Overview
Decidedly underrated, West 39th Street is a funky collage of culture and cuisine—and one of the most colorful neighborhoods in the city.
Similar to First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District, Third Fridays shines a spotlight on a KC district worth celebrating, where live music fills the air and local merchants and restaurants offer exclusive deals. On any other day of the month, gather a group together for an impromptu bar crawl or trivia adventures at places like The Hi-Dive Lounge and Gilhouly’s.
During the daytime or before an evening in the neighborhood, cool off with frozen drinks and sweet treats at Miami Ice. If a little fresh air is what you’re searching for, head north a few blocks to Roanoke Park. History awaits right around the corner at the Thomas Hart Benton House and Studio State Historic Site, where visitors can see the late artist’s original furnishings and paintings.
Where to Shop
The shopping selections on 39th Street are as eclectic as the neighborhood itself. You’ll find vintage looks at Boomerang while booklovers can get lost at Prospero’s, a used bookseller and area institution that overlooks 39th Street. Or track down new and old-school styles at Donna’s Dress Shop.
Places to Eat
Some of KC’s favorite specialty eateries call West 39th Street home, ranging from authentic NYC bagels at Meshuggah Bagels to farm-to-table that fare wows at Room 39.
Down the block, Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen mixes delicious Creole food with that toe-tapping KC sound. Q39, an award-winning barbecue joint, reigns supreme as one of the hottest spots in town, and continues to rack up ribs (and recognition nationwide). A few blocks away, sushi lovers rejoice over Friends Sushi & Bento Place.
