Briar & Thistle — Restaurant in Neosho

I am new to the area from Kansas City and am always interested in a cool trendy out of the way place. I found this spot on the Neosho square to try out. I walked in and noticed we ordered at the counter. The restaurant is attached to a bar. The restaurant has a unique atmosphere. I ordered a burger, the beer cheese burger with a side salad and the banana bread pudding. They had very few drinks available on the menu which I though was odd. I was surprised when I received my order that I was given a burger with a beef patty, with a reddish sauce topped with what appeared to be potato chips on top…that’s it. The bread bun was cold to the touch. The meat was a nice size but I was surprised there wasn’t any lettuce tomatoes or other items included. I also noticed that the pickle that was supposed to be included was not there. The burger itself had no flavor at all. The chips were not a good addition to it as well. The salad was ok, can’t really mess that up. The banana bread pudding was pretty much boring. The bananas flavor itself was pretty much all I could taste with the bread and sauce not coming through at all. I was really disappointed that it wasn’t a rich flavorful bread pudding. All this and a water was just over $19. The value for what I got was ok, but if you want a flavorful meal…I would go somewhere else. While writing this…no one came and asked how my meal was. Guess it doesn’t matter now…I’m out...

This was our first time here. The building and atmosphere is cool. The wifes strawberry salad was good but needed a little more dressing. One son liked his Ramen bowl that was over priced for Ramen. My other son had a burger. He said it was OK but didn't have anything on it like lettuce, tomato, pickle. I ordered loaded chili fries and was disappointed to say the least. They were on the cold side and it tasted like someone opened a can of chili beans tossed on some cold fries that was covered in cheese wiz. I could make better at home for 1/4th the price. It left me with a very upset stomach. But the biggest disappointment was the service. The girl working the register was not very work oriented and it showed. She did not make the 3 crafted drinks we ordered, and a lady from the back came out to help her clean 1 of the 2 dirty tables that sat there the entire time we were there. She should have cleaned them after tending to us. Also on the crafted drinks the wife was upset and felt misled. She does not drink soda so when she got a drink that had sprite in it when the menu clearly says lime juice it was not okay. I am big on tipping and did not leave one. $60 for food that just didn't make the cut and the register worker having to be asked about the drinks when we were almost done eating. Yeah if I ever come back it will be only a salad...

Stopped in for an early Saturday evening dinner. Glad I did as it filled up quickly. They've done a nice job at providing a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere w/ am le room to move and games at most tables to enjoy. There are two side to the facility, the smaller west side which holds the kitchen and some general dining seating, and a small tasting room that resembles an old vault. The east side has lounge seating, restrooms, bar seating, and mostly hightop seating. Capacity is in the 60s so the occupancy sign states. The food is somewhat unique as They've put their own spin on it. There's even a mystery "Dad Special" which is like spinning a wheel to see what you get from the kitchen (figuratively). They guarantee you'll like it. I received a breakfast chicken and french toast style burger and fries. Wasn't bad, but hoped for more savory. Fun nonetheless. My company really enjoyed the Briar & Thistle and have returned a few times. They're right on the Neosho square and have sidewalk level entry on the pub side, and steps on the west side entry. Food is available and served on bothe sides of the facility. Parking is limited around the square, so be patient, or expect a short, reasonable walk. Staff is quite friendly and helpful. Prices are average to today's 2024 pub menus when...