Nestled in the heart of Kansas City's urban charm, Kitty's Cafe is a beloved sandwich shop and hamburger joint that has earned a devoted following for its exceptional take on classic American comfort food. Specializing in hearty, crave-worthy sandwiches, this local gem is best known for its legendary Pork Tenderloin Sandwich—a true Kansas City staple that food lovers swear by.
The charm of Kitty's Cafe lies not just in its menu but in the unmistakable quality and care poured into every bite. Their Pork Tenderloin Sandwich features a tender, thinly pounded cutlet enveloped in a delicately crispy, golden batter that strikes the perfect balance—light enough to let the juicy pork shine but with enough crunch to deliver an irresistible texture. Served on freshly baked bread with a slightly crisped crust, each sandwich is layered with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and the cafe’s signature hot sauce, adding a vibrant kick that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
For those craving something different, the menu offers a diverse range of sandwiches that cater to various appetites. The Chicken Tenderloin and Catfish Tenderloin sandwiches provide equally satisfying options, featuring the same thoughtful craftsmanship and fresh toppings paired with creamy mayonnaise. Burger enthusiasts will find themselves at home with the classic cheeseburgers, or for the more indulgent, the double and triple cheeseburgers deliver layers of juicy patties topped with crisp lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle, all dressed with mustard for a nostalgic, savory bite.
Breakfast lovers are not left out either. Kitty’s Cafe offers a delightful lineup of breakfast sandwiches with fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and options to add bacon or sausage, making for a fulfilling start to the day. The Bacon, Egg & Cheese sandwich, in particular, brings together smoky, creamy, and savory flavors that melt into the fresh, lightly toasted bread—a comfort food dream come true.
Equally deserving of praise are the sides—crispy crinkle cut fries and tater tots that arrive hot and fresh, boasting a crunchy exterior and tender interior that perfectly complement the main dishes. Reviewers repeatedly laud the tots for their surprising ability to stay crispy even when cooled down, a testament to the kitchen’s mastery of frying.
Though the cafe operates with a cash-only policy and minimal indoor seating, customers embrace this quaint, no-frills approach as part of Kitty’s Cafe’s authentic local vibe. Outdoor seating is available for those who want to linger and savor their meal. The small footprint of the restaurant reflects a dedicated focus on quality and speed for takeout crowds, enhancing its reputation as a neighborhood cornerstone where the food speaks loudest.
Regulars sing praises not only for the food but for the welcoming, family-run atmosphere that Charlie and his team maintain with pride. The community’s affection for Kitty’s Cafe extends beyond its consistent excellence; it’s the genuine passion for crafting perfect sandwiches and burgers that transforms simple ingredients into unforgettable, mouthwatering experiences.
In all, Kitty’s Cafe is more than just a sandwich shop or hamburger joint—it's a culinary institution that captures the heart and soul of Kansas City’s dining scene. Whether you’re craving a classic pork tenderloin with a fiery horseradish twist or a fully loaded double cheeseburger paired with unbeatable crispy tots, Kitty’s promises a satisfying meal that lingers long after the last bite, stirring up warm memories and an eager anticipation for your next visit.
Great little local specialty sandwich shop. Set up for cash sales and to go orders. Not dine in. That said their pork tenderloin Sandwich is great! Very popular locally and has a great reputation that is well deserved. What makes their tenderloin sandwich special is: The bread is very fresh and good with a little bit of a crispy outside.,The tenderloin on it is pounded thin and tender with a very crispy breading, and then there’s a mixture of mayonnaise and onion slices that come alive with each bite against the salty crispy pork.. Great sandwich that will fill the stomach. Definitely recommend kitty’s café.
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!
Amazing tenderloin sandwich, crispy and delightful crinkle cut fries, their burgers are excellent as well. Cash only though, and be prepared for outdoor seating and a 10-20 minute wait!
Charlie and his family have been making tenderloins out of this world for as long as I can remember. This is the best place in the city, bar none, for a Pork Tenderloin. It simply cannot be beat. Get it with both hot sauce and horseradish, real horseradish. Can’t go wrong with a burger or breakfast sandwich either. Everything here is good and cooked to perfection. CASH ONLY BRING CASH
Absolutely delicious. You would be shorting yourself if you didn't at least try this place. Haven't had it in a while, my husband grabbed it and by the time I got it, it was cold. The tater tots are STILL crispy. The sandwich isn't soggy at all. Amazing. Even better when hot
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.
Fantastic pork tenderloin sandwich. Great batter that had the perfect crunch without being dry or greasy. It is outside seating only (though there is a roof) so go on a nice day. I got excited abd had already taken several bites of the sandwich before I remembered to take a picture, so it's a little squished
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.