People are catching on to what we already know: Kansas City is in a new golden age, and our hidden gems are not so hidden after all. From a barbecue joint that doubles as a gas station to jazz lounges that care more about tunes than the time of day, there are still a few surprises awaiting every trip. Consider this your mini guide to arts, entertainment, dining and all things KC.
The Secret Is Out
Huffpost
Vogue
Prevue Meetings
Yahoo! Travel
The Wall Street Journal
Arts
Go Ahead. Paint the Town.
In Kansas City, art isn’t just something we appreciate—it’s something we make. Every chance we get. From world-class art museums to the maker culture throughout the city, you’ll find that creativity is contagious in KC.
THE NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART
4525 Oak St., Kansas City, MO
With around 34,500 works of art, you’ll discover something new with every trip. Bring a picnic, a Frisbee and your best selfie game to take advantage of the best front lawn in the city, too.
CROSSROADS ARTS DISTRICT
The maker culture is on full display in this artistic neighborhood. Be there on the first Friday of every month to see local artists’ works line the sidewalks as you sample some of the city’s best food truck fare.
ART ALLEY
1701 Locust St., Kansas City, MO
The whole city is our canvas—even alleys. Downtown’s Art Alley is covered with constantly changing graffiti, making it a work of art in its own right.
More Places to Find KC Creativity:
•Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
•18th & Vine Historic Jazz District
•Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
•Kansas City Repertory Theatre
•Plaza Art Fair
•The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
Entertainment
Join the Revelry. And do so Loudly.
When you’re a city with a lot going on, there’s always something to celebrate. From the neighborhood that feels like a block party to live music venues all around the city, you’re invited to join the revelry in Kansas City.
POWER & LIGHT DISTRICT
Come one, come all to the Downtown neighborhood known for drinks, dining and dancing. Whether you want to watch the game, catch a show or just spend a night out, this is the place to gather your group.
AMERICAN JAZZ MUSEUM
1616 E 18th St., Kansas City, MO
Kansas City jazz is one of a kind. The cool ambience, delicious drinks and vibrant tunes that fill the air of this authentic lounge is KC jazz at its best.
GREEN LADY LOUNGE
1809 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO
Kansas City jazz is one of a kind. The cool ambience, delicious drinks and vibrant tunes that fill the air of this authentic lounge is KC jazz at its best.
More Live Music Venues:
•T-Mobile Center
•CrossroadsKC at Grinders
•Knuckleheads Saloon
•Starlight Theatre
•Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland
•The Blue Room
Dining
Off the Eaten Path.
While Kansas City barbecue is often the main course at least once on a KC getaway, we’ve got plenty of eats to please any and all palates. Local favorites, chef-driven cuisine and one-of-a-kind sweets—let’s dig in.
THE CITY MARKET
20 E 5th St, Kansas City, MO
Cajun, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Brazilian—give your taste buds a world tour at the eclectic City Market restaurants found in the River Market neighborhood.
CORVINO SUPPER CLUB & TASTING ROOM
1830 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO
A rising star on the KC culinary scene, this hip eatery serving delicious New American cuisine is a must for foodies. The Tasting Room gives you a front-row seat to this culinary show.
JOE’S KANSAS CITY
3002 W 47th Ave., Kansas City, KS
If you haven’t been to a barbecue joint in a gas station, you don’t know KC barbecue. Order the world-famous Z-Man sandwich or burnt ends and prepare to experience smoked-meat excellence.
Other Great KC Flavors:
•Antler Room
•Christopher Elbow Chocolates
•Bob Wasabi Kitchen
•Q39
•Novel
•Verbena
Shopping
We've Got the Goods.
Whether you’re looking for high-end shops or local flair, it’s in the bag in Kansas City. We’re known for wearing our pride on our chest, and we’ve got plenty of gear for you to do the same.
COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA
Welcome to a neighborhood of shopping and dining by way of southern Spain. Whether you’re browsing luxury shops, admiring Mediterranean-inspired architecture or lingering over brunch, time on the Country Club Plaza is time well spent.
WEST BOTTOMS
Once the heart of industrial KC, this neighborhood is now home to eclectic antique shops and a blossoming dining and craft beer scene. Find a vintage treasure before ducking into a tap or tasting room.
HALLS KANSAS CITY
2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO This elegant, refined and state-of-the-art department store with a 100-year legacy carries everything from designer threads to local labels for ladies, gents, kiddos and home.
More Places to Find KC Gear:
•Westside Storey
•Baldwin
•Normal Human
•The Garment District
•Sandlot Goods
•Urban Provisions
Happy Hour
Prohibition Only Lessened Our Inhibitions
From creating a new style of jazz to thriving during Prohibition, we have a history of doing things our own way. That attitude isn’t just still alive today—it’s thriving. Join the celebration with handcrafted cocktails, local brews and pure KC revelry.
BOULEVARD BEER HALL
2534 Madison Ave, Kansas City, MO
Boulevard is the Midwest’s largest specialty brewer, but they’ll always be the hometown favorite. Try one of their seasonal brews or their original Boulevard Pale Ale paired with a cheese plate at their new tasting room.
TOM’S TOWN DISTILLING CO.
1701 Main St., Kansas City, MO
Kansas City political boss Tom Pendergast’s legacy lives on in the form of vintage, handcrafted cocktails at this hip distilling company that touts one of the swankiest tasting rooms in the city.
HI-DIVE LOUNGE
1411 W 39th St., Kansas City, MO
Located in the 39th Street West neighborhood, this dive bar is the home of the Mystery Beer Machine. You never know what you’re gonna get.
More Places to Get a Drink:
•Canary
•Julep
•P.S. Speakeasy
•Brewery Emperial
•J. Rieger & Co.