Category Archives: Review

Grinders

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Located in the artistic Crossroads Arts District of Kansas City, we had heard about the amazing local eats and drinks at Grinders for quite some time.  When Kyle saw that they used authentic rolls for their philly cheese steaks, we finally decided to give them a try.

Artsy 

Taste: 8

Presentation: 5

Originality: 6

Service: 7

Appearance: 5

Value: 9

Restrooms: 9

But Not Fartsy 

Taste: The kids split two slices of pizza and I tried a bite.  The sauce was delish and the boys gobbled down their supper.  Kyle declared his cheese steak the most authentic one he has had (something about the roll?) and so he was a happy dude.  My calzone was tasty, not too humungous and very fresh.

Presentation: We ate outside and they served us on paper plates and the food is just kinda piled on there.  No big deal because it all tasted awesome.

Originality: They do add their own special twist to a lot of their specials, but it is still just your standard pizza and burger joint.

Service: Although it was a little confusing to tell who worked there and who was just friendly, our server was very nice and helpful.  Initially, they accidentally sent out the wrong calzone and she handled the whole thing really well and was genuinely apologetic.

Appearance: It definitely has that “local favorite” feel and even though we stuck out like sore thumbs (white suburban, middle class, with 3 small kids, not artsy looking at all), we felt very comfortable and just like we were out eating on somebody’s patio.  It was a beautiful day so when the kids were finished eating, they played in the big grassy area while Kyle and I chatted.

Value: The food here is cheap cheap cheap.  Pizza by the slice is $3, Kyle’s sandwich was $5 and my calzone was the priciest at $8.  Burgers and subs are about $9 and an 18″ pizza is about $14.  Make sure to check out their daily specials for even cheaper eats!

Restrooms: According to the boys, the restrooms were “actually really nice.”

Grinders on Urbanspoon

Mestizo

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While Kyle and I aren’t one to check out the “newest, hottest spots” in town, when we saw how fun Mestizo looked from the outside, we knew that we would need to try it at least once.  The menu was exclusively developed by some hot shot from the Food Network and it did not disappoint.

Fine Dining

Taste: 9

Presentation: 10

Originality: 9

Service: 9

Appearance: 7

Value: 6

Restrooms: Didn’t check them out.

With a Mexican Twist 

Taste: You really aren’t going to find food quite like this anywhere else in the Kansas City area.  This truly is fine dining through the eyes of a talented Mexican chef.  Kyle and I shared their guacamole, queso fundido and skirt steak tacos.  I ate the tamales and Kyle ate the pepita cursted scallops.  The flavors were so unique and rich, yet not overbearing. Everything was excellent.

Presentation: All of the food could have been framed and put onto our walls.  They certainly wanted it to be a feast for the eyes as well as the belly.

Originality: Maybe we just don’t get out enough, but this was certainly my first time trying Mexican fine dining.  I really loved how Chef Sanchez built everything around food that he grew up eating, but then gave it that extra fine dining feel.  When most people think of Mexican food, they think of big piles of food on a plate all smothered in cheese.  We all need to think outside of the box and realize that Mexican has a place in that world as well.

Service: This was one of the high points of our experience there.  Since we were first-timers, and the menu was so unique, I had a lot of questions.  Our server made us feel right at home and explained all the food from the point of view of somebody who is very passionate about it.

Appearance: They have a fabulous fire pit outside as well as full seating on the roof for private parties.  It is certainly very nice inside, very clean and modern, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Value: For fine dining it is exactly right.  For the rest of us, the price point is a little high.  Starters are about $10 each, small plates range from $10-$15, and entrees range from $15-30.

Restrooms: n/a

Mestizo on Urbanspoon

Guadalajara Cafe

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Sometimes, you go out to a new place because a friend suggests it and sometimes, you go out because you bought a Groupon and said, “what the heck?”  Here friends, is one of our successful Groupon experiences at our new favorite local Mexican place, Guadalajara Cafe.  

Tengo Hambre.  

Taste: 7

Presentation: 6

Originality: 5

Service: 7

Appearance: 5

Value: 8

Restrooms: 7

Que Rico, es!

Taste: Chips were warm, salsa was fresh.  Kyle got these mini tacos that looked amazing, and I got just a classic dinner plate: tamale, taco and enchilada, served with rice and beans.  It was all very tasty and even the kids scarfed down their quesadilla and rice (or was that Kyle? hummm)

Presentation: Kyle’s entree was particularly lovely looking and mine was just your standard “pile it high” Mexican fare.

Originality: Just another mom and pop Mexican place.  But we do have a question- what is with all of the mushrooms?  We felt that a lot of the entrees (even their cheese dip) had mushrooms in it.  Never heard of that for Mexican food so we were a little thrown off.

Service: For waltzing in with three young kids, they were very accommodating.  They gave us little cups with lids for the kids and were great with refills.  We felt very comfortable and everybody had a great time.

Appearance: It’s not much to look at from the outside but they keep the inside fresh and clean.  When we looked at online reviews a lot of folks described the place as “dark and dingy” and we didn’t feel that way at all.

Value: Kyle’s entree was $16,  mine was $10 and the kids’ was $4.  Not the cheapest Mexican food you’ll find, but the portions are very “sharable” if you are pinching pennies.

Restrooms: Kyle said they were fine and very clean.

Guadalajara Cafe on Urbanspoon