Wabash Barbecue 646 S. Kansas City Ave. Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
At first glance, Wabash BBQ in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, doesn’t look like much. The building is small and simple, more like an old house than a restaurant, and it’s not especially eye catching from the outside. But once I stepped inside and sat down, the atmosphere completely changed. It felt warm, cozy and welcoming — like eating at someone’s home.
The restaurant is seat-yourself, and the food came out quickly, which made the experience even better. The service was attentive without being overwhelming; our waitress checked on us regularly and made sure we had everything we needed. 
To start, I tried the Sweet Corn Nuggets ($10.99). They were golden-brown and crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside and served with a thick, flavorful ranch. These were easily my favorite item I could have eaten a whole plate myself. I’d rate them a 10/10.
Next were the Fried Pickles ($11.49). They had a crunchy coating with juicy insides, and the tangy pickle flavor paired well with ranch. While not quite as amazing as the corn nuggets, they were still very good. Rating: 8/10.
I also tried the Fried Mushrooms ($12.99). Since it was my first time trying mushrooms, the flavor was a little bland to me, even though they were cooked well. I personally wouldn’t order them again, but someone who likes mushrooms might enjoy them more. Rating: 6/10.
For my main dish, I ordered the Shrimp Express ($14.99). The shrimp were fried, large and crispy with a good seasoning. The fries were soft and slightly soggy, which I didn’t love, but they still had decent flavor. I’d rate the shrimp and fries together an 8/10. My friend also tried them and thought they tasted smoky, giving them a 7.5/10.
I also tried the Engine Catfish ($13.99). The catfish strips were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and the portions were large enough that I had leftovers. I’d rate it a 7.5/10.
Even though this is a BBQ restaurant, I didn’t try any traditional BBQ items, which is something to keep in mind. However, if you’re looking for fried comfort food, Wabash BBQ is a great option. The sweet corn nuggets, shrimp and catfish are all solid choices.
Overall, I would rate the restaurant an 8.5/10 for its cozy atmosphere, friendly service and generous portions.
