American Restaurant
(816) 545-8001
200 E 25th St Ste 400
Kansas City,
MO
64108
39.0828
-94.582
Neighborhoods: Crown Center, Near Downtown
Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-9pm
Fri 11am-2pm, 5pm-10pm
Sat 5pm-10pm
Price:
$$$$
What People Are Saying About American Restaurant
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Views of the city's twinkling downtown burst open as clients enter the vaulted dining room. The massive windows and soaring ceiling also lend light and airiness to the deco-inspired space, which is done in white, rose, burgundy and gold. With limited seatings of small parties, he noise level is low and the pace relaxed.
The Food
The restaurant stays true to its name, serving American classics (the exception is the chef's tasting menu, which is bolder and changes nightly). Meaty scallops--undersea steaks, really--are complimented by lush parsnips that defy their humble origins. The four-hour veal shank falls off the ample bone and the filet itself is robust and comes in a sea of cool colors: pale-green ravioli and ringed by red beets. To finish, the pear in red wine--served with a dollop of creme fraiche ice cream--is an exotic blend of sweet and sour.
User Reviews
chris66062
February 15, 2009
I have lived in KC for 7 years and had wanted to go to the American for quite a long time. I made Valentine's Day reservations a full 6 weeks early just to be safe. My disappointment started with the wine list--more bottles than I could count at the $180+ range, several embarrassing bottles in the sub $40 range, and not much in between. We received an excellent recommendation for the Cloe & Jeremy, which turned out to be the only positive surprise of the night. The food was definitely superb, and the staff bringing the courses and clearing the table did an excellent job. Our waiter, however, barely returned to the table after taking our initial order. We were not able to order dessert drinks or coffee, and waited nearly 45 minutes after our table was cleared and were out of beverages to get our check. It was as if we turned invisible after we ordered... I have rarely felt so ignored at a restaurant, especially when I am paying more than I ever have for the experience. I guess I can say I have been here now, but I dare say I will ever return on my own accord. There are far too many other restaurants that in KC that will actually attempt to make my experience special.
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MichaelDaniel
December 21, 2008
My wife and I went to the American Restaurant for our 10th anniversary. At first it appeared that we had walked through a time warp and were back in the 80's, as we looked up at the decor. We had also been promised a table by the 30 foot tall windows that show a great view of the town, but ended up at a table in the back. My wife, a Syrah wine lover could not find one on the extensive wine list. We did like that they put our names on our menus congratulating us on our anniversary, and as each course came out, including 3 small complimentary courses, we began to realize that the chef, Debbie Gold, and her artisitc, creative, and absolutely delicious food was the star of this restaurant. We ended up enjoying the intimacy our table provided as we could sit right next to each other in the round booth. The service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing and arrogant, and the wine we ended up having was excellent, thanks to the help of the wine steward who guided us to a half bottle similar to what we were looking for. We had a very nice and romantic evening and would like to plan a return trip each year as long as Debbie Gold is working her magic in the kitchen. A nice finishing touch was being able to take our menu home with our names at the top and the chef's autograph on it.
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ClearlySam
May 12, 2008
Service was slow to nonexistent, arrogant and fake. I have wanted to experience this Restaurant for may years when I visited KC. There were two of us, we arrived at 7:30 on a Thursday, were seated then after a lengthy wait flaged down the bread waiter for menus, then I actually had to get up to ask someone to send our waiter to take our orders. There were perhaps 10 other customers in the restaurant and several service people but none were attentive. Food was Great, creative, and fresh. But the service was so bad I would never go back - too many other excellent choices in KC.
read full reviewThe Details on American Restaurant
Look Good:
The small, deco-inspired lounge is a comfortable spot for a premeal cocktail. Live piano music provides the soundtrack.
Where to Sit:
When reserving, consider whether you want a table by the window (which offer superb views of the city) or one of the plush semicircular booths on the opposite side of the dining room (the most comfortable and intimate seats).
What to Drink:
The wine list is actually a thick notebook packed with exceptional vintages, especially from California and France.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Romantic Dining, Quiet, Celeb Hangout, View Dining, Theater District Dining, Private Rooms, Business Dining, Happy Hour, Live Music, Notable Wine List, Prix Fixe Menu
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
Yes
