The American Reserve Bar & Grille: Elegance, Ambiance and an Unforgettable Dining Experience

Hidden in plain sight is one of Kansas City’s best-kept secrets, the American Reserve Bar & Grille, located only steps away from the bustling Power & Light District. It doesn’t have a flashy sign or grand entrance, but you will want to make your way to uncover this cozy and swanky restaurant.

Positioned adjacent to the petite lobby and entrance to the Ambassador Hotel Kansas City, one of Marriott’s exclusive Autograph Collection, The American Reserve has an upscale stylish vibe that’s perfect for downtown’s diverse crowds. And that means everyone, from pre-Chiefs game tailgaters to couples’ night out to a girlfriend’s brunch and everything in between.

With a restaurant named American Reserve, Executive Chef Bryant Wigger said he has the freedom to feature menu items from a variety of genres because our country is a melting pot of cultures. That’s why you’ll get a hint of Italian or Asian throughout the menu.

“I knew I wanted to feature a blend of cultural themes to create an American restaurant that had a little something for everyone. The best American-themed restaurants draw inspiration from early American cuisines mixed with European interpretations and that’s what we work very hard to do here for our guests,” Wigger said.

Our tasting experience started with the Steamed Mussels and they weren’t your typical appetizer. This was a large sharable bowl full of PEI mussels, topped with red peppers and other garnishes, seasoned with pickled Fresno chili and served with a generous grilled ciabatta topped with coconut jam.

Now it’s time to sink our teeth into two of the chef’s selection of entrees. He’s prepared a customer favorite and now one of mine, the Beef Bourguignon. The hearty and perfectly savory dish starts with a tender braised beef tenderloin, bacon lardons, roasted carrots, cremini mushrooms served over farro antico, an ancient whole wheat grain.

“I had the pleasure of studying Italian food for 15 years exclusively and traveled through Asia, where I got the idea for the mussels; traveling through Paris is where I got the idea for the Beef Bourguignon. All of the dishes we serve here have heart and the feeling of home. No matter where you’re from, this menu has elements that will feel like home,” Wigger said.

The final entrée in our tasting was to die for. The Akaushi Wagyu Ribeye is a chargrilled strip steak, butter basted, oversized, perfectly seasoned and garnished. It’s served with a large roasted garlic clove ideal for spreading and eating with the steak. 

For dessert, Chocolate Peanut Butter Torte. Enough said. My two favorite foods served in a delicious crust! A fantastic way to finish a meal.

In the center of the restaurant is a beautiful bar staffed by knowledgeable mixologists trained to create some of the coolest libations in the city. The Reserve’s cocktail and wine bar even serves its own menu; I heard the Smashburger was outstanding and you do not want to miss the Chef’s Famous Brisket Meatballs.

But while we were hanging out at the bar, professional bartender extraordinaire Larry Liggett prepared two amazing craft cocktails. Jet Fuel, a twist on the popular Aviation cocktail, was made with gin, maraschino cherry liqueur, crème de violette, lemon juice and simple syrup. The drink is put through a clarification process, giving it a delicious velvety texture. We also were treated to a delicious Mr. Pink, the Reserve’s spin on a French 75, made from dry gin, Aperol, lime juice, simple syrup and Prosecco.

The bar, the throwback drinks, the amazing food and the ambiance were sumptuous and fun. I felt like I was in a posh movie scene, and that was all before I went downstairs and saw Lonnie’s Reno Club, also located inside the Ambassador Hotel. Open only two nights a week, this jazz club/restaurant is a collaboration of Kansas City jazz legend and trumpeter Lonnie McFadden. The retro loungy club was designed to pay homage to the iconic Reno Club, where Count Basie played and the radio broadcast helped introduce Kansas City jazz to the world. Lonnie’s Reno Club serves food from The American Reserve. 

Make time to check out both KC hot spots! It is worth the effort to uncover this hidden gem. ■

Journalist-turned-PR-professional Megan Neher has never forgotten her true first love: writing. Today, Megan owns her own PR firm, Megan Neher Public Relations; she’s a wife, mom, marketer, student and spends a lot of time cleaning up after her four pets and two teenagers. Her dream is to live on a tropical beach somewhere where she can stroll barefoot to a nearby grass hut for a fish taco and margarita.