My partner's dad chose this place for us to get dinner on a Saturday, and as a first time visitor,…read moreI was excited to try some more KC BBQ. After we were seated, I took a look around the place, and was overall impressed by the decor since it's clear they thought out the story associated with jazz history. The menu was also well designed and easy to navigate, but that's something I notice as a marketing designer. Since there were four in our party, we decided to share an app (the brisket tacos), split the two-meat platter (ribs & brisket), and add a half pound of the burnt ends. We were able to get drinks and the app in, but our server kinda forgot about us, so we had one of our party go to the counter to get the rest in. A bit odd, but I suppose the place was busy.
When the tacos arrived, they weren't hot, but tasted good, so we didn't mind as we were hungry. However, when the burnt ends came out (sorry, I didn't photo those) they were kinda pale and fatty. I'm not from around these parts, but if "burnt" is in the name I'd expect some level of charred bark, and these lacked it. We didn't touch them and they were sent back. The meat plate's arrival helped smooth things over as the ribs were great and the feta mac and garlic cheesy corn were, too. The brisket wasn't an easy one to cut, as I was being cognizant and considerate of others in regards to sharing. I thought it would be a little more tender. We did get a new order of burnt ends sent out from the kitchen, which was nice, as it wasn't expected.
I think my partner's dad wanted to end things on a high note by ordering dessert, so we got the smoked cheesecake. At the time, the board said the daily special was the pumpkin spice cheesecake. There was nothing pumpkin nor spice about this. A pale, sad facsimile of a cheesecake. Unfortunately, it fell flat literally and figuratively. The presentation wasn't what everyone's idea of a cheesecake is, aka the standard triangular slice, and that's okay, but this was a lopsided rectangle. The texture of the cheesecake was amiss- not enough sugar perhaps and no hint of citrus. I understand it's easier to bake in bulk in sheet pans, but the crust wasn't evenly distributed and severely lacked butter to keep it all together. My partner said it looked like sand. If you can't execute a classic dessert, then reconsider having it on the menu.
What saved this experience was the two-meat platter, because otherwise, that was the worst cheesecake I've had. Plus, it took us a while to get the food. It seems like there are several people who have had great experiences here, so you can come find out for yourself. Maybe we came on an off night.