JJ's Restaurant achieves that rare balance of elegant fine dining with an inviting and romantic ambiance. Each visit feels like a special occasion, but one that you share with family and friends. It starts with our serving staff, some of whom have been with us for nearly all of our 35 years. And continues with an inventive contemporary American menu.
The care and creativity with which we infuse our fresh seafood and steaks inspired Zagat Survey to rate us one of the best places to eat in Kansas City. Our expansive wine list has been named by the Wine Spectator as one of the best in the world. And our atmosphere will have you feeling right at home while enjoying it all - whether you're in the dining room or at the bar.
The care and creativity with which we infuse our fresh seafood and steaks inspired Zagat Survey to rate us one of the best places to eat in Kansas City. Our expansive wine list has been named by the Wine Spectator as one of the best in the world. And our atmosphere will have you feeling right at home while enjoying it all - whether you're in the dining room or at the bar.
Services
JJ's invested in a state-of-the-art HVAC air-purifying system that continually filters the air and kills up to 99.7% of bacteria and viruses. It's the same type of system installed at a local hospital. Contrary to popular belief, JJ's Restaurant is not named for popular owner Jimmy Frantze. In 1985, Jimmy purchased JJ Malane's from his former business partner and the saloon's namesake.
Chef Julio Juarez sources fresh ingredients from local suppliers to create unique, flavor-filled dishes. In addition to our traditional menu favorites like Paco Shrimp and JJ's Pride steak, Chef Juarez also serves delicious daily and seasonal specials, including fresh seafood dishes. Check the JJ's Restaurant Facebook page or follow us on Twitter to get updates on specials.
JJ's special Happy Hour menu offers the perfect complement to our exceptional selection of wines and spirits. Have a look now so you're ready when you order your drinks. A good friend in Chicago gave us the recipe for this thin crust pizza that has a reputation all of it's own here in KC. Topping change daily!
You can travel the world over and still not find the exceptional selection of wines you'll find at JJ's, right here on the Plaza in Kansas City. Which is why our wine list was honored with a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. We could easily call ourselves a wine bar, but we don't want to take away from the delectable food.
JJ's regularly hosts special events, including wine tastings, dinners and charity benefits. And we bring guest vintners from around the country and the world to our home on Kansas City's Country Club Plaza. Check below to see upcoming events. Or join our email list to get updates and invitations delivered to your inbox.
Reviews (23)
David G.
Dec 09, 2021
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First time in new location
Great service great food.
Rack of lamb was perfect , Halibut special was cooked perfectly, AhiTuna was fantastic with side of snow peas and mushrooms, the side was so good it could have been a main course. Steak was tasty but if you like medium order medium rare , if you like medium rare order rare , they are cooked a bit more then I'm used to.
Great meal , reasonable price
Great service and staff. I'll go back
Great service great food.
Rack of lamb was perfect , Halibut special was cooked perfectly, AhiTuna was fantastic with side of snow peas and mushrooms, the side was so good it could have been a main course. Steak was tasty but if you like medium order medium rare , if you like medium rare order rare , they are cooked a bit more then I'm used to.
Great meal , reasonable price
Great service and staff. I'll go back
Michele
Oct 22, 2021
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So unfortunate. JJ’s used to be such a lovely Cheers kind of spot. We came in tonight after a concert. We were abruptly told they were doing last call and it was done at 11. After asking the wait staff if this was actually true, the portly staff member rudely affirmed it to be true. The tried and true staff looked embarrassed that this was the case. Patrons around us stated they felt this was off and not what they expected. I can’t imagine Jimmy would be pleased with this level of service.
Kristen M.
Oct 11, 2021
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First time at JJ's and really pleased with our experience.
I started with their barrel aged old fashioned. Flavor was great and the barrel aging definitely made it strong. Spouse ordered a glass of dry red wine from their extensive wine menu.
Ordered the baked Brie app and wow. So good. Be sure to squeeze the roasted garlic half to get out all the garlic goodness (a waiter saw us struggle and came to our rescue).
I got the KC strip cooked medium with mashed potatoes. Fantastic crust on the steak. Creamy delightful potatoes.
Spouse got the ribeye medium rare and it was also spectacular.
I started with their barrel aged old fashioned. Flavor was great and the barrel aging definitely made it strong. Spouse ordered a glass of dry red wine from their extensive wine menu.
Ordered the baked Brie app and wow. So good. Be sure to squeeze the roasted garlic half to get out all the garlic goodness (a waiter saw us struggle and came to our rescue).
I got the KC strip cooked medium with mashed potatoes. Fantastic crust on the steak. Creamy delightful potatoes.
Spouse got the ribeye medium rare and it was also spectacular.
Mike Snyder
Sep 14, 2021
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They have a delightful outdoor area with an overall great experience. The menu has something for everybody. In our visit the mussels were way too shriveled and the KC strip was uninspiring, meaning it needed a little bit of help. Service was also just a bit blow expectation. My wife's tuna was excellent.
Anita Hunter
Jul 21, 2021
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Very nice ambiance. Our server was condescending and uninterested, though we saw other tables having friendly service. The bar drinks were not good. I’m pretty sure that I didn’t get the drink I ordered but the server insisted I did, and she actually said that I must not know what an amaretto sour tastes like (it was served with lime and tasted suspiciously like a mojito). Ordered calamari for appetizer and it was bland. The food was small portions and underwhelming presentation. Server dropped off steaks and did not check back to see if they were cooked as requested. I’m pretty sure the
Paschelle W.
Jul 13, 2021
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Brock D.
Jul 10, 2021
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Sherry C.
Apr 03, 2021
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Our dinner at JJ's was one to return to, we came to KC for a last minute trip to celebrate a weekend away for our 2nd year wedding anniversary and it was a very impressive place from the greeting at the hostess check in to the sit down, staff was top notch, food was even better, for starters we had the meat balls and they were delicious and perfectly seasoned, my husband had the KC strip and asparagus both perfectly prepared and I had the rack of lamb and sautéed spinach and tomatoes, delectable... We had the Pinot noir wine with dinner and a Carmel drizzle and fresh raspberry cheesecake
Anh D.
Feb 21, 2021
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Lydia C.
Feb 13, 2021
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Valentine's weekend date night!! We ordered a beet salad, a roasted cauliflower salad, tenderloin, and 8oz. Filet. Everything was cooked to perfection! I ordered my filet rare and my husband ordered his medium rare...cooked perfectly. We also had the spaghetti squash and Brussel sprouts, 2 must order sides. The Brussels were not crispy but still satisfying to the palet.
However, what makes a dining experience is the wait staff. Our waiter, Rick was attentive and patient. He knew the menu and what to recommend. He was personable, on point, and truly enjoys his job. We will definitely be
However, what makes a dining experience is the wait staff. Our waiter, Rick was attentive and patient. He knew the menu and what to recommend. He was personable, on point, and truly enjoys his job. We will definitely be
Reese A.
Jan 29, 2021
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Allison R.
Jan 18, 2021
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My first visit here during restaurant week. It did not disappoint. Our waiter was very attentive and helpful. I had paco shrimp and wild boar Ragu. The dessert course was too rich for me. But I will definitely go back to check out their happy hour and do dinner.
For first timers- they do have a parking garage but I had to circle around the block because I missed the sign. You could also park at the plaza and walk over to JJ's too.
For first timers- they do have a parking garage but I had to circle around the block because I missed the sign. You could also park at the plaza and walk over to JJ's too.
Nick V.
Jan 11, 2021
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Dwynn E.
Dec 17, 2020
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I'm always on the look out for a good Happy Hour spot where I can eat, drink, laugh and drink some more with the girls.
JJ's has a fair selection of wine, boulevard beers and cocktails on their HH menu in addition to snacks that you can eat from 4-7PM | DAILY (which is rare). Their pizza and calamari and my "go-to" selections and the ingredients are always fresh. For dinner I had the medallions au poivre with grilled asparagus and it tenderloin was so savory with black peppercorn sauce. While their patio remains open with fire pits and heaters, they've also installed an
JJ's has a fair selection of wine, boulevard beers and cocktails on their HH menu in addition to snacks that you can eat from 4-7PM | DAILY (which is rare). Their pizza and calamari and my "go-to" selections and the ingredients are always fresh. For dinner I had the medallions au poivre with grilled asparagus and it tenderloin was so savory with black peppercorn sauce. While their patio remains open with fire pits and heaters, they've also installed an
Dominic W.
Dec 02, 2020
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JJ's restaurant is great for dinner or a quick happy hour. I've been here twice in the past month, and have enjoyed wonderful service on the patio. Their outdoor seating is pretty good, although sometimes I feel my chair is a little close to my neighbor's - but at least it is outdoors. They have pretty lights on the trees, and the backdrop is rather "chill". Their patio is on the second floor, so there isn't too much street noise. There is garage parking underneath the building.
The food for happy hour is pretty good. Their calamari is a smaller portion, but definitely
The food for happy hour is pretty good. Their calamari is a smaller portion, but definitely
Lynn F.
Nov 20, 2020
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Faria M.
Jun 29, 2020
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Came here on a weekday night for happy hour. Perks: the location--near the plaza which is nice if you want to grab dinner and drinks and then make your way to plaza for more bar hopping. They do have a parking garage in the back, and they'll validate your ticket. They also have a HUGE outdoor space so you can eat and drink on the patio which would be lovely in the Spring or Fall.
Important to note: JJs is fairly pricey so is not a great place for a casual dinner. Their cocktail menu is pretty good with a lot of seasonal, fun drinks that were delish.
The food was okay in my opinion. Portion
Important to note: JJs is fairly pricey so is not a great place for a casual dinner. Their cocktail menu is pretty good with a lot of seasonal, fun drinks that were delish.
The food was okay in my opinion. Portion
Andre Hoyt
Sep 23, 2019
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Google, your fault for not offering 1/2 stars. JJ's has the ambiance, the wine list and the menu to impress. Why not 5 stars? Well, the stars weren't aligned. But still, impressive. I highly recommend....in a nearly 5 star way!
Update....returned one year later and it was a busier night than my first visit with all kinds of activity....more awesome people dining of course. Had a great Cabernet and even better ribeye. Although the slab of meat was nuked a little past my requested medium, the flavor compensated. Bottom line, I love the place and want to return with Eva Longoria some day.
Update....returned one year later and it was a busier night than my first visit with all kinds of activity....more awesome people dining of course. Had a great Cabernet and even better ribeye. Although the slab of meat was nuked a little past my requested medium, the flavor compensated. Bottom line, I love the place and want to return with Eva Longoria some day.
Jami George
Aug 26, 2019
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Dined during restaurant week and was not disappointed. The pear and stilton salad wasn’t on the special menu but it sounded good so I gave it a try. It was wonderful! All of the food was amazing. The paco shrimp, the cod and of course the ganache...all absolutely delicious. The service was prompt and our server was very friendly and attentive. I will definitely come back.
Kandis P.
Jun 11, 2019
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We really enjoyed this bar and restaurant, as the food was good and the staff was friendly! We were staying at a hotel that was close by and ended up eating and drinking here more than once. They have Stella on draft, my favorite. They also have a full bar with a large selection of bubbles and wine. Oh, and a very nice outdoor patio.
When we ate lunch, we mostly ordered salads and sandwiches. Someone in our party is gluten free and they were kind enough to accommodate by bringing large lettuce leaves for his cheeseburger in place of a bun.
Definitely worth checking out, especially if you are
When we ate lunch, we mostly ordered salads and sandwiches. Someone in our party is gluten free and they were kind enough to accommodate by bringing large lettuce leaves for his cheeseburger in place of a bun.
Definitely worth checking out, especially if you are
Chi H.
Apr 18, 2019
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Came here for a Sunday Funday and for Happy Hour. Really enjoy the atmosphere and how clean and vibrant this place is. This was our first time here at this establishment and my oh my, friendly staff, good food, and great drinks as well.
Had the calamari and it was fresh and tasty. My friends had their tacos and they claimed it was very good as well.
This might be the spot next time for Dinner and also another good happy hour spot. Can't wait to go again!
Had the calamari and it was fresh and tasty. My friends had their tacos and they claimed it was very good as well.
This might be the spot next time for Dinner and also another good happy hour spot. Can't wait to go again!
Jessica N.
Apr 15, 2019
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I came here for a Yelp elite event, and enjoyed my experience and dishes so much, it left my yearning for more!
So we ended up staying for happy hour once the Yelp event was over!
I ordered me another glass of their red wine HH only $5!
I also tried their mini boar tacos and calamari.
The calamari here is prepared better than other restaurants- you can tell they value quality!
The mini boar tacos was really where it was at though! The meat was perfectly tenderized, crunchy mini soft shell tacos that paired well with their choice of slightly pickled veggies.
We'll for sure be coming
So we ended up staying for happy hour once the Yelp event was over!
I ordered me another glass of their red wine HH only $5!
I also tried their mini boar tacos and calamari.
The calamari here is prepared better than other restaurants- you can tell they value quality!
The mini boar tacos was really where it was at though! The meat was perfectly tenderized, crunchy mini soft shell tacos that paired well with their choice of slightly pickled veggies.
We'll for sure be coming
Frank Julian
Nov 20, 2018
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Absolutely the best overall restaurant in Kansas City. Eclectic tastes from seafood to steaks. Appetizers are each a work of culinary expertise and the chef and kitchen staff deserve a round of applause. Small plates and regular entrees available. Staff was extremely knowledgeable and provided outstanding service. It is expensive but you will get an equal or in our case higher level of service. A true experience that everyone should have the chance to experience + a superb wine selection.
