West Bottoms

Eclectic is just the beginning in this historic neighborhood where antique shoppers thrive and hipsters vibe. The West Bottoms touts an excellent selection of vintage and preowned stores, as well as atmospheric bars and restaurants; spend a few hours here and you’ll see that it’s on the cusp of something great.

Things to Do

Thrifty pickers flock to the West Bottoms at the beginning of each month for First Weekends, when antique sellers open their shop doors for the masses. Treat your taste buds to a tour of KC’s wine scene with a tasting at Amigoni Urban Winery; just be sure to take a close look at the architecture in this century-old building.

If you’re in search of something retro, check out The Ship, a classic cocktail bar that hosts live jazz and soul performances as well as rare record parties. During fall, thrill seekers need look no further than Edge of Hell or The Beast, two of the spookiest haunted houses in town (and Halloween traditions since 1975 and 1991, respectively).

Swing by Stockyards Brewing Co. to sample a West Bottoms take on Kansas City’s booming craft beer scene. Once the site of the country’s second-largest stockyards, the West Bottoms now features the American Royal Complex, a facility that’s home to livestock shows, rodeos and other events that serve as a reminder of KC’s Western heritage and flavor. Or, channel your inner-lumberjack at ax-throwing hotspot Blade & Timber. 

Visit Hy-Vee Arena—home of the 1988 Final Four and formerly known as Kemper Arena—for everything from basketball and volleyball to pickleball in a totally renovated, state-of-the-art facility.

Where to Shop

Part of the West Bottoms experience is being there and exploring it yourself. And whether you show up in search of a specific item or with no expectations at all, you’re sure to find artifacts from generations past at antique stores such as Good Ju Ju. Open only the first Friday and Saturday of each month, Good Ju Ju has been recognized multiple times as KC’s best antique and vintage store. 

Also in the area is Hammerpress and Normal Human, two screen-print innovators that share a retail space full of unique accessories, gifts, cards, T-shirts and more. 

Need a pick-me-up? Roll by Blip, a coffee shop and haven for motorcycle enthusiasts. 

Places to Eat

Celebrate your latest antique purchase by treating yourself at Voltaire, an excellent bistro serving up inventive craft cocktails and globally-inspired small plates. The owners also revived the Golden Ox Restaurant, a classic Kansas City steakhouse. Grab a pre- or post-dinner cocktail at stylish cocktail lounge The Campground.

After a couple drinks, head next door to grab dinner at Lucky Boys, a lounge-like eatery and hangout spot with a bar food menu as eclectic as the furnishings. The next morning, try EJ's Urban Eatery for soulful meat + three menu and daily specials that constantly amaze.

Souvenir Stop

Ever want to send a card to someone without any real reason? Easy, Tiger has what you need. The print shop designs and distributes cards, mugs and more right here in KC. Our favorite design (Alright Card) features a medieval depiction of Matthew McConaughy. $2.50