R.S. McClintock Restaurant Co., Roman Room

The Roman Room of the elegant three-story McClintock restaurant, at the northeast corner of 12th and Walnut, is pictured in color on an old promotional post card, one of a set, published by the Valentine Souvenir Company of New York City. Valentine was one of the earliest publishers of picture post cards both in England and the United States. Robert McClintock, the restaurant's founder, came to Kansas City by steamboat in 1865. His first business venture was a bakery. Small restaurants followed, his first at 1006 Main, near the Junction. The 12th and Walnut establishment, pictured, boasted a French chef and an attempt at air-conditioning according to old records. The ornate gold and white Roman Room had ceiling fans and many large mirrors. Various kinds of food service were available at McClintock's, from a glittering dining room with 400 ceiling lights and white linen tablecloths to quick counter service, with a long row of stools. The cafeteria was advertised as the largest in the west and open all night. After McClintock's death in 1917 the restaurant's operation was taken over by a son, Robert S. McClintock. The building housing the old restaurant is gone now, and the site belongs to the Jackson County Park Department, which is attempting to acquire more property in the block for a larger spot of greenery for the downtown area. Kansas City Times, December 29, 1979.