New Johnson County spot offers breakfast/brunch during the day, lounge some evenings

Overland Park’s new AR’s Breakfast & Brunch serves a Mexican and American menu by day, then turns into a lounge some evenings.

Owner Oscar Romero has been in the restaurant business for nearly two decades, mostly in the Kansas City metro, but also in Houston.

“I wanted to go out on my own and see what my options are, to see if I can make it,” Romero said. “I really enjoy the breakfast atmosphere — pancakes, waffles, the whole nine yards. I’m trying to do a Mexican American-style breakfast place.”

The menu includes waffles, crepes, pancakes, skillets (the Mexican skillet comes with chorizo, onions, peppers, grilled onions, jalapenos and cheddar cheese), omelets, breakfast bowls and plates, scrambles, country fried steak, biscuits and gravy, avocado toast, French toast, quesadillas, BLT sandwiches, and salads.

Romero’s recommended must-try items are his horchata waffle (with cinnamon sugar, honey cream drizzle, powdered sugar, whipped cream and horchata maple syrup), and chilaquiles with fried corn chips, signature red or green sauce, topped with sour cream, queso fresco and two eggs (served with breakfast potatoes and black beans).

AR’s Breakfast & Brunch, 8021 Metcalf Ave., is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for breakfast and brunch. From 3:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays starting this coming week it will be a lounge. He named it AR after his middle and last name — Anivar Romero.