Just picked up my daughter's BFF from the airport for Spring Break. Of course we had to bring her here for late night snacks! It's the classiest place in KC! It cracked me up when I checked in on Yelp and it asked 'is this place divey?' Well um yeah! That's the understatement of the century!!! But if you want amazingly delicious & freshly cooked classic diner food (including their famous homemade pie in a rotating variety of delicious flavors) this is THE PLACE! Prepare for a fun joint full of local flavor (ie: the currently drunk, the recently drunk, & the about-to-get drunk.) God bless ya, Town Topic. You're an absolute HOOT!!! read more

I have heard about Town Topic for years but have never been....until today. I drove past on my way to an event this morning and decided that I would stop on my way back. I'm glad I finally did so now I can at least say I tried it. When I walked in there were several counter seats and a few more stools with a small ledge by the windows. Very cramped inside and impossible to social distance. They do require masks because of the current mandate so even though everyone inside was in a very cramped environment I felt safe. My order was taken by a pleasant lady at the counter. I ordered a single burger and order of fries to go. The lady asked me if I knew that they were small burgers and I told her that I did. After all, I don't ever eat at a restaurant without looking it up on YELP. My order was ready in about 5 minutes. I drove home and was surprised that the fries were still hot. Maybe it's the paper bag they are placed in that helps hold in the heat. The burger was good. Not as greasy as I have heard which I appreciated. A simple bun, a freshly cooked to order meat patty with mustard, pickles and sautéed onions. The burger and fries (healthy size portion) were very filling. Did I enjoy it? Yes! Did I enjoy it enough to drive across town to eat it again? No. However, if I'm in the area and in the mood for a decent burger I will stop again. You can get a burger and fries at fast food restaurants for about half the cost but they aren't as good. The single burger and fries was $7.83 before tip. read more

Town Topic - Single burger with sautéed onions, pickles and mustard. - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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Can I just say "hell yeah" and leave it at that? Because hell yeah. I have been missing out. I'll admit, it was after midnight and all I had was a chocolate malt and some French fries but it was SO good and I can only imagine everything else on the menu is equally as satisfying. It's a small space, so be prepared to get up close and personal with some strangers and probably smell like fried stuff for the next couple shampoos and until those clothes you had on make it through the wash again, but worth it. read more

I've heard rave reviews about Town Topic since moving to Kansas City 4 years ago. So I was excited to finally try it last week with my boyfriend. I ordered the hot ham and cheese with onion rings and he ordered the "Bigger Cheeseburger." I was sadly disappointed though when I got a soggy grilled cheese and my boyfriends burger was dry. Perhaps they were just having a bad cooking day, but I don't think we will be returning anytime soon. read more

"Once Upon a Time" When people in Kansas City talk about food it is usually about BBQ, then Italian (including pizza), steaks (well, it is Kansas City), but sooner or later it will get around to hamburgers. I have been to few places where the lowly hamburger has such rabid followers! Someone tosses out Windstead's, that is always followed by the Westport Flea Market, then the Mom & Pop places like Unk's. As the emotions finally start to simmer down from the back of the crowd you will hear "Town Topic" in a sheepish voice. And that, my friend, is when the "stories behind stories" come out. Long before McD's and Burger King American byways were littered with "hamburger stands" as they were called back then. Usually a very small building with a counter and just over a half dozen stools. The menu was displayed over the grill and a real waitress demanded your order. They did not hide how the burgers were made or even the "condition" of the meat and condiments. Everything was right out there in front of your very eyes with nothing to hide and everything to show. Town Topic is one of the few survivors of that bygone era. As so it has become an icon for folks either wanting to turn back time, grab a "post alcohol infused evening" bite, or just in search of an honest meal with no frills or snobbiness. The latter is why I am drawn there. Stuck in the middle of the block between the Union Station / World War I Museum area and the trendy "Arts District" on Broadway, you cannot miss the sign bragging about a 75 year run and open 24 hours. Both statements are significant. A restaurant that has been operating for over 75 years has to be doing something right, and open 24 hours means that it will be there for you when the upscale eateries have long ago folded their cloth napkins for the night. There is an off street parking lot that many say is a bit small, but with only about a dozen stools, how many car loads of customers are going to fit inside? If you have to park on the street, then that is a testament to their popularity and how long you will have to wait for a seat. That makes your decision to stop much simpler. The sign also says breakfast and lunch - the two meals you can eat any time day or night. The breakfast part is filled with choices a real breakfast eater wants to see. There are breakfast sandwiches (for those who plan on driving home with one hand on the wheel), eggs, biscuits and "real" gravy, and pancakes. Oh, the pancakes are not the iHop silver dollar midgets - they are the kind you used to get at home where they hang out over the edges of the plate. Good stuff! But it is lunch you come to Town Topic for. The burgers are famous throughout the area. The real "hamburger stand" burgers cooked on grill. What comes off that grill is exactly what you expect. a real honest burger (the most popular is their double cheese burger). But I still remember my father taking me there when I was about 4 years old and having my first tenderloin sandwich - I remember it like it was yesterday, so do not be surprised if that is what I usually get. I doubt if few things have changed over the past 75 years (except for a bit of inflation driven pricing) and that is a very good thing. That double cheese burger will cost you less than a Big Mac and the tenderloin will come in at less than $5.00. There are few places like Town Topic left in America, and we are worse off for it. Once upon a time that was all that you could find. As Charlie Brown's buddy Linus would likely say, "It is a sincere hamburger stand." read more

Town Topic - The "view" you never see (unless you are coming north on Broadway) - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Excellent burgers, probably the best late night option in KC. Meat is high quality, cheese is nice and melted and the buns are nice and toasty what more could you want read more

Looking for an old fashioned cheeseburger with onion rings and a slice of pie? Sometimes the old fashioned greasy burger joint is the best place to go, Town Topic doesn't disappoint. The crossroads district nightlife is fun and the burgers or pie at Town Topic keep you fueled up. It's a street side window order so don't expect a table. read more

Probably not a surprise to any locals, but this place is amazing! Stopped in for the first time today for a burger (with bacon) and a side of fries, and it was ready in no time. It was so juicy while so simple, and the fries - amazing! Now I understand why there is usually a line after hours. This will definitely be a go to spot for me when I am craving a little grease. Yum! read more

Best places to get good food anytime of the day! Omelettes and burgers are great! Their Peqnut Butter pie was so good! One of the few places near downtown or in KC for that matter open 24hrs. read more

Sunday night/Monday morning. 4 AM. Not crowded at all. Amazing service. I'm not a huge burgers and fries person but once I had a bite of my husbands, I ordered myself one. The best burgers in KC. Not to mention the great CHOCO CHIP pancakes. Cute pinball machine. You all said to try the pie and we will next time! Can't wait to come back. read more

Town Topic - Burger fries - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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Greasy yummy diner food! What's not to love? Well... I'll tell you one thing... expired food! That's what! First let me start by saying I had their biscuits and gravy and they were delightful. One their menu I was intrigued by the "CINNAMON ROLL (try it heated with butter)". Sounds amazing!! Well, please see the photo for what I received! My coworker had called in our order and picked it up all bagged up. They gave me a Sara Lee expired cinnamon roll. :( That's cool if they were out of rolls, but just say something! Ok, end rant. On another note their lunch is spectacular! read more

Town Topic - My expired cinnamon roll - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Town Topic is both amazing and fun; even went on a date there! The food Is always fresh and tasty. They did, however, change bun brands a few years ago. These buns are good, but we favored the old ones. Town topic is a must for anyone. Oh, and don't forget to get a piece of pie! read more

Worst chili I've ever had. Bland and awful. Terrible double cheeseburger. Overdone and too salty. And then the absolute, WORST coconut cream pie I've ever tasted. Right out of a box mix. Spent 30 dollars for a horrible meal. Not even trying. Avoid at all costs! read more

If you hate this place, then I hate you. It's simple. And so is the menu. Diner classics served nearly anytime in KC, can't beat it. Get a chocolate milkshake if you're a true baller read more

Town Topic - Chocolate Milkshake - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Wow, super cool place right out of the 50's. Small place with slot of traffic. Burger and fries were great, but not for the price. Chocolate shake was the same as any other shake from any other burger joint. Not the best burger I have ever had, but hit the spot. Recommend after a night of drinking! read more

Town Topic - The counter - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Great place to go, a friend and I we're starving . So decided to pop in. The food was amazing, costumer service excellent. Not a complaint. read more

Town Topic - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

For some time now, I've been unsure of how to go about reviewing Town Topic. The place is small and crowded, with decidedly average burgers and fries. It's a bit dingy, and there have definitely been a few late night visits where I've been a bit sketched out by the clientele. On paper, this place wouldn't deserve more than 3 stars, which seems to be about the average score here on Yelp. But every time I walk through the door and belly up to the counter, I spend the next hour or so thinking about how much i love this place. Town Topic is an institution, it's been around longer than i've been alive. It's been around longer than my parents have been alive! For anybody that goes here on a somewhat regular basis, you know that the same people are ALWAYS working. Is it a family business? For how many decades have the same people been working the counter and flipping burgers? I find myself wanting to know the history of this place. What was it like during segregation? During the 70s and the gangland wars? What types of stories do these workers have to tell? In a culture where everything new is to be cherished, in a town where the old is regularly torn down and replaced with cookie cutter development, a place with serious longevity is to be respected. Most people don't tend to just stop by Town Topic. I don't think i've ever been there during daylight hours. Instead, I go there late at night, at the end of rather monumental evenings that we're just not ready to end. I have memories of sitting at that counter with some of my best friends, and with some of the people who have been most important in my life. Laughing over a double cheeseburger or a truckstop omelette, rehashing the events of the evening. Hypothesizing over the backstories of the revolving door of characters who find their way in. Town Topic is a great equalizer. 3 AM, eating respectable diner food with junkies and club kids and lawyers and workers just getting off the clock. Town topic is decidedly more than the sum of its parts. If you were to review the place strictly on a criteria of how good the food and service are, i can understand a lower score. But to me, Town Topic is a place that I love, an exclamation point at the end of so many wonderful nights, a cherished piece of my Kansas City experience. read more

Really? You're out here reading reviews for Town Topic? You don't know? Then I'm not telling. P.S. to the middle aged black lady that served me this a.m.: honey, you are about the nicest gal on the planet. You should be very proud of the service you provide. read more

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I've passed by Town-Topic Hamburgers for several years, always telling myself, "I have to stop there someday." Today was the day! I was extremely happy with my decision. This is one of those hole-in-a-wall joints that you know why it's here... because it's good! Good luck getting a stool. The place is tiny. They crank out burgers, cheeseburgers, porkloin sandwiches, malts/shakes, fries and onion rings, pies and breakfast 24hours a day, 7 days a week. It's been there since 1937 (along with some of the clientele), and they'll probably be there for many years to come. I'm definitely coming back again. It's in the KC art district... if you can find it with your eyes... just use your nose. It's smells like a grilled heaven! read more

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It's been many years since I've had Town Topic. Mainly because I never lived near enough to one to get it on the reg. I happened to be downtown visiting my wife at work and we got Town Topic for lunch. Still full of surprises and delicious food. I walked in, edging out the lunch rush and placed my order at the counter. Chili Cheese Dog with tots and a double cheeseburger with fries and two sodas. It took a moment to make it as the cook had other orders ahead of mine, but that's what you could expect. There's only so much space on the griddle. I got the order to go and headed back to my wife's office. We dug in to some surprises. When my wife opened up her chili cheese dog, it was on a regular bun and not a hot dog bun. That's cool. Dang was it tasty! Really good chili. My burger was smaller than I remembered, but again, super tasty. My extra surprise was that the cook threw in a grilled cheese sandwich along with my order. Who's going to turn down a free grilled cheese? A crazy person, that's who. Just like everything else, it all tasted excellent. I only wish I lived closer to one of the locations in town so I could eat at this Kansas City icon on a regular basis. It's just so good! read more

A KC institution! Town Topic burgers (with onion and pickles) have been served up at this location for decades, and they haven't changed. Still delicious, still piping hot, and still pound-for-pound pricey. But worth it. Counter service is always friendly, and the pies alone are worth the trip. read more

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I would give it a zero if I could. The worse hamburger I've ever had. Burnt onions and dry old hamburger patty. DISGUSTING read more

Town Topic - The worst hamburger I've ever had. This is supposed to be sautéed onions - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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Here's the thing...if you need my review to determine whether or not Town Topic is a place you'll love, you probably shouldn't go. Disclaimer...I'm typing with still-greasy fingers, so I may have a tendency to be overly enthusiastic about TT right now. It's that good though. Stool at counter + [(onions + beef) sizzling on flattop] = Happiness^2 There's a lot I can say here, but just go. It's comforting to know that Town Topic is there all hours of the night, but I really enjoy going during the day when I'm the only one there and can fully appreciate the nostalgic longing for more places like this one. Chef's Recommendation: Bigger Burger + Fried Onions + Cheese Tots! Chocolate Shake Pie F. read more

Town Topic - Bigger Burger + Fried Onions + Cheese, Tots - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Picked up a to go postmates order. The menu looked great and food smelled delicious butttttt...the woman taking my order was so rude. I kept trying to be nice, apologizing for things that I didn't need to apologize for such as making an order or asking for a few extra ketchup packets. Anything I asked she cut me off and immediately snapped back w a remark. She said it wound be 15 min so I asked if I could wait In my car, her response "I don't care where you wait." When I asked for more ketchup she said "I put some in there, that's all I can give you." I don't know how the order turned out. Despite all that I'll probably be back to try the food for myself. read more

STL has a place that would aspire to be Town Topic. STL's place is Eat-Rite, and side note: don't bother. However, Town Topic knows the deal!!! It's that little hole in the wall style place that you would only go to when eating at an hour of the day that food should not be consumed. But there is nothing wrong with a diner style burger (and I don't even eat meat people!) on a white bun, cheese and EXTRA pickles- yumm-o-licious! Oh and please, please opt for the side of tater tots! The place is small and don't expect first class treatment, but just know it's that funky old school vibe, with a flat top grill probably a lady named Bertha taking your order and guy they call Skip flipping your burgers. All in all it's fun and you just can't go wrong! Oh and did I mention the prices are pocket friendly! read more

Town Topic - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Town Topic is a Classic! Great old school style diner skinny patty hamburgers! Good fries tots and rings One of the best patty melts around Shakes malts and pies are all top notch Small family owned and operated establishment Make sure to put this one on your going out rotation! Open 24 hrs a day. Top 5 burger joint in K.C read more

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I need to write a review for here. I don't know the difference between a four star place and a five star place. My deciding factor is the pure fact there are some places in KC that if you haven't been there, you missed out on one of KC's institutions. It's a diner through and through. Meant for the working people and late night crawlers. The people are real. Almost too real it seems fake. But I love it. It's my place to grab something to eat when: a: I worked very hard I deserve a burger b: don't want to go home to cook c: so hungry I need a bite on the road home d: don't want to spend a big dollar feeding myself e: all the above. I was first introduced to here by my cousin looking for a bite to eat before the theater. Haha.. simple food for a fancy night. I've always known about it but just never had it. Then I ended up working really close by and visiting it quite often. None of this is actually a review of the place, but reasons why I go. Hhahha.. always searching for a new one... maybe just because it's Tuesday. Funny, I'm reviewing this place and my mail man comes in saying he's about to head over to there for a shake. Hhahah.. ironic. A neighborhood institution see. Around 7pm, it's filled with blue collar folks, white collar folks, local hipsters, tourists, theater folks, street folks all coming in and out in this small 15 person diner. I usually get the double with cheese. It's cooked on a flat top grill smashed down. So it cooks in it's own juices to a crisp. Some call that greasy, I call it delicious. But without cheese, it can get over cooked. The bun is toasted along side the meats for a nice crisp. I usually get the onion rings here too, because I just love them. I've had the pork tenderloin sandwich too and it's huge, crispy, and not dry. I use to come here once a week.. til I realized I was gaining weight exponentially. I love it, I went with my old Korean mom, who doesn't buy the charm of it all and likes her burgers with no cheese. She was not impressed. Except with onion rings. So go in with expectations. Note: there are two Town Topics. This is the one that's 24 hour. The other one is a block or two over and serves mainly breakfast and lunch. read more

Worst service I've ever received! Waited 55 minutes for my single hamburger! Never again!

If you live in KC and haven't been to Town Topic, you probably live under a rock. And if you're just visiting you have to put this on your places to eat list! It's a great little dive restaurant that's open 24 hours. The burgers are one of if not the best in town! They fries are pretty basic though. My go to is "The Truck-stop Omelette" 4eggs, hash browns, choice of meat and topped with some cheese slices. Seriously it doesn't get any better than that. Sometimes it can get pretty busy simply because of the size of the building, but whatever the wait is, it's totally worth it!! read more

Town Topic - Truck Stop Omelette - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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Holy cow! How was I lived in Kansas City for this long and never had a town topic burger? Well I finally resolve that last night and it definitely won't be my last. Expect a wait, but wort it. Also don't make my mistake and not order pie. read more

THE BEST BURGERS in KC! Oh, they have really good, really big pancakes too... If you want a great burger, made with love and paired with a delicious shake or slice of pie, look no further than Town Topic. Their style of burger is the quintessential, greasy diner-style burger. The burgers are prepared on the flat top in all their greasy goodness. My go to is a Double Cheeseburger with everything-- mustard, ketchup, pickles and fried onions. I'd highly recommend ordering a double as the single is kind of wimpy, yet appropriate for a young child. In addition to killer burgers, Town Topic serves up locally made Golden Boy Pies (they usually offer about 10 different varieties), handcrafted shakes and malts, fries, onion rings and breakfast! Yes, breakfast! And the location on Broadway is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For breakfast (or dinner, or whatever), I enjoy their pancakes and their Truckstop-- a mess of hashbrowns, onions, meat, cheese and eggs. The prices are reasonable and the service is always friendly. Seating is very limited, but there's always good people watching. The only thing I don't love here is their fries. They are very small and get cold fast. The onion rings and tater tots are tasty options though. read more

Came here for a late night burger after my first Royals game. I ordered the single patty cheeseburger and fries. The food came out fairly quickly. I opted to take it all home and ended up eating several of the fries on my way home. The fries were a little bland though there did seem to be a healthy portion of them. The burger was a little dry but it did have plenty of onions and ketchup to make it a bit more palatable. Overall, I'll probably only be back in a pinch. The price and divey ambience make this place worth checking out but it won't be my KC burger staple spot. read more

What do you say about this place except for the fact that nothing beats a town topic. While this place is small and somewhat greasy it doesn't matter they still have a great burger. read more

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Dropped in at lunch time on a Monday. Ordered burgers and tots and Root Beer to drink. Had to eat in the van as the small seating area was packed. No complaints at all. Will try the malts and shakes next time. read more

this is such a nice little burger joint that looks like it stood the test of time - and i know why!! the burgers and fries are such a nice change of pace from what you'd typically receive at any quick meal luncheon spot. the staff was nice and attentive suggesting meals to try. open 24 hrs they're a great late night snack!! we did have a crowd that appeared but dwindled really quickly as they were fast and efficient. read more

Town Topic - the building signage - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

YES! It's not healthy for you, but it's about the finest greasy food you can find. The burger's are smashed flat on the flat top, then cooked to include a perfect crunch to the surface of the burger. Tot's are awesome, even better with Chili. Don't forget to order a slice of pie. They had a plethora of choices, each one better than the next. There is not much room here, about 8 stools and 2 small counter's to stand at. The line can be out the door, but it's defiantly worth the wait. It moves quick, so have the patience and you will be rewarded. read more

Town Topic - Double cheeseburger, Chili Cheese Tots! As good as it gets. - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

If you want fast service, a melt-in-your-mouth burger and some yummy chili cheese fries then we found your place. A great place to visit while in Kansas City. The town folks said to go here and it was worth it for sure. I had the Double Cheeseburger and Chili Cheese Fries that were gone in a blink of the eye. read more

Town Topic - Double Cheeseburger with onions - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Bowl & Roll: Hot buttered cinnamon roll with a bowl of signature chili. Sweet + heat = get a new belt. I get the legend behind Town Topic, and understand that to speak even neutrally about Kansas City's darling is practically sacrilege. Well, I'm about to get Martin Luther up in this piece. Without the onions, the burgers are dry and without a tremendous amount of flavor. Having a front row seat to the griddle magic, I can appreciate what wonders of flavor juice can extracted when a handful of shredded yellow onion does to a paper-thin patty. Unfortunately, that's just too much to bear for the onion-averse, and as such, we lose a lot in the translation. Blanched fries taste fine with a heavy heap of salt and pepper, and you can't beat the diner feel especially when wandering around a 3:30am, wondering what happened to your shoes. Seriously guys, my shoes are missing. This isn't funny. But, when you're hungry for a meaty, starchy midday meal, sober and frozen, it's warm and inviting and cheap and that's about it. read more

Town Topic - Double burger. It's, like, 27¢. - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

I'm not sure which location we went to but I'm assuming BOTH HAVE AWESOME TOTS. My AMAZINGLY AWESOME TOTS came with some heart attack inducing sausage-egg-bacon sandwich thing. I can't imagine what it would taste like pre-2 a.m., but that's not the point here. read more

Town Topic - 2 legit. 2 legit to quit. *heyhey - Burgers Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

As far as diners go, this is the top of the list in KC! Incredible burger, amazing chili cheese tots, onion rings, and perfect shake all at 3AM! read more