18 Best Bars in Kansas City (Where to Drink Right Now)

Best Bars in Kansas City

Kansas is the capital city of Missouri. KC is popular for its barbecue, jazz heritage and fountains everywhere! You will need some libations to wash down all that BBQ! Kansas City has a lot to offer on breweries, speakeasies, sports bars and cool dive bars. If you want a taste of the best that KC has to offer, we have you covered. These are 20 of the best bars in Kansas City.

18 Best Kansas Bars

Gram & Dun

View of a salmon with lemon on a plate

πŸ“ Address: 600 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64112 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (816) 389-2900
πŸ• Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Mon-Thurs, 11 am – 11 pm Fri, 9:30 am – 3 pm & 3:30 pm – 11 pm Sat, 9:30 am – 3 pm & 3:30 pm – 9 pm Sun

Gram & Dun has several cocktails, a few beers and plenty of wine. The drink menu is particularly amazingly well with the food offerings. The outdoor patio is about as relaxing as it can get.

The ambience is trendy and classy, and they have delivery and takeout. If you feel like pampering yourself, you should do it at Gram & Dun.

Grunauer

View of two glasses of cocktail on a bar counter

πŸ“ Address: 101 W 22nd St, Kansas City, MO 64108 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (816) 283-3234
πŸ• Hours: 4 pm – 9 pm Mon-Wed, 11:30 am – 9 pm Thurs, 11:30 am – 10 pm Fri, 11 am – 10 pm Sat, 11 am – 8 pm Sun

GrΓΌnauer is a classic Viennese style restaurant with a mix of German and Hungarian influences. Their β€œWunderbar” is indeed wonderful with seasonal cocktails and an eclectic and extensive selection of beer and wine.

If you enjoy German food and drinks, the Grunauer is a must-visit. The wait staff are helpful and accommodating. They make the whole experience so much better! This place is pretty popular, so you may want to reserve ahead just in case! You know, save yourself from disappointment.

Green Lady Lounge

View of a guitarist playing his guitar

πŸ“ Address: 1809 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (816) 215-2954
πŸ• Hours: 5 pm – 3 am Sun-Fri, 2 pm – 3 am Sat

This is an amazing and unique jazz bar, with an incredible, classy ambience.

This place will import you back to the jazz era when life was all about the simpler pleasures – good music, great drinks and nice conversations.

There is live jazz music to enjoy every night, and they have an extensive drink menu that includes craft cocktails, bubbles, bourbon on the rocks and many more.

This is not the place for a quick drink. You have to stay back and soak in the wonderfully charming ambience and vibe. This is the perfect date spot to make your night magical and truly special!

Pierpont’s at Union Station

View of a cocktail with lemon and straw on a bar counter

πŸ“ Address: 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (816) 221-5111
πŸ• Hours: 3 pm – 9 pm Tue-Thurs, 3 pm – 10 pm Fri, 10 am – 10 pm Sat, 10 am – 9 pm Sun, Closed on Mon

Yet another place with plenty of history and character, how about that! Pierpont’s was awarded the best architecturally designed restaurant. Reason enough to visit but that is just where it starts; there are more good things to experience here!

The wine list is well-thought-out and incredibly extensive! The cocktails are refreshing and delicious. The food and wine menus complement each other and take your dining experience to another level!

The ambience is upscale and classy, with amazing vintage decor. The ladder is awesome!

This is the kind of spot that you reserve for special occasions. If you have out-of-town guests coming over, and want to show them the best of Kansas City, take them to Pierpont’s.

Summit Grill

View of the Summit Grill sign in Kansas
(photo: Jon Kraft / Shutterstock)

πŸ“ Address: 520 W 75th St, Kansas City, MO 64114 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (816) 361-9788
πŸ• Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Mon-Thurs, 11 am – 10 pm Fri, 10 am – 10 pm Sat, 10 am – 9 pm Sun

The Summit really shines when it comes to the food, but the drink menu is solid with delicious cocktails and lots of wine. But back to the food! They are delicious, and no option will disappoint. If you are unsure what to order, go for the fried chicken or pot roast nachos. They are delish!

The ambience is classy and casual, and they offer delivery and takeout. It can get pretty loud in here, so if you are looking for a quiet place for some meaningful conversations, move over to some other spot on this list!

The Brick

πŸ“ Address: 1727 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64108 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (816) 421-1634
πŸ• Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Mon & Fri, 11 am – 7 pm Tue-Wed, 11 am – 4 pm Thurs, 10 am – 9 pm Sat, Closed on Sun

This is a great Dive bar in Crossroads. A good place to kick back and relax, with good food and drinks. For all your bookaholics, there’s a storytelling session once a month. The speakers are incredible and if this is the sort of thing you are in to, then don’t miss it you nerd!

Local arts adorn the walls, and the lighting is dim that is in tune with artsy vibes of crossroads. They have live music concerts on weekends. The service is friendly and cordial.

Hey, if you get a chance, do pen down something on a brick in the wall! Leave a message for the ages, maybe?

The Rockhill Grille

View of a steak on a plate and a bottle of wine being pour on a wine glass

πŸ“ Address: 2000 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (816) 389-5800
πŸ• Hours: 4 pm – 9 pm Tue-Thurs, 11 am – 10 pm Fri & Sat, 10 am – 2 pm Sun, Closed on Mon

This place is located in the Crossroads Art District. The libations include 9 signature cocktails, almost 50 varieties of wines, and some draft and bottled beer.

The ambience is trendy and classy, but laid back and approachable as well. The upstairs lounge offers a delightful view of Downtown city. The waitstaff is attentive and personable.

So either sit at the center bar or venture upstairs for a wonderful time with amazing views of KC’s skyline!

Up-Down

πŸ“ Address: 101 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (816) 982-9455
πŸ• Hours: 3 pm – 1:30 am Mon-Fri, 11 am – 1:30 am Sat & Sun

If you are a gamer who is into beers, this is YOUR hangout! With more than 50 craft beers and 50 classic arcade games, you can have great fun gaming and drinking. You can play all these games at just 25 cents! Apart from 50 beers on tap, there are more in cans/bottles to choose from.

The ambience is hipster, trendy and casual. The staff is super friendly and courteous. The patio outside and the rooftop are incredible too. There are plenty of pinball machines and skeeball as well as Killer Queen. There are also yard games to be enjoyed like Connect Four and Giant Jenga.

If you get hungry from all the hard work playing Mario and whatnot, you can try the Mac N Cheese or the BBQ Chicken pizza. Both are solid options!

Be hit by nostalgia and feel like a little kid all over again in this cool and fun spot.

Harry’s Country Club

The Harry's Country Club sign on the entrance
(photo: Jon Kraft / Shutterstock)

πŸ“ Address: 112 E Missouri Ave, Kansas City, MO 64106 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (816) 421-3505
πŸ• Hours: 11 am – 11 pm Sun-Thurs, 11 am – 1:30 am Fri & Sat

At Harry’s, they have a good selection of cocktails, wine and beer. But the spirit’s are where it’s at!  They have the best selection of spirits in town, with everything from Tequila to Scotch!

This place is one of the jewels of the River market. The ambience is classy and casual. The food menu matches the bar menu. The City Fried chicken sandwich and buffalo chicken sandwich here are the BOMB!

The service is just as good as the food and beverage offerings. They have a great happy hour deal, and on Sundays, you get 40% off their whiskey cabinet. It cannot get better than this!

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Tom’s Town Distilling Co

πŸ“ Address: 1701 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (816) 541-2400
πŸ• Hours: 4 pm – 10 pm Mon-Tue, 4 pm – 11 pm Wed-Thurs, 4 pm – 12 am Fri, 2 pm – 12 am Sat, 12 pm – 5 pm Sun

Tom’s Town Distilling Co. is named after the country’s most corrupt political boss, Tom Pendergast. Under his rule, Kansas ignored the prohibition, and came out as the β€œParis of the Plains”. In his words as to why they did not heed the prohibition, β€œThe people are thirsty”. You can find these words at the side of the building. The decor and atmosphere are on-point and fit with the Pendergast/Kansas City history.

The people still are thirsty of course, and Tom’s specializes in concocting premium craft spirits like vodka, gin and bourbon.

The ambience is trendy and classy, and live music for you to enjoy. You can even purchase some of the booze to take it back home and enjoy at leisure. Finish off with the Bourbon caramel chocolate ice cream sandwiches. It is a killer!

Martin City Brewing Company

Group of men with their glass of beer

πŸ“ Address: 500 E 135th St, Kansas City, MO 64145 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (816) 268-2222
πŸ• Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Sun-Thurs, 11 am – 11 pm Fri & Sat

The pub specializes in craft beer and food that goes well with it. Super casual and laid back, this is the spot to relax with family or friends. Yes, they are kiddo friendly so bring the little ones along!

The wait staff is friendly, attentive and prompt. The game nights can be caught on TV. Whether you opt for indoor dining or outdoor seating, you can chill a nice beer with some delicious bar food.

Julep

πŸ“ Address: 4141 Pennsylvania Ave #104, Kansas City, MO 64111 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (816) 216-7000
πŸ• Hours: 4 pm – 12 am Wed-Thurs, 4 pm – 1:30 am Fri, 1 pm – 1:30 am Sat, 12 pm – 12 am Sun, Closed on Mon & Tue

Whiskey is for everybody! This is what Julep believes in and boy, do they deliver! There are over 400 varieties of whiskeys from all over the world. Impressive! They have an inventive and delicious selection of cocktails too. If beer is more your speed, there’s that too!

The ambience is trendy, classy and intimate. Shout out to the ladies, this is a wonderful place for a girls night out! Chill at the patio and catch up with one another with a delicious cocktail.

The Tiki-themed mugs are gorgeous! Who wouldn’t love drinking out of em!

54th Street Grill & Bar

The 54th Street Grill & Bar signage on the entrance
(photo: Jon Kraft / Shutterstock)

πŸ“ Address: 7200 NW 86th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64153 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (816) 587-0864
πŸ• Hours: 11 am – 11 pm Sun-Thurs, 11 am – 12 am Fri & Sat

The food menu at the 54th is extensive and well-crafted. There are over 150 dishes to choose from, so something for everyone. There is a kid menu as well that the little ones will love, so if you are taking kids along, make sure to ask about that.

The beer list isn’t extensive, but there are varieties. The cocktails are delicious and perfect. This is your go-to bar in Zona Rosa, people!

The Peanut

View of The Peanut from the outside
(photo: Jon Kraft / Shutterstock)

πŸ“ Address: 5000 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64112 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (816) 753-9499
πŸ• Hours: 11 am – 1:30 am daily

The Peanut was formerly a Speakeasy before the Prohibition was scraped. The Peanut is soaked in history. It is Kansas City’s oldest bar and grill. Today it is a Divey bar with full bar service and delicious bar food. Red ceilings and sports relics and knick-knacks along the bar area reaffirm cool, divey bar vibes. The beer options are good.

The chicken wings here are the BEST in the city, hands down! If you are looking to get a little taste of KC’s staple and culture, I recommend the Peanut.

The Blueline

The Blue Line on signage outside the bar
(photo: Jon Kraft / Shutterstock)

πŸ“ Address: 529 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO 64106 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (816) 472-7825
πŸ• Hours: 11 am – 3 am daily

KC’s best hockey bar is the best place to watch the game. If hockey is your game, the Blueline delivers.

It is a long bar brimming with hockey collectibles like jerseys, neon signs, team photos including local leagues, hockey sticks and more. There are also tons of TVs, so you will be able to watch your game wherever you are seated.

Grab a spot during game night, bring your mates over, sip a cold beer(with ice!), and enjoy the Blueline in all its glory! And did I tell you, the craft beer selections are great?

Bier Station

πŸ“ Address: 120 E Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64114 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (816) 548-3870
πŸ• Hours: 4 pm – 9 pm Mon-Thurs, 4 pm – 10 pm Fri, 12 pm – 10 pm Sat, 12 pm – 8 pm Sun

The Bier Station is popular for its beer. No mystery there! They serve 28 rotating taps. You can purchase a canned/bottled beer and enjoy it in the comfort of your home. For non-beer drinks, there is wine on offer. The cocktails selections are fun and unique too. The kiddie menu and board games will keep your little munchkins happy.

The menu is chef-drives and incredible. Everything is fresh and sourced locally. The ambience is laid back and casual, and they offer delivery and takeout. The patio is the best because it’s dog-friendly. Chill here with a beer and do some pup and people watching!

Voltaire

πŸ“ Address: 1617 Genessee St, Kansas City, MO 64102 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (816) 472-1200
πŸ• Hours: 5 pm – 12 am Wed & Thurs, 4 pm – 1 am Fri & Sat, Closed on Sun-Tue

The Voltaire is an upscale and classy, yet quaint and inviting joint. If you are in the mood to splurge, head straight to the Voltaire. They have a great selection of wines, cocktails and craft beers.

The food menu is full of diverse ingredients and interesting flavors that are a delight to the senses. You and your group can enjoy steak, Spanish octopus, raw oysters or duck breast along with any libation of your choice.

Overall, this is a wonderful place to hang out with friends or family.

Caddy Shack

Closed up view of a pepperoni pizza

πŸ“ Address: 700 E 3rd St, Kansas City, MO 64106 (Google Maps)
πŸ“ž Phone: (816) 421-4742
πŸ• Hours: 11 am – 2 am daily

This is a great Dive bar with great beer, some wine, friendly service and delicious pizza. If you are on the lookout for a fun neighborhood bar to enjoy a good beer, watch some sports and chill with friends, you have found it!

There is also a nice little patio so you can sit outside, unwind and catch up with your bates. Their thin crust pizza with a side of sauce that is delicious, flavorful and mysterious is the staple here. Unique and full of interesting flavors, it will be one of the best pizzas you’ve had in a while. It hits the spot!

They stay open well past midnight, so if you are looking for some late night fun, Caddy Shack is the perfect place.

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Finding a good bar to have fun can be hard enough in these unprecedented times. If you want to break the monotony of daily life, check some of these ones off the bucket list.