Burgers Archives - Our Changing Life

Hank’s Garage And Grill: Burgers, Tots & Tufted Stools

Jeff & Crystal — Tue, 27 May 2025 10:30:00 +0000

Every so often, you stumble on a place that hits just the right note—Hank’s Garage and Grill, at 5801 Nieman Road in Shawnee, Kansas, is one of those spots. We pulled up with hungry bellies and open minds, curious about this new eatery getting buzz from locals who know good grub. Tucked along a strip we frequently pass, Hank’s stands out with its playful name and promises of flavor-packed comfort food. From the minute we walked in, I had a hunch we were in for something special. Any place that marries garage charm with gourmet burgers deserves a second glance—and maybe a second helping. This wasn’t just a dinner stop—it was shaping up to be an experience worth writing home (or a blog post) about.

Retro Vibes with a Twist

When you step inside, it’s clear Hank’s Garage and Grill leans into its theme without falling into kitsch. Tufted leather stools line the bar like they were pulled from a classic diner’s heyday, and the tables have that old-school charm that makes you want to linger over a second round. But the real showstopper? Those garage doors that roll up when the weather’s right, giving everything a breezy, open-air feel. It’s like they took a Midwest mechanic’s dream and blended it with a splash of Route 66 nostalgia. We noted how the details hit that sweet spot between throwback and trendy—think classic muscle car posters on the wall, but no grease underfoot. It felt like a place to bring the whole crew or slip in solo for some well-earned indulgence.

Sips and Scans

While Crystal scoped out the menu, I thought about starting with a refreshing drink. A hard cider sounded just right and didn’t disappoint—crisp, refreshing, with just the right bite. I took a sip, leaned back, and eyed the menu like a treasure map leading straight to flavor town. Hank’s Garage and Grill clearly knows its audience, from juicy burgers and smothered hot dogs to salads and pasta. Crystal was torn between a greens-filled meal and “The El Reno,” which got her attention with its thin onions grilled with the patty. Me? I was already circling my choice like a diner on a Sunday morning. But first, another sip of cider and a moment to savor the soundtrack of laughter, clinking glasses, and bustling servers.

Burgers and Tots, My Way

I landed on the house namesake—the Hank’s Burger—and let me tell you, it didn’t play around. This thing came stacked with a 1/3 lb. of beef, sharp American cheese, house sauce, and a house-made sauce tasty enough to make a food critic blush. On the side, I couldn’t resist the tater tots. Not the frozen kind you toss in your toaster oven—these were golden, crunchy little cylinders of joy that took me straight back to lunch trays and simpler times. I caught Crystal smiling across the table as I gave a satisfied nod after the first bite. There’s just something magical about a well-built burger and tots done right. It felt like Hank’s was rewriting diner fare with a modern touch, without losing the grease-splashed soul of the original.

Crystal’s Choice: The El Reno

Crystal made her pick confidently, and it turned out to be a winner. The El Reno Burger smelled like an Oklahoma summer night—onions grilled straight into the meat, sizzling thin and caramelized to perfection. She said it reminded her of those classic burgers we’ve stumbled upon in our travels—places where the menu is short, the food is hot, and the flavors are bold. Her side of chip-style fries was a pleasant surprise—paper-thin, crispy, and just salty enough to keep you reaching back for more. It only took one bite to elicit a firm nod of approval. As we traded samples back and forth, because that’s just how we roll, it became clear this wasn’t just a trendy joint with good lighting. It was a solid addition to the Shawnee dining scene.

Our Verdict? Go Hungry

By the end of our meal, we were full in the best possible way—the kind that makes you loosen your belt and plot your next visit before the check even hits the table. Hank’s Garage and Grill nails the balance between retro comfort and modern creativity, making it more than just another burger joint. It’s the kind of place where the food tells stories and the atmosphere invites you to stay a while. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this is one pit stop that belongs on your radar. If your stomach’s rumbling for something new, Hank’s Garage and Grill is serving up satisfaction with a side of nostalgia. So go hungry, go curious, and don’t skip the tots. We’ll probably be back soon, and we’ll save you a seat.

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Tay’s Burger Shack – Grass Fed Goodness

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 05:20:00 +0000

It’s been said that the simple things are quite often the best. Such is the case at Tay’s Burger Shack, located at 1019 Armour Road, in North Kansas City, Missouri. You won’t find page after page of menu items. Here they focus on a few things and they do them right. This hole-in-the-wall eatery has built its reputation on flavor. Their burgers are filled with grass-fed goodness and the hand-cut fries top off a meal. Date Night gave us a reason to head this way and our bellies were anxious for the tastes.

Simple Digs

Cruising along Armour Road, you see a hodge-podge of restaurants, shops, and businesses. Suddenly up ahead, our destination came into view. Pulling up to Tay’s, you won’t find an elaborate dining hall. The main focus at Tay’s Burger Shack is burgers. Outside they have a couple of picnic tables for diners wanting to enjoy the fresh air. We wanted the whole experience, so dining indoors was on our schedule.

The Atmosphere at Tay's Burger Shack

Stepping through the door, you enter a small venue. Seating is limited to about six tables and four booths, enough for roughly 40 people. At times, the non-stop flow of customers challenges this capacity. Those who have eaten here before are willing to overlook this shortcoming. The food makes this little inconvenience a non-issue. Tay’s Burger Shack workers are friendly and often walk through the dining area to ensure customer expectations are being met. How frequently does this happen at the burger joints you frequent? Once your order is placed, you grab your drink and head for your seat. They will bring your meals to you, but until then you have to take in the sounds, sights and smells of others enjoying their food.

What about that Menu?

Customers can choose between single, double, or triple burger. Those wanting even more can go all-in with the “Homerun”, made with four patties. The beef they use is grass-fed, and the patties are about a quarter-pound each, before cooking. The beef is sourced locally, as are many other ingredients. The cooked meat patties are sandwiched inside buns that are baked fresh daily. This commitment to freshness comes through in the flavor of their product. Of course, don’t feel like you are limited to burgers. Tay’s also serves Nathan’s hot dogs, with or without chili. By the way, the chili is made with the same great Missouri-raised beef.

The Food at Tay's Burger Shack

We both chose to experience the double combo meals with fries. These are served with American cheese, pickles, tomato, and lettuce. Our food was delivered, and we prepared for the tasting. You’ll notice the standard condiments are available at each table. What wasn’t normal were the other two squirt bottles, one each of sriracha mayo and sriracha ketchup. Be warned that these pack some heat! The burgers were juicy, without being greasy. This comes from their choice of beef. The patties are cooked to perfection and offer just a little char along the edges, for crispness. The fresh buns complement the crispy toppings, and the blending of flavors makes each bite delicious.

Sharing is Caring

The hand-cut French fries have a nice kick all on their own. We’ve seen other diners dipping their fries in some of the sriracha sauces. For us, they were good just the way they were presented. Thin strips of slightly firm potato quickly become an addictive addition to the burger. Our bill tallied about $35.00, similar to other non-fast-food burger joints. Neither of us could finish our food, and we walked away from Tay’s Burger Shack well-fed and happy. We’ll mark this up as another successful date night adventure.

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Chappell’s Restaurant & Sports Museum – Eating Up History

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 04:23:00 +0000

What do you get when you combine delicious food and an astonishing collection of sports memorabilia? Located in North Kansas City, Missouri is Chappell’s Restaurant and Sports Museum. This sports fan Mecca opened in 1986 and has drawn visitors from far and wide. Notoriety has come from many directions, including lots of the top sports news channels. Located at 323 Armour Road, this destination was calling our names.

Heads Up

A visit to Chappell’s Restaurant is like walking through sports history. The interior walls are covered with photos, articles, and framed collectibles. Football helmets and pennants cover the ceilings. Awards of all types are scattered throughout the place. Sports equipment, much of it autographed, hangs and sits in places of honor. No matter how long you look around, it seems like there is always more to see. It is not unusual to see people wandering around the place checking out all of the nooks and crannies.

Local Legends

It wouldn’t be a hometown favorite if it didn’t include plenty of Kansas City memorabilia. Autographed photographs, sports equipment, and uniforms from various Kansas City teams are found here. There are even items from teams before moving to the Kansas City region. Of course, there are plenty of other teams represented. It is estimated that there are over 10,000 pieces in the collection. That’s easy to believe after walking through more than 7000 square feet of space. The only open spots, we noticed, were behind the bar. The bar is home to the 1973 World Series trophy, from the Oakland Athletics.

Lunch At Chappell's Restaurant

Our visit was a perfect opportunity to grab a bite and refresh our memories. The menu at Chappell’s restaurant has dozens of tasty opportunities. A good selection of appetizers and salads can be had, but we were set on some burgers. The restaurant touts its half-pound burgers, which are served with a side dish. I have to admit, it’s hard to concentrate on the menu when there is so much sports eye-candy to scope out.

Piled High

With a menu packed full of tasty dishes, it would have been easy to change our minds. We stayed true to our purpose and each chose a burger. The 323 Burger sounded too good to pass up and we both ended up ordering one. The 1/2 lb. patty was topped with horseradish sauce, arugula, crispy bacon, Blue cheese crumbles, and a slice of Swiss cheese. Crystal selected the Curly Fries, while I substituted Sweet Potato Fries. Our first bites were enough to confirm our choice. The juicy burgers were quickly eliminated, as we continued to scan the walls.

Plan Your Visit To Chappell's Restaurant

A visit to Chappell’s Restaurant means that you get a meal and an attraction, all for one price. At almost any other place you would have to pay an admission to see the quantity and quality of items on display. Here you simply have to show up. This one-of-a-kind restaurant is a jewel in North Kansas City. Be sure to belly up to the bar on your next visit, and check out that World Series trophy. Now if they could just secure the 1985 Royal’s version or maybe a Chief’s Super Bowl trophy.

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Hole In The Wall Dining – Grandstand Burgers

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 09:00:09 +0000

We all have our home town favorites that seem to draw us back over and over. For some, it may be the atmosphere or the feeling of nostalgia. One thing that is usually required is the ability to deliver a consistent meal that we can count on time after time. Living in a larger metropolitan area means there are a few of these types of places to choose from. One that we find ourselves near frequently is Grandstand Burgers, at 4942 Merriam Drive. Sitting on a busy corner, this diminutive eatery has been serving up Hole in the Wall Dining for nearly twenty years.

Close Quarters

Grandstand Burgers is the type of place that is designed for carryout service. When this social distancing order went into effect, it was easy for a place this small to adapt. Oh, there have been a few changes, but their day-to-day routine fits well with the new requirements. In the past, we would find ourselves squeezing into the shack-sized space to place our order. These days, patrons wait their turn outside and only enter one-by-one. Once you’ve placed your order, you head back outside to wait for your finished products to be brought out by staff. It is all quite efficient.

Kelly All the Way

Of course, efficiency is only one way to measure the success of a hole in the wall dining establishment. What’s important is the taste of the finished product. It needs to be consistently delicious and satisfying. Grandstand Burgers hits it out of the park in this category. Their menu is as simple as their motto. Makeup in taste what you lack in flash. Designed around their juicy burgers, they have included a few other standard fare handhelds to satisfy the masses. I’m sure someday we will sample one of those other options, but it seems that every visit has found us gravitating to their burgers.

On this particular day, I found myself ordering a Kelly Burger. This interesting combination of meaty flavors is their most popular offering. I’m not sure who came up with the idea of tossing a slice of ham on a bacon cheeseburger, but it was genius. Throw in some tater tots and onion rings and you have a full meal. We may not be talking about healthy food, but we love our weekend splurge.

All-American Burger

Crystal was in the mood for something a little less meaty, so she ordered their standard Cheeseburger. Just because it was lacking the bacon and ham, it didn’t diminish the quality of the burger. That is one of the things we like about Grandstand Burgers. We also admire a place that serves up meat patties as large as the bun. None of that “Where’s the Beef?” here. We have a list of our favorite burger joints and this is one of the criteria we use to pick them. Christy’s Tasty Queen is another hole in the wall dining choice, in this category.

When she selected her sides, onion rings were also in her top picks. The ones at Grandstand Burgers are nice and crispy. She added some of their crinkly French fries to the mix, as well. Since we were selecting combination meals, they both came with drinks. While we will usually fall back on water for our beverage, this evening we selected Big Red for a little bonus treat. In the end, we both wound up stuffed.

Hole In The Wall Dining

While the carry-out only order is in effect, we are having to work a little harder to find suitable dining options. Hole in the wall dining locations is geared toward delivering “grab it and go” style meals. We hope to find a broader selection of restaurants to feature so that we all can see plenty of options. If there are places we are missing please drop us a note in the comments section below. We would love to showcase some more of our local small businesses who are working to make our lives a little bit better. Thanks!

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Green Room Burgers & Beers – The Sun Will Shine Again

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 09:00:33 +0000

There is a lot of uncertainty floating around Kansas City right now. We find ourselves in the middle of the Covid-19 shutdown. Businesses are learning how to adapt to this new paradigm. While many have reduced hours and even scaled back their menus, others have temporarily closed. That is the case for Green Room Burgers & Beers in Westport. The future may bring uncertainty for some retailers, but we know that the sun will shine again in America. Our country has faced difficult times before, and we have always risen to the occasion.

Local Life Affected

There are hundreds of stories behind the scenes of local Kansas City businesses. Green Room Burgers & Beers has ties that take it back to World War II. That is where the story of Papa Louie Ptacek begins its journey to 4010 Pennsylvania Avenue, in Westport, Missouri. By showing his children the rewards of hard work, he set an example that would be followed by his son, Tom. Papa Louie’s youngest son would get bit by the entrepreneur bug. In 1981, he purchased the property and started the Westport Coffeehouse. This space had served multiple purposes, beginning with being the home of Westport’s first mayor.

Fast forward three decades, and you would find Tom’s son following in his father’s footsteps. (Obviously a family trait.) Michael Ptacek, along with his wife Cindy, sliced off a piece of the property to create a craft beer brewery. This was no easy feat, as obstacles arose from many directions. On February 3rd, 2012, Green Room Burgers & Beers opened with no staff, and more surprisingly, no beer. Instead, they were serving up cask ale, which would slowly gain a following from a hesitant public. These days they still produce the cask ale but have added drafts, IPAs, and barrel-aged beers to their menu.

Social Distancing Changes

Space in Green Room Burgers is a premium, which fails to allow for true “social distancing”. The place was never designed for that principle. It’s a local hangout where people gather to socialize. This new, and hopefully temporary, reality forced Green Room to shutter its doors. They have maintained an online presence where they sell gift certificates and merchandise to weather this storm. We look forward to returning to this local haunt to enjoy some of their tasty menu items, as we know the sun will shine again on Kansas City.

Forty Ten Will Do

In the meantime, let’s check out what we enjoyed during our last visit. To put it in perspective, the Kansas City Chiefs had just won the Super Bowl. Giddy with joy, we set out on a multiple-day celebration tour. This was a time to join in the local love, as our entire city was overcome with relief, after a hard-fought victory by our boys in red. Green Room Burgers & Beers made a great spot for winding down after a day of revelry. Crystal had brunt off an amazing number of calories, so she was determined to tackle the Forty Ten. When they rested the plate in front of her, her eyes showed the same look of disbelief as the Forty-Niners defense did in the 4th Quarter.

Two fresh ground quarter-pound patties make a formidable opponent for any appetite. Let’s not stop there. Toss on some bacon, cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, avocado slices, and even grilled jalapenos for some extra heft. Of course, as I suspected, Crystal skipped the jalapenos. Still, she did well trying to accomplish this insurmountable task. While she didn’t match up to the Chief’s come from behind victory, she did give it a noble effort.

Trip to Saturn

I decided to slow my roll and stick with a Greem Room Burgers classic. The Saturn is a realistic size sandwich, but one that still brings some fun to the table. The “smashed” quarter-pound cheeseburger is nestled on a bed of ranch dressing and pickle slices. Once situated, the task of piling on begins. Unlike in football, there is no penalty for this type of action. Let’s begin with some grilled mushrooms and onions, but wait there is more. How about a nice crunchy onion ring for some extra zest? It all looks so good, but when the top bun is removed we find an added secret. In the middle, they have stuffed batter-fried cheese curds. What yummy madness have they created? Only the best kind that I can imagine. This burger pairs well with one of their craft creations, as well.

The Sun Will Shine Again

Just revisiting these memories has stirred a yearning for some of the delectable dishes we have found at Green Room Burgers. While we know that the sun will shine again on this Kansas City spot, we can’t help but wonder how many other places will fail to recover from this catastrophic event. It will take all of us working together to help our favorite small businesses weather this unexpected set of circumstances. We implore you to do whatever you can to help them survive. If they offer carryout, order a meal or maybe some gift certificates for a future visit. You can also make their presence known to all of your family and friends by doing shoutouts on your social media channels. We know that this situation is difficult for everyone, but if we stick together we will overcome it. Stay safe, Kansas City!

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Tapping Into Taste – Burg & Barrel

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 09:00:31 +0000

Living in a city filled with amazing food and drink destinations means that the options always outweigh the opportunities. With the winter weather releasing its grip on Kansas City, it’s time for us to spend more time exploring. Over the colder months, we make note of places we pass and add them to our “future visits” list. Since we attempt to avoid repeating cuisines too often, the need to locate new eateries is always in the back of our mind. Tapping into the taste of Kansas City is much more than barbecue. A wide range of flavors awaits those willing to venture out from their old standards. Since our grill has sat idle for weeks, we were in the mood for some beefy treats.

We want to thank Burg & Barrel for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Out of the Way

During a visit to a new dining hall experience at Strang Hall, we spotted another potential destination. Locating Burg & Barrel, in Overland Park, can be a challenge for those not familiar with the neighborhood. It sits quietly at 7042 W. 76th Street, which puts it just off the main drag along Metcalf Avenue. This was not our first sighting, as a full parking lot will usually grab our attention. We had also noticed an increase of activity on their Instagram account. Those delicious looking photos of food certainly enticed us to reach out for a visit. We scheduled a visit for a Sunday lunch, since we were informed it was a little less crowded at that time. While that was true when we arrived, it didn’t take long for a crowd to filter in and fill the space.

Getting Started

With their tempting menu laid out before us, I decided to order a drink while we discussed options. The Salty Bird lives up to its name by bringing the taste of the tropics to the table. We added a couple of appetizers to our order, which would tide us over while we selected our main courses. Their twin towers of Amber ale battered Onion Rings had a nice crunch that had us coming back for more bites. A bowl of Loaded Spuds had us tapping into a taste combination that really impressed us. The combination of tator tots, bacon bits, pepper jack cheese, sour cream, and green onion was a flavorful mix. We would end up with too much food for two, but we kept returning to this particular dish for more bites.

A Spicy Avocado

I can remember the days that Crystal would stick to the most generic dishes on the menu. Her burger choices would be the American style that resembled one that just came off the grill at a backyard barbecue. These days she has expanded her culinary horizon by adding more spice to her diet. The Spicy Avocado Burger offers a nice combination of tastes that blend together with near perfection. Burg & Barrel takes their Angus beef patty and tops it with cheddar cheese and applewood smoked bacon. That would make a good bacon cheeseburger, but they didn’t stop there. Throw on some avocado slices and Chipotle-Cilantro mayo for extra flavor. As if we didn’t have enough carbs, the plate comes with a side, and Crystal chose the Sweet Potato Fries.

Saddle Up Cowboy

I’ve been menu adventurous for a longer period, so these days I look for dishes that are photogenic. Tapping into taste will almost always be a given if you pick a restaurant’s most notable menu item. In the burger category, it would be the Cowboy Burger at Burg & Barrel. This selection was a nice alternative to firing up our own grill. It starts much like Crystal’s choice, with Angus beef patty, smoked bacon, and cheddar cheese. The standard veggie accompaniments are just what you would expect at a cookout. The difference is that they reach new burger heights when they toss on one of their puffy, yet crunch onion rings. It almost required me to unhinge my jaw to devour this masterpiece.

Tapping Into Taste at Burg & Barrel

If you think this was a lot of food, you are absolutely correct. It was quickly apparent that we could not finish it all, but our taste buds kept drawing us back for bites. During bouts of digestion, we would gaze around the space. Crystal made note of the various beer taps that line the rafters of Burg & Barrel. While we didn’t count them, it was obvious they have more than 100 on display. We also noticed that many of the other patrons seemed to be regulars. Clearly this place serves double duty being a neighborhood bar, as well as a metropolitan restaurant. It is also a good reminder to keep your eyes peeled when cruising around town on errands. You’d be surprised how many of these delectable dining options are hidden all around town.

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Shared Experience At KC Smoke Burgers

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 09:45:22 +0000

Our travel blogging research sessions almost always only involves the two of us. When some new travel friends suggested joining us for a meal, we saw it as an opportunity to include them in one of our visits. It also gave me the idea of sharing with all of you what goes in to a research trip. Since this particular visit only involved one stop, it made a perfect subject for such an article. Since we are sharing a new topic it only made sense for us to visit a new restaurant near us. When we spotted KC Smoke Burgers, at 1610 W. 39th Street, it was clear that it is the kind of place we wanted to explore closer. The selection process for this restaurant was pretty straightforward, so the only thing left was to set up the timing. Our friends, like us, preferred to meet on a Sunday. KC Smoke Burgers opens at 11:00, so we decided to meet at Noon.

Unique Decor

I sent the restaurant a message through their Facebook, but it was merely meant to let them know we would be visiting. I mostly do this as a heads up, that there will be someone walking around taking photos. We were hoping that the timing of our visit would mean a smaller crowd. Arriving promptly at 12:00, we found a parking spot right out front. The signage on the building makes spotting the restaurant easy. Once inside, we saw that the place was decorated with a southwest theme, and they even give a nod to John Wayne. Our friends had arrived a few minutes before us, and had selected a table large enough for the four of us. KC Smoke Burgers is a table service style restaurant, so after we arrived our server came by to discuss the menu.

Bringing the Smoke to Our Table

We had been under the misconception that the restaurant was just a burger joint. In reality, they have a pretty broad assortment of dishes. Diners can choose Shawarma, Gyros, or Philly Cheese-steaks. An assortment of appetizers looked tempting, but something we noticed prevented us from ordering one. The burgers at KC Smoke Burgers are 1/2 pounders, so we knew that we would definitely get a filling meal. They have a grouping of smoke burgers, as well as an assortment of specialty burgers. Two of us decided on specialty burgers, one person selected a grilled chicken sandwich, and the final choice was a Philly Cheese-steak. We felt that we had covered the menu fairly well. I got busy taking photos, while our meals were being prepared. Soon, our server appeared with smoking trays. The burgers are delivered on a miniature charcoal grill, which adds a fun element to the meal.

Pleasing Presentation at KC Smoke Burgers

Once all of our dishes had been delivered, it was time for more photos. Our friends had been warned that I feel the need to record multiple images of our experiences, since you never know which will best fit the article. With our meals laid out before us, it was finally time to dig in. Since we had all ordered different plates, we all had unique taste experiences. As we dined, we discussed the highlights of each sandwich. The burgers had a delicious smoke flavor, which accented the various toppings on each version. It was agreed that KC Smoke Burgers has a good niche in a city filled with tempting restaurants. Soon our conversation turned to travel, since both couples had been bitten by the travel bug.

Technology is Fickle

In most of our articles we try to add at least one selfie. Over the past year I have been upgrading most of our electronics, but with new technology comes new potential issues. Our new camera has the feature of remote photography, but requires a good WiFi signal to work correctly. I was struggling to get a consistent signal, so that I could snap a group photo, and only got it to work temporarily. It actually captured this one shot, which I was unaware of until I downloaded to our computer. To cover our bases, we took a few snaps with my cellphone, but once I saw this shot I knew it was perfect. It certainly shows the challenges that we face trying to get that “picture perfect” shot. In the end, we had a good visit, some delicious eats, and gained some insight on potential destinations. We would call that a pretty successful research outing. Thanks to Carol and Joe for joining us on this little road trip. How many of you are going to sample KC Smoke Burgers now that you read about it?

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Stumbling Upon Smitty’s Garage

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 09:45:05 +0000

We enjoy happening upon a new eatery, especially when it is found in conjunction with another visit. This was the case when we were stumbling upon Smitty’s Garage at 8811 State Line, in Kansas City, Missouri. Located in a new development, it joins a handful of other eateries that are new to the city. These new dining options are part of regional chains, which are making their first foray into KC.

Stumbling Upon Smitty’s Garage

The reason for our discovery of Smitty’s Garage stemmed from our search for the new Kansas City location of Hurts Donut. We first sampled their unique treats during a visit to Springfield, Missouri. (You can read more about Hurts here.) Our search led us to the State Line location, where we realized that a new grouping of restaurants had sprung up. Peering through the glass front, we could see Smitty’s was a bar/restaurant style establishment. On this first visit, we grabbed a couple of burgers, just to test out the food.

Return Visit

With a pleasant visit in the books, it was time to return for further investigation. Smitty’s, or The Garage as they call it, was started by three guys. Their initial focus was on burgers and fries. These come in a variety of meat options like; turkey, bison, and Angus beef. Over time, they have filled out the menu with other handheld options, such as hot dogs and tacos. Staring up at the menu boards, we still struggled a little with all of the choices. Eventually we agreed on an approach that would provide a good variety from the menu.

For Starters

They have a nice selection of appetizers at Smitty’s Garage, and we wanted to get one that offered us a chance to sample some interesting flavors. The Dip Trio seemed like the logical choice, since it packs three options on one plate. Well, we thought it would be one plate, but it actually is served on two. Portions of Queso cheese, Guacamole, and Onion dip are joined by a plate filled with tortilla and potato chips. These went well with our margarita we were enjoying for National Margarita Day.

Kicking It Up a Notch

The next course was a pair of their Chicken Fajita Tacos. Soft flour tortillas are stuffed with grilled chicken and onions (We left out the grilled jalapenos), cheddar cheese, and drizzled with sour cream. A serving of their house made salsa accompanies the dish and pairs well to add a little zest. These were Crystal’s choice, but she was kind enough to offer me a bite. Great flavor and the chicken isn’t overcooked.

Handhelds Rule

I will say it again, I am a beef man. Even though I had a burger on our initial visit, I knew that they had options that still needed to be sampled. On this trip, I chose to test out the Bacon Avocado Ranch, which fit into our whole southwest theme we seemed to have going. The 1/3 lb. burger was topped with Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and plenty of Ranch dressing. It had a flavor that kept me coming back for more, but I did let Crystal have a bite as a goodwill gesture.

Smitty’s Garage Decor

The service at Smitty’s Garage is set up for ordering at the counter, before finding your seating. Once seated, they have wait staff who will take care of any needs from the bar. Once your food is ready, staff will deliver it to your table. This short wait gave me a chance to capture some images from inside of the restaurant. We seem to be seeing more and more restaurants incorporating humor into their decor. Smitty’s Garage doesn’t fear filling the walls with plenty to see. This works well for families, as we enjoyed visits to places like this when our kids were younger. We would play a game of “eye spy”, while we waited for our food to arrive. How many of you do that same thing?

Stumbling Upon Smitty’s Garage

Our second visit to this “new to Kansas city” restaurant proved to provide another delectable dining result. Stumbling upon Smitty’s Garage ended up being a good thing for us, and hopefully you will get the opportunity to test out this regional chain. We noticed that they have the highest concentration of restaurants in Oklahoma, so we are hoping to hit up one of those sites. It’s always nice to have a good dining option in your back pocket when traveling. How many of you have dined at a Smitty’s Garage?

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Getting Unforked

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 10:27:03 +0000

Not too long ago, Sheridan’s (You know the custard people) launched Unforked. You may notice we rarely feature any restaurants that belong to a chain. Oh sometimes we may include one, if it stands out in some particular way. After quite a few people starting suggesting we visit Unforked, we finally decided it was time to test the waters. There are two locations, one at Crown Center, and the one we visited in Overland Park at 7337 W. 119th Street.

Does Local Fast Food Exist?

The tagline for Unforked touts the use of locally source ingredients where possible. This intrigued us, as we believe the support of our small sized producers is key to a sustained economy. Most of us have or do visit local farmer’s markets. We do this because we can see, smell, and taste the difference in items that are sourced locally. This is why we usually seek out locally owned restaurants, as they are more likely to source from smaller scale producers. Now we are standing in a fast food type restaurant, reading about their commitment to these same principles.

Forked or Unforked?

The menu at Unforked is actually quite diverse. There is an assortment of tacos that have interesting names, and unique flavor combinations. Our visit was focused on the burgers, but we had the chance to spy some of the other creations. The tacos are quite pleasing to the eyes, and will certainly be on our watch list for a future visit. One that sounded especially tempting is the Surf and Turf. It combines shrimp and tri-tip steak, and tops them with roasted onions and poblano peppers. There are also varieties that feature chicken, pork or fish. For those wanting a meatless meal, they offer three taco versions, so you can switch it up. They also show three different quesadillas on the menu, but we didn’t see anyone order these during our visit.

Bring on the Beef

One of the people who had prompted our visit had gushed about the burgers. Obviously, I have a love for some good beef, and was hoping that this place would not disappoint. Crystal and I both chose the Pure Burger, which is made from Creekstone Black Angus beef. The standard toppings are lettuce and tomato, but you can also add on American cheese and Apple-wood smoked bacon. Not wanting to disappoint any of our readers, I added both to mine. After all, I felt the responsibility to truly test it all, and besides it sounded delicious.

The side dishes offered at Unforked include three kinds of fries, which we chose the standard ones on this visit. You can also have them topped with queso and bacon crumbles or tossed with truffle salt and parsley. Our meal selection ended up being perfect sized for our appetites. the burgers were delicious, and the toasted egg buns really add to the overall flavor. The fries soon disappeared, and a decision was made to add this Unchain restaurant to our “repeat visit” list. Next time I’m giving some of those tacos a test. If you have ever tasted them, let us know your thoughts. Thanks!

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Turner Tradition at Christy’s Tasty Queen

Jeff & Crystal — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 12:28:32 +0000

Kansas City, Kansas, is home to countless hidden gems, but few are as beloved as Christy’s Tasty Queen (1405 S 55th St, Kansas City, KS). This unassuming little spot has been serving up massive, golden-fried tenderloin sandwiches for decades, drawing locals and road-trippers alike. If you’re looking for a meal that barely fits on a bun and delivers big on flavor, this is the place to be. From crispy edges to a perfectly seasoned bite, their tenderloin is the kind of indulgence that keeps people coming back for more.

Standing Room Only

Step inside, and you’ll find a no-frills, standing-room-only interior that speaks to the focus here: big portions and bold flavors. The menu is a love letter to classic drive-in fare, with oversized burgers, chili cheese dogs, and deep-fried delights that would make any diet coach nervous. Crinkle-cut fries and thick, creamy shakes round out the offerings, making it nearly impossible to leave without a little extra in your to-go bag.

Turner Tradition

Beyond the food, Christy’s Tasty Queen is a piece of local history. Generations of Kansas Citians have made it a go-to spot for quick, satisfying meals, whether after school or just for a weeknight treat. The unchanged charm of this family-owned joint gives it a nostalgic feel, and regulars will tell you that not much has changed over the years—including the long lines at lunchtime, a true testament to its enduring popularity. Be aware that they have changed their hours to only be open on weekdays, so plan accordingly.

Familiar Eats

While Christy’s does have a few picnic tables outside for those who can’t wait to dig in, we usually opt to take ours home—after all, we live just a short drive away! There’s something special about unwrapping our meal at the kitchen table, knowing it came from a spot that’s been feeding our community for years. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, Christy’s Tasty Queen is the kind of place that turns one visit into a lifelong craving.

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All Aboard for Fun: A Unique Train-Themed Dining Experience in Kansas City

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 15:17:13 +0000

Kansas City is packed with hidden gems, and Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant is a must-visit for families. This unique train-themed dining experience in Kansas City has delighted guests for decades. Stepping inside feels like entering a vintage railway station, with train decor covering the walls and the sound of locomotives filling the air. The magic happens when meals arrive, delivered straight to the table by an overhead train system. Kids and adults watch in awe as their food lowers from the tracks, making this one of the most interactive dining experiences for kids in Kansas City.

Old School Family Fun

For those looking for a dining experience beyond the ordinary, Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant delivers. The combination of nostalgia, hands-on fun, and a kid-friendly menu at Kansas City restaurants makes it a favorite for locals and tourists alike. The joy of watching a train deliver food never gets old, and it’s an experience family will talk about long after their visit. For us, the tradition now includes our grandkids. With its classic American eats and playful atmosphere, Fritz’s continues to be a go-to destination for families seeking a unique train-themed dining experience in Kansas City.

Choose From Three Locations

Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant has multiple locations in Kansas City, making it easy for families to enjoy this one-of-a-kind dining adventure. The original location is in KCK, but the Crown Center location has become popular, especially for visitors exploring downtown. Families spending the day at nearby attractions like LEGOLAND Discovery Center or SEA LIFE Aquarium often stop here for a meal. The convenient locations and lively atmosphere make it a top pick for families searching for interactive dining experiences for kids in Kansas City. Whether it’s a special treat or just a fun night out, Fritz’s offers something unforgettable for every guest.

Unique Train-themed Dining Experience in Kansas City

One of the best parts of visiting Fritz’s is watching kids interact with the train system. Each table has a telephone to place orders, adding more fun to the meal. After ordering, guests eagerly wait for the train to make its way along the tracks, delivering meals with precision. This hands-free approach keeps kids entertained while allowing parents to sit back and relax. The combination of delicious food and a train-themed spectacle makes this one of the most unique train-themed dining experiences in Kansas City. It’s where dining turns into an event, keeping little ones engaged from start to finish.

Classic American Eats

The kid-friendly menu at Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant makes it easy to find something for even the pickiest eaters. Classic burgers, crispy fries, and thick milkshakes are among the favorites. The Lil’ Engineer Meal is a hit with kids, offering smaller portions of their favorite dishes served in a keepsake engineer’s hat. Parents can enjoy hearty burgers and sandwiches while soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere. This spot offers more than just a meal—it’s an experience that sparks excitement and creates lasting memories. With affordable pricing and a fun setting, it’s an excellent place for families looking for a unique dining adventure.

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