I think you should alter your plans and eat at one of the fine BBQ establishments instead.

KC does have some good steakhouses, but is MUCH more famous for it’s BBQ than anything else. Only Memphis and some parts of Texas can match KC BBQ, IMHO.

so i’d definitely hit up a few of the bbq places…gates, oklahoma joes, jack stack etc…i’ve never been too impressed with our steakhouses

My recommendations: Gates, Hayward’s, Jack Stack, Arthur Bryant’s, in that order.

As far as steakhouses go, I really like J. Gilbert’s in Overland Park (partly out of convenience, since I grew up relatively nearby, but it is a bit of a drive down I-435 from the stadium), but Hereford House is really good too. Ruth Chris is good, but can be found many places outside of KC.

Golden Ox is great, and a good location if you are staying downtown. Nothing else is near it though. Jess n Jims is awesome, but not near anything else you will probably be doing in KC. Any of the recommendations on the plaza are probably a pretty good bet, like Plaza III and Capitol/al Grille. I saw a special on Lugers, and I agree that I do not know if you will be able to beat that…..mmmmmmmmm aged steak.
Everyone else is correct though that you should really be getting bbq. Each person has their favorites, and will would be delighted to share, as they really are the best.
1. Gates. I grew up eating a lot of gates and it is still my favorite. Beef on Bun or Burnt End on Bun. They have the best sauce in the city. It is thin and very tasty. Some feel it is spicy, but what they mean to say is perfect. Good prices and good fries and beans. They have many locations, one on 40 highway near the stadium, as well as Linwood and Main. Ok, they also sell Gates at the Stadium which is convenient……BUT you must really go and get the experience at a real location. You really, really, should.
2. The Original Smokestack at 89th and Wornall. Not out of the way and simply unbelievable. The best burnt ends in the city. Top 2 beans in the city (they put chunks of burnt ends in their beans). My second favorite sauce, it is smooth and rich and tasty.

Those two are the best in my opinion. Other very good options are: LCs BBQ. It is on Blue Pkwy near the stadium. One of a kind. Expensive, but massive meals. Beef involves lots of meat and three slices of bread. Their sauce is kind of gritty, like Bryants. I also like Wyandot BBQ. They have a location in Wyandotte, but it is far away. Their other location at 75th and Metcalf is a better option. You get a lot for your money here. Cheap and really good. Arthur Bryants is also very good, I think it is around 13th and…..i don’t know. east side of downtown if i remember right.

I know this is more information than you needed, but I love kc food, specifically bbq, alot. I have lived here all my life and I moved in across the street from a bbq place that I eat at way too much. Go Royals.

as far as steakhouses go, & it is not close! BBQ is a personal taste thing-it is cool to try the different styles of sauces here and different styles of places.
Gates & Bryants offer a spicy slightly spicy sauce with alot of celery salt in it. It is a BBQ flavor that is unique to KC. They have a fairly unique inner city, yet down home atmosphere. Sandwiches at Bryants are an experience simply because of their size.
Oklahoma Joes has a variety of sauces & a country atmosphere.
If you are looking to give them an experience at a KC BBQ joint, I would choose Bryants. If you are looking to take them to a great BBQ restaurant -Sorry, guys, Jackstack is hands down the best. Hey the atmosphere isn’t what it was when I was a kid. (Since branching off and changing the name to Jackstack, he has gussied it up a bit ) But It is still the same great menu items they started with along with several fancier things that are a little unique. The beans are the best in the U.S.! The sauce is a little sweeter but still has some spice and that is where personal taste kicks in. I love the atmosphere at Gate’s and Bryants, but the sauce has too much celery and not enough molasses.

along with the places mentioned above I also like Danny Edward’s on the Boulevard. It was on Grand for years but was displaced by the P and L District development. It is very, very good. Also the BBQ and live Blues at BB’s Lawnside BBQ is worth the trip to 85th and Troost. IMHO……bon appetit.

Anyone tried them out before? It’s also inside of ameristar casino, about 30 yards from Aurthur Bryants I believe. Amazing appetizers and entrees. Pretty pricey but a very tasty meal. As for BBQ Aurthur Bryants on Brooklyn I believe, and Gates are my personal favorites (this coming from a former Zarda BBQ employee)

Smokebox, which is off 152 Highway in Gladstone, a northern suburb