22 Best Bar & Grill near Pleasant Valley

“I had the pleasure of visiting Rays Thunderbird Tavern recently and I must say, it was a delightful experience. Jacob, our server, provided exceptional and attentive service throughout our visit. It was evident that the tavern had recently reopened after facing some challenges related to business ownership, but they have truly managed to turn things around.One of the highlights of Rays Thunderbird Tavern is their revamped menu, which now includes a variety of finger foods. While these options were delicious, I would suggest adding some healthier choices to cater to a wider range of preferences. Nonetheless, the prices at this establishment are incredibly competitive, especially when it comes to their drinks. I was pleasantly surprised to find that a Bud-Light was priced at just $2.75, even outside of happy hour.For my meal, I ordered the chicken tenders, which came with a side of delicious fries. I expected the typical dry and thin bar food, but to my delight, the chicken tenders were meaty and moist. The seasoning was just right, not overly salted. My only recommendation would be to serve a few ounces more of sauce or provide an extra container, as the tenders would benefit from a little more sauciness.In addition to its other offerings, Rays Thunderbird Tavern boasts several pool tables and a couple of arcade games. This adds an extra layer of entertainment for those looking to have some fun while enjoying their time at the tavern.If you're a fan of karaoke, you're in luck! Fridays at Rays Thunderbird Tavern are dedicated to karaoke nights, where you can showcase your singing skills or cheer on your friends as they take the stage. It's a fantastic opportunity to let loose and have a blast with fellow patrons.On Saturdays, the tavern takes it up a notch with a live DJ starting around seven in the evening. The energetic beats and lively atmosphere make for a memorable night out. Whether you're dancing the night away or simply enjoying the music, the live DJ adds an extra touch of excitement to your weekend.With pool tables, arcade games, karaoke, and a live DJ, Rays Thunderbird Tavern truly has something for everyone. It's the perfect place to unwind, have some fun, and create lasting memories with friends. So, gather your crew and head over to the tavern for an unforgettable evening of entertainment.Opportunity: alternative food options“

“This has always been a comfort to go to with all my friends and one of my regular hangouts. You get to know everyone. The drinks are reasonable and the service is fast. Karaoke, friends, pool, drinks and food are an awesome combination in my book!!“

“Very cool room hidden off the alley. Had an Italian Beef (Jim's Beef) and had low expectations. Being from Chicago I was a bit snobby about anyone else outside of the Windy City doing an IB right. My apologies. Great sandwich. The bread was perfect. Tender, juicy meat. Giardiniera nice and spicy. My only gripe would be the lack of fries as a side. I had the jalepeno slaw and it was good, but fries are the natural side to a lovely beef. Will be back.“

“This place is pretty cool. It’s tucked away but easy to find. We came for some drinks and appetizers and got the wings, which were just okay… last time I visited I got a pizza and it was delicious!! There was live music and the service was good.“

“I stopped to take pictures of the Chiefs paintings (very cool). This place is next to it. I went in and ordered a slab of ribs. Ribs were excellent !! Tim and the customers were very friendly. Nice hangout, nice food, nice people. I'll be back.“

“Great bar, i love the live music and the atmosphere within the bar. The food was delicious i recommend the chicken sandwich with season fries! Will definitely be coming back! Oh and the service was amazing! Thank you for a good first time experience!“

“The food was plentiful and fantastic. This is a small dive, but worth the hype. I hope it won't be torn down for the new baseball stadium. I definate plan to go back. We had the meatloaf sandwich which was awesome and had a touch of smoke on the meatloaf. I had The Hot Mess and it was a LOT of food!“

“Nice little place that seems to be a local hangout in the afternoons. Quick service and an absolutely HUGE tenderloin that comes with a Togo box for a reason. Do yourself a favor and upgrade to have the extra bun and veggies so tomorrow's leftovers are complete.“

“This is a great local dive joint! But note: do not wave the bartender over to take your order...go to the bar and place your order! Rookie mistake! Food is simply a fried culinary delight. The smash burger is amazing especially after cigar and drinks at The Shop. Housemate fries are a must and the tots are great. Can't go wrong with both! Staff is friendly and amazing!“

“Love this little spot bags and out door seating pool tables inside two of the greatest individuals you will ever meet keeping you from getting thirsty great tacos they support there local community and host charitable events year round a place Worth supportingParking: Bikes out front big lot behind and next to the spotWheelchair accessibility: Ramp out front“

“I was looking for a karaoke bar close to home just over a year ago. I came to this place one time and was hooked! The owners and staff are fantastic! The atmosphere is a "Cheers" type of vibe. Everyone is super nice and friendly and I felt welcomed from the start. The food is great and the drinks are fantastic! They have pool tournaments, Music bingo,. Karaoke (The KJ is literally the best) and other events like watch parties. It's impossible to not have a great time! This is my absolute favorite place to go to!“

“Great food! Very nice place…. About the only thing that could improve is the attitude of the lady that works most days. The gals working across the street at the assesors office seem to be enjoying themselves more. Seriously, you are working at a nice bar with great food!! If you want to be obtuse and make customers feel uncomfortable, go across the square and work for Brandts“

“Love this dive bar! Everyone is so nice and the food is great. Their poutine is my absolute favorite and the pizza is delicious too. The burger was good but basic compared to how good the rest of the food is. I love the atmosphere with interesting and funny pictures on the wall and graffiti in the bathroom. A great place to chill with friends.“

“Good food. My daughter ordered hot chicken sandwich and it was covered in hot chili oil. It was too hot for her to eat. We asked the waitress if that was normal amount of hot chilies on it and she said yes. And my daughter said "that's okay I didn't pay attention when I ordered to what the menu said" . We didn't ask for them to take it off but they did. Appreciated the good service. I will be back.“

“If you are a biker, stay away. The owner tells the help not to serve you. Turned about 50 of us away so we went to twin peaks. Greeted w open arms. This isn't the first time we've tried going there on the bikes both times we were asked to not be served, loudly across the bar“

“This is the place my out-of-town family always wants to go to in KC before anything downtown. They like being able to sample all the different tap beers & ciders, the many tvs showing sports, and the menu choices. The wait staff is always friendly & helpful. Conveniently located on the KC Streetcar line too!“

“Paul and Jacks Tavern was a great place to sit down and eat. Our waitress, Dawn, was very personable and quick with service. She made it an enjoyable visit and gave great service to a party of 20. Dawn needs a raise! Although the catfish isn’t advised, the seafood pasta surely is:) everyone else enjoyed their wraps. Plus, can never go wrong with a cheese quesadilla and sweet potato fries are highly recommended.“

“Welcome to Helen's JAD (Just Another Dive)! Known for their wings and late night kitchen, Helen's is one of the few late night spots in KC where you can get food at the end of a fun night on the town.FOODI had the All-American Burger ?. It was quite tasty and I definitely recommend it. My friend had the wings and said they were delicious as well. We didn't try the pizza but that will definitely be my pick if I end up back there.SERVICEOur food came out quickly and our server seemed cool/nice. They made sure to ask if we wanted another drink as soon as we polished off the last. No complaints there!ATMOSPHEREAppropriately named (Just Another Dive), the atmosphere at Helen's was that of a generic dive. The music wasn't for me tbh. It was mostly classic rock tunes i hadn't heard in years (and wouldn't have minded keeping it that way) mixed with modern country which just ain't my vibe, but also, it's Kansas City so what do you expect? This definitely isn't like one of the more artsy, hipster, service industry dives in Chez's, Hillsiders, or even Easy Inn but those dives are few and far between in KC anyway. There was lots of sports stuff and generic beer marketing posters everywhere which felt pretty bland. I will say the patio was really nice though and a good patio is always important.Overall, I'd swing by again for a late night slice of pizza and a quick drink at the end of the night. The food was delicious, drinks were alright, service was good, and people were nice enough, atmosphere wasn't for me really. I'd go back for the food, food service, and the patio!“

“The food was good and the service was mostly good … until our bill came to 52.54 and our server brought back change for $53. Please do not assume that a customer does not want his/her change. If so, bright change back in the customer’s favor ($52). We did significantly decrease the tip, but it is about the principle.“

“I worked there as a busboy in 67 & 68. My name is Brad Hughes and I live in Cottage Grove Mn. Ernie was the owner and everyone came there. Sugar Creek at that time was a great place to live when you were a kid. There were bars up and down Sterling all the parents were at the bars and us kids just hung out. Ernies was a great place to work as a kid. I remembering helping Hank behind the bar cleaning glasses to keep up having enough to serve. My Mom ran Jerry and Gary's greasy spoon down the road. The truckers would always stop in. Biscuits and Gravy was very popular back then. I hope to visit the area this summer and will for sure drop in.“

“Phew, came up here today and Brooklyn wasn’t here and it was so nice to feel welcome and not feel such hostile energy. The three booths in the bar area didn’t have “reserved” placards on them either, being reserved for nobody. We weren’t given dirty looks when we came in or made to feel unwelcome either. We don’t like to sit bar side due to the fruit flies, but one time we tried to use the bar side booths and were very rudely told they were closed (with no one at the bar except.. you guessed it). Great experience this time around!“

“First time there the bartender Scott was from Boston he made us feel at home the service was great and quick and the food was good for bar fare. We will definitely be back especially on the nights he works. This was the best experience we have had in awhile“