

Chill, subterranean standby with burgers & other down-home eats, plus local beers & outdoor seating.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 113 W Lexington Ave, Independence, MO 64050
Phone: (816) 252-0344
Website: http://www.courthouseexchange.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
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Courthouse Exchange Menu
Courthouse Exchange
Courthouse Exchange | City of Independence, MO
Reviews
The food is good. They have some unique options and we enjoyed everything we ate.
The place wasn’t busy but the service was a little slow. That being said they were very nice.
My wife and I recently went here for date night with some friends—who, despite their local foodie knowledge, had never heard of this hidden gem. I’m here to spread the word.
Stepping down those stairs beneath the Independence Square feels like walking into a time capsule. The Courthouse Exchange has been around since 1899, making it one of the oldest operating restaurants in Missouri. Tucked below street level, the space is filled with carved rock walls, old brick, wood columns and beams, tin ceilings, and vintage photos that truly set the tone.
We ordered pulled pork macaroni, onion rings, fried chicken, and a tasty adult drink—and wow. Everything was delicious. The drinks were on point, and the menu lined with old photos of Independence added a great local touch. We especially loved the shirts the staff were wearing with “Judge and Jury” printed on the back—such a fun nod to the courthouse history.
This place has roots deep in Independence history. It’s been a local hangout for over a century, located right next to the Jackson County Courthouse, where Harry Truman once served as county judge. Independence itself was the starting point for the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe Trails, so it’s no surprise that a spot like this carries so much charm and significance.
Date night verdict: We’ll definitely be back. The food, the history, and the atmosphere made it one of our favorite spots so far. If you haven’t been—go. It’s a piece of Missouri history and a seriously tasty place to grab a meal.
You have to go down a flight of stairs to get to restaurant. The service is really good and the atmosphere is beautiful. I enjoyed the dim lighting and the stained glass everywhere. I ordered a burger and it was made from a frozen patty. The Savior for it was the cheddar cheese and the barbecue sauce. The fries are great and I usually judge a place by their fries. My husband got the fried chicken dinner and the chicken was so dry he couldn’t eat it. I tried a few bites and it was very dry but there was a honey glaze on the outside that tasted really good.we probably won’t be back because it was pretty expensive and my husband didn’t like his food.
We were seated quickly as they were not busy. We ordered and received our drinks. The food arrived in a timely manner.
The burger was cooked perfectly, and the French fries were incredible. I need to come back because my kids will love these fries.
I wondered why I hadn’t been here in so long. I’ll definitely be returning soon.
Iv been told to come here for the food. So I showed up for lunch .
Start off saying, if you hate stairs and have trouble with them like me . Either don’t come here because it’s in the basement of the building.
I got the plaintiff chicken dinner.
Mash potatoes and green beans.
Chicken has a great honey glaze iv never had anywhere! But…
The chicken was dry as a biscuit.
Mashed potatoes was chunky and great! Green beans was great!
But . All in all was a waste of money and time..
The sweet tea was not ont eh sweet side and that’s ok. The soda from the bar was actually ok. Maybe too much ice.
The basement you walk into at first is a bar. But on the side and back was tables. Very low light, reminds me of a old speak easy.
Bathrooms very clean.
Price for two for lunch $42.
Not coming back but cool experience.