Cirque d’Alex

Despite a clever and decent sized menu the hot dogs don’t live up to expectations. Don’t get me wrong, its not bad, its just not great. I wouldn’t recommend this to a friend, but probably wouldn’t try to stop them either. they have homemade ice cream made by what they advertise as local merchants that was very rich very delicious and well priced. if you need a hot dog it’s a hot dog place.

Love the ice cream. It’s made in house, and rivals even the amazing Murray’s in Westport.
I’ve never tried any of the food, so I cannot comment on that. The décor has a definite circus theme, and I must agree with Lilian’s assessment. Never have liked clowns… singing and dancing animals are more my style.
I’ve visited Cirque d’Alex twice, and both times ended up getting the mocha. The staff is super friendly, and always willing to let you try each and every flavor, but I have miraculously managed to exercise self control and limit my tastings to 2 flavors on each visit. They even have 2 – 3 adult only ice cream flavors.
The flavor of the ice cream is on par with the best ice cream I’ve ever had. What sets it a cut above the competition is the consistency. If there is such a thing as «no drip» ice cream, this is it. There is some magical chemistry holding the ice cream together so that the first bite is every bit as good as the last.

This place was good. The food was presented well and had great toppings, very tasty, however the hotdog itself was barely warm. This wasn’t a big deal to me as it still tasted great. Overall the atmosphere was very strange, my wife and I were the only ones there and there were 3 people just hanging out behind the counter.

The staff here must work for peanuts or something, because both times I went, there weren’t any customers yet 3 people behind the counter.
This is the only place I know that serves vegetarian chili dogs. It seemed to take them a very long time to prepare (or maybe the awkwardness of the place made time pass by so slowly). The food didn’t come out steaming hot after that long wait, but it tasted ok. I’d probably go back the next time I’m craving a hotdog… which isn’t often at all.

If Cirque d’Alex only served ice cream, I’d give it 4 stars. However, I have to dock a star for the terrible food here.
Let’s talk about the bad first. The décor is strange with its blindingly bright tables and orange clown theme. I absolutely hate clowns for no logical reason. I know I’m not the only one who has a weird clown phobia so think the décor could be lightened up with more focus on circus animals such as elephants balancing on balls or lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!).
I could easily get over the décor if the food was good. However, the two times I’ve had it have been huge let downs. For my first visit, I tried the vegetarian chili. Instead of a smooth consistency, it was really thick and lumpy. I bet if I had turned my cup upside down, the chili would still be congealed to the sides.
After the chili fiasco, I tried the Chicago-​style veggie hot dog. I was hoping the veggie hot dogs here would be as awesome as the ones dished up at The Brick. It certainly came out looking great and made for great photographs which I’ve posted on Unilocal.However, the bun completely fell apart as soon as I picked up my hot dog. I had to eat my hot dog with a fork and the bun tasted stale as if it had been sitting in the refrigerator or freezer. I’m not sure what brand of veggie hot dog was used, but it left a terrible salty taste in my mouth for hours.
The ice cream is the shining star of this strange establishment. They’re made in-​house, the flavors rotate, and there’s usually 2 or 3 alcoholic varieties! Last time they had strawberry margarita and piña colada as the alcoholic flavors. This was the strongest concoction I’ve had outside of a cocktail and you could really taste the liquor even in a tiny tasting spoon. I was told that each scoop of ice cream contains a whole shot of liquor. The employees are also really generous on the samples here. Over two visits, I’ve tried about 15 different flavors. My favorites are peppermint, blackberry, coffee made with a Roasterie blend, toasted coconut, and cinnamon (tasted like a horchata). The best part is that pints are only $ 3 on Tuesdays.
Both of my visits were during off-​peak hours. I found it strange that there are about 5 employees when there’s hardly any customers. However, that does make for fast and eager service.
Recap: Come for the ice cream. Don’t come for the food.

I came with my coworkers around noon and this place was empty! It seemed like they don’t have good business or maybe it’s just one of those days where business was slow. The interior was very spacious and seemed like they could put a bunch more tables and seats but chose not to.
I ordered the Coney Island Dog ($ 3.50) with no onions (didn’t want onion breath at work) and a Mexican Coke ($ 1.50). We sat down and waited for our food. They brought it out to us after a few minutes. My Coney Island Dog was good but it was smaller than my coworker’s Chicago Dog and Sonora Dog.
They had ice cream here too but I didn’t order any. If I’m in the area, then I’d stop by to give this place some business since we were the only ones in there.

I came to this place because people said they had good hot dogs, and I knew they are one of the few places in KC with an awesome health code rating.
Much bigger space than I ever would have imagined. Décor is bright… clowns and shit. Looks clean and either well maintained or under-​used. Went on a Thursday at noon and only saw one other customer. Friendly staff ready to take our order… more staff than customers. I got a Chicago dog and a Sonora dog. The only reason I really even gave this place a try was for the Sonora dog.
A lot of previous reviewers complained about the wait, which was fairly substantial. But hey, they are truly cooking these things to order. Call me crazy, but I like knowing my hot dog wrapped in bacon is being cooked to a level that enabled me to sit here and write this review while not on a toilet. You want a fast hot dog? The QuikTrip next door has had some rolling for an hour ready for your consumption.
The dog’s themselves are too girthy. Add on that the mound of toppings, and what you’re left with is a bun that never stood a chance. The Chicago was all right, I’ve had plenty better around KC. The Sonora needs to be toned down. All I can really remember is the taste of the cheese crumbles it was coated in. I choose to get mine without the chipotle mayo, which was wise since my buddy’s dog went all bukkake on him after the first bite. I’m a big proponent of toppings restraint, and this place could use it.
Would I go back? Sure. Will I go back? Probably not.

There have been plenty of things said– but I’ll make mine brief yet salient.
I’ve gone on multiple occasions, so this is an aggregate of those different visits.
I went for 2 reasons:
#1 VEGETARIAN hotdog
#2 Ice cream spiked with ALCOHOL.
Yes, you read that correctly.
The place is much bigger space than they require– although on one trip they were about half full– it seemed everyone was either loitering or waiting for food– but since I got mine ‘before’ the other visitors, it’s hard to say.
First up:
Vegetarian hotdog:
nothing special– you can get the same from boca or amy’s at your local grocery store.
The vegetarian chili– hit or miss. They had it the first time i went, it was ok– nothing special. The second time they simply didn’t have it and asked if i was willing to wait 30 minutes for it to cook. I couldn’t wait, so they didn’t make it.
Second Up–
They have GREAT ICE CREAM.
They also serve (on average) — TWO ‘special adult flavors’ laced with various alcoholic beverage concoctions.
I had a super yummy ‘Pepper Minty’ blast the first time, and a crazy Italian coffee chocolaty kind the second visit.
Both were excellent– and you could definitely tell it was not your ‘usual’ ice cream, in addition to being delciious (and homemade).
TIP:
You can order the Mexico recipe COCA-​COLA from them. The kind with REAL SUGAR! If you ever remember drinking the stuff before say 1990’s you’ll know the difference between this version and what is served nowadays.
BUY THE Coke AND get the ‘adult recipe’ ice cream — make yourself a FLOAT.
I give the place 3 stars as an average–
the chili/​hotdog rated maybe 2–
the wait times rated about a 2
the Mexico Recipe Coke plus the ice cream rates a 5!
So, 3 stars it is– for overall.
Do yourself a flavor– just get the ice cream/​coke and hit someplace faster and cheaper for the rest!

Ok I’m happy for those of you who enjoyed a 5 star hot dog /​experience but mine was NOT. My family and I were the ONLY ones in the place. We ordered 6 hot dogs. As I watched they began to scurry to grill dogs and scuttle to heat chili. There were so may steps to making each hot dog, no special orders just right off the menu, that it took them 30 minutes!!! 30 minute to make 6 hot dogs, a veggie pizza and a bowl of vegetatrian chili. As I waited I tried one sample of their chocolate ice cream. It was quite good. I might return for that. However my family said their hot dogs were good but nothing special and my vegetarian chili was inedible. It was just plain awful. I tried to just plow through having waited 30 minutes for it but after 3 bites I couldn’t do any more. The veggie pizza was yucky too, a substandard pizza crust topped with still raw vegetables. Blech
And sorry to beat a dead horse but yeah the décor stinks

If you’ve read my other recent reviews, you know that I’ve got vegan hot dogs on the brain lately — so when I discovered that Cirque d’Alex boasts a vegan hot dog (not to mention vegetarian chili to dress your dog, much to my husband’s excitement), we hightailed it up North.
Now, I’d been wondering about this joint for a long time. This space had been more or less occupied for at least two years prior, and a Cirque d’Alex sign had been up for most of that, but on the occasions I drove by or was next door at Ixtapa with my family, nothing was happening in the space. Whatever the wait, it’s now focused on giving folks a wide variety of hot dogs and ice cream.
To my husband’s disappointment, they were out of the veggie chili when we arrived, but we got our two veggie dogs dressed to our preference and very, very inexpensively. And… they were vegan hot dogs. We were happy. Nothing mind-​blowing about them, but when you’re out and want a cheap quick lunch, I don’t need mind-​blowing. I need vegetarian/​vegan, fast, and not bad.
So the food was good, but the rest of the experience was a little odd. The space is about twice the size as they really need (at least for regular operations — it looks like they may do parties there sometimes?), so the couple of tables feel lost in space. With that openness, and all the brushed steel finishes, and the fact there was no music playing while we were there, any conversation echos loudly and we felt like we had to whisper to talk. The design elements — signage, menus, etc. — are all fantastic and to very high standards. My husband actually thought this must be some kind of regional or national chain he’d not heard about; instead it just seems like the design was the top priority with all other elements of the restaurant falling somewhere behind.
But all told, it was what we wanted — quick, cheap, and vegan, and I’m sure we’ll be back the next time we’re running errands in the Northland.

Cirque d’Alex is everything that makes America great: local mom and pop business (in this case, dad and daughter), friendly people, hot dogs, pizza, chili, and ice cream. What is not to love, I ask you? My hubby and I knew we wanted to review so we purposely ordered an extra hot dog each (that’s the reason, I promise! Why are you looking at me like that?). The dogs were AWESOME! We decided then and there that we would be back for ice cream come summer! They had Blueberry for crying out loud! They also have spiked ice cream for the over 21 crowd who’s apparently tired of liquor in liquid form.
We got a Plain Jane dog for our daughter, the Sonora tex-​mex dog for our son, and the grown ups got Chicago style, Coney, and a build-​your-​own with sour kraut, grilled onions, and spicy brown mustard. O-​M-​Goodness they were SO good. You can choose between all-​beef. bratwurst, turkey, or veggie dogs also. They serve veggie chili which I was told contains no actual recognizable vegetables. Oh well, that was the only bummer. From where ever you are in the city Cirque d’Alex is worth the drive.

I was actually looking for an ice cream place and stumbled upon this place… i read the reviews and heard the hot dogs were great, so i said why not…
I don’t really get the circus theme. quite frankly it’s a bit scary… and a little freaky. clown hanging from the ceiling, hot dogs and ice cream… just don’t go.
With that said, I decided to go with the Coney Island, since I’m from NY… Does it really take 15 mins to put meat sauce cheese and onions on a dog… well it does here… The hot dog was actually quite good.
The only negatives are the décor and wait.

If you have never tried the ice cream here you are in for a serious frozen treat. The prices aren’t too bad but the ice cream is far better than what you will find in most places. I tried the pistachio flavored ice cream and it blew my socks off! A must for Northlanders (or anybody looking for some outstanding ice cream) to try!

Wow. My daughter and I decided to try the Cirque when we saw the huge sign above it. Loved it. Mexican coffee is both chocolaty, with a slight coffee flavor, and a cinnamon kick. One of my favorites sampled. My daughter got wedding cake which was also awesome. Then… my son and I went back last night and I discovered rocky road. I’m not a huge chocolate fan but tried it after my son insisted. This was really good. Almonds in every bite. All the samples I’ve tried are great and the staff is extremely nice. Would definitely recommend and will try the hot dogs next time.

Just when I think I’ve settled on what I believe is the best ice cream I’ve had… along comes this place to send my ice cream psycho notions outta control.
The wolfster had been wanting to try this place forever and upon seeing it finally re-opened…we ventured forth. I had already eaten lunch, so of course, I opted for the ice cream. I settled for my all time flavor-​favs mint chip and chocolate. After receiving my little plastic dish of frozen noms, I navigated towards a booth… on wheels. Yes… on wheels. Great, I thought… how am I going to get my big butt into this thing without launching it across the floor and colliding into helpless bystanders who are innocently waiting on their orders unbeknownest to them a behemoth booth with a frenzied, screaming patron clutching a dish of ice cream and a spoon was about to take them out. Sigh. Lucky for them, the wheels were locked down.
After cautiously easing into the booth, I got down to business. I figured that this was the ice cream to top all ice creams, because I could smell it… especially the mint. I mean, how often can you «smell» ice cream unless you actually put your nose in it. It’s very, very sweet. Almost to sweet if that’s possible. I definitely had to take my time inhaling it.
Wolfie got the Chicago dog and it really looked pretty good. I do have to say that it was the «neatest» dog I’ve ever seen. Ketchup, relish, onions… all lined up in neat little rows next to the dog. Props to the place for carrying vegetarian hot dogs as well. Definitely give those a go next time.
Neat little place with a cavernous feel to it. Fun place to take the rugrats if you have them.

AWESOME Chicago style hot dogs. Delicious hot dog, nice soft bun, perfect toppings. Amazing ice cream also. Got a quart of the cinnamon to go and it is wonderful! Can’t wait to go try the other ice creams and get another hot dog!

⁶⁄₂₀₁₂ update: Well, the place was gone for a while but it’s been back for some time now. Unfortunately, IMHO, it won’t make it, because they don’t have the words ICE CREAM on their signage. It’s in a location where you just drive quickly by, and with such an esoteric name, there is just no clue to what the heck this place is. (My friend said she thought it was a magic shop). Unless you get right up to it, in the awkward-​to-​get-​to parking lot, you have no idea this is an ice cream and hot dog place! To the owner: get over your clever idea for a name and change it to «ICE CREAM by Alex» before it’s too late. The words «ice cream» turn people’s heads and many cannot resist them. Your product is so so good.
Unfortunately this place is gone from the Barry Rd location. I didn’t walk up to the door to see if they may have just moved– I hope I can still get their great ice cream someplace. Please post if you know.

YUM! Chicago dogs with all the fixings and really nice staff.
It was quite empty when we went there. I hope it sticks around.
What was funny to watch was when my fiancé was asking for ice cream samples. They have this crazy anti-​sneeze glass all over the counter, so they have to walk out of the counter and around to give you samples. CRAZY! What dumb*** thought of that?
Another thing is… the tables are portable? They move around? Why? Do they host parties here and remove the tables? Odd.
Anyway, I’ll be back for the dogs when I’m in town!

Great stop. Yummy ice cream treats

Cirque D’Alex was a nice pitstop before the movies. I had come across their menu and noticed they served Chicago style hot dogs. And ice cream.
Here’s where I say that I absolutely hate hot dogs but for whatever reason absolutely love a Chicago hot dog. This one ranked an A-​. It was really good. The best I’ve tried so far in the area (haha, I’ve only tried one other place at this point). The beef dog was grilled just right but took some time so don’t order if in a hurry. The toppings were just right, down to the neon green relish. My only qualm was just a bit too much celery salt.
The ice cream there is made on the premises of their other store. And they have ice cream with liquor in it! Try the Irish Whiskey. I wasn’t a huge fan of the flavor (not a huge whiskey person) and the ice crystals didn’t gellify quite right but if you are a fan of whiskey, you will probably totally love this ice cream. Also sampled another alcohol flavor which was very good, the apple pie and the cheesecake. I’ve got to say if I was wearing socks, the cheesecake ice cream would have knocked them off. It was so smooth and creamy and tasty; it reminded me of a really good custard.
Only 4 stars because I couldn’t get over the sterility and thought-​out yet not quite right décor of the place. It feels really clean. Really, really clean, probably more than an ER. But it didn’t feel food friendly. And sure they tried to bring in a modern circus theme but it seems to fall way short. And the kicker was the way too high sneeze guard glass blocking off the serving area from the rest of the place. It was just excessive. Taking that down will help add a little more humanity to an otherwise sterile place.