WestChase Grille

John, the owner/​chef greeted us at the door as we spontaneously chose this place. We didn’t have reservations, but he happily accommodated us exclaiming «you just made the best mistake!» He was right! The food was amazing, the live band was fantastic, and the staff was fabulous! Best meal/​night out we have ever had! Can’t wait to go back!

We have been going here about once or twice a year for special occasions for the past few years but this last visit was so bad that we will not be going back.
Our service here was terrible. The waiter seemed like he couldn’t get away from our table fast enough and when we asked for a recommendation on the food he said «we have good steak, prime rib, fish» so basically the whole menu was his recommendation.
When we got our food it was not good. The potatoes tasted old, like they had been reheated from days before, this was for the mashed and the potatoes au gratin. The prime rib was ok but very very bland and I tasted the filet mignon and it was burnt when it had been ordered medium.
Overall this was such a disappointing experience. This place has been going steadily downhill since my first visit and I don’t see it getting any better. It was definitely not worth the $ 80 price tag for such sub par food and service.

Westchase Grille is a ½ notch below the finest meals in KC both in price and in quality of cuisine. The market for upscale american cuisine in KC is highly competitive. I would choose Gaslight, Pierpont’s, 801 Chophouse and several others before WCG in the future even though these other places are more expensive. Without drinks, expect to spend $ 40 to $ 50 per person at WCG; so it is a relative bargain compared to the other choices. Most entrees were in the $ 20 to $ 30 range.
I had a filet Mignon on a recent meal, it arrived almost well done instead of medium which is a cardinal sin when serving fine steaks. The other entrees ordered by my dining companions such as shrimp and grits, chicken pot pie and lamb seemed to be enjoyed. If I return, I will order one of the non-​steak dishes.
I would characterize WCG as near fine dining on a budget. That is a tough market to attract customers in Leawood where there are so many fine restaurants.

I have eyed WestChase Grille for a bit, but generally other places win out. I decided today to make it my first visit for restaurant week. I am very happy I did. I started with a beer and was impressed with the selection of beers they have on tap. An eclectic choice, not your typical bud, miller, blvd. If you like beer, you will be happy here.
While waiting to order, I looked over the regular menu and was impressed with the sandwich selection. I am definitely excited to return and try some as I love a good quality sandwich.
I started with a house salad, minus the red onions. The star of the salad is the goat cheese. It was so delicious, mild and creamy. The sherry ginger vinaigrette was also delicious. Perfect combination of sweet and acid. All of the dressing was in the middle and the salad could benefit by being tossed in the dressing. The salad was really good sized.
The salad was the perfect starter to the smoked salmon pasta. The flavors were perfectly combined. Sweet sun-​dried tomatoes countered with salty capers in a asiago cream sauce. The salmon broken up through it added the final touch to make the overall dish perfect. Pine nuts gave a nice little crunch to the dish. There were bits of the salmon that were overcooked, the edges. I realize it was smoked, but they were hard and chewy, not crisp. A small distraction from an overall delicious meal. Being a cream sauce the dish is rich. It is also a large portion and quite filling.
Billy was an amazing server. Polite, fun, the right amount of talkative. He is the waiter you wish you could get everywhere you go!
Décor is minimal. Nice open space. Great location for a shopping and lunch date, but surprised they are not open on weekends for lunch.
Overall, I was really impressed and look forward to returning especially to try the french dip and Cuban!

We will be back! Thanks Groupon for helping us find a new restaurant! We just moved here and were in need of a date night. From the service to food and ambiance it was perfect and we were in the bar! We will be back its a must visit!

Birthday dinner for my wonderful husband and he was open for trying this ‘hidden marvel’ in OP.
First off, dinner was unbelievable. The menu is right up my darling’s alley with lots of proteins and wonderfully put together veggies and sauces. Seriously, dinner was a dream.
We had a tiny lag in service. Overall, great but I can’t help but think that this place isn’t going to be around for very long. Not sure why… the food is great

I want to spend a minute talking about all the stuff that the restaurant is doing well as far as marketing goes:
They have an email newsletter that has dates of special events and sometimes has coupons. Just for signing up you will get a buy one get one.
They have regular jazz with… get this… Lonnie McFadden!
They have frontflip, so you can «scratch and win» with your smartphone
The last time I was here the owner took the time to reach out to me to apologize for the service. I wanted to give them another try so I did. Again, good food, and service was definitely a notch better, but not out of this park.

You know that awkward moment when you let your server know that you’ve got a Groupon? Well, we didn’t experience that at all with our server, Brett, who took excellent care of us while we dined at the WestChase Grill on a quiet Sunday evening, March 25.
For some reason I’ve been driving past this place ever since it opened in the old 40 Sardines space, so when the Groupon was offered I jumped at it. That particular evening featured a singer with a back-​up piano player. The other diners, mostly baby boomers and a little older, really enjoyed her.
We started with Lobster spring rolls and I fell in love. Fried crispy, golden they were stuffed with ample amounts of lobster, salmon and veggies. The accompanying garlic ginger dipping sauce was sweet and tangy — my husband thought too sweet, and ate his rolls without the sauce, but I begged to differ. I thought it a hit.
Brett recommended the Filet Mignon, so I went with the six-​ouncer. It came with Herbed goat cheese, potato au gratin, grilled asparagus and brandy peppercorn cream sauce.
My husband went with the bacon wrapped pork tenderloin that was served with Hoosier style apple butter, Brussel sprouts with apples, bacon and cider vinaigrette and fingerling potatoes with bleu cheese drizzle.
We were both a little underwhelmed with our dinners; my husband’s pork was just barely over the line of overcooked, though his sides helped to make up for the pork. I’m pretty sure those were the best Brussel sprouts and apple butter I’ve ever had. He also loved the fingerling potatoes with bleu cheese.
My meal, too, was just not quite what I wanted it to be at that price point. My steak and the accompanying sauce were bland, although my steak was perfectly cooked. It could’ve used some seasoning. My potato au gratin was pretty, but lacked flavor. My asparagus was good, but I was too busy picking at my husband’s Brussel sprouts.
We capped our meal with pumpkin bread pudding. I didn’t get a very strong pumpkin flavor from it. For me, it too was close, but no cigar.
Would I go back? I’m kinda lukewarm on the place. The food wasn’t bad, it was just underwhelming and at that price point I don’t want to be underwhelmed. My love ended after the appetizer course. If I go back it’ll be for those spring rolls and Brussel sprouts.

First time we went here it was great. 5 star but last night we went and were disappointed — food came out cold (had to even send back the appetizer) my chicken was dry and the lentils appeared they had been sitting for awhile. Our server was just OK. The only good thing was the music.
We might give them another chance but at these prices I expect outstanding food and service.

Two stars seems harsh, but this trip was truly a «meh» experience for me. The service was fine, attentive, friendly. WCG seems to try (and claims) to hang with the big dogs in fine dining, but it just doesn’t, not by a long shot.
I tried WCG for lunch during Restaurant Week. Some may say I shouldn’t judge a place based on Restaurant Week, but I would argue the quality of food and service shouldn’t matter what week I decide to try them.
My server introduced the menu as «upscale comfort food». Sure, if by «upscale» they mean overpriced. He proceeded to talk about the salad option on the menu, then stopped. I stared blankly assuming he would continue with the spiel. I mean, I can read what’s on the salad description and there was nothing out of the ordinary. I wanted to hear about the entrees which sounded a little more interesting, so I lobbed one up and mentioned I was debating between the Lamb Bourguignon and the Chili Chicken Pot Pie.
«They’re both really good.»
Great. Helpful. I ordered the pot pie. The salad was not memorable. Pretty sure I didn’t finish it, I honestly can’t remember. I wasn’t 4 bites into my salad before my server walks by with my pot pie. «Is this too soon?» «Yeah, it’s a little too soon.»
I can give him the benefit of the doubt. He probably noticed my work clothes and assumed I didn’t have much time for lunch, which is thoughtful of him, but I would have preferred he ask before firing up my entrée. Now my pot pie would just be sitting in the window while I finish my salad.
The pot pie was meh. There were huge cubes of chicken and the tomatillo chili it was swimming in was meh. Maybe it’s just me, but perfectly cut cubes of chicken seem unappetizing. Cubes of chicken? Makes me wonder how one would cut such precise cubes? Especially for such a «homey» dish, I would think the more natural pulled chicken would work better.
Not to obsess over cubed chicken, but it really bothered me. The pot pie was served in a large bowl with a layer of puff pastry over top, so if you were to lift up the puff pastry, you would have seen these cubes sticking out of the shallow pool of chili. Just weird.
Last thing I’ll mention is the ambiance. It was… lacking. Walls were white and bare next to plum and patterned booths. Window treatments were non-​existent. It’s looks as though they had just opened, kept the seating from the last restaurant, and just hadn’t gotten to finishing the décor or just got lazy and didn’t care. I get minimal, I love minimalism — I’m an architect — but this wasn’t an attempt at minimal, it was clearly incomplete.
I suppose it’s a reflection of the food. It’s like they try, but they just don’t quite get it.

Thank you Groupon, for helping me find this new hidden gem called WestChase Grille. WestChase Grille offers sophisticated American cuisine, while being sensitive to your pocket book. There’s no nonsense extra charge for your a la cart veggies or potatoes, it’s included with your dinner (as it should).
I ordered the Prince Edward Island Mussels, which was fabulous. The mussels were perfectly cooked, smothered with herb, and drenched in white wine. It was better than I have expected, not even Bristol can top this off.
I got the KC strip, cooked medium rare. The steak came out medium, which is fine, but slightly on the dry side. I couldn’t complain because it was seared just right, and seasoned to perfection.
The service is phenomenal. We were greeted professionally, seated promptly, and water arrived within 60 seconds. We met the owner, John, who was very nice and friendly.
Overall, this is a place worth coming back to. Come here to enjoy the live music, friendly staff, and budget conscious fine dining.

My first stop on the KC Restaurant Week tour and I must say I was very disappointed. I went with two others and we each got a different dish so we could try them all. One diner’s green chile potpie had very little taste and the consistency was that of overcooked rice. The second got the lamb bourguignon that was so smoky we all felt like we just left a campfire. My smoked salmon pasta was the best of the three and I will say the salmon was cooked perfectly but that is where my compliments end as the pasta was something I could have cooked at home.
The service was pretty slow and lacked attentiveness. He was a nice guy just very slow for a lunch period and when we told him our concern of how smoky the lamb was he replied «Oh good, glad you liked it». Huh???
I had trouble trying to figure out what look and feel the restaurant was going for. Was it a romantic feel because of the stone and darker features or was it going for a La Peep/​First Watch feel with the white walls and purple upholstery. I obvious didn’t dock any stars for this, but it did effect my review on the toggle questions.
I may go back and give it one more shot at the regular menu as it looks like there are more satisfied customers than what I had, but if this is a Restaurant Week option — skip it and try the next one! At least they joined the cause, though, right?

WARNING to GF (Gluten-​Free)
I went to WestChase with my wife who has celiac disease. It was lunch on a Monday at 12:05 and we were the only people in the restaurant. It was Restaurant Week and they had a lamb special. My wife informed the waiter that she needed to be gluten free and to let her know if there was a problem with anything she ordered. The lamb arrived with vegetables and a sauce. She tasted it and the sauce had clearly been thickened. She asked the waiter to confirm that this was gluten free. He said that he would check but thought they might thicken it with a rue (flour and butter). He checked and confirmed that was true. He asked if she wanted anything else, but at that point the rest of the food had arrived. Living with celiac disease is tough enough without people making you feel different because of the disease.
I had the chicken pot pie — which was chicken mush with no flavor. I quickly ate a few bites, but it was not worth more. I asked for the check and it was for the full price. So, basically, we spendt $ 35 for a couple of marginal salads and and attempted poisoning.
I called later in the day and spoke with the GM, Justin. He promised to credit back the credit card and provide more education to the staff.
Follow up:
I received a call from the owner of the restaurant who read the email my wife sent to him and my review on Unilocal.He immediately was argumentative and claimed that we did not mention that my wife was gluten-​free to the server. Interesting that the server himself, when we were ordering used the words gluten-​free and made a point of bringing the bread that would have accompanied my wife’s dish separately. The owner said he knew the server for 6 years and did not doubt him. I was clear that if this is what the server was telling him, then he was lying. He then questioned my review on Unilocal.I told him I felt it was accurate. He then told me to «Blow it out my A**» and hung up on me.

the filet steaks were great, there was a band playing quietly in the background so could easily carry on a conversation. the coconut cream pie was delish. Service was good and the owner was making the rounds to ensure we were happy

I’ve been here several times, so I’m long overdue for a review.
Sure, WestChase isn’t always going to be packed, but they were on the Thursday evening I was in. I always sit in the bar when I’m here, it’s a nice atmosphere, just far enough away from the live music, and the service is next to none. It’s usually either Justin or Tina behind the bar and both of them are awesome.
The Lobster Spring Rolls are very good if you’re looking for a different type of starter, especially if you like garlic and ginger as they are the main components of the dipping sauce. The mussels are also very good, maybe not Le Fou or Pot Pie good, but still better than a lot of other places, especially in this part of the city. They are prepared with white wine, shallots, garlic, and butter. I had a KC Strip and it was prepared perfectly. Just the right amount of char on the outside, while a beautiful, warm, red center on the inside. Sides are paired with entrees, but just let your server/​bartender know and you can swap out any of them. Personally, I opt for the homemade mac-n’-cheese.
Great wine list here as well, with an impressive walk in wine cooler just next to the bar.
Support your local restaurants, you’ve heard me say it a million times. While South OP and Leawood boast tons of chains, you can find WestChase as a great go to option for dining local in JoCo.

I needed to use my Groupon (on the last day 7÷24÷11)! I was able to call and leave a message for a reservation, and YES the host called back. It was a Sunday evening dinner with live jazz music. The wine was flowing and the appetizers were buzzing through the dinning room. I felt a little odd using a Groupon at such a nice restaurant, but the waiter made me feel relaxed and comfortable.
The menu had a little bit of everything; not overwhelming and very descriptive. The goat cheese appetizer was top notch, and the lettuce wrap was good. I settled for the prime rib and my friend had the fillet. I always have ordering regret: NOT because my meal wasn’t good… I wanted his meal also! The food was great, the service prompt and helpful, and atmosphere unpretentious. Definitely a place I will return. Thumbs up.

Good food in a very nice atmosphere. Live music added to the classy feel. We tried the calamari appetizer — excellent! My grilled trout entrée was perfect as well, and the service was attentive without being intrusive. We were there early (sixish on a Friday) and had a nice quiet dinner for the most part, but by the time we were preparing to leave, the place was packed.

After making somewhat last-​minute reservations we stopped in at WestChase Grille for a pre-​symphony supper. It’s a bit pricier than our usual pre-​symphony stops, but we were both glad we came in.
The restaurant is in Hawthorne Plaza (at 119^th and Roe) in what used to be «40 Sardines.» The room is warm and feels spacious — there’s only one column in the dining area. The walls are lined in a warm-​toned fieldstone. There are lots of booths and banquettes. A good jazz group turned out to be playing this evening (I think they’re called «The Uptown Players.») It all felt very welcoming and civilized!
We were seated promptly upon arrival. While trying to decide on our entrées our knowledgeable and friendly server suggested ordering an appetizer. We decided to split a crab cake. There was only one crab cake on the plate, but it was generously sized and more important it was nearly perfect. It could have had a bit more seasoning, for my taste, but it was delicious and was 100% crab meat with no filler! Yum!
My friend ordered the Atlantic salmon, which came with a couple of small side dishes on the plate, and I ordered the Kansas City Strip, with asparagus and parmesan truffle fries. My steak came as ordered, perhaps slightly more medium than my requested medium-​rare, but very pink and tender. I thought it was a touch under-​seasoned, but otherwise very nice. The truffle fries were tasty, without too much truffle oil on them (a little truffle oil can go a long way!) and so was the accompanying asparagus. I had ordered a side house salad, which came first, and it was a nice mix of spring greens, goat cheese crumbles, and a tart vinaigrette dressing. My friend said her salmon was excellent.
I also ordered a glass of wine — I was torn between an Argentine malbec I have been wanting to try and a California zinfandel. Our server very nicely offered to bring two tasters to help me decide! To be honest, I was still somewhat torn after tasting both samples, as each was very good, but opted for the malbec.
For dessert we split the coconut cream pie, which turned out to be a whole «mini-​pie» that was quite enough for two. It was surprisingly light and not too sweet. Just right for finishing off a good meal. We were able to have our meals in plenty of time, without feeling rushed, and still be able to get our checks and leave with enough time to get downtown for our symphony performance.
We both enjoyed the ambience and the food and will undoubtedly return. The menu is «upscale American bistro,» and not wildly adventurous. Probably a safe choice in Johnson County, but they could probably include a few more adventurous dishes on the menu (perhaps as specials) without scaring away their clientele, and I certainly wouldn’t mind if they bumped up the seasoning just a touch on the crab cakes and the steak. But these are minor quibbles in what was all in all a very pleasant experience!

Despite the earlier heat, sat outside and had a wonderful, private dining experience. Monday night — wine is 50% off. They make an excellent martini, the beef carpaccio to the spinach salad, finished with delectable sea scallops that were perfectly cooked.
definitely will come back.

The place was pretty dead for a Saturday night. We were meeting a couple for dinner that live in the area. I had heard some good things, so I felt positive about trying it out.
The inside is slightly reminiscent of 40 Sardines, but a lot of the modern elements have been taken away.
The service was great, but he really didn’t have much else to do. Still, it was appreciated. The food was perfect, from the caesar to the filet.
It really wasn’t bad in any way. But it was kind of a yawn. I wish there was something that stood out. Something that would entice me to go back, but for the same type of food I rather be at J. Alexanders.