Kansas City’s Nightlife Scene

Raising toasts with craft beer pints and late nights spent exploring local bars showcase one of the most casual sides of Kansas City nightlife.

In Westport, Kansas City’s oldest district, revelers will find plenty to cheers about:

• For straightforward drinks and lively atmospheres, head to Kelly’s Westport Inn, Harpo’s or Tin Roof.
• Patio weather calls for nights at Harry’s Bar and Tables or Char Bar‘s backyard.

Head to the Crossroads Arts District for an assortment of craft breweries and taprooms all within a stone’s throw of one another:

• Double Shift and Border Brewing are next-door neighbors while Brewery Emperial resides right around the block.
• In between, beer drinkers will find iTap, a haven for international, national and local brews.
• Travel a few streets down to visit Casual Animal Brewing and a little further to play retro arcade games, skee-ball and more at Up-Down.
• Tour the city for other great craft beer brewers.

Explore quirky West 39th Street at night by hitting Hi-Dive Lounge—home of the $2.50 “mystery beer” machine—plus Drunken Worm and Goat & Rabbit, each only steps away from the other.

Kansas City’s high-spirited cocktail culture wows no matter the drink:

• Craft distiller Tom’s Town is home to a swanky, art deco-inspired tasting room located on the KC Streetcar line.
• Trendy Crossroads hotspot Swordfish Tom’s is known for excellent service and creatively crafted libations.

• Head to the Country Club Plaza to sip and snack at The Monarch Bar, an upscale cocktail concept known for dazzling presentation, artful creations and jaw-dropping environs.

• The Hey Hey Club: Tucked away below the J. Rieger Distillery, this swanky underground club leaves an impression.
• The W: Lee’s Summit’s resident speakeasy features an inspired menu and warm environment.
• P.S.: Located beneath Hotel Phillips, this hidden bar exudes class and style.

For those nights out when you just need to dance:

• Make the Power & Light District your go-to spot for DJs and dancing thanks to clubs like high-energy Mosaic, beach-themed Shark Bar and country music-centric PBR Big Sky.
• Groove the night away to classic hits at Funky Town in Raytown and show out with bottle service and a VIP experience at Aura Night Club.

While Kansas City’s live music calendar is full year-round, a handful of hangouts are home to house bands and local performers each night of the week:

• Green Lady Lounge: Live jazz and no cover make for a match made in music heaven.
• Howl at the Moon: Power & Light’s very own dueling piano bar is a raucous good time.

• The Ship: From soul tunes on the jukebox to eclectic live shows throughout the week, The Ship is one of KC’s best-kept secrets.
• The Phoenix: Blues and jazz or soul and R&B, The Phoenix is a swinging spot no matter the genre.
• The Blue Room: Take in jazz in the heart of 18th & Vine and the American Jazz Museum.

• Chaz on the Plaza: Smooth sounds accompany date night dinners at The Raphael’s resident restaurant.
• Black Dolphin: The Green Lady Lounge’s companion venue is anything but second-fiddle thanks to stellar live sets from KC’s finest jazz musicians.
• recordBar: Combine a full show calendar with intimate concert vibes and you’ve got this Crossroads mainstay.

Inclusive and welcoming environments for all to enjoy:

• Missie B’s: Drag performances are the marquee attraction at this multi-story Midtown favorite.
• Bistro 303: Upscale drinks and an excellent bistro menu define this popular Westport haunt.
• Hamburger Mary’s: With drag shows nearly every night of the week, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more entertaining restaurant and bar.
• Sidestreet Bar: Hang at Sidestreet’s back porch for a relaxed night filled with darts, drinks and more.
• Café Trio: Count on this gay-owned restaurant for excellent patio views and happy hours, all overlooking the Country Club Plaza.