Sunday, February 22, 2009

mccoy's public house

★★★★(5 stars)

i have been going to mccoy's public house in westport since i was old enough to drive. and when i was old enough to drink beer, i started going a little more often. the folks who spend time there a weird combination of mellow hipster and casual professional types that create a perfect atmosphere where you never feel out of place. plus they have a kick-ass patio that everyone loves on kansas city summer nights.

their menu is really extensive, with a smattering of every type of cuisine. and it is all really good - i don't think i've ever had a mediocre meal here. this visit was with my entire family for a celebration, and i had the sonoma vegan wrap. so good. and my vegetarian husband (and my omni-vore mom) had my big fat greek pasta, and both were full of raves.

in the past, i've had the stir fry and black bean burger (not vegan), which were both really good, as well as the hummus. and i haven't even gotten to their beer.... i'm a fan of the unfiltered wheat - it rivals my all-time favourite (boulevard unfiltered wheat). you can even get their beer in kegs at decent prices, as my friend kim did for her graduation party.

service is friendly, and they are usually pretty quick and attentive. friday and saturday nights can get pretty busy - but you can make reservations. happy hour is also busy, although they don't have super deal prices for hh as i can recall. but no matter, it's worth it.


website:
mccoy's public house

location:

4057 pennsylvania
kansas city, mo 64111
816.960.0866

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

on the border (national chain)

★★★★(4 stars)

although i normally prefer the local mexican establishments in kansas city, if i had to pick a nation chain, on the border would be my favourite.

their salsa is really scrumptious, and they have the best guacamole that they make at your table. in general, i tend to stay away from re-fried beans unless i know they are vegan - on the border is no exception. but their black beans (ordered without cheese) are vegan. i also order corn tortillas, if i plan on eating them, because they are usually vegan. this particular time, i got the portabello fajitas, no cheese or sour cream, and it was super awesome. the husband got the avocado grilled enchiladas.


they also have a 'build-your-own-burrito' option, that is good for anyone on a restrictive diet, since you can pick and choose what to put in. their fajita salad that is vegan if you order it with portabello, and their smoked jalapeno vinaigrette is vegan. their corn tortilla strips are not, so make sure to omit those if you order a salad.

all in all for a mexican place, it's pretty easy to find something to eat. and their service has never really let me down.


website:
www.ontheborder.com


locations:

see their website