Living in the Midwest, we tend to feel landlocked at times, and thanks to charming and ornate destinations like JJ’s Restaurant on the West Plaza, we can find an escape that allows us to feel like we are amidst a much-appreciated global escape!
With European inspiration found both on the menu and on the interior, @jjsrestaurantkc serves up unique culinary offerings, like their famous Paco Shrimp, Spanish Paella, Chicken Marsala, Wild Boar Ragu, Lobster Tail, Award Winning Wines, and their exclusive Bubbles on Tap at Jimmy’s Bubble Bar. That’s right, owner Jimmy was allegedly the first restaurant owner in the U.S. to bring to his wine bar a progressive bubbles-by-the-glass apparatus that enables patrons to try that incredible champagne on the menu without the hefty price of the full bottle. Jimmy was inspired by a recent trip to Italy and France, where he stumbled upon the amazing concept and immediately identified the source to include it in his acclaimed local establishment. For the bubble-loving drinkers at heart, this is a no-brainer to add to your next happy hour or dinner visit to the Plaza to feel as if you are sipping alongside a Mediterranean vineyard. And if bubbles aren’t your preference, just dive into any one of JJ’s palate pleasing vinos for a relaxing and impeccable experience.
Founded over 30 years ago, and a recovery story from a devastating 2013 fire that forced the restaurant and nearly all of its staff to reopen operations 18 months later, JJ’s is notorious for its warm and skilled staff who make deciding between the mouth-watering menu an easier feat. JJ’s even offers one of the city’s most impressive happy hour menus, where bargoers can soak up the gorgeous Italian-inspired décor, complete with eye capturing, industrial chandeliers, a beautifully lit wall-to-wall bar, and views of the Plaza’s Spanish architecture from the elevated outdoor patio. Wild Boar Tacos, Crispy Calamari, House-made Meatballs, Tenderloin Burger, Thin Crust Pizza, and Steamed Mussels encompass the $5-$8 snack menu, while Boulevard Drafts, Well Drinks, and the Wine of the Day are killer drink deals ranging from $3.50-$5.
Select menu items change daily dependent on the market and what’s fresh; one day you can indulge in Alaskan Halibut, while the next might be Seared Scallops. Pizzas toppings rotate, as does the weather in Kansas City, never knowing if one day you’ll be cozy inside JJ’s colorful dining room or inhaling the fresh Plaza air as you feast al fresco on JJ’s own piazza (ahem, patio).
KC Restaurant Week is happening for its 11th year, and @jjsrestaurantkc is offering 2- and 3-course menus that are outstanding. Alongside my foodie friends, we took part in imbibing on sponsored Robert Mondavi Wines paired with our choice of Paco Shrimp or Mushroom as your first course, Wild Boar Ragu, Chicken Marsala, or Fish of the Day as your second course, and polishing off our dinner with the most delicious Chocolate Ganache that every single person should enjoy at least once! #KCRW2020 runs Jan 10th-Jan 19th with over 200 restaurants throughout the Kansas City Metro offering lunch and/or dinner menus for $15 and $35, respectively.
Thank you to @kcrestaurantweek, @joyalmarketing, and @jjsrestaurantkc at the @countryclubplaza for one of my absolute favorite dining experiences in Kansas City to-date!