Most Kansas City bars that serve food aren’t great at being bar-restaurants. They’re either restaurants with a token drink menu, or watering holes where the “kitchen” is a microwave for frozen snacks. But there are exceptions that take both their craft cocktails and their scratch-made burgers seriously. These spots have proper kitchens, menus worth lingering over, and the kind of atmosphere where a meal naturally becomes a night out.
Missie B’s
$ | (816) 561-0625 | WEBSITE
Everyone loves Missie B’s. Hours before a drag show, this Kansas City bar fills up with people claiming spots and ordering their first round. The best seats in the house might actually be near the main dance floor, which has a lively atmosphere and great views that are perfect for groups. Even on a quiet night though, this is one of our top choices for enjoying a fun night out.
You can choose your drink, of course, but also whether you want to sing karaoke, watch a performance, or just mingle with the diverse crowd. Did we mention everyone loves Missie B’s?
Grünauer
$$ | (816) 283-3234 | WEBSITE
The Grünauer spot in Kansas City is nestled among the city’s historic districts—areas with more European heritage than your average Midwest town—which helps explain why this German restaurant identifies itself as an authentic Bavarian experience (as well as a place for unique drinks).
But whether you want to enjoy steins of Hof Brau Haus beer surrounded by people celebrating special occasions or you’re just looking for a spot with great atmosphere and friendly service, Grünauer is one of the best German restaurants in the city.
Lifted Spirits Distillery
$ | (816) 866-1734 | WEBSITE
Whether you’re tired of the same old craft beer spots or you want to avoid another friend’s rant about their latest mixology class while you’re trying to relax, remember Lifted Spirits Distillery. This Kansas City spot is about the size of a cozy living room, but it has a warm, inviting atmosphere and unique cocktails, so it’s perfect for unwinding alone.
Order a refreshing blueberry specialty cocktail and some of the creative drinks, like the Winter Vacation with gin, pistachio, honey orgeat, Benedictine, velvet falernum, and lemon.
Cheval
$$ | (816) 326-7179 | WEBSITE
This craft cocktail bar transports you straight to the 1920s, and the small but cozy space offers a lively atmosphere with excellent drinks. Cheval is the perfect place if you want a more civilized drinking experience with personal charm. The ceiling looks like it’s about 12 feet tall, all the seating is situated close but comfortable, and the whole room is bathed in pleasant warm lighting.
Although the focus here is on cocktails, you can get expertly crafted classics like old fashioneds, martinis, and negronis for around $16 each. And it just so happens that a lot of great conversation happens in this country in places with captivating ambiance like this.
The Pressed Penny Tavern
$ | (816) 600-0903 | WEBSITE
On a quiet Sunday, The Pressed Penny Tavern is a charming, low-key spot in Kansas City where you can have a smash burger and actually hear what the person across from you is saying. But if the soccer match is on, the very loosely European-themed tavern fills to the brim with sports enthusiasts who are prepared to enjoy as many beers as it takes to see their team through to a victory. Arrive early if you’re coming for a game, and consider ordering the Brussels sprouts.
They serve amazing food, and there’s a Reuben sandwich that’s made in-house.
PBR Big Sky: A Coors Banquet Bar
$$ | (816) 237-0088 | WEBSITE
PBR Big Sky is a lively spot right in downtown Kansas City, so it’s a perfect option when you’re looking for a fun place to catch some entertainment, or something actually worth your night out, like a concert. But it’d be a good place to have a blast no matter the occasion.
It always tends to be the right amount of energetic, there’s a mechanical bull including bartenders who dance with the crowd, and the playlist of country bangers provides healthy reminders that having a sophisticated time isn’t, in fact, boring. They also have exceptional management and friendly staff like the praised bartender Ania.
International Tap House – Crossroads
$$ | (816) 298-6541 | WEBSITE
If you want to watch sports in Kansas City, the answer is International Tap House – Crossroads. Not that there’s a lot of competition, but even still, it’s a great spot to catch up with a friend over a few rounds of beer and a game. The only time you’ll find it truly full is during Chiefs playoff games, when you might make a friend who’s also yelling at the television while enjoying a Boulevard strawberry wheat.
Ludo’s Shuffleboards
$ | (816) 705-7162 | WEBSITE
This spacious, retro-style Kansas City spot is especially great for big groups and date nights, with a welcoming team who are happy to introduce newcomers to shuffleboard. Besides playing the game, the most important reason to come here is the fantastic drinks—if you love the Spicy Salty Dog, you’ll dig the Old School cocktail, too. But Ludo’s other charms include shuffleboard tables that create a fun atmosphere, plenty of room for larger groups, and a laid-back vibe.
And as a proud local hangout, they do right by the Midwest with some very reasonable prices.
Dodson’s Bar & Commons
$ | (816) 363-5242 | WEBSITE
Dodson’s is in a lively Kansas City neighborhood, it stays open late every night, and it attracts plenty of regulars. But it feels like less of a rowdy sports bar than other places with big screens in the area. That’s partly because there are no beer pong tables, but it’s also because the focus here is on entertainment.
(That’s especially true when the iPanda channel is on.) Most people use the big, comfortable space as a spot to get Cosmos burgers and cocktails while playing shuffleboard rather than a place to just watch games.
Sk8bar
$ | WEBSITE
If you want to catch a show in Westport, head to Sk8bar. For a metal/punk bar, this place actually feels pretty welcoming (like a proper venue), and they have a decent sound system, upcoming shows people want to see, and a laid-back staff. Expect all of your typical rad Westport bar atmosphere like killer vibes and cool energy, and don’t leave without checking their Facebook for bands like Alien Parasite. The experience arrives authentic and absolutely drenched in attitude.
Muni
$$ | WEBSITE
Fusion cuisine is like trying to watch two different streaming services at once—for something that sounds so innovative and exciting, it’s surprising how often the flavors just don’t click. We can’t solve your subscription overload or recommend the perfect binge-watch, but we can help with Thai-Mexican fusion: Head to Muni in Kansas City.
The Carne Asada Kow Soi, tender and deeply spiced, pairs perfectly with their refreshing, fun cocktails, and if you mention you want to share when you arrive, the friendly servers will guide you through the tasting menu for the full experience.
Drum Room
$$ | (816) 221-9490 | WEBSITE
There are cocktail bars, and then there are cocktail bars where you can order a TruManhattan. That’s Drum Room. This classy downtown spot is essentially the opposite of a crowded pub, with historic woodwork and a nostalgic atmosphere. But the best thing about Drum Room is the exceptional beverage service, with a skilled bartender leading the team. Second-best is the menu of delicious dishes, like crispy Matcha Chicken Wings or a wonderfully tender Brick Chicken.
The third-best thing is the perfect spot to grab a nightcap away from the crowds.
The Hideout Bar & Grill
$ | (816) 468-0550 | WEBSITE
The Hideout Bar & Grill is part of the same scene as other casual spots around the city with “bar & grill” in their names. As you might expect, they offer a bunch of cold beers here, which can come in handy if you’re a sports fan. This place has a long bar as well as a bunch of booths for big groups, and no matter where you’re sitting or standing, you’ll have a good view of the various TVs showing sports.
There are also some karaoke nights on hand in case some people in your group don’t feel like staring at TVs for hours straight.
Howl at the Moon Kansas City
$$ | (816) 471-4695 | WEBSITE
In Kansas City, Howl at the Moon hits all five senses. There’s the sights and sounds of live music from the band playing classics, the taste of surprisingly good drinks like their canned Malbec, and finally the hands-on fun of a lively crowd where you can sing along if the song you’re hearing gets familiar. There are plenty of tables and seats to hang about with your friends, and enjoy the most recent thing that’s gone right with the evening.