Kitty’s Cafe
810 E 31st St, Kansas City, MO, 64109
Kitty’s Cafe Menu
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Address :
810 E 31st St
Kansas City, MO, 64109 - Phone (816) 753-9711
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :9:00 am - 5:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : No
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Drive-Thru : No
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Anna B.
I think about Kitty's sandwiches when I've been away for too long. The pork tenderloin is the best sandwich I've eaten in Kansas City. I love it. It's fantastic fresh off the grill, and it's still amazing after sitting in your fridge for 12 hours. Trust me. And the tots are perfect and crispy without dripping in grease. Kitty's is true, classic KC. It's been around forever and it's not going anywhere. If you're in a hurry you should call ahead, local love for this food means Kitty's will always be at least a little busy.
(5)Schorre' B.
I drive all the way in from Olathe for a tenderloin and fries. I have left work early to make sure I'd get there before they closed. The only improvement would be if fountain drinks and milk shakes were added to the menu. But you can always go to the nearby McDonald's for drinks and stuff. Fresh, hot and delicious every time! Kitty's Cafe is a real treat!!!
(5)Brent T.
Justifiably busy at lunch with great value, awesome quality, and big portions! We had pork tenderloins with tater tots which was fabulously cooked with tempura batter that was gently fried to perfection! I'm looking forward to coming back for a burger!
(4)Crystal M.
Yes their burgers are really that good, yes you must leave those pesky credit cards at home and bring those greens, but trust me its well worth it! And don't forget those golden nuggets of goodness (tater tots) to round out your heavenly experience. I promise you its worth it!
(5)Craig B.
I've eaten pork tenderloins all over the country, and I have NEVER had anything so spectacularly delicious as the one from Kitty's. I got mine with a little extra mayo. Light tempura batter, flavorful pork...just remarkable. Had mine with the crinkle-cut fries: crisp, nutty-tasting, and delicious. There's a very small counter at which you could eat, but if it's more than just you, plan to take out, or eat al fresco in the little breezway next to the shop. It has a carport over the top, so you'll be sheltered. Be sure to bring cash, because they don't accept credit cards. The staff was polite, and the food was out-of-this-world good. This was our first time, and we'll be back. If you're craving the best tenderloin sandwich you've ever had, you'll find it here, no question about it!
(5)Ronny K.
it lives up to the hype. the place is tiny and busy, so you may have a little wait, but the price is right and the flavors are delightful. i got the pork loin and tater tots at first, but i was still hungry so i went back for the catfish. it's all good!
(5)Stacy N.
A co-worker told me about Kitty's not too long ago. I was at Costco, and was getting hungry, so I figured I would check it out since I was close. It looks just like how I want a dive to look, but cleaner. Tiny interior, a little counter seating...mainly a take out place, to the point menu and service, and people! When I walked in there were about 5 or 6 people waiting, and more came in every minute. The menu is pretty simple...burger, cheeseburger, double burgers, pork loin, catfish, chicken, blt, egg sandwich, fries, tots, chips, and a couple other things. The most expensive is the catfish at just over $5. But, tax is included in all prices listed which is nice. I went with the pork loin sandwich (as I had been told they were great) and fries. When I got to my sandwich eating destination, most of my fries were gone. A few had spilled on my seat early into my drive, so I had to eat them...after that I couldn't stop. I'm sure they are just frozen ones, but they are super-crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfectly salted. They are also piping hot! The sandwich was quite good. The batter was like a light beer batter, but with no beer. Served with chopped lettuce, tomato, and onion, plus pickles, and hot sauce. Super-good! I definitely will go back, and have that sandwich again, and try others. Cash only!
(4)John Y.
I heard rave reviews about this place and the history behind the business so I had to check it out! Took a friend to get a tenderloin and definitely wasn't disappointed. I'd describe it as tempura style and be sure to add the hot sauce. This is a small dive that has always been asian owned with the noticeable flair in their food. Interestingly enough I was at a lao friend's wedding last year and turns out I was chatting with the owner for awhile. He said they had added a small outdoor section since the interior is so small. I haven't been back to check it out but I plan to soon!
(4)Rachel P.
Yum! I had the cheeseburger and will go back for the tenderloin. Tots make any meal great in my mind, and these were no exception! (TAKE CASH, so you aren't disappointed!) Burger, tots and a can of pop for under $6. The service was not particularly outstanding, but when the whole place is packed with regulars, they must not see a reason to change. (The girl at the counter was polite, but definitely will have moved on to other employment by the next time I visit.) If you can swing it to get there a few minutes before noon, the wait is short (under 5 min). As I was picking up my food, they were telling people about 10 minutes until their orders were going to be ready. There is a little covered patio outside - it was nice when we were here, so we took advantage. It does only seat about 15 people, though.
(4)Thomas A.
I got a huge attitude the first time I visited this place and I'm on 30-minute lunch and I discover that I cannot use my debit card. I was asked if I wanted them to hold it for me so I could go get some money...uhm no, I have about 23 minutes left on my lunch period. So, I threw a silent tantrum for about 18 hours and then got over it. I just wish I had known to bring cash. So, curiousity gets the best of me and I decide to try it again, and this time with cash. So, I order the obligatory tenderloin, touted to be one of the best in the metro area. I ordered fries and a bottled tea with it and it comes to around $8.00 I think? I ordered the tenderloin with everything including the hot sauce. I was surprised how quickly I got it and I was on my way back to work which is where I consumed it. The tenderloin is fried in a tempura-style batter as others have mentioned. I found it to taste acceptable and I did enjoy the hot sauce. The fries were nice and crispy and acceptable. Not overly greasy as one would expect. It was a decent sandwich but I don't know if I would go out of my way to do this again any time soon. Parking is on 31st Street and although I did not have trouble parking because I went close to closing time, I would imagine other times closer to traditional feeding periods might be a bit more complicated. The eating area outside does not look inviting to me at all, but, that's just me. There were some postal workers and others eating al fresco who seemed to be enjoying it. I still think that Christy's Tasty Queen in KCK is the best tenderloin I've had in KC in recent years.
(3)John B.
I got a double cheeseburger for under five bucks and then tator tots for 2 bucks....and it was awesome! Just remember cash only.
(5)Andrew S.
I have been coming to Kitty's since I was about 16 years old. The quality has not changed at all. You get what you pay for and it is a pleasure of copious amounts of grease and fat however it is extremely good! The owner Charlie is a very nice man and has run this business quite well for the last 15 to 20 years! I do not eat here so much anymore because I'm trying to eat a little bit healthier; however, when I do want to indulge or celebrate I will go here because it is very cheap and probably the best tastiest biggest portioned lunch you can get in Kansas City for the lowest cost! Kitty's is amazing. Only four out of five stars because the food is so damn greeezy & definitely makes you want to go to bed:)
(4)Reed N.
Kitty's is a place you should go. Why? It is old-school. Authentic. A burger is placed on the grill and smashed out for you... not paper thin... a decent patty. It is seasoned and not overcooked. The bun is soft. The fries are crinkles... but crispy. It is not expensive and you can move on with your day... that is... IF you can stop thinking about that tender diner burger and wishing you had another.
(4)Michael L.
Stopped by one of my most favorite places on E 31st Street to get an inexpensive old fashioned cheeseburger and fries. Started by a Japanese American family in the 1950s, it's still going strong today!
(5)Patrick M.
Loved this place!!! Friendly staff, fast service, and pork tenderloin sandwich that's out of this world!! Bring cash with you cuz they don't take credit cards here.
(5)George E.
Small menu selection but wow do they make their food awesome. that's what I like simple and good. Pork tenderloin or catfish sandwich and tots everything with hot sauce is my usual. Tiny place and always people in there. Large selection of canned beverages. Very clean. A must visit place to eat
(5)Randy S.
Got there early (11am), but folks were already lined up waiting for their orders. Took around 20 minutes to get a pork loin and tots. Pork loin lived up to the hype, but the hot sauce really just tastes like siracha ketchup. I will be back to check out the burger.
(4)Max H.
Wow. The best pork tenderloin in town. Got mine with lettuce, hot sauce and mustard. Perfect. Crinkle cut fries are great as well. They also have burgers, catfish and some breakfast. Will have to try those sometime, but it'll be hard to pass up the tenderloin!
(5)Sarah H.
I'm not a fan of pork, but we got these at a work function and the sandwiches were surprisingly good, and huge too! Three big old fried pork tenderloin patties with onion and spicy sauce and mayo. I cheat and I wipe off the mayo and only had one of the patties (calories people) but for being a hole in the wall place it was pretty tasty. The fries are abundant and all in all its a good cheap dive!
(3)Matt K.
Not much more to add that the other reviews have not covered. Great hole in the wall sandwich shop. Dont know how or why but all the elements of the pork tenderloin sandwich ($5 cash with some change back) complement each other perfectly. The sesame seed white bun, three slices of tempura dipped pork tenderloin, iceberg lettuce with the perfect amount of hot sauce that gives a little bit of heat yet allows all the other ingredients to shine through also! Make sure to order it with everything! Everyone in the area has time to get a sandwich by calling your order ahead and having one co-worker go pick up the bag of tenderloin sandwiches.
(4)Jason C.
Deep Fried Holy Grail, indeed! Rooster sauce in KC + a great tenderloin = delicious afternoon snack. Place is tiny, if you don't know what you're looking for you'll miss it. I think I drove or walked by this place possibly 3000 times before I stopped. What took me so long i'll never know but I'll never get those 400 pork tenderloins I could have eaten
(4)Lauren K.
There are plenty of good greasy sandwiches on the menu at the SRO restaurant Kitty's Café, but there is only one so life changingly good that you actually hear angels sing and harps play when you eat it. That sandwich is the Pork Tenderloin. The sign says it all "Since 1951 best Tenderloins in town." Believe it. For a little less than $5, enjoy three hand-battered, deep-fried to a golden brown pork tenderloins placed between two soft buns topped with tomato and lettuce and a spicy Sriracha-based sauce. The original Kitty, an Asian woman, passed away many years ago, but the recipe for her secret light and crispy Asian style fry batter lives on with the new owner, Khamsone Soulivong. Act like a regular and call your order in, or go down, order and take some time to read the heart warming articles and stories on the walls. Kitty's is a true KC GEM!
(5)mike m.
Great taste and tactile sensation when you get the pork tenderloin sandwich. Ask for it with everything, including the hot sauce
(5)Stacy L.
Kitty's..... Oh how I love you so. I am one of those people that are fortunate to live a block away from Kitty's. Let me first give everyone a warning: The tater tots are like crack. Once you have had a tater tot there, you will be hooked. I usually order either the double cheeseburger or the sausage and egg sandwich (with everything on it of course). Both these dishes are fantastic and I have never had a bad experience. Not once and I have been there easily over 15 times. This is most likely because every time I go there it is always Charlie and his wife that prepares the food. Kitty's has a strong consistency of high level of quality, because of the daily dedication given by these two chefs. A lot of people complain about the wait time, but I really don't mind. Half of the time it is only Charlie in the back cooking every single meal. At least I know when my tots and sandwiches come out it is not only fresh, but made by the best. Also, the people that complain about how they were surprised that there were so many *gasp* black customers should really try to reevaluate and diversify their lifestyle. A restaurant is not shady or dangerous just because a lot of black people eat there. In my opinion, Kitty's is as American as it gets: Good food, hard work, and greasy (in the good way).
(5)Ryan G.
Unassuming place, but damn good burgers on the cheap! Check it out!
(4)Logan Locke B.
My favorite question to ask other yelp elites is, "what is your favorite Kansas city gem (your favorite little spot not on the radar)?" Over and over again I heard I had to try this place!! It has been on my list for awhile now and yesterday, by complete randomness, I went. 6 of my friends & I packed in the little spot, ordered our food and waited not very long. It was organized, efficient and the lady behind the counter was very, very friendly. We all got our correct orders and were able to go home and enjoy our yummy food. I was incredibly impressed on all fronts. The food was reasonably priced and it is definitely a delicious burger/pork tenderloin+ fry joint!!
(5)Jan L.
Heard about this from three people in one week and I have a rule: three times-check it out. Apparently it ran in a segment on KCPT'S CHECK PLEASE. A Pal of mine went for lunch yesterday and delivered to me a tenderloin and tot's in a brown lunch sack. Love that. I am a tenderloin lover from way back when I was kid working at an Italian burger joint on the Eastside of Kansas City called Hav-a-Snak. The deal with Kitty's tenderloin is there are three thinly pounded pieces of deep fried pork in what seemed to be a Tempura type batter, stacked on a egg bun of the same size, garnished with pickles, chopped lettuce, tomato and onion. I am not a fan of the chopped salad on a sandwich thing so I took that off. I will order it with my favorite pickle onion and mustard when I visit the place with my hubby. It did occur to me that when you stack three battered and fried pieces of meat together, even if the meat is thin, your getting a whole lot of batter. Not the healthiest choice but a tenderloin sandwich is not a diet food anyway. Tots-is-tots. I thought from the picture that I was looking at a hamburger garnished with an onion ring and got real excited. Again, My early exposer to all things breaded and fried made a lasting impression, so needless to say I was heart broken to find out that was NOT what I was looking at and they don't have onion rings. Love a good onion ring. Will make a visit to the place soon to get the full flavor of the place and it's offerings
(3)David A.
I've only ever tried one sandwich at Kitty's, the pork tenderloin, and I doubt I'll ever stray since it is truly a perfect sandwich. Three slices of pork tenderloin are pounded thin and perfectly fried in a light, tempura-like batter, and accompanied by a house-made spicy ketchup, lettuce and a cornmeal dusted bun. Fast food does not get better than Kitty's pork tenderloin.
(5)Derek G.
KC is bbq - I grew up there. But the pork tenderloin at Kitty's gives me something to crave when I think of my home town. 5 Stars solely to that sandwich - it belongs on a very short list of the City's best dishes.
(5)Cheryl B.
I have been going to Kitty's for 15 years now..I have never been disappointed. The only menu item I have ever had is the pork tenderloin sandwich and it is AWESOME!! It comes on a bun with 3 thinly sliced tempura battered pork tenderloin patties, lettuce, onion, pickles, diced tomatoes and the BEST RED HOT SAUCE YOU HAVE EVER HAD!!!! The building is approx 12 x12' so don't plan on bringing the whole crew. There are approx 6 chairs for dining in, but they are typically occupied. Kitty's is a cash only establishment, so hit the ATM on your way. I do believe they are closed on Sundays.
(5)Kevin T.
If you are searching for a place with: Ambiance Group Seating Table Service Super Friendly Staff Squeaky Clean Vegetarian Options Credit Cards Accepted Stop reading this review immediately! But if you are looking for a fantastic greasy spoon sandwich to-go on the cheap...Hit Kitty's Café! Their rendition of a pork tenderloin sandwich is very unique, with light and crisp tempura batter in lieu of the heavy breading seen traditionally. Then, sliced up into three pieces that they stack on a Kaiser bun. They also serve it with onions, pickles, lettuce and diced tomatoes. Adding another twist of a spicy chili pepper sauce that is very good! Now throw a side of tater tots on your order and it is less than $9! Best lunch under $10 I have had in a longtime.
(4)Angie D.
Lived a couple blocks from here for the last 3 years and never tried it. Finally made the leap and glad we did! The burgers are awesome! They are very small place with only six bar stool. So it's best to grab and go.
(4)Laura F.
I have been wanting to try a pork tenderloin sandwich for a while, as part of my quest to experience some Midwestern delicacies. I will say I am glad I tried Kitty's, but my search for an awesome pork tenderloin sandwich will continue. I was visiting the UMKC Hospital Hill campus and needed to grab lunch. Kitty's was bookmarked and close-by, so I decided today was the day! My GPS took me there fairly easily, and I recognized the exterior from the Yelp pictures. I was lucky to find parking right across the street, but it might have been tricky if the street parking started to run out. I entered Kitty's, and it was a lot smaller inside than I anticipated. The inside can hold about 10 people before it gets really cramped. There were only 4-5 stools if you want to dine inside. I ordered the porkloin sandwich right away, but the cashier said there would be a wait. The man in front of me ordered a box full of goodies, so there was a bit of a holdup. I waited about 10 minutes and was on my way. I ate my sandwich in my car to avoid the awkward inside seating. My first bite was good, and it was spicier than I thought it would be. The sandwich was piled high with 3 stacks of meat. Around $6 including tax is a great deal for this sandwich. The lettuce added a nice crunch. When the cashier asked, "Everything hot?" I kind of thought she meant temperature, but she actually meant spicy-hot. The sauce was like spicy ketchup. My mouth was definitely burning by the end of the sandwich...in a good way. Unfortunately, the meat tasted either old or previously frozen (or maybe both). The flavor mostly came from the hot sauce. If the meat was fresher and seasoned better, and the breading was a bit crispier, this would be a 4 or 5 star sandwich. It was a good experience, but I will not be rushing back anytime soon.
(3)Ryan W.
The best tenderloin in all of the land. Hot sauce an mayo makes magic with tempura battered loins!!!
(5)Andrew F.
Abso-perfect fried tenderloin sandwich. Perfect balance. Knocked my socks off! Can't wait to try something else!!!
(5)Anna D.
Love this place! Bring your cash & leave your diet. So far I've only had lunch here, but am told by patrons breakfast is killer too. Food made to order, staff polite & servings are big for what you pay but not so big one can't finish their meal. The catfish sandwich has three pattys & is the best tasting catfish sandwich I've come across. Their burgers are just as fantastic as are their sides.
(5)Tim D.
Four of us had lunch here, our first time. Two had what I believe the place is known for, pork loin, one had a hamburger and one a double hamburger with cheese. We all enjoyed what we had ordered, but I was surprised about the sauce on the pork loin. I ordered it with everything, which means chopped lettuce, onions, pickles and hot sauce. It was the hot sauce that surprised me. Looked like ketchup, but I was soon to learn that it was really hot sauce after biting into it. So I did my best to wipe off the sauce from the loins and pickles, and removed all of the lettuce and onions. Then I lathered on ketchup and it became a reasonably good sandwich. There were three bun sized loin cuts, lightly breaded and fried. Not a speck of gristle, which you find sometimes in a tenderloin. We will be back and recommend this to others.
(4)John C.
Lived in this neighborhood 4 close 2 three decades & have always wanted 2 try Kitty's Cafe. There's a special place in my heart 4 a small locally-owned 'greasy spoon.' However, I wish I'd kept my intent unfulfilled. It [the experience] was dreadful. The food, or, at least, the pork cutlet, was bread w/ four. The meat was over-floured &, perhaps the greatest sin of all, the grease in which it was cooked, was not hot enough. All I cud taste was greasy flour. The place had no charm; I'd hoped 4 a certain eccentric, minimalist funkiness w/ a flavor of 'the hood.' I live just a few blocks away, so it was not like I expected The Cotton Club w/ incredible jazz 4 whites only, who were getting off 'slumming it,' & then returning to the insularity of the suburbs of Johnson County. We ate outdoors on picnic tables. Again, nice idea; but I felt like we were uninvited guests @ the flies' buffet. Dreary. The crappy sandwich was not THAT cheap either. My advice: keep your good intentions unfulfilled & check out the restaurants a few blks down 31st @ Martini Row. More expats from the Burbs, but hip & youthful w/ some of the feel of Westport back in the days...
(1)Michael H.
Total "hole in the wall" joint, lol! But it's fast, fresh & total awesomeness! One of the BEST tenderloin sammies in town! But definitely different than any you've had before. It's a triple decker, fried in tempura batter with house made hot sauce! Tots and a pop make the meal!
(5)Tyler H.
The bacon egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches make McDonald's drive thru completely obsolete if you live within a 10 minute walk
(5)Matt E.
I'm not quite sure what my expectations were before heading into Kitty's Cafe, but I can just say that they didn't meet them. Everything was OK, I guess, but I don't much see a reason to return. I felt like it was my obligation to go with the pork tenderloin sandwich, seeing as that's what everybody rages over. Rounding out my order was a side of fries and a can of soda, and it came out to around $8.00 (cash only). It was pretty dead when I ordered, so I was surprised that I ended up waiting 15 minutes for fast food, but whatever. The tenderloin is unlike any other sandwich I'd had before, with the pork hammered very thin and then fried tempura style. It gave the sandwich a nice crunch, but I definitely tasted the breading more than the pork. I enjoyed it well enough, I guess, but I was expecting a truly awesome pork tenderloin sandwich, and I definitely didn't get one. The fries were a disappointment, basically those baked fries that you can buy at the grocery store in the freezer section. I can't imagine why any restaurant would serve these, as there are so many other options available to restaurant owners, most of which are vastly superior. I think my major issue was sitting outside. Normally I love patios, but this one was home to a number of very aggressive flies. Seriously, I had to pack up and leave because they kept trying to dive-bomb my food and were climbing all over my legs. Gross. Hey, it's a dive and an institution. Some people will love it for that, but it's not a love that I share.
(3)