Kansas City is known for its barbecue, so if you’re going to open a joint in these parts, you’d better be ready to show your game, and Scott has done just that. Just minutes from KCI, Scott’s Kitchen sits just north of the KCI Expo Center in a rather smallish building and a dining room with no more than a dozen or so tables.
Open only Monday through Friday from 7-11 for breakfast and 11-3 for lunch, Scott’s is a place with a dedicated following and a line at the counter that reaches to the door.
My husband Blake and I visited for Blake’s birthday, and we were pleasantly surprised at the varied menu. From breakfast tacos to burnt ends to burrito bowls, there is easily something for just about everyone.
We were among the early crowd for lunch, but it wasn’t long before the dining room was fairly full and a line stretched to to the door, mostly full of people who had been there before. (I promise we weren’t just eavesdropping – our seats were right between the door and the counter – we couldn’t help but overhear!) It was clear that Scott has a dedicated following here in the Northland. My own cousin is constantly posting pictures of his visits, which is what made me realize we had to try this place!
Blake ordered a 2-meat plate with brisket and ribs, while I ordered a burnt ends plate, knowing I’d be giving most of my meat to Blake. I’m primarily vegetarian, but if there is one meat I am pretty particular about, it’s a good, flavorful burnt end, and Scott’s were pretty good – I had a couple of the nicely charred ones and donated the rest to my husband’s cause.
Blake truly enjoyed his meats, and while the potato salad was a bit more tame than what I make at home, the cheesy potatoes were pretty amazing. The beans were chock full of chunks of meat – clearly not your average beans. Scott’s offered two different kinds of sauces, and they supplemented the meal nicely.
We were so excited about our food that we actually forgot to take pictures before we dug in! The serving sizes were generous – we ended up taking some home for “second lunch” – like Hobbits, right? It sure didn’t last long at home.
The most memorable part of our visit was that Scott himself came out to check on us. Members of his staff had brought out our order and checked back to make sure that all was well, but I was impressed that the proprietor himself values his guests enough to stop by and say Hi. That’s the kind of service we value here in Kansas City.
As we decided it was time to pack up what was left before we stuffed ourselves silly, we examined the menu, having already decided that yes, there will be a next time. I’m eyeing that Burnt End Bowl, but my partner in crime is going to be having that 2-meat plate again. It was just that good!
After our first visit, we can say that Scott’s is a great place not just for the good food, but for the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and the thoughtfulness of the owner himself. When someone values their customers enough the build the relationships that Scott has clearly worked to make here in the Northland, you know you’ll be hearing about his Kitchen for a long time to come.
