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The American Reserve Bar & Grille

The American Reserve Bar & Grille, Ambassador Hotel, 1111 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City

4.3
RESTAURANT RATING: 
EXCELLENT
4.3 out of 5 (66 Ratings)
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About The American Reserve Bar & Grille
The Spotlight on The American Reserve Bar & Grille

Upscale American Dining in the Heart of Downtown KC

Located inside the historic Ambassador Hotel in downtown Kansas City, The American Reserve Bar & Grille blends vintage glamour with modern flair. With its sophisticated yet relaxed vibe, this American-style restaurant offers a polished pre-show experience within walking distance of major music venues and attractions. Whether you're grabbing a bite before curtain call or winding down after a show, this spot delivers elevated comfort food and handcrafted cocktails in a chic, urban setting.

Why Concert-goers love it

Concert-goers love the central location—just a short stroll or quick ride from major venues like the T-Mobile Center and the Midland Theatre. The atmosphere is lively but not too loud, making it ideal for conversation before the music starts. Plus, the staff is known for their efficient service, so you can dine without worrying about missing the opening act. The dinner menu starts early, making it easy to squeeze in a quality meal before showtime.

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends looking to kick off the evening with cocktails and shared plates
  • Solo travelers seeing a bucket-list tour and wanting a classy yet welcoming atmosphere
  • Couples making a romantic weekend of it
  • Fans seeking a trendy, energetic pre-show vibe
  • Budget-conscious music lovers who still want a high-quality dining experience

What People Say

Guests rave about the beautiful Art Deco interior and the elevated American cuisine, with favorites like the Reserve Burger and the ribeye steak getting frequent mentions. Reviewers highlight the attentive and friendly staff, as well as the creative cocktail menu. Many note the restaurant's convenient proximity to downtown venues as a major plus.

Areas for Improvement

Some diners mention that parking can be tricky, especially on busy evenings, so arriving a bit early or using a ride-share is a smart move. A few reviews suggest that while the food is excellent, portions can lean on the smaller side for heartier appetites.

The Bottom Line

If you're headed to a concert in downtown Kansas City, The American Reserve Bar & Grille offers a stylish, convenient, and satisfying place to dine before the music begins.

Average Price
$30 and under
Cuisine
American
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Opening Hours
Breakfast
Mon-Fri 6:30 am-10:30 am
Sat, Sun 7:00 am-10:00 am
Brunch
Sat, Sun 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Lunch
Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2:00 pm
Dinner
Daily 5:00 pm-9:45 pm

The American Reserve Bar & Grille Customer Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Good (3.5 out of 5)

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5

Exceptional - 5 out of 5

Deborah Wed, 20 April 2022

We loved the American Reserve! The food was incredible - the brussel sprouts were maybe the best in the city. Our server, Gary, was the perfect balance of attentive and informative, but not intrusive. The decor in the restaurant was beautiful and elegant and the lighting was nice. It was a very romantic setting.

Liked: Ambience; food was excellent; service was amazing.
Disliked: Nothing was bad.

2

Disappointing - 2 out of 5

Racheal, Kansas City Thu, 7 November 2019

We invited friends out before a concert at the Midland and were very disappointed. We were not notified in advance that the Reserve was closed due to renovations. The menu was sub-par, service was just okay - it certainly wasn't worth the price we paid ($150 for 2). Embarrassed as I had talked up the beautiful atmosphere and decor of the Reserve with friends before going.

Liked: Nothing, very disappointing.
Disliked: The restaurant was closed for renovation. However we were not notified in advance and they put us in a conf room on 9th floor; menu was not what I'm used to and ambiance was horrible.

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

The American Reserve Bar & Grille is #91 of 1530 things to do in Kansas City

5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: Maqsud A, Azerbaijan
Sat 5 Apr, 2025
l A finely-crafted menu combined with a spectacular service, made our dinner here a memorable dining experience. The cajun spiced chips was tasty and it contained chives, artisan cheese fondue and...

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5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: je1058, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Thu 25 Jul, 2024
l This restaurant is in The Ambassador Hotel in downtown Kansas City, MO. This is not your average “hotel restaurant” rather is a seriously elevated hotel dining experience! I came here several times...

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3 of 5 stars3 out of 5
By: Mike D
Sun 17 Mar, 2024
l Amazing space and friendly, attentive service. Unfortunately the food was not up to the ambiance and price of the restaurant. We had the Brick Chicken and the Steak Frites. The cook was fine (my...

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The American Reserve Bar & Grille Ambassador Hotel, 1111 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City