Explore Hyde Park’s history, homes and delicious eats with this KC neighborhood guide
Right in the middle of Kansas City, Hyde Park spans from 31st Street to 47th Street between Gillham Road and Troost Avenue.
The largely residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets boasts two parks — the namesake Hyde Park and Gillham Park. It also sports bike lanes along Gillham Road and also along Armour Boulevard through the neighborhood.
In midtown, Hyde Park is just a quick 5 to 10-minute drive to other KC hotspots like the Country Club Plaza, Westport, the Crossroads and downtown.
The short distance to some of those spots is one of Abigail Fitzgerald’s favorite things about the neighborhood. She and her husband moved into Hyde Park in 2007, right before she graduated from the University of Kansas Medical System’s physical therapy program, and she enjoys being able to walk, bike and drive anywhere within Kansas City.
But while it’s easy to get around from Hyde Park, Fitzgerald also enjoys not needing to venture too far for her day-to-day whereabouts — her work and her kids’ school are both in the neighborhood.
Here’s your guide to Hyde Park, according to neighbors who call it home.
What’s must eat or drink in Hyde Park?
Patrick Alley has lived in Hyde Park since 1978. He’s seen the neighborhood grow, all the houses restored and new families move in. He’s even written books about the neighborhood.
Other than Brewer’s Kitchen, Alley said there aren’t really restaurants within the technical boundaries of Hyde Park, but there are many favorites on the streets that make up the neighborhood’s borders, including Troost Avenue and 31st Street.
Fannie’s African Cuisine, bringing traditional West African dishes to the city
Anchor Island Coffee, the home of Kansas City’s only green espresso
Kitty’s Cafe, known for its pork tenderloin
Brick House, which has a large outdoor patio for warm nights
Tower Tavern, with plenty of craft brews on tap
Ludo’s, a shuffleboard bar
Cliff’s Taphouse, which sources fresh local ingredients for their meals
The Unbakery and Juicery, which used to be called Billie’s Grocery
Oddly Correct, a coffee shop that uses coffee beans from countries like Colombia and Ethiopia
“I think you’re going to see a lot more restaurants and commercial buildings in the area over the next three to four years,” Alley said.
What’s a ‘must do’ in Hyde Park?
Every first weekend of the month, Urban Mining opens its doors. The vintage resale store has tons of unique pieces of art, clothing and furniture for sale.
With playgrounds and parks for tennis, pickleball and picnics, it’s an ideal place to hang out during warmer months. You can walk from Hyde Park between 38th Street and Gillham Road to Gillham Park near 41st Street and Kenwood Avenue.
What’s Hyde Park known for?
Janssen Place is a historical landmark featuring 20 massive houses going up and down in a cul-de-sac style.
Stephen Mitchell and his wife, Barbara, have lived in one of Janssen Place’s homes since June 1985. When they moved to their home, they were the youngest. Now, they’re the oldest.
The home he lives in was built in 1905 and was the third house built along the street. He’s currently writing a book about Hyde Park’s historic homes, including his own.
“The area’s improved greatly since we moved here,” Mitchell said. “What a transformation in Hyde Park.”
Most of the houses here were built between 1900 and 1920. The architectural styles you can see with these houses include Queen Anne, Prairie School, Neo-Georgian, Colonial Revival, Kansas City Shirtwaist and Shingle.
Arthur Stillwell, who started the Kansas City Southern Railway, lived in Janssen Place back when it was called Lumberman’s Row because of the amount of lumber and construction tycoons who lived there.
It’s called Janssen Place because one of Stillwell’s main financial backers was August Janssen.
Iconic neighborhood thing
The Hyde Park neighborhood association puts together a semi-annual Homes Tour.
“If you’ve never been in one, it’s well worth doing,” Alley said. “They’re always impressive. It’s the crown jewel of the Hyde Park area.”
The Pilgrim Chapel on 3801 Gillham Rd. hosts a Gillham Gobble Trot every Thanksgiving morning. It’s a run through the Hyde Park neighborhood.
And another fun fact? Walt Disney lived in Hyde Park before moving out to California.
How to get involved
The Hyde Park neighborhood association continues to be active in the community. Alley said it’s the best way to get involved and meet the people that live there.
The association has a newsletter and coordinates neighborhood cleanups and other events.
