Pierpont's at Union Station — Restaurant in Kansas City

TOURISTS BEWARE. I AM A KANSAS CITY LOCAL AND A FAIR AND INTUITIVE RESTAURANTEUR This is one of those experiences that I really hate to share, but it was so awful that it made me not want to return. My partner made reservations for Christmas Eve for us at Pierpont's and surprised me the day of, after having an amazing experience at The Symphony. I was excited to have lunch here, as I hadn't been here in several years. The hostess was polite and even took our picture with the Christmas tree in the background to help us capture the moment that I assumed we would be enjoying. Another lady comes to bring us to our table. She led us into the bar area, which was beautiful and full of happy guests enjoying themselves. She then stopped and turned to us with a smile and said that there was a seating error and led us back to the front door. Quickly, we were brought back to the front desk and seated in an awkward small booth in the back. After being sat, a server brushed by and pointed out the drink and wine menus and said he would return with water and bread. My partner and I don't drink, and we already knew what we wanted as we waited a few minutes for the initial greet. After some time, he returns without water or bread and asks if we have been in before or if we want a cocktail. We both replied in some way that we have been in, but it's been a while. He then said something about it being the number one steakhouse in Kansas City and being around for over 25 years. We both order a diet coke. Then I ordered 3 of each oysters available as well as calamari. Then he just turned and tried to rush away. I called after him, and he turned around exaggeratedly and stared at me before throwing his hand up to question what I wanted. I told him I could give him our whole order to make things easier as I thought he was just spread too thinly or maybe just not having his best day. He steps to the side and gets something to write on and take our order. I ordered osso bucco for my partner and the pork chop for myself. He finishes and runs off without a word where we waited for bread and water, then waited even longer for the soda. When our oysters arrived, they were just placed on the table without any explanation or professional display of knowledge by our server. So we basically didn't know which oysters were which and weren't asked anything regarding our needs at that moment. We casually joked about it between ourselves and started on them. He asked me if I needed a refill and then took my glass and disappeared again. Within 2 minutes, our calamari gets placed on the table, interrupting us, trying to enjoy the oysters, by another employee. By this point, I was confused as our empty diet cokes were ignored by our server, so we asked that food runner for refills. The plates were cleared, and then the entrees came. Our table was not marked or prepared for the main course. The table was full of crumbs, and my partner didn't even have silverware to eat with. I had to ask that food runner for flatware and steak knives. I hate to mention that the pork chop was thin and dry. The accompanying risotto was overcooked and almost a thick, chunky pudding. This kind of inattentive and dismissive service is just disgusting. Especially at the price point and supposed repute of such a well-known restaurant. The only part that Emanuel cared about was dropping off the check, which I had to ask for because I was ready to leave. He even picked it up while we were still finishing the osso bucco. I got better service at Fric and Frac on their "Steak Night" while being served by their gracious and attentive OWNER. Don't waste your money here as the servers will stereotype you for not buying alcohol, being a confident diner, and knowing what you want. After being in this industry for longer than this concept has even been open, my steps of service and finely honed skills left me flabbergasted and disappointed after spending a holiday at this venue...

Traveling into Kansas City, my trip was destined for greatness starting with my first dining experience at Pierpont's at Union Station. From the moment I stepped through the doors of this iconic establishment, I knew I was in for a treat, and Pierpont's did not disappoint!

First and foremost, let's talk about the food. When in Kansas City, indulging in a Kansas City steak is a must, and Pierpont's truly sets the bar high. The steak was cooked to absolute perfection, showcasing a delightful balance of tenderness and rich, savory flavors. Each bite was a testament to the chef's expertise and the quality of the ingredients. To complement the steak, I also ordered the crab cakes, which were nothing short of spectacular. They were crispy on the outside and filled with succulent crab meat, seasoned to perfection. The garlic whipped mashed potatoes were the ideal side, creamy and bursting with flavor.

The cocktails were equally impressive, crafted with precision and creativity. The bartender's attention to detail was evident in every sip, making each cocktail a delightful accompaniment to the meal. Whether you prefer a classic martini or something more adventurous, Pierpont's cocktail menu has something for everyone.

While the food and drinks were exceptional, the highlight of my visit was the unparalleled service. From the moment I was greeted by the friendly hostess, I felt warmly welcomed. The bartender was knowledgeable and engaging, ensuring that my pre-dinner drinks were exactly to my liking. However, it was my server who truly made the evening unforgettable. Attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about providing a top-notch dining experience, the server anticipated my needs and made excellent recommendations. The manager's visit to my table was a pleasant surprise, and it was clear that customer satisfaction is a top priority at Pierpont's.

The ambiance of Pierpont's at Union Station is another noteworthy aspect. Housed in the historic Union Station, the restaurant exudes an old-world charm that is both elegant and inviting. The grandeur of the architecture, combined with the modern touches in the dining room, creates a perfect atmosphere for any occasion, whether it's a romantic dinner, a business meeting, or a special celebration.

Pierpont's at Union Station is a dining destination that should not be missed when visiting Kansas City. From the impeccable Kansas City steak to the exquisite crab cakes, the delightful garlic whipped mashed potatoes, and the masterfully crafted cocktails, every aspect of the meal was exceptional. However, it was the outstanding service from the staff that truly elevated the experience. I cannot recommend Pierpont's highly enough and look forward to my next visit. Five stars...

Extremely busy BUT bartenders were observant, quick and cordial! We had a drink called "jingle bell". It was festive and delicious! Next time we will definitely have supper! This restaurant is a must stop here place anytime you're near!

UPDATE! The silver posse descended on pierponts for brunch today! Our party of 5 arrives and the booth is "open air" meaning walled in but open on both ends-❤️. Our server, Janee, (who's fabulous), arrives promptly. I order a "dirty mary" and bestie orders a peach bellini. Others have water and tea-I'm refraining from judging. My drink is a perfect balance of vodka and tomato juice! This is THE drink you could literally have all afternoon because you don't taste the booze (but you don't because you really don't want to show up on some random Instagram dancing on a table). Besties peach bellini is gorgeous and again, perfect balance-not sweet and not boozy. I order the passila steak tips Benedict and 2 oysters. The oysters are a tad small maybe a half teaspoon portion each? Their flavor makes up the size! Sweet and buttery! The steak eggs Benedict are a sight to behold (see photo). The avocado is perfectly ripened amid the poached eggs! And the hollandaise sauce makes my eyes go wide with the perfect taste. It melds perfectly with the eggs and avocado. The steak tips.well, the steak tips. If I had known it would be very well done I'd have ordered it medium. The good news is the very well done steak was still tender but again, too too well done for me. So, if you order this dish, please specify how you want your steak tips done. That's my only suggestion and I happily passed my steak tips to sis who loves well done steak 😩. She also proclaimed it tender and delicious! Since sis and I were celebrating our Irish twin birthdays, we received dessert on the house!!!! 💕 chocolate creme Brule please! Oh man, one of the best Brules I've had. Not too crunchy and the mousse chocolate was so creamy I took advantage of bestie chatting so I could double time my intake. Bathrooms=escape room maze. Literally, down the stairs, (and its dark so watch your step), turn right through a door, through another door and through a final 3rd door (🙄). Very clean but an odyssey. All in all, this is an excellent choice for brunch. Just make sure to ask for your steak tips to be prepared how YOU like them and take a backpack and breadcrumbs for the...