Jess and Jim’s Steakhouse has been ranked by numerous critics as one of the best steakhouses in the United States. Their menu features fresh cut steaks for all appetites and price ranges. “This is the old school kind of joint your grandfather may have gone to.” – Yahoo Food
Founded by best friends Jess Kincaid and Jim Wright, the small bar and grill opened at the corner of 135th Street and Holmes Road in 1938. Jess eventually sold his share of the business to Jim but they kept the name “Jess & Jim’s Steakhouse” as a lasting reminder of his contributions and friendship.
In 1949, Jim hired his cousin, R.C. Van Noy, to work in the business.
In May 1957, an F5 tornado passed through Martin City and destroyed the original Jess & Jim’s building. They soon reopened the restaurant at its current location at 517 E. 135th Street.
In 1972, journalist Calvin Trillin wrote about Jess & Jim’s for an article in Playboy Magazine. In his article, Trillin called Jess & Jim’s “the finest steak restaurant in the world.” After the article was released, business increased so much the building had to be expanded twice. The restaurant now offers their famous “KC Playboy Strip” to honor the legacy of the Playboy article that introduced Jess and Jim’s Steakhouse to the world. View Jess and Jim’s menu
Awards and Recognition
1972 – Calvin Trillin named Jess and Jim’s steakhouse “the finest in the world” in his article in Playboy Magazine.
1992 – USA Today named Jess and Jim’s amongst the top five steakhouses in the world.
2001 – Playboy Magazine again named Jess and Jim’s one of the top ten steakhouses in the world, calling it the “quintessential Midwestern steakhouse.”
2008 – Esquire Magazine named the KC Playboy Strip at Jess and Jim’s as one of the 20 Best Steaks in America
2013 – Travel + Leisure named Jess and Jim’s among the best steakhouses in the United States
2013 – The Daily Meal listed Jess and Jim’s at #9 in its list of America’s 20 Best Steakhouses.
2014 – MSN listed Jess and Jim’s at #47 on its list of America’s 50 Best Steakhouses.
2014 – Travel Channel television series Food Paradise filmed a segment featuring Jess and Jim’s in November.
2014 – Men’s Journal recognized Jess and Jim’s as being one of the 10 Best Steakhouses in the World
2016 – Yahoo Food went on a search for the best steakhouses. They ranked Jess and Jim’s at the #8 spot on their list of the top ten steakhouses in the world.
2018 – The Daily Meal named Jess and Jim’s as The Best Special Occasion Restaurant in the state of Missouri.
Open Sunday – Thursday, 11 AM to 9 PM; Friday and Saturday, 11 AM to 10 PM.
Call-ahead seating or make a reservation: 816-941-9499.
Order fresh cut raw steaks online and have them shipped to your home for outdoor grilling! View Selection
Address: 517 E. 135 Street, KC, MO 64145
Phone: 816-941-9499
Website: jessandjims.com