Bill R.
Yelp
The Golden Ox was a Kansas City landmark.
I had been in once, right after their grand opening, and thought this place was alright. It was extremely crowded, and while the beers were good, they weren't really my style.
Going back a second time, I think they Stockyards Brewing has definitely found their tempo.
Just like the venerable old restaurant whose space it now occupies, Stockyards Brewing works best as an intimate experience. The curved booths can give you the feeling of privacy even though you're in the middle of the room. Carry a flight to a small table in the corner and tuck into a conversation. Even the bar, with just the right amount of lighting, is inviting and close. You can wander around the corner and down the hallway to see some of the historical pictures of the stockyard that originally put Kansas City an the national map.
And just as important as the deep history of the venue are the staff who keep it, and keep it they do. You can tell these people have a love of the history of the city as much as they have a love of beer. And they have much to tell you about both of those loves. I would definitely recommend taking the tour into the older parts of the building, as well as the newer additions and hear about how they got started. You'll develop a deeper appreciation.
Just like Golden Ox before, I would say this is not a great place for children, but it doesn't have to be. This is a perfect adult's night out. Grab a table and enjoy a beer or two and you'll feel like you're having the same kind of secret conversation in a smoke filled room you've seen in movies, only without all the smoke.