The Rieger Hotel Grill and Exchange

Original tile floors, high ceilings and vintage bathroom fixtures remain in this cozy 1915 building, once a favored hotel among traveling salesmen, railroad workers and others. Customers at the counter have a front-row seat to the open kitchen, which serves a fresh, innovative and seasonal menu paired with professional and attentive service. In fact, menus routinely list local food purveyors and farmers represented in current dishes. Tantalizing cold-weather creations have included seared foie gras, grilled octopus atop hummus and rabbit polpettine with rabbit meatballs. Full of melted gruyere, pork confit, and chiccarron, Pork Soup is one delicious, year-round staple and steaks get high marks here too. Happy Hour offerings may include Roasted Root Vegetables or Left-Handed Butcher Soppressata Omelet. Cocktail lovers should also make a reservation at one of Kansas City's favorite bars, Manifesto, operating behind a 'hidden' basement entrance.