Gourmet & Healthy in Merriam

Since planting itself on 39th Street in 2006, Thomas Restaurant has striven to become a destination for simple, yet elegant meals. Chefs craft various sandwiches and salads for lunch before dispatching refined dishes for dinner, such as pan-seared duck breast adorned with a black-cherry compote sauce. Meanwhile, bartenders serve up libations until 1:30 a.m., including martinis and a selection of wines that, much like the Bill of Rights, changes on a weekly basis. Servers ferry plates to and from cloth-topped tables speckling the quaint brick-walled dining room or the pleasant outdoor balcony.

When Joe Zwillenberg bought Westport Flea Market Bar & Grill, he preserved "an irreplaceable piece of the city's character," according to the Pitch, which dubbed him Kansas City's Best Local Hero in 2006. Thanks to Joe, the close to 30-year-old establishment—which had been marked for takeover by a national chain—is still churning out its famous 10-ounce burgers today. Made with ground Prime cuts of Kansas City strip steak and fillet from McGonigle's Market, the hearty handhelds earned CityVoter's Best Burger awards in 2008 and 2009 and were featured on Food Network's Meat & Potatoes in 2010. Diners can customize each time-honored patty with onions, pickles, or shredded historical documents from the condiments table.

The eatery—which is nestled within a bustling flea market—also offers 44 beers on tap, live music, and a game room with pool tables, foosball, and an arcade. It is also the home of the Tiger Club of Kansas City's weekly luncheons, which boast high-profile speakers from the world of sports.