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Governor Stumpy'sGovernor Stumpy's at 321 East Gregory Blvd, is one of those hidden gems that dot the landscape of any major metropolis. Not really on a major thoroughfare, it doesn't have anything to really attract your attention. In fact, if you don't live in the Waldo/Brookside area, there's probably a good chance you are completely unfamiliar with this place. But, that's what I'm here for, to enlighten you...
A family-owned place, Governor Stumpy's has one of the best atmospheres in Kansas City. The dining area, while nothing special, is inviting and relaxing, and if the weather is nice, they have one of the best patios in the area. The staff is super-friendly, and not in that annoying "please leave me alone, I haven't even looked at the menu" kind of way. They seem to have figured out the perfect balance of waiting on you and leaving you alone, a truly rare feat amongst servers.
As for the food, the food is excellent. As I mentioned in my Westport Flea Market post, Governor Stumpy's has some of the best burgers in town. While I normally like the Frisco Burger, which is a patty topped with sauteed onions, thousand island dressing, and American cheese on sourdough, this time I went for the #7 California Burger. I'm not really sure what the #7 refers to, but it comes topped with avocado (why does adding avocado make everything California?), jalapeno and cheddar with a side of fries. Their burgers are juicy and flavorful, with a perfect balance of spices, creating a flavor harmony between the meat and the toppings, with each complementing each other, rather than one dominating.
Natasha is a fan of Governor Stumpy's pizza, so she ordered the Mamma Mia, a thin crust pie topped with alfredo sauce, your choice of smoked chicken or shrimp, red onions, tomatoes, and black olives, topped with a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone. The pizzas come in a 9 inch size, so they're perfect for one if you're hungry, or can be split by two if you just want a nosh.
I'm normally very picky about my pizza. I hate most of the national chains for various reasons I won't go into here. Thus it's hard for me to find a pizza I truly enjoy. So believe me when I say Governor Stumpy's pizza is good. It's not great, but it is definitely better than most places out there. The way I would describe it is, it's like a good pizza you would make at home, if you knew how to make a crust that didn't suck. Their signature pizzas are clearly well thought out with toppings that harmonize well. And they have enough choices to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
That said, Governor Stumpy's has a good menu. They offer standard American fare, pizza, steaks, burgers, and pasta, with everything being well planned and executed by the kitchen staff. Prices are very reasonable, we spent only $28 + tip, and we had drinks as well.
It's obvious to me why this place has such a loyal following in the neighborhood. Full of regulars, everything about this place makes you want to come back again...
- Scorecard
Food: 4.5
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4.5
Menu: 4
Price: 5
Total: 23
Average: 4.6
(I'm gonna have to start giving some negative reviews, I'm starting to sound like Guy Fieri, "that's awesome, that's really good", is there anything he doesn't like?)
http://governorstumpys.homestead.com/stumpy1.html
3 comments:
yeah, give us some bad ones. I've heard good things about governor's but this is not the area that I frequent.
Dave's Rajun Cajun Chicken Salad is the best salad EVER! When I was pregnant, I couldn't even go in the place without get indigestion just thinking about how delicious it is. Stumpy's is one of my favorite neighborhood places.
a "hidden" gem? puh-leaze.
i used to eat there all the time - couldn't have lived through my pregnancy without it - but although the first couple of years they were open i felt treated like royalty, now i don't like the rushed feeling i've gotten these past few years from the servers.
however, you can smoke outside on the deck, so that's a plus. and it gets one away from the drunks hanging on to the bar for dear life, as well as the bartender who's so good at ignoring you if you're not a big fat irishman.
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