LUNCHBITES

By Kaper

Hereford House
20th and Main
Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone (816) 841-1080
Lunch Menu $6.95 - $19.95
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover

This Kansas City favorite now has five locations. The original (some say the best) location has been open since 1957 and is just north of Crown Center on Main, and the most recent to open is in the new Zona Rosa shopping center. Other locations are in Independence, Lawrence and Leawood. I have visited each with the exception of Lawrence, which I intend to try soon. There are slight variations in the menus, but my comments and recommendations apply to all.

I confess that I have to rely on others for information about most of the appetizers and soups. From experience, I know my entrée will be all I can handle, so I usually enjoy the Hereford House Salad, and possibly onion rings. Both are delicious, but the salad dressing choice is always difficult because I enjoy both the cheese and the ranch.

The lunch menu has several sections, which appeal to anyone seeking an alternative to a juicy steak. This steak house has six sandwiches ($7.95 to $10.95), four choices from the barbecue pit, six Chuckwagon Specialties ($7.95 to $9.95) and eight variations of steak burgers ($6.95 - $7.95). There also is the steak and seafood section for the hearty appetites. Salmon, trout and shrimp, along with five steak choices, are accompanied by soup or salad and a side dish.

The steak burgers come with soup or salad and your choice of one of the eight sides. Naturally, a renowned steak house offers steak soup. Baked beans, rice and a daily vegetable, along with five varieties of potatoes should satisfy any diner. You also can top your burger with four different cheeses, bacon, smoked mushrooms, sautéed bell peppers or grilled onions.

There are three lunch specials, Monday through Friday, with choices that vary and include soup or salad and a side dish. Each day includes at least one favorite for me. The selection of a steak burger or one of the specials is not easy. There is a non-beef alternative among the specials every day during the week. Fish and chips and the grilled pork chop always catch my eye if I happen to be there on the right day.

For wine lovers, Hereford House has a very adequate selection by the glass or half bottle. The atmosphere at all locations is conducive to relaxed dining. Even if I am taking half my meal home to enjoy later, I usually select one of the desserts. Cheesecake, a rich chocolate cake and the warm peach cobbler pose a difficult choice.

Kansas City is famous for barbecue, as well as steak and, if that is your penchant, I recommend the Double Deuce, a combination of ham and brisket on a Kaiser roll with the house BBQ sauce ($7.95). Half and full slabs of pork ribs and several smoked meat entrées are other barbecue pit choices.
I enjoy lunches, but the dinner menu is more enticing. The evening offerings are even more impressive in variety. Out-of-town guests have always been impressed with the western décor, which seems to enhance the Kansas City tradition of a great steak house. I enjoy the western art and rough wood, which seem appropriate. Whichever location you visit, Hereford House will not disappoint.     

Two more compliments seem necessary. The service has always been excellent, and the rolls served to every table are impossible to resist.

Tips: There is parking in lots around the downtown restaurant. Other locations have provided adequately for patron parking. Seating is ample at all locations. The Main Street restaurant seems to have a multitude of rooms, which avoids the cavernous atmosphere of many establishments. You may need directions to the door from some areas. All locations have a cozy bar where you may be served a quicker lunch with drinks if you wish.

Lunch Hours: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. weekdays. Open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday - Thursday and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. On weekends, Hereford House opens at 4 p.m.

Ratings: Take out, working lunch and impress a client