My boyfriend and I decided to stop in after a suggestion from a co-worker. Â The ambiance is beautiful, and perfectly set aside on a busy street. Â I've driven up and down Westport Road for the better part of 13 years and never knew it was there.
We had a bottle of Dr. Loosen Riesling which is nearly impossible to find in the KC area. Â We sat at the bar for happy hour, because unfortunately there were limited seats available on a cushy couch area. Â Our bartender was delightful, and didn't hover or interrupt our conversation. Â
We started with the beef tartar which at first sight, was concerning due to the raw meat and raw egg yolk on top, all over a bed of greens and kettle chips. Â It tasted good, and an interesting dish. Â We shared the burger (cooked perfectly) and the mac-n-cheese. Â Next time, I'd probably skip the Mac n cheese, but the burger was outstanding.
Great place, will go back for sure.
WoW....
Yup, Bluestem Restaurant, you are the KING of Happy Hours in Kansas City. You win. The end. Now when can I go again??
Happy Hour was A-MA-ZING! We came on a Friday night (runs from 5-6:30pm) and it was definitely packed by 6! We passed on drinks this time, but next time fo sho! My bf got the $8 Colby 8oz burger, which came with a side of fries. He said that this was the BEST burger he has ever had in KC. There was a thick cut of bacon over it and he said you could just taste how clean and the great quality of beef that this burger was made. Sooooo jealous that I didn't get this! But I will definitely get it next time! I ordered the Hanger Steak, which comes with a side of fries and a salad...it's marked as $10 in the menu, but they only charged us $9 for it. They cooked the steak to perfection (medium rare) and it was so tasty! Salad and fries were just an added bonus for me! We decided to finish our meal with some dessert of course and chose the Strawberries and Shortcake $5. YUM! With a dollop of strawberry ice cream as the centerpiece, shortcake, pie crumbs, fresh strawberries, and some herbs (that's right, some of Mother Nature's green stuff) surrounded the ice cream to make this delicious dessert! We will definitely be coming back to try everything on the menu! Starting with that burger :D
Pros:
- drinks galore....wells for $3, beers $4, and TONS of cocktails!
- food is delicious and it definitely felt like I was eating Top Chef quality food since it was so artistic
- very reasonably priced (can get a drink, meal, and dessert for ~$30)
- excellent service - you don't have just 1 waiter, but the whole restaurant makes sure that you are having a great evening
Cons:
- parking lot could definitely be better, but there are plenty of places to park in Westport!
Why I gave it a 5...
The food is superb. Great price. Excellent service. Best happy hour in Kansas City. It's modern American food that is done with a high sense of quality in mind. Bluestem believes their food is a piece of art and it truly is. Love this place! Just wish I could have stopped by their lounge a whole lot sooner!!
I have wanted to try this restaurant for years and when I finally had a happy hour opportunity I chose to go here and try it out. I was determined to get there early because I had read and heard that the lounge fills up fast. On my way down the sidewalk I walked in and realized right away I was in the wrong place. A man at the bar glared at me and I tried to laugh off my mistake. So beware: the sandwich sign on the sidewalk that says "Pot Pie" is not a menu item...it is a place. And you will look like a goof if you walk in thinking you are in Bluestem and their special of the day is pot pie. The man at the bar seemed to be the owner or manager and he snidely remarked "it happens all the time" and "this definitely isn't Bluestem." Obviously it definitely wasn't...because when you walk into Bluestem there isn't anyone glaring at you. They are welcoming and it is a cozy atmosphere. There were several friends who came and went over the next four hours and we all had a good time. The drinks were good and the flank steak I ordered was a little chewy but good (I realized later that they didn't ask how I wanted it cooked so it was more rare than I usually like it). If my schedule ever works out where I can go to another happy hour I will be sure to go here. It was worth spending the whole happy hour time at this cozy spot!
Review Source:Date night with my sweetie! We chose to sit at the bar and enjoy the company of the two bartenders that evening as well as get some advice on our drink and eating selections as this was our first time here.
It was a slower night and thus it was not very noisy at all in the Lounge area only a few other couples there. Â The two bartenders were very friendly and offered great advice on drinks as well as food. Â
We enjoyed a great java beer and cocktail mixed by the mixologist (bartender) with our meal of just small plates...which were very tasty.
I would recommend the Lounge.
My best friend introduced me to this place and I cannot thank her enough. The lounge is small, so if you're going for Happy Hour, get there early when you might be able to grab a seat on a nice plush sofa.
Happy hour specials are excellent. My hubby and I recently went there and filled our tummies to the brim with tasty delights. And with $3 well drinks, how can you go wrong? Even if it takes several visits, you simply must make an effort to work your way through the menu because there's really not much to disappoint. The only thing I have had that wasn't exceedingly fab was a dessert that was trying to be creative but was a bit of a flop.
I've always had good service here and the last visit was no exception. Our waitress was attentive and really quick with bringing drinks and refills.
Headed here last night after dinner for drinks. Â The lounge has a cozy, warm atmosphere with a modern vibe. Â We sat on couches and since I am currently pregnant I opted for some decaffeinated tea. Â Huge points for the lounge having loose leaf teas from Serendipity in New York. Â I got the lemon and mint and thoroughly enjoyed it. Â My friends got wine and mixed drinks and loved them. Â The service was good, the atmosphere was so chill and inviting. Â Would love to come back when I'm not so full to devour the french fries that the table next to us enjoyed. Â They have 5 dipping sauces and I love a good dipping sauce.
Review Source:The Lounge at Blue Stem certainly lived up to its hype. Â It was awesome. Â Went there last night, for a pre-trivia, Halloween, going away happy hour. Â We got there at 5 on the nose so had no problem getting seated. Â I got the Jim's Cup -Jim Beam rye whiskey with Pimm's and ginger ale, garnished with a lemon and cucumber. Â It went down really smooth. Â I probably shouldn't have had as many as I did. Â I am certainly paying for it today. Â
Our large group was well taken care of by the pleasant staff. Â For the group we got the mixed cheese plate, the meat board, mixed olives, bbqed corn, fries and jalapeno poppers. Â The poppers were excellent. Â So was the cheese plate. Â Kinda wish I wasn't leaving KC so I could go back one more time.
I ordered the shrimp and grits. Â When it first arrived I wasn't quite sure about the sauce because it smelled like it would be sweet. Â It wasn't and was actually really good. Â I liked the grits but found the shrimp to be a little over cooked. Â I had a bite of my friend's hangar steak. Â The meat was perfectly cooked and was amazing. Â So good! Â I want that- now.
I really try not to 5 star on my first visit but the Lounge is worthy.
I went here for a belated anniversary celebration and this place lived up to my expectations. Â The service could have been more attentive but gosh darn the food and drinks made up for the lack of attention for first timers seated at the bar.
We were there during Happy Hour and the prices were great. Â We ordered the bacon wrapped cherry peppers stuffed with cream cheese. Â There are four peppers served in a little cast iron ramekin. Â It was so tasty that we agreed we would order two orders next time so we don't have to share! Â We also ordered the assorted cured meats. Â I think this was one of the best meat platters I have ordered. There were plenty of different mustards, pickles and meats to layer into awesome bites.
My first drink was the Jimm's Cup. Â It was tasty for a bourbon and ginger beer drink. Â I didn't notice when I first ordered they have one of my absolute favorite bourbons, Booker's. Â I have to say to have Booker's on the rocks with the food we had I was in Happy Hour Heaven. Â
I am surprised it took us as long as it did to dine here. Â I can't wait to go back. Â There are plenty of yummy items on the menu I must try. Â Add in a great drink and I'm sure it will be another 5 star time.
Took advantage of happy hour last night, we grabbed a spot in a comfy corner in the lounge. We were there right at 5:30, still plenty of open seats to be had.
Service: Perfect. Our server was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. He introduced himself even, and made us feel very welcome. Quick with the drinks and the food, he gets 5 gold stars for sure.
Food: Trophy Husband and I split the cheese and cured meat plates. Every thing was fantastic. It was a real adventure trying all of the different items before us. Cheeses paired with preserves, a variety of meat cured in a variety of ways with a little purple mustard on the side. By the time we had finished, TH was calling people to rave about the food.
Beverages: They have a fine scotch list (according to TH, it's lost on me!) and I thoroughly enjoyed Jimm's Cup. Betcha' can't have just one. ;) Â If there's something you want (need?) that's not on the list, be sure to ask.
There's no doubt that the dining room is strictly a special-occasion place, for us anyway, but we are already scheming for another happy hour meet up.
I ordered shrimp and grits, and it was very good. The shrimp were perfectly tender; the sauce with chorizo on the grits gave the dish a bold flavor but not overpowering. Husband's kobe burger was thick and juicy. Normally, I don't eat fries, but I couldn't stop eating the fries that came with the burger; they were dipped in a garlic seasoning? extremely tasty and meaty.
We ordered the food in the Lounge; it was a bit dark (lounge dark, I guess :), the music was loud but we could still carry on a conversation. It took a long time for the food to arrive, but we did order drinks to sip. We were able to find a small table to eat on; the sofas and chairs seem to work better for hors d'oeuvres not meals.
We will go back for a proper dinner soon. Seems like they have some good chefs cooking in the kitchen.
One of these days, I'm actually going to get here for happy hour, and I feel like at that point, the Lounge at Bluestem is going to be 5 stars for me, or very close to it. I mean, if I can get the kind of food they have in the lounge at half price, I'm going to be utterly and completely in love.
We've had drinks only in the lounge twice now, and dinner once, and each time the experience has been pretty good. The only complaint that I have, really, is the lack of assigned seating/reservations. Yes, something usually opens up after a few minutes, but the night we had dinner, we ate it while seated on one of the couches (slightly difficult), and the space is small (I believe I should say "intimate"), so if you're standing around waiting for a table or space at the bar to open up, it can get awkward. You're always in someone's way.
But enough whining! The cocktails are good - inventive without being terribly strange, and not too overly priced. Currently, I'm a fan of the Winter Solstice cocktail (though, according to the bartender, that is coming off the menu very soon, so the last time I was in he made me the "spring" version), and my husband is all about the gin fizz. The wine list, while a bit small, is also great, as I have happily indulged in a large glass of some very nice Sauvignon Blanc.
As for food, yes, it's pretty excellent. My husband had the burger, and while I didn't get a bite of that (I feared it was too messy for couch eating), the frites were amazing. Seriously, go here and get the frites. You're welcome. I had the Bluestem version of the Shepherd's Pie, which was very tasty and perfect for a chilly winter night. For dessert, I really wanted the cheese plate, but we ended up splitting a trio of ice creams and sorbets, which were very nice. The apple sorbet was a particular favorite.
The last time we had drinks here, we were sitting next to two guys at the bar, and one of them had ordered the shrimp and grits. That dish smelled wonderful, and must've been pretty fantastic, as they guy turned to me, asked me if I had had it before, and when I said no, he told me that I MUST order it. Even if I was stuffed and didn't want food, I should get the shrimp and grits and eat them immediately! That's a pretty ringing endorsement.
We'll definitely be back, especially for happy hour...I just hope we'll be able to get seats!
I'm not sure there are too many places in town that I would take a discerning foodie before Bluestem (The Lounge or otherwise)! From the Happy Hour specials (with killer food to begin with) to the regular lounge menu (which has many, if not most, of the main dining room dishes included): everything is always well above average! We go at least once a month if not more and each experience is consistent and quality from start to finish. The drink list is creative and seasonal made by both servers and bartenders and never fails to offer choices not found elsewhere. The menu is stellar and contains enough food for any size party to either graze on light to heavy appetizers all the way to full dinners: what more can you ask for! The staff are knowledgeable, hip, chatty (when you want it) Â and ready to offer an opinion if needed. I rarely drink wine there even though they have a good list to choose from! I typically start with a meat and crustini platter (w/stone ground mustard and pickles), the salted olive dish, the beef tar tar or maybe even the shrimp and grits (One night they ran out of shrimp and substituted it with cod: it still rocked!). Everything we order is great and there are very few places we can say that about! One of the best compliments I can give them is that late at night or on their days off many other servers, chefs, bartenders, hosts, etc. from around KC come to Bluestem for their meals as well ... always go where the industry eats and drinks and you'll do fine in life!
Review Source:Hands down, the best happy hour value in the city! From the minute you walk in you are transported to a swank bar in a much cooler city than ours. The lights are low and the seating is intimate. I felt like we were on a very expensive date but only spent $30!
Our waitress was so accommodating and explained the HH menu to us and even attempted to help me find a drink no longer on the menu. I got a cosmo ($4.50) and he got a beer ($3, I think?) and we decided on the farmer's greens salad and the kobe burger for our meal. Everything was delicious and we left very full. I have heard that Friday nights are crazy, but we got there on a Tuesday night about 6:00 and got seated right away. By the time we left about 6:45, though, the place was full with no seats available. So, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again! It's worth it!
Holy happening happy hour Batman, Bluestem's could be the best in town. No seriously, with a gourmet lounge menu that blows away most dinner menus - half prices between 5 and 7, and by far the best burger in the metro, it's hard to argue against it. Bluestem offers an intimate lounge with various tables couches and bar seating. Pull up a comfy lounger and dig into any of their happy hour offerings that are made with high quality ingredients that leave your mouth watering for more.
Every time I stop in I have a mental battle with myself, debating the pros and cons of ordering the fresh made Kobe Burger with truffle drizzled pomme frites or going with the melts in your mouth hanger steak with chimichurri sauce. For the truly daring (or not so much) there is the Wagyu beef tartare. Â That's right! Â Raw beef.
Bluestem's no villain to veggie lovers either. With a fantastic cheese plate and salad options, and even a delicious salmon dish, come one, come all.
Whether ordering off the menu, or requesting a custom cocktail, Bluestem's top shelf liquor and wines are the perfect compliment to their A list menu.
Don't forget the best part: Bluestem accepted several James Beard award nominations for their dining room menu (not available at happy hour), just to prove their worth.
Bluestem. It's not just a native Kansas grass. It's where budget conscious foodies find fine dining.
The *sickest* happy hour gets even sicker.
I'm sitting here sobbing at my computer right now. Here I am, scant weeks left in KCMO and I'm all je ne regrette rien about the fact that I have been taking The Lounge at Bluestem for granted all this time. For the past year I have vowed to return after my first amazing visit only to do so at odd, packed hours, unable to get a seat, and then not again until this very evening.
It would always be there for me, I reasoned. And now, I go.
Anyway, stop the self pity.
We're talking DIEvine. The ultimate HH in a city full of the greatest in the US.
We took advantage of a Pinot Noir (30% off bottles 5-7pm).
and a cheese plate (two sheeps milk, two goats milk and two cows milk with complimenting tapanades).
and ridiculously amazing fries with a flight of sauces (favorites would be the Sriracha aioli and truffle mustard)
and olives.
Savored all whilst ensconced in a dark, lush velvety environs. Pinch me, am I in utero?
This review is specifically about their happy hour. The food is as good as they serve in the restaurant but with prices so low you'll feel like you're stealing. Once we went and the special was a shrimp Po' Boy super delish and super cheap. They have an amazing steak with delish chimmichurri and fries, for SEVEN bucks. The shrimp and grits was so good we got 2 orders. Now the fries. The fries are utterly amazing alone, but my favorite thing about them is the heirloom tomato ketchup they serve with it. I can't describe how delish this condiment is, it's SO tomatoey. It's everything you wish a tomato could be, i promise you will be thinking about this ketchup. Anyway, Happy Hour is so unbleievable here, you just have to go. The food is sublime, and too affordable to miss. Please go.
Review Source:What's great about the Lounge? Â You can wait there if 1) Â You got to Bluestem or Pot Pie too early to be seated for your reservation and you want to drink and nosh or 2) You were too silly and short-sighted to make a reservation at either of those fine establishments and as a result, you're now going to have to wait an hour to be seated, if you're lucky and have decided not to waste that hour, but to drink heartily.
Great apps and wonderful bar service. Â It's good for the reasons I listed above, but also for a nightcap on the way to someplace else, like Jardine's, or home.
I can see why people like this place. Â The atmosphere is cozy, the couches are comfortable, and service is excellent. Â Bluestem also has a nice wine and drink list. Â However, I was not impressed by the happy hour here.
Their drink specials were disappointing and unlike its stated hours, happy hour ends at 6:30 P.M. on Fridays. Â I settled on the mojito ($10 I believe) and thought it was just okay. Â The mojitos at reVerse (may you RIP) were $5 during happy hour and much better. Â For that price, I'd rather order an expertly-crafted cocktail at Manifesto. Â Food is a bargain at 50% off during happy hour and includes cheese, snacks, appetizers, large plates, and sweets.
My meat eating friends enjoyed their hangar steak, pulled pork sandwich, wagyu beef tartare, and cured meats. Â None of their plates cost over $7.50 and they did not skimp on the portion size. Â I split the beet salad and truffle pomme frites with my fiancee. Â The beet salad was good and beautifully presented but I was disappointed by the truffle fries. Â I love the strong, distinct taste of truffles but could barely pick up any hints of it in the fries. Â Out of all the sauces in the sauce flight, I only liked the spicy aioli.
Another downside is that the only restroom is inside of the restaurant side of Bluestem and there's no separation between the dining room and the restrooms. I felt very awkward standing in jeans behind a dressed up couple enjoying their dinner while waiting for the restroom. Â In fact, everyone on the restaurant side was dressed up except for me. Finally I just gave up on waiting and decided to wait until we left for another place.
The highlight for me was the strawberry rhubarb consomme with lemon sponge cake and strawberry buttermilk sherbert. Â Personally I'd go back for the dessert but nothing else. Â I wish they would include $1 or $2 off wine and cocktails during their happy hour.
I am going to combine my review for the lounge and the restaurant since it really is the same restaurant with a similar menu.
The Lounge: So I know I am going to the lounge which is a more casual atmosphere. I have on jeans and nice boots with heels and a dressy-ish tee. The moment I walk in some guy in a suit at the hostess stand looks me up and down like I am a hobo walking off the street. (In my head I am thinking...seriously...you tell people where to sit for a living and you want to look me up and down) but whatever. There were many people in the lounge dressed more casual than I was so his reaction surprised me. I brushed it off. My husband and I sat at the bar where we ordered from the happy hour menu (which is actually a really good deal). As an appetizer we ordered the truffle fries. They were wonderful, cooked just right. The sauces weren't that good but the fries were wonderful. I did feel nickel and dimed that I was charge a dollar for extra ketchup (I guess it is a special signature ketchup or something...) .
I ordered the veggie burger which I have to be honest is the best &*!*ing veggie burger I have ever had. It was wonderful. My husband ordered the burger (with meat) and could only describe it as flavorless and mediocre. I ordered a side of the field greens and the dressing was very bland. I would not suggest the field greens as they really are not an enjoyable or special side.
My husband ordered the devil's food cake for desert. Â I simply didn't see the clothes on the emperor. Everyone said that the devil's food cake is AMAZING! We thought it was alright.
Now this is what threw off the night for me. We arrived in time for happy hour and of course we ordered our desert last. Which went after the 7pm happy hour mark. The server charged us full price for the desert. I don't want to be rushed through my meal to make a 'deadline'. And those of us who have worked in a restaurant all know that we can still enter stuff in for people that sat down early enough at the happy hour price. So we tipped her on the reduced prices instead of the full prices. She shorted me so I shorted her.
Overall I would say that the wonderful food is balanced out by the mediocre service. I don't want to have to dress like I am going to the prom to get good service at a lounge with half price burgers.
The Restaurant:
I didn't eat at the restaurant and I doubt I ever will (but maybe). I checked out the menu and there wasn't a single vegetarian option. The host informed me that they could 'throw something together'. That usually means cheap pasta, oil and undercooked vegetables. Thanks but at these prices I expect something a little more. Â Add a vegetarian option to your menu please.
Loved the relaxing environment of the Bluestem lounge. Â We sat in a comfy love seat, tucked into the corner, out of the way, with a perfect view of all the action. Â Fun cocktails, intriguing ingredients, and professional preparation, creates a very pleasant diversion. Â We decided to share all the cocktails so that we could sample several. Who says that less is more? Â They are wrong! Â More is more!
With this as my mantra, I began my merriment with "Some Loud Thunder."  Bang!  You had me at pineapple jalapeno vodka.  This zippy number paired well with the  Wagyu Beef Tartare, served with toasted bruschetta, and lightly dressed spring greens.
To keep the love coming, we nibbled the Truffle Pomme Frites, and wet our whistle with the Sarsaparilla, made with nothing less than Shatto root beer milk. Â Who doesn't love french fries and a root beer float...and liquor? Â Yum!
Next up..."La Guercercia," assorted cured meats. Â Spec, Coppa, spicy Pancetta, whole grain mustard, and cornichons. Â The "Falling Leaves" cocktail quenched our thirst with the added interest of fig puree and gin. Â Not your average ingredients, but a big hit with the salty meat.
Who among us needs to create a rationale for having a Margarita or Mac N Cheese? Â So, without apologies, I indulged in the Bluestem's version.
And because you can never have too much of a good thing, if someone else is driving...we ended our cocktail extravaganza with "The Gentlemen". Â There's nothing like a strong cup of java to end a meal, especially when it is presented in a delicate martini glass. Â Wow! Â Fun trip for my happy taste buds! Â This was a great place to while away the evening and chat with a friend or date.
I used to work across the street. Â There used to be Spiney Norman in the same building. Â I think I bought a futon in the space next door. Â My band used to get stickers made at Groove Farm that was catty-corner to the joint. Â Seeing this nifty little block taken up by Blue Stem (and another, yet to be reviewed destination) at least did my heart good that something cool had taken occupancy where so many fond memories haunted...
I liked this place just looking in the window the first time. Â "They'll treat us right here", I said to The Dame. Â Or, maybe I just thought it, only anticipating what kind of delicious treat in the form of something alcohol that I'd get my lips around at the bar...
And that I did. Â Creatively. Â Creatively in that the drinks were a very intriguing batch of goodness that made it very difficult to choose just one. Â The Dame and I were parched, and the cool, inviting, and sophisticated atmosphere of the Lounge spoke our language...complete with double entendre's, just the way I like 'em.
What really impressed me, though, was the service. Â The folks behind the bar and the FoH guy were all amazing, attentive, and treated you like they've always known you. Â This, I like. Â I don't want to have to MAKE someone like me, but I'll do it if I have to. Â Here, the prerequisite was that they already knew that I liked my drinks strong, with a healthy dash of creativity.
We drank, alright, but then we needed something to eat so we didn't end up on the tables (or under them...). Â Easy enough: bar food favorites Pom Frittes with a variety of dipping sauce that I could have drank by the gallon. Â The Dame ordered some olives...not a fan, but she loved every one of them to the pit. Â A lovely sight...
By the time we had to leave, we'd been treated like we were regulars, and left wanting to be. Â That wonderful haze of good alcohol and a good experience floating us out the door, hand on our backs into the night and whispering in our ears, "We'd better see you soon..."
And how could we stay away...?
I didn't realize there was a separate profile for Bluestem's lounge, but I'm glad there is because it gives me another opportunity to fawn over my favorite restaurant in Kansas City.
The lounge is a laid back, relatively casual affair, and the menu reflects a similar attitude but with the same attention to detail as the main dining area. The prices are beyond reasonable, and they are all slashed IN HALF during happy hour, which is, hands down, the absolute best food value in Kansas City. Since I generally work until 6:00 and happy hour doesn't start until 7:00, I have to get off work early to really make it--and I occasionally do just that. It is that good.
I can't stress the value enough. Huge honkin' hangar steak marinated in chimichurri, with frites? Seven bucks. Wagyu tartare? Six bucks. Thai style steamed mussels? Seven bucks. Truly, it's insane. The menu rotates now and then, and is consistently awesome. Where else in the city--or the country, for that matter!--can you get food of this quality at such a bargain basement price?
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