Harvey’s: Satisfying Dining at Historic Union Station

What does it take to create an unforgettable dining experience? Clearly, the food must be memorable. Whether it’s a unique twist on a classic or a unique bite of culinary genius, the food and the personable way it’s served must stand out.

But for a dining experience to be truly unforgettable, you also need atmosphere. It could be the decor, lighting, live music or the view, but ambiance is paramount to the experience. I believe everyone would agree that a cocktail sipped on a patio or by a fire seems exceptionally smooth the same way morning coffee, eggs and bacon with a mountain view satisfy and warm our soul far more than when eaten at home.

Now imagine how unforgettable your dining experience will be at Harvey’s, located in the Grand Hall of the iconic Union Station. Enjoy every memorable bite of their house-brined, Corned Beef Short Rib Reuben from a seat on Harvey’s top deck, where the only thing above you is the Grand Hall ceiling, soaring nearly 100 feet above the main floor. This Reuben belongs on the top deck, it’s that elevated! The short rib is a terrific twist and the savory blend of house-made duck fat kraut and dressing is rich and delicious. All that flavor is perfectly balanced as I could still taste the marbled rye bread and Swiss cheese in each bite.

If you haven’t experienced Union Station, especially during the holidays, add a visit to your list this year. In 2010, Andrew Brancato and his father, Mario, turned the old Union Cafe into a holiday pop-up restaurant. “Our pop-up was certainly successful, but we fell in love with Union Station during the holidays. It’s beautiful and a bit magical,” Andrew said. The Brancatos are Kansas Citians, through and through. They could see the changes coming for Union Station and wanted to be part of this comeback story. Harvey’s set up residence in 2011, creating an iconic dining experience for everyone to enjoy.

The name Brancato is synonymous with great food and service. The same excellence and attention to detail you’ve likely experienced in their catering is on display, every day, at Harvey’s. You’ll be greeted with a smile and your server will make you feel like you’re the only one in the restaurant. The recently updated decor balances contemporary, custom wood tables and woven chairs with a historical vibe as artifacts and old photos are on display throughout the lower-level seating area. And while the Grand Hall is vast and open, the Brancatos have made this space very intimate. Seating is very comfortably spaced and it’s easy to enjoy a quiet and private conversation.

The chef-inspired menu is designed to have something for everyone, with warm, cozy comfort food and deliciously satisfying soup and salad for those looking for something on the lighter side. They also have a kids’ menu!

If you’re looking for soul-satisfying comfort food, try the Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffles. I’m picky about waffles; these are fabulous, not too sweet, with deep pockets to fill with butter and warm syrup. The chicken has a kick and is oh so crunchy.

If you love a great burger, get the Harvey’s Original, two four-ounce chuck and brisket blend patties topped with all the burger basics. In my opinion, the best burgers are made with two patties; it makes it easy to stack the bacon, caramelized onions and smoky cheddar between the patties so you get the perfect bite every time!

Maybe you’re the one who knows where to find the best chicken sandwiches in KC. If so, add the Train to Memphis Chicken Sandwich to your list. Memphis dry-rubbed chicken is fried to crunchy perfection and topped with shredded romaine, sliced tomato and plenty of garlic aioli and pickles.

Other warm and cozy options include the Gourmet Grilled Cheese with four different cheeses melted with avocado between slices of sourdough and Harvey’s Mac & Cheese, cavatappi pasta smothered in a blend of smoked gouda, mozzarella, queso blanco and soft farmer’s cheese. Simply decadent.

The lighter side of the menu is not light on flavor! I can’t say enough about the Roasted Vegetable Niçoise Salad! Mixed greens are topped with a very generous serving of roasted onions, tomatoes, zucchini, squash, fennel, bell pepper, asparagus and Yukon gold potatoes plus hardboiled egg, creamy goat cheese, toasted almonds and diced olives. I’d suggest staying with the creamy basil vinaigrette for your dressing. Another slightly sweeter choice is Mel’s Spinach Salad, made with baby spinach and spring mix, topped with strawberries, sliced pear, dried cranberries, candied pecans and feta, drizzled with their signature strawberry champagne vinaigrette. Of course, you can add grilled or fried chicken, pan-seared salmon or sautéed shrimp to any of their salads. Lunch is served from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and their made-to-order flat breads are not only delicious, but they are also one of the many perfect grab-and-go items for lunch.

Harvey’s is ready to get your day going with Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, a made-to-order omelet or the Whistle Stop Skillet featuring a buttermilk biscuit, fried chicken tenders and sausage gravy. If you’re a fan of eggs Benedict, you could go the classic route or flex that KC pride and order your bennies with burnt ends!

Looking for an award-winning brunch? Make plans to show up Sunday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and enjoy peel-and-eat shrimp, smoked salmon, Grand Marnier French toast, gourmet mac and cheese, prime rib, glazed ham and so much more! Grab a seat up top and look around; notice the six-foot-wide clock hanging in the central arch and the three chandeliers, each weighing 3,500 pounds and restored to their original luster and glory.

This year marks Union Station’s 120th birthday and it’s the perfect spot for whatever you are celebrating or planning for 2024. Maybe you’re also celebrating a special birthday or planning a wedding; is there a more iconic place to raise a glass and spend time with family and friends? Perhaps you’re looking for a location to impress clients or show appreciation to your staff. For any and every occasion, Harvey’s will customize the perfect space and menu for your guests, cover every detail and do what they do best, create an unforgettable dining experience.

Mark your calendar: Restaurant Week is January 12 through 21, 2024, a great opportunity to experience Harvey’s. They will have a three-course offering for lunch; reservations are recommended.

To learn more and for reservations and menu previews, visit harveyskc.com.

Art director, illustrator and entrepreneur Sheryl Hammontree is happiest when creating. As a freelancer, she creates visual styling and targeted messaging to strategically solve challenges for clients. As the owner of Thoughtful Threads, she creates expressive apparel to empower people and build a community of kindness. Sheryl heads outside to find energy, inspiration and calm, whether in the garden or on a trail, her soul is fed by creating memories with her husband, Joel, family and friends.