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    Papu’s Cafe

    4.0 (262 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

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    PAPU’S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Papu’s Cafe

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    The owner gave us samples of their new grilled chicken tikka they're adding to the menu, plus hot herbal tea.
    Joyce W.

    This hole in the wall Mediterranean restaurant is a can't miss. It's clearly a beloved place in the Waldo neighborhood because people walk in going for an immediate hug with the owner or anyone behind the hot grill and counter. The restaurant is part of the gas station, which, they have dedicated tables for patrons to eat there. My friend who is vegan, said the falafel is incredible and was what every falafel should aspire to be. I had the gyro salad. It was flavorful, filling, yet not heavy for the amount of gyro you get with it. The owner greeted us, gave our table samples of the new grilled chicken they're offering as a special for, and gave us all free rounds of hot herbal tea. This place is AWESOME, and we can't wait to come back and try more of the menu!

    Gyro

    I've ordered gyro sandwiches from Papu's for years, and did so again today. I've recently noticed that the quality of my food hadn't been consistent with my previous experiences and today's was absolutely the worst. Barely any meat and what was in there had the texture of beef jerky. Probably the time to find a new place to get my gyro fix.

    Menu w/Prices & Phone for Ordering
    Johnn B.

    The JOE'S BBQ of Quick Mediterranean Cuisine I had NO idea this place was even here until I was visiting a business across the street and needed some quick cash; was SO surprised to make this find. Just a no nonsense quick grill with a fantastic menu (see the pix). We got Gyro's and they were stuffed with meat and some of the usual veggies and a wonderful tzatziki style sauce. One was all we needed! Be prepared to get a beverage from the service station fridges and eat there if you want or take it with you. LOOK - It's NOT Glamorous - It's In A Friggin Gas Station - But Joe's BBQ Started Out That Way !!! All I'm saying is give them a try on a drive by !!!

    Appetizer Sampler- Hummus Falafel Baba Ganoush
    Keely H.

    Everyone raves about this place and we happened to be in the area so we finally grabbed lunch to go. This review is a tough one because I've been to Greece and had the real deal, so Greek food always has a high standard to live up to here in the states. The salad dressing was super bland and the falafel- I've definitely had better. The portions are great, definitely enough for another meal! They give you a great amount of meat! The meat was the best part for sure. The babaganoush has a smoky, rich flavor I would not make this my go to Greek restaurant unfortunately. But it's great for a quick meal with enough for a second later- so it's affordable for sure! I might stop in again when I'm the area to give it another shot because at least the meat is worth it!

    Best gas station food in Missouri: Papus Cafe
    Taylor T.

    One of my "Top 10 Sandwiches in KC" for sure! If you're not alarmed by grabbing a quick lunch at the same stop that you fill up your car and buy your cigarettes then Papus is for you! It is the best gas station grub in Missouri (see what I did there, left the Kansas spot open) If lunch is the meal you seek then the gyro plate is the obvious way to go however, don't count out the sharma! The pita Papus uses is spongey and springy, a great utensil for picking up the mild, creamy hummus on the gyro platter. Also, they serve a sambol-like condiment on top (I always ask for extra to top off my sandwich) which is unique and different. The salad served with the gyro and hummus is tossed is a zingy vingrette and makes the meal well rounded. The meat options at Papus are always fresh and never dried out like the jerky sold in the aisle to your left. I recommend both the gyro with tender strips of spiced lamb and the sharma, especially if you're one of those chicken for lunch types.

    Lily L.

    I'm very impressed by the Gyros and grape leaves at this hole in the wall place (inside an shell station). The Gyro was perfectly seasoned, very satisfying in every bite. The grape leaves were also perfectly balanced. It's very easy to overeat here. Since it's located inside the gas station, you order the food at the counter, but get your drink and pay at the front register. I can't believe I never knew about this place before! I highly recommend giving it a try!

    Chicken shawarma platter.
    Shruthi S.

    The location of this place is interesting as it's inside a gas station and when the hype goes major for food from a gas station and it being Mediterranean, I definitely had to check it out. We ordered the "Shawarma platter" that comes with chicken shawarma sandwich, pita bread, hummus and tabuleh salad. The food was extremely disappointing as the sandwich was loaded with big chunks of chicken (some of which hadn't cooked through) and the sauce dripping from all corners making it not just impossible to eat but not having the flavor even though each ingredient was loaded. The tabuleh salad didn't taste anything like one and the hummus was absolutely bland tasting like grinded chickpea slurry. I would like to think it might be the day that I went in where the food turned below average as I've seen raving reviews about this place and hate to give such a rating especially during this time but I have to be honest about my opinion. The portions are huge and pricing is unbelievably low.

    The huge gyro sandwich platter. Best pita ever!

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    24 days ago

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    4 months ago

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    4 months ago

    Best chicken shawarma sandwich in town. Such a perfect hidden gem. Fresh ingredients. Warm pita. And tons of meat! So so good

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    11 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Wonderful prices (felt like it was 2010 when I saw them), but average (at best) falafel, and rather bland hummus.

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    The gyro meat was delish. The Greek salad was brown, tomatoes & cucumbers were soggy.

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    This is my favorite hole in the wall in KC. I grew up on their lamb gyros and Greek salads!! The staff are always nice and personable

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    8 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great food easy location to carry out prices good. Highly recommend gyro salad and falafel

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    6 years ago

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    Page 1 of 7

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    Aladdin Cafe

    Aladdin Cafe

    4.1
    (160 reviews)
    34.4 mi
    $$

    It started with the lentil soup. I was not expecting to eat every drop, and here I am with an empty…read morebowl. Hardy, flavorful and comfort food. Then the chicken shawarma elevated the experience. Before I remembered to snap a shot, my mouth was full and happy! Perfectly seasoned, just enough to be comfortable, delicious! Great spot to eat with a family or to enjoy people watching while you dine. Excellent all around.

    Well, Aladdin Cafe used to be our favorite gem... last night…read moreI took my wife & son to Aladdins for me and my wife's Anniversary dinner. our Appetizer the Halum cheese had been a favorite for my wife... however the cook literally just fried it in a skillet and overcooked it. previously this dish was only slightly seared on grill (Arabian cheese). Furthermore the presentation was sub par it looked as though the vinaigrette bottle ran out as they were decorating it So we had only half the normal flavor from the sauce and none of the flavor from the crumbly ovecooked cheese. We had loved the previously authentic Mediterranean lentil soup BUT this time the soup was not seasoned well! It tasted like plain lentil soup with not enough curry/ turmeric seasoning and too much black pepper and it was not blended well and it had NO shredded carrot which is Traditional for it to have! And Zero saffron flavor I also was not happy with the rosewater Lemonade w/ saffron it was not the original drink we fell in love with... This time it was an artificial lemonade no real lemon juice, too much sugar "no saffron taste" Rosewater taste was there but was off-putting in an artificially flavored dyed drink! Our main Entree was the SHISH TAOUK The chicken chunks did not have the consistency of slow cooked over charcoal chicken, the chicken was quite firm, possibly it was all breast meat? However it did taste good and authentic otherwise! my Turkish coffee was okay not exceptional. We had ordered an extra bowl of soup for son but the black pepper taste was too strong for him to eat it! With 20% tip because I do not punish a good waiter because the cook or Restaurant failed, Our bill was $75.36 needless to say without some major recipe changes and better cook we will not be back!

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    Aladdin Cafe
    Zaater (Manakeesh)
    Zaater (Manakeesh)
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    Time to pour the Turkish
    Aladdin Cafe

    Aladdin Cafe

    4.0
    (404 reviews)
    4.4 mi
    $$

    If you're visiting Kansas City, make time for Aladdin Cafe…read more The owner and chef is one of the kindest people you'll meet, and that care comes through in every detail. You feel welcomed the second you walk in, and somehow that warmth makes its way into the food too. I've tried just about every Mediterranean spot in Kansas City, and this one stands out every single time. It tastes the most authentic and the least commercial by far. Everything feels fresh, intentional, and made with care. Nothing tastes rushed or mass produced. There's real love in the food here, and you can taste it. Their dolmas especially take me right back to my grandmother's kitchen. That kind of food memory is hard to put into words, but if you know, you know. Comforting, fresh, flavorful, and made in a way that feels deeply rooted and genuine. With the World Cup approaching and so many people coming through Kansas City, visitors need to know about places like this. These are the local spots worth seeking out. The kind you leave talking about afterward and craving again the next day. And if they have the mint lemonade, order it. The rose lemonade is always incredible too. If you can get both, mix them and thank me later. A true Kansas City gem. You won't regret stopping here.

    Returned to one of our KC favorites for Mediterranean food last night and were not disappointed!…read moreCheerful and helpful server steered me towards the rose water lemonade and it was delicious, a good start! Their hummus is a dream, and my Sumac chicken was yummy, but the biggest hit for me was the side salad, perfectly fresh and crisp lettuces and veg and loved the dressing! One of the best green salads I've had in any restaurant in KC.

    Photos
    Turkish Coffee
    Turkish Coffee
    Pita
    Pita
    Outdoor patio

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    Outdoor patio
    Extra Virgin

    Extra Virgin

    4.1
    (638 reviews)
    6.8 mi
    $$

    From the moment I made the reservation, I was impressed. I booked online and received a…read moreconfirmation call within minutes to verify the reservation since it was a busy Saturday night. It was a small touch, but it immediately conveyed a level of attentiveness and professionalism. The highlight of the evening was the service. Kareem was exceptional. He didn't simply take our order--he guided us through the entire experience. His knowledge of the menu was impressive, from explaining dishes in detail to recommending wine pairings that complemented the meal perfectly. He checked on us consistently without ever being intrusive and genuinely made us feel welcome. He wasn't just selling food; he was representing the restaurant and the overall dining experience, and he did so exceptionally well. The restaurant itself strikes a wonderful balance between sophisticated and approachable. It feels upscale without being pretentious. I appreciated the attention to detail throughout the space, including the beautiful brass accents above the bar. The patio looked inviting, although the summer heat made indoor seating the better choice during our visit. The food arrived surprisingly quickly, and every dish we ordered was outstanding. Some of the selections were served chilled, which likely contributed to the speed, but nothing felt rushed. The quality and presentation were excellent. My only minor caution is parking. Depending on when you arrive, you may need to park a couple of blocks away and walk. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's worth planning for. If you're unfamiliar with the area, it may be helpful to call ahead and ask for parking recommendations. Overall, this was an incredible dining experience, combining outstanding service, a beautiful atmosphere, and excellent food. I would absolutely return and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable night out.

    A stellar experience every time. The menu changes seasonally and the best way to enjoy is to…read moreshare. The Food is Gourmet Mediterranean. The beverage Program is crafted to elevate the Food Menu. Michael Smith is a James Beard Awarded Chef. He usially spends his time at Farina.

    Photos
    Inside bar
    Inside bar
    Seasonal asparagus and artichoke salad
    Seasonal asparagus and artichoke salad
    Cornish Hen

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    Cornish Hen

    Papu’s Cafe - mideastern - Updated June 2026

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