Photo by Amber Hipp.
If you are looking for a perfect lunch restaurant in Kansas City, a short walk away, tucked inside the elegant Loews Kansas City Hotel, you’ll find The Stillwell — a hidden gem serving up classic American cuisine with a distinctive Kansas City twist.
It’s the perfect stop before a matinee filled with artistry. Whether it’s the graceful movement of the Kansas City Ballet, the powerful voices and storytelling of the Lyric Opera or the rich resonant sounds of the Kansas City Symphony you will leave The Stillwell with full stomachs and anticipation for an unforgettable matinee performance.
A Dining Experience That Blends Comfort, Style and Flavor
The moment you step into The Stillwell, you’re welcomed by a warm, open-concept space that perfectly balances rustic charm with modern elegance. The relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal lunch stop.
One side of the restaurant gives you a sweeping view of the Kansas City skyline, while the other offers a peek into the kitchen where chefs bring your dishes to life. It’s a front-row seat to both the city and the culinary action.
The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with a cozy dining room or head out to the patio, where outdoor fire pits make it a comfortable spot to relax, even on cooler days to make your experience memorable.
A Menu for Everyone
The Stillwell offers a menu as welcoming as its atmosphere, with something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for comforting classics or thrill-seeking dishes with a creative Kansas City twist, there’s no shortage of flavor and variety.
Signature items include whipped goat cheese, fresh oysters, Creekstone Farms striploin and True North salmon, each crafted with bold flavors and high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Looking for something more familiar? The Stillwell also serves up favorites like an elevated turkey club and a fan-favorite creamy mac and cheese with a barbecue-inspired Kansas City twist.
The kitchen provides menu items that cater to a wide range of dietary needs, with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. By partnering with eight local farms and bakeries, they ensure that The Stillwell is creating dishes that reflect the freshness and flavor of Kansas City’s regional cuisine.
Adults can enjoy craft cocktails or a glass from the thoughtfully curated wine list, while younger guests are always welcome with a dedicated kids’ menu.
On weekends, the restaurant offers a laid-back breakfast buffet, bringing an easy, comfortable start to your day before heading out to explore the city.
Planning a gathering? Two private dining rooms provide a stylish and comfortable space for group events, from family brunches to business lunches.
And if you don’t finish your meal, staff will send you off with leftovers packed neatly in The Stillwell’s signature blue paper bag, a small but thoughtful touch.
As you leave the restaurant and step outside the Loews Kansas City Hotel, blue bag in hand, you’re greeted by a striking view of the Kauffman Center. It’s the perfect transition from a satisfying meal to an afternoon of world-class performance.
A Bite of Kansas City History
More than just a restaurant, The Stillwell is a tribute to Kansas City’s rich and storied past. Its name comes from the Stillwell Oyster Car, a historic Pullman train car that delivered fresh oysters to the Kansas City Market in the 1800s — no small feat for a landlocked city.
The story behind the name honors Arthur Stillwell, the visionary railroad builder who helped shape the region. He laid more than 3,000 miles of track, founded 40 towns and drove more than a billion dollars in economic growth across the Southeast and Midwest.
Stillwell wasn’t just a businessman — he was a true innovator. He became the youngest railroad president at just 32 and even created one of Kansas City’s first amusement parks, Fairmount Park, to draw visitors to the area.
He made Kansas City his home, marrying his childhood sweetheart at age 19 and dedicating much of his work to the city’s development. Today, The Stillwell carries forward that same spirit of innovation and hospitality.
You’ll even find a nod to this rich legacy on the front page of their website, proudly sharing the story behind the name and the history that helped define a city.
The Perfect Start to Your Kauffman Center Experience
From skyline views to standout service, The Stillwell is more than just a lunch stop — it’s the perfect prelude to your afternoon at the Kauffman Center. Whether you’re attending a symphony, ballet, or Broadway touring show, let your day begin with a taste of Kansas City’s culinary and cultural charm.
So next time you have tickets in hand, arrive early to your matinee, linger a little longer, and enjoy lunch at The Stillwell. You’ll step into the theatre not just with a full stomach, but with a culinary experience and a full sense of what makes this city unforgettable.
Photos by Amber Hipp, Nandini Rainikindi and Emily Lane.
