Kitty's Cafe

Damn good. I enjoyed the pork tenderloin sandwich and the tots! They were both hot and fresh! That tenderloin sandwich. The batter each cutlet is fried in is light and crispy! I should have added cheese. The service was good. My only gripe is how they only take cash, but "if it ain't broke, dont fix it," I suppose. The spot is super small inside. There's outdoor seating if you have time to hang out. I'll definitely be back for sure!

I read about this place on atlas obscura and was surprised its been around since the 50s and my in-laws who live in KCK have never heard of it. We went on a Friday around lunchtime and it was pretty busy. My fiance wanted to try the cheeseburger and I had to have the famed pork tenderloin sandwich. The wait was about 30 minutes and it is CASH ONLY so as long as you're prepared, neither is an issue. The pork tenderloin sandwich and the hot sauce on it were great and I'd love to have another. The cheeseburger wasn't bad but seemed pretty similar to Sonic or a run of the mill fast food cheeseburger. I had to have a mexican coke with it and it made for the perfect combo. Overall, a good visit.

I remember hearing about this place years ago but never went. It popped up on my FYP on TikTok so I decided to give it a try. My family and I drove down on a Saturday around 12:30. Not sure where it was exactly, we ended up driving by it and having to turn around. There is only street parking available so we parked 1/2 a block up and walked down. We weren’t the only ones who did. The steady flow of people coming in and out was a lot. Good for business. They only accept cash, which is good to know beforehand. We ordered the famous pork tenderloin, a cheeseburger and fries. Everything is alacarte. Which is also good to know beforehand. The tenderloin had good flavor but was fried very hard. My husband enjoyed his but said it was too spicy, he had the hot sauce. Overall, it was good. Glad we finally tried it.

I finally made it after so many years of ordering thru a coworker..delicious..fast and great service and a cute lil restaurant,I believe there is seating in the back..prices are decent...give them a try..

I do love a tenderloin! Kitty's doesn't do the plate-sized cutlet, but rather stacks the meat on the bun! It's a crunchy tempura breading, served on a soft bun with lettuce, tomato and onion. They will put ketchup on it, so be advised if it's not your thing! I'm not one for anything tomato on a tenderloin, period! The tots are crunchy and perfect. It's a great lunch and the rest of the sandwiches are also very tasty. BRING CASH!!!! No cards. Closes before 3pm.

Good pork Tenderloin. No descript fries and tots. Only seating is outside.

Best tenderloins in KC have been eating here since 1971 ❤ 5 ⭐ The Catfish and Triple Cheeseburger is 🔥 too.

This is not fast food. Everything is cooked to order. So, expect to wait about 15 minutes. And, it's well worth the wait. Plus, you're supporting a small local business rather than a corporate fast food chain.

Quintessential hole-in-the-wall place! How did I find out about Kitty's? I was in class one day, looking at food places that were nearby and stumbled across Kitty's. I was confused as to how I live nearby but had never seen nor heard about it - yet there were so many reviews that were raving about it. So, I had to check it out! Why I would rate it 4 stars - given the location, there's basically no parking (good luck with street parking). It's also pretty small so you can't sit in - this is a takeout place. So it got pretty crowded and took a while for food to come out. However, service was nice, food is CHEAP, and you get a decent amount for how much you're paying! The tenderloin sandwich was FILLING and so good. It also definitely knocked me out for a good chunk of the afternoon, lol! If you're in the mood for a tenderloin sandwich, or a burger, I'd recommend trying this place out - it might become your new go-to!!

Closed for Renovations right now (May 2024) Always outstanding! Tenderloin of legend and lives up to the hype! Cash only!

I was impressed and I will be back. You The prices were very affordable which is a plus during a time when everyone seems to be overpricing things including food. I ordered the breakfast sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich. Beware, it comes with Mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and onion. I had it all removed and added bacon. Very good! Took about 10 minutes. So, very quick. In terms of ambiance, there isn't much. I mean the ceiling is cute and the place is clean. That's enough. This is a grab and go spot. No sitting and staying

Double Cheeseburger-I can't believe I've been living in KC this long and had not tried this place. I ordered a double cheeseburger and tater tots and man...it was amazing. Can't wait to go back and try their famous pork tenderloin. FYI-it's cash only.

Kitty's is an interesting place and a little tricky to find. We had the address and drove by it before realizing it. It is a very small place, carry out only. They key is to find the door. They focus on tenderloin sandwiches and burgers. They also have fries. We got the tenderloin sandwich. For the money it is a big sandwich. Loaded with battered pork tenderloin. Battered versus breaded. It was juicy and tender. All around good taste. However, with the meat being battered and given the thickness of the tenderloin it made for several layers of batter with several layers of tenderloin - the ratio of batter to meat was higher than I liked, which is why I only gave it 4 stars. With that said, it is a good sandwich and a good experience. You should give it a try, keeping in mind it is carry out only.

Excellent tenderloin unlike any other. Tempura style batter. Worth the wait. Make sure to get the hot sauce, dont tell em to hold it off. Its not that hot. Its what ties it all together. The burgers are really yummy too !

Solid spot on my rotations of regular spots in KC. Nothing too special (no offense!) but that's a good thing. You get a solid meal, every time, and at a great price.

Lives up to the hype. Bring dollars. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Just went by Kitty's today, closed for remodeling, no open date posted. I had to write this additional to get to the required 85 characters, dumb!

Best food for a quick dine and dash. The service is always great. Very friendly area. Very reasonable prices and worth it.

Finally got around to trying Kitty's Cafe and it was soooo good. There is usually a small line out their door, but for good reason. The tenderloin and sauce were amazing. Tots were a great side and burgers looked amazing. Don't forget to take cash!

I worked near there years ago!! Wow excellent burgers ! Friendly service! Quick service too!

Oh Kitty. You make my heart purrrrr. I first spotted you while ubering and wondered what you were about. Nestled in a quaint little red building, people were filing in and out of your door as if to see the wizard behind the curtain. I then saw an IG post a few days later bragging of your pork tenderloin ways being the best in the land. A few days later, I grabbed cash as I had made note you are a cash only business and headed your way. It was around 1:30 on a weekday and there was several people inside waiting for their order while others sought to place theirs. After placing mine with the friendly face who greeted me, I read the article on your wall of how The NY Times had executed a road trip searching for the 50 best places to eat in the nation and you, of course, made the list. I got a pork tenderloin, light on the hot sauce with tater tots and a canned root beer. My, oh my. Upon pulling back the wrapper, I was immediately impressed with your generous portion. I quickly sang your praises to anyone and everyone I came in contact with that day boasting of your delightful brilliance that is stacked 3 high with tempura fried tenderloins. Crispy. Hot. Fresh. Fantastic. I was smitten. Today, I had a hankering and circled back around but this time I indulged in your chicken sandwich. KITTTAYYYY!!!! Chik-Fil-A who??? Popeye what? I sat in my car munching on my sandwich and extra crispy tots licking my lips and fingers, in awe. I have never had a chicken sandwich so smackin' in my life. Again, 3 pieces stacked high with mayo, lettuce and pickle slices. Tempura pieces falling off as I sank my teeth into each and every bite which served as little rewards of golden goodness to devour at the end of my meal. Speechless. I contemplated embracing my inner chubby side and walking back in to order a second one just so the moment could last a little longer but restrained myself. Don't be fooled my friend,; I will be back tmrw for more and the many days leading up to your remodel when you will be closed for what is sure to feel like forever. If you wanna pet my mental health and stroke my belly while on hiatus by sneaking me chicken sandwiches til you return to open your doors post facelift, holla at ya girl. I promise, I will holla back without hesitation. You reign supreme like a sphinx in the night and I will forever be your biggest fan. Pinky promise.

For years, maybe even a decade or more this dive has been on the list of "best tenderloin" in the city. I finally made it. And yes it's all that everyone has said it is. This place is busy during the lunch hour. All sammys are made to order and the wait is not bad. They have a covered patio area if you want to eat there. Most folks take it to go. The menu is simple- burgers, tenderloins, chicken, tots, fries. My friend ordered the pork tenderloin, I ordered the chicken and tots. It was sooo good. The patties are thin and battered and double stacked with lettuce and tomato. The wet batter fries up light and perfectly golden brown. Yum. Yum. Yum. They only accept cash. And 1 person can eat for less than $12.

Planning on making this a regular quick date spot. I had the fish tenderloin but "stole" a bite or two of my boyfriend's burger. So delicious! There was a line forming out the door so this confirmed we had to try it. The wait time was 10-15 mins as they make your food to order. Prepare to wait on your car as this place is definitely a "hole in the wall." Luckily we had cash because it's "cash only".

Now this restaurant has very very very good food. Everyone is very polite. They have outdoor seating . Kinda limited on parking , but the food is worth it!!!

Delicious. A Kansas City staple everyone needs to try. To pork tenderloin is fantastic.

AWESOME food. A true hole in the wall that only accepts cash. One of the best tenderloins I've had.

Finally got around to trying this place and the pork tenderloin. While I do like the tempura batter and the portions, I wasn't crazy about the hot sauce. I do plan to go back to try the catfish but may skip the hot sauce. My husband had the egg, bacon and sausage breakfast sandwich and I tried a bite. Twas good. Tots were nice.

Good sandwich spot. I got the pork tenderloin sandwich and fries. Pork sandwich was good with the hot sauce- just a little too much fried taste rather than a fried pork taste. I went early on a Wednesday for lunch and waited about 15 minutes for my food.

Kitty's has it down. My first meal request post procedure, ya know after a 36 hour fast....been on my list forevs, finally made it happen. We had 3 versions of egg sandos & tots of course. Gal at register and her culinary team running that show like a well-oiled machine. Yup yes please & thanks. Won't wait another 20 years to go back. Don't forget your greenbacks, plastic-free zone

Been going to Kitty's Cafe for 30 years. Charlie makes the best tenderloin ever. Just because you can make a huge greasy tenderloin that's bigger than a plate, doesn't mean you should. Their tenderloin is thin and tempura battered and stacked 3 high. My standard is everything but pickle and add the hot sauce (which makes it but is not too spicy). Tots and a side of hot sauce and you'll have a great meal. You used to be able to eat inside back in the day but too small and busy now. I miss calling old Larry on the pay phone inside to have my order ready. Take To-Go or eat outside on provided tables. Good service!

A KC Classic! This little carry-out joint hits the spot every time! Unique, tasty and big portions. You'll never walk away hungry!

The pork tenderloin sandwich lived up to the hype. It came with a hot sauce on top that added a touch of spice. The staff were friendly and the food came out quick. I arrived 10 till closing on a Saturday and they got me out fast. There were plenty of people still rushing in to get their orders. There's no onsite ATM so make sure you bring cash!

I can't believe I hadn't been here before. I live close by and it was the perfect spot to grab a quick lunch to go. The pork tenderloin was right up with the best I've ever had. The homemade hot sauce was a great dressing for the sandwich. I had seen it mentioned a few times that it was cash only, and to reaffirm that, yes it is cash only.

Finally made it here to try the pork tenderloin sandwich! They were not very busy when we stopped by (lunchtime on a Tuesday) and I was a little nervous that the hype had oversold the place. Not the case! I loved the thin pork tenderloins stacked with their crispy tempura batter. It was definitely really good. I saw some reviewers mentioned an outdoor patio, but I didn't know about that and/or see it, so we ate in our car lol. Food came out quickly and just a sandwich was enough to really fill me up.

Get a burger and a pork tenderloin sandwich. Get the fries. Grab a coke, relax and enjoy on the covered outdoor patio! The burgers are fresh and tasty. Fills your tummy without feeling overstuffed like at other places. I recommend getting the pork tenderloin sandwich with everything. The flavors together are so wonderful and those crinkle cut fries are everything! Loved this place!

The best tenderloin I've ever had. Onion rings and fries very good as well. Their use of tempura batter along with quality meat provided an awesome tenderloin. It's cash only so be prepared! And it's a walk up and order joint though they do have some seating outside.

I was so very much looking forward to trying the much hyped pork tenderloin. If you are looking for a traditional tenderloin sandwich, this is not your place. Dipped in a tempura style batter and topped with a spicy sauce, it just wasn't what this tenderloin purest was looking for. Pictures on the site showing pricing were outdated and not current- bring plenty of cash.

If you haven't had a tenderloin from Kitty's Cafe then don't pretend to enter an argument about the best tenderloin in Kansas City. You just won't have any street cred! Hands down, Kitty's serves the most tasty and unique tenderloin in town. The diameter of the sandwich isn't as big as a basketball like some places, because Kitty's doesn't build out, she builds up! Each sandwich is stacked with three thin succulent pork filets that are breaded in a tempura-ish batter and fried. The other bonus is the hot sauce - similar to Go-Chicken-Go that also serves a signature hot sauce. The resulting flavor combination is purely in another league! Sorry Tenderloin Grill, Christine's Fire House, Harold's, Christy's... it looks like you are staying in Triple A as long as Kitty's is in town.

Always busy but the food comes out fresh, crispy & beautiful. The chicken tenderloin comes out with a few thin lightly breaded patties that are perfect.

Solid place. Came here and got my food within 10m. Pork tenderloin sandwich was good and cheap too.

Finally had cash when we decided we wanted burgers for lunch and made our first visit to Kitty's. We had the double cheeseburgers and tots. They were good. We both ate for around $25. It's very small but it was raining and a little chilly today so the line wasn't crazy also we went around 3 pm on a Monday and waited a little over ten minutes for our food. It was good. I'll be back the next time I want a burger and have cash.

Such a unique little spot & full of history on the inside! So glad I made the stop on my way through town.

I've been back twice since my original review and my experience has only gotten better! I haven't tried the tater tots again, but a very wise person turned us into the cheeseburger. Pork tenderloin, double cheeseburger, and fries is our go-to order. For less that $16 it's a great meal!

Another favorite lunch stop. Very quick in and out that offers great burgers, tenderloins, and fishy sandwiches. Place is very old school and does cash only. I eat here around once a week.

Went there Saturday for the first time and it won't be the last.The best tenderloin I have ever had.There is no place that's even close to there tenderloin

Dude!!! This place is bomb!! I had the pork tenderloin sandwich and some fries! It's been two hours since I ate and I still feel very full!! The flavors were amazing, everything was fresh, crunchy and super delicious! Best little hamburger stand I've ever visited! If you're want to go where the locals go and want to experience food on a local level this is the place!!! Seriously! Don't walk run to Kitty's Cafe! It's so worth every bite!!

The pork tenderloin sandwich is pretty good. I would give it a solid 4/5. The patties are thin sliced, stacked on top of each other in bun sized pieces, tender and flavored well. The breading is a tempura style batter so it is not your typical breading but it goes well and is not super greasy. The standard dressing comes with hot sauce, onions, and tomato. I thought the hot sauce was probably about a medium on spice level, the only think I didn't like is that the hot sauce has a slight sweetness from the tomato base I'm assuming they use. It'd be better if it had a tang instead. Maybe next time I'll have pickles and mayo on it and see if it's better. I also tried a burger and it was good. As others have mentioned, the place is tiny, only a small lobby to order in and food will take about 15 minutes to be ready. The parking is also hard to get as it's street parking and there's maybe a total of 6-10 spots nearby. They do have an outdoor patio space with tables to eat at in warmer months. Prices are about standard for this type of food. Cash only and only bottled drinks available.

Don't sleep on the breakfast sandwiches. Crinkle fries are perfectly salted and the sausage egg and cheese is delicious. Don't forget to bring your cash!

Finally got to stop by Kitty's to try their infamous pork tenderloin sandwich. The tenderloin was perfectly fried and loved the semi-spicy hot sauce they had in it. My office is walking distance from Kitty's and will try their other offerings, if weather permits.

Pretty much my favorite place to eat. Kittys Cafe has wonderful customer service, there food comes out fresh and hot, it's my favorite lunch spot in Kansas City.

Cash only. No inside seating. Excellent tenderloin sandwiches and cheeseburgers. Limited parking on street

Our Kansas City food tour. Kitty's Cafe has been around forever and a KC icon. Kitty's cafe is a very small hole in the wall on 31st street. It is a very safe and transitioning neighborhood. Parking is along the street and it can get quite busy as Kitty's is quite popular. You walk in and order at the counter. There is a small indoor area to sit and eat and also a patio area outside. It seems most get it to go as we did. We ordered the double burgers and fries. I have to say it is a great hamburger fresh, hot and juicy. The fries are crisp and hot. We had no complaints for a burger and fries lunch. You know, you have to have a burger and fry lunch sometimes. Very satisfying. YUM. Prices are very very resonable and a great bang for your buck. I heard their tenderloin is the best. We now have to go back to try the tenderloin sandwich. We will be back.

Checked out this place since it was listed in an article of good burgers in KC & you could not beat the price. Now straight up it is a grab and go spot in little neighborhood area outside of downtown KC. Also they only take cash so be prepared. However this burger had me thinking back in the day to my favorite hometown cafe. Flavorful juicy patties, melty cheese & toppings between a soft fresh bun. The crinkle fries were hot & not too salty. No fountain drinks but a great selection of canned/bottled colas & various juices. They had other good looking options & claim to be the best tenderloin in town. We went at lunch time & it was busy. The locals knew to call & order ahead. Wait was not terribly long but would say worth it to try this long standing location in KC.

This spot is a hidden gem. I tried their pork loin and cheeseburger with yummy tots paired with a bottle of fresh cold coke!! Yummy! The place is kinda small with no indoor seating. However, they do have an outdoor patio that you can eat in.

Love the tenderloin ....so amazing always great customer service. Fast friendly and consistently consistent in the quality of food.

GREAT FOOD AT A GREAT PRICE! If you're looking for fancy, go elsewhere. But if you want a great sandwich go here! The staff is nice, quick service. I enjoy everything I've eaten here over the years.

My Favorite Lunch Spot in Kansas City. Absolutely 5 stars every single time I go to kittys. The Pork Tenderloin or The Chicken Sand-which are usually my Go To Sandwiches. Everything served here is cooked with Love and it's worth waiting in Line For! OH Yea, and you have to try the Hot Sauce . . . On any sandwich... custome made hot sauce is just (5) Stars! If you have not heard about Kittys then you have been sleeping under a rock!