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“

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

“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.“

“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!!“

“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! 🚋🙌“

“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.“

“Merci was pleasant and knowledgeable. Great job!“

“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.“

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

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

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

“I'm rating takeout, but it was awesome!
After long day of travel we ordered some burgers - including a BBQ one in a gluten free version. Not only was it delicious (the sauce is awesome, the meat is solid, it's just great), but they also absolutely made my evening. When submitting the order online I asked for no crispy onions, since usually that's not GF. They still packed them, but on a side, and attached a note saying those are safe ❤️ Thank you so much for thinking about that, it's awesome that someone thought this might be the reason - and since it was, I added them back to that wonderful sandwich.“

“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.“

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

“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.“

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

“what can you say ...those dranks!!“

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

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

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

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

“Daiquiri’s & chicken wings!!😍❤️❤️“

“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!!!“

“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.“

“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!“

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

“As a local, I love chez Charlie's and love that it's a dusty dive bar, but what the actual freak is all over the blinds in the front.? The blinds look like they were splattered with blood and not cleaned up after the crime...seriously concerning..?“

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

“Great Place to enjoy drinks“

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

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

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

“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.“

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

“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!“

“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.“

“Fish and chips were amazing!“

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

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

“Absolutely one of the best SOCCER ( futbol) venues in the country as they have hosted the EPL's supporters club of Newcastle United. Great TV's, great food, great drinks, great service and a loyal following. TOON ARMY !!!“

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

“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“

“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!“

“Got the pastrami on rye with extra pastrami. Meat was good, dressing decent - but the bread, was it microwaved? Warm and soggy. You gotta do the bread right.

Update Nov 7 2025 - went back in and asked for rye bread toasted and it was so good. Updating to 5 stars!“