YJ’s Snack Bar

Awesome food. Wow! Here on Monday for the middle eastern Mediterranean plate… homemade hummus, couscous… Etc. It all was delicious.

I hope to update this review as and when I try each of their offerings. I’ve only been there once and it left me craving for more. The place is small and the décor is delightfully hipster.
I had their Tuesday lunch (dirty rice with chicken and andouille sausage, beans, pico and garlic bread). Every single thing on my plate was delicious. Except maybe the bread, which wasn’t but but also wasn’t really the same level.

YJ’s is pretty ok. It smells like old cigarettes and grime when you walk in. Their coffee is good, most of their food is good, but their service is meh at best. I asked if a specific dish was gfree once and the guy on the phone basically yelled at me, so that wasn’t super cool. They’re moody and weird, but if you go often, they get a little bit kinder. It’s super hit or miss though. Ees ok, ees ok.

My first night in KC I got out late and decided to walk around and find some food. Luckily YJs was still open, just made it.
Walked in and didn’t know if he was still open and he was like «yeah man I can make you a to go plate if you like! Today’s special is meatloaf with mashed potatoes, greens and mac n cheese.
Walked back to my hotel while mowing down on this fantastic meal! Everything was bomb. Highly recommend.

Great little (very little) place for lunch or a cup of coffee (or dinner too probably, though I haven’t been for that yet.) I stopped in for lunch and had the dirty rice, which was great — well-​seasoned and filling, with fresh pico and garlic toast. It also came out super fast, which was great for my short lunch break.
I chatted with the friendly guys behind the counter (who were discussing Star Wars, as one should) as I ordered a cup of coffee, which was one of the better cups I’ve had since moving to Kansas (and I’m a Blue-​Bottle-​addicted coffee nerd), so good in fact that I added cream without thinking and wished I hadn’t.
They have lunch and dinner specials throughout the week (they’re listed on the website) and I plan on coming back to try many more of them. If you like your lunch joints cozy and friendly, stop by and help this place stay awesome.

Small family run divey restaurant with 4 or 5 tables. Apparently every night they have a different theme. On soul food night for $ 10 we got a platter of various random soul food items: mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, cornbread muffin, collard greens, rice, and meatloaf. Each item was decent, but not outstanding. Meatloaf was a little lacking in flavor, cornbread muffin was a little dry. The mashed potatoes were probably the best.

Love this place. Had a great bfast here. Egg, bacon, potato and cheese sandwiches. The tiny, cozy atmosphere was great. Staff friendly. They tactfully and cheerfully reminded us to pay our bill as we nearly pulled an unintentional dine-​and-​dash. You order at the counter and then sit and they bring your food out. They said it happens a lot.
If we lived in KC, we’d be here all the time.

I was in KC for a business trip and after a huge obligatory bbq meal the night before, I was ready to wash it down with a good, hearty American breakfast.
I rolled my suitcase all the way from the Hilton to YJ’s after some considerations on Unilocal.I must had looked a little weird in the empty downtown streets. No one else walking around but me and my suitcase.
I wheeled into YJ’s and I was happy with my choice. The guy behind the counter gave a friendly greeting and showed me today’s menu handwritten on a clipboard.
I ordered the American breakfast with pancakes. It wasn’t until I sat down when I realized B + G meant biscuits and gravy… Which is unfortunate. It seems when you go to a place like KC… you should get something with gravy smothered over it.
I sat enjoying the eclectic décor with some funky edgy music that sounded like a combination of rap and metal. Looking at the pictures on the wall of Martin Luther king, JFK, and Obama… I felt safe. This little piece of Kansas City felt like home.
The breakfast was good. Not to die for. But definitely tasty. The coffee was surprisingly really good. It was as good as any snobby San Francisco café… (Which is snobby in itself thing to say)
Sitting there, I thought about my life. How I wouldn’t had ever thought I’d ever visit Missouri… And here I am… Twice in one year. Just getting to visit little corners of the world like YJ’s. So unexpected, yet simple and special. It was a good thought.
Not sure if I’ll ever get to come back. But I’ll always think of you fondly. YJ’s!

Really small store. service was precarious and the lemon cake was dense and dry, but it had the most amazing lemon drizzle on it…

Quirky and eclectic establishment. This is a small place with limited seating. Unsure how the lunch hour rush is however the night we came it was quiet and it was not a problem. We asked the nice lady what was for dinner that night which turned to be Fish in Banana Leaves — the plate was very colorful (fish, plantain, papaya, rice, grapes, olives, hushpuppy). All the flavors worked wonderfully. Only wish there was slightly more fish. SO delicious. People also stopped in for coffee, cookies, pie. Really enjoy the concept of no menu and eating whatever is being served for that day. It has a warm, homey feel. Can’t wait to try more of their meals.

This place has so much character and is a really cool late-​night spot but I imagine it’s cool anytime a day.
I was recently stranded at a nearby hotel and panicked when I looked and saw it was past 2 AM and I was hungry. I was afraid nothing will be open and I found this place on Unilocal.It was a lifesaver.
I will warn you, it’s very casual, they didn’t really have menus when I was there but the two guys working the grill simply asked what I wanted and said I’ll take care of you. They made me a nice egg sandwich with cheese and peppers on it.
The décor and, the art on the walls, the outside seating and the cool independent hippy vibe makes his place worth going to.

As I walked up to grab some lunch at YJ’s, I noticed a sky blue 1980s Chrysler LeBaron painted to look like a bag of Skittles. I knew I was among friends. Walking inside, I was greeted by a man best described as Jack Sparrow’s brother who runs a drywall business and enjoys antiquing as a weekend hobby.
The young lady behind the counter sported a widebrimmed hat with jet black bangs that looked as if they had been cut along the edge of a ruler.
«What’s good?» I inquired
«Well, today we have sandwiches: meatloaf, turkey, and ham. We have ravioli with a spicy sausage and we’ve got some great pulled pork.»
«Sounds good, dealers choice. I’ll be over at that table, and I’ll take one of those Inca colas.»
Ten minutes later, she returned with four street tacos made with the pulled pork, lime wedges and a suggestion to try some Matouk’s West Indian flambeau sauce. It was perfect, so much so that I went back for seconds, ordering the spicy sausage ravioli as well.
When I went to check out, she said, «$ 10.»
“For all that? Are you sure?”
«Sure,» she said «you were helping us get rid of some leftovers.»
I’ll be back for more leftovers soon.

oh hell ya! this place… heaven.
just had the meatloaf and greens, it was fantastic. never had a meal there before. so glad i gave it a try. i’ll have to go back and try some of the other items sometime.
also… they are a coffee house! and the coffee is pretty damn good.

I love their coffee and I love their food.
I really really love their food.

They were closed due to AC problems when we tried eating here, so I can’t comment about the food.
The server was fairly blunt, though… Bordering on rude. I probably won’t be back to try it based on that bad vibe.

My friend and I ate dinner here last night before attending a performance at the FishTank Theater around the corner. It’s an «artsy» neighborhood and very friendly. Because it was a beautiful evening we ordered inside and ate outside. We both chose the tilapia baked in a banana leaf, with a spicy veggie curry, rice topped with a delicious chutney. Included was an ear of corn, 2 corn fritters-​mmm, and a plantain. All delicious! Rounding out the evening we had a hazelnut latte which was excellent. The server was attentive and friendly from beginning to end of our dinner. We agreed we’ll be back! Sorry about the picture we had already begun eating when I took it.

Good strong coffee, delicious cheese ravioli, and chocolate chess pie with a flaky golden-​brown crust. One of the most comforting lunches I’ve had in a long time.

Headed to YJ’s not knowing what to expect. I’m not from KC so I had no idea where my phone was taking me.
The restaurant is tiny and eclectic. A very mixed group of customers in for brunch. Two retired couples meeting for brunch, a young tattooed couple and a single lady obviously in her skimpy outfit from the night before filled the place. The service was friendly and well timed.
I had the Mexican breakfast. The black beans were good as was the pico. The guacamole was obviously bought and the plate would have been fine without it. I didn’t order it for the chorizo, so I was fine with it being a very small portion. A big guy might be disappointed with the portion.
The coffee was fantastic. Would I go there again? Definitely. I enjoyed the acceptance of everyone and would love to try all the daily dishes that come out of the tiny kitchen.
If you are the nervous type or only dine at chain restaurants, you might not be comfortable here, so you won’t enjoy the food. Everyone else — you should stop by and try the special that appeals most to you.

Was with family exploring the Arts District and wanted a quick, inexpensive lunch. We were referred to this place by locals and the reviews were good, so we popped in. We were surprised to see there was only one option available, the ravioli with sausage (or a ham sandwich, which was probably leftovers).
We were quickly greeted by what seemed like the owner, a very friendly gentleman who was excited to describe his ravioli recipe that has been unchanged for years. We were convinced, and all 4 of us ordered the ravioli.
The meal was brought out quickly, while the server informed us that they were out of sausage, which was supposed to come with the ravioli. Our meals were accompanied by a small salad with fresh greens and fresh parmesan on top of the ravioli. I have to say, it was not the best ravioli I’ve ever had, but it satisfied my hunger.
The place had a ton of character. There were artsy-​looking people coming in and out, clearly regulars. All the workers were friendly and diligent. I felt good spending my money here, and will be back whenever I’m in the area.

Best late night food anywhere in KC. There is nothing bad about this place; I have no complaints.
I usually wind up there at 3am on a Saturday or Sunday morning, eating breakfast foods smothered in spicy, southern-​style gravy.
This is how to do YJ’s. Walk in, ask the person behind the counter what they have to eat. If it’s late-​night they usually have a couple plates of food left from their dinner special. If it’s the weekend, they likely have food prepped for the next morning, so you can get breakfast. They’ll customize your breakfast anyway you want it. Want the biscuit gravy on top of a egg sandwich instead? Done. Get a cup of coffee — it’s delish. And grab a fizzy drink or a juice to go from the drinks fridge in the back — you’ll want that later.
The menu is small, but EVERYTHING is delicious. My favorites are the African Dinner plate and the Fried Fish with red beans & rice.
Place your order, fix your coffee, have a seat inside or outside, but keep your money in your pocket. Someone will bring you your food and you’ll pay when you’ve finished eating.
I suggest trying YJ’s at different times of day and different days of the week. Try a Sunday breakfast, a Wednesday lunch, and a late-​night snack on Friday. See which you prefer — I dare you not to become a regular.