One of my favorite Waldo restaurants is Summit Grill. In the Before Times, I would often take clients there for lunch, or meet friends for happy hour. They have an extensive menu, prepare their own salad dressings on site (very important to me!) and have the best French Dip sandwich I’ve tasted in KC. The food is always fresh and the service is good. Hubby and I went there recently for an early dinner.
Anyway, I was excited to hear the same owners opened up South of Summit Taqueria and Tequila right next door, in the former Summit Grill events space. I visited this new taco spot in early March, all ready to post a blog about it–then BAM, the Shutdown. Posting it now!
South of Summit is a smaller space than Summit Grill, with an open and casual vibe. The servers wear tee shirts that state Viva Waldo! printed on the back–gotta love the Waldo pride! After examining the menu, there are a couple of things to point out: all tacos are priced under $4, and sides are just $2-$4. The taco shells are made fresh in house, and can include a crispy melted cheese, grilled on the flat top. There are larger main dish items as well, including an enchilada and burrito. I appreciate the smaller portions–so you can have just one taco and a side–as well as a larger, full meal. If you are a tequila lover– South of Summit has a huge selection ! Happy hour happens every day from 3-6, featuring $4 house margaritas, $3 beers and a several half price appetizers plus discounted tacos. Dine in service is back; there is also a shaded outdoor patio. And you can order online for pick up.
South of Summit is open seven days a week, at 516 W 75th St, just west of 75th and Wornall.
Supporting our local merchants is more important than ever at this time…please considering checking out the annual Brookside Sidewalk Sale this weekend! Many shops will be offering special discounts and sales–some eateries as well–starting Thursday July 9 through Saturday July 11. A partial list of participants include 5B&Co Candlemakers, Tuesday Morning, Lady Bye, COCO Brookside and Charlie Hooper’s. 
Owner Spencer Woodard is a wholesaler by trade, owning Geo’s Foods. He’s been in the cheese business for fifteen years, was born and raise in Kansas City, and lives in Waldo. Spencer says he’s always wanted to open a gourmet cheese place in Kansas City, and after looking at a few other locations, decided on this spot at the corner of McGee and Gregory. “The word ‘cheese’ draws so many people” he explained. “ I always thought Kansas City needed a cheese shop. We love the neighborhood and being here, everyone is so supportive.”
As with just about every other locally owned Brookside/Waldo retail shop, there is an emphasis on personal service here. Chances are Spencer’s longtime friend Gary Seabaugh will greet you at the door and offer his assistance. If you call ahead, Geo’s will put together a special gift bag of cheeses, crackers, etc you can pick up ready to go. Or just stop in and browse—bring something special home for that last minute meal on a warm night!
Inside Brookside (And Waldo) 