story and photos by Linden O’Brien-Williams

If you have never eaten at Town Topic, you have not experienced one of the best hamburger joints in all of Kansas City. Town Topic Hamburgers has been running in a tiny, white train car-type diner for 75 years. The original restaurant is at 20th and Broadway downtown, but there are two other locations at 19th and Baltimore and 60th and Johnson Drive.

Open 24 hours a day, the location at 20th and Broadway is full of personality as soon as you pull into the full parking lot. The first thing you see is the iconic light up sign, then the crowd. If the line is not blocking the door, you get an immediate whiff of grilled onions, one of Town Topic’s signature hamburger toppings.

Inside, there are only 11 stools for customers and a narrow path for the employees to glide through behind the counter. While the restaurant might be small, the servings are just the right size. Everyone can find something they like. Whether it be chili, tater tots, pecan pie or, of course, hamburgers, you will find something that will hook you and ensure your spot as a regular.

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There are constantly people coming and going, lining up at the one cash register. I’m sure part of this is because of the affordable costs. As hamburger joints should be, the prices are reasonable, so I didn’t feel bad about also buying a chocolate shake, which I definitely recommend.
If you’re looking for an affordable, unique and tasty meal, I would recommend giving Town Topic a try. With friendly service and some of the best burgers in town- they made Food Wine’s list of America’s best diners this year – it would be a shame to pass it up.