Waldo - Kansas City, MO Area Guide

Dr. David Waldo purchased approximately 1,000 acres of the neighborhood in 1841 after some friends convinced him to buy the land as an investment. Anyone who owns property in the neighborhood can trace its origins back to Waldo's original purchase.

A railroad came through the town in 1860, and the line became a street car track in 1907. Kansas City annexed Waldo in 1909, and houses along Wornall Road down to 77th Street were built through the 1930s.

The Waldo water tower symbolizes a local landmark at 75th Street and Holmes Road. Technically known as the Frank T. Riley Memorial, the white concrete edifice has a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Waldo Fall Festival attracts families with children thanks to games, prizes and food all afternoon. Main stage entertainment includes comedy acts, singing groups and local presentations made by dignitaries.

Varied ethnic cuisine, fast food chains, plenty of bars and a few live music venues make Waldo a great place to live if love a night out on the town. Many restaurants cluster along Wornall Road, whereas a mix of higher-end bars and lounges spread out over the neighborhood. For live music in small settings, go to B.B.'s Lawnside Barbecue and The Well. B.B's Lawnside has live blues bands six nights per week, and The Well has live bands every Friday night.

Tasso's Greek Restaurant wants you to have fun while eating your food thanks to the "art of Greek hospitality." Watch live belly dancers every Saturday, and pay to break dishes at special events, such as birthday parties, wedding receptions or business gatherings. Feel free to chime in when people occasionally yell "opa " The menu mixes Greek and American flavors, including marinated specialties, such as K.C. strips, pork chops and lamb. All entrées come with rice, pita bread, vegetables and a small salad on the side. Try famous Greek dishes, such as mousaka with eggplant, ground beef, Parmesan cheese and bechamel sauce. Arnaki Tasso features a thinly sliced spring leg of lamb. Try exotic grilled swordfish steaks topped with lobster dill sauce.

Chelly's Cafe features platefuls of Mexican food at affordable prices. The Santa Fe salad comes to your table piled high with grilled chicken breast, black beans, greens, tomatoes and cilantro lime dressing. A single burrito takes up half the plate, and the other half contains rice, beans and salsa. The shrimp burrito has shrimp, onions and peppers before adding white cheese sauce, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole on top. Alambres, one of the specials of the house, contain your choice of chicken, steak or shrimp grilled with onions, mushrooms, bacon and peppers. Pork tamales and chimichangas represent huge portions for the money.

Taj Mahal prides itself on the friendly atmosphere, authentic Indian cuisine prepared in a tandoor and full-service bar. More than 100 dishes make up the extensive menu, including meat, vegetarian, chicken, goat and lamb. Try the goat biryani for pieces of goat cooked with basmati white rice, onions, garlic, ginger and nuts. Shrimp karahi features jumbo shrimp cooked alongside tomatoes, onion, garlic and ginger before a garnish of coriander. Order the delectable seekh kabob, cooked in the clay tandoor, that contains minced lamb mixed with herbs and vegetables. Every meal here contains savory spices and fresh vegetables.

A massive, two-level establishment, The Well marks the place Waldo residents go for nightlife seven days a week. The place doesn't close for holidays and features live music every Friday from local acts and traveling performers. Tons of televisions mean you don't miss a play from your favorite sporting event. Order from the full menu of burgers, salads, hot dogs, sandwiches, wraps and appetizers. Everyone enjoys their time at The Well after a hard day of work.

Most streets in Waldo have sidewalks for pedestrians during daylight hours. Residential streets feature slow cars and low traffic counts, making bicycling an easy form of transportation. Be careful on major thoroughfares, as they may not be as bicycle-friendly.

Drive along Gregory Boulevard, 75th Street and 85th Street as east-west arteries, while Ward Parkway, Wornall Road and Troost Avenue represent major north-south streets. Take Ward Parkway north to reach downtown. Area businesses and parks have plenty of parking. If your car breaks down, several taxi companies can pick you up, and Uber has drivers to come get you.

Buses along KCATA route 57 travel north and south along Wornall Road. These vehicles stop at 85th Street and 75th Street at Wornall from 5:17 a.m. to 8:29 p.m. weekdays. Route 51 picks up passengers at 88th and State Line Road every hour from 6:22 a.m. to 6:25 p.m. The Troost Max, or TMAX, line makes stops at 75th and 83rd along Troost Avenue from 4:11 a.m. to 12:19 a.m. weekdays.

Sunnyside Park contains a summer sprayground for kids to cool off on hot days, and a shaded, concrete path allows you to exercise. Kick a ball in the open fields, or play on the playground with your children. Tower Park has the historic water tower on the property's 19-acre space. Walk on a couple of trails, and play ball on the baseball field. Bring your leashed dog for some fun alongside your canine companion.

The Tower Homes Association holds its annual picnic in Tower Park in late May. Meet your neighbors, participate in kids' games, and eat plenty of food at the growing annual gathering.

Living expenses cost slightly more in Waldo than in downtown Kansas City. On average, a one-bedroom apartment costs $535 per month.

A day pass on KCATA buses requires $3 to go anywhere the transit system goes. A pint of beer costs approximately $3 at local watering holes, while a gallon of gasoline typically runs 18 percent lower than the national average.

A few shopping centers dot Waldo. The Ward Parkway Center to the southwest contains several national chain retailers, such as Target and a Trader Joe's organic supermarket. Price Chopper on Wornall and 85th represents the closest supermarket for your basic needs near the Wornall Village Shopping Center. The Waldo Farmers Market at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore parking lot runs Wednesdays in the afternoon and evening from May to September.

Symmetry Salon on East Gregory and Main Street has a long list of services designed to pamper and relax. Schedule one of four massage varieties for 45 to 90 minutes, then choose a spa manicure or pedicure for some serious pampering. To look and feel better, select facials using Glo products. If you need makeup for your wedding, Symmetry remains the place to go for makeup applications for special occasions.

Yoga Patch specializes in yoga for the entire family, including pre-natal classes for pregnant mothers and expectant fathers. Get away from the daily grind thanks to meditations, stretches and exercises for all skill levels and ages. If you have a tight budget, have no worries, as the staff can work with you. Several instructors offer classes throughout the week for busy parents and working families.