The Beacon Tavern, Kansas City

A family-owned eatery passed down through several generations, The Beacon Tavern fits right in with the historic neighborhood it resides in. The tavern's owners and proprietors, all of whom still live nearby, emphasize that close-knit atmosphere as they serve recipes made from scratch and meats hand cut on site.

Aromas from double-cut pork chops, north-atlantic salmon, and pale-ale-battered cod fill the air as 16 draft beers and a lengthy selection of reds and whites dazzles palates. A kids' menu keeps energetic youngsters occupied with built-in games and helpful tips for convincing parents why they should be emancipated.

The tavern's main dining room accents steaming plates of food with exposed brick walls and tall wooden booths. In warm weather, The Alley seating area features alfresco dining with sights of the South Plaza neighborhood and mischievous birds dropping gum into the hair of passersby. Meanwhile, parties and meetings convene in the upstairs Monk’s Loft area.