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Food & Drinks

Tenderloins

Trek Through the Tenderloin Capital of the World

From classic to adventurous, St. Joseph, MO knows its way around a tenderloin - By Michael Anthony

If you’re a fan of tenderloin pork, look no further than St. Jo. Sure, it’s fair to point out that the tenderloin sandwich may have originated in Illinois or Indiana, but it wasn’t until they hit St. Joseph, MO, that they met their proper cracker-based breading and became the iconic, Midwest staple we know today. St. Joseph, MO truly is the “Tenderloin Capital of the World.” After all, Saltine cracker crumbs, the rest is history. While the title has rung true for many years, we made it official in 2017.

And when it comes to trying a tenderloin in the Tenderloin Capital of the World, you have options. Check out these highlights of the St. Joseph tenderloin trek, your map of the top-tier tenderloin options in the area, and decide where you should start your journey in the town where tenderloins are done right.

The Hi Ho Bar and Grill, centrally located in St. Jo at 1817 Frederick Ave., is an Irish pub that has been in operation since 1910. When it comes to tenderloin sandwiches, they have four options, each served up either handbreaded or grilled to fit your cravings. For tenderloin traditionalists, go with the Hi-Ho tenderloin, served up either hand-breaded or grilled. The Bonnie Tenderloin is topped with hot sauce, pepper jack cheese, bacon and smoked brisket. The fourth option is the Three Pigs: tenderloin topped with bacon, BBQ pulled pork and shredded pepper jack cheese.

Imagine stepping into history at the oldest restaurant in St. Joseph and trying a tenderloin at the Tenderloin Capital of the World. That’s pretty iconic. Hoof and Horn Steakhouse and Lounge, located at 429 Illinois Ave., was established in 1898, coincidentally the same year the Stockyards Exchange Building was built in Chicago. They’ve been serving up premium cuts ever since.

 

In 1963, new owners stepped in, choosing to only use choice-aged Dugdale beef and an in-house butcher shop to ensure quality. Their high standards still ring true today. Hoof and Horn was the first restaurant to receive the Missouri Beef Back Award (1990) and the first to be inducted in the MO Beef Hall of Fame (2002)! While their tenderloin menu isn’t flashy, you’ll be on the receiving end of a classic tenderloin you won’t forget.

Located in the historic Ballinger Building at 620 Edmond, you’ll find Jake’s Steakhouse and Sports. Come for the tenderloin variety and stay for the open patio with live music on the weekends! Jake’s has four options when it comes to tenderloin sandwiches, all fried or grilled. For the more adventurous, try The Fiesta Tenderloin: served up with jalapenos, pico, tortilla strips and queso, or The Western Tenderloin, served on Texas Toast and topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon, fried onion straws and BBQ sauce. They also have a Mushroom Swiss and an original tenderloin option for the pork sandwich purists out there.

Adams Bar and Grill, located at 1612 Commercial St., serves up a fan favorite tenderloin with impeccable service. They boast “homestyle cooking at its best,” and they aren’t wrong! The full menu is American comfort food with something for everyone. Their juicy tenderloin sandwich is absolute favorite among locals and those traveling through, served either hand-breaded or grilled, and comes with potato chips. They tend to get busy, but the service holds up!

These tenderloins are legendary. D&G Pub & Grub Brew Haus, located at 1918 Frederick Avenue., has been a St. Joseph tradition since 1946 and is open 365 days a year. They have a dedicated tenderloin menu, each devoted to legendary musicians that will make your taste buds sing. Decide which resonates with your cravings, whether it’s the Kurt Cobain, Prince, Billie Holiday, Jim Morrison or the many others available; the hits span from traditional to adventurous.

 

Pro tip: Keep the music going and check out a live performance at the adjacent Café Acoustic!