In the heart of western Shawnee, Kansas, brothers Cory and Dave Knubley have built something rare: a neighborhood pub where everybody truly feels welcome.
Knub’s Pub opened in 2015 as the second venture by the Knubley brothers, who had already proven their community instincts running Pizza West just down the street on Roberts St.
From day one, their mission was straightforward — great food, honest atmosphere, zero corporate fluff.
How Knub’s Pub Won Shawnee’s Hearts
The story of Knub’s Pub didn’t start with a grand restaurant empire dream — it started with two brothers who simply wanted to do things their own way. 🤝
That independent spirit is exactly what Shawnee residents felt the moment they walked through the door..
Dave has often said they’re involved in “every raffle, every auction” — because they genuinely believe in giving back to the neighborhood that supports them.
One of the most powerful drivers of their popularity has been their constant, hands-on presence at the restaurant.
The brothers set out to create a “not a shark in the pool” type of environment — a place where families, regulars, and first-timers all feel equally at home.
From their beloved Sunday Home Cookin’ specials 🍽️ — rotating homemade comfort dishes like meatloaf and chicken fried pork — to their monthly Pinball Wizardry tournaments, Knub’s Pub has built a loyal following that keeps coming back week after week.
Regulars consistently describe it as “a hidden gem in Shawnee” and a place where the food is “bar food, but really high quality.”
Word-of-mouth has been the pub’s greatest marketing tool — and that’s a testament to what happens when two brothers simply refuse to cut corners. 🌟
Food Highlights
- Pork Tenderloin Sandwich — A breaded and fried pork tenderloin patty with crispy, well-seasoned coating and juicy, tender meat inside, served on a fresh bun and best enjoyed with their house horseradish sauce.
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Half-Pound Brisket Burger — A thick, juicy patty made from a locally sourced brisket blend from Steve’s Meat Market in De Soto, KS, served on a bun with your choice of classic toppings. 🍔
- Handmade Onion Rings — Fresh-cut onion rings hand-battered and fried in-house to a thick, golden crisp. 🧅
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Almost Famous Wings — Baked (not fried) chicken wings tossed in your choice of signature sauces, including Buffalo, Black Majik, Adobo, Sweet Heat, and Knub-B-Q. 🔥
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Chicken Tender Basket — Hand-breaded, golden-fried chicken tenders served as a crowd-pleasing staple. 🍗
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Corn Pone Salad — Fresh spinach topped with grilled chicken, cherries, and a light apple cider vinaigrette. 🥗
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Beef Nachos — A loaded mountain of tortilla chips topped with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and classic nacho fixings. 🧀
- Fish and Chips (Sea ‘n Spud Basket) — Beer-battered white fish served alongside golden fries and a house coleslaw. 🐟
Atmosphere
Knub’s Pub brings a warm, unpretentious vibe that feels like your favorite local hangout — a place the owners themselves describe as “It’s like Cheers in Kansas.” ✨
Upside-down lamps, license plate decor, pinball machines, and TVs at every angle create an eclectic, lively backdrop that appeals to families and night-owl regulars alike.
The outdoor patio is dog-friendly, drawing pet owners who appreciate being able to bring their four-legged companions along for the fun.
Whether you’re here for a trivia night, a pinball tournament, or just a quiet weeknight dinner, the staff and owners make every guest feel like they belong.
Bottom Line
Knub’s Pub is the rare neighborhood pub that gets everything right. The Knubley brothers’ owner-operated dedication, locally sourced brisket burgers, legendary wings, rotating Sunday specials, and a genuinely welcoming community vibe make this Shawnee gem 100% worth the visit. 🍺🏆
Address:
5386 Roberts St, Shawnee, KS 66226
📞 (913) 441-5682
🕔 Open Tue–Wed 4 PM–11 PM | Thu–Sat 11 AM–12 AM | Sun 11 AM–11 PM (Closed Mon)