Harry's Country Club Review
Harry's Country Club 112 E. Missouri Ave. Kansas City, MO 64106 816-421-3505 Mon-Sat: 11am-1:30am (Closed Sunday) Reservations Gladly Accepted -- To-Go Orders Welcome
For Kansas City Restaurant Week this year, I took my mother to sample the special menu at Harry's Country Club in the River Market. In their own words, Harry's is "A reverent take on a 1940s honky-tonk roadhouse", and that is exactly what it is. I love everything about this restuarant; the vibe here is part old-fashioned southern country club, part western honky-tonk. Harry's is a perfect combination of a modern, hip vibe and the charm and swankiness of mid-century Americana. You know that the owner has a deep appreciation for the country music legends of yesteryear; the decor and interior design is a spectacular but tasteful panoply of memorabilia from American music's heyday. Rather than feeling nostalgia for such talented musicians and a time gone by, there's an eerie sensation that at any moment Hank Williams will walk through the door and take a seat at the bar. That being said, of course Harry's wouldn't be complete without its famed jukebox replete with country western classics and rockabilly favorites. The song selections are not contrived, however, but are a purist's delight.
I've wanted to bring my mother here for dinner for some time, so I was excited when I saw that Harry's would be participating in Restaurant Week. To complete our small dinner party, my aunt and uncle also joined us after hearing so much about it from me. The special menu offered for Restaurant Week included three courses for only $15. Each dish was a sampling of the extensive fare available at Harry's Country Club, which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
For starters, I chose the Tomato Basil Soup, which was quite good, rich and creamy, and the perfect first course. For our entree, my mother and I selected the Bowtie Pasta with Basil & Cream which came with grilled chicken and was made with asparagus, green peas, and plum tomatoes. The portion was large and very filling, and the chicken was just right: seared and seasoned on the outside, and perfectly cooked. My aunt and uncle had the Yucatan Shrimp for their entree and raved that the sweet and sour shrimp was succulent with a kick of heat. For dessert, I savored the decadent Chocolate Torte. It was melt-in-your-mouth goodness, although I also found myself eying my family's huge slices of Carrot Cake. They assured me it was as good as it looked, and I don't even normally like carrot cake!
Overall, we had a very pleasant experience, and I know that we all will be returning. My husband and I enjoy coming here in the evening (on the rare occasions we get to go out) to hear our favorite bands play on their large and inviting patio. Unlike some night clubs or bars in KC, Harry's is quiet, calm, and relaxed in comparison, while at the same time providing you with entertainment and an escape from the cares of the world. Harry's is also well known for its well-stocked bar and extensive drink menu. They offer top-notch and unusual craft beers from around the world as well as your favorite cocktails.
Although Harry's Country Club isn't a place to bring the kids, it is perfect for date night, or for a parents' night out with close friends, or even a perfect setting to treat the parents or in-laws to a nice brunch or dinner to thank them for being awesome babysitters ;)