Paola has a small but pleasant eating scene clustered on and around Park Square, with a mix of cafes, diners, and a couple of more ambitious places. Beethoven's #9, a corner restaurant on the square, has been the go-to upscale spot for decades — steaks, German-influenced classics, a good wine list. Smokin' Joes BBQ is the local barbecue institution, with brisket and ribs in the Kansas City style. The independent Wendell's Pizza Pub does respectable hand-tossed pizza and pours a decent selection of local craft beer. For breakfast, the Park Square Cafe is the usual diner, big plates and bottomless coffee, busy on weekends.