YJ’s Snack Bar
128 W 18th St, Kansas City, MO, 64108
YJ’s Snack Bar Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Kansas City for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
128 W 18th St
Kansas City, MO, 64108 - Phone (816) 472-5533
- Website https://yjs-snackbar.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:30 am - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Hipster
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
Good for Working : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Bruce W.
The original Cross-Roads pioneers, these guys were there before it was hip to be there. YJ's has been my default choice for eats in midtown for nearly 15 years. There is no big screen TV, no WiFi, and no customer relationship marketing at the order counter. No loyalty program, no discount card, nor any spam email originating from the place. YJ's is stuck solidly in the mid to late 20th century and is an oasis from the mind numbing technology that has taken over the rest of the world. As for the food, like nearly every other review here, I find the eats at YJs to be some of the best in Kansas City. For around ten bucks you can enjoy the very best of what they have to offer, and that includes a drink from the cooler. As for the help, the nicest people you could ever care to meet.
(5)Vernon M.
I found this place about seven years ago while making daily trips to KC. I needed someplace for lunch, breakfast and sometimes dinner. This wound up being my go to place for pretty much every meal. If you're fussy and weird about your meals, then this place may not suit you. But... It has meals with a homemade feel and it is one of the funkiest places I've ever eaten. It is like going back to the 60's in San Francisco (I imagine) for meals in a hippie restaurant. It's cool, laid back and very funky. The staff is always interesting and different. If you like good food and places with loads of personality, go here. If your fussy and prissy and need things just so, go someplace else. Character, food and definite atmosphere is what this place is about. If I lived in this area, I'd eat here every day and love it. As it was, I did eat there every day for three months and literally lived in the area. I grew accustomed to this place and loved it. I give it 5 STARS if you are looking for a unique experience. If you're a wuss, eat someplace else.
(5)Elaine D.
I ran across my previous review of Y J's recently and thought it was time to give it another try. So I went back to Y J's for lunch today and I was pretty pleased by it. I had the Mideast Plate with lamb and it was good. It consisted of what I'll call lamb meatloaf, a salad, olives, feta, tabbouleh, hummus and rice. All tasted well seasoned and fresh. I got a tip from a regular to always check out what's in the fridge to find something good. I'll be back again for a satisfying and economical lunch.
(3)Kim W.
Came here during our cross country road trip, amazing!! Came for breakfast, menu was hand written on a piece of basically tissue paper--so we knew we were where we wanted to be! I believe we had 1haystack and another breakfast medley and they were both amazing, and filling!! The sausage gravy they make is truely one of the best I've ever had!! I wish we could try more meals here!!
(5)Erin F.
I live right down the street from YJs and finally decided to go one day for brunch. I got the American Breakfast with taters, bacon, and pancakes. It was pretty darn delicious! The potatoes were a mix of sweet and the little red ones, which was super cool. The bacon was yummy and the pancakes hit the spot. My friends got the mexican breakfast and the biscuits and gravy and I'm definitely going to go for those next time. Overall I love the quantness of YJs, but I was a little surprised how much I paid for the breakfast and a cup of coffee. That was the only downfall. Also since it is so tiny, it gets super hot in there super fast so take advantage of the outdoor seating. Maybe next time I'll get it to go, but the ambience is super cool! I highly recommend this place!!!
(4)William Y.
Tried YJ's for the first time yesterday. Dirty Rice lunch - good, but not great or stupendous. But once I mixed the fixins together and dashed a little hot sauce, it was really good. I felt it was a little work on my part to get it flavored right, though. It's close enough to work and the dirty rice post-flavoring was interesting enough to bring me back today. Meatloaf sandwich folks. Warmed on a little grill press. MEAT... IS... LOVE. Dirty rice is still a maybe, but the meatloaf sandwich is a repeat winner. see 'em next week.
(3)Jase W.
Heart and soul of the crossroads. Also among the best kept culinary secrets in kc. The ingredients, the recipes, the care and thoughtfulness that go in to the preparation - all beyond extraordinary. Must-tries include ravioli friday, Ruby's panini, and weekend brunch, especially egg sammy or haystack. But it helps to know that YJ's is not your typical food and coffee place. Neither the staff nor the physical setting just open up to you on your first visit. You have to be a regular to get the real deal. And it's a small shop, not a suburban buffet, so it doesn't always have exactly what you want. To the one/two star reviewers on here upset they didn't have this or wouldn't make that, maybe you should try out burger king or something in the power & white district - those places are probably better suited to your needs anyway. And maybe consider the energy you brought to your disappointing transaction. Perhaps you had a hand in how your bad experience there unfolded.
(5)Michael G.
Good coffee, very cheap prices, changing menu for each day, cool atmosphere, nice sidewalk seating. Great for a late night meal on the weekends. Veggie biscuits and gravy with pico de gallo is essential. Leftovers are a good way to go too.
(5)Jeff R.
Let's just say that my dog Tanner is as discerning as they get and when we leave my house she's always headed straight to YJ's - helluva slice of bacon they're serving here.
(4)Adam W.
Four of us rolled in for a little Sunday brunch in search of unique eats and a one off experience to start the week right. YJ's hit the nail on the head. Everyone at our table left perfectly satisfied. The quiche was great and the haystacks look pretty scrumptious as well. A friendly staff, perfect portions, creative flavor combos, and a eclectic vibe makes this place an adventurous must hit. Looking forward to going back and trying something from the lunch menu.
(4)Gabby A.
The gent and I tried YJ's while we were in KC this past weekend after I had read all the reviews of this little place on yelp. We couldn't wait to get ourselves down there try the biscuits and gravy everyone is raving about. We got there and I really liked what I saw. It is very small with so much character, funk, bright colors, and a healthy dose of dirt and decay. There were 3 or 4 small tables inside with a few more outside. That's definitely something to keep in mind...you may not have a place to sit and nom. We walked in and they had 3 breakfast specials. We of course decided to opt for the American Breakfast-2 eggs, bacon, potatoes and your choice of biscuits and gravy or pancakes. We of course wanted the b&g, and ordered it and were told that they were out. NOOoooooo! This cannot be....please say it is some sort of joke??? Unfortunately, it was not. After we regained our composure, we went with the cakes. I also ordered an iced latte to go with my breakfast plate. The breakfast was solid. Nothing knock out about it. Everything seemed fresh, and the gem on the plate was the potatoes. They were chopped up into little squares and cooked in butter with seasonings. They were very tasty, and not too greasy. The pancakes were incredibly average. I could be wrong, but they just tasted like your average pancake mix. They were a huge disappointment especially since we'd been so excited to try the b&g. My iced latte was fantastic. They obviously know their coffee and how to pull excellent shots. It had a wonderful flavor, and it was just the caffeine boost I needed on that very hot morning. I will definitely give this place another try if I'm in this area around breakfast time again. I'm hoping the next time to get those biscuits and gravy everyone is so excited about.
(3)Michael B.
i love this quirky little place. I never know exactly what or how to order and I can never read there chalkboard menu, so I usually just ask the person at the counter what's good. Never been steered wrong so far. Last weekend I ordered the, well I don't know what it was. the special breakfast sandwich? something like that. All I know is that I am STILL craving that damn sandwich. it's basically eggs and bacon between toast and then smothered in a ridiculously good sausage gravy. sounds simple, but its sublime. Oh and the blueberry pancakes were f'n awesome too. Although i thought it was kind of funny that when we asked for syrup they plopped down like a gallon jug of Ms. Butterworths
(4)Uncle Grannon L.
So to be fair, I'd had a bit to drink before eating here. In fact, I was really fucking drunk. Here's what I remember: It was small, and like a maze. There were two employees. I think they were boyfriend and girlfriend, but I'm not sure why I think that. In any case, they were very friendly. GF took my order, and I think BF cooked it. They had cigarettes for sale, which I really wanted, but not the type I wanted. That was okay though, as you don't really expect to find a cigarette vendor at a restaurant. Beggars and choosers and such. Craig ordered for me, I remember that much. He told me I'd go ape-shit for the bacon, egg and cheese on toast. He got the same. They asked me if I wanted gravy on mine and I said 'sure, why the hell not.' Therefore, my sandwich came out covered in thick, delightful sausage gravy. Wow. I shared most of my sandwich with Joe Hammers. I think he was pretty grateful. I'd like to go back, sober and alone (or w/ my GF). I'm 98% certain that it was really delicious. I know unequivocally that it was fresh, economical and served by really nice people... The rest of the details are sketchy.
(4)Shelby B.
I walked into YJ's Snack Bar and wasn't sure exactly what to think. I liked the way the place looked, colorful and cozy and lots of interesting things to look at, but I doubted the food would be as "phenomenal" as my boyfriend's parents promised. Boy was I wrong, it was amazing. I ordered from the fridge and got some sort of sandwich with an olive spread, and a variety of italian meats on it, and macaroni and cheese (the best macaroni and cheese I've ever had). My boyfriend had the fried tilapia which was part of the fish fry dinner option. He was willing to spare a few bites and it was the best tilapia I've ever had. Overall, I cannot say enough good things about YJ's Snack Bar! I will, without a doubt, be eating here again.
(5)Gerri C.
Definitely a dive, which is alluring if you enjoy that sort of thing. I only bring people who I'm sure will appreciate it. The first time I ate here, I had the Feta Feast dinner. It was delicious. The second time they made me a ham sandwich (not listed on the menu), which was satisfying and fresh. I had some pie that seemed a little stale. The staff was always great to this point, especially considering I'd brought in my infant daughter both times. I also went in for late night coffee after being out barhopping until 2 a.m. One of the best coffees I've ever had. It's the last couple of times that I'm disappointed about. There is a certain hipster attitude in the air that isn't entirely pleasant. A "we don't exactly need your business, but we'll take it". A smile isn't too much, is it? This only matters to me when I've gone out of my way to bring a friend (=new customer) along to impress.
(3)Peter G.
Writing this in the hopes david (the owner) sees it. Please bring back lewis and clarks lost trail sasparilla. i miss it dearly. thanks,
(4)David S.
I love places like this. This reminds me of what I think the Crossroads was probably like before it become trendy. Ok now I can move on. This is a funky little snack bar, slightly out of the way, but worth searching out if you are in need of good food late at night. Me and my friends ordered their egg, bacon and cheese sandwhich slathered in gravy while another ordered their pancakes. The egg was a little overcooked (I wished it was runny) but that is the only possible complaint I can think of. The gravy was spicy and full of flavor. However, the real surprise were the pancakes. Served with real maple syrup, they were incredible. A great crust on the outside and warm and fluffy in the middle. These were not just great drunk pancakes, these were great pancakes. This is the sort of place that would have lines down the street if it was in San Francisco, LA or NY. I am very thankful it is here in KC.
(4)Shovelle S.
I'm so happy knowing I can wake up, wipe the crust out of my eyes,change clothes, throw on some sunglasses(ok, brush my teeth), and walk around the corner to YJ's for the best breakfast ever.(gravy!) I love the 'no worries, mon' vibe that surrounds this place, the friendliness, and the fact you can take your dog with you to any of the outside tables. YJ's doesn't have a daily set menu but because the food is always great you can never go wrong. One of the unknowns is the good coffee here. It's just the right flavor and heat on a cold day..and for cheap! Yj's is definately a neighborhood jem that I hope is around to stay. And it looks like it is.
(5)Rhett H.
I can't believe no one has reviewed this place yet! Let me say, first off, that it is an honor to be the first yelper to write this review. Now on to the review... YJ's should not exist. It's like the imaginary number of places to eat and spend money. Despite the hightened possibility of health code violations, I will always eat there. My body needs the practice fighting the microbial invasion, anyhow. There is just something je ne se qua about it, that relaxes me. It's a dinky little place on Wyandotte St. that was in the fabled 'crossroads' district before there was such a thing. And it's still around. The owner drives up to restock the store in his VW 'thing'., wearing flip flops and a hawaiian t-shirt that looks like it's directly from the 70's or early 80s topping it all off with an everpresent bandana a la Brett Michaels from that 80's glam band. The food is greasy (mostly), fast, delivered to your 'table', and they don't take your money when you order, they just expect you to pay when you're done. What's that? Doesn't everyone just run away after they eat? "Haha! They thought I'd pay! They didn't even ask me for money, so I guess they don't want it! Too bad for them!" I thought about it, but I just couldn't do it. If I did, it would probably mean that I wouldn't come back, and I had to come back. ... I've been back, and I had their biscuits and gravy. Be quick, though, because they run out by 10 or 11 am. They have a sausage or mushroom gravy, and they are both pretty good, but the sausage is a little more spicy. As for the biscuits themselves, they are quite delicious. Another good thing about this place is the plethora of flyers. I mean, you can find more about what's going on around town than picking up a Pitch or the KC Star. Check out the bathroom, and the walls are a veritable annal of underground Kansas City things-to-do-and-see. PS-- I've taken off a star, because in the last few months I've noticed that the food is a little inconsistent, and some of the employees do a much better job than others at getting your food order right. It's not a big deal, the food is good no matter what, but sometimes it seems like the place has this anti-burger king notion that you don't get it your way (depending on who the employee is). But this problem may be exacerbated during slow times when there isn't a food rush, so to be safe, order food when there is a bunch of other people around. Best of luck, and remember to tip. I'm sure they aren't getting paid much, anyhow.
(4)Jennie P.
YJ's. YUM. Affordable food with soul. Now one of KC's best breakfast places, it began as a simple artist café/refueling station of the Crossroads District before the Crossroads existed as a thing and was just a bunch of artists renting space from artists and no frills. YJ's has survived these changes and continues to keep soul in the Crossroads. And its prices haven't skyrocketed unlike some other classic establishments in the area. Great food, great conversation, great atmosphere. A visit to KC is not complete without a visit to YJ's.
(5)David S.
YJ's is the one place I gotta go over anywhere else in KC--even before BBQ...okay, maybe it's a tie. When I lived on the Westside, I used to go in twice on Sundays--once for brunch and once for feta feast in the evening. YJ's is everything punk-hippie-hipster that I love and nothing that I hate, and I'm pretty cynical. Simple, tasty, affordable food. Perfect ambiance. Great tunes. If I could've put that place on a flatbed truck and brought it with me to Colorado, I would've.
(5)Makaio A.
When it comes to a hole in the wall, that seems shady and all the images present concern this may be the one place that defies the stereotypes. Yes, you will dine with unusual people, but I've never met a non friendly person here and while it is very small, only 4 tables inside and they only have 1 meal being served most of the time, it is by far the best cooking for what ever they are serving that day you will likely experience in the city. The prices are also cheap, they also have fresh pies each day and the experience once you warm up to the very non corporate atmosphere is refreshing. The cooks and people who work here are very friendly and really make you feel at home. I've ate here many times, sometimes drive out of my way to come eat here for lunch. Once you let your guards down on what seems questionable with this place, it is a nice experience and a safe place inside.
(5)Jin K.
Best late night eats in KC! Everytime I've been here, I've always left satisfied. Honestly have had everything there & can recommend it all. Best thing is they will accommodate most requests & even let you invent dishes. Everything taste homemade & love how laid back it is there. Never been there during the day but have had the leftovers plenty to know it's probably just as good no matter what time. One of my favorite places to eat.
(5)V S.
This is where the good coffee of KC hides. I get a cup every morning and it's hella cheap. I like the staff, they're real, they're gritty, and best of all they're usually friendly. No reason to be intimidated when you come in. It looks intimidating to some I'm sure. Pete makes the best sandwiches (he isn't there on Tuesdays). Music is usually interesting and there's a plethora of books on the window bench along with flyers for upcoming art and music events. They're local supporters, throw great 18th street parties during Mardi Gras, and it makes a great place to people watch.
(4)Tory T.
holy....i had an amazing vegetable lasagna, garlic bread and salad with tomato, fresh mozz, olives sauteed with almond slivers and capicola. i can't believe it took me so long to try yj's. iris was cooking and i'll definitely be back. this spot has a great vibe and they definitely know what they're doing when it comes to coffee and food.
(5)Sean O.
I have never eaten to food here, although I guess I should. The coffee is great, but really the location is what makes this place special. This little section of 18th street is so important to the X-roads and why KC is so cool. Local artists and designers love to come here...it's sort of the living room of the arts district. Great place to stop in and grab a cup while browsing area galleries and boutiques.
(5)Matt W.
This hole-in-the-wall is consistently tasty. I usually go there for breakfast. It's fast, friendly, quirky, and DELICIOUS.
(4)Patrick B.
FANTASTIC food that is hand crafted as you sit and enjoy the atmosphere and the neighborhood. This place has a really cool mix of people, excellent food and beverage selections, close, intimate, kitchy decor and ambiance. One of the best parts of it is that it is ALWAYS this cool. No matter what time of day or night that you experience it, it is consistent. That is very hard to find, in my book. The area also has an eclectic, growing mixture of stores and interesting art galleries very close together. My favorite tattoo artist (Stormy Jackson) just moved in to Windhorse around the corner, adding to the already great mix of artists and other talent in the area.
(4)Chris S.
I was really excited to go to this place after seeing it on Guy's Diners, Drive-in's and Dive's but ... I had only one word to say after leaving ... overrated. This hippy dive seems like a nice enough place but the food (I only went once and had their dirty rice) was nothing special. Pretty bland on the flavoring. I also had their coffee which wasn't anything special. Not strong at all. If you like your coffee extremely smooth and without flavor, then their coffee is for you!
(2)Emily H.
I absolutely love YJ's. They have lunch and dinner every day, and they have great snacks, coffee, tea, wonderful people, and a cozy space. Simple as can be. If you have never been, go in for a drink and check out the menu. One theme for each meal and it goes by the day of the week. Yumminess.
(4)Kasey G.
Okay I had the special which was dirty rice and the food tasted like it was left over. The chicken and sausage that was in it was tough and tasted like it had been warmed in a microwave. I was seriously dissapointed after going there. There was also a cat litter box scooper thing out in front of the place, which seemed pretty unsanitary to me. My friend had a ham sandwich which he disliked as well. The guy cooking the food was pretty nice but that was the only highlight of the experience.
(2)Ian W.
Flew in from California at midnight and this was the only place besides typical late night fare (Denny's). Had the greatest breakfast sandwich ever drenched in gravy. Great surprise and the setting of the place is great if you don't mind cramped quarters. My delicate west coast stomach is paying the price in the morning though.
(4)Shanique G.
I absolutely love YJs. Their coffee is fantastic
(5)Jaime F.
Find yourself famished in the crossroads closer to sun up then sun down? If its Thursday, Friday, or Saturday I have found the fix for my booze induced tummy rumbling at YJ's...I almost feel like I should apologize for that but something tells me I am one of the more acceptably behaved patrons. I tend to slurp down coffee like it's a race (which is no sweat off the back of the barista being that they do charge for refills. I repeat, they do charge each time you top off that tiny cup with eye popping piping hot java) and eat at least two oddly paired "courses." Last time I paid the YJ a visit I was surrounded by a pre-selected silly post 3 AM bar crowd. Translation: inside voices were not always observed, laughter at a level that would make Paul Bunyon wince ensued, multiple air pots of coffee were pounded and I'm pretty sure an entire oversized carton of 18 eggs was utilized. In addition to tried, true and hard to screw up options like scrambled eggs and the bovine and swine crafted into patties, links and strips we also opted for some non-traditional breakfast fare. The hummus was great and had just the proper grainy texture and grill marked bread. This arrived prior to the rest of the food so all the inebriated carbo-load folks snatched the pita naked style, the spunky bandana sportin grill chick happily tossed some more down for us. We also went for pancakes and French toast to follow. These plates worked their way around the table like clockwork to be shared and consumed by all. Times like this make it evident who didn't go to Pre-School and get that extra year of sub conscious "sharing is a good thing" drilled into their head. Yea, I'm looking at you mister, stop hording the communal pancake platter...and pass the syrup! While I recognize you must have a certain level of tolerance, patience and grace to work in ANY spot that welcomes drunks at all hours it should be noted the service here is always a step beyond. These folks have a sense of humor, a smile and paint a very different environment than a Perkins during the graveyard shift. Oh YJ's when the weather warms up a smidgen and I am tearing up the weekend downtown scenes into the witching hour once more I'll be back to drain your coffee pot with regularity!
(5)Street F.
I've never had a bad meal here. Some would say it's a shady place, I say it has character. Real food, real good, home cooking!
(5)Hadley J.
the perfect place for coffee on the go. catching up with friends over dinner. long relaxing brunch on a Sunday. Late night snack on the way home. i LOVE YJs.
(5)Tara J.
So seriously... we went here last night, 10:30 on a Friday & all they could offer us was refrigerated bbq'd chicken leg with some potatoes or some sort of ravioli (also refrigerated) What do they do? Throw it in the microwave? I was so confused... They are touted as being open 24hrs but wouldn't make us anything... I've heard fabulous things about this place here & other places but doubt I'll even try to go back.
(1)Rachel P.
We went to YJ's after seeing them on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. They offer one meal choice each day. On Monday it was dirty rice. It was a decent meal but nothing super fancy. I would give them another try though, especially for the Mediterranean plate.
(4)Mark A.
I had been wanting to try YJ's since seeing it on Diner's Drive Ins and Dives. Yes, sad to say I have caught a few episodes, but only while working out. I met a friend there for lunch. A little hard to see if you aren't looking, but just past the lingerie shop. The place is quite small with about 4 tables. Seems like most people had called in orders to go. The chairs and tables are well worn. Both of us ordered the lunch special which was lasagne. I was not expecting lasagne, but it was a generous portion and adequately priced. It was good, not spectacular, but a good lunch value. I believe from reading more reviews I should go for breakfast or go when I can try the soul food. I'd go back and try it again. Not the place for you to take that friend that finds a complaint every time you go out with them. They might not like this place. If you are open minded and value oriented, a good choice.
(3)cathy s.
I ALWAYS go to YJ's when I'm in KC to get real. Even my British husband insists we have to go. The food is great. The attitude adjustment is priceless.
(5)linda l.
I appreciate the environment, especially when I first arrived and knew few people. I hear that Walt Disney's studio was next-door...
(4)Matthew S.
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.
(5)Joe G.
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.
(5)Jeffrey M.
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.
(1)Laura F.
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.
(4)B. L.
I love their coffee and I love their food. I really really love their food.
(5)Carole R.
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.
(5)Jessica B.
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.
(5)Cherie M.
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.
(4)Briston D.
This place has been my staple since I opened an office in the Crossroads in 2003. No bullshit vibe with great coffee, food and folks. Don't be taken back by the brash nature of the person that takes your order, they're likely just a hipster with bad communication skills. Friday ravioli is my favorite day.
(5)Donna D.
David Ford has the best Central American food I've ever eaten! His recipe In Guy Fieri's book called Dinners, Drive-ins and Dives is worth buying just for his recipe of YJ's Fish and Banana leaves is out of this world! If you watch the Good Channel check out Dinners, driver ins & Dives! The episode YJ's is featured in! It's awesome! David is also an incredible artist! And in my humble opinion the Godfather of the Cross Road's Art District! Happy Saturday, Mr. Ford!
(5)Christine S.
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.
(4)Kelly B.
All that I can say... Holy crap amaze balls. The service is friendly and the counter girl was also the waitress, and she rocked it no doubt. We talked with the counter girl and apparently the owner takes the staff to other countries to taste test and learn about foods and cultures. They only make one meal for dinner plus the left overs that they have, all of which are delectable. I missed the ham and bean soup by a day or two which was sad. The desserts are phenomenal. I could have cried. Bravo.
(5)Gina M.
When my husband first suggested this place, I completely dismissed it. I am here to admit, I was wrong in doing that. This is a hidden gem in the city and once you enter its humble doors, its charm will instantly win you over. With its late weekend hours, this is the perfect spot for night-owls looking for a spot with a damn-good cup of coffee and some pie. No matter what the hour, YJ's is always bustling with people coming in and out. The service is always fast and friendly and the snacks never disappoint. I enjoy this place for its old-school charm, interesting people and key lime pie.
(4)Alex B.
In town for a conference and found this adorable hole in the wall- we had a group of 11, and when we walked in, we weren't sure if we were gonna fit. It's tiny, but they made room for us and treated us great. When you walk in you immediately can smell how good the food is- it's cooking, right there, behind the counter. I got The Mexican, which was a breakfast option with flour tortillas, an egg, chorizo, some intense pico de gallo, beans, and queso fresco. It was unreal. I almost ordered a second one before I was done eating mine, it was so delicious. The food is phenomenal, the atmosphere is super friendly, and the interior is incredibly fun to look at. Honestly, I wish I lived in Kansas City so I could get this every day. Every city needs a place like this.
(5)Tim D.
Really great casual breakfast / brunch. Super-friendly, and the grits and biscuits & gravy were super. I will come back
(5)Matthew M.
YJ's....what a unique place. Hard to describe as there really are few places of comparative cuisine and culture. It's a cafe...well, kind of. Maybe a kitchen.... Regardless of what you call it, they have one choice of food each meal modeled after an exotic location which the owner has personal travel experiences in. It's a great concept, completely eclectic, and full of experienced character. Not always the best food, but certainly the best intentioned. Give it a shot.
(4)E H.
Best Vegetarian Quiche! A little teeny tiny place full of ambience. The couple who was waitress and cook couldn't have been nicer. Just 3-4 tables , but more like your home kitchen! We went for brunch and I had the quiche, my friend had 1/2 potion of the biscuits and gravy(completely filled her plate). Delish. They actually would make pretty much any combo for you... I'll be back and try other times of day!
(5)Alex D.
This place is a gem for home cooked soul food! I immediately appreciated the funky eclectic jazzadelic Mardi gras atmosphere. Good tunes and even better food. I had the meatloaf with mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, rice, corn bread and collared greens. I was frozen solid when I came in and this meal along with my hot tea warmed my soul to the bone. It sounds like a huge plate of food, and it is, but somehow I found room for the pie. Don't forget to save room for the pie. This is some real food here folks. You won't find this anywhere else. Madeline was the bomb, friendly, informative, warm and inviting in a Kansas city sort of way. Never thought I could feel so at home so far away from home. Would give it 6 stars if I could! Thank you Nikky (Marriott) for this great reccomendation. Can't wait to try breakfast here some time.
(5)R B.
Charming little place that always has excellent food made the way you would make it at home. Probably my favorite breakfast potatoes anywhere. Friendly. Good coffee. Inexpensive. All good really no bad. Also, even though there aren't many seats there is somehow always a place to sit.
(5)Kiran H.
Had no idea this place had late night food.thanks to the yelp reviews we ended up going for late night grub. All I can say is that the breakfast sandwich was ah-mazing and the craziest-best gravy I have ever had. So amazing I now call this place "Crazy Gravy Good."
(5)Wesley M.
One of a kind, truly. The first thing you'll notice about YJs is the vibe, which I won't try hard to define (hippy, iconoclastic and intimate?). But don't neglect the coffee and espresso drinks, and the food! I just ate the Feta Feast, which was somehow EXACTLY what I wanted at 9pm on a Sunday after napping through dinnertime. Filling but not greasy. The food always tastes like something your friend who is a good cook would throw together in their kitchen for you. And the coffee and espressos are top notch. It's a smaller place so not great for big groups, but solo or with a partner, it's hard to beat.
(5)Madeline S.
What a cute little find! This is close to my loft and a nice walk in the morning to grab some coffee and sit down with a newspaper and some delicious pancakes. I also like that the portions are pretty small so I don't feel stuffed but it's also kind of an indulgence. YJ's is super tiny inside. I usually prefer to sit outside. It has a mom and pop feel. The cook will come check on you and see how you liked your meal. It's just really cute, can't wait to go back on a relaxed Sunday morning!
(4)Amy E.
So sorry that I've got to drop the rating. In my last review of the place, I raved about the biscuits and sausage gravy. Soooooo good. In the past years I've ordered them many times, and they've always been fantastic. So what did I recently do? I took some people to YJ's for breakfast, raved yet again about the biscuits and gravy, so all four of us decided to order them. I suppose I was tempting fate.... Both the biscuits and the gravy were terrible. Nobody finished more than half of his serving. The biscuits were hard, dry, and crumbly (where before they had been biscuity perfection). We had to hack at them with the tines of the fork to get granite-like chunks to break off. As for the gravy, it was a thick, gunky mess. Way over-thickened. And the lovely chorizo sausage that had infused the gravy previously? Almost non-existent. But the gravy was still oddly spicy hot, as if hot pepper powder had been added in an attempt to replace the mostly missing chorizo. I've got to say, I was rather embarrassed. Guess I should have known better than to make such an adoring recommendation. The best thing about YJ's? Sitting outside at a sidewalk table in the morning with a cup of coffee. Other than that, I'm not sure I would recommend the place any longer. The breakdown: Breakfast: 2-3 stars: The cinnamon rolls are decent, the biscuits and gravy terrible, while some of the freshly-made breakfast plates can be quite good (if the correct person is cooking). Lunch: 1 star: Had a couple of horrible lunches. The food is pre-made without much skill, and then left to sit in a slow heater all day. Ick. Interior atmosphere: 3 stars: Tiny little place. But if you can snag a table, the dive atmosphere and people watching can be fun. Exterior atmosphere: 5 stars: Love sitting outside with a cup of coffee, watching the world go by. Employees: 4 stars: They are almost universally pleasant, and helpful when asked questions. Ease of use: 2 stars: Though the employees are pleasant, they seem to expect that a customer knows the drill without being told. The day's breakfast menu is handwritten on a small piece of paper that sits somewhere on the counter, but if you don't know to look for it, it is easy not to see. (And not once have I ever had an employee indicate its presence.) Baked goods, etc, are in glass cases that are somewhat difficult to see into, so what is available for sale is not very clear. And prices for these items are not posted anywhere. Other patrons: 2 stars: The place is often occupied by an assortment of hipster types, who seem to make a clear point of looking other patrons up and down, and then sneering with clear derision if those people aren't up to snarky little hipster standards. This isn't the fault of management! But given the tiny space, the derision can feel quite uncomfortable. Overall, if you're in the area and wanting a cup of coffee, give the place a try. But don't expect too much.
(2)Sarah N.
We'd like to keep YJ's as our own little secret, but that wouldn't be fair. It's a wonderful little hole in the wall--our favorite place to stop for coffee after dinner.
(5)Mark H.
We had dinner here tonight. The FetaFeast. Was super good. Good coffee. Nice eclectic feel, cool neighborhood... Add it to your list. The rest of the dinner menus looked great. I'll be back to try more. Tip: Dinner is not served until 6pm on weekends. Staff was friendly and helpful. Talked to the owner, which is always cool. The price was very affordable... It was a fun meal.
(4)Eric K.
I couldn't have asked for anything more. Silky rich espresso, the NY Times, sweet pastries, straight-forward breakfast (we beat the Sunday brunch), eclectic wall coverings, and music spanning Dylan, jazz and the Kinks. A must stop on our next visit to KC.
(5)James D.
I'm not sure how all the alcohol I had to drink before hand affected my experience. BUT this is really good drunk food. We stopped here after watching jazz at the Green Lady lounge after about 1am. This place reminded me kinda like the Zoo bar in the way that it is pretty divey but with a hipster touch. The walls are plastered with to many decorations and are overwhelming and busy enough to make you dizzy. Its small and has a bit of patio seating outside. I tried to order the Mexican breakfast but apparently they were out or it doesn't exist or something so I just said I wanted some sort of burrito. They hooked me up with the pork burrito, 2 eggs and some potatoes. It was tough to get down, unfortunately my inebriated self ended 1 bite away from finishing the plate. The rest of the crew seemed to enjoy their food as well.
(4)Caleb L.
Open Sunday-Wednesday 7:30am-10pm and 24 hours a day the rest of the week/weekend (opens Thursday morning and doesn't close until Sunday night). Very laid back place, like visiting a friend who whips up something tasty in the kitchen for you (who also happens to make a killer latte). So, a good friend to have! Their prices were great, and I managed to get a soup and sandwich and large latte for about $11. The dining area is SMALL, with room for less than 20 people, so I would have a backup plan (such as taking food to go) in case the place fills up.
(4)Angela J.
How could you not love YJ's???? Late night home cooked grub - come as you are and all are welcomed here!
(5)Zack Y.
Hey, just saying--fish in banana leaves is not the same as fish and shrimp in banana leaves. I have a shellfish allergy and had an allergic reaction tonight. YJ's employee didn't really seem concerned about it when I brought it up. It'd be cool if they would make it a point to express to their employees how HUGE a deal it is to communicate with customers what's actually in their food when it comes to known and common allergens. This is super-basic stuff when it comes to training employees to handle food.
(1)Kayla H.
A golden find for an out-of-towner! I have a HUGE soft spot for seedy little joints with big character and no pretense. Smells like a greasy pot from my Gramma's kitchen (read: next to Heaven). It's open 24/7, the staff was friendly, and Mr. Rogers' "Won't You Be My Neighbor" was playing...I say it's a solid 5 stars.
(5)Diane S.
This was my first foray into the Crossroads district and I haven't missed much. It's tiny and the food and service is basic in taste and presentation. I had the biscuits and gravy. It would have had decent flavor if the biscuits weren't so dense and it wasn't luke warm. My companion had the Mexican breakfast and left her plate almost full. If you're the artsy, support the neighborhood spot, great for dog watching type this might appeal to you. Everyone else, skip it.
(2)Billie H.
I have been wanting to try YJ's since seeing it on DDD and I don't know why it has taken me this long, I just don't think about it when I am out and about. This may be my absolute favorite place to eat in the city now if what they actually served didn't confuse me. I am not sure if they just have a special and that is what you get or if there are options. The menu board is hard to see with the lighting and appeared to just list daily specials. I could be way off and they actually have a menu, but I don't know. The girl working told me what the special was and at that point a menu really didn't matter. Jerk chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, sweet potatoes, couscous, and cabbage (actually I don't think she said that part but a cabbage salad was on my plate.) Everything was to die for. If I was on death row and had to pick a last meal, this might be it. The chicken was perfectly spiced, cut with your fork tender, and juicy. The mac and cheese was perfectly cheesy. The collard greens were the absolute best greens I have ever had. The sweet potato was a thick slice with the skin still on and seemed to be baked and then finished in a skillet to caramelize it and give it some sweetness. My only complaint was there could have been another one or two it was so darn good! The couscous was pretty standard, but complemented the meal perfectly. Normally I do not like cabbage at all. To have sliced cabbage on my plate is normally kind of a turn off. It was simply dressed, but the combo was perfect and I finished it all. This was the kind of meal that you will want seconds, probably even thirds! I finished it off with a piece of blueberry pie. It did not disappoint either. The crust was nice and flaky, the blue berries popped with flavor. One of my big complaints about restaurants lately is the inadequate spicing of their food. YJ's is the absolute exception and they perfectly spice every component on your plate. The place is really small. Only a few tables with some seating outside, but as it gets cold that will not work. The decor fits the restaurant perfectly. A lot of old signs, tags, stickers, etc. Even in the bathroom you will want to hang out and read everything on the walls. The service is ok, not bad, nothing to get overly excited about. They take care of you. I wish the menu was a little more clear, hopefully on future visits I will figure this out. If you have not tried YJ's, move it to the top of your list and don't forget it like I did. (I am marking this as not good for kids as it is very small so if you have out of control children, leave them at home!)
(5)Matt E.
There's not a lot that's unsaid about this stellar coffee and food spot. The food is great, though you're eating what they want to serve that day, or else you aren't eating at all. Let me just say that if there's anywhere better in KC for people watching, I don't yet know about it! The parade of characters that comes in and out of this place is just glorious. For example, today I saw a senior citizen wearing what I can only assume was a Dollar General Abraham Lincoln Halloween costume. The fact that they offer excellent food and a pretty decent coffee is just icing on the cake. One annoyance: they only take debit/credit cards on purchases over $5.00, and no coffee drink costs more than $4.50. You'd be amazed at the number of bananas I've bought because of this rule.
(5)Raffi M.
I don't see what the hype is about YJ's, my experience was lackluster and the food, at least from what I ordered and what I saw was available, was nothing unique enough to write home about. Walking in I was immediately overwhelmed with the divey, grungy, and humid atmosphere. Given the unclean restaurant, I thought to myself that the food better blow me away for JY's to live up to the amazing reviews. The menu is so random for a coffee shop; with sandwiches and daily specials that don't fit the motif. On my visit, the special was cheese ravioli (pretty ordinary), but I decided to try the meatloaf sandwich. It took a seemingly unnecessary amount of time to grill up this sandwich which consisted of two plain slices of bread with some cheese and meat inside. The sandwich was cut in half and thrown on the plate with no sides or sauces. The sandwich was quite hot, cheesy, and did taste decent on a cold day, but I would never go out of my way to get this again. The service was quite friendly though, but there are like 4 or 5 tables in the cramped space and the lack of cleanliness in the restaurant didn't give me confidence in what I was eating. I do give them credit for supporting the local community with posters and flyers from local the local art, music, and shopping scene. I'm sure this is a fantastic place for a quick bite or coffee on the way to work or something, but I just might not fit the bill of being hip enough to fall in love with YJ's.
(2)Ryan A.
I have spend a lot time and money at this place. Worth it.
(5)Bradley S.
I found this place by chance, as I was just looking for a latte. I had almost stopped at Mildred's, but YJ's looked interesting. Although the latte was nice, it was really the young lady who waited on me that got me to return several times. She was just an honest, hard working, kind young person:). I look forward to seeing you next year!
(5)Shane W.
The world would be a better place with more YJ's and fewer McD's. I'm updating this review because since my first visit many months ago, I think I've about become a regular myself. I work about 3 blocks away and to think it took me a year to try YJ's kind of sends shivers through me. YJ's is a local hangout and from what I've seen, it seems as though it's a pretty tight knit group of regulars. That said, even on my first visit, I felt welcome and comfortable. Ordering is easy and even though the place is small, there always seems to be a place to sit. They have a regular menu with Monday through Friday specials plus it seems as though there's always something around they can use to put together a plate for you. Imagine being at your house and looking in your fridge for something to eat. It's kind of like that except they always have something. YJ's focus is on fresh and local although I don't think the local part is a deal-breaker. The fresh part though, absolutely is. There's a number of vegetarian options permanently on the menu (veggie sandwich and veggie burrito) plus many of the daily specials can be made vegetarian with some easy substitutions. Cozy is the operative word here, this is the kind of place you love, or it's unpolished vibe is just not for you (though I just don't understand that) there's no grey area here. In all, it's a great place to explore if you're up for something a little different.
(5)Brent K.
i don't get it. I'm obviously not hip enough to understand the allure of this place. The food sits around all day and gets old quick. i don't drink coffee and i don't speak hip. oh well.
(1)Angela W.
My favorite YJ's meals over the last 10 or so years... #1 meatloaf, mac n cheese, collard greens, homemade cornbread! Others: Mexican breakfast, regular breakfast, French toast, coffee, sandwiches and Mediterranean plate. We put on Spectrum Fantastic Art Live the last 2 years & have sent a lot of people there from the event. Everyone said they likes it better than the Power & Light options for convention noms. I do like the 24 hour service on weekends & used to eat there about 3am every Sunday for a few years...
(5)Cindy S.
Great food and always enjoyed this place until today when the owner was working and he was in a VERY crabby mood. He threw a plate in the kitchen when a lady brought her plate to him because her eggs were not prepared as ordered. Everyone easting jumped and got quiet. He made our breakfast less than pleasant by his crabbiness as this was just one incident. Other people have mentioned that some of the people are rude in this establishment. Too bad because it is such a unique place.
(3)Stephen H.
Five years in KC and I finally make it to YJ's. Great place...not a place for a large group, mind you, but a great place to grab a bite with a couple friends (think Town Topic). Open 24-7 on Fridays and Saturdays, it's also a great place to dry out if you've had bit too much Power or Light on a given weekend. One of the cooks was making muffalattas when we came in, but was happy to press a couple panini-style italian sausage sandwiches. That, plus an enormous selection of eclectic sodas, including Mexican Tamarindo, and you've got a recipe for a great little place to relax and eat great food.
(5)David A.
We'd seen this place on the Food network, so we had been dying to try it for AGES. Every time we go by, on First Friday's, it's just insanely packed. So, one night we were driving around at a late hour, perhaps midnightish and found it to only have a few people inside...and you know how my stomach grumbles when I'm hungry. Watch out, Oscar the grouch is approaching! How many restaurants are open late in KCMO anyhow? FEW! I had some pan fried fish with some sort of corn bread like topping along with vegetable salsa. A match made in heaven! She made it from scratch. It was not only DAMN GOOD, but DIRT CHEAP. I think I paid under $10 for the entire meal. I was left wanting for a double portion, but alas, I was in food coma already. Of note, they have few menu items and it rotates every day. The staff was quite friendly and the hipster crowd was in full swing. I have to admit, I eavesdropped on some table conversation next to us where some woman was talking smack about her girlfriend and some other girl she met on the bus who didn't like her tats and piercings. ENTERTAINMENT! It was also fun to look around the place. The restaurant is rather old and I enjoyed looking at the signs and imagining what happenned there over the last 60 years. If you're looking to come with a large group, DON'T. It's small and there is little seating outside. They are dog friendly on the outside, so be free to bring poochie and ask for water. I have. Street parking can get tough, but at this hour on a NON First Friday, it was dead and parking was to be had. I got to see the Blue Brother's car replica on the street and snap a few shots.
(5)Stevo S.
I ate a piece of garlic and that piece of garlic went in my zol sol soul sol soul Seoul tzwhl alma Sowl? stool sole Seoul sold
(5)Gabriela D.
I really love this place. The food is great and always different and the staff is super nice. It's tiny but super cute and has good tables outside for good weather and people watching.
(5)Mary M.
The coffee was great, hence the three stars. I wasn't impressed by the decor and there was no breakfast menu. I guess you have to be psychic to know what they have? I've seen in other reviews that this is a late night go-to, but seriously? I was planning on breakfast, took my first look at the place, saw the cashier/cook move eggs on a plate with her hand and decided food was not an option for me here. Great coffee that I'll come back for!
(3)Danielle S.
Utterly fabulous little snack shack. With its weathered old screen door, I almost felt like I was back in central Texas, walking up to a mom and pop store for an ice-cold Coke. Totally dead on a lovely Saturday night, my friends and I took over a few tables on the sidewalk and had a great time shooting the breeze for an hour or so. This place doesn't really have a set menu, and is based on the whims of the cook that day. I had already eaten dinner, so I didn't partake in the daily entree (jambalaya, if you must know) but I was down for a slice of cake. It was heeeeavenly. I'm not a huge fan of the chocolate cake / orange frosting combo, but I think this version made me a believer. It tasted like something out of a grandma's kitchen, with soft, moist innards and real orange zest flavoring the frosting. Although it's more of a counter service place, they don't charge up front, so don't forget to pay at the end (like we almost did). Definitely worth a visit, and I have a feeling I'll be back.
(4)Caroline L.
So, came here with my boo just after getting my tattoo at Mercy Seat. And since that morning I'd been watching food network, I suggested it since we were quite hungry. It is such a small space that it tends to feel cramped and claustrophobic when there are more than 7 people inside ordering or eating. However, the ambiance and the food definitely made up for the slight claustrophobia I was feeling - and the pain of a new tattoo probably helped dull that as well. The food itself was fairly spectacular - of course the menu wasn't all that substantial so one would expect the food to be amazing. And it definitely met my expectations. We both ordered the African Chicken with mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. The seasoning on the chicken was perfection and the chicken itself was cooked perfectly and amazingly moist. Another perk was that there were sodas in glass bottles. Granted I don't drink sodas anymore, but seeing the glass bottles I caved and grabbed an orange cream soda. Talk about throwback. We also grabbed a gigantic cookie to share - OMG amazing. Not quite as good as my homemade cookies, but quite amazing nonetheless. Overall, it was an amazing meal but the space was quite cramped. Made it kind of hard to enjoy myself, especially because I don't particularly enjoy crowds or people walking behind me. A good place to grab a quick bite, especially after getting new tattoos.
(4)Katie P.
If you want breakfast this is the place to go. B&G hands down. My roommate and I call them it their crack gravy because it's so tasty and ruins any other form of B&G for you. Seriously, I would eat this gravy as if it were a soup given the opportunity. I've only eaten lunch here one by mistake, my 58 year old mother was in town and I had talked it up so much for breakfast we decided to go. I warned her it was a little hippie-ish and bit of a dive but Momma Beth is one cool cat and up to give anything a try. They had just stopped serving breakfast when we got there and didn't have any B&G left over so we went ahead and opted for an early lunch splitting the ravioli special. AWESOME! My mom loved this place, and refers to it as the "Democratic Breakfast Place" whenever she's in town. (They had Obama/Biden bumper stickers which she happily took as she lives in a conservative black hole.) It is quite small, but for a late night breakfast after the bar closings and being able to people watch it's fantastic. I do suggest you get there early before they run out of the much talked about B&G's. And if anybody has any form of cheat recipe for it, please do share.
(5)Matt B.
Talking about a no shit, no doubt, hole in the wall. Good coffee, give it a five. Came in late on a night that the ole fryer had be running non stop all day. The god damn grease smell was so overpowering that I felt like I was a potato jammed in the exhaust pipe of a biodiesel loving hippie. Which ironically was much better then I smell on the reg (pig farmer). Still, there is something that just turns my stomach about grease smell so this rating is pretty much based on that. Take it for what you will, I doubt it reeks all the time. Coffee still a ++.
(3)Matthew S.
Frankly, they could saute up a cardboard box and I'd still give them high marks. In a list of "keep Kansas City weird" gems, this is headliner. Anchoring one of the most interesting single blocks in the entire city, YJ's adds its wobbly tables littered with counter culture types to the quirky, colorful scene that is 18th St. Inside, it is a dark, cramped smattering of a few tables and a service counter. You may or may not find a place to sit. You'll work it out. Enjoy trying to stay out of the way and looking at the interesting decor while you wait. I've gone many times for lunch, which features a day-of-the-week menu theme that always offers a vegetarian version. The food is usually almost as tasty as the experience. Despite ordering from the counter, they usually ask you to pay when you are finished, presumably to encourage tipping or to make it feel more like a full service restaurant. It isn't. It is, however, open very late on weekends, and always a beacon of activity on this great street. Go check it out.
(4)Adrn H.
This place had all the great aspects of a true divey coffee shop. Every conceivable surface was plastered in band posters, campaign stickers, and graffiti. The servers looked like they fell out of my women's studies classes in college. Coffee is cheap, cookies are good, and the place looks like it may be shut down any second, just for looking seditious. Additionally I appreciated that the clientele is surprisingly diverse: evidently old hippies, yopros, parents with young children, and the gratuitously tattooed (and mustachioed) alike come here for coffee.
(5)Derrick C.
I came here excited for a Latin Soul Food breakfast but sadly realized that those items are only for lunch and weekend brunch. So all they serve for weekday breakfast is a basic and uninspiring eggs/potatoes/toast/pancakes meal or breakfast sandwiches. So sad...don't make my mistake.
(3)Haley J.
Ruby Rocks! Support local businesses & check this place out! The food & service is unique & wonderful!
(4)Blaze n.
Love this place! It's like a little piece of NYC in KC. So much character. Don't miss this one of a kind! It's wrong in all the right ways. ;o)
(5)Jake C.
Another trip in to KC from Lee's Summit (before we moved closer) brought my fiance and I to YJ's at something like 11pm. I wasn't expecting much, but had seen it on TV, and read some positive things on yelp so it was adventure time. Let's just start here: YJ's is small. YJ's is one of those nice little hole in the wall joints you hear about, but don't see very often nowadays. Space for maybe 3 tables inside, with some more scattered on the sidewalk. Not a negative point, mind you, just a warning. Don't come with a large group and expect to be seated together. Now onto the good part, the food. YJ's menu changes daily. Things from comfort food, to Asian and Mediterranean, you never quite know what they'll have on the menu that day. When I went, it was a Mediterranean plate with chicken, couscous, hummus, and a Greek salad. All of it flavorful, the couscous especially. The downside was that by the time we made it in, everything was all but put away for the night, so it was kind of luke warm. I completely understand this, as we showed up in the middle of the night, so I can't really deduct any stars. I'm sure it was twice as tasty in the afternoon. Outside makes for some good people watching and while we were there, there was a jazz band practicing in the majority of the dining area inside. Made for some great tunes with a late dinner.
(4)Reed N.
I really don't know the hours of this place. I don't think the owner does either. lol The menu is a weekly mixture of sandwiches and such for lunch and a "theme" for dinner such as Italian, Mexican, Soul Food, etc. They run out of stuff here. I like that. Things are homemade here, and generally not shy in terms of flavor. So I got the only thing I could today at about 115pm... a breakfast sandwich. Grilled ham, mushroom/black pepper gravy, cheddar cheese, egg, whole grain toast. A can of coconut water to drink. Delicious. They are always funky, freaky, weird, and otherwise completely different people from me coming and going here. Totally not my scene at all. Which makes it a comical people watching place for me. There is seating for about 12 of these entertaining souls outside if it is not raining. Perhaps the same amount inside. The bottom line is this place is about one micron short of 5 stars, which means it is good stuff.
(4)Krissy H.
This place was awesome. First, the staff. Hot. Androgynous, sexy, eye candy. I know that may be a bit inappropriate. but if you are going for the food haha it is also amazing! Soul food at its best. Want a menu? Well YJ's has a list of things they will make for you this week, but its really up to them and changes up a lot. I was really impressed with the breakfast we got. A little of everything! Biscuit omg. Oh, did I mention its TWENTY FOUR HOURS!?! Great, and catch a drink around the corner at for the adult frosties at Snow.. can't go wrong!
(5)Leilani H.
I four-starred this place because I'm a *huge* supporter of mom and pop coffee houses. Star 1 - Cheaper than Starbuck's coffee but just as good. Star 2 - Sandwiches are packed full of meat and veggies. No skimping here. Star 3 - Fresh fruit! Star 4 - Yummy desserts and daily specials. I've turned into a regular for YJ's.
(4)Ann W.
So here's a true story of how we came to eat at YJ's. My fiance, now my husband, and I drove to the Jackson County Courthouse to get our marriage license. I had taken the day off work for this excursion because my work is so far out in the boonies in JOCO that this adventure was not going to just be a long lunch. We arrived to find a little sign on the door saying the offices were closed. On a Tuesday. Apparently, nearly every government office in the state of Missouri closes its doors on Harry Truman's birthday. Who knew? And who even knows when Truman's birthday is?? I do. Now. So disappointment was weighing heavy on my soul as I was trying to figure out when I could possibly fit in another day off from work before our wedding day to go get our license. So my fiance suggested checking out YJ's and regrouping there. So we did. YJ's is definitely the most unassuming restaurant I have ever been to. It feels like you're walking into a 1940s eat in kitchen with 70 hard years of use under its belt. The menu....what menu?? There's a chalk board, but it's not of great use because they have stuff that's not on it and stuff that's on it, they may be out of. So you just gotta ask. They'll whip you up something you like out of what they have on hand if nothing they tell you about sounds good to you. I kinda like that. So I got something from their "menu" and I can't recall much what it was other than it came with homemade salsa that was far too heavy on the red onions (and I like red onions a lot). My fiance asked them to whip him up a vegetarian burrito which was really tasty. We had some apple pie for dessert that was kinda eh and may have been a day beyond its prime. We sat outside and enjoyed a lovely view of the neighborhood on a nice warm sunny day which was a major plus. The folks who run this place seem genuinely kind and want to be sure their customers are happy, so that's a good thing. All in all, not the best dining experience I've ever had in KC, but worth checking out again. And now to return to the back story: After fortifications at YJ's and lots of smart phone web browsing, we found out that the county offices up in Platte County were open, so we made a trek up North where we met some lovely people who took $55 in cash and gave us our wedding license.
(3)Eva J.
Be prepared to smell like bacon upon leaving, but there is literally no better place in town (in my book) for a late-night coffee and cigarette on the 18th street sidewalk. (Yes, I like Town Topic, too, but ever since you can't ash on the floor any longer, it's lost some of its charm.) Thursday night is soul food night, and y'all best be there. It's so good, it almost feels wrong. Mmmm.
(4)Dan D.
I gotta say it took a little while for this place to grow on me but when it did I became a fan for life. The food here is basic and always a little different from what you would expect but very delicious. The only thing that turns me off a little is walking in to this place in the middle of the day or evening and getting stared down by a patron that has been camping at a table all day working on god knows what because I want to sit down next to them at a different table and eat my food. I know YJ's has long been an artists hangout but don't judge someone because they don't look or act the same way you do. Late night I recommend the breakfast sandwich with gravy on top, always does the trick.
(4)Michelle E.
Unique and awesome!
(4)Heather P.
It turns out that wanting to like a place just isn't enough. I keep going back to it like a bad relationship but YJ's is still is not meeting my needs. This small coffeehouse and restaurant in the Crossroads is a strange mix of artsy meets hipster. Key word: strange. I typically love weird and unique places so I have wanted to like this place for three years now. Long business hours, a variety of food, baked goods, and best of all, coffee...seems like a match made in Heaven for me. Sadly, it is just not what I need it to be, and it's not me, it's them. What I like about YJ's is a decently long list: the staff has always been nice to me and have had really fun personalities (as long as said staff has had their caffeine, note the difference), the espresso and coffee have never been bitter or cold in my cup, foam consistency on my drink has been consistently acceptable, and best of all-it's weird! Plus the tables and chairs are PERFECT for enjoying the city on those beautiful Spring and Fall mornings. They even steam my own Almond milk when I think to bring it. Also, the regular customers who frequent this place are even more entertaining than the shop itself. Repeat: I want to like this place! What I don't like about YJ's: Their credit card limit sign and the fact that they cover it up with other signs then get uppity when you forget or don't realize that the purchase minimum to use a credit/debit card is $5. As none of the drinks I order go anywhere near that amount even with a tip-frustrating! Next, as a friend recently pointed out to me as I was on the way to YJ's to do some Yelping, there is no internet! I get that there is not much indoor seating so loiterers are probably not welcome but what would it hurt to get some internet signal in this joint for those sitting outside on a beautiful day? Also at YJ's, a line is just a queue of people. Do not be fooled by this and think that you are served in the order in which you gave your order. I've ordered a drink at the front of the line, and they moved on to the next people and making food orders for those behind me while I wait for my small soy cappuccino. This has actually made me late to work before. Next, where in the world is their food menu?! I know it changes daily, but their hard to read chalk menu and cluttered walls make it hard to figure out what those specials are. I hear that the biscuits and gravy are phenomenal but where in the world are they listed as menu options? With a list of 'likes' that is longer than the 'dislikes', you'd think there would be enough here for me to love coming back. Some faithfuls will probably say that I just don't get it but the truth is, I Do get it. I get what they're going for but they fall short of the mark for me. They do just enough to convince me to give them another chance when no other options within walking distance are open but I remain unconvinced. Maybe I need YJ's counseling to make it work...
(3)Erin C.
I have been wanting to try YJ's after seeing how lively that corner of the Crossroads are on First Friday's. I loved the "whole in the wall" hipster vibe of this place. I met my parents there on a Wednesday evening about 6 p.m. We were given two options: Pork Roast and Meatloaf You could then choose 3 sides: Corn, collard greens, mashed potato's, macaroni & cheese, and cornbread. I chose the meatloaf, mashed potato's, mac & cheese and corn. The meatloaf was full a flavor with a little kick. I would have preferred it to be a little warmer. It was also a little dry. The mac & cheese was excellent as well as the corn. The mashed potato's were good but could have used a little more flavor. Overall it was a very yummy home-cooked meal. Service was excellent. I plan on coming here much more in the future!
(4)Matthew S.
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.
(5)Joe G.
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.
(5)Jeffrey M.
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.
(1)Laura F.
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.
(4)B. L.
I love their coffee and I love their food. I really really love their food.
(5)Carole R.
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.
(5)Jessica B.
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.
(5)Cherie M.
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.
(4)Briston D.
This place has been my staple since I opened an office in the Crossroads in 2003. No bullshit vibe with great coffee, food and folks. Don't be taken back by the brash nature of the person that takes your order, they're likely just a hipster with bad communication skills. Friday ravioli is my favorite day.
(5)Donna D.
David Ford has the best Central American food I've ever eaten! His recipe In Guy Fieri's book called Dinners, Drive-ins and Dives is worth buying just for his recipe of YJ's Fish and Banana leaves is out of this world! If you watch the Good Channel check out Dinners, driver ins & Dives! The episode YJ's is featured in! It's awesome! David is also an incredible artist! And in my humble opinion the Godfather of the Cross Road's Art District! Happy Saturday, Mr. Ford!
(5)Christine S.
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.
(4)Kelly B.
All that I can say... Holy crap amaze balls. The service is friendly and the counter girl was also the waitress, and she rocked it no doubt. We talked with the counter girl and apparently the owner takes the staff to other countries to taste test and learn about foods and cultures. They only make one meal for dinner plus the left overs that they have, all of which are delectable. I missed the ham and bean soup by a day or two which was sad. The desserts are phenomenal. I could have cried. Bravo.
(5)Gina M.
When my husband first suggested this place, I completely dismissed it. I am here to admit, I was wrong in doing that. This is a hidden gem in the city and once you enter its humble doors, its charm will instantly win you over. With its late weekend hours, this is the perfect spot for night-owls looking for a spot with a damn-good cup of coffee and some pie. No matter what the hour, YJ's is always bustling with people coming in and out. The service is always fast and friendly and the snacks never disappoint. I enjoy this place for its old-school charm, interesting people and key lime pie.
(4)Alex B.
In town for a conference and found this adorable hole in the wall- we had a group of 11, and when we walked in, we weren't sure if we were gonna fit. It's tiny, but they made room for us and treated us great. When you walk in you immediately can smell how good the food is- it's cooking, right there, behind the counter. I got The Mexican, which was a breakfast option with flour tortillas, an egg, chorizo, some intense pico de gallo, beans, and queso fresco. It was unreal. I almost ordered a second one before I was done eating mine, it was so delicious. The food is phenomenal, the atmosphere is super friendly, and the interior is incredibly fun to look at. Honestly, I wish I lived in Kansas City so I could get this every day. Every city needs a place like this.
(5)Tim D.
Really great casual breakfast / brunch. Super-friendly, and the grits and biscuits & gravy were super. I will come back
(5)Matthew M.
YJ's....what a unique place. Hard to describe as there really are few places of comparative cuisine and culture. It's a cafe...well, kind of. Maybe a kitchen.... Regardless of what you call it, they have one choice of food each meal modeled after an exotic location which the owner has personal travel experiences in. It's a great concept, completely eclectic, and full of experienced character. Not always the best food, but certainly the best intentioned. Give it a shot.
(4)E H.
Best Vegetarian Quiche! A little teeny tiny place full of ambience. The couple who was waitress and cook couldn't have been nicer. Just 3-4 tables , but more like your home kitchen! We went for brunch and I had the quiche, my friend had 1/2 potion of the biscuits and gravy(completely filled her plate). Delish. They actually would make pretty much any combo for you... I'll be back and try other times of day!
(5)Alex D.
This place is a gem for home cooked soul food! I immediately appreciated the funky eclectic jazzadelic Mardi gras atmosphere. Good tunes and even better food. I had the meatloaf with mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, rice, corn bread and collared greens. I was frozen solid when I came in and this meal along with my hot tea warmed my soul to the bone. It sounds like a huge plate of food, and it is, but somehow I found room for the pie. Don't forget to save room for the pie. This is some real food here folks. You won't find this anywhere else. Madeline was the bomb, friendly, informative, warm and inviting in a Kansas city sort of way. Never thought I could feel so at home so far away from home. Would give it 6 stars if I could! Thank you Nikky (Marriott) for this great reccomendation. Can't wait to try breakfast here some time.
(5)R B.
Charming little place that always has excellent food made the way you would make it at home. Probably my favorite breakfast potatoes anywhere. Friendly. Good coffee. Inexpensive. All good really no bad. Also, even though there aren't many seats there is somehow always a place to sit.
(5)Kiran H.
Had no idea this place had late night food.thanks to the yelp reviews we ended up going for late night grub. All I can say is that the breakfast sandwich was ah-mazing and the craziest-best gravy I have ever had. So amazing I now call this place "Crazy Gravy Good."
(5)Wesley M.
One of a kind, truly. The first thing you'll notice about YJs is the vibe, which I won't try hard to define (hippy, iconoclastic and intimate?). But don't neglect the coffee and espresso drinks, and the food! I just ate the Feta Feast, which was somehow EXACTLY what I wanted at 9pm on a Sunday after napping through dinnertime. Filling but not greasy. The food always tastes like something your friend who is a good cook would throw together in their kitchen for you. And the coffee and espressos are top notch. It's a smaller place so not great for big groups, but solo or with a partner, it's hard to beat.
(5)Amy E.
So sorry that I've got to drop the rating. In my last review of the place, I raved about the biscuits and sausage gravy. Soooooo good. In the past years I've ordered them many times, and they've always been fantastic. So what did I recently do? I took some people to YJ's for breakfast, raved yet again about the biscuits and gravy, so all four of us decided to order them. I suppose I was tempting fate.... Both the biscuits and the gravy were terrible. Nobody finished more than half of his serving. The biscuits were hard, dry, and crumbly (where before they had been biscuity perfection). We had to hack at them with the tines of the fork to get granite-like chunks to break off. As for the gravy, it was a thick, gunky mess. Way over-thickened. And the lovely chorizo sausage that had infused the gravy previously? Almost non-existent. But the gravy was still oddly spicy hot, as if hot pepper powder had been added in an attempt to replace the mostly missing chorizo. I've got to say, I was rather embarrassed. Guess I should have known better than to make such an adoring recommendation. The best thing about YJ's? Sitting outside at a sidewalk table in the morning with a cup of coffee. Other than that, I'm not sure I would recommend the place any longer. The breakdown: Breakfast: 2-3 stars: The cinnamon rolls are decent, the biscuits and gravy terrible, while some of the freshly-made breakfast plates can be quite good (if the correct person is cooking). Lunch: 1 star: Had a couple of horrible lunches. The food is pre-made without much skill, and then left to sit in a slow heater all day. Ick. Interior atmosphere: 3 stars: Tiny little place. But if you can snag a table, the dive atmosphere and people watching can be fun. Exterior atmosphere: 5 stars: Love sitting outside with a cup of coffee, watching the world go by. Employees: 4 stars: They are almost universally pleasant, and helpful when asked questions. Ease of use: 2 stars: Though the employees are pleasant, they seem to expect that a customer knows the drill without being told. The day's breakfast menu is handwritten on a small piece of paper that sits somewhere on the counter, but if you don't know to look for it, it is easy not to see. (And not once have I ever had an employee indicate its presence.) Baked goods, etc, are in glass cases that are somewhat difficult to see into, so what is available for sale is not very clear. And prices for these items are not posted anywhere. Other patrons: 2 stars: The place is often occupied by an assortment of hipster types, who seem to make a clear point of looking other patrons up and down, and then sneering with clear derision if those people aren't up to snarky little hipster standards. This isn't the fault of management! But given the tiny space, the derision can feel quite uncomfortable. Overall, if you're in the area and wanting a cup of coffee, give the place a try. But don't expect too much.
(2)Sarah N.
We'd like to keep YJ's as our own little secret, but that wouldn't be fair. It's a wonderful little hole in the wall--our favorite place to stop for coffee after dinner.
(5)Mark H.
We had dinner here tonight. The FetaFeast. Was super good. Good coffee. Nice eclectic feel, cool neighborhood... Add it to your list. The rest of the dinner menus looked great. I'll be back to try more. Tip: Dinner is not served until 6pm on weekends. Staff was friendly and helpful. Talked to the owner, which is always cool. The price was very affordable... It was a fun meal.
(4)Madeline S.
What a cute little find! This is close to my loft and a nice walk in the morning to grab some coffee and sit down with a newspaper and some delicious pancakes. I also like that the portions are pretty small so I don't feel stuffed but it's also kind of an indulgence. YJ's is super tiny inside. I usually prefer to sit outside. It has a mom and pop feel. The cook will come check on you and see how you liked your meal. It's just really cute, can't wait to go back on a relaxed Sunday morning!
(4)Eric K.
I couldn't have asked for anything more. Silky rich espresso, the NY Times, sweet pastries, straight-forward breakfast (we beat the Sunday brunch), eclectic wall coverings, and music spanning Dylan, jazz and the Kinks. A must stop on our next visit to KC.
(5)James D.
I'm not sure how all the alcohol I had to drink before hand affected my experience. BUT this is really good drunk food. We stopped here after watching jazz at the Green Lady lounge after about 1am. This place reminded me kinda like the Zoo bar in the way that it is pretty divey but with a hipster touch. The walls are plastered with to many decorations and are overwhelming and busy enough to make you dizzy. Its small and has a bit of patio seating outside. I tried to order the Mexican breakfast but apparently they were out or it doesn't exist or something so I just said I wanted some sort of burrito. They hooked me up with the pork burrito, 2 eggs and some potatoes. It was tough to get down, unfortunately my inebriated self ended 1 bite away from finishing the plate. The rest of the crew seemed to enjoy their food as well.
(4)Caleb L.
Open Sunday-Wednesday 7:30am-10pm and 24 hours a day the rest of the week/weekend (opens Thursday morning and doesn't close until Sunday night). Very laid back place, like visiting a friend who whips up something tasty in the kitchen for you (who also happens to make a killer latte). So, a good friend to have! Their prices were great, and I managed to get a soup and sandwich and large latte for about $11. The dining area is SMALL, with room for less than 20 people, so I would have a backup plan (such as taking food to go) in case the place fills up.
(4)Angela J.
How could you not love YJ's???? Late night home cooked grub - come as you are and all are welcomed here!
(5)Zack Y.
Hey, just saying--fish in banana leaves is not the same as fish and shrimp in banana leaves. I have a shellfish allergy and had an allergic reaction tonight. YJ's employee didn't really seem concerned about it when I brought it up. It'd be cool if they would make it a point to express to their employees how HUGE a deal it is to communicate with customers what's actually in their food when it comes to known and common allergens. This is super-basic stuff when it comes to training employees to handle food.
(1)Billie H.
I have been wanting to try YJ's since seeing it on DDD and I don't know why it has taken me this long, I just don't think about it when I am out and about. This may be my absolute favorite place to eat in the city now if what they actually served didn't confuse me. I am not sure if they just have a special and that is what you get or if there are options. The menu board is hard to see with the lighting and appeared to just list daily specials. I could be way off and they actually have a menu, but I don't know. The girl working told me what the special was and at that point a menu really didn't matter. Jerk chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, sweet potatoes, couscous, and cabbage (actually I don't think she said that part but a cabbage salad was on my plate.) Everything was to die for. If I was on death row and had to pick a last meal, this might be it. The chicken was perfectly spiced, cut with your fork tender, and juicy. The mac and cheese was perfectly cheesy. The collard greens were the absolute best greens I have ever had. The sweet potato was a thick slice with the skin still on and seemed to be baked and then finished in a skillet to caramelize it and give it some sweetness. My only complaint was there could have been another one or two it was so darn good! The couscous was pretty standard, but complemented the meal perfectly. Normally I do not like cabbage at all. To have sliced cabbage on my plate is normally kind of a turn off. It was simply dressed, but the combo was perfect and I finished it all. This was the kind of meal that you will want seconds, probably even thirds! I finished it off with a piece of blueberry pie. It did not disappoint either. The crust was nice and flaky, the blue berries popped with flavor. One of my big complaints about restaurants lately is the inadequate spicing of their food. YJ's is the absolute exception and they perfectly spice every component on your plate. The place is really small. Only a few tables with some seating outside, but as it gets cold that will not work. The decor fits the restaurant perfectly. A lot of old signs, tags, stickers, etc. Even in the bathroom you will want to hang out and read everything on the walls. The service is ok, not bad, nothing to get overly excited about. They take care of you. I wish the menu was a little more clear, hopefully on future visits I will figure this out. If you have not tried YJ's, move it to the top of your list and don't forget it like I did. (I am marking this as not good for kids as it is very small so if you have out of control children, leave them at home!)
(5)Matt E.
There's not a lot that's unsaid about this stellar coffee and food spot. The food is great, though you're eating what they want to serve that day, or else you aren't eating at all. Let me just say that if there's anywhere better in KC for people watching, I don't yet know about it! The parade of characters that comes in and out of this place is just glorious. For example, today I saw a senior citizen wearing what I can only assume was a Dollar General Abraham Lincoln Halloween costume. The fact that they offer excellent food and a pretty decent coffee is just icing on the cake. One annoyance: they only take debit/credit cards on purchases over $5.00, and no coffee drink costs more than $4.50. You'd be amazed at the number of bananas I've bought because of this rule.
(5)Kayla H.
A golden find for an out-of-towner! I have a HUGE soft spot for seedy little joints with big character and no pretense. Smells like a greasy pot from my Gramma's kitchen (read: next to Heaven). It's open 24/7, the staff was friendly, and Mr. Rogers' "Won't You Be My Neighbor" was playing...I say it's a solid 5 stars.
(5)Diane S.
This was my first foray into the Crossroads district and I haven't missed much. It's tiny and the food and service is basic in taste and presentation. I had the biscuits and gravy. It would have had decent flavor if the biscuits weren't so dense and it wasn't luke warm. My companion had the Mexican breakfast and left her plate almost full. If you're the artsy, support the neighborhood spot, great for dog watching type this might appeal to you. Everyone else, skip it.
(2)Raffi M.
I don't see what the hype is about YJ's, my experience was lackluster and the food, at least from what I ordered and what I saw was available, was nothing unique enough to write home about. Walking in I was immediately overwhelmed with the divey, grungy, and humid atmosphere. Given the unclean restaurant, I thought to myself that the food better blow me away for JY's to live up to the amazing reviews. The menu is so random for a coffee shop; with sandwiches and daily specials that don't fit the motif. On my visit, the special was cheese ravioli (pretty ordinary), but I decided to try the meatloaf sandwich. It took a seemingly unnecessary amount of time to grill up this sandwich which consisted of two plain slices of bread with some cheese and meat inside. The sandwich was cut in half and thrown on the plate with no sides or sauces. The sandwich was quite hot, cheesy, and did taste decent on a cold day, but I would never go out of my way to get this again. The service was quite friendly though, but there are like 4 or 5 tables in the cramped space and the lack of cleanliness in the restaurant didn't give me confidence in what I was eating. I do give them credit for supporting the local community with posters and flyers from local the local art, music, and shopping scene. I'm sure this is a fantastic place for a quick bite or coffee on the way to work or something, but I just might not fit the bill of being hip enough to fall in love with YJ's.
(2)Ryan A.
I have spend a lot time and money at this place. Worth it.
(5)Bradley S.
I found this place by chance, as I was just looking for a latte. I had almost stopped at Mildred's, but YJ's looked interesting. Although the latte was nice, it was really the young lady who waited on me that got me to return several times. She was just an honest, hard working, kind young person:). I look forward to seeing you next year!
(5)Shane W.
The world would be a better place with more YJ's and fewer McD's. I'm updating this review because since my first visit many months ago, I think I've about become a regular myself. I work about 3 blocks away and to think it took me a year to try YJ's kind of sends shivers through me. YJ's is a local hangout and from what I've seen, it seems as though it's a pretty tight knit group of regulars. That said, even on my first visit, I felt welcome and comfortable. Ordering is easy and even though the place is small, there always seems to be a place to sit. They have a regular menu with Monday through Friday specials plus it seems as though there's always something around they can use to put together a plate for you. Imagine being at your house and looking in your fridge for something to eat. It's kind of like that except they always have something. YJ's focus is on fresh and local although I don't think the local part is a deal-breaker. The fresh part though, absolutely is. There's a number of vegetarian options permanently on the menu (veggie sandwich and veggie burrito) plus many of the daily specials can be made vegetarian with some easy substitutions. Cozy is the operative word here, this is the kind of place you love, or it's unpolished vibe is just not for you (though I just don't understand that) there's no grey area here. In all, it's a great place to explore if you're up for something a little different.
(5)Brent K.
i don't get it. I'm obviously not hip enough to understand the allure of this place. The food sits around all day and gets old quick. i don't drink coffee and i don't speak hip. oh well.
(1)Angela W.
My favorite YJ's meals over the last 10 or so years... #1 meatloaf, mac n cheese, collard greens, homemade cornbread! Others: Mexican breakfast, regular breakfast, French toast, coffee, sandwiches and Mediterranean plate. We put on Spectrum Fantastic Art Live the last 2 years & have sent a lot of people there from the event. Everyone said they likes it better than the Power & Light options for convention noms. I do like the 24 hour service on weekends & used to eat there about 3am every Sunday for a few years...
(5)Bruce W.
The original Cross-Roads pioneers, these guys were there before it was hip to be there. YJ's has been my default choice for eats in midtown for nearly 15 years. There is no big screen TV, no WiFi, and no customer relationship marketing at the order counter. No loyalty program, no discount card, nor any spam email originating from the place. YJ's is stuck solidly in the mid to late 20th century and is an oasis from the mind numbing technology that has taken over the rest of the world. As for the food, like nearly every other review here, I find the eats at YJs to be some of the best in Kansas City. For around ten bucks you can enjoy the very best of what they have to offer, and that includes a drink from the cooler. As for the help, the nicest people you could ever care to meet.
(5)Vernon M.
I found this place about seven years ago while making daily trips to KC. I needed someplace for lunch, breakfast and sometimes dinner. This wound up being my go to place for pretty much every meal. If you're fussy and weird about your meals, then this place may not suit you. But... It has meals with a homemade feel and it is one of the funkiest places I've ever eaten. It is like going back to the 60's in San Francisco (I imagine) for meals in a hippie restaurant. It's cool, laid back and very funky. The staff is always interesting and different. If you like good food and places with loads of personality, go here. If your fussy and prissy and need things just so, go someplace else. Character, food and definite atmosphere is what this place is about. If I lived in this area, I'd eat here every day and love it. As it was, I did eat there every day for three months and literally lived in the area. I grew accustomed to this place and loved it. I give it 5 STARS if you are looking for a unique experience. If you're a wuss, eat someplace else.
(5)Elaine D.
I ran across my previous review of Y J's recently and thought it was time to give it another try. So I went back to Y J's for lunch today and I was pretty pleased by it. I had the Mideast Plate with lamb and it was good. It consisted of what I'll call lamb meatloaf, a salad, olives, feta, tabbouleh, hummus and rice. All tasted well seasoned and fresh. I got a tip from a regular to always check out what's in the fridge to find something good. I'll be back again for a satisfying and economical lunch.
(3)Kim W.
Came here during our cross country road trip, amazing!! Came for breakfast, menu was hand written on a piece of basically tissue paper--so we knew we were where we wanted to be! I believe we had 1haystack and another breakfast medley and they were both amazing, and filling!! The sausage gravy they make is truely one of the best I've ever had!! I wish we could try more meals here!!
(5)Cindy S.
Great food and always enjoyed this place until today when the owner was working and he was in a VERY crabby mood. He threw a plate in the kitchen when a lady brought her plate to him because her eggs were not prepared as ordered. Everyone easting jumped and got quiet. He made our breakfast less than pleasant by his crabbiness as this was just one incident. Other people have mentioned that some of the people are rude in this establishment. Too bad because it is such a unique place.
(3)Stephen H.
Five years in KC and I finally make it to YJ's. Great place...not a place for a large group, mind you, but a great place to grab a bite with a couple friends (think Town Topic). Open 24-7 on Fridays and Saturdays, it's also a great place to dry out if you've had bit too much Power or Light on a given weekend. One of the cooks was making muffalattas when we came in, but was happy to press a couple panini-style italian sausage sandwiches. That, plus an enormous selection of eclectic sodas, including Mexican Tamarindo, and you've got a recipe for a great little place to relax and eat great food.
(5)David A.
We'd seen this place on the Food network, so we had been dying to try it for AGES. Every time we go by, on First Friday's, it's just insanely packed. So, one night we were driving around at a late hour, perhaps midnightish and found it to only have a few people inside...and you know how my stomach grumbles when I'm hungry. Watch out, Oscar the grouch is approaching! How many restaurants are open late in KCMO anyhow? FEW! I had some pan fried fish with some sort of corn bread like topping along with vegetable salsa. A match made in heaven! She made it from scratch. It was not only DAMN GOOD, but DIRT CHEAP. I think I paid under $10 for the entire meal. I was left wanting for a double portion, but alas, I was in food coma already. Of note, they have few menu items and it rotates every day. The staff was quite friendly and the hipster crowd was in full swing. I have to admit, I eavesdropped on some table conversation next to us where some woman was talking smack about her girlfriend and some other girl she met on the bus who didn't like her tats and piercings. ENTERTAINMENT! It was also fun to look around the place. The restaurant is rather old and I enjoyed looking at the signs and imagining what happenned there over the last 60 years. If you're looking to come with a large group, DON'T. It's small and there is little seating outside. They are dog friendly on the outside, so be free to bring poochie and ask for water. I have. Street parking can get tough, but at this hour on a NON First Friday, it was dead and parking was to be had. I got to see the Blue Brother's car replica on the street and snap a few shots.
(5)Stevo S.
I ate a piece of garlic and that piece of garlic went in my zol sol soul sol soul Seoul tzwhl alma Sowl? stool sole Seoul sold
(5)Gabriela D.
I really love this place. The food is great and always different and the staff is super nice. It's tiny but super cute and has good tables outside for good weather and people watching.
(5)Mary M.
The coffee was great, hence the three stars. I wasn't impressed by the decor and there was no breakfast menu. I guess you have to be psychic to know what they have? I've seen in other reviews that this is a late night go-to, but seriously? I was planning on breakfast, took my first look at the place, saw the cashier/cook move eggs on a plate with her hand and decided food was not an option for me here. Great coffee that I'll come back for!
(3)Danielle S.
Utterly fabulous little snack shack. With its weathered old screen door, I almost felt like I was back in central Texas, walking up to a mom and pop store for an ice-cold Coke. Totally dead on a lovely Saturday night, my friends and I took over a few tables on the sidewalk and had a great time shooting the breeze for an hour or so. This place doesn't really have a set menu, and is based on the whims of the cook that day. I had already eaten dinner, so I didn't partake in the daily entree (jambalaya, if you must know) but I was down for a slice of cake. It was heeeeavenly. I'm not a huge fan of the chocolate cake / orange frosting combo, but I think this version made me a believer. It tasted like something out of a grandma's kitchen, with soft, moist innards and real orange zest flavoring the frosting. Although it's more of a counter service place, they don't charge up front, so don't forget to pay at the end (like we almost did). Definitely worth a visit, and I have a feeling I'll be back.
(4)Caroline L.
So, came here with my boo just after getting my tattoo at Mercy Seat. And since that morning I'd been watching food network, I suggested it since we were quite hungry. It is such a small space that it tends to feel cramped and claustrophobic when there are more than 7 people inside ordering or eating. However, the ambiance and the food definitely made up for the slight claustrophobia I was feeling - and the pain of a new tattoo probably helped dull that as well. The food itself was fairly spectacular - of course the menu wasn't all that substantial so one would expect the food to be amazing. And it definitely met my expectations. We both ordered the African Chicken with mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. The seasoning on the chicken was perfection and the chicken itself was cooked perfectly and amazingly moist. Another perk was that there were sodas in glass bottles. Granted I don't drink sodas anymore, but seeing the glass bottles I caved and grabbed an orange cream soda. Talk about throwback. We also grabbed a gigantic cookie to share - OMG amazing. Not quite as good as my homemade cookies, but quite amazing nonetheless. Overall, it was an amazing meal but the space was quite cramped. Made it kind of hard to enjoy myself, especially because I don't particularly enjoy crowds or people walking behind me. A good place to grab a quick bite, especially after getting new tattoos.
(4)Katie P.
If you want breakfast this is the place to go. B&G hands down. My roommate and I call them it their crack gravy because it's so tasty and ruins any other form of B&G for you. Seriously, I would eat this gravy as if it were a soup given the opportunity. I've only eaten lunch here one by mistake, my 58 year old mother was in town and I had talked it up so much for breakfast we decided to go. I warned her it was a little hippie-ish and bit of a dive but Momma Beth is one cool cat and up to give anything a try. They had just stopped serving breakfast when we got there and didn't have any B&G left over so we went ahead and opted for an early lunch splitting the ravioli special. AWESOME! My mom loved this place, and refers to it as the "Democratic Breakfast Place" whenever she's in town. (They had Obama/Biden bumper stickers which she happily took as she lives in a conservative black hole.) It is quite small, but for a late night breakfast after the bar closings and being able to people watch it's fantastic. I do suggest you get there early before they run out of the much talked about B&G's. And if anybody has any form of cheat recipe for it, please do share.
(5)Matt B.
Talking about a no shit, no doubt, hole in the wall. Good coffee, give it a five. Came in late on a night that the ole fryer had be running non stop all day. The god damn grease smell was so overpowering that I felt like I was a potato jammed in the exhaust pipe of a biodiesel loving hippie. Which ironically was much better then I smell on the reg (pig farmer). Still, there is something that just turns my stomach about grease smell so this rating is pretty much based on that. Take it for what you will, I doubt it reeks all the time. Coffee still a ++.
(3)Matthew S.
Frankly, they could saute up a cardboard box and I'd still give them high marks. In a list of "keep Kansas City weird" gems, this is headliner. Anchoring one of the most interesting single blocks in the entire city, YJ's adds its wobbly tables littered with counter culture types to the quirky, colorful scene that is 18th St. Inside, it is a dark, cramped smattering of a few tables and a service counter. You may or may not find a place to sit. You'll work it out. Enjoy trying to stay out of the way and looking at the interesting decor while you wait. I've gone many times for lunch, which features a day-of-the-week menu theme that always offers a vegetarian version. The food is usually almost as tasty as the experience. Despite ordering from the counter, they usually ask you to pay when you are finished, presumably to encourage tipping or to make it feel more like a full service restaurant. It isn't. It is, however, open very late on weekends, and always a beacon of activity on this great street. Go check it out.
(4)Adrn H.
This place had all the great aspects of a true divey coffee shop. Every conceivable surface was plastered in band posters, campaign stickers, and graffiti. The servers looked like they fell out of my women's studies classes in college. Coffee is cheap, cookies are good, and the place looks like it may be shut down any second, just for looking seditious. Additionally I appreciated that the clientele is surprisingly diverse: evidently old hippies, yopros, parents with young children, and the gratuitously tattooed (and mustachioed) alike come here for coffee.
(5)Derrick C.
I came here excited for a Latin Soul Food breakfast but sadly realized that those items are only for lunch and weekend brunch. So all they serve for weekday breakfast is a basic and uninspiring eggs/potatoes/toast/pancakes meal or breakfast sandwiches. So sad...don't make my mistake.
(3)Haley J.
Ruby Rocks! Support local businesses & check this place out! The food & service is unique & wonderful!
(4)Jake C.
Another trip in to KC from Lee's Summit (before we moved closer) brought my fiance and I to YJ's at something like 11pm. I wasn't expecting much, but had seen it on TV, and read some positive things on yelp so it was adventure time. Let's just start here: YJ's is small. YJ's is one of those nice little hole in the wall joints you hear about, but don't see very often nowadays. Space for maybe 3 tables inside, with some more scattered on the sidewalk. Not a negative point, mind you, just a warning. Don't come with a large group and expect to be seated together. Now onto the good part, the food. YJ's menu changes daily. Things from comfort food, to Asian and Mediterranean, you never quite know what they'll have on the menu that day. When I went, it was a Mediterranean plate with chicken, couscous, hummus, and a Greek salad. All of it flavorful, the couscous especially. The downside was that by the time we made it in, everything was all but put away for the night, so it was kind of luke warm. I completely understand this, as we showed up in the middle of the night, so I can't really deduct any stars. I'm sure it was twice as tasty in the afternoon. Outside makes for some good people watching and while we were there, there was a jazz band practicing in the majority of the dining area inside. Made for some great tunes with a late dinner.
(4)Reed N.
I really don't know the hours of this place. I don't think the owner does either. lol The menu is a weekly mixture of sandwiches and such for lunch and a "theme" for dinner such as Italian, Mexican, Soul Food, etc. They run out of stuff here. I like that. Things are homemade here, and generally not shy in terms of flavor. So I got the only thing I could today at about 115pm... a breakfast sandwich. Grilled ham, mushroom/black pepper gravy, cheddar cheese, egg, whole grain toast. A can of coconut water to drink. Delicious. They are always funky, freaky, weird, and otherwise completely different people from me coming and going here. Totally not my scene at all. Which makes it a comical people watching place for me. There is seating for about 12 of these entertaining souls outside if it is not raining. Perhaps the same amount inside. The bottom line is this place is about one micron short of 5 stars, which means it is good stuff.
(4)Krissy H.
This place was awesome. First, the staff. Hot. Androgynous, sexy, eye candy. I know that may be a bit inappropriate. but if you are going for the food haha it is also amazing! Soul food at its best. Want a menu? Well YJ's has a list of things they will make for you this week, but its really up to them and changes up a lot. I was really impressed with the breakfast we got. A little of everything! Biscuit omg. Oh, did I mention its TWENTY FOUR HOURS!?! Great, and catch a drink around the corner at for the adult frosties at Snow.. can't go wrong!
(5)Eva J.
Be prepared to smell like bacon upon leaving, but there is literally no better place in town (in my book) for a late-night coffee and cigarette on the 18th street sidewalk. (Yes, I like Town Topic, too, but ever since you can't ash on the floor any longer, it's lost some of its charm.) Thursday night is soul food night, and y'all best be there. It's so good, it almost feels wrong. Mmmm.
(4)Dan D.
I gotta say it took a little while for this place to grow on me but when it did I became a fan for life. The food here is basic and always a little different from what you would expect but very delicious. The only thing that turns me off a little is walking in to this place in the middle of the day or evening and getting stared down by a patron that has been camping at a table all day working on god knows what because I want to sit down next to them at a different table and eat my food. I know YJ's has long been an artists hangout but don't judge someone because they don't look or act the same way you do. Late night I recommend the breakfast sandwich with gravy on top, always does the trick.
(4)Michelle E.
Unique and awesome!
(4)Leilani H.
I four-starred this place because I'm a *huge* supporter of mom and pop coffee houses. Star 1 - Cheaper than Starbuck's coffee but just as good. Star 2 - Sandwiches are packed full of meat and veggies. No skimping here. Star 3 - Fresh fruit! Star 4 - Yummy desserts and daily specials. I've turned into a regular for YJ's.
(4)Ann W.
So here's a true story of how we came to eat at YJ's. My fiance, now my husband, and I drove to the Jackson County Courthouse to get our marriage license. I had taken the day off work for this excursion because my work is so far out in the boonies in JOCO that this adventure was not going to just be a long lunch. We arrived to find a little sign on the door saying the offices were closed. On a Tuesday. Apparently, nearly every government office in the state of Missouri closes its doors on Harry Truman's birthday. Who knew? And who even knows when Truman's birthday is?? I do. Now. So disappointment was weighing heavy on my soul as I was trying to figure out when I could possibly fit in another day off from work before our wedding day to go get our license. So my fiance suggested checking out YJ's and regrouping there. So we did. YJ's is definitely the most unassuming restaurant I have ever been to. It feels like you're walking into a 1940s eat in kitchen with 70 hard years of use under its belt. The menu....what menu?? There's a chalk board, but it's not of great use because they have stuff that's not on it and stuff that's on it, they may be out of. So you just gotta ask. They'll whip you up something you like out of what they have on hand if nothing they tell you about sounds good to you. I kinda like that. So I got something from their "menu" and I can't recall much what it was other than it came with homemade salsa that was far too heavy on the red onions (and I like red onions a lot). My fiance asked them to whip him up a vegetarian burrito which was really tasty. We had some apple pie for dessert that was kinda eh and may have been a day beyond its prime. We sat outside and enjoyed a lovely view of the neighborhood on a nice warm sunny day which was a major plus. The folks who run this place seem genuinely kind and want to be sure their customers are happy, so that's a good thing. All in all, not the best dining experience I've ever had in KC, but worth checking out again. And now to return to the back story: After fortifications at YJ's and lots of smart phone web browsing, we found out that the county offices up in Platte County were open, so we made a trek up North where we met some lovely people who took $55 in cash and gave us our wedding license.
(3)Blaze n.
Love this place! It's like a little piece of NYC in KC. So much character. Don't miss this one of a kind! It's wrong in all the right ways. ;o)
(5)Makaio A.
When it comes to a hole in the wall, that seems shady and all the images present concern this may be the one place that defies the stereotypes. Yes, you will dine with unusual people, but I've never met a non friendly person here and while it is very small, only 4 tables inside and they only have 1 meal being served most of the time, it is by far the best cooking for what ever they are serving that day you will likely experience in the city. The prices are also cheap, they also have fresh pies each day and the experience once you warm up to the very non corporate atmosphere is refreshing. The cooks and people who work here are very friendly and really make you feel at home. I've ate here many times, sometimes drive out of my way to come eat here for lunch. Once you let your guards down on what seems questionable with this place, it is a nice experience and a safe place inside.
(5)Heather P.
It turns out that wanting to like a place just isn't enough. I keep going back to it like a bad relationship but YJ's is still is not meeting my needs. This small coffeehouse and restaurant in the Crossroads is a strange mix of artsy meets hipster. Key word: strange. I typically love weird and unique places so I have wanted to like this place for three years now. Long business hours, a variety of food, baked goods, and best of all, coffee...seems like a match made in Heaven for me. Sadly, it is just not what I need it to be, and it's not me, it's them. What I like about YJ's is a decently long list: the staff has always been nice to me and have had really fun personalities (as long as said staff has had their caffeine, note the difference), the espresso and coffee have never been bitter or cold in my cup, foam consistency on my drink has been consistently acceptable, and best of all-it's weird! Plus the tables and chairs are PERFECT for enjoying the city on those beautiful Spring and Fall mornings. They even steam my own Almond milk when I think to bring it. Also, the regular customers who frequent this place are even more entertaining than the shop itself. Repeat: I want to like this place! What I don't like about YJ's: Their credit card limit sign and the fact that they cover it up with other signs then get uppity when you forget or don't realize that the purchase minimum to use a credit/debit card is $5. As none of the drinks I order go anywhere near that amount even with a tip-frustrating! Next, as a friend recently pointed out to me as I was on the way to YJ's to do some Yelping, there is no internet! I get that there is not much indoor seating so loiterers are probably not welcome but what would it hurt to get some internet signal in this joint for those sitting outside on a beautiful day? Also at YJ's, a line is just a queue of people. Do not be fooled by this and think that you are served in the order in which you gave your order. I've ordered a drink at the front of the line, and they moved on to the next people and making food orders for those behind me while I wait for my small soy cappuccino. This has actually made me late to work before. Next, where in the world is their food menu?! I know it changes daily, but their hard to read chalk menu and cluttered walls make it hard to figure out what those specials are. I hear that the biscuits and gravy are phenomenal but where in the world are they listed as menu options? With a list of 'likes' that is longer than the 'dislikes', you'd think there would be enough here for me to love coming back. Some faithfuls will probably say that I just don't get it but the truth is, I Do get it. I get what they're going for but they fall short of the mark for me. They do just enough to convince me to give them another chance when no other options within walking distance are open but I remain unconvinced. Maybe I need YJ's counseling to make it work...
(3)Erin C.
I have been wanting to try YJ's after seeing how lively that corner of the Crossroads are on First Friday's. I loved the "whole in the wall" hipster vibe of this place. I met my parents there on a Wednesday evening about 6 p.m. We were given two options: Pork Roast and Meatloaf You could then choose 3 sides: Corn, collard greens, mashed potato's, macaroni & cheese, and cornbread. I chose the meatloaf, mashed potato's, mac & cheese and corn. The meatloaf was full a flavor with a little kick. I would have preferred it to be a little warmer. It was also a little dry. The mac & cheese was excellent as well as the corn. The mashed potato's were good but could have used a little more flavor. Overall it was a very yummy home-cooked meal. Service was excellent. I plan on coming here much more in the future!
(4)Erin F.
I live right down the street from YJs and finally decided to go one day for brunch. I got the American Breakfast with taters, bacon, and pancakes. It was pretty darn delicious! The potatoes were a mix of sweet and the little red ones, which was super cool. The bacon was yummy and the pancakes hit the spot. My friends got the mexican breakfast and the biscuits and gravy and I'm definitely going to go for those next time. Overall I love the quantness of YJs, but I was a little surprised how much I paid for the breakfast and a cup of coffee. That was the only downfall. Also since it is so tiny, it gets super hot in there super fast so take advantage of the outdoor seating. Maybe next time I'll get it to go, but the ambience is super cool! I highly recommend this place!!!
(4)William Y.
Tried YJ's for the first time yesterday. Dirty Rice lunch - good, but not great or stupendous. But once I mixed the fixins together and dashed a little hot sauce, it was really good. I felt it was a little work on my part to get it flavored right, though. It's close enough to work and the dirty rice post-flavoring was interesting enough to bring me back today. Meatloaf sandwich folks. Warmed on a little grill press. MEAT... IS... LOVE. Dirty rice is still a maybe, but the meatloaf sandwich is a repeat winner. see 'em next week.
(3)Jase W.
Heart and soul of the crossroads. Also among the best kept culinary secrets in kc. The ingredients, the recipes, the care and thoughtfulness that go in to the preparation - all beyond extraordinary. Must-tries include ravioli friday, Ruby's panini, and weekend brunch, especially egg sammy or haystack. But it helps to know that YJ's is not your typical food and coffee place. Neither the staff nor the physical setting just open up to you on your first visit. You have to be a regular to get the real deal. And it's a small shop, not a suburban buffet, so it doesn't always have exactly what you want. To the one/two star reviewers on here upset they didn't have this or wouldn't make that, maybe you should try out burger king or something in the power & white district - those places are probably better suited to your needs anyway. And maybe consider the energy you brought to your disappointing transaction. Perhaps you had a hand in how your bad experience there unfolded.
(5)Michael G.
Good coffee, very cheap prices, changing menu for each day, cool atmosphere, nice sidewalk seating. Great for a late night meal on the weekends. Veggie biscuits and gravy with pico de gallo is essential. Leftovers are a good way to go too.
(5)Jeff R.
Let's just say that my dog Tanner is as discerning as they get and when we leave my house she's always headed straight to YJ's - helluva slice of bacon they're serving here.
(4)Adam W.
Four of us rolled in for a little Sunday brunch in search of unique eats and a one off experience to start the week right. YJ's hit the nail on the head. Everyone at our table left perfectly satisfied. The quiche was great and the haystacks look pretty scrumptious as well. A friendly staff, perfect portions, creative flavor combos, and a eclectic vibe makes this place an adventurous must hit. Looking forward to going back and trying something from the lunch menu.
(4)Gabby A.
The gent and I tried YJ's while we were in KC this past weekend after I had read all the reviews of this little place on yelp. We couldn't wait to get ourselves down there try the biscuits and gravy everyone is raving about. We got there and I really liked what I saw. It is very small with so much character, funk, bright colors, and a healthy dose of dirt and decay. There were 3 or 4 small tables inside with a few more outside. That's definitely something to keep in mind...you may not have a place to sit and nom. We walked in and they had 3 breakfast specials. We of course decided to opt for the American Breakfast-2 eggs, bacon, potatoes and your choice of biscuits and gravy or pancakes. We of course wanted the b&g, and ordered it and were told that they were out. NOOoooooo! This cannot be....please say it is some sort of joke??? Unfortunately, it was not. After we regained our composure, we went with the cakes. I also ordered an iced latte to go with my breakfast plate. The breakfast was solid. Nothing knock out about it. Everything seemed fresh, and the gem on the plate was the potatoes. They were chopped up into little squares and cooked in butter with seasonings. They were very tasty, and not too greasy. The pancakes were incredibly average. I could be wrong, but they just tasted like your average pancake mix. They were a huge disappointment especially since we'd been so excited to try the b&g. My iced latte was fantastic. They obviously know their coffee and how to pull excellent shots. It had a wonderful flavor, and it was just the caffeine boost I needed on that very hot morning. I will definitely give this place another try if I'm in this area around breakfast time again. I'm hoping the next time to get those biscuits and gravy everyone is so excited about.
(3)Michael B.
i love this quirky little place. I never know exactly what or how to order and I can never read there chalkboard menu, so I usually just ask the person at the counter what's good. Never been steered wrong so far. Last weekend I ordered the, well I don't know what it was. the special breakfast sandwich? something like that. All I know is that I am STILL craving that damn sandwich. it's basically eggs and bacon between toast and then smothered in a ridiculously good sausage gravy. sounds simple, but its sublime. Oh and the blueberry pancakes were f'n awesome too. Although i thought it was kind of funny that when we asked for syrup they plopped down like a gallon jug of Ms. Butterworths
(4)Uncle Grannon L.
So to be fair, I'd had a bit to drink before eating here. In fact, I was really fucking drunk. Here's what I remember: It was small, and like a maze. There were two employees. I think they were boyfriend and girlfriend, but I'm not sure why I think that. In any case, they were very friendly. GF took my order, and I think BF cooked it. They had cigarettes for sale, which I really wanted, but not the type I wanted. That was okay though, as you don't really expect to find a cigarette vendor at a restaurant. Beggars and choosers and such. Craig ordered for me, I remember that much. He told me I'd go ape-shit for the bacon, egg and cheese on toast. He got the same. They asked me if I wanted gravy on mine and I said 'sure, why the hell not.' Therefore, my sandwich came out covered in thick, delightful sausage gravy. Wow. I shared most of my sandwich with Joe Hammers. I think he was pretty grateful. I'd like to go back, sober and alone (or w/ my GF). I'm 98% certain that it was really delicious. I know unequivocally that it was fresh, economical and served by really nice people... The rest of the details are sketchy.
(4)Shelby B.
I walked into YJ's Snack Bar and wasn't sure exactly what to think. I liked the way the place looked, colorful and cozy and lots of interesting things to look at, but I doubted the food would be as "phenomenal" as my boyfriend's parents promised. Boy was I wrong, it was amazing. I ordered from the fridge and got some sort of sandwich with an olive spread, and a variety of italian meats on it, and macaroni and cheese (the best macaroni and cheese I've ever had). My boyfriend had the fried tilapia which was part of the fish fry dinner option. He was willing to spare a few bites and it was the best tilapia I've ever had. Overall, I cannot say enough good things about YJ's Snack Bar! I will, without a doubt, be eating here again.
(5)Gerri C.
Definitely a dive, which is alluring if you enjoy that sort of thing. I only bring people who I'm sure will appreciate it. The first time I ate here, I had the Feta Feast dinner. It was delicious. The second time they made me a ham sandwich (not listed on the menu), which was satisfying and fresh. I had some pie that seemed a little stale. The staff was always great to this point, especially considering I'd brought in my infant daughter both times. I also went in for late night coffee after being out barhopping until 2 a.m. One of the best coffees I've ever had. It's the last couple of times that I'm disappointed about. There is a certain hipster attitude in the air that isn't entirely pleasant. A "we don't exactly need your business, but we'll take it". A smile isn't too much, is it? This only matters to me when I've gone out of my way to bring a friend (=new customer) along to impress.
(3)Peter G.
Writing this in the hopes david (the owner) sees it. Please bring back lewis and clarks lost trail sasparilla. i miss it dearly. thanks,
(4)David S.
I love places like this. This reminds me of what I think the Crossroads was probably like before it become trendy. Ok now I can move on. This is a funky little snack bar, slightly out of the way, but worth searching out if you are in need of good food late at night. Me and my friends ordered their egg, bacon and cheese sandwhich slathered in gravy while another ordered their pancakes. The egg was a little overcooked (I wished it was runny) but that is the only possible complaint I can think of. The gravy was spicy and full of flavor. However, the real surprise were the pancakes. Served with real maple syrup, they were incredible. A great crust on the outside and warm and fluffy in the middle. These were not just great drunk pancakes, these were great pancakes. This is the sort of place that would have lines down the street if it was in San Francisco, LA or NY. I am very thankful it is here in KC.
(4)Shovelle S.
I'm so happy knowing I can wake up, wipe the crust out of my eyes,change clothes, throw on some sunglasses(ok, brush my teeth), and walk around the corner to YJ's for the best breakfast ever.(gravy!) I love the 'no worries, mon' vibe that surrounds this place, the friendliness, and the fact you can take your dog with you to any of the outside tables. YJ's doesn't have a daily set menu but because the food is always great you can never go wrong. One of the unknowns is the good coffee here. It's just the right flavor and heat on a cold day..and for cheap! Yj's is definately a neighborhood jem that I hope is around to stay. And it looks like it is.
(5)Rhett H.
I can't believe no one has reviewed this place yet! Let me say, first off, that it is an honor to be the first yelper to write this review. Now on to the review... YJ's should not exist. It's like the imaginary number of places to eat and spend money. Despite the hightened possibility of health code violations, I will always eat there. My body needs the practice fighting the microbial invasion, anyhow. There is just something je ne se qua about it, that relaxes me. It's a dinky little place on Wyandotte St. that was in the fabled 'crossroads' district before there was such a thing. And it's still around. The owner drives up to restock the store in his VW 'thing'., wearing flip flops and a hawaiian t-shirt that looks like it's directly from the 70's or early 80s topping it all off with an everpresent bandana a la Brett Michaels from that 80's glam band. The food is greasy (mostly), fast, delivered to your 'table', and they don't take your money when you order, they just expect you to pay when you're done. What's that? Doesn't everyone just run away after they eat? "Haha! They thought I'd pay! They didn't even ask me for money, so I guess they don't want it! Too bad for them!" I thought about it, but I just couldn't do it. If I did, it would probably mean that I wouldn't come back, and I had to come back. ... I've been back, and I had their biscuits and gravy. Be quick, though, because they run out by 10 or 11 am. They have a sausage or mushroom gravy, and they are both pretty good, but the sausage is a little more spicy. As for the biscuits themselves, they are quite delicious. Another good thing about this place is the plethora of flyers. I mean, you can find more about what's going on around town than picking up a Pitch or the KC Star. Check out the bathroom, and the walls are a veritable annal of underground Kansas City things-to-do-and-see. PS-- I've taken off a star, because in the last few months I've noticed that the food is a little inconsistent, and some of the employees do a much better job than others at getting your food order right. It's not a big deal, the food is good no matter what, but sometimes it seems like the place has this anti-burger king notion that you don't get it your way (depending on who the employee is). But this problem may be exacerbated during slow times when there isn't a food rush, so to be safe, order food when there is a bunch of other people around. Best of luck, and remember to tip. I'm sure they aren't getting paid much, anyhow.
(4)Jennie P.
YJ's. YUM. Affordable food with soul. Now one of KC's best breakfast places, it began as a simple artist café/refueling station of the Crossroads District before the Crossroads existed as a thing and was just a bunch of artists renting space from artists and no frills. YJ's has survived these changes and continues to keep soul in the Crossroads. And its prices haven't skyrocketed unlike some other classic establishments in the area. Great food, great conversation, great atmosphere. A visit to KC is not complete without a visit to YJ's.
(5)David S.
YJ's is the one place I gotta go over anywhere else in KC--even before BBQ...okay, maybe it's a tie. When I lived on the Westside, I used to go in twice on Sundays--once for brunch and once for feta feast in the evening. YJ's is everything punk-hippie-hipster that I love and nothing that I hate, and I'm pretty cynical. Simple, tasty, affordable food. Perfect ambiance. Great tunes. If I could've put that place on a flatbed truck and brought it with me to Colorado, I would've.
(5)Jin K.
Best late night eats in KC! Everytime I've been here, I've always left satisfied. Honestly have had everything there & can recommend it all. Best thing is they will accommodate most requests & even let you invent dishes. Everything taste homemade & love how laid back it is there. Never been there during the day but have had the leftovers plenty to know it's probably just as good no matter what time. One of my favorite places to eat.
(5)V S.
This is where the good coffee of KC hides. I get a cup every morning and it's hella cheap. I like the staff, they're real, they're gritty, and best of all they're usually friendly. No reason to be intimidated when you come in. It looks intimidating to some I'm sure. Pete makes the best sandwiches (he isn't there on Tuesdays). Music is usually interesting and there's a plethora of books on the window bench along with flyers for upcoming art and music events. They're local supporters, throw great 18th street parties during Mardi Gras, and it makes a great place to people watch.
(4)Tory T.
holy....i had an amazing vegetable lasagna, garlic bread and salad with tomato, fresh mozz, olives sauteed with almond slivers and capicola. i can't believe it took me so long to try yj's. iris was cooking and i'll definitely be back. this spot has a great vibe and they definitely know what they're doing when it comes to coffee and food.
(5)Sean O.
I have never eaten to food here, although I guess I should. The coffee is great, but really the location is what makes this place special. This little section of 18th street is so important to the X-roads and why KC is so cool. Local artists and designers love to come here...it's sort of the living room of the arts district. Great place to stop in and grab a cup while browsing area galleries and boutiques.
(5)Matt W.
This hole-in-the-wall is consistently tasty. I usually go there for breakfast. It's fast, friendly, quirky, and DELICIOUS.
(4)Patrick B.
FANTASTIC food that is hand crafted as you sit and enjoy the atmosphere and the neighborhood. This place has a really cool mix of people, excellent food and beverage selections, close, intimate, kitchy decor and ambiance. One of the best parts of it is that it is ALWAYS this cool. No matter what time of day or night that you experience it, it is consistent. That is very hard to find, in my book. The area also has an eclectic, growing mixture of stores and interesting art galleries very close together. My favorite tattoo artist (Stormy Jackson) just moved in to Windhorse around the corner, adding to the already great mix of artists and other talent in the area.
(4)Chris S.
I was really excited to go to this place after seeing it on Guy's Diners, Drive-in's and Dive's but ... I had only one word to say after leaving ... overrated. This hippy dive seems like a nice enough place but the food (I only went once and had their dirty rice) was nothing special. Pretty bland on the flavoring. I also had their coffee which wasn't anything special. Not strong at all. If you like your coffee extremely smooth and without flavor, then their coffee is for you!
(2)Emily H.
I absolutely love YJ's. They have lunch and dinner every day, and they have great snacks, coffee, tea, wonderful people, and a cozy space. Simple as can be. If you have never been, go in for a drink and check out the menu. One theme for each meal and it goes by the day of the week. Yumminess.
(4)Kasey G.
Okay I had the special which was dirty rice and the food tasted like it was left over. The chicken and sausage that was in it was tough and tasted like it had been warmed in a microwave. I was seriously dissapointed after going there. There was also a cat litter box scooper thing out in front of the place, which seemed pretty unsanitary to me. My friend had a ham sandwich which he disliked as well. The guy cooking the food was pretty nice but that was the only highlight of the experience.
(2)Jaime F.
Find yourself famished in the crossroads closer to sun up then sun down? If its Thursday, Friday, or Saturday I have found the fix for my booze induced tummy rumbling at YJ's...I almost feel like I should apologize for that but something tells me I am one of the more acceptably behaved patrons. I tend to slurp down coffee like it's a race (which is no sweat off the back of the barista being that they do charge for refills. I repeat, they do charge each time you top off that tiny cup with eye popping piping hot java) and eat at least two oddly paired "courses." Last time I paid the YJ a visit I was surrounded by a pre-selected silly post 3 AM bar crowd. Translation: inside voices were not always observed, laughter at a level that would make Paul Bunyon wince ensued, multiple air pots of coffee were pounded and I'm pretty sure an entire oversized carton of 18 eggs was utilized. In addition to tried, true and hard to screw up options like scrambled eggs and the bovine and swine crafted into patties, links and strips we also opted for some non-traditional breakfast fare. The hummus was great and had just the proper grainy texture and grill marked bread. This arrived prior to the rest of the food so all the inebriated carbo-load folks snatched the pita naked style, the spunky bandana sportin grill chick happily tossed some more down for us. We also went for pancakes and French toast to follow. These plates worked their way around the table like clockwork to be shared and consumed by all. Times like this make it evident who didn't go to Pre-School and get that extra year of sub conscious "sharing is a good thing" drilled into their head. Yea, I'm looking at you mister, stop hording the communal pancake platter...and pass the syrup! While I recognize you must have a certain level of tolerance, patience and grace to work in ANY spot that welcomes drunks at all hours it should be noted the service here is always a step beyond. These folks have a sense of humor, a smile and paint a very different environment than a Perkins during the graveyard shift. Oh YJ's when the weather warms up a smidgen and I am tearing up the weekend downtown scenes into the witching hour once more I'll be back to drain your coffee pot with regularity!
(5)Street F.
I've never had a bad meal here. Some would say it's a shady place, I say it has character. Real food, real good, home cooking!
(5)Hadley J.
the perfect place for coffee on the go. catching up with friends over dinner. long relaxing brunch on a Sunday. Late night snack on the way home. i LOVE YJs.
(5)Tara J.
So seriously... we went here last night, 10:30 on a Friday & all they could offer us was refrigerated bbq'd chicken leg with some potatoes or some sort of ravioli (also refrigerated) What do they do? Throw it in the microwave? I was so confused... They are touted as being open 24hrs but wouldn't make us anything... I've heard fabulous things about this place here & other places but doubt I'll even try to go back.
(1)Rachel P.
We went to YJ's after seeing them on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. They offer one meal choice each day. On Monday it was dirty rice. It was a decent meal but nothing super fancy. I would give them another try though, especially for the Mediterranean plate.
(4)Ian W.
Flew in from California at midnight and this was the only place besides typical late night fare (Denny's). Had the greatest breakfast sandwich ever drenched in gravy. Great surprise and the setting of the place is great if you don't mind cramped quarters. My delicate west coast stomach is paying the price in the morning though.
(4)Shanique G.
I absolutely love YJs. Their coffee is fantastic
(5)Mark A.
I had been wanting to try YJ's since seeing it on Diner's Drive Ins and Dives. Yes, sad to say I have caught a few episodes, but only while working out. I met a friend there for lunch. A little hard to see if you aren't looking, but just past the lingerie shop. The place is quite small with about 4 tables. Seems like most people had called in orders to go. The chairs and tables are well worn. Both of us ordered the lunch special which was lasagne. I was not expecting lasagne, but it was a generous portion and adequately priced. It was good, not spectacular, but a good lunch value. I believe from reading more reviews I should go for breakfast or go when I can try the soul food. I'd go back and try it again. Not the place for you to take that friend that finds a complaint every time you go out with them. They might not like this place. If you are open minded and value oriented, a good choice.
(3)cathy s.
I ALWAYS go to YJ's when I'm in KC to get real. Even my British husband insists we have to go. The food is great. The attitude adjustment is priceless.
(5)linda l.
I appreciate the environment, especially when I first arrived and knew few people. I hear that Walt Disney's studio was next-door...
(4)