My friend John stopped by Sharp's 63rd Street Grill last night — he's a longtime fan of the place — to join in the festivities (the place was packed, he said) now that word is out that the popular Brookside diner will definitely be closing in January. According to Sharp's Facebook page, the restaurant's last day will be January 15.
"A lot of the regulars were in there," he said. "It wasn't bittersweet; everyone had a very upbeat attitude."
Restaurateur Forbes Cross will be taking over the location in early 2012 and turning it into a Michael Forbes Grill. The original Michael Forbes Grill, located in Waldo from 1985 to 1999, was a clubby and comfortable pub that served comfort food, including what was then the best fried catfish in the city. Cross says catfish will be one of the Michael Forbes standards returning to the new restaurant's menu. There was a second short-lived Michael Forbes Grill in Prairie Village in 2003.
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To the Sharps naysayers: Let's see, Sharps was in business for how long? ~20 years. And that is a failure?
To the Michael Forbes Grill naysayers: Let's see, Michael Forbes Grill in Waldo was in business for how long? 14 years. And that is a failure?
I've dined at both with the expectations of the kinds of places they were and was never disappointed. Things change. Restaurants close, move or relocate.
I will definitely try out the new Michael Forbes where Sharps was.
We will all see how things go.
SBinKC
Uber straight? Dumb football jocks and vapid sorority queens? Do you (joep) really not hear yourself? To my ears (eyes) you just sound as narrow-minded as a homophobe! And what is with all the bitterness that runs rampant through half of these reviews? 60+ crowd for a 4:30 dinner? Now we're reduced to ridiculing our local senior citizens? Okay, insults aside ... my family and I just had a perfectly nice dinner there. We were waited on by a young server named Britney who was a complete sweetheart ... and that's what I know. So there. I wish them good luck.
News Flash: Sharp's SUCKED. That's why it went out of business. I really don't consider Michael Forbes a "chain" restaurant that Brookside folks will "not take too kindly too".
If that is the case, they sure have a funny way of showing it because there is a line out the door about every night.
Hello Joep who posted on 12/22/11...
Don't worry about the staff who will be working at the new Michael Forbes in Sharp's previous location. They hired me, a 52 yr. old "veteran pro" per a recent review from the current restaurant I am working at. And not sure who made you Mayor of Brookside, but I am confident your regards to the new Michael Forbes restaurant will be laughing you out of the comment section very soon. I can't tell you how many folks I have talked to who can not wait for Michael Forbes Grille to re-open. Sorry you won't be there to appreciate it! And by the way, this location does not have to be a "gay" joint to make it work. FYI!
OMG Sooooo happy that Forbes is coming back!!!! Someone please just tell me that the smoked trout with toasts will be on the menu! We've lost sooo much time.....
Anyone who remembers Michael Forbes knows that it would fit well in Brookside. It was a well run, classy, and comfortable restaurant with great food. I wish them well.
Sad to see Sharp's go. It is a beloved neighborhood joint, and I am glad to say I am one of the regulars. Great breakfasts on Sundays, awesome martinis on any day you went. The hip and cute staff there is awesome too, always great service and always great food! I just hope that the owner didn't sell out to Forbes (ugh!)...I wonder if the uber straight Michael Forbes will hire just skinny blondes going to communtity college who have boyfriends named Brad and Josh...That's what the Plaza does, so fake, shallow, and pretentious trying so hard to be L.A. (double ugh!). Dumb football jocks and vapid sorority queens will not be tolerated! Nice try Mr. Forbes, word on the street is that Brookside residents do not take kindly to chains invading thier neighborhood, your chance of success is probably like... zero.
Sharp's is a cult classic. Sad to see it go. Michael Forbes will crash and burn in a matter of months, count on it. I predict this will be a future home to EggCetera or another First Watch, Michael Forbes will in and out quickly.
Wonderful. Always liked the original MF Grill in
Waldo and NEVER could get with the program at Sharps. Don't think those in charge could either. Good luck and can't wait.
Have to agree on Michael Forbes, his PV location was short lived because it was awful.
I have to agree with 56woody.. Forbes got lucky at Parkway 600 and has done nothing but fail ever since. He clearly is out of touch with modern diners and contemporary food. He may be able to pull in some of his 60+ crowd for a 4:30 dinner, but beyond that, this place will most likely be as irrelevant as Sharp's is.
Good luck though!
I'm not sure this is such great news. Forbes has been through how many restaurants since Michale Forbes? I'd give him a few months.
I fear this will become one of those cursed locations.
I might have to break my no food at Sharp's streak and get in a Morningside Omelet.
And of course, some martinis at the bar.
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