Back in 1972, when Kansas City native Calvin Trillin announced — in "Playboy" magazine, no less — that this venerable small-town steakhouse was “the finest in the world,” it set the joint on a pedestal that has gotten a little wobbly over the years. Dating back to 1938, Jess & Jim’s is a beloved old beef barn to be sure, unpretentious and even a bit dowdy. Even without Trillin’s hyperbole, the place deserves attention for keeping its focus on steaks: well-marbled, hand-cut Angus beef, offered as part of a complete dinner with choice of soup or salad, an array of potato possibilities (the twice-baked spuds are fantastic) and garlic toast. And because it’s owned by the Van Noy family, which also owns Martin City’s R.C.’s Restaurant & Lounge, fried chicken is on the menu, as well as broiled fish, fried shrimp, lobster tail — and frog legs. — Charles Ferruzza
Price: $$-$$$
Payment Type: All Major Credit Cards, cash
Parking: Free, Lot Available
Reservations: Accepted
Attire: Casual
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We went to Jess & Jim's on a whim one night and wasn't totally disappointed, but definitely wasn't impressed either; especially with their reputation.
I actually ordered the chicken fried steak, so I can't give my personal opinion on the actual steaks, but the my meal was pretty good. Honestly, one of the best chicken friend steaks I've had in quite a while; the fries, beef soup and garlic bread were also quite good.
My fiance got the surf and turf while his brother got just a t-bone. The lobster was apparently very good, but both the steaks were not up to par. We may be a bit snobby when it comes to steak (we'd rather eat them at home, haha) but for the price and the impression that we were coming to this well-known steakhouse, the food just wasn't mindblowing.
I'd have no problem going back and trying something else, but my hopes won't be so high this time!
Rating Detail:
Food: 2
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Value: 3
Overall: 3
I had heard really good things about Jess and Jim's since I moved to KC 11 years ago but never found the time to try it.
Well I tried it and was extremely disappointed!
The pickled beets as a complimentary appetizer were a nice touch, but the rest of the meal was not so great.
The salad was bland and uninspiring. They might as well dump it straight from a Dole salad bag. The garlic toast was thick and somewhat soggy.
Now we get to the entrees. The chicken was dry and overcooked with not a hint of seasoning. It kind of reminded me of Popeye's chicken at triple the price. The ribeye was pan fried and crusted. Again, without a hint of seasoning. Very plain and bland. It was something I could have done myself at home with a hot frying pan on the stove. Sadly, the twice cooked potato was the best part of the meal. Even the coffee was bitter and would be better served on a hunting trip.
The service was adequate but nothing spectacular. The decor has probably not changed in 20 years. Old and dated. Overall, a very disappointing evening. Don't bother wasting your time or money with Jess and Jim's, there are a lot better places to eat in the local area.
Rating Detail:
Food: 1
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 2
Value: 1
Overall: 2
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