Legendary | Worth driving from anywhere
Stroud’s
Review by: Michael Stern
Does Stroud’s make the most delicious fried chicken in America?
It is fried in a heavy iron skillet and arrives at the table a shade of gold that is breathtakingly beautiful. Each piece is audibly crusty but not the least bit bready; there is just enough of an envelope of crust to shore in all the chicken juices. The crust itself is thin, brittle, and flavor-packed with essence of chicken and spice. Once you crunch through it, juices flow down your chin and fingers and forearm: you are an unsightly mess, but you don’t care because the juices are ambrosia.
Mashed potatoes are fluffy-textured, with an intense flavor of pure potato. As you fork up big mouthfuls of these spuds you learn new respect for real mashed potatoes and new intolerance for bogus ones. The only way these lovelies can be improved is if you ladle some of Stroud’s gravy on them. It is zesty, pan-dripping gravy, redolent of chicken and powerfully peppered.
At the risk of sounding hysterical, we must tell you that the cinnamon rolls that accompany this meal are fantastic, too. Tasting more of yeast and cinnamon than sugar, they are big, swirly things with only the faintest hint of caramelized cinnamon butter around the base.
Expect to wait when you come to Stroud’s: first for a table, then for the chicken, which is pan-fried to order.
Note: There now are two other Stroud’s in Kansas, at 4200 Shawnee Mission Parkway in Fairway (913-262-8500); and 8301 W. 135th St. in Overland Park (913-499-0135)
Directions & Hours
Information
| Price | $$ |
| Seasons | All |
| Meals Served | Lunch, Dinner |
| Credit Cards Accepted | Yes |
| Alcohol Served | Yes |
| Outdoor Seating | No |
What To Eat
Stroud’s Recipes
Discuss
What do you think of Stroud’s?
2 Responses to “Stroud’s”
Mike Beede
June 4th, 2021
Sold years ago to a company that doesn’t care. Not worth a walk across the street, much less a drive. Go to Gus’s instead.
Amy Powers
September 21st, 2007
I am a Southerner through and through, so Roadfood.com’s challenge that Stroud’s fried chicken and mashed potatoes are the best sent my family on a scenic drive and an hour-long wait outside the busy restaurant. It was very inviting, with a few historical buildings and a beautiful pond for the kids to enjoy. Once inside this rustic early 1800’s home, the smell of good food and the noises of good fellowship were welcoming.
After ordering, it was a short wait before a fresh and delicious salad with homemade dressing came to the table. And not too long after that came the entree and sides on large refillable platters. My first bite into the creamy, buttery mashed potatoes revealed that I was now eating the best my mouth has ever tasted. The juicy fried chicken was hot and delicious as well. As finger lickin’ as it was, a true Southerner will always prefer her mama’s chicken over someone else’s. The only thing missing from this perfect scenario was sweet tea; however they did serve Coca-Cola products, so that redeemed them.
The experience was delightful, with the final delivery of hot, homemade and aromatic cinnamon rolls. The precious waitress knew we were on our way back to GA so she threw in a few extra for the road, which was a good thing, as we were already too full to enjoy them to their full potential. Stroud’s is an excellent adventure in Kansas City, MO.