Atmosphere was great and the service was fine.. thats about the best I can say. A group of 4 of us went for reataurant week. We ordered 2 appetizers in addition to the RW courses. The crab cake was the worst I have had in the city. If you mix canned chicken and canned tuna with mayo and served on toast you would approximate the flavor. Taste and texture were very disappointing for one crab cake at $20. Second appetizer was ceviche. The menu did not indicate it was an "asian themed" ceviche with a soy sauce glaze and served with fried won ton wrappers. It was bland at best and had none of the flavor excitement you get from a good ceviche. The first course octopus and potato salad was *meh*. Edible, but similar in flavor to something one would get in a nursing home. The second course Massachusets skate wing was another bland disappointment and very bizarre in the soup of canellini beans over shrimp presentation. This dish left me confused by presentation and bored with the flavors. The third course s'mores was the nicest part of the meal. They nailed it with chocolate creameaux, toasted marshmallow, graham cracker dusting and smoked ice cream. Since it was my birthday they also included champagne. The desert and service were not enough to redeem the meal and I am disappointed to say that I wont be going back.
(2)
Elizabeth H.
801 does it again with their top notch service but I'm convinced Kansas City has an alarming problem when it comes to seafood... salt. Let me preface this by saying I'm from New England so I know I am extremely picky when it comes to my seafood. The seafood at 801 Fish is flown from dock to restaurant, which means it is the freshest you can get here in the middle of the country. Our server (Michael, I believe was his name) was outstanding and very attentive, yet not overbearing. Our oysters were amazing (they were shucked properly!), the bread came out piping hot, the sides were delicious (we had the lobster mac and the brussel sprouts) and my husband's steak was cooked perfectly. I had the grouper and I so wanted to love it but I couldn't get past the saltiness of the fish and the fact that it was slightly overdone. This is not the first time that this has happened to me when ordering fish in this city... maybe it's a sign I should just stick to cooking it at home... but why must these beautiful fish be exposed to an offensive bath of salt? I was always taught that salt is a flavor enhancer, not a main component of the dish and one should err on the side of too little than too much when preparing for the masses (there's salt and pepper on the table for a reason, right?). I'll probably go back... because I believe in second chances. Maybe I'll order the scallops next time or better yet, the surf and turf like my husband did because the lobster was cooked perfectly and 801 cannot be beat with their steaks... but then again, why go to Fish when Chop is just down the complex?
(3)
Elise S.
Great deal on happy hour oysters. The horseradish was either old or of poor quality. We couldn't get any bite to our cocktail sauce. The initial service was good but we were never offered a second drink and we had to find someone to bring us our tab.
(3)
Sam H.
We had previously gone to 801 fish a little over a year ago and loved it, decided to come back to celebrate my husbands birthday. We were seated at a lovely table and they had printed happy birthday on our personalized menus. The server was very nice. Unfortunately they were out of the first wine I chose, so I had to go for a more expensive wine, that's fine it was still delicious. We ordered the mussels, they were out of that, huge bummer because they were so delicious previously. We ordered clams casino instead, they were okay, nothing to write home about. Both ordered clam chowder, fantastic! For dinner my husband ordered the scallops and creamed spinach, well they were out of the spinach too. He orders sweet potatoes instead. I ordered a Caesar and lobster mac and cheese. My husband liked his scallops but wasnt completely blown away, my Caesar was fantastic, Mac and cheese below mediocre. Decided to skip on dessert since we already were disappointed. The server told us there was a new exec chef that would be changing the menu shortly. I hope it will be better then the dinner we had. Would try again but maybe just for happy hour, not worth the $200 price tag.
(3)
Doug H.
Went there for an Anniversary dinner...and my reaction is mixed. The deets: Atmosphere/Ambiance...we went on Sunday, so it was very quiet and peaceful. Restaurant has a modern feel with touches of rustic design and some nice art deco. Staff: very friendly, attentive, and generally on point. Knowledgeable about the menu. Seating: we had a reservation, were seated promptly at a table, but noticed some booths available and inquired about being moved...we were told that the booths were reserved...there were three open at the time, four when we left, and they remained open for the ENTIRE DURATION we were there...wasn't happy about that. Menu: overall, great. Some terrific selections, food is flown in fresh with a 24/36 hr TAT from catch, and the some great flavor combinations mixed with some traditional seafood meals. My experience: just ok...and it wasn't from lack of quality with the food, or the service, but VALUE. Our server, Ryan, was generally great. Talked fast, but he knew the menu and ensured we were educated on what they do. Being completely honest, he came across as more of a salesman to me, and having been in sales, I know it when I see/hear it. I understand they have jobs to push the menu and drive ordering, but I almost felt pressured to continue ordering things...I understand their menu is structured for courses and to customize your experience, but some people just want a couple of things...not all five courses, or dessert from an in-house pastry chef. He also apparently forgot my wife's oyster order, but it was comped, so no complaints there. My point, though, is the value. Their theme is a take on contemporary dining with seafood, so you can expect fancy plating, great presentation, and great food...but VERY little of it. We ordered a cup of the Seafood bisque to start, and it was great...but it was $10 for a cup about the size of an espresso cup. A bowl of the soup would've been $20. My wife ordered scallops for her entree; I ordered Florida grouper. Both were excellent overall, but again, VERY small portions! For $37 my wife received four scallops....FOUR. For $36 I received about a 6oz portion of fish. According to the menu, mine came with goat cheese mousse, sweet potato puree, gnocchi, and swiss chard. The puree was a light smear on the plate (which had dried so it stuck and wasn't really edible), the mousse was two dots that really just looked like decoration, and I got 5 pieces of gnocchi...and I shake my head as I'm writing this. We ordered a side of fried brussell sprouts, and it was ok for $9...I've seen better, I've seen worse. It's truly a disappointment. I fully understand that there are costs involved with this type of restaurant, especially offering fresh coast catch to the plate within a specified timetable. However, there's a restaurant outside Chicago called Bob Chinn's, who does a similar feat with their menu being coast to catch to plate, but their menu is probably four times the size of 801's menu, and the portions are fantastic...eight to twelve ounces of fish with big sides for $20 to $30....terrific value, AMAZING food, and even a sushi menu. That was my benchmark, and 801 fell drastically short. I get they're two different restaurants targeting two different crowds with different operating styles, but given what their claim to fame is, costs can't be that much higher for another 2 hours of flight for food. Location of 801 might have something to do with that, as I noticed Leawood restaurants seem more interested in an "experience" than quality portions, etc. Again, what food was served was great, and I can even acknowledge the staff being wonderful overall, but the absolute worst feeling is walking out of a place feeling like I didn't get my money's worth, and at 801 I absolutely didn't. That alone will prevent me from going back. It's a shame...I had high hopes for a great seafood joint in town and my search continues.
(2)
Jon H.
Service was excellent. Great server. Can't remember her name, but very professional. Oysters were great -- great selection. Chowder and Bisque were both just ok... I've had much better of both. For an entree I had the Ahi Tuna in Miso Broth. I know Miso is salty, but this was entirely too salty. My wife had the butter poached lobster and loved it. Both entree dishes were not very big, but the idea is to try multiple courses.
(3)
Mary W.
Great experience. We sat at the Oyster bar and the service was excellent. Our waiter made suggestions and was very helpful in describing the fresh seafood specials.we tried the oysters Rockefeller which was delicious. Then the sashimi style scallops which were delightful! We had the roasted beet salad also great then finished with the bass. This was possibly one of the greatest preparations I have ever had. The chef brought out two of our dishes. Very personable. Retuned the next day with a friend who wanted to try it. She had the Ono , tuna ceviche and we tried the lemon basil panna cotta which were all spectacular. French press coffee to top it off. Great restaurant!
(5)
Jessica S.
Fantastic atmosphere. Absolutely delicious seafood ... fresh, light and perfectly paired with light sides. They do have steak but the seafood is amazing. They were pretty busy but made up with the slightly delayed service with a complimentary shrimp cocktail. We went for my birthday and while days of free dessert are gone, they did write happy birthday on the plate in chocolate.
(5)
CJ C.
This is the latest effort by the 801 Chop House chain and it brings an excellent really fresh fish restaurant to KC for the first time. The oysters were great both on the half shell and Rockefeller, the composed salad was fresh and tasty and the Hawaiian seared ahi slid right down, abetted by the pickled shiitake. The half a 3lb lobster was a little boring until my friend reached the claw, at which point ecstasy set in. We split a brandade de morue (mashed potato, salt cod, butter and cream and don't knock it until you've tried it) and regretted running out of room. Desserts were very much worthwhile. The sea salt and caramel ice cream and the basil lemon panna cotta were both smooth with true flavors and the quality and preparation were right in line with the rest of the meal. At these prices you expect close to perfection, but we didn't quite get it. The Rockefeller oysters were delivered luke warm.The biggest surprise was - no espresso! A place which doesn't understand the difference between espresso and a French press has no claim to be in the big leagues. That rather cuts into our desire to return, so only four stars for what could be the star of Johnson County.
(4)
Kevin C.
This is a outstanding restaurant! The food and service is amazing! Had our staff Xmas party there and I could not ask for a better experience. This place gets an A +.
(5)
Jennie W.
I have nothing but positive things to say about this new gem. The staff was amazing, knowledgable and extremely patient with our large party. My personal favorites were the delicious west coast oysters, and the Branzini.
(4)
Kevin K.
The Bay Area had made it to the Midwest. My wife and I had dinner here and were very impressed with both food and service. The oysters were the best I have had in KC by far. The cioppino came recommended and we agree was a must have. The romaine heart Caesar salad was unique and flavorful. I chose the lobster tail as an entree and it was excellent. In short, great food. Great atmosphere. Great service. A great addition to Kansas City.
(5)
Toni F.
If you like fish, this is the place for you. We came for our wedding anniversary but after paying a very reasonable check will be back very soon. We got there early for our reservation to enjoy a cocktail at the bar. The bartenders were very friendly and told us all about the food there. The menu has so many great items it was very hard to chose, but we had great assistance from our server, Chris McDougall (ask for him). His suggestions led us to one of the best dining experiences we have ever had and we can't wait to go back.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Garage Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Intimate, Classy, Upscale Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
Julia B.
Atmosphere was great and the service was fine.. thats about the best I can say. A group of 4 of us went for reataurant week. We ordered 2 appetizers in addition to the RW courses. The crab cake was the worst I have had in the city. If you mix canned chicken and canned tuna with mayo and served on toast you would approximate the flavor. Taste and texture were very disappointing for one crab cake at $20. Second appetizer was ceviche. The menu did not indicate it was an "asian themed" ceviche with a soy sauce glaze and served with fried won ton wrappers. It was bland at best and had none of the flavor excitement you get from a good ceviche. The first course octopus and potato salad was *meh*. Edible, but similar in flavor to something one would get in a nursing home. The second course Massachusets skate wing was another bland disappointment and very bizarre in the soup of canellini beans over shrimp presentation. This dish left me confused by presentation and bored with the flavors. The third course s'mores was the nicest part of the meal. They nailed it with chocolate creameaux, toasted marshmallow, graham cracker dusting and smoked ice cream. Since it was my birthday they also included champagne. The desert and service were not enough to redeem the meal and I am disappointed to say that I wont be going back.
(2)Elizabeth H.
801 does it again with their top notch service but I'm convinced Kansas City has an alarming problem when it comes to seafood... salt. Let me preface this by saying I'm from New England so I know I am extremely picky when it comes to my seafood. The seafood at 801 Fish is flown from dock to restaurant, which means it is the freshest you can get here in the middle of the country. Our server (Michael, I believe was his name) was outstanding and very attentive, yet not overbearing. Our oysters were amazing (they were shucked properly!), the bread came out piping hot, the sides were delicious (we had the lobster mac and the brussel sprouts) and my husband's steak was cooked perfectly. I had the grouper and I so wanted to love it but I couldn't get past the saltiness of the fish and the fact that it was slightly overdone. This is not the first time that this has happened to me when ordering fish in this city... maybe it's a sign I should just stick to cooking it at home... but why must these beautiful fish be exposed to an offensive bath of salt? I was always taught that salt is a flavor enhancer, not a main component of the dish and one should err on the side of too little than too much when preparing for the masses (there's salt and pepper on the table for a reason, right?). I'll probably go back... because I believe in second chances. Maybe I'll order the scallops next time or better yet, the surf and turf like my husband did because the lobster was cooked perfectly and 801 cannot be beat with their steaks... but then again, why go to Fish when Chop is just down the complex?
(3)Elise S.
Great deal on happy hour oysters. The horseradish was either old or of poor quality. We couldn't get any bite to our cocktail sauce. The initial service was good but we were never offered a second drink and we had to find someone to bring us our tab.
(3)Sam H.
We had previously gone to 801 fish a little over a year ago and loved it, decided to come back to celebrate my husbands birthday. We were seated at a lovely table and they had printed happy birthday on our personalized menus. The server was very nice. Unfortunately they were out of the first wine I chose, so I had to go for a more expensive wine, that's fine it was still delicious. We ordered the mussels, they were out of that, huge bummer because they were so delicious previously. We ordered clams casino instead, they were okay, nothing to write home about. Both ordered clam chowder, fantastic! For dinner my husband ordered the scallops and creamed spinach, well they were out of the spinach too. He orders sweet potatoes instead. I ordered a Caesar and lobster mac and cheese. My husband liked his scallops but wasnt completely blown away, my Caesar was fantastic, Mac and cheese below mediocre. Decided to skip on dessert since we already were disappointed. The server told us there was a new exec chef that would be changing the menu shortly. I hope it will be better then the dinner we had. Would try again but maybe just for happy hour, not worth the $200 price tag.
(3)Doug H.
Went there for an Anniversary dinner...and my reaction is mixed. The deets: Atmosphere/Ambiance...we went on Sunday, so it was very quiet and peaceful. Restaurant has a modern feel with touches of rustic design and some nice art deco. Staff: very friendly, attentive, and generally on point. Knowledgeable about the menu. Seating: we had a reservation, were seated promptly at a table, but noticed some booths available and inquired about being moved...we were told that the booths were reserved...there were three open at the time, four when we left, and they remained open for the ENTIRE DURATION we were there...wasn't happy about that. Menu: overall, great. Some terrific selections, food is flown in fresh with a 24/36 hr TAT from catch, and the some great flavor combinations mixed with some traditional seafood meals. My experience: just ok...and it wasn't from lack of quality with the food, or the service, but VALUE. Our server, Ryan, was generally great. Talked fast, but he knew the menu and ensured we were educated on what they do. Being completely honest, he came across as more of a salesman to me, and having been in sales, I know it when I see/hear it. I understand they have jobs to push the menu and drive ordering, but I almost felt pressured to continue ordering things...I understand their menu is structured for courses and to customize your experience, but some people just want a couple of things...not all five courses, or dessert from an in-house pastry chef. He also apparently forgot my wife's oyster order, but it was comped, so no complaints there. My point, though, is the value. Their theme is a take on contemporary dining with seafood, so you can expect fancy plating, great presentation, and great food...but VERY little of it. We ordered a cup of the Seafood bisque to start, and it was great...but it was $10 for a cup about the size of an espresso cup. A bowl of the soup would've been $20. My wife ordered scallops for her entree; I ordered Florida grouper. Both were excellent overall, but again, VERY small portions! For $37 my wife received four scallops....FOUR. For $36 I received about a 6oz portion of fish. According to the menu, mine came with goat cheese mousse, sweet potato puree, gnocchi, and swiss chard. The puree was a light smear on the plate (which had dried so it stuck and wasn't really edible), the mousse was two dots that really just looked like decoration, and I got 5 pieces of gnocchi...and I shake my head as I'm writing this. We ordered a side of fried brussell sprouts, and it was ok for $9...I've seen better, I've seen worse. It's truly a disappointment. I fully understand that there are costs involved with this type of restaurant, especially offering fresh coast catch to the plate within a specified timetable. However, there's a restaurant outside Chicago called Bob Chinn's, who does a similar feat with their menu being coast to catch to plate, but their menu is probably four times the size of 801's menu, and the portions are fantastic...eight to twelve ounces of fish with big sides for $20 to $30....terrific value, AMAZING food, and even a sushi menu. That was my benchmark, and 801 fell drastically short. I get they're two different restaurants targeting two different crowds with different operating styles, but given what their claim to fame is, costs can't be that much higher for another 2 hours of flight for food. Location of 801 might have something to do with that, as I noticed Leawood restaurants seem more interested in an "experience" than quality portions, etc. Again, what food was served was great, and I can even acknowledge the staff being wonderful overall, but the absolute worst feeling is walking out of a place feeling like I didn't get my money's worth, and at 801 I absolutely didn't. That alone will prevent me from going back. It's a shame...I had high hopes for a great seafood joint in town and my search continues.
(2)Jon H.
Service was excellent. Great server. Can't remember her name, but very professional. Oysters were great -- great selection. Chowder and Bisque were both just ok... I've had much better of both. For an entree I had the Ahi Tuna in Miso Broth. I know Miso is salty, but this was entirely too salty. My wife had the butter poached lobster and loved it. Both entree dishes were not very big, but the idea is to try multiple courses.
(3)Mary W.
Great experience. We sat at the Oyster bar and the service was excellent. Our waiter made suggestions and was very helpful in describing the fresh seafood specials.we tried the oysters Rockefeller which was delicious. Then the sashimi style scallops which were delightful! We had the roasted beet salad also great then finished with the bass. This was possibly one of the greatest preparations I have ever had. The chef brought out two of our dishes. Very personable. Retuned the next day with a friend who wanted to try it. She had the Ono , tuna ceviche and we tried the lemon basil panna cotta which were all spectacular. French press coffee to top it off. Great restaurant!
(5)Jessica S.
Fantastic atmosphere. Absolutely delicious seafood ... fresh, light and perfectly paired with light sides. They do have steak but the seafood is amazing. They were pretty busy but made up with the slightly delayed service with a complimentary shrimp cocktail. We went for my birthday and while days of free dessert are gone, they did write happy birthday on the plate in chocolate.
(5)CJ C.
This is the latest effort by the 801 Chop House chain and it brings an excellent really fresh fish restaurant to KC for the first time. The oysters were great both on the half shell and Rockefeller, the composed salad was fresh and tasty and the Hawaiian seared ahi slid right down, abetted by the pickled shiitake. The half a 3lb lobster was a little boring until my friend reached the claw, at which point ecstasy set in. We split a brandade de morue (mashed potato, salt cod, butter and cream and don't knock it until you've tried it) and regretted running out of room. Desserts were very much worthwhile. The sea salt and caramel ice cream and the basil lemon panna cotta were both smooth with true flavors and the quality and preparation were right in line with the rest of the meal. At these prices you expect close to perfection, but we didn't quite get it. The Rockefeller oysters were delivered luke warm.The biggest surprise was - no espresso! A place which doesn't understand the difference between espresso and a French press has no claim to be in the big leagues. That rather cuts into our desire to return, so only four stars for what could be the star of Johnson County.
(4)Kevin C.
This is a outstanding restaurant! The food and service is amazing! Had our staff Xmas party there and I could not ask for a better experience. This place gets an A +.
(5)Jennie W.
I have nothing but positive things to say about this new gem. The staff was amazing, knowledgable and extremely patient with our large party. My personal favorites were the delicious west coast oysters, and the Branzini.
(4)Kevin K.
The Bay Area had made it to the Midwest. My wife and I had dinner here and were very impressed with both food and service. The oysters were the best I have had in KC by far. The cioppino came recommended and we agree was a must have. The romaine heart Caesar salad was unique and flavorful. I chose the lobster tail as an entree and it was excellent. In short, great food. Great atmosphere. Great service. A great addition to Kansas City.
(5)Toni F.
If you like fish, this is the place for you. We came for our wedding anniversary but after paying a very reasonable check will be back very soon. We got there early for our reservation to enjoy a cocktail at the bar. The bartenders were very friendly and told us all about the food there. The menu has so many great items it was very hard to chose, but we had great assistance from our server, Chris McDougall (ask for him). His suggestions led us to one of the best dining experiences we have ever had and we can't wait to go back.
(5)