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Best Prime Rib Sandwich in Kansas City

Updated: Jul 23

My Quest For The Best

Nighttime street view of a modern corner restaurant named 'Parkway' with large windows and vintage-style lanterns illuminating the sidewalk. A couple walks past the entrance under warm lighting. A bold red graphic in the bottom-left corner reads 'R.I.P.,' suggesting the business has closed or shut down.
The Parkway restaurant, once the social butterfly of the dining scene, has decided to hang up its apron and call it a night for good!

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the entire world, and it was a death sentence for some restaurants. Getting by on curbside pickup alone wasn’t going to cut it for some fine-dining restaurants. We all had our favorite places to splurge, and mine was The Parkway Social Kitchen on the Country Club Plaza—until it closed permanently in 2020.


Interior of a modern restaurant with a stylish wood-slatted ceiling and walls. The space features dark leather booth seating, polished wooden tables, and contemporary gold-ring chandeliers. A large mirror and open kitchen window are visible along the back wall, and natural light enters through a front-facing glass door. One person is seated in a booth near the entrance.
The inside of this restaurant was like a hipster's dream come true—think sleek black leather booths that are so stylish they probably have their own Instagram account, and wooden tables that are as polished as a dad joke. The lighting was so warm and inviting, it practically gives you a hug. A perfect mash-up of contemporary chic and rustic charm, with exposed beams and wood paneling that scream "I'm trendy, but I also chop wood on weekends."

It wasn't as extravagant as some establishments try to be. The food wasn’t overly complicated and was prepared by some of the best chefs in Kansas City. They had an amazing French dip on their menu. The meat was rare, the au jus was savory and the perfect compliment to the creamy horseradish and caramelized onions.


Close-up of a plated roast beef sandwich cut in half, stacked with thick slices of meat on a toasted bun and secured with wooden skewers. The sandwich is served with golden French fries and a small cup of dipping sauce. In the background, a cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato, a cup of ketchup, and a side of coleslaw are visible on a booth table by the window.
Behold the mighty roast beef sandwich, sliced in half like it just couldn't handle its own deliciousness, accompanied by a posse of crispy golden fries and a dapper little bowl of au jus ready for a lunchtime flavor explosion. Meanwhile, lurking in the background, a burger flaunts its fresh lettuce attire, with a sidekick of coleslaw eagerly waiting to join the feast.

When I heard they were closing for good, I knew I needed to find another place with that kind of quality—and fast—so I set out to find the next best French dip sandwich in Kansas City, and I didn't stop until I found the best. Here are a few I tried along the way and how they ranked from worst to best on a scale of one to ten.


Street view of a red-brick two-story building housing a restaurant or bar named 'Brick House.' The building features several large windows with illuminated beer signs. A vintage light blue pickup truck with a wooden flatbed, labeled 'Doughboys,' is parked in front. The sky is overcast, and street lamps are lit as dusk settles over the quiet intersection.
A delightful old truck, looking like it just rolled out of a classic movie, is chilling in front of the Brick House bar—a snug little joint on a sleepy street corner, basking in the warm glow of the lights under a sky that's feeling a bit shy and cloudy.

The Brickhouse

At Martini Corner on 31st and Gillham in Kansas City, Missouri, the atmosphere is a mix of nostalgia and different restaurant concepts. On one corner, there’s the former El Torreon Ballroom that I used to frequent in my days of mischief and punk rock. Now that it’s a church and I’m old enough to drink, I make my way just a few doors to the east and find myself at the Brickhouse.


Outdoor patio area with brick flooring, featuring a central rectangular gas fire pit surrounded by wooden picnic tables on one side and black metal bar-height tables and stools on the other. String lights are suspended overhead, creating a warm ambiance. The space is enclosed by a black fence with brick pillars, and residential buildings are visible in the background.
Check out the Brick House restaurant in Kansas City's Martini Corner, where the outdoor seating is so cozy, even the fire pit feels like it's on vacation! With string lights twinkling overhead, it's like dining under a disco ball of stars—perfect for warming up your burrito and your heart.

It definitely has a sports bar feel to it, but it wasn’t overwhelming. I might say that it’s a little small on the inside, but that’s okay. On the back patio, popular games include bocce ball and giant Jenga. This ranked the lowest on my list at number one because, let's be honest, nobody likes paying $11 to chew on a leather belt. Okay, maybe my dog, (sorry, not sorry) but jeez—I should've bought lottery tickets instead.


Daytime street view of a red-brick building with green awnings over the windows and entrance. The signage reads 'Harry's Country Club' in white letters on the main awning, with a smaller sign above that says 'Harry's Corner Tap.' The building has large front windows and a side patio area enclosed by a black iron fence. The scene is well-lit under a clear blue sky.
Step right up to Harry's Country Club, where red-brick sophistication shakes hands with classic charm! With its retro awnings and vintage signs, this place practically winks at you, saying, "Come on in, the nostalgia's fine!"

Harry’s Country Club

A little further north in the River Market is the Kansas City staple known as Harry’s Country Club. As you might have guessed from the name, it definitely has a "good ol’ boys" sports bar vibe to it, with various archaic memorabilia from wall to wall.


Interior of a cozy, vintage-style restaurant with mustard yellow walls covered in framed photos, posters, and memorabilia. A taxidermy animal is mounted near the ceiling, and exposed air ducts add an industrial touch. Several groups of patrons are seated at wooden tables, enjoying conversations and meals in the warmly lit, eclectic space.
Harry's Country Club is like a time machine with a sense of humor! Its snug interior, decked out with old-school photos and quirky memorabilia, whisks diners away on a nostalgia trip. All this happens while they chow down in a room that feels like it's been dipped in a giant pot of golden honey.

It’s casual, but the cloth napkins make it a good option for a business lunch. It’s traditional bar food, but you might consider a burger over the French dip that’s on their menu. It wasn’t so bad. I gave this a four because it was tough and overdone. It’s still not the worst, but for $12, I was hoping for a little pink left in it.


Exterior of a Granite City Food & Brewery restaurant building featuring a mix of red brick and light-colored stone facade. The main sign is prominently displayed in bold red and black lettering above the entrance. A black awning with the Granite City logo covers a side door. The parking area in front includes several designated handicap spaces, and the scene is lit by golden hour sunlight under a clear blue sky.
Granite City Food & Brewery's exterior is like the Clark Kent of chain restaurants—plain, simple, and neat, with a brick facade that fits right in under a superhero-blue sky.

Granite City Brewery

I’m not a big fan of chains, but Granite City Brewery is pretty good, and because it was a bit difficult to find ‘French Dips’ or ‘Prime Rib Sandwiches’ near me via a simple google search, I still had to try it. The atmosphere is about what you’d expect from a chain.


Interior of a casual bar and restaurant with high ceilings and a central bar counter lined with black stools. Multiple TVs are mounted above the bar showing sports or news. An American flag hangs in the background near a wall of windows that let in natural light. Booth seating lines the perimeter, and colorful beer and brewery banners hang from the ceiling, adding to the lively atmosphere. Several patrons are seated at the bar enjoying drinks and conversation.
Step right into Granite City Brewery, where the interior is as cozy as a bear in a blanket! Picture a long bar that stretches out like a runway for your pint, stone accents that make you feel like you’re in a fancy cave, and warm lighting that could melt even the iciest of hearts. Add a splash of patriotic decor, and you've got a place that wraps you in a big, friendly hug while you sip on your drink. Cheers to feeling right at home!

There are pieces of memorabilia scattered about the upscale dining room, and it’s obvious they were bought to add to the sports bar vibe they were so desperately trying for, instead of actually collecting the stuff like Harry’s might’ve. I’m sure the beer is delicious, and the French Dip here wasn’t bad either. I gave this a six because, for $13, it was delicious and tender but still overdone. Although I detest crinkle fries, the seasoning on them and the ideal balance of mushy to crispy were excellent.


Street-level view of a red-brick building on a sunny day, featuring a storefront with a red and white awning labeled 'The Ship.' A sandwich board sign on the sidewalk displays event or entry information. People are gathered near the entrance, and several cars are parked along the street. The building includes upper-level balconies and is partially shaded by nearby trees.
On a sunny day, the exterior of The Beer Kitchen in Old Westport, Kansas City, MO, resembles a hive of cheerful people, all gathered around their favorite watering spot!

Beer Kitchen

The Beer Kitchen in Old Westport is and will always be one of my favorite restaurants. Their menu changes from time to time, and I actually get a little excited about it because it’s always good. The menu might be a little zany, but I trust this place because of the variety. This place gave me the confidence to try more recipes on my own, and I’m never afraid to try whatever is new on the menu here. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, and with a ‘Build-Your-Own Mac & Cheese’ section—how can you go wrong? There’s something for everyone here!


Interior of a spacious, well-lit restaurant featuring a mix of booth seating and wooden tables with metal chairs. A long bar with high stools runs along the left side, and a large green chalkboard menu covers most of the right wall. Pendant lights hang over the booths, and several TVs are mounted above the bar. The polished wood floor and open layout create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Welcome to The Beer KitchenStep into a space where the ambiance invites you to unwind and enjoy. Picture booths and tables clustered like longtime friends at a gathering, a bar so vast you might require a map to find its end, and stools lined up as if they're awaiting a parade. Additionally, the large menu board on the wall is bathed in warm lighting, creating a welcoming atmosphere that enhances your dining experience.

Coming in at a number seven, the French dip was second to the best and second most expensive I’ve had here in Kansas City. At $15, it’s still nothing to hold your nose at. It was well done, but it was super tasty and tender. The aioli, caramelized onions, and Weck bread were phenomenal when dipped into the heavy, dark au jus. It’s a lively venue with something for everyone in a convenient location, but good luck finding parking.


Wide-angle view of a large dark brick commercial building with four stories and prominent black-and-white striped awnings on the ground floor. A vintage-style vertical sign on the corner reads 'Roasterie.' The street in front features a green-painted bike lane, a pedestrian crosswalk, and a 'Bike Lane' traffic sign. The sky is overcast, and city buildings can be seen in the background.
Behold the majestic exterior of The Rockhill Grille in Kansas City's Crossroads! With its snazzy striped awnings, it's like the restaurant is wearing a fashionable zebra-print hat. Nestled in a lively urban jungle, it's just a stone's throw from Crown Center—where the fun never stops and neither do the traffic lights!

Rockhill Grille

This is truly a hidden gem; I was shocked I hadn’t heard about it. It sits in the Crossroads district, just to the south of the bustling center of commerce in downtown Kansas City and just north of Crown Center. The vibe has an upscale speakeasy sort of vibe that’s still casual—so you won’t feel underdressed as long as you have a shirt, shoes, and pants on.


Interior of a modern, upscale bar and restaurant with a long polished wooden bar counter, green upholstered bar stools, and overhead shelves stocked with liquor bottles and hanging glassware. The space features dark exposed ceilings, an industrial-style air duct, and large windows letting in natural light. Booth seating and round tables are arranged throughout the open, stylish dining area.
The Rockhill Grille: Where Class Meets Sass Welcome to The Rockhill Grille, where the bar is so sleek it could double as a runway for fashion models, and the wooden countertop is polished enough to see your reflection—though it might not be as pretty as the drinks!Bar Seating: Fashionably Green The stylish green seating might just be the most fashionable thing in the room—sorry, patrons! It’s so chic that even the chairs might start charging for selfies. Just be careful not to spill your drink; these seats are so trendy, they might just throw a fit!Spirits on Display: Liquid Confidence Above the bar, an array of spirits is displayed like trophies in a hall of fame. You can almost hear them whispering, "Pick me! I'm the life of the party!" Just remember, they’re not responsible for any dance moves you attempt after a few too many!Natural Light: The Ultimate Mood Booster Thanks to the large windows, natural light floods the space, illuminating both your face and your questionable life choices. It’s the kind of ambiance that makes you feel like you’re in a Pinterest board—until the waiter catches you trying to take a selfie with a cocktail like it’s your new best friend. So come on down to The Rockhill Grille, where the drinks are cool, the seats are greener than a leprechaun’s envy, and the only thing that shines brighter than the natural light is your personality—once you’ve had a few!

I can confidently say there’s nothing bad on the menu here. I’ll admit that I was a little intimidated by the price tag on this one, but after all, it’s prime rib. At $20, you get exactly what you pay for, and I can’t say enough great things about it. You can have it however you want, and heck, I’m convinced they might even bring it to you still breathing if you wanted it. I got it rare, and it blew my socks off.


Close-up of a roast beef sandwich on a toasted hoagie roll, partially eaten, served with a side of golden French fries, au jus dipping sauce, and ketchup in a metal ramekin. The sandwich is held together with wooden skewers, and a hand is visible holding one half. The plate rests on a wooden table beside a glass of water with lemon and a set of utensils.
Feast your eyes on the roast beef prime rib sandwich from The Rockhill Grille in Kansas City—where the meat is so juicy it might just start its own water park, and the bread is toasted to perfection like it just came back from a tropical vacation. It comes with a side of fries that are crispier than your grandma's one-liners and a dipping sauce that could charm the socks off anyone!

This is THE BEST prime rib sandwich in Kansas City, and it flew off my silly ranking system at eleven. The meat melts in your mouth and mixes perfectly with the caramelized onions and creamy horseradish when dipped in their succulent au jus. Do yourself a favor and get warmed up with some appetizers. I got a free order of breaded and fried stuffed cheesy tater tots when I signed up for their email list, and I became a mustard lover after trying their pig wings. This is the ultimate place to take a date to impress, and won’t break your budget if you’re not careful.


Close-up of a metal tin filled with golden brown, crispy tater tots topped with shredded cheese, served on a white plate. A metal ramekin of creamy dipping sauce is placed beside the tin. In the background, a person in a striped shirt sits at a wooden table with a knife and fork set nearby.
Join The Rock Hill Grille's email list and get ready to dive into a cheesy wonderland! Sign up and snag yourself some cheese-stuffed tater tots, on the house. It's like a delicious hug for your taste buds!

The Takeaway

The age-old saying holds true, folks—you really do get what you pay for—and you should always pay more when it comes to beef on a bun. The bottom line is that you shouldn't expect a prime rib sandwich or a top cut of quality beef cooked to perfection at a sports bar. There are only a handful of places to get a French dip sandwich, but were any of them good? Yes, you can say that too, but all-in-all, I found it worth the extra penny spent on the quality.



*There are a handful I didn’t mention here with worse reviews, but if you can think of a prime rib or French dip sandwich that wasn’t mentioned, let me know, and I'll give it a try—as long as it isn't Arby's. I love trying new stuff from different places.


Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to check back for more good stuff in the future!


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