JJ’s Restaurant: Iconic Fine Dining & Exceptional Wines

By Jackson Bonar

Whether you’re relatively new to Kansas City or you’ve lived here your entire life, we’re sure there’s one restaurant in town you’ve heard of or dined at; quite possibly, you’re a regular. That’s JJ’s Restaurant near the Country Club Plaza.

Jimmy Frantzé is no stranger to the restaurant business, owning and operating numerous Kansas City restaurants. In 1985 Jimmy purchased JJ Malane’s from his former business partner. Malane’s was dropped from the name and JJ’s was born.

Jimmy and his new partner, Matt Nichols, invested their enthusiasm and passion for contemporary American food, steaks and wine in JJ’s, which quickly became a Kansas City icon. JJ’s operated at 910 W. 48th St until 2013, when a tragic fire destroyed the restaurant. In November 2014, 18 months later, JJ’s opened in its current location across the street in the Polsinelli Building.

While JJ’s bills themselves as a steakhouse, they are not the traditional steakhouse, showcasing many other offerings, some with an Italian flair. A must-have starter is the Paco Shrimp, large gulf shrimp stuffed with horseradish, wrapped in bacon and deep fried. The Ahi Tuna, seared rare and served over sliced avocado, crispy wonton with the house-made spicy sweet and sour sauce, is a killer. The most-requested entrée is the Filet Mignon, and we had the opportunity to taste it. So tender you can cut it with your fork, this melt-in-your-mouth piece of beef is outstanding. Salmon ranks high on the list, prepared with a unique Japanese spice rub, and the Wild Boar Ragu is another coveted entree. Save room for dessert, as the house-made Chocolate Ganache is a chocolate lovers dream.

JJ’s has one of the best and largest wine lists not only in Kansas City, but in the entire Midwest. Winner of the Wine Spectator Grand Award and holding the Best of Award of Excellence, also from Wine Spectator, JJ’s wine program is a fundamental part of the restaurant’s overall commitment to quality and outstanding service as a participant in the awards program for over 30 years. Every person dining at JJ’s is presented with the entire wine list with the dining menu in the front of the list. JJ’s wine cellar stores more than 15,000 bottles of wine featuring more than 1,500 different wines. Every glass of wine is served in Riedel crystal, allowing the guests to enjoy an elegant experience.

A customer favorite, the Bouvet Trésor Rosé wine, is a JJ’s exclusive. This light and fruity sparkling rosé from the Loire Valley, France, is exclusive to JJ’s in the United States, and Jimmy is personally acquainted with the vineyard owner. People travel across the country to enjoy this varietal. “We have customers who plan their trips with an intentional layover in Kansas City just to dine at JJ’s and take advantage of our extensive wine list,” Jimmy shares. JJ’s has a large selection of Domaine de la Romanee Conti with bottles up to $9000.00.. Don’t worry, however; for the novice learning about wines, there are others also priced reasonably at $30, $40 and $50 a bottle.

JJ’s has acquired and installed new technology that preserves open champagne bottles by injecting CO2 each time one is opened. The new system allows “Jimmy’s Bubble Bar” to serve over 20 sparkling wines by the glass while preserving the quality of the wines. Weekly staff wine tastings and seminars ensure JJ’s staff is knowledgeable and current with all aspects of the restaurant’s wine programs.

When you enter JJ’s, your eyes are immediately drawn to the massive bar encasing the entire wall. The interior features a blend of contemporary and classic design elements, creating a sophisticated yet comfortable dining experience with a cozy and elegant feel, with rich wood paneling, ambient lighting and tasteful decor. Various seating options include intimate tables for couples, larger tables for groups and the well-appointed bar area. In addition, private dining is available for your group of up to 50 invited guests. The walls are adorned with art from local artist Mike Savage, who has been displaying his art exclusively at JJ’s for over 37 years, adding a touch of refinement Mike has spent the past two decades at an easel capturing life’s moments with loose, spontaneous and bold brushstrokes. All artwork is available for purchase at the restaurant.

JJ’s will celebrate their 40th year in February 2025, and they are happy to announce they have extended their lease for another 15 years. “You don’t last for 40 years if you do not have a passion for excellence,” Jimmy asserts. Some of the staff at JJ’s have longevity exceeding 35 years, and the average tenure of staff is 10 to 15 years, which is indicative of the positive work environment. Recently, JJ’s has become more of a family affair, with Jimmy’s nephew, Kevin Frantzé, joining the team as managing general partner. Kevin has extensive restaurant background and will manage the daily operations of the restaurant along with Chef Kodiak Baer. Jimmy will still play an active role in the restaurant as curator of the wine programs. “You are like family at JJ’s. Today, the children who came in with their parents years ago have grown up and have children of their own who they are now bringing into the restaurant,” Jimmy said.

JJ’s is located just west of the Country Club Plaza at 4810 Roanoke Parkway, Kansas City, Missouri. Call 816-561-7136 or visit jjsrestaurantkc.com for hours and menu previews.