Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped-turned upside down…
Juuuust kidding – but who doesn’t like a little Fresh Prince reference every now and again?
This IS a story, however, of an old-school burger joint here in KC that reminds me of one of my favorite slider dives in NJ – White Manna. Like White Manna, Town Topic in KC is a no-frills, not-dressed-to-impress, counter-top seating only hole-in-the-wall that has won the hearts and stomachs of many.
As you can see, the exterior is not much to look at….
But inside the counter stools are inviting, the service friendly and efficient, and the menu disarmingly simple. You can go for a single, double, or triple hamburger or cheeseburger, with some variations if you’d like to go wild (bowls of chili and BLTs are also offered). I ordered a single cheeseburger, which set me back a whopping $3.20, and a side of onion rings because fried veggies are LIFE. My order came out in a jiffy, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that the patty was clearly hand-formed and smashed – my favorite kind of burger!
The burger itself was delicious, and if I must be honest, gone a little too quickly. If I were feeling particularly ravenous, I would have probably ordered another single. However, the fried goodness of the onion rings was enough to sustain me. Yum.
Town Topic also has a breakfast menu with all the no-frills classics you can expect from a diner (originally hailing from NJ, I know a thing or two about diners). Sometimes you just want two eggs sunny-side up, toast, and 2 strips of bacon. Well, look no further. Finally, there was a pretty mouthwatering list of pies on the chalkboard menu – I’m definitely coming back to sample one or two or three of those!
If you’re looking for a gourmet burger in a trendy, stylish setting….Town Topic is not your joint. But if you want an old-school, delicious cheeseburger with speedy but friendly service, pull up a stool at the counter of Town Topic. You won’t regret it!
Town Topic 2021 Broadway (open 24 hours!)
816.842.2298
