the phoenix to listen to some music in a casual yet lively environment. You ain't old yet and full of energy but you have years worth of knowledge and experience with stories to tell. Let the surroundings reflect the maturity depth and sophistication. You're more serious now and so are they. Everything feels so serious so let yourself have a bit of fun and abandon but pay close attention to your actions and theirs.
60-100: providence followed by a drink at Harrys or Kelly's. Bond over your mutual bewilderment at whatever the youth are doing today. Tell each other there is too many beers on tap, the clothes look ridiculous, and that you would never go after dark. End the night (7:30pm) at CaVa with a glass of sparkling. Cheers to your wisdom earned through decades of foolishness. May you keep your rose colored glasses on while you look at the person you came with. Love a little recklessly. You are strong enough at this point to make it through anything.
The food at Laz is great, and I love everything about it except for the bar area. The service back there is so consistently slow, it’s almost impossible to actually drink and dine within any sort of decent timeframe. Sit in the main dining area or the patio.
Is there more than one Jerry's? River Market to Old Town Lenexa is a bit of a jaunt.
Edit: Misunderstood your response, Jerry's Friday Pizzas, not Il Lazarrone followed by drinks at Jerry's.
Buffalo State.
Good pizza, unique slices you can order (theyre huge) that are super shareable because of how they are cut. If conversation is tough to get going talk about the crazy slice selection they have.
It’s also right in crossroads so if nice out it leaves you a good area to walk around in, window shop, chat, get to know each other, awkwardly make out at Up/Down right before last call, you know! A good first date!
Have a great time!
Second Buffalo St, crossroads or downtown Mission location for same reasons. Cute walk and dessert or drinks nearby. Can order a giant slice each if you don’t happen to want the same pizza
I don't think it's really bad in any way. Just a little overpriced and over rated. Minsky's is still a step or two above someplace like Domino's that's for sure just not the end all and be all that most KC people seem to think it is.
That being said I'm a transplant from St Louis and I don't particularly like Imo's either thinking the same about it.
Normally when I decide I want real good pizza I just make my own. I've actually gotten several girlfriends doing that.
I've worked at Minskys forever and even if it's not your favorite I will back it for using WAY higher quality ingredients than anywhere I've ever worked around the metro. They spend 3x as much on ingredients per pizza as the competition.
One of my friends has a pizza oven attachment(?) for their grill that gets up to ~750 and I’d agree it definitely makes some of the best pizza I’ve had. Endless customization is so much fun too!
You’re entitled to your opinion, I think it can be better or worse depending on toppings chosen, but many people like it better than any pizza in the city. It’s in the top 10 on every list I’ve seen ranking pizza in the city and number 1 on quite a few. Def in my top 5 as well.
I just ordered a pizza delivery the other day and it was soooo good. Best pizza I've had in a long time. The place itself looks pretty cool so next time I'm going to have to dine in.
The wise guy is good! They've got a really nice complimentary bottle of hot honey sauce on the table for you if that's your thing. The truffle fries were awesome too
Perfect date spot, has TV’s with sports on, low lit, historic building, well stocked bar, and food is good. After the date you can then walk to Up-Down with 300 of your closest friends, or up the street to Tom’s Town for a night cap.
Bella Napoli or Lucky Boys.
Bella Napoli is the best pizza in the city and is more traditionally "date-ey". Lucky Boys is like a 70s time capsule dive bar and the pizza slaps as well.
Caddyshack is not exactly the best place for a first date, but my now-husband and I had our first date there after our original date location (The Ship) was closed and it worked out for us. It's a colorful place, which gives you a fun story at least.
Square Pizza in the Independence square is phenomenal and an excellent place for a date. I've used it for that before several times in the past and it's always gone over well.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wL3Lduv4NgrPZrvj6
Nice I have driven by that place a bunch of times and always mean to check it out. Seems like a vote for dragging my family over there for dinner some night.
Cici’s. You’ve gotta set expectations correctly early on.
Probably don’t listen to me. My first date with my ex-wife was Taco Bell and that clearly didn’t work out. Relationship did last 20 years, which is longer than anything Taco Bell sells. 🤷🏻♂️
Lol! I remember going to Cici's as a kid, I loved it! Pizza wasn't great but it was edible and they had the best cinnamon rolls. I'd certainly take it over minskys at least any day
Am I the only one that thinks Minsky's is barely pizza and mid at best?
There's a place over in Brookstone (Waldo maybe??) that has an Italian grocery store beside it. Best traditional pizza in the midwest. Not slamming St Louis or Chicago style (the thin one) because they're both amazing, but by and large the midwest is crap for traditional pizza. This place is on point. Wish I could remember the name.
Further out south, Grimaldi's isn't bad and has fantastic calzones. Most of the downtown options have been mentioned, but Grinders can be a good date spot too depending on the type of place y'all like to hang out
I second Grinders especially if they’ve got music out back, but Minsky’s in the River Market is great. If Grinders does has a big show, though pay attention to when they switch from regular menu to “limited Concert Menu”.
Buffalo state pizza in downtown Overland Park. They have arcade machines and the best slices of pizza.
Go to sweet thang in Olathe afterwards for the best ice cream
il lazarone best “date night” but the pizza is bad. KC really only has a couple of acceptable - good pizza places(pizza tascio, buffalo state).
Go to Westside local and enjoy a drink on the patio the weather is nice.
18-22 providence in Westport followed by beers and highballs at Harrys, Buzzard, chez charlies and minibar. Be young, be awkward, be silly and lose a game of pool or do some bar crawling. Love a little recklessly, you will survive the heartbreak I promise. 22-28 il lazzarone (sit in the bar area) with wine and amaro followed by ice cream at Betty's. Walk to the river, catch a drink at the harrys country club or hit the streetcar to places in the crossroads. You have a bit more money, and a bit more sense but not much. Everyone is still figuring it out so just explore. Let yourself get a little carried away. You can afford to. 29-50 Milwaukee delicatessen, followed by the art museum in 21c and cocktails and desserts at the Savoy in the same building. Alternatively the library is a great place to explore and a great place to learn about someone's values and interests. It has a beautiful rooftop. Then walk to case park and watch one of the best sunsets in the city or mosey on over to the phoenix to listen to some music in a casual yet lively environment. You ain't old yet and full of energy but you have years worth of knowledge and experience with stories to tell. Let the surroundings reflect the maturity depth and sophistication. You're more serious now and so are they. Everything feels so serious so let yourself have a bit of fun and abandon but pay close attention to your actions and theirs. 60-100: providence followed by a drink at Harrys or Kelly's. Bond over your mutual bewilderment at whatever the youth are doing today. Tell each other there is too many beers on tap, the clothes look ridiculous, and that you would never go after dark. End the night (7:30pm) at CaVa with a glass of sparkling. Cheers to your wisdom earned through decades of foolishness. May you keep your rose colored glasses on while you look at the person you came with. Love a little recklessly. You are strong enough at this point to make it through anything.
Great recommendations! And well done on the age segmentation.
I was thinking you cut off Il Lazzarone too young, but then I saw Milwaukee Deli in my age range and you definitely nailed it. Good work
This is gorgeous and beautiful but how dare you get my hopes up that CaVa has reopened?!? Harrumph.
I read bond over as bend over. Now that would've made for a magical first date.
I think you just found your side hustle. Pro date planner.
The food at Laz is great, and I love everything about it except for the bar area. The service back there is so consistently slow, it’s almost impossible to actually drink and dine within any sort of decent timeframe. Sit in the main dining area or the patio.
🥹 omg
50-60 GenX left out again. Typical.
Il Lazzarone followed by Bette Raes
With the line at Bette Raes … easy “wanna just go back to my place”
OP make sure you have some Ice Cream stocked. Good shit too.
I'm your ice cream man, stop me when I'm passing by. They say all my flavors are, guaranteed to satisfy.
Oh I’ve plenty of cream.
SpiltMilkBelly gettin' scary with the dairy
This guy gets it.
You’re not OP and gross
Pro tip, you can skip the line and just buy pints… to take back to your place…
Just be warned the line to Betty Rae's after dinner is gonna be looooonnnngggg
High Hopes and Fairway Creamery are both better IMO, but Betty Rae's okay in a pinch.
The point is that it's in a cute locale next to il lazzarone. Not that it's the maximum quality ice cream in the metro.
Apologies, I getcha.
This is the answer.
Really can't go wrong with this
Tell that to my lactose intolerance...which I will happily ignore
lazzarone is probably the most date place on your list. Jerry's bait shop is an option too with a band and a better bar than minskys
Is there more than one Jerry's? River Market to Old Town Lenexa is a bit of a jaunt. Edit: Misunderstood your response, Jerry's Friday Pizzas, not Il Lazarrone followed by drinks at Jerry's.
Anywhere in Overland Park is never a good place for a first date
lol ok. why though?
Buffalo State. Good pizza, unique slices you can order (theyre huge) that are super shareable because of how they are cut. If conversation is tough to get going talk about the crazy slice selection they have. It’s also right in crossroads so if nice out it leaves you a good area to walk around in, window shop, chat, get to know each other, awkwardly make out at Up/Down right before last call, you know! A good first date! Have a great time!
Seconding Buffalo State! Wonderful location and interesting tasty pizza.
I don't love their pizza but I do like that you really thought through the whole date and not just the dinner piece!
Just tryin to give young love a boost…and maybe get two people a little ass while we’re at it.
Second Buffalo St, crossroads or downtown Mission location for same reasons. Cute walk and dessert or drinks nearby. Can order a giant slice each if you don’t happen to want the same pizza
The OP location is fine. Easy walk to Maloney's for an after dinner drink on their rooftop
Bacaro Primo has Neapolitan pizzas and it’s pretty upscale and in a nice neighborhood.
And then go to French’s Custard after.
Don’t take a date to Minskys, that’s for when you want to just have pizza and a night in to NOT watch movies ❤️👀 it’s yummy tho
Some of the worst pizza in the metro I swear
I don't think it's really bad in any way. Just a little overpriced and over rated. Minsky's is still a step or two above someplace like Domino's that's for sure just not the end all and be all that most KC people seem to think it is. That being said I'm a transplant from St Louis and I don't particularly like Imo's either thinking the same about it. Normally when I decide I want real good pizza I just make my own. I've actually gotten several girlfriends doing that.
I've worked at Minskys forever and even if it's not your favorite I will back it for using WAY higher quality ingredients than anywhere I've ever worked around the metro. They spend 3x as much on ingredients per pizza as the competition.
One of my friends has a pizza oven attachment(?) for their grill that gets up to ~750 and I’d agree it definitely makes some of the best pizza I’ve had. Endless customization is so much fun too!
You’re such an edge lord for not liking what everyone in the city likes.
Minskys is trash. I wanted to like it but it's just bad.
You’re entitled to your opinion, I think it can be better or worse depending on toppings chosen, but many people like it better than any pizza in the city. It’s in the top 10 on every list I’ve seen ranking pizza in the city and number 1 on quite a few. Def in my top 5 as well.
Sorry I don’t like bad pizza :(
Ridiculous
My vote is Dewey’s. Good pizza and a more upscale pizza atmosphere.
Artego pizza on 39th
I just ordered a pizza delivery the other day and it was soooo good. Best pizza I've had in a long time. The place itself looks pretty cool so next time I'm going to have to dine in.
Martin City Pizza would be my move locations in Martin city, lees summit, Lenexa, mission farms
I second Martin City. I just tried it for the first time the other night, and it was amazing.
There’s also a new place in the Crossroads called The Wise Guy. I haven’t been yet but the ambiance looks cool!
The wise guy is good! They've got a really nice complimentary bottle of hot honey sauce on the table for you if that's your thing. The truffle fries were awesome too
Hah just replied with the same rec while you added yours. Food is great and ambiance is perfect for dates
Agreed! So good!
Perfect date spot, has TV’s with sports on, low lit, historic building, well stocked bar, and food is good. After the date you can then walk to Up-Down with 300 of your closest friends, or up the street to Tom’s Town for a night cap.
Il Lazzarone for sure!
Bella Napoli is really pretty and the pizza is delicious. Plus they have ice cream or gelato for dessert... I can't remember which.
1889 pizza
Pizza 51 patio is nice. You can even walk over to the Nelson Atkins Sculpture park afterwards.
Fortunati in the West Bottoms. Can always follow it with a cheap drink at Lucky Boys (or a fancy drink at Voltaire)
It’s pizza to go but not a date spot
Bella Napoli or Lucky Boys. Bella Napoli is the best pizza in the city and is more traditionally "date-ey". Lucky Boys is like a 70s time capsule dive bar and the pizza slaps as well.
1889 has decent ambiance and good wood fired pies.
Waldo pizza
Sounds weird, but Apogee pizza is pretty good.
Be aware that Lazzarone can get very LOUD.
You could grab a beer first at BKS and then go to Flying Horse Taproom across the street or go to Bella Napoli…then to French’s Custard
CaddyShack is not for Amateurs... Always a Great time and Great pizza & t-rav's !!
Stone canyon in parkville. Walk downtown or the river landing.
Caddyshack is not exactly the best place for a first date, but my now-husband and I had our first date there after our original date location (The Ship) was closed and it worked out for us. It's a colorful place, which gives you a fun story at least.
Anything but minskey’s.
Square Pizza in the Independence square is phenomenal and an excellent place for a date. I've used it for that before several times in the past and it's always gone over well. https://maps.app.goo.gl/wL3Lduv4NgrPZrvj6
Grinders used to be my go to first date spot. Just double check there isn’t a show
Go to Grinders Stonewall in Lenexa at 103rd and Plfumm. It's legit, but a little quiter.
Nice I have driven by that place a bunch of times and always mean to check it out. Seems like a vote for dragging my family over there for dinner some night.
Cici’s. You’ve gotta set expectations correctly early on. Probably don’t listen to me. My first date with my ex-wife was Taco Bell and that clearly didn’t work out. Relationship did last 20 years, which is longer than anything Taco Bell sells. 🤷🏻♂️
Lol! I remember going to Cici's as a kid, I loved it! Pizza wasn't great but it was edible and they had the best cinnamon rolls. I'd certainly take it over minskys at least any day
Providence is my favorite
https://johnnyjospizza.com/lee-summit-downtown-lees-summit-west-plaza-johnny-jo-s-pizzeria-food-menu
Hands down it's gonna be Il Lazarone followed by Betty Rae's Ice Cream. River market. You won't be sorry. Except for maybe the parking situation lol
Providence by the slice is pretty good in westport. And then if yall are viking you can grab drinks and stuff at Harry's after ^_^
Is Grinder’s pizza still a thing? I don’t know, I’m old and don’t get out much anymore. But this post has me craving a slice of their pepperoni 🍕
Try Stone Canyon in Parkville and then take in the rest of town with a stroll.
Martin City Taproom (Pizza and drinks)
Rosati's Show her the Chicago Deep. Dish. Enjoy
Little Caesars on independence ave. You’ll know if they are into for real if they give you a holla back.
Every pizza thread always has people hating on Minsky’s. I just want you all to know You are wrong and have bad taste.
Am I the only one that thinks Minsky's is barely pizza and mid at best? There's a place over in Brookstone (Waldo maybe??) that has an Italian grocery store beside it. Best traditional pizza in the midwest. Not slamming St Louis or Chicago style (the thin one) because they're both amazing, but by and large the midwest is crap for traditional pizza. This place is on point. Wish I could remember the name.
Further out south, Grimaldi's isn't bad and has fantastic calzones. Most of the downtown options have been mentioned, but Grinders can be a good date spot too depending on the type of place y'all like to hang out
I second Grinders especially if they’ve got music out back, but Minsky’s in the River Market is great. If Grinders does has a big show, though pay attention to when they switch from regular menu to “limited Concert Menu”.
Buffalo state pizza in downtown Overland Park. They have arcade machines and the best slices of pizza. Go to sweet thang in Olathe afterwards for the best ice cream
If anyone says Minsky’s, i will disagree with them fervently.
Love Minskys
Minskies
Rockhill Grille in crossroads is the move
Bucca di Beppo
For you want to fall into a carb coma
I actually like that place, but definitely not for their pizza. Yuk
il lazarone best “date night” but the pizza is bad. KC really only has a couple of acceptable - good pizza places(pizza tascio, buffalo state). Go to Westside local and enjoy a drink on the patio the weather is nice.
Tascio sucks lol
Yep which is why KC doesn’t have good pizza