A Taste of Troost

Clair Vollet, Cartoonist/Reporter

September 27, 2024

Tiki Taco.

Now one month into the semester, students may have tried just about every option in the cafeteria and could be close to burning through the last of their Flex dollars. It may be time to venture off campus to digest a different scene and new food. Since Rockhurst is stationed on Troost Avenue, students are just a quick walk from a diverse range of appetizing eats. I will share five of my favorite spots, perfect for those living on campus or looking for a bite between classes.

Tiki Taco – 5400 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110

If a Rockhurst student has not been to Tiki Taco, they have seen it. Opening in October 2022, the California-style Mexican restaurant is parked directly across from the university’s front entrance. It is so close that the walk from Rockhurst to Tiki Taco would be faster than walking from Conway to Arrupe.

Beyond the accessible location, the taco joint offers an amazing atmosphere and food. Featuring patio dining, indoor seating and a bar, the space embodies a West Coast skater vibe with bright colors and neon signs. They even have live music on the patio on Wednesday and Friday nights!

I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone craving surf-and-turf-style food. My go-to order is the KC burrito with chorizo, which even has curly fries in it, their specialty. For those just looking for a snack, Tiki Taco’s guacamole, queso and salsas are staples and pair perfectly with their margaritas. They take pride in offering both vegan and vegetarian options on their menu as well. The food is reasonably priced, especially for college students, considering the large portion sizes they offer.

Baba’s Pantry – 1019 E 63rd St, Kansas City, MO 64110

Not everyone can say they have had authentic Palestinian cuisine, but about a mile from Rockhurst, students can get just that at Baba’s Pantry. With a welcoming, homey atmosphere, the owner, Baba, is sharing his family’s recipes that have been passed down for generations to Kansas City.

The restaurant is affordable, with no menu item surpassing $10, but the quality does not reflect the price. They have a wide-ranging spread, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. My favorite items are the Hummus Platter and Baba’s Kebab, which is seasoned organic lamb and beef with a yogurt sauce. They have small spaces for both indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying dishes like Chicken Shawarma in an intimate setting. I would highly recommend Baba’s Pantry to anyone looking to try something new.

Friendship Chinese Restaurant – 6420 Troost Ave #1228, Kansas City, MO 64131

Friendship Chinese Restaurant. (Clair Vollet)

Everyone has their go-to Chinese takeout restaurant for those lazy nights when cooking just is not an option. For me, that spot has been Friendship Chinese Restaurant since I started at Rockhurst four years ago.

A little over a mile from campus, they offer quick takeout through a convenient drive-through window and indoor seating. For takeout, I recommend driving to avoid carrying pounds of food up Troost. The restaurant is affordable, with large portions that guarantee leftovers, and the food tastes just like everyone’s favorite Chinese spot back home. From their crab rangoon to their lo mein, one simply cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. Plus, by ordering enough, the owners often throw in a couple of free 2-liter bottles of strawberry soda.

Big Mouths Chicken – Fish – Tenderloins – 5946 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110

Big Mouth’s Chicken – Fish – Tenderloin. (Clair Vollet)

Big Mouth’s restaurant might be small, but its flavors certainly are not. With lines often stretching out of the parking lot, they offer a wide variety of homestyle comfort food menu items. While the Troost spot is not their first location, it has quickly sparked a wave of cravings in the area.

Located less than a mile from campus, with plenty of outdoor seating, this spot is perfect for a quick walk. To make it even better, the prices are simply unbeatable. With $2 burgers and less than $6 for a combo meal, Big Mouth’s is a dream for college students. My go-to orders are the chicken sandwich with tots, the Soul Burger and anything on the breakfast menu. I highly recommend this spot, but be ready for a little bit of a wait in line.

Blackhole Bakery – 5531 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110

Now that lunch and dinner are covered, breakfast deserves some attention too. Specializing in French pastries and donuts and serving locally brewed coffee with customizable milk and sugar, Blackhole Bakery is to die for.

Just two blocks from campus, the bakery is open in time to grab a meal before morning class. While they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, they are open Wednesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is a small venue, not ideal for studying, but cozy and polished for a quick grab-and-go. For the best selection, go when they open to snag fresh pastries. I would recommend their mochi donuts and cinnamon rolls, but all their goodies are delicious and reasonably priced!

Troost clearly offers a diverse range of food options, so instead of dragging to the cafeteria for another round of pasta, consider these unique restaurants that are just a short walk from campus and are sure to satisfy hunger.

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A Taste of Troost

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