Eat This Now: Steak Frites at The Classic in Hotel Kansas City

Steak Frites at The Classic // Photo by Aleah Gollier

Lunching at The Classic was the cherry on top of my day (and my Shirley Temple).

When I dine out, I find myself drawn more to the atmosphere than the food itself. The beautiful Hotel Kansas City is dressed to impress its diners. It effortlessly combined timeless elegance with warm hospitality that welcomed us from the moment we arrived. 

The Classic, the Hotel Kansas City lobby bar and restaurant, already well-known for dinner, now offers lunch service. It shares the same Sous Chef, Arpin Chaipeth, with The Market and Nighthawk. This expansion piqued my interest and made me eager to try this new twist.

Though the setting is a hotel, the lunch menu is specifically designed with locals in mind.  “Our ideal diner is someone who is living or working downtown, as well as our hotel guests,” says the Director of Sales & Marketing for Hotel Kansas City, Sarah Devault.

Since The Classic is a bar first and foremost, it seemed wrong to get only water. I went with my ol’ trusty Shirley Temple. If a Shirley Temple could be upscale, this would be it. Topped with a Luxardo cherry, the classic mocktail was not too syrupy but still very sweet and delicious. My companion ordered a Piña Colada cocktail ($16.00) and said it was a fun and light treat.

The Classic // Photo by Aleah Gollier

We were drawn to the Marinated Olives ($6.00), and it turned out to be a fantastic appetizer. The olives were pitted and had a tangy flavor similar to Italian dressing. The dish came with an assortment of Kalamata and Castelvetrano olives surrounded by peppers saturated in marinade, and orange peels with a texture that was surprisingly easy to eat and not tough. 

I opted for the Steak Frites ($29.00) from the entrée menu–a French classic. This seemed a fitting choice in such elegant surroundings. The dish arrived promptly, acknowledging my need for a quick yet satisfying lunch. The fries, thin and lightly salted, fulfilled the savory taste that I desire in every meal.

The steak itself was excellent—a thin cut cooked to my preference. Due to a generous topping of Maitre D’ Hotel Butter, it edged on the side of buttery rather than juicy. This butter, infused with herbs and a hint of tanginess, added a layer of richness that complemented the steak nicely.

Accompanying the Steak Frites was a side salad—a refreshing counterpart. The crisp spring mix dressed in a lemon vinaigrette provided a bright contrast to the hearty flavors of the main course. The salad’s simplicity highlighted the quality of the ingredients, which showed The Classic’s dedication to freshness.

Dining at The Classic was more than just a meal—it was an experience that blended a refined atmosphere with high-quality cuisine.

The Classic is inside Hotel Kansas City at 1228 Baltimore Avenue, Kansas City, MO, 64105.