50 Best Cocktail Bars in Kansas City

“We happened upon this place, honestly. Because we needed to use the restroom but, we wanted to be good patrons and checked out the menu. Opted for the Jerk Chicken Bao Bun & Blackened Shrimp appetizers.
Oh my god!! I swear, they have the absolute BEST jerk chicken I've ever tasted. Perfectly grilled/smoked and flavorful and just the right spice, on a soft steamed bun. The blackened shrimp was also phenomenal with great char and served atop jerk sauce and tropical fruit to complement the heat & sweetness.
The gentleman who served us (our bill said his name was Jims D) what a great conversationalist. We talked about the history of the place and how they are working to get their liquor license (which is taking quite a bit of time with the city, btw). We were having about the food and he mentioned another dish they were cooking up, which included this amazing cheezy/garlicky mashed potatoes. Tasted like it had both regular & sweet potatoes. If we weren't already so full, we would've got some to go!!
If you're looking for a chill atmosphere and tasty Ethiopian/island food - this IS the place to go!“

“Such an awesome place!!! The ambiance was warm and inviting. Perfect for a date night or drinks with friends. The owners were extremely personable. They both greeted me personally. A must try cocktail lounge“

“the staff and meal were amazing“

“Was really good! Some of the best cocktails I've ever had. Came in during Sunday happy hour after 4 and was told all cocktails are $2 off, however got charged full price for one of hours. Bartender was too busy to ask about it after we got the itemized receipt. Overall, delicious. Just wish we would have gotten the full special.“

“The best birthday dinner experience I've had! They made I feel so special. I'll be a forever patron. ❤️“

“The Wise Guy has officially become our downtown KC go-to! 🍕✨ The pizzas are downright addictive, the happy hour is spot-on, and the vibe is always lively. We’re consistently impressed by every single member of the team — from the hosts to the bartenders, servers, and owners — their warmth and hospitality shine every time. Just last night, we brought in a large group, and they went above and beyond to create the most magical evening for all of us. Bonus: it’s located right on the KC Streetcar line, which makes getting there a total breeze! 🚋🙌“

“My boyfriend and I visited for our anniversary. our service was phenomenal, cocktails tasty, and the was in our top favorite meals we have ever eaten! He had the Pork Chop and I had Prime Rib! Very Good!!“

“Great food & great atmosphere! Definitely will be going back!“

“Started our experience at the Crossroads’ Percheron Rooftop Bar and ended it at XR. The atmosphere was the ultimate standout, but the food and service were still good! I ordered the Shroomer Boomer, and the goat cheese herb mix on that is yum! The dining room filled up to near capacity despite it being a weeknight, and we even had a very chill celebrity sighting. A very cool spot to feel metropolitan for a day! Only cons were the pebble ice that came in my cocktail and that parking can be somewhat limited if you’re not a hotel guest.“

“Fantastic Service and Amazing BBQ!! We got Pulled Pork, Brisket, beans and coleslaw. All of it was fantastic, 10 out of 10 recommend 😋“

“Merci was pleasant and knowledgeable. Great job!“

“Beautiful music and perfect ambiance! Will definitely come again.“

“My husband and I popped by on a Saturday afternoon about 2:00 pm and it was quiet here until about 3:30. The bartender was very sweet and let me create my own craft cocktail using their amazing house blended tomorrow syrup. The books here are super cool and we proved several away just hanging out and drinking our cocktails. We’ve driven by so many times and this time it was a destination. Cool vibes, comfy seating for small groups. I noticed some laptop lap decks under a coffee table- nice amenity. This is yet another reason to love living in KC.“

“Uptown Lounge has a great atmosphere! I love the live music that's not over the top. Not only are the musicians great to listen to, they have a personality that just makes things relaxing and enjoyable without feeling forced. Drinks are great and change with the seasons. So much fun listening to Vonne singing with the musicians while making drinks and attending to the patrons. Unique skillset that is rarely seen and treasured to observe.“

“Great food, better staff, good prices and AWESOME food!! Drinks are really unique too!!“

“Awesome little dive spot. Friendly staff, lots of drink options! Food was excellent. It appears to be a college/younger crowd spot, but we didn’t feel out of place. Cool local art on the walls. Our server was very knowledgeable about the local beers and the menu. Very impressed and will return!“

“The owner is so friendly, the drinks are sooooo good. Fun atmosphere, come check it out!! Great girls funday spot!!“

“FABULOUS ALL THE TIME. Food drinks people are ALL AMAZING. If you know you KNOW if you don’t know you just have to EXPERIENCE IT YOURSELF.“

“This is by far one of the best dive bars around! Well worth it and everyone is friendly and fun!“

“Love it! Great atmosphere, very friendly staff!“

“My favorite Pop Up Bar! Maxwell & Thomas are Great“

“what can you say ...those dranks!!“

“Flo’s is an institution of Waldo. Gotta come here and join the family.“

“I like Grinders but the description of the “preferred viewing upgrade” was completely misleading! It was crazy hot so we got it strictly for the A/C Not anywhere near the stage and could barely hear the music when we went to get a beverage at the coffee shop (which is the a/c “lounge “) And the view was of the side of the stage and could barely see any of the performers. I will never pay for that upgrade ever again. Someone definitely needs to update the info on their ticket and venue site.“

“Daiquiri’s & chicken wings!!😍❤️❤️“

“Great tacos on Thursday and very friendly staff!!“

“Grace Jeffries was amazing and very fun! Thank you Grace! Digging the mullet! 😜“

“We hosted our cocktail hour for our wedding at The Kill Devil Club while we had our ceremony and reception at The Gallery and it was SO FUN!!! It was the perfect spot for our guests to go while the ballroom was being transitioned into our reception! I would highly recommend Kill Devil to anyone having their wedding at The Gallery Event Space!!!“

“Sam was a great server this evening- friendly and efficient. Food and cocktails were great!“

“If you know me, you know I love a good dive — and Chez Charlie is it. Hands down my favorite bar in KC and the kind of place that feels like a second home, if your second home had stiff drinks, dim lighting, and a jukebox that slaps.

It’s grungy in the best way, weird in all the right ways, and totally unbothered by the world outside. You can show up solo and feel like you belong, or stumble in with friends and somehow the night just clicks.

The bartenders are cool without the fake smiles, the regulars are characters in the best sense, and there’s not a single inch of this place trying too hard — which is exactly why it works.

Basically, if Chez Charlie isn’t your vibe, I’m not sure we’d get along.“

“Great Place to enjoy drinks“

“This neighborhood bar has become a Waldo staple! The owner and bartenders are super friendly, sling drinks like no other and are so much fun! Stop in and check out this locally owned bar! You won't be disappointed! Patrick's also hosts a .1K the second Sunday of August at the bar, raising money for the Kansas City chapter for Hospice; 15 years and counting! It's a wonderful event raising money through donations, silent actions and tons of cool raffle ticket items! Your donation gets you a tank top or t-shirt and for the event. All the hard work and dedication that goes into it is spectacular! Definitely swing by the next time you're in Waldo!“

“AMAZING Staff, Great DJ Entertainment & A Very Grown & Sexy Classy Environment!“

“We went on a Friday night to celebrate my fiancés birthday. It was beyond my expectations. The entertainment was a complete Kansas City Jazz experience. The food was delicious and the atmosphere inviting. I highly recommend Lonnie’s Reno Club.“

“My friends and I went to the Hey, Hey Club to do some celebrating!! Our waitress was phenomenal! Thank you for a great night!“

“Great atmosphere and tour! Whiskey was great! A very good time! Highly recommend!“

“So much fun and the staff is great!!“

“Kudos to you for your courageous stand during the pandemic. I know that cowardly Corey Owens, whose business is PaintingSolutionsSKC, a painting company with what he and his wife think is a “clever” logo featuring two intertwined Nazi swastikas, left you a bad review for requiring vaccination for your customers during that dangerous time and I just want to commend you and thank you for doing your part to protect fellow Americans. Stubby little Nazi coward Corey can’t even spell “riffraff” but I’m glad you made sure he knew he was a piece of it. You are not alone; crappy Corey is coming after my community too, focusing weirdly and troublingly on victimizing our children. Nazi Corey is both pathetic and dangerous and needs to be kept out of places where decent people go. Good luck and thank you again for your courage and strength.“

“One of, if not the, best bar in KC. Spent almost an entire 8 hours with some friends out in their patio and it was a really amazing experience. I've gone many times now since I live so close, and my boyfriend swears that their burger has overtaken town topic for best burger in kc, while I think it's a close second. The service is amazing, the patio is gorgeous and so is the inside, the drinks are amazing, and so is the food. The 70s theme is perfect for me and my bf as well, since we are lovers of all things 70s. All around a truly incredible bar, I would definitely recommend!“

“Have an absolutely lovely time every time we come here. Seriously impressive drinks and very friendly staff in an absolutely beautiful space.“

“Fish and chips were amazing!“

“Very nice atmosphere, delicious wine, and they have Joe for a bartender! Who could ask for more? We’ll be back!“

“Staff, dinner, wine, and ambiance were all amazing. Great NYE dinner! The scallops were cooked perfectly! Highly recommend to all!“

“My partner and I came last Wednesday close to closing hour. The bartender was sweet and made one of the best dirty martini with gin that we've had in a while. Well-balanced and smooth to drink. The atmosphere was beautiful. We will definitely be coming back again.“

“That Review Is overdue. Precisely a year...Sadly cannot remember the Name of that Kind, knowledgable, Patient and helpful Bartender. She was Just outstanding!! Drinks been Lovely! We just wandered in with No expectation as I actually fancied a Sour Beer...but It can be Always Gin o clock. Right? Little did I know was that the best places for It. Found a new gem on my KC list as well as a nice place for my Friend who lives there. Met the Owner by accident who was very approachable and Michael was delighted that I 'm from Germany and made It into his Bar. We got treated with a private Tour and I defenitely Return when am in town. Much Love“

“We went to Muni for the first time and it wont be the last.

The setting is vibrant and trendy with an extremely friendly and helpful staff.

The entire menu looked amazing but we settled on the Rice Bowl and the Kow Soi Beef. Both were unique and delicious.

The Kow soi beef is in a delicious coconut curry sauce and delicious noodles.

The Rice Bowl is loaded with braised pork, pickled onions and a delicious spicy sauce to drizzle over it all.

My wife had the Cock and Bull cocktail and said it was delicious.

This is definitely an asian fusion restaurant that you will want to try.“

“I love The Ship! It has become our ladies night out location, with dancing and drinks. The service is always on point. Mazzy always has a great smile, wicked sense of humor, and laugh that fills the room. Kelly supports the fun, and keeps our glasses filled. They are a huge part of why we keep coming back. The live music and inclusiveness makes it feel like family.“

“What a perfect place for a weekend brunch! The food and drinks were great, and the service was exceptional, specifically Star and Tony. Five-star service!“

“Took my mom for a little snack. She had the CosNO which she loved. We shared the lamb meatballs, Burrata and the Greek salad. A REAL Greek salad. The chefs at Enzo know what they are doing. 10/10 for us!“

“Great burgers and steak. The Spanish nachos and cheddar bread pudding were also hits. Good cocktails and beer list. Very reasonable price points“