Written by: Leyton Furlong
St. Joseph has a long-standing reputation as a frontier town with a distinctive Wild West character. Today, very few places from that magical time period survive to this day. Hoof and Horn Steakhouse, located at 429 Illinois Avenue, is one of the few lucky Wild West enterprises to survive into the current day. For over 120 years, this saloon has been a living, breathing embodiment of all things St. Joseph. The frontiersman spirit, Midwestern hospitality, and the incredible food are as lively as ever.
A stockyards-era staple
No one knows for sure just when exactly Hoof and Horn opened its doors. The menus and the logo differ on whether it was 1896 or 1898. Other accounts put the date between 1899 and 1900. But it’s safe to say the building is very old. The first verifiable owner was Frank Erath, who operated the two-story building as a saloon and brothel before selling it to a retired policeman, George Knopinski, in 1907. As it was situated along the railroad in the stockyards area, it was a popular choice for vagrants, foreign and local laborers, and shady drifters looking to unwind. Stories from this period were the stuff of legend; the kind of tales found in an old western novel. In the early days, humorous tales abound about a cow that wreaked havoc in the saloon and a man calling the police for a gruesome murder that never happened. Legendary bar fights, police chases, railway accidents, and even a heated rivalry between the saloon and one of its competitors that almost turned deadly. Between 1920 and 1934, the building changed hands several times. While officially operating as a cafe, the building was subject to frequent police raids and arrests during Prohibition for the sale of alcohol.
What to order
Things finally settled down when the building was sold in 1934 to Joe Mollus, who gave the establishment a new makeover and rechristened it as the Hoof and Horn. Although now much more family-friendly, changing hands numerous times and surviving at least four different fires, the Hoof and Horn has kept its hospitality and delicious food options for over 120 years. Being a restaurant located in the Stockyards area, the restaurant specializes in steaks and burgers of all kinds. Perhaps among its more popular items are their sirloin steaks and their Prince Prime Ribs, which come with caramelized onions, a baked potato, and green beans. Their menu has many options to choose from, with several different sides and salads.
Groups and gatherings
Hoof and Horn also has good options for desserts. My personal favorite has to be the S’mores at the Table option, in which customers are given a portable flame to cook their own S’mores, which undoubtedly is fun for the whole family. For special events, Hoof and Horn offers a private room for large groups and parties. I’ve never had a party there, but I can assure you that whenever locals try to plan a party or large dinner, Hoof and Horn is usually at the top of their lists. If you are looking to stop by to grab a bite on a long road trip, or if you are a local and are looking for something a bit more special than a chain restaurant, I highly recommend you check out Hoof and Horn!
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Hoof & Horn Steakhouse
429 Illinois Avenue, St. Joseph, MO 64504
(816) 238-0742
Tuesday – Friday; 11 AM – 9 PM, Saturday; 4 PM – 9 PM, Sunday & Monday; Closed