Show Pony — Restaurant in Kansas City

We decided to try this place for restaurant week. The table where we were sat had a track light above it that was so bright it was almost blinding. However, I asked if the lights were on dimmers and our server quickly had them turned down. In my opinion, they should consider always having the lights turned down in the evening as it would really improve the aesthetic, making it feel more warm.

Our first course, Arancini and Eggplant Hummus, was very good. On our second, the Cacio e Pepe, was undercooked, under sauced and under seasoned. We asked for it to be returned and be replaced with the Bolognese and we were very pleased with the new dish. The Chickpea Gnocchi that we also had for the second course was good. I would order it again, The burnt leaf on top did not do it any justice as it had a bitter taste to it that kind of crumbled over on to the dish. We were impressed that the manager approached us about the issue with the pasta, and let us know that the chef agreed the dish to not come out properly and offered to comp our cocktails.

I ordered the cobia for the third course. It was overcooked, flavorless, and dry. The sauce underneath of it was hard to identify from a flavor perspective and didn’t really save the dish. I didn’t want to send another one back so I just didn’t eat it. On the other hand, my husband had the braised pork cheek and it was tender, juicy, and full of flavor. I was a bit jealous!

Finally, we ordered one of each of the desserts, the Affogato , and Carrot Cake. The espresso foam beneath the ice cream on the Affogato was quite bitter. And the carrot cake was quite dry. Unfortunately, we didn’t finish either one.

The food presentation was beautiful and I think they have the makings of some thing great. I know that restaurant week can be challenging for a kitchen and with this place being new that could answer for a lot of issues. I’d like to go back and try the daily menus.

Throughout our dining experience, the service was exceptional including little details such as new silverware after each course, our water was always full, the food came out of the kitchen at the perfect pace, finished plates were removed right away and the servers were all smiles and even checked on each...

I went to Show Pony with no expectations and was shocked by the rude behavior from the bartender and their service. I hope this isn’t representative of the rest of the staff but must base my review on my experience. When we ordered three espresso martinis, I asked if it contained dairy (I have a severe allergy), the bartender who never introduced themselves and had only asked what we wanted (despite not having anyone else at the bar to wait on), rudely replied “that’s a latte”. I proceeded to say “I don’t prefer my espresso martinis with any sort of dairy either but I want to make sure because a lot of specialty cocktail bars like to put their own twist on them.” He didn’t respond. Instead he made our drinks. Set them out. Mind you - each martini glass was half full. We weren’t even sure how to respond to a half full glass. It was clear he didn’t make enough of the drink and was being too lazy to make us each a martini. He asked for payment and that was it! Mind you, we paid for three martinis even tho we were clearly given the amount of two. We decided not to press the issue since I had been so rudely dismissed already and instantly all three agreed to have our drink and leave. We then witnessed him make another martini for a new guest and fill the glass to the top. I’m not sure what type of discrimination this bartender had with us but overall the experience was super offensive and honestly pretty shocking. The price of drinks is very high compared to most Kansas City places. If you’re going to charge $15 for an espresso martini, fill the glass and provide...

I decided to write a review because if you're at restaurant and watch people come in and wish you could tell them to cut their losses and leave, it's worth writing something up. I know Show Pony is on the newer side and still under a year old but I noticed other reviews mention the staffing levels. They're just plain understaffed still. No hostess to greet you, our server was just trying to keep up but in turn our experience suffered. No water refills, cocktails came late and check drop was the only time she made eye contact with both of us. The espresso martini was one of the worst I've had. It's like syrup it's so sweet and almost that thick.

The food was hit or miss. Sadly half the entree offerings were 86'd, so we settled. Fried chicken was a highlight. Pakoras were so raw they were not good, and the green goddess wedge was over powering. The dishes are good in theory but not executed well, only because I assume, they're also short staffed in the kitchen.

The last gripe, the menu in person did not reflect the one online and the prices for everything was higher. Please just update the online menu so diners know what to expect. But if you've read this far, I say just skip Show Pony until they reach a year or more open. They're inside a hotel, which is fortunate as they have a little bit of a captive audience to keep them going until they focus their attention on service. I plan on coming back to give them another try during brunch, but I won't be racing back...