Add a Casino to Your KC Itinerary
October 13, 2006 at 7:00 am 9 comments
Had to check out at least one of the four casinos in Kansas City before we left. We picked the Ameristar, just off the beltway 435 on the east side of town. This was yet another Kansas City surprise for us.
The Ameristar has a grand railroad theme with a genuine Pullman dining car in the lobby as part of the cocktail lounge. 
It’s an elegant casino with lots of stained glass and gilt and a grand balcony overlooking all sides of the main floor — very much like one of the nicer Las Vegas casinos. In fact, it is the largest in the KC area.
The Ameristar offered plenty of gaming options — nearly 3,000 slots and video poker machines, about 100 tables and a poker room. The best part is that a large percentage of machines were penny, nickel and quarter games. Oh yes, it does have plenty of machines for high rollers, too!
Check out its Web site as the Ameristar has earned a number of awards. It offers several entertainment venues as well.
With about a dozen dining options in the casino, we picked Arthur Bryant’s because I really wanted good barbeque. Unfortunately, that was not a good choice. The pulled pork I ordered was plentiful, but sort of spongey in texture. And the plate was overflowing with somewhat greasy fries. A whole lot for your money, but ho-hum.
The other casinos around town include the Argosy, Isle of Capri and Harrah’s.
I liked Kansas City for a lot of reasons, but this casino really nailed it. It’d be fun to do a day trip with a group just to the casino. The airport is about 20 minutes north on Hwy. 435 and Midwest Airlines now has 30 daily flights in and out of KC so a getaway is very do-able.
NEXT: 3 Christmas Shopping Getaways — 3 Great Deals
Question: Where is the great barbeque in KC? I was really disappointed in what I tried. Submit your favorite BBQ spot in a Comment and I’ll give it a whirl on my next trip.
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Entry filed under: Kansas City.
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Travels with Tish Girlfriends\' Getaway Guide 
1.
Shelly | October 17, 2006 at 1:14 pm
Hi Tish,
Next time you come to Kansas City try Fiorella’s Jack Stack on the Plaza. It’s locally owned and operated.
“Jack Stack Barbecue announces the October “06 opening of our newest restaurant in the historic Country Club Plaza.”
http://www.jackstackbbq.com/
Also if you like “not so fancy” bbq try Gates BAR.B.Q. – Please ask someone where you stay where the nearest “safe” Gates location is. Some locations are not in the best neighborhoods! http://www.gatesbbq.com/
If you venture out to Overland Park, KS (suburb of KC) go to Nick & Jake’s at 135th & Metcalf. Good food, good libations, good service = Great Times! http://www.nickandjakes.com/
Nick & Jake’s just opened a new “Texas Mex” restaurant next door called “Will Jenny’s”. Come visit Overland Park, KS – it’s Very Nice!!!
Enjoy!
2.
Scott | October 17, 2006 at 2:12 pm
Never buy pulled pork in K.C.except at Oklahoma Joe’s. At Bryants it is the brisket. try the original location. But K.C. is really known for the ribs. Jack Stack, LC’s and Gates are all good choices.
3.
tish | October 18, 2006 at 7:54 am
Thanks for these suggestions —
I may have to spend several days sampling KC bbq — and I’ll be loving every bite!
tish
4.
Betsy | October 20, 2006 at 2:52 am
I could go for some BBQ, Tish…Ramen noodles just aren’t cutting it.
5.
Jane | October 20, 2006 at 3:44 pm
Oklahoma Joe’s is my absolute favorite. Try the Z-Man sandwich (sliced brisket on a bun with provolone, onion rings and barbecue sauce). LC’s is very good, too.
Jack’s Stack is probably the best of the fancier places. KC Masterpiece is just fair.
I’m not a fan of Gate’s or Arthur Bryant’s, mainly because they’re not much for buns, the meat can be a little fatty and I’m not fond of either sauce.
6.
CK | January 24, 2007 at 9:04 pm
You have to get the beef at Arthur Bryant’s…give it another try. If you go to Gates be sure you order the beef “lean as” and it will have little to no fat. I think Oklahoma Joe’s is one of the best, but a little unknown secret is Rosedale BBQ on Southwest Blvd.
7.
Lori Duchrow | February 3, 2007 at 12:35 pm
I’m going to KC in March and taking my 11 year old daughter. I think we are going to stay at the Hyatt down by the Crown Center/Union Station. I have been reading up on all the things to see and do but we’re only going to be there 2 nights so I’m thinking just seeing the area around the hotel will be all we can handle. We want to have some great food while we are there–suggestions? Anywhere we should avoid?
8.
LORI DUCHROW | February 19, 2007 at 7:39 am
I forgot to mention, I may not have a car so I’m was asking for suggestions right around the Hyatt Crown Center. Are any of these barbecue places close by?
9.
Matt H | August 29, 2007 at 5:17 pm
Tish,
Real Barbecue is not upscale at all, you’ll want to get a cab and get away from the plaza. It really isn’t that far, but definately not a walk. I’m guessing you went to KC Masterpiece on the plaza. You want Bryants, Gates, Oklahoma Joe’s (about a mile from the Plaza on the KS side). Or if you want a barbecue experience and the best tailgaiting on earth take a Sunday and go to a Chiefs game tickets may be easier to get this year too. Soon the power and light district will be open, check that out in the spring of 08. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KBN37goS82M