Dining options for larger groups can sometimes be tricky to find. From serving corporate event attendees, to families spending their weekend at the baseball/softball fields and soccer pitch, plenty of our favorite spots in Overland Park are set up to serve larger groups looking to recharge. Check out our list, which covers an array of cuisines and preferences.
A SLICE (OR TWO) OF PIE
We’ll start with what is arguably the easiest option for a larger group—pizza. Open Monday-Saturday, d'Bronx is a New York-style deli and pizzeria and local favorite. The hand-tossed pizzas are topped with premium ingredients and house-made sauce. d’Bronx sandwiches are just as good as the pizza, too—we’re especially big fans of the Reuben!
Dewey’s is another great spot if your group is looking for pizza and more. While we have a hard time diverging from classics like the Don Corleone or Green Lantern, the calzones at Dewey’s give the delicious pies a run for their money.
And a KC local favorite, Minsky’s, is a great choice, especially for those who need a yummy gluten-free alternative (take it from us, you won’t be disappointed in the cauliflower crust!
BARBECUE, OBVIOUSLY
You know we couldn’t make this list without including a few barbecue spots, right?! Q39,Jack Stack and Brobeck’s are three Overland Park staples with expansive menus of smoked meats and delicious sides. And should you accidentally find yourself in a group that doesn’t fully understand the barbecue obsession, don’t worry, there are plenty of options ranging from tasty salmon salads, to classic hamburgers and grilled cheese.
For a different spin on barbecue, check out Buck Tui. Newer to the scene, Buck Tui is a Thai-inspired barbecue concept from local pitmaster Ted Liberda. The smoky-salty-sweet barbecue style fits right in with other Kansas City classics. For larger groups, start with an order of the Buck Tui Smoked Wings for the table and order the Big Buckin’ Platter (or two) to get a taste of everything.
DINE & PLAY
Sometimes you want some extra entertainment when you’re hanging out with a group. Hit the bowling alley or bocce ball courts at Pinstripes, or check out Brew Top for live music while you eat. For groups with a younger crowd, you can never go wrong with dinner and games at Dave & Buster’s!
And you can’t visit the “Most Pickleball Obsessed” city in the nation without considering Chicken N’ Pickle or SERV for some delicious food and play.
A SIDE OF SPORTS
If you prefer to keep tabs on gameday matchups while you eat, plenty of our local sports bars are just as popular for their food. Head to Coach’s to hang out on the rooftop patio and make the easy decision to order the Ultimate Nachos right away. Or, stick with other signature Overland Park spots, like Johnny’s Tavern, Tanner's Bar & Grill or Barley’s Kitchen & Tap.
DINING FOR ADULTS
During work trips or conferences, choose a spot like Maggiano’s to wind down from the day. Their Italian-American fare is inspired by Nonna’s traditional recipes and served family-style in a relaxed, polished space. Maggiano's also has private dining spaces and event halls, which can accommodate ~250 people, depending on whether the gathering is "sit-down" or reception style.
Another one to consider for corporate lunches or dinners is Bo Ling’s—a repeat award winner for its authentic Chinese cuisine. The family-owned and operated restaurant has been in business for 40+ years and it’s easy to see (and taste) why. It’s the perfect place to take a large group so you can try a little bit of everything. And trust us, you’ll want to!
In the mood for some American cuisine? Nick and Jake’s will meet your needs and then some. If you happen to be visiting on a Sunday, you’ll want to visit in the morning, as they were voted number one Sunday Brunch Buffet in Kansas City.
OTHER CROWD PLEASERS
We love Stroud’s for groups that like some “down home cooking.” Prepare to go full-on comfort food with the pan fried chicken and family-style sides. Take it from us, come hungry.
We love Cheddar’s for groups that need to meet a wide variety of tastes. You can go full-on comfort food with the Homemade Chicken Pot Pie or Country Fried Steak, or keep things lighter with a refreshing salad or the Grilled Chicken Wrapper.
When your group just can’t decide on one type of cuisine, look no further than Strang Hall. Located in Downtown Overland Park, this space features a collection of six unique restaurants spearheaded by some of the top chefs in town. There’s also a coffee shop and a bar that serves handcrafted cocktails, beer and wine. You can stick around for more than just food, too, as their outdoor lawn area offers plenty of space to spread out and play a few rounds of cornhole.
