Four Bars

We have been a little out of sorts the last couple of weeks as indicated by the lack of posts. But being out of sorts did not mean we did not have some time to visit four great establishments.

Bucca Di Beppo
I believe I may have blogged about the Bucca previously, but this place is so good it is worth repeating. The Bucca is a fantastic Italian Bistro on the K.C. Plaza and both the menu and ambience are excellent. The décor is old pictures from days gone by on almost every square inch of the wall and the bar is very comfortable and cozy. The dishes are all served family style and the night I was there the two of ordered the small portions and had easily enough to feed four. The Chicken Parmesan was great and so was the Baked Rigatoni. They serve an excellent Sangria by the glass and the Bucca is a must stop if you are on the Plaza.

Kelly’s Westport Inn
We visited Kelly’s Westport in last Thursday, for a Xikar/Fidel’s Cigar and Product event. Kelly’s has been a local establishment since the 1940’s and the building is said to be one of the oldest in K.C. erected in 1860 and once operated a trading post with the proprietor being one of Daniel Boone’s Grandsons.

These days Kelly’s is know for its great pizza, available by the slice and excellent happy hour deals on drinks. Last year Kelly’s opened Randal’s Rooftop which is very cigar friendly and where the Xikar/Fidel’s event took place. I have been a customer and locker holder at Fide’s for three years and have enjoyed using Xikar Products and their cigars for almost as long.

The 360 Steakhouse
The next stop was at the 360 Steakhouse located on top of the Harrah’s Casino in Council Bluffs Iowa. The view alone is reason enough to stop as you look out over the Mississippi River and the Omaha Skyline. However you do not want to miss having a Martini or a Manhattan as they really know how to make the classic cocktails in this bar. I ordered a Vodka Martini, Straight-up, with Two Olives, and a twist and it was excellent as was the Manhattan I ordered for desert. James the bartender while seemingly young really knows how to make a classic cocktail. Also do not leave without eating the steaks are fantastic. We both had a fillet and I had mine lightly blackened and they were superb.

Zocalo - Mexican Cuisine and Tequileria
Zocalo is one of the newest establishments on the Plaza as I doubt it has been open two weeks yet. It has been a long time in the making, in fact well over a year being constructed. But I must say the wait was worth it; The Zocalo has what I consider one of the best patio/open air dinning areas on the Plaza. There are patio’s on both sides of the building and all the walls slide open to give Zocalo a great open feeling. The menu is great with a nice variety. We started with the House Red Sangria and found the drink very tasty and the addition of berries to Sangria was very unique. We had three appetizers for our meal. Chips and Salsa, served with house chips which were very good. The Guacamole and veggies and Crab Cakes there were without a doubt the best I had ever had in the Midwest. They had a southwest flair and were lightly breaded so you could taste the crab and not the breading.

Cheers

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