A cowboy riding a horse with a black and white cowboy hat.  Illustration by Stephanie Bloss aka Hellen Skelter.

OUR STORY

A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition

Golden Ox dining area.

Since its founding in 1949, The Golden Ox has been a cornerstone of Kansas City dining. Our story begins in the historic Stockyards District, where doors were first opened to serve the finest steaks in the Midwest. As the birthplace of the Kansas City strip, we continue to be a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

A vintage photo Golden Ox restaurant in Kansas City, Missouri.

From Humble Beginnings

History & Heritage

to Iconic Status

The Golden Ox opened in 1949 in the Kansas City Live Stock Exchange building. The purpose was simple: furnish a good place to dine for ranchers, farmers and their families. It quickly became a beloved institution. Throughout the decades, it faced challenges and closures but always remained a symbol of quality and tradition.

Significant Milestones

Jay Dillingham
1949
The Golden Ox opens in the Kansas City Live Stock Exchange building, founded by Jay B. Dillingham, then President and Chairman of the Board of the Kansas City Stockyards Company.
Jay Dillingham
Photo showing the Great Flood of 1951 in the West Bottoms and Stockyards District of Kansas City, Missouri.
Photo showing the Great Flood of 1951 in the West Bottoms and Stockyards District of Kansas City, Missouri.
1951
Temporarily closes due to the Great Flood of 1951
Photo of a menu for the Frontier Room, which was a new addition to the Golden Ox in 1957.
1957
Expands with a new addition to accommodate growing popularity
Photo of a menu for the Frontier Room, which was a new addition to the Golden Ox in 1957.
2003
Briefly closes and reopens under new ownership
2014
Closes permanently due to financial challenges
2018
Reopens under new and current ownership with major renovations

Today

After being revitalized in 2018 by Wes Gartner and Jill Myers, owners of the acclaimed Voltaire restaurant, The Golden Ox continues to be a Kansas City staple. Wes Gartner, the executive chef and co-owner, brings a wealth of culinary expertise and a passion for preserving the historic charm of The Golden Ox while introducing modern touches. Gartner and Myers spent two and a half years on major renovations, ensuring that the iconic steakhouse retained its nostalgic feel while updating the dining experience for contemporary patrons.

A red circle with a wood grain texture.
A white cloud with a black tip.A cloud is shown in a black and white photo.

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