City: Kansas City, MO

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (816) 454-9600

Address: 5410 Northeast Oak Ridge Dr. (North of t

Description: This is the home of legendary pan-fried chicken, where folks are willing to wait for hours for a table. The rickety 1920 roadhouse under a bridge was part of the charm, as was singing along to the piano player. That’s why our hearts were broken when we learned Stroud’s South would be torn down as part of a construction project. The new location is smack dab in yuppie country, but we don’t care. The food is the same, thanks to Mike Donegan, the last of the three guys who started Stroud’s decades ago. If you want history with your fried chicken, there’s always the original Stroud’s Oak Ridge Manor, a homestead that dates back to a log cabin built in 1829. Whichever you choose, you won’t mind the wait: The crowd is festive, there’s a full bar, and the aroma of fried chicken serves as a constant reminder of the final reward. Once seated, remember that everything is served family style, so whatever chicken dinner you order will arrive at the table on large platters and in bowls to pass around. Don’t worry, we’ve never seen a table run out of fluffy mashed potatoes, slow-cooked green beans, peppery cream gravy, cottage fries, or french fries. To start you’ll have your choice of chicken noodle soup or salad, and every dinner ends with a basket of warm cinnamon rolls. Like magic your server will show up with doggie bags and packets of hand wipes. But back to that chicken. Stroud’s serves it steaming hot from the 14-inch cast-iron skillets. The crispy golden brown crust falls away to reveal tender, juicy chicken that was deemed “the best chicken on the planet” by the New York Times. Other fare includes pork chops, chicken-fried steaks, pan-fried catfish, and deep-fried shrimp. You can start your diet tomorrow. The waitresses are friendly, efficient, and polite enough to laugh at whatever chicken joke you care to share. And if you’re looking for a reminder of your visit beyond that doggie bag, buy a “We Choke Our Own Chickens” T-shirt. The Fairway location is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week; the Oak Ridge Manor serves lunch on weekends and dinner nightly.