Fritz's Railroad Restaurant is a family-friendly restaurant in Kansas City dedicated to trains, the city’s original form of transportation. At Fritz’s patrons order their food by telephone and it's brought to their tables by an overhead train. the real reason for visiting Fritz's is to come in for the railroad atmosphere. Electric trains run around the the edge of the ceiling. There are railroad style whistles for sale and children 12 and under get a free cardboard engineer's hat.
Orders at Fritz's Railroad Restaurant are called in from the booths on a telephone. A server brings the drinks, but the food is delivered by "Skat Cat" on the overhead track. A mechanical arm stops your order at the platform above your table, which then lowers to deliver your food. This rig is a bit noisy and everyone watches when a meal is delivered.Burgers are the main feature of the menu, with 11 to choose from. They are rather small, but options with 2 or 3 patties are available. Other choices include various hot dogs; grilled chicken, tenderloin and fish sandwiches; or grilled cheese.
The food at Fritz's Railroad Restaurant is mostly average (about what you get at a drive-in), with two exceptions: the chili and the shakes. The shakes are hand made and good, though there are only 4 or 5 flavors to choose from. The chili is very meaty (about like a sloppy Joe) and has few beans. It is spicy but not too "hot."Fritz's Railroad Restaurant is fun for a quick lunch or snack. Its a cliché, but Fritz's does appeal to kids of all ages.
Fritz's has two other locations at Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri and Shawnee, Kansas. But this original location (since 1954!) has more charm and faster service. I was not impressed by the food when I tired the recently opend Shawnee location.One warning, the three tables closest to the front counter do not have their food delivered by railroad.