Big Whiskey’s: Where Legend and Tradition Combine for Great Food and Fun

I love a restaurant with a good story, and Big Whiskey’s in Lee’s Summit was built on one. As the story goes, it all started with a gentleman now memorialized by the restaurant named for him. Many years ago, there was a well-loved patron of a small-town watering hole. He came in a couple of times a week for years, and he always said the same thing to the bartender: “I’m only going to have one, so make it a big one.” His token phrase soon earned him the nickname Big Whiskey. As he sat and sipped his drink, he would dispense wisdom, toasts and stories that endeared him to fellow patrons and barkeeps alike. His warmth, loyalty and charm became so legendary that when the tavern owner’s grandson grew up and wanted to open his own restaurant, the name had to be Big Whiskey’s.

Franchise owners and brothers JD and Edward House chose the Lee’s Summit location as an homage to their grandfather. They have fond memories of visiting their grandfather there, and the close-knit feel of the community seemed the perfect fit for the nostalgic and neighborly vibe of the restaurant. Since Big Whiskey’s opening in May, the House brothers have been devoted to serving the people of Lee’s Summit and beyond delicious food and great company. They aim to establish themselves as a long-standing tradition in their community, just as Big Whiskey did all those years ago.

Although it has only recently arrived in the metro area, Big Whiskey’s has been around for 11 years. They have a well-loved menu that is consistent across all locations, so loyal customers will always be able to order their favorites, no matter where they are. The American cuisine offered here is somehow both familiar and surprising. There are traditional favorites that will come out exactly as you’d expect them to, like the Whiskey’s Club on decadent toasted berry wheat bread and the mouth-watering Turkey Melt.

But for those who enjoy a little food adventure, they also offer many signature items that are creative and unique. I fell in love with the Thailand Tacos; they are sweet and spicy and hello, cilantro! For a bigger appetite, the Big Whiskey BBQ burger is a two-handed undertaking but also one of the best burgers I’ve ever had, in part due to the house-made honey whiskey BBQ sauce. Kansas City can be a tough barbecue crowd, but Big Whiskey’s is here to compete, and their sauce is bottled because you’re going to love it so much you will want to take some home.

Big Whiskey’s offers crowd-pleasing weekly specials. Moms, take note: kids eat free every Tuesday night. Thursday is Steak Night; you can get $2 off on any hand-cut steak on the menu. And on Sundays, bone-in wings are just 60 cents each, with 17 different wing sauces to choose from. For 60 cents each, you can afford to try them all!

It’s football season, so it’s important to mention that Big Whiskey’s is furnished with over 30 high-definition TVs, making it a perfect spot to watch any NFL ticket or college game. The space was designed with game viewing in mind, so there isn’t a bad seat in the house! There are 24 beers on tap, 3 whiskeys on tap and a full bar. You will want to order the amazing buffalo chicken wontons, a signature item that’s a delicious essential to your game day tradition. When your team wins and it’s time to celebrate, Big Whiskey’s is open late, with a full menu available until 1:00 a.m.

If whiskey is your thing, or you want it to be your thing, they host tasting sessions led by local experts. These would make a fun double date night or bachelor party. Whiskey flights are popular here; with over 100 whiskeys available, it’s a great way to sample a variety of styles and flavors. For wine lovers, there is an extensive wine list. Regardless of your drink preference, knowledgeable bartenders can help you make a selection perfect for your taste and meal.

A cool private dining space with seating for up to 40 people and A/V capabilities offers opportunities for corporate meetings, networking events, neighborhood parties and holiday gatherings. They are booking now for the holiday season! General manager John Riley II has hospitality in his veins, and he will work with you to customize the perfect menu and setup for your group’s specific needs.

It’s easy to love a restaurant when there are such good people running the show. JD, Edward, and John are good people. Together, they are building a restaurant that can be an extension of your own home, a place where the whole family is just as welcome as a group of buddies gathering for a game. Their commitment to the community and their passion for creating timeless family traditions using great food in a fun, casual atmosphere is contagious.

They also partner with local charity organizations for fundraisers, food drives and events. “We are here because of the community, and it is our pleasure to give back as much as we can,” said JD. Recently, they were able to give back to Coldwater, an organization that provides food and clothing to the needy, and partnered with Convoy of Hope to help out victims of Hurricane Harvey. “We are pleased to say this was a great start for us in helping to make our community a better place.” ■

Visit Big Whiskey’s at 860 Blue Parkway, Ste. W, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.