Winstead's
Winstead's opened on Kansas City's Country Club Plaza in 1940 and since then has become a legendary KC landmark.
Winstead's opened on Kansas City's Country Club Plaza in 1940 and since then has become a legendary KC landmark. In the 40's and 50's it was the popular place for teenagers to hang out. Throughout the 60's and 70's it was a favorite destination for family outings. In the 80's, due to customer demand and satisfaction, Winstead's began to open additional locations. Today, Kansas City natives of all ages think of Winstead's with fond memories.
The drive-in concept was created by Katherine Winstead, who founded the restaurant in Springfield, IL in 1936. After owning a similar place in Sedalia, she and her sister and brother-in-law, Nelle and Gordon Montgomery, brought Winstead's to the Country Club Plaza. Customers backed their cars into the parking places so they could flash their lights for service. This also meant they could see who was coming in and who was going out of the restaurant.
Our children have a special "adoptive" grandma that treats the kids to Winstead's for their birthdays each year. The kids love the diner atmosphere and the ENORMOUS Skyscraper soda in an extra, extra large glass with eight straws served to them FREE on their birthdays.
As the locals are aware, Winstead's is famous for their steakburger. The motto that began in 1940 still holds true today. "We grind U.S. Choice Steak daily for the sandwich." Authentic soda fountain treats and table service are still part of the tradition as well. And so is the fun!
The menu is quite diverse with typical diner food including burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, BLTs, and even a fried egg sandwich for lunch or dinner! Since I'm not a huge fan of French fries (yes, I know, I'm un-American), I choose to make my big splurge on the burger - a double Winstead's steakburger with all the fixins. Oh, it's yummy! Others in my family enjoy their fifty/fifty (half fries and half onion rings), limeades and shakes. Winstead's has reasonable tot meals for kids six years and under for just $3.25.
One thing that I love about the atmosphere is that it's casual and relaxed. Our four kids do not have to sit still or be perfectly quiet (like that would ever happen anyway?). This all adds up to a more relaxing meal for me too! To top it all off, they have crushed ice for their sodas - another little favorite of mine!
Although I've never been there for a morning meal, Winstead's also serves breakfast including eggs, pancakes and biscuits. For lunch and dinner, they also serve a full line of desserts including banana splits and apple dumpling a la mode.
Country Club Plaza Main St. & Emanuel Cleaver Blvd
Kansas City
I-29 & Barry Rd
Blue Springs
I-70 & 7 Hwy
Merriam 8817 Shawnee Mission Pkwy
Overland Park
8036 Metcalf
10313 Metcalf
10711 Roe
Leawood
4971 W 135th St
Lenexa
12056 W 95th St