Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant and Bar believes traditions are just as important as trends. From hand-cut steaks, street tacos, craft burgers, salads, pastas, award-winning wings and 100-plus whiskeys, there’s something for everyone.
“Our co-founders Paul Sundy, Mike Heslin and Randy Gildehaus all had backgrounds in the restaurant industry,” says Laura Elliott, director of marketing. “From rolling pretzels at Auntie Anne’s to bartending in nightclubs, they all shared a knack for the service industry. With an entrepreneurial spirit, they set out to be the “corner tavern” that Sundy’s grandfather told stories about.”
The name of the restaurant and the way they do business was inspired by a customer who frequented his grandfather’s tavern. For 30 years, he would come in a few times each week for a drink and would tell the bartender, “I’m only going to have one, so make it a big one.” Over time, this regular became a legend that everyone called Big Whiskey.
“Our story is very real and very classic Americana. Pulling up a seat at the bar, striking up a conversation with a friend or a stranger and sharing a great toast or joke are all values that still hold true today for our brand. We’re a sports bar for sports enthusiasts, a whiskey bar for whiskey enthusiasts and a classic American restaurant to bring family and friends out for lunch or dinner.”
If it’s your first time in, Elliott recommends two standout menu items.
“Our Buffalo chicken wontons are a fan favorite—they’re a spinoff from our classic Buffalo chicken dip that we hand roll daily. Another favorite and unique item is our boom boom shrimp tacos—they’re not your typical expected flavor for a taco, but the crispy shrimp tossed in our sweet Thai chili sauce is awesome."
They take pride in saying that great meals aren’t made—they’re built. No shortcuts are ever taken.
“All of our food is prepped daily to ensure our products are fresh. Many of our signature dishes are homemade recipes that have been with our brand since the beginning. Our wing sauces, pasta dishes and signature barbecue sauce and dips are all original Big Whiskey’s recipes that are made in-house. We also hand cut all of our steaks and top them with our signature homemade steak butter.”
Their extensive drink menu includes bourbon, scotch and a variety of Irish, rye, Canadian and blended whiskeys. If you can’t choose just one, try one of their whiskey flights.
“We have really grown and evolved over the years with our whiskey product. We make every effort for whiskey to be approachable by everyone. We have whiskey on tap—our house BW Bourbon is distilled by Missouri Spirits. We also have other whiskey selections that rotate available on tap. Our Lynchburg lemonade is a great summer sipper. Made with Jack Daniels, it’s an easy-drinking whiskey drink for those who think they don’t like whiskey. You’ll be hooked after a couple of sips!”
There’s even more to love with their recently updated happy hour specials and future brunch menu.
“We now offer half-price drinks, beers, and house wines Monday through Friday from 3–6 p.m. Our patios are a great spot this time of year too. We are currently developing a brunch menu and are hoping to launch our weekend brunch hours this year in Overland Park. We love the Kansas City community and are hoping to continue to foster our relationships and grow our footprint in the area.”
Visit their Overland Park location at 9100 W. 135th St.