City: Kansas City, MO

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (816) 333-5700

Address: 338 W. 63rd St. (Brookside)

Description: There was already plenty to like about this place: a location in the Brookside neighborhood (with a coveted parking lot), a friendly waitstaff, efficient bartenders, and a menu that covered global dishes. But when chef owner Joe Birch scaled back prices, Kansas City responded with a collective cheer. During happy hour, the 12 or so tapas are $4 and cocktails just $5. And at Avenues, the tapas aren’t tiny portions; we often make a meal out of the lobster mac and cheese or Pork Morengo with a lusty tomato sauce. But it’s more fun to share a variety of small plates with friends as a prelude to dinner. If that’s the case, entrees to try (nothing over $20) include the braised shortrib stroganoff, pan seared halibut, or the award-winning steak frites. But we beg you: leave room for the flourless chocolate cake. We know one socialite who takes an entire cake to parties, calling it her secret family recipe. We won’t tell. Servers know how to read the table, either providing polished assistance or jumping in to take a picture of the birthday party. Need some help choosing wine? You’re in luck: Timothy O’Neal loves nothing better than sharing his latest discovery from Spain or a delicious bargain from Mendocino. Sunday brunch (sans the wine) is just as tempting (and crowded) thanks to a menu that includes six types of eggs Benedicts, bananas foster pancakes, and praline orange French toast. Reservations are a must for any visit.