After 21 years of eating up the Kansas City food scene, I can’t get enough of dining at the four Lee’s Summit restaurants featured in this post: Jazzy B’s, Summit Grill, Sabor Latino and Marina 27.
As one of Kansas City’s largest suburbs, with 102,000 residents, Lee’s Summit has restaurants on par with those located in Kansas City’s beloved Country Club Plaza, P&L and Westport districts.
While much of this is the typical suburban sprawl of fast food and franchise dining chains, these locally-owned Lee’s Summit restaurants stand out and are standing the test of time.
Jazzy B’s
Located off Colbern Road near Lake Jacomo, this casual barbecue eatery is the brainchild of owner Brandon Simpson. He started the concept with a popular food truck that evolved a few years ago into a brick and mortar location. Jazzy B’s offers in-house dining, including an upstairs loft area that can accommodate larger groups and serve food family-style. Ordering is at the counter and is delivered tableside to mostly picnic table style spots. The walls are adorned with photos of jazz musicians and Brandon’s Northwest Missouri State University allegiance.
My favorite thing to do at Jazzy B’s is to order carryout and do a picnic at nearby Lake Jacomo overlooking the water. Most of the items are finger food, and even if you do use a utensil, you will end up licking your fingers because the food is that good. “Go to” items include the decadent crab balls which could easily be served at an upscale restaurant with a great presentation and flavor out of this world. In addition to your normal array of barbecue faves like ribs and burnt ends, their side items like the bleu cheese potato salad are unique and notable to this diner. I adore the brisket tacos with their tangy slaw. An assortment of bottled beers and other beverages are available.
Brandon also does catering, and his food would be great for a graduation party or couple’s shower. I’m to proud of Brandon’s jump from food truck to a Lee’s Summit restaurant brick and mortar fav.
Jazzy B’s I 1803 NE Colbern Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 I Website I 816.272.0654
Sabor Latino
No cookie cutter Tex-Mex at the Lee’s Summit restaurant. Authentic food. The owners, Fanny Ruiz de Chavez and Julio Stredel, are originally from Venezuela and always dreamed of bringing a piece of their country to their new home of America. With new partner Reggie Gray, the trio introduced their Central American vibe and flavor to downtown Lee’s Summit after having a long-time location off Woods Chapel Road in Lee’s Summit.
Enjoy Taco Tuesday and live latin music at Sabor Latino — a favorite among downtown Lee’s Summit restaurants.Housed in a historic corner building on the West side of downtown Lee’s Summit, the restaurant spent months renovating the former bar space into an upscale dining location.
Sabor Latino is more than a restaurant, but an experience. With food (and drinks) from Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Costa Rica just to name a few. Try the Pebellon dish from Venezuela or the chimichanga. Great atmosphere, service is excellent and the food is fresh. Superb vegetarian tacos too. Check them out on Taco Tuesday when you can get three tacos for $8. Sabor Latino is closed Sundays and Mondays.
They also have fun events like Latin dance night every Saturday beginning at 9:30 p.m. after the restaurant closes!
22 SW 3rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 I Website I 816.272.0497
Summit Grill
The original flagship restaurant of the growing Summit Restaurant Group led by Andy Lock (yes he is NFL football quarterback Drew Lock’s father) and head chef and culinary guru Dom Molloy. They have expanded this concept to the Northland and Waldo, and also have popular Third Street Social in downtown Lee’s Summit and the Plaza.
Summit Grill is led by Andy Lock, the NFL football quarterback and Drew Lock’s father — the head chef and culinary guru Dom Molloy.This location is great for a special occasion. With intimate booth seating, two large bar areas and an outdoor patio, there is something for everyone.
The original location opened in 2012 and is now a decade strong. The menu features brunch, lunch, happy hour and dinner with an array of options including hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, salads, burgers and dessert creations.
The sidebar is a nice location for a work party or family gathering and the staff does an excellent presentation of catered trays. Reservations are highly recommended.
4835 NE Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 I Website I 816.795.1299
Marina 27 in Lee’s Summit
While technically on the east side of Lee’s Summit in neighboring Lake Lotawana, Marina 27 is well known to Lee’s Summit locals as an upscale place for fine dining and special occasions. You can’t beat sitting by the water at sunset once the temps warm up. With a great assortment of cocktails and delicious food, Marina 27 is named for the beautiful 27 miles of shoreline at Lake Lotawana.
Lee’s Summit restaurants like Marina 27 are worth the drive.The atmosphere at Marina 27 is intimate and elegant with a staff that executes great service. Most weekends they have live music in the evening. Whether you are having a date night or need to host a bridal shower or rehearsal dinner, Marina 27 has the menu and space to accommodate.
They are most noted for their steaks and seafood. Dining here is never rushed, so take your time enjoying their extensive wine list, an expansive array of appetizers, and more. The clam chowder is a favorite, along with the crab stuffed portabella mushroom. They also have an excellent filet that can be accompanied “del mar” style with garlic sauce and seafood adornment. Make your reservations for the busy weekend nights well in advance!
22 A Street, Lake Lotawana, MO (Take Colbern Road east until you see the signs!)
Website I 816.578.4400
That concludes my round-up Lee’s Summit Restaurants worth the drive or your next date night. Bon Appetit.
- 4 Lee’s Summit Restaurants that Locals Love - April 17, 2022
