Golden Ox

So disappointed with our dinner at the historic golden ox restaurant tonight. What used to be the epitome of a terrific steakhouse has been reduced to poor cuts of meat, marginal service, and dated decor. I would forgive the decor and the service if the meal was good. My entire party of 4 could not find one good thing about the experience. I am sad and embarrassed that this is what folks from out of town think we are about here in KC. Please don't judge us on this restaurant. More importantly don't go to the golden ox. more

My wife and I decided to take our son who was in down to the Golden Ox, as I have not been there in 15 years for a special steak dinner. On the way down we talked about the history of the Stock Yards in KC and how great the food always was. It was Friday evening around 6pm a little early for the rush crowd, but we didn't have to worry about that the place was empty other than 3 other tables. The three of us ordered our steaks, 2 med-well and one med. The med came our rare, the med-wells were all med, with blood oozing on the plates. The stuff baked potatoes were dry, they appeared to have been left over from the day before and reheated. The waiter took our steaks backs to cook, and left us with our baked potatoes to either eat or get cold. After he took them back he came back out and asked us didn't you all want your steaks med?? It was a very disappointing evening. When the waiter took my credit card back to run, he lost it on the floor, and finally found it after I asked him for it. As I told my wife, guess we don't have to worry about eating here again. Sas more

We've lived in the KC area on and off for 23 years. When I first moved here, I had heard the Golden Ox was the place to eat steaks. I tried it and sure enough, the stories were true - what an awesome place this was. It had atmosphere, the food was amazing, the wait staff pros. It was so good, its where my wife and I had our rehearsal dinner. Everyone in the wedding party raved about the food. Fast forward to today. My mom is visiting and she wanted to go back. Last night, like the dutyfull son i am, we went. Wow, how utterly disappointing. The place was empty. Granted it was a Monday no doubt contributing to the lack of costumers. My wife and daughter ordered the fillet. They were not bad. My sister, mom and I ordred the prime rib. Frankly, they had no taste and were tough as shoe leather. My mom's potatoe was bruised and rotten. We sent the potatoe back twice with the same result. Third time was charm. I ordered the steamed vegetables. They tasted like a ton of salt had been dumped on them and were overcooked. In all fairness, we told the server. She in turn told the kitchen. They offered to provide my mom a new steak. To us, it seemed as if the meat had been cooked the day before and reheated or it had been cooked to fast. \r In addtion to the food, the place looks dingy - same dirty carpet that was here 24 years ago. My daughter made the comment that ""the place smells.""\r There are way too many good places to eat steak here to waste time at the Golden Ox. My recommendation is dont. \r This place is in desperate need of a visit by Chef Ramsay. more

We'll at least it's off the Bucket List. My elderly father can remember shipping cattle through Kansas City when he was young man from his parent's ranch in New Mexico. He always mentions the Golden Ox. Since my parents were in town this past weekend, and it had been at least 30 years since he had eaten there, we decided to try it for dinner instead of our usual old time favorite, The Savoy. At least we learned we have no desire to go back. Both my parents ordered their filets rare, and they came out medium rare - but edible. I ordered my ribeye medium rare, and it was definitely medium to medium-well. Our server was very friendly, and she replaced my steak, but it did take awhile. While we were waiting, the busboy tried to take my parents plates, thinking they were finished, but were just eating slowly while I waited for my entree. Also, since it's promotes itself as a steak house, the need to better train their staff on cuts of meat, etc. We could overhear several serviers (not ours) getting stumped by their customers questions, and the table next to us even complained to the manager about their server. I will say this, they mix a good drink, but if you want to spend money on a good steak, there are better places to choose from. more

Between the time we sat down and the time we recieved our meal, 1:30 minutes. They were busy but not overwhelming. 3 other couples came in 15 -20 minutes after us and left before we got our meal!! Finally able to eat and 2 hours into this, still waiting on bill. talked to manager, explained our situation, and he stated he would take care of us. What he did was get our FULL bill to us within a couple of minutes. Can't believe they are sill in business!!! Cons: Average food, no service, and NO SERVICE more

My family and I went (6 of us) went there on a Tuesday evening at 6pm. It was not busy. After being seated a busboy brought our water and menus. At least 10-15 minutes later we finally met the waiter who came over to take our drink order. 10 minutes after that the drinks arrived and the waiter departed. 10 minutes after that he walked by and we were able to order an appetizer tray, no checking on water or refills. At least 15 minutes after that the appetizers arrived and we were finally able to place our dinner order. When our food arrived my loaded baked potato was barely warm. My steak was flavorful but tough. My wifes chicken breast was thinly sliced grilled and very dry. The grilled shrimp dinner came with a whipped (not melted) lemon/chive butter for dipping ??? and the shrimp were cool. Overall not a great experience. No return visit for us. Pros: The appetizer platter was good Cons: The service slow, potatoes cold, & the steaks tough more

First if you put A1 onyour steak.. this isnt for you\r 2nd if you like your steak over medium rare.... this isnt for you\r 3rd if you like any other crud shoved on or in your steak this isnt for you.\r \r With that said, this place has great steaks. I have lived in Kansas since birth, and i have been to every steak joint in town. This place hands down the best steak house I have ever eaten. I got a job downtown and go 2 times a week to get the luncheon steak (filet, side, breads, and salad) for 8$. The history is great, and the staff gets 50% tip because they are fast as lightening and very nice.\r \r This is steak the way its supposed to be cooked, not over flavored, or marinaded, just good old fashion meat, and the only place i can get a Rare steak anymore. Pros: Great steaks, great service Cons: In a old part of kc, kemper arena is close (lol) more

We took friends from out of town there and while nothing was wrong with our meal it seemed mediocre at best. I wasn't particularly impressed by the steak. While not bad it wasn't anything spectacular. This would be a great restaraunt to stop at if you allready planned on being in the area. It is right next door to Kemper arena. more

We visited the Ox on a recommendation of a friend. While the atmosphere was great and the history within the restaurant was interesting, the steaks were average and the pirces were high. The location is hard to find if you aren't familiar with KC. The employees are fantastic though and made this a recommend overall. Pros: Atmoshphere more

When I drove through the adjoining rundown industrial neighborhood I figured I took a wrong turn for sure. This place had a 9.1 rating... pretty high in my book. The rib eye I ordered was extremely average for such high marks. I don't consider myself a food snob by any means, but I've been to two much better steak houses in the area. Maybe the good cook was off, but the food was bland. The service however was great with attentive and well dressed staff. The restaurant, unlike the exterior, was clean with an old style ambience. Good prices though for the portions. Pros: Plenty of parking, Stiff drinks, Good portions Cons: Average food, Ugly neighborhood more

It had been a while since I had visited the Golden Ox and I am very happy that I went back. The service and environment was fantastic. And let not forget about the steaks. Top of the line restaraunt, I strongly suggest you try it Pros: Steaks, Burgers, Beef more

This was the best expereince I have ever had with a large party. My brother and his family were in town and i decided to show them some of KC. The Golden Ox is where everyone told me to go. They were right. When we first walked in we were not sure if it was a place for my two nieces. We were wrong not only did they have a kids menu our waiter made them little flowers out of paper. everytime the come in town this is the restaurant they want to visit. It is the best steak, service and total dining experience in Kansas City. I don't know why anyone would be dumb enough to go anywhere else for steak. Pros: Friendly, flavorful, quality more

only reason this place makes it is it is only place near kemper arrena. Cons: food, dirty, poor service more

I remember going to the OX when I was younger and always getting the best steak in town and the best service in town. A couple of years ago, we went down to eat at the OX because we had not been in a while and it stunk. Nothing was good. Recently I heard they were under new management, so I decided to give them one more try. Needless to say, it was just like the old days!! I could not be happier with the taste, quality, service, you name it, that came with my meal. I am truly impressed with the incredible turnaround from a year ago. I would strongly recommend going and eating at the OX to anyone I talk to and you too. Pros: Parking, Service, Quality more

Ox Apps, stuff mushrooms, w/crab, shrimp, cheese, BBQ Platter, & BabyBackribs. Smokey ribs meat slides off the bone. Babybacks tender juicy, sauasage flavorful, drummers & wings smoked to perfection with an incredible rub. Ribeye 16oz. juicy. Others had burnt ends/ribs wowwee, salmon w/dill sauce tastee!, chicken breast in citrus marinate unique, Filet Mignon tender lots of flavor. Great sides cheesy potatoes Superb! Price includes everything no ala carte pricing. Service was fantastic, Manager stopped by table to check on our meal. One of my friends with us was a veggie and the server said no problem... he had pasta/marinara sauce w/ mushrooms & salad. Something for everyone at the Golden Ox. I spoke to one of the owners on the way out and he stated it's under new ownership and many improvements have been made. mrm51 Pros: Tender Juicy Steaks!, Kick Butt Barbeque!, Excellent Service! more

The Golden Ox has absolutely the best steaks at the best price in the city. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and the service is excellent. There's so much history to the restaurant you feel like your back in the old days of the stockyards. The Golden Ox is always a wonderful experience. Pros: Great Value, Quality Food, Service more

The restaurant has new owners [around the first of 2004], and the ""problems"" that some complained about in the past have ALL been taken care of. There's on-sight management, and the service and food have been WONDERFUL the 3 times I've been there in the last month, and I would recommend it to anyone. Give them a try! You'll be pleased! Pros: good price, plenty of parking, great food + service more

The Ox is the ""real"" Kansas City Steakhouse. It's not ""another"" Ruths Chris or Morton's....It's all Kansas City. Be sure to go to the original in the Stockyards! I moved from KC 12 years ago and continue to stop by every chance I can! Sure the atmosphere is dated and a bit worn, but the steaks keep getting better and better and better (if that is possible). I've had so many bad steaks elsewhere, but I've ALWAYS had a great steak here! more

My family and I have been eating at the Golden Ox for the past 40 years. It has always been our favorite. The steaks and prime rib have only gotten better over the years. (if that's possible) We just enjoyed it again last month. Thanks for the memories...... more

The Golden Ox is good, but not great. Its greatest weakness is inconsistency. When I first came to KC 5 years ago it was a hidden jewel in the bottoms. Now it is hit and miss, and that is the steaks. I have high expectations for steaks in KC, and Golden Ox doesn't meet the status of the top three. Pros: Good food, reasonable price, parking available Cons: Refurbish interior, inconsistent quality, In the bottoms more