Green Dirt on Oak Bridges Farm-to-Table Gap in Kansas City’s Culinary Scene
Source: DairyNews.today
Local sourcing meets refined dining at Green Dirt on Oak, a new addition to the city’s Crossroads Art District that brings farm-to-table dining full circle. Drawing from the resources of its sibling operation, Weston’s Green Dirt Farm, the restaurant highlights the symbiosis between agriculture and gastronomy with a menu built on the principles of sustainability and local craftsmanship.
Green Dirt Farm, a sheep dairy operating for over 20 years, supplies the restaurant with cheeses and meats. The partnership creates a seamless pipeline fr om farm to plate, augmented by produce sourced predominantly from local growers and small-batch farmers, including Mac’s Farms and Buttonwood Farms. Owner Sarah Hoffmann emphasizes the rigorous scrutiny applied to each ingredient.
“If we aren’t sourcing locally, we ensure producers meet sustainability standards like those of the Good Food Foundation,” Hoffmann said, referencing the foundation’s awards, which recognize both quality and environmental accountability.
Multi-Level Experience
Housed in a rustic, multistory building at 16th and Oak Street, Green Dirt on Oak offers distinct experiences across its three floors. The first floor features a daytime café serving lunch, brunch, and prepared goods such as cheese and charcuterie for takeaway. The second floor hosts a dinner space wh ere shareable plates dominate the menu, often featuring the farm’s signature cheeses. A rooftop patio crowns the venue, offering skyline views and plans for a limited rooftop menu.
Future developments include a "Cheese Hour" menu, live music events, and private dining opportunities, Hoffmann shared, underscoring the versatility of the space.
Culinary Highlights
Green Dirt on Oak’s offerings reflect the region’s agricultural bounty. Standout dishes include lamb tartare and the Green Dirt Farms Lamburger. Executive Chef Austin Suedmeyer pairs texture with flavor in entrees like Mac’s Farm Heritage Pork, combining a seared crust with crunchy chicharrones and tangy fruit chutney. Desserts, such as the cheesecake crafted with the farm’s sheep milk, have garnered high praise from diners.
The menu evolves based on ingredient availability, balancing creativity with consistency. “We avoid overhauling the menu too frequently, so guests can rely on signature dishes,” Hoffmann explained. “But working with local, small-batch items means adapting to what’s in season.”
A Complete Experience
Beyond its food, Green Dirt on Oak delivers an elevated experience through attentive service, curated drinks, and thoughtful design. The concise but expertly selected wine list complements the menu, while the venue’s layout caters to casual visits and special occasions alike.
Hoffmann reflected on the journey to establish the restaurant, which opened in April 2023 after construction began in early 2022. “We wanted to bring a version of our farm café to Kansas City, but it had to align with the city’s unique vibe,” she said. “We’re excited to see how Green Dirt on Oak continues to grow.”
Green Dirt on Oak operates at 1601 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64108. The café and market are open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with brunch available Thursday through Sunday until 2 p.m. Dinner service runs Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
“If we aren’t sourcing locally, we ensure producers meet sustainability standards like those of the Good Food Foundation,” Hoffmann said, referencing the foundation’s awards, which recognize both quality and environmental accountability.
Multi-Level Experience
Housed in a rustic, multistory building at 16th and Oak Street, Green Dirt on Oak offers distinct experiences across its three floors. The first floor features a daytime café serving lunch, brunch, and prepared goods such as cheese and charcuterie for takeaway. The second floor hosts a dinner space wh ere shareable plates dominate the menu, often featuring the farm’s signature cheeses. A rooftop patio crowns the venue, offering skyline views and plans for a limited rooftop menu.
Future developments include a "Cheese Hour" menu, live music events, and private dining opportunities, Hoffmann shared, underscoring the versatility of the space.
Culinary Highlights
Green Dirt on Oak’s offerings reflect the region’s agricultural bounty. Standout dishes include lamb tartare and the Green Dirt Farms Lamburger. Executive Chef Austin Suedmeyer pairs texture with flavor in entrees like Mac’s Farm Heritage Pork, combining a seared crust with crunchy chicharrones and tangy fruit chutney. Desserts, such as the cheesecake crafted with the farm’s sheep milk, have garnered high praise from diners.
The menu evolves based on ingredient availability, balancing creativity with consistency. “We avoid overhauling the menu too frequently, so guests can rely on signature dishes,” Hoffmann explained. “But working with local, small-batch items means adapting to what’s in season.”
A Complete Experience
Beyond its food, Green Dirt on Oak delivers an elevated experience through attentive service, curated drinks, and thoughtful design. The concise but expertly selected wine list complements the menu, while the venue’s layout caters to casual visits and special occasions alike.
Hoffmann reflected on the journey to establish the restaurant, which opened in April 2023 after construction began in early 2022. “We wanted to bring a version of our farm café to Kansas City, but it had to align with the city’s unique vibe,” she said. “We’re excited to see how Green Dirt on Oak continues to grow.”
Green Dirt on Oak operates at 1601 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64108. The café and market are open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with brunch available Thursday through Sunday until 2 p.m. Dinner service runs Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
