3 of my Favorite Business Lunch Locations

Jun 13

When you're trying to impress a new client or treat your favorite to a fun experience, a business lunch can be a great idea!

When planning your lunch meeting, you'll want to be careful that the environment is professional, yet fun. If the atmosphere is too stuck-up and dry, your client may not have a good time. If the restaurant is too laid back, it may be loud or not cohesive to hold an actual meeting to discuss project details.

Below are just a few enjoyable venues, that are both fun and polished, I recommend for a lunch meeting (or just any lunch, gosh)!

#3 Grand Street Cafe

LENEXA, KANSAS OR KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

If you want to feel fancy but still eat delicious, shareable, hand-held foods, check out Grand Street Cafe. Grand Street has two locations now, one in Lenexa and one on the Plaza. This allows for a lot of flexibility.

The interior of the restaurant is absolutely gorgeous - spacious, large booths, comfortable chairs, beautiful lighting and luxurious decor. It's definitely impressive!

Though I have only had parts of their menu, the tastes I have had were incredible. I can NEVER pass up deviled eggs, so the first chosen starter was the Deviled Bacon Eggs. Candied bacon, pickled mustard seed, chives, laid out beautifully on a white, rectangular plate. I could eat these every day. Next up was the White Cheddar Fondue (duh...); it not only comes with warm soft pretzels, but green apples! Look like you're a healthy eater while still eating something unhealthy ;) Lastly, a stunning starter (just look above at the photo), the Triple Cooked Potato Skins. Is this a work of art, or food?! House cured duck prosciutto, shaved beemster cheese, roasted garlic creme fraiche #blesst, spring onion gremolata.

The only drawback I noticed at Grand Street Cafe is that they do not have many vegan options. Almost none. I would not take someone if I knew they had strict dietary needs.

Quick Hits

Servers? Yes
Bar? Yes
Lunch Specials? Lunch plates are cheaper than dinner plates.
Private Dining? Yes
Takes Reservations? Yes
Catering? Yes

Grand Street Lenexa
8815 Renner Blvd
Lenexa, KS 66219

Grand Street KC
4740 Grand Ave
Kansas City, MO 64112

#2 Tavern at Mission Farms

LEAWOOD, KANSAS OR PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KANSAS

Thought it may hit you as more of a dinner and drinks type location, Tavern at Mission Farms has a wonderful, calm, comfortable vibe. This vibe~*~* might just be perfect for meeting someone for the first time and not getting too nervous (that's me, constantly nervous..)!

“Classic American cuisine served with genuine hospitality in a stylish and comfortable atmosphere.”

As for food... what don't they have? I've tried most of their menu and thoroughly enjoyed all of it, but I am only going to highlight a few of my favorites here.

Steak and Goat Cheese Flatbread - Oh my lord. Tangy heaven in your mouth. Thick, juicy pieces of steak, herbed goat cheese spread, a delicious drizzle of balsamic glaze, all on fried pita bread. Shareable.

Grilled Baby Brie - Honey drizzled on top of cheese... the vision just makes me want to cry. Apples, almonds, toasted baguettes aside a gorgeous slice of cheese. Shareable (or not in my case).

Fried Mac 'n Cheese - Have you ever seen macaroni and cheese look so fancy? This is not only a tasty, delicious item, but a definite conversation piece for your table. Laughs and intrigue will ensue when this dish is brought out. From Chef Bobby Morris - he says this dish takes a surprising amount of work to make!

Kansas City Strip - Out of town guest joining you? Treat them to a real Kansas City experience. Don't hate me for saying this, but the chili gastrique (sauce for simple people like me) that comes with the steak might even be better than the steak... that's REALLY saying something.

Ice Cream Sandwich - Your sweet tooth will absolutely explode. Two straight-out-of-the-oven (did that need all the hyphens?) chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream, bourbon-cherry compote, chocolate sauce & caramel drizzle. I SCREEEEEAM for ICE CREAM.

#Sorrynotsorry most of those dishes are cheese related. Who is really surprised?

They also have another location, Tavern in the Village, which has an almost identical menu.

Quick Hits

Servers? Yes
Bar? Yes
Lunch Specials? Lunch plates are cheaper than dinner plates.
Private Dining? Yes
Takes Reservations? Yes
Catering? Unsure

Tavern at Mission Farms
10681 Mission Rd
Leawood, KS 66206

Tavern in the Village
3901 Prairie Lane
Prairie Village, KS 66208

#1 Caffetteria

PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KANSAS

When you first walk into Caffetteria you will be STUNNED by lively sounds and colors. Not sure what to talk about with your lunch guest? Caffetteria's unique decor is the perfect icebreaker. They even have a shop of little trinkets and goodies near the front if you need to pick up that last minute unicorn notebook.

Honestly, Caffetteria is the future of restaurants. It's simple yet somehow so mind-blowing. All of the food is so colorful, unique, healthy and versatile. You can get a coffee or a glass of wine. You can get a four cheese pizza or build your own bowl of proteins and grains. You can eat in at their reserved meeting area or take it all to go.

I had the absolute pleasure of trying the Sunny-Side Up Bowl with farm fresh egg, pickled cabbage, brussel sprouts and quinoa as well as the Il Greco (Greek) pizza with hummus, cherry tomatoes, mozz and feta. The flavors... I could not recommend this place more.

They also have quick to-go items in a fridge right near the door when you walk in. So handy for the modern lady (or gentleman) - go to your barre or yoga class and swing by and pick up your healthy lunch!

I can't wait to go back, have a coffee, and eat everything I can get my hands on.

Quick Hits