Woodsweather II, Kansas City

Woodsweather II manages to live two lives, with each celebrating Americana. The family-friendly restaurant on one side of the building lures guests with its menu of classic diner cuisine. Chicken-fried steak and homemade meatloaf appear alongside other hefty comfort foods, including cornmeal-crusted catfish filets. Meanwhile, over by the tile-covered bar, spirits pick up a bit as patrons sway, drink in hand, to the sounds of karaoke or live bands. The revelry often continues late into the evening since the restaurant doesn't shut its doors until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

Dark wooden tables, tan and slate-gray walls, and high-top tables surrounded by bar stools all contribute to the restaurant's cozy and inviting ambiance. A handful of flat-screen televisions adorn the walls throughout, though they are joined by eclectic pieces of artwork made from twisted metal, sparkling glass, and really good ideas.