Guidebook for Kansas City
Drinks & Nightlife
THIS IS MY FAV PLACE TO GO OUT- paige. This is my date night of choice. Bubbles and snacks. I go here ALL THE TIME. My art is even up here too because I am a fan. This Westport champagne bar is run buy hip folks that know EVERYTHING about sparkling wine. Try whatever the servers recommend and I always get that and the oysters and duck fat kettle corn TO-GO. Now, I'm a night owl so I take this little baggie and go visit my friend Jenn at Westport Cafe and then I go watch live bluegrass at Westport Saloon. On Thursday nights, they have live music. They have brunch on Sunday. This is a romantic spot. I looove it.
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ça Va
4149 Pennsylvania AveTHIS IS MY FAV PLACE TO GO OUT- paige. This is my date night of choice. Bubbles and snacks. I go here ALL THE TIME. My art is even up here too because I am a fan. This Westport champagne bar is run buy hip folks that know EVERYTHING about sparkling wine. Try whatever the servers recommend and I always get that and the oysters and duck fat kettle corn TO-GO. Now, I'm a night owl so I take this little baggie and go visit my friend Jenn at Westport Cafe and then I go watch live bluegrass at Westport Saloon. On Thursday nights, they have live music. They have brunch on Sunday. This is a romantic spot. I looove it.
Get your KC BLUES and BBQ at the same time! This place is a fantastic example of Kansas City at its best. The long communal picnic tables are filled with local character listening to talented musicians. When it's warm, head out to the patio for some room. Leave your signature on the bathroom wall and drink a cold beer. Cut a rug up by the band if you have some room.
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
B.B.'s Lawnside BBQ
1205 E 85th StGet your KC BLUES and BBQ at the same time! This place is a fantastic example of Kansas City at its best. The long communal picnic tables are filled with local character listening to talented musicians. When it's warm, head out to the patio for some room. Leave your signature on the bathroom wall and drink a cold beer. Cut a rug up by the band if you have some room.
Dress up for a night on the town. See and be seen. $$$ Flash your dollars and your taste in fancy spots. Hospitality AT ITS BEST! If you like bougie food and drinks come here. Want to impress your snobby friend who thinks they know everything about booze? Let me just one up you right now. The drinks are pricey but they are the coolest things you will ever see and taste. This is not for the well-drinking folks. This is for someone with a truly discerning palette and a full belly. OOO and Secret Tip: Ask them if the Parlour is open. It's a secret spot in the back bar with a menu of its own. I got to illustrate one in winter 2017-18. I painted a bunch of nudes based on Edgar Alan Poe poems.
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Monarch Bar
4808 Roanoke PkwyDress up for a night on the town. See and be seen. $$$ Flash your dollars and your taste in fancy spots. Hospitality AT ITS BEST! If you like bougie food and drinks come here. Want to impress your snobby friend who thinks they know everything about booze? Let me just one up you right now. The drinks are pricey but they are the coolest things you will ever see and taste. This is not for the well-drinking folks. This is for someone with a truly discerning palette and a full belly. OOO and Secret Tip: Ask them if the Parlour is open. It's a secret spot in the back bar with a menu of its own. I got to illustrate one in winter 2017-18. I painted a bunch of nudes based on Edgar Alan Poe poems.
You're looking for folk of many ages and want to go out? This place is like a fun house disco for adults. Drink giant slushies and dance the night away. Parts of the dance floor light up. Blue light buildings on the walls come alive. Dance in a cage. Visit "Paisley Park", an astroturf zone inside with fake foliage and outdoor furniture. When they play CarWash, this giant car wash thing spins down from the ceiling and foam shoots out all over the dance floor. Different things come alive all over the club when they play certain songs. Also, dress the part. People go all out. Wear your Elvis costume or your Madonna outfit. Make sure to Uber responsibly.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Funky Town KC
8300 Blue PkwyYou're looking for folk of many ages and want to go out? This place is like a fun house disco for adults. Drink giant slushies and dance the night away. Parts of the dance floor light up. Blue light buildings on the walls come alive. Dance in a cage. Visit "Paisley Park", an astroturf zone inside with fake foliage and outdoor furniture. When they play CarWash, this giant car wash thing spins down from the ceiling and foam shoots out all over the dance floor. Different things come alive all over the club when they play certain songs. Also, dress the part. People go all out. Wear your Elvis costume or your Madonna outfit. Make sure to Uber responsibly.
Boulevard's new rendition. It says it is not Belgian owned, yet. :D There are a lot of races and protest things that end here. They have a very motivated and active crowd.
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bier Station
120 E Gregory BlvdBoulevard's new rendition. It says it is not Belgian owned, yet. :D There are a lot of races and protest things that end here. They have a very motivated and active crowd.
WALK TO THE BREWERY! This family and dog-friendly place features German-style beer and a nice beer garden. You can bring your own food and hang in the Biergarten or eat in the Bierhalle. They have REALLY GOOD BEER.
38 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kansas City Bier Company
310 W 79th StWALK TO THE BREWERY! This family and dog-friendly place features German-style beer and a nice beer garden. You can bring your own food and hang in the Biergarten or eat in the Bierhalle. They have REALLY GOOD BEER.
TIKI FANS REJOICE! This is your spot for the REAL DEAL. Last time I checked, we were #1 on critiki, the site for tiki aficianados.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
TikiCat
401 Westport RdTIKI FANS REJOICE! This is your spot for the REAL DEAL. Last time I checked, we were #1 on critiki, the site for tiki aficianados.
Food Scene
Known for their Midwestern modesty, Second Best is really #1 for espresso in my book. It is truly the best espresso in town. It's not a fancy location. It's in an unassuming strip mall. They also have some really crazy coffee drinks that include smoked ice and surprising elements. There are always a lot of local tastemakers and influencers here. Very instagramable. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Get coffee here. Do it.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Second Best Coffee
328 W 85th StKnown for their Midwestern modesty, Second Best is really #1 for espresso in my book. It is truly the best espresso in town. It's not a fancy location. It's in an unassuming strip mall. They also have some really crazy coffee drinks that include smoked ice and surprising elements. There are always a lot of local tastemakers and influencers here. Very instagramable. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Get coffee here. Do it.
Even when it's -5 degrees, you'll find folks lined up to get sundaes, waffle cones, ice cream, and boozy milkshakes. Everything is made in-house! I love putting marshmellow fluff on whatever I get. They'll even toast it for you. It's deeeelish. Bring the kiddos. Parking is a little weird FYI but it's worth it.
46 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Betty Rae's Ice Cream
7140 Wornall RdEven when it's -5 degrees, you'll find folks lined up to get sundaes, waffle cones, ice cream, and boozy milkshakes. Everything is made in-house! I love putting marshmellow fluff on whatever I get. They'll even toast it for you. It's deeeelish. Bring the kiddos. Parking is a little weird FYI but it's worth it.
Small plates and fantastic wine recommendations. Not a dive but they are so easy going. Don't be fooled by the name. They know what they are doing! This is the closest spot to the house I like to go for a mini celebration. Fun date night that shows off the local produce and flavor. There are several bars and restaurants sort of similar nearby but this is my fav. It's new American so I bet you've seen it or something like it. Sit at the bar and make a new friend.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Louie's Wine Dive
7100 Wornall RdSmall plates and fantastic wine recommendations. Not a dive but they are so easy going. Don't be fooled by the name. They know what they are doing! This is the closest spot to the house I like to go for a mini celebration. Fun date night that shows off the local produce and flavor. There are several bars and restaurants sort of similar nearby but this is my fav. It's new American so I bet you've seen it or something like it. Sit at the bar and make a new friend.
Order it to-go from the house. We have a menu on the fridge. It's thin and crispy and KC style or St. Louis style. It's Waldo style. Everyone loves this pizza. It's nearby a lot of nightlife so you can pick up a pie late night if you want.
52 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Waldo Pizza
7433 Broadway StOrder it to-go from the house. We have a menu on the fridge. It's thin and crispy and KC style or St. Louis style. It's Waldo style. Everyone loves this pizza. It's nearby a lot of nightlife so you can pick up a pie late night if you want.
Oh man, this place is awesome for a date. Try LOCAL produce and local flavor. The owners are sweet and wonderful. Make sure you get the Shishitos. Nom.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Blvd Tavern
320 Southwest BlvdOh man, this place is awesome for a date. Try LOCAL produce and local flavor. The owners are sweet and wonderful. Make sure you get the Shishitos. Nom.
This is just the Jazz District downtown. This is on my tour de BBQ. They have a zippy-tangy sauce that's the least sweet of the set. It's the brut of KC bbq? I also think you either Love or hate it. It's not to be missed on the tour if you're going for it.
85 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Arthur Bryant's Barbeque
1727 Brooklyn AveThis is just the Jazz District downtown. This is on my tour de BBQ. They have a zippy-tangy sauce that's the least sweet of the set. It's the brut of KC bbq? I also think you either Love or hate it. It's not to be missed on the tour if you're going for it.
New to the BBQ scene, this competition winner offers a little bit fancier fare than the other options but really holds its own. Try the burnt ends and anything else. Don't go to Jack Stack, go here instead. It's better! I like to go here when I want BBQ date night.
257 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Q39 - Midtown
1000 W 39th StNew to the BBQ scene, this competition winner offers a little bit fancier fare than the other options but really holds its own. Try the burnt ends and anything else. Don't go to Jack Stack, go here instead. It's better! I like to go here when I want BBQ date night.
"HI, MAY I HELP YOU ?!" You will be scared when you order because they basically yell at you. It's part of the thing. Now the sauce here is spicier and it is on the tour de BBQ. I like the hot on brisket and the potato salad and coleslaw. Get all the fixins. You should. Then go to a Chiefs game. I like their sauce the most. It's sharper and hotter. It's thinner than the traditional.
118 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gates Bar-B-Q
3205 Main St"HI, MAY I HELP YOU ?!" You will be scared when you order because they basically yell at you. It's part of the thing. Now the sauce here is spicier and it is on the tour de BBQ. I like the hot on brisket and the potato salad and coleslaw. Get all the fixins. You should. Then go to a Chiefs game. I like their sauce the most. It's sharper and hotter. It's thinner than the traditional.
This is the iconic joint that Anthony Bourdain swears by. I do to. I have had BBQ in the hills of Puerto Rico on the Pork Highway and this is better. I have had it in Memphis and Texas and Florida and Georgia and Carolina. No. No No THIS IS BBQ AND ITS THE BEST IN THE WORLD. Get a Z-Man. You'll thank me. You might also cry tears of joy. Oh yea, this is the original location. It's in a gas station. Order take out if you don't want to wait in line. But you should for the story. BEST BBQ IN THE WORLD.
344 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
3002 W 47th AveThis is the iconic joint that Anthony Bourdain swears by. I do to. I have had BBQ in the hills of Puerto Rico on the Pork Highway and this is better. I have had it in Memphis and Texas and Florida and Georgia and Carolina. No. No No THIS IS BBQ AND ITS THE BEST IN THE WORLD. Get a Z-Man. You'll thank me. You might also cry tears of joy. Oh yea, this is the original location. It's in a gas station. Order take out if you don't want to wait in line. But you should for the story. BEST BBQ IN THE WORLD.
Watch a summer concert here or come get a cheap lunch instead of eating at Crown Center. Ew. So, the guy that runs the joint, Stretch, is on Guy Fieri's shows all the time. He also happens to be a really great artist. He has really cool sculptures all around the space. The pizza is WHAT IS UP. They also always have really good rotating taps. Get a beer and one of the crazy flavor slices topped with tots and chili. Also, if you do get wings, don't wast your time on the death nectar. It's basically a waste of money because it's too hot to enjoy. It will ruin your day. Get the hot or the wimpy if you want regular yet really yummy hot wings. MMmmmm grinders. I go here and watch the regulars.
59 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Grinders Pizza
417 E 18th StWatch a summer concert here or come get a cheap lunch instead of eating at Crown Center. Ew. So, the guy that runs the joint, Stretch, is on Guy Fieri's shows all the time. He also happens to be a really great artist. He has really cool sculptures all around the space. The pizza is WHAT IS UP. They also always have really good rotating taps. Get a beer and one of the crazy flavor slices topped with tots and chili. Also, if you do get wings, don't wast your time on the death nectar. It's basically a waste of money because it's too hot to enjoy. It will ruin your day. Get the hot or the wimpy if you want regular yet really yummy hot wings. MMmmmm grinders. I go here and watch the regulars.
Essentials
Get your meat and veg here! A lot of the best bbq joints and burger spots in town buy their meat here. They also have bbq for sale here. You can smell the smoker. NOM There are often tents out front selling bbq or heirloom tomatoes. Sometimes inside there is someone else selling his or her new brand of BBQ sauce. It's tiny but with a fantastic selection. It's walkable from the house too.
Fareway Meat Market & McGonigle's KC BBQ
1307 W 79th StGet your meat and veg here! A lot of the best bbq joints and burger spots in town buy their meat here. They also have bbq for sale here. You can smell the smoker. NOM There are often tents out front selling bbq or heirloom tomatoes. Sometimes inside there is someone else selling his or her new brand of BBQ sauce. It's tiny but with a fantastic selection. It's walkable from the house too.
Donation yoga class (check online for times) I like the drop in because they will cater the class to where you are sore or what kind of day you're craving. I haven't gotten my hair done here but the classes are lovely. - PAige
Hagoyah
515 W 75th StDonation yoga class (check online for times) I like the drop in because they will cater the class to where you are sore or what kind of day you're craving. I haven't gotten my hair done here but the classes are lovely. - PAige
Shopping
Donna is a local character and fashion QUEEN. Follow her on instagram like yesterday, please. @ donnasdressshop So, she dresses up in fabulous vintage goods and always has a fantastic scarf on her head or a bouffant. She carries super curated vintage and really unique new goods. I spend all my money here. I have so many AAMAAAZING THINGS. It's a tiny store underneath her apartment and it's so fabulous. YOU HAVE TO VISIT THIS SHOP. There is REALLY no place like it. You'll love the vintage wallpaper in the dressing rooms too. Tell whomever is working that Paige sent you. I'm a regular.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Donna's Dress Shop
1410 W 39th StDonna is a local character and fashion QUEEN. Follow her on instagram like yesterday, please. @ donnasdressshop So, she dresses up in fabulous vintage goods and always has a fantastic scarf on her head or a bouffant. She carries super curated vintage and really unique new goods. I spend all my money here. I have so many AAMAAAZING THINGS. It's a tiny store underneath her apartment and it's so fabulous. YOU HAVE TO VISIT THIS SHOP. There is REALLY no place like it. You'll love the vintage wallpaper in the dressing rooms too. Tell whomever is working that Paige sent you. I'm a regular.
Arts & Culture
This place is AMAZING! Check out the new Bloch building. There are always really cool exhibits rolling through. The Henry Moore Sculpture garden is a great place for a picnic. On Third Thursdays, get some live music and cocktails. :D
674 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Museo de Arte Nelson-Atkins
4525 Oak StThis place is AMAZING! Check out the new Bloch building. There are always really cool exhibits rolling through. The Henry Moore Sculpture garden is a great place for a picnic. On Third Thursdays, get some live music and cocktails. :D
Parks & Nature
The rose garden is everything. Walk around the park and watch local couples get their engagement photos underneath this specific tree. There are a lot of very photo-friendly spots. It's a great place to do yoga or hang out in a to-go hammock.
213 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Jacob L. Loose
5200 Wornall RdThe rose garden is everything. Walk around the park and watch local couples get their engagement photos underneath this specific tree. There are a lot of very photo-friendly spots. It's a great place to do yoga or hang out in a to-go hammock.
Sightseeing
GO TO THE TOP OF THE TOWER! The underground museum is fantastic. There is this field of poppies when you enter that blows your mind. Read the plaque. No spoilers. Skip the cafe inside and go to one of my other recommendations nearby also don't eat at Crown Center. Gross. BUT YOU HAVE TO GO HERE AND SEE THE VIEW. IT'S WORTH IT.
400 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo y Monumento Nacional de la Primera Guerra Mundial
2 Memorial DrGO TO THE TOP OF THE TOWER! The underground museum is fantastic. There is this field of poppies when you enter that blows your mind. Read the plaque. No spoilers. Skip the cafe inside and go to one of my other recommendations nearby also don't eat at Crown Center. Gross. BUT YOU HAVE TO GO HERE AND SEE THE VIEW. IT'S WORTH IT.