This is so far west in Lenexa, it might as well be De Soto. That means it’s in the middle of nowhere as far as I’m concerned. But good food is worth traveling for so when I noticed Shorthorn’s BBQ just off K-7 (I think) on 83rd Street, I decided to give it a shot.
Well, this is basically a large bar that serves food. Frankly I was hoping for a little more of a unique atmosphere, and maybe a little local color, but there is really none to be found. The restaurant is riddled with cheesy throwaway sports/beer/babe decor and features a million television sets to boot.
The lunch time trade is slight but significant; there were maybe 20 people in the place. I sat at the bar and enjoyed very good service along with a truly mediocre beef brisket sandwich and some good onion rings. The menu has all sorts of other items, from chicken strips to meatball sandwiches to mini-corndogs (!). I like that sandwiches come with choice of Fries, Onion Rings, Baked Beans, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, Cottage Cheese or Tater Tots all at the same price. Although I would not want cottage cheese with my BBQ. They also have steaks, pasta and salmon filet entrees if you want to throw away some more money.
There seems to be a crowd of regulars here. I overheard some of them talking about their drunk weekend shenanigans, which probably also took place at Shorthorns. The bartendress was very quick and friendly despite her tendency to shoot the shit with all the dudes handing around the bar.
Basically this is the kind of bland bar and grill I always wind up at when I’m at a conference by myself in a strange town and desperately want a meal and three beers. Sure Shorthorn’s is locally owned and maybe a little rough and tumble when the farmers get their drink on, but I’m sure it succeeds because people just want a close place to eat, drink and chat up a divorcee.
There is really very little to eat out this far west, so Shorthorn’s does the trick if you need to grab a quick lunch. But I would not go out of my way to eat here.
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was this place suggested or you were just driving west without a purpose?
I’ve learned better than to drive around aimlessly looking for undiscovered lunch spots. In those circumstances I usually wind up at Subway or some such. I saw this place while taking the ‘scenic route’ to Lawrence one day for work.
This place is out in my neck o' the woods in BFE. (It's right by 3&2 baseball diamonds). I have never tried it, but one of the baseball moms I know LOVES it. Of course, I think she likes to go in and talk with divorcees, the male ones, that is. Thanks for helping me cross that one off the very short list of places to eat in Western Shawnee.
I’ve also passed this place on the long way to Lawrence. I don’t know if I’ll go in now, at least not by myself. If I’m ever near there, I’ll call you and we can trade loud drunken stories about previous drunken nights together so we blend in.