Plopping on a Patio

Kansas City Patio

Last night I was on McCormick and Schmick’s very comfortable and very large patio overlooking the Plaza, enjoying enough of a breeze, wine, and their delish fish tacos, with two friends.  We commented that now is really the best time to enjoy Kansas City and for at least the next month, being outside is usually just a joy.

McCormick & Schmick's 

We talked about where we like to go best before we’re forced back indoors for our too long, too gray, and too cold winter. Kansas City does have many good places to eat outside.  Since sidewalk dining seems so much more glamorous when I’m away than when I’m home, patios that are some way or the other surrounded by cars, moving or not, are not among my favorites.  I like a lot of greenery, a little not-too-loud music, a lot of conversation and laughter, and the vista to be, well, somewhat serene.  Yeah, I know I’m picky.

The one that came to my mind first is relatively new and rather a surprise.  It’s JJ’s just beside the Plaza in the Polsinelli building.  There’s much to like about it: It’s enclosed but the air circulates; it feels quite private, your own green oasis; the chairs are the right height and you can “set a spell”; you have the full delicious Italian array of excellently prepared foods to choose among.  There’s a Happy Hour here now, too.  And of course the famed wine list still exists – but the bar is full service.   

All in all, a perfect fall setting in Kansas City for gourmet eating, drinking, and befriending in the great patio- civilized outdoors.

JJ's
900 West 48th Place, Suite 110 
Kansas City, MO 64112 
Ph. 816- 561-7136