American Royal places to stay and eat?

[Tex]

We are planning a trip to the American Royal stock show and was wondering where good places to stay not to far from the show?  What places to eat?  And what are some fun things to do and see while in Kansas City?

 

[firesweepranch]

Gee, I was just thinking the same thing. We have a heifer going up this year for the sale, first time there (besides visiting for the day), so I would love that information also!

 

[jason]

KC really has a lot of fun stuff to do with quite a bit of recent development.

Hotels - there is quite a few downtown hotels that are close - Holiday Inn, Marriott

Lots of good bbq, arguably the best anywhere.  Oklahoma Joe's is my favorite, get the z-man sandwich if you do.  Other good bbq  places include Gates, and Arthur Bryants.

There is the plaza for shopping, power and light at night for drinks (not for kids), art museum (if that is your thing), lots of shopping over legends (by racetrack), casinos, etc.

 

[ruhtram]

I added a list of some things to do around town. The power and light district is real sweet. Last year during the Royal I walked into a free Phil Vassar concert.
Oklahoma Joe's is really good, probably my favorite. Gates BBQ is real good too!

Union Station
Power and Light District
(The city's Power and Light entertainment district serves out-of-towners, visitors from the suburbs and Kansas City's burgeoning downtown residential population with bars, clubs, restaurants, movie theaters, free concerts and a high-end supermarket. Linking the Convention Center to the Sprint Arena, the area is in the heart of  downtown)

Kansas City Zoo
Worlds of Fun
Westport

 

[obie105]

The golden ox right next to the complex is amazing but extremely hard to get into. Reservations for dinner is a must. Were really cheap when we go and stay at a super 8 or something of that sort either in north kc or independence. The guy that cooks mexican right off the show ring is excellent and the cinnamon rolls are to die for. The power and light district is good for night life. I found out that independence hooters does a huge halloween party costumes and all. I had 3 teenage boys with me so that will give you a picture of how that night went. Kc is my favorite big town. 

 

[goodnight]

The Italian food in kc is really underrated. Cascones or garazzos are both excellent. Kc is known for BBQ, though, and Oklahoma joes is the best. ARthur Bryants is a close second. On Sunday, the brunch at the Hereford house is really affordable, like $15 for prime rib.

The embassy suites is also a good option to stay, with pretty good access to the grounds. Free full breakfast, nice pool, suite rooms, and free cocktails 5-7.

 

[ploughshare]

Near the Royal  I would opt to stay on the MO side of KC.  Cruiser has listed some good options.  On the KS side seek out Woodyard BBQ for something a bit less mainstream.  Young Guns BBQ on the north side is good too.  Country Club Plaza is nice if you like upscale shopping and restaurants.  We usually stay at the Quarterage in Westport. I think it might be called "The Q hotel and spa" now.  Consider Stroud's if you like home cooking.  Their fried chicken and fried pork chop are excellent.

 

[Professor Plum]

Lots of great BBQ in KC, my personal favorite is Jack Stack: http://www.jackstackbbq.com/, their Freight House location isn't far from the Royal, near Union Station.  If you're a College Basketball fan (who isn't?), check out the College Basketball Experience next to the Sprint Center, http://www.collegebasketballexperience.com/.

Also have to put in a plug for my buddies at Nigro's Western Store, http://www.nigroswesternstore.com/, it's the real deal with tack and everything. David Jr. showed steers a few years back. It's one of those places where you can deal on stuff, the price tag is the starting point, don't be afraid to try to make a better deal.  They carry Rios of Mercedes, Anderson Bean, lots of exotic boots, quality hats, etc.

 

[creativecattle]

I love Jack Stack. it is my choice for BBQ. Lots of fun things to do and see in KC. There isn't anything right next to the grounds, but downtown is quite close. 

 

[ruhtram]

I love Jack Stack. it is my choice for BBQ. Lots of fun things to do and see in KC. There isn't anything right next to the grounds, but downtown is quite close. 

I'll have to try Jack Stack the next time i'm in KC

 

[obie105]

I love Jack Stack. it is my choice for BBQ. Lots of fun things to do and see in KC. There isn't anything right next to the grounds, but downtown is quite close. 

The golden ox isn't a there now? We didn't go last year so I guess the could have got rid of it.

 

[Tex]

Wow.. thanks for all of the replies.  How is K C Bar B Q different from Texas Bar B Q?  Or is there much difference? 

 

[ruhtram]

Wow.. thanks for all of the replies.  How is K C Bar B Q different from Texas Bar B Q?  Or is there much difference? 

I think KC BBQ is more sweet ( based on a good sauce) Texas BBQ can be more spicy and or can taste the meat flavor more...This is just my opinion so don't cut my head off if you don't agree.

I would love to hear other's opinion on the differences

 

[Professor Plum]

The Golden Ox is still there. It gets busy during the Royal, but you should eat there once just to say you did.  My favorite used to be the Hereford House, but unfortunately, the original downtown location burned down a few years ago. They have several other locations around town, good food but not the historic building.

 

[ploughshare]

Wow.. thanks for all of the replies.  How is K C Bar B Q different from Texas Bar B Q?  Or is there much difference? 

I think KC BBQ is more sweet ( based on a good sauce) Texas BBQ can be more spicy and or can taste the meat flavor more...This is just my opinion so don't cut my head off if you don't agree.

I would love to hear other's opinion on the differences

Not exactly sure, but I think the KC BBQ is dry rubbed and typically topped off with a sweet tomato BBQ sauce where the Texas may just be dry rubbed.  Also, KC BBQ is a lot of pork and yard bird while Texas is almost always brisket.

 

[justme]

If you want cheap but nice, try ValuePlace Inn South of KC.  Weekly rates with kitchenettes adn laundry room.  We always stay there.  Jack's stack is a must.  Hereford House is the one that burnt down.  Power and Light is great, but during the week when I went last year stunk!  PBR and others were closed during the week