Back in January, I suggested some “oldies but goodies” for a restaurant date. Here are some more great choices that have been around for a while.
Walking up to Stroud’s at Oak Ridge Manor in Kansas City, Missouri, you would never know it’s a restaurant. It’s in an 1829 log cabin with farmhouse add-on. When you stroll through the doors, you see all the original logs and floors plus numerous antiques, and it takes you back in time. It’s the perfect setting for a menu like this. Open since 1933, Stroud’s brings you the best in down-home cooking, featuring pan-fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans. It’s not health food by any means, but it is very tasty. The finale of the meal is the delicious cinnamon rolls. These are not your traditional cinnamon rolls though. They are more like dinner rolls coated in cinnamon and sugar and served warm. Hubby and I are both suckers for something sweet, and they always hit the spot! If you visit this location (they also have one in Overland Park), be sure to check out the original land grant, which was signed by President John Quincy Adams in 1826. Pretty cool!
Sometimes when eat out, we just want a good juicy, artery-clogging burger. And one of the best places for that is Town Topic. Open since 1937, they know how to cook up some delicious burgers, fries, hot dogs, chili and onion rings-plus breakfast, milkshakes and more! It’s not uncommon to see their burgers being carried out by the bagful. If you’ve never been there, do yourself a favor and stop by one of their original, iconic diners. The Broadway location is open 24/7. The Baltimore location is open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday. As they say, “It’s a Kansas City tradition!”
Rosedale Bar-B-Q, open since 1934, is one of the most iconic barbecue places in KC. Originally a hot dog and beer stand called The Bucket Shop, Rosedale still serves hot dogs and beer alongside all the popular barbecue items, like baked beans, ribs and burnt ends. They also offer some unique things on their menu like bread pudding (which is amazing), fried jalapeno bottle caps and fried green tomatoes.
The slider sandwich basket is fantastic. I like their pulled pork, but the pulled chicken is some of the best chicken or meat I’ve had anywhere. And their fries are really tasty. My husband likes the pig pen sandwich with beef topped with fajita peppers, pepper jack cheese, fried onion straws and jalapenos.
Besides their food, I love that they still have the old retro-style counter and bar stools.
Hannah Berry is a freelance writer who lives in the Northland with her husband. They love to explore Kansas City and try new restaurants and activities. Check out her Facebook page, Out & About in KC.