Restaurant Review: The Courthouse Exchange

I thought I'd try something new here by doing a restaurant review now and then.

Spouse Guy and I don't go out to eat often -- once a month or so is about it for us. When we go out, we: 1) like to try places we've not tried before, 2) prefer local eateries over the franchises, and 3) try to get a good value for our money.

I'm not saying I'll never write about a franchise restaurant, but most of the places I write about may be of interest only to my handful of local readers or any of you who might have the opportunity to visit Greater Blogaritaville (the Kansas City metro area).

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The Courthouse Exchange
113 W. Lexington
Independence, MO 64050

Type of food: American/Home Cooking
Atmosphere: Casual
Blogarita's Rating (1 to 5): 4.5

Some of our local radio stations sponsor "dining deals" in which you can buy a $50 gift certificate to area restaurants and/or business for half price. One of these dining deals is how we decided to try The Courthouse Exchange. That was back in May. Since we had enough money left on our gift card, we were happy to go back again this past Saturday.

Situated on the south side of the square in historic Independence, MO, the restaurant was established in 1899. Located in the basement of the structure, the decor is an interesting cross between the bar in "Cheers" and an actual courtroom, with hardwood booths and tables, renderings of the Jackson County courthouse during different eras, and photos of Independence native, President Harry S. Truman. It's said he was a regular of the restaurant during his day.

Our first trip was for lunch on a Saturday, and the dining area was busy with patrons of all ages. The restaurant features a separate bar. Like the restaurant, the bar seemed to be a non-smoking area, making it a family friendly establishment, evident by the number of young children who were there. Although the restaurant was busy, the noise level was surprisingly low.

The food at The Courthouse Exchange is home-cooking, pure and simple - no warmed-over canned green beans or instant mashed potatoes here. Portions are very generous; the tenderloins are plate-sized, and one of the kids' meals featured a 1/2-inch thick burger with fries, drink and ice-cream cookie sandwich. The onion strings, pictured above, may be the best onion appetizer I've ever tasted.

Service at the restaurant was great. We were seated quickly, our waitress was friendly and helpful, and our food arrived at the table in short order.

Prices at the Courthouse Exchange are quite reasonable, especially considering the size of the portions. Daily specials, ranging from meatloaf dinners to steak, are even better values. Our tab, which included an appetizer, two adult meals, a kid's meal and drinks for all of us, was just $35. And unlike some establishments, who will not give change for any unused portion of a gift card, they gave us the difference on a new gift card, which we used over the weekend.

This time, I tried a Reuben sandwich instead of the chicken-fried steak dinner I had before, and was just as pleased. Spouse Guy and Sparky are creatures of habit; he ordered a tenderloin sandwich both times, and she ordered the cheeseburger kids' meal both times. I heard no complaints from either of them.

Try out the Courthouse Exchange if you ever have the opportunity. Don't forget to order the onion strings!