Welcome to the vibrant nightlife of Kansas City, where you’ll find an impressive array of top-notch bars catering to every preference. Whether you’re seeking craft cocktails, local brews, live music, or a game-day spot for cheering on your favorite team, Kansas City has it all!
This blog post will guide you through the 10 best bars in Kansas that consistently make it to the top lists and are recognized for their unique atmosphere and incredible drinks.
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Top 10 Best Bars In Kansas
Julep
As a lover of Kansas City’s nightlife, I simply cannot go without mentioning Julep – one of the best bars in Kansas.
When you walk into Julep, you’ll immediately notice its unique atmosphere. The dim lighting and cozy seating arrangements make for the perfect spot to unwind after a long day or enjoy an evening with friends.
With live entertainment regularly gracing their stage and an extensive beer selection appealing to all tastes, there is something for everyone at this remarkable venue.
Green Lady Lounge
As a jazz enthusiast and Kansas City native, Green Lady Lounge is without a doubt one of my favorite spots for enjoying the best that our local music scene has to offer.
Nestled in the heart of downtown, this top-notch jazz club showcases talented local musicians who embody our city’s rich tradition and history in jazz music.
One aspect I love about Green Lady Lounge is its dedication to keeping things classic while avoiding modern distractions like televisions. Instead of screens vying for your attention, vocalists grace their stage singing original compositions that pay homage to Kansas City’s cultural roots.
This television-free haven creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a long day or celebrating special occasions with friends or loved ones over some finely crafted cocktails.
The Monarch Bar
One of my favorite spots in Kansas City is The Monarch Bar, an award-winning cocktail bar that consistently makes it onto the list of top 10 best bars. Situated at 4808 Roanoke Pkwy, this trendy establishment has gained widespread recognition with their impressive menu offerings and excellent service.
At The Monarch Bar, they truly understand the craft behind the perfect cocktail. After winning the Nightclub & Bar Award for Cocktail Bar of the Year in 2019, it’s no surprise that their quality drinks never disappoint.
And if you’re into secret back room bars like myself, then you’ll be thrilled to discover Parlour – a hidden gem located within The Monarch itself! This secluded space adds an extra layer of intrigue and allure to an already fantastic establishment.
John’s Big Deck
As someone struggling with alcoholism, finding the right bar where you can enjoy a few drinks without feeling overwhelmed by the temptation to overindulge can be challenging.
However, John’s Big Deck in downtown Kansas City might just be the perfect spot for you.
But what really sets John’s Big Deck apart from other bars is its signature cocktails. You won’t find your run-of-the-mill offerings here; instead, try their Savage Garden or paloma for something truly special.
And if you’re feeling peckish, their menu features sports bar classics like burgers and wings to keep your hunger at bay.
Swordfish Tom’s
As someone who appreciates the craft of bartending and a good cocktail, I can confidently say that Swordfish Tom’s is a bar in Kansas City that should not be missed.
What sets Swordfish Tom’s apart from other bars is their dedication to using unique ingredients and techniques to create frozen cocktails that are out of this world.
With its location in the trendy Crossroads District, this cozy spot has become synonymous with excellent mixology skills and innovative creations.
Harry’s Country Club
As someone struggling with alcoholism, finding a bar that offers quality food and drink alongside live music can be challenging. Thankfully, Harry’s Country Club in Kansas City provides both of these experiences in a neighborhood favorite spot.
With over 30 years of experience in the restaurant and bar business, owner Harry Murphy has made his club a historic landmark for its contribution to the nightlife scene in Kansas City.
Esquire magazine even listed it as one of America’s best bars, making Harry’s Country Club a must-visit destination on any night out.
Charlie Hooper’s Bar And Grille
When it comes to the best bars in Kansas, Charlie Hooper’s Bar and Grille is definitely a top contender. As someone struggling with alcoholism, this may not be your go-to spot for sobriety support; however, if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and extensive beer selection, look no further.
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With over 30 taps and more than 100 options in bottles and cans, they truly have something for everyone.
Unfortunately though, Charlie Hooper’s faced a temporary closure due to a fire that ravaged the building back in 2019.
The Peanut
As someone who struggles with alcoholism, finding a bar that serves delicious drinks and has an atmosphere that doesn’t trigger my addiction can be challenging. Lucky for me, The Peanut in Kansas City is the perfect spot to have a good time without compromising my sobriety.
Established as a speakeasy in the early 30s, The Peanut quickly transformed into one of Kansas City’s oldest legitimate bars after Prohibition was lifted.
The Peanut is widely known as one of the best bars in Kansas due to its combination of classic charm and contemporary style. This historic bar and grill offers visitors popular dishes like burgers and wings while also featuring creative cocktails and craft beers on tap.
Patrons can enjoy their favorite drink outside on the patio or inside where they can soak up the cozy ambiance created by nostalgic decor such as old photographs and antique light fixtures.
The Rieger
As someone who enjoys a good craft cocktail, I highly recommend The Rieger as one of the best bars in Kansas. Located in Kansas City, The Rieger has quickly established itself as a hip and trendy hangout spot that locals can’t get enough of.
What sets this bar apart is not only its impressive selection of drinks but also its rich history. The Rieger first opened in 1915 but was forced to close during Prohibition.
One thing you cannot miss at The Rieger is Manifesto, the basement speakeasy that is considered one of the city’s best speakeasies and bars. With dim lighting, intimate seating arrangements, and expertly crafted drinks, Manifesto will transport you back to the days when drinking was an underground activity during Prohibition.
Manifesto
As an expert in the bar scene, I can confidently say that Manifesto is a must-visit spot for any alcohol enthusiast.
Manifesto may be small with limited seating, but it makes up for it with innovative concoctions that are sure to satisfy any cocktail lover’s cravings. The bar has even recently added 21 new winter cocktails to its already impressive menu! As someone who appreciates unique and well-crafted drinks, I can say without hesitation that Manifesto should be at the top of any list when hunting down the best cocktails in Kansas City.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kansas City boasts an exciting and diverse bar scene with plenty of options for nightlife enthusiasts. Whether you’re in the mood for craft cocktails, local brews, or live music, there’s a spot for everyone to socialize and have fun.
Sources: https://chesbrewco.com
Category: Places
