Kansas City Nightlife Guide: Complete Guide
Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. Discover the best nightlife experiences in Kansas City.
Welcome to the ultimate nightlife guide for Kansas City! Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best nightlife experiences that Kansas City has to offer, from popular hotspots to hidden local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find insider tips, detailed recommendations, and everything you need to make the most of your nightlife adventure in Kansas City. Our carefully curated selection ensures you won't miss any of the must-see spots while also discovering unique experiences that most tourists overlook.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas City offers over 80 exceptional nightlife experiences
- Best time to visit varies by activity - check individual listings for optimal timing
- Many experiences require advance booking, especially during peak season
- Local guides and experts provide invaluable insights and access
- Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, with options for every preference
Top Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and unique drinking establishments with great atmospheres.
Fern Bar
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.9 stars from 291 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2041 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Goat & Rabbit
Highly rated Cafe in Kansas City with 4.7 stars from 221 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 1804 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Cafe cuisine
Green Lady Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.7 stars from 4327 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1809 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Prime Social
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.6 stars from 649 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 4622 Pennsylvania Ave #1600, Kansas City, MO 64112, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Blue Palm
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.9 stars from 211 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 204 Orchard St, Kansas City, KS 66101, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Le Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.9 stars from 80 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 130 W 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Something Good
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.9 stars from 26 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 800 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64105, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Mercury Room Bar
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.6 stars from 268 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1800 Walnut St Suite 1400, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Varsity Club
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.9 stars from 78 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 319 Delaware St, Kansas City, MO 64105, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Brick House KC
Highly rated American in Kansas City with 4.3 stars from 1865 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 400 E 31st St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
The Ship
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.5 stars from 2150 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1221 Union Ave, Kansas City, MO 64101, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Swordfish Tom's
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.7 stars from 760 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 210 W 19 Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Popular nightclubs, dance clubs, and venues featuring top DJs and live performances.
Aura
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.6 stars from 973 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3832 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Green Lady Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.7 stars from 4327 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1809 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
BLVD Nights
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 3.4 stars from 165 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2805 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Mosaic
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 3.7 stars from 367 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1331 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Missie B's
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.5 stars from 1542 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 805 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Lotus
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.5 stars from 546 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 421 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
June's Night Club
Highly rated International in Kansas City with 4.6 stars from 65 reviews.
📍 3611 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Throwback KC
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 3.7 stars from 441 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 510 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Mercury Room Bar
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.6 stars from 268 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1800 Walnut St Suite 1400, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Howl at the Moon Kansas City
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.4 stars from 598 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1334 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Live Music Venues
Concert halls, jazz clubs, and venues showcasing local and international musical talent.
Knuckleheads
Highly rated International in Kansas City with 4.8 stars from 3709 reviews.
📍 2715 Rochester Ave, Kansas City, MO 64120, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
recordBar
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.6 stars from 1438 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1520 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Kansas City Power & Light District
Highly rated Restaurant in Kansas City with 4.4 stars from 12060 reviews.
📍 50 E 13th St, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Midland Theatre
Highly rated International in Kansas City with 4.6 stars from 3058 reviews.
📍 1228 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64105, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
KC Live!
Highly rated International in Kansas City with 4.6 stars from 2521 reviews.
📍 13 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Green Lady Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.7 stars from 4327 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1809 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Truman
Highly rated International in Kansas City with 4.5 stars from 1935 reviews.
📍 601 E Truman Rd, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Blue Room
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.7 stars from 811 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1600 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Late-Night Dining
Restaurants and eateries open late for post-party meals and midnight cravings.
Yard House
Highly rated American in Kansas City with 4.4 stars from 4160 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1300 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64105, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Brick House KC
Highly rated American in Kansas City with 4.3 stars from 1865 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 400 E 31st St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Toast to Toast Kansas City Downtown
Highly rated Restaurant in Kansas City with 4.9 stars from 315 reviews.
📍 770 Admiral Blvd 1st Floor, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
1587 Prime
Highly rated American in Kansas City with 4.3 stars from 587 reviews.
📍 1500 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
The Savoy
Highly rated Restaurant in Kansas City with 4.5 stars from 442 reviews.
📍 219 W 9th St, Kansas City, MO 64105, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Parlor
Highly rated Restaurant in Kansas City with 4.5 stars from 2471 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1707 Locust St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Muni
Highly rated Bar in Kansas City with 4.6 stars from 271 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 316 Delaware St, Kansas City, MO 64105, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen
Highly rated American in Kansas City with 4.6 stars from 1189 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1526 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Entertainment & Shows
Comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues offering nighttime performances.
The Bird Comedy Theater
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Kansas City venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
The Comedy Club of Kansas City
Laugh the night away at this popular Kansas City comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant
Laugh the night away at this popular Kansas City comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Uptown Theater KC
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Kansas City venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
The KC Improv Company at The Kick Comedy Theater
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Kansas City venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
The Midland Theatre
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Kansas City venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Nightlife Districts
Popular neighborhoods and areas known for vibrant nightlife and bar-hopping.
Howl at the Moon Kansas City
Explore Kansas City's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
PBR Big Sky: A Coors Banquet Bar
Explore Kansas City's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Westport Entertainment District
Explore Kansas City's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Green Lady Lounge
Explore Kansas City's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Shark Bar
Explore Kansas City's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Hey! Hey! Club
Explore Kansas City's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Essential Tips
- 🌃Check dress codes before heading out
- 🌃Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular venues
- 🌃Use ride-sharing apps for safe transportation
- 🌃Keep valuables secure and stay aware of surroundings
- 🌃Pace yourself and stay hydrated
- 🌃Research cover charges and drink prices
- 🌃Make reservations for popular venues
- 🌃Bring valid ID - many places are strict about checking
- 🌃Start early - some venues close earlier than expected
- 🌃Ask locals for current hotspots and hidden gems
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for nightlife experiences in Kansas City varies by activity and season. Generally, spring and fall offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with the most options but also the highest prices and largest crowds. Winter can offer unique experiences and better deals, though some activities may be limited.
Average Price
Prices for nightlife experiences in Kansas City range widely depending on the activity and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium and exclusive options can range from $200-500+. Many activities offer group discounts and package deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kansas City offers many excellent nightlife experiences, each with its own unique character. The best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule, but our guide highlights the top-rated options that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Timing varies by activity, but generally spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer is peak season with the most options but larger crowds. Check individual listings for specific timing recommendations and seasonal considerations.
For popular experiences, especially during peak season, advance booking is highly recommended. Some activities have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Booking ahead also often provides better rates and ensures availability.
Requirements vary by activity, but generally bring comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, sun protection, water, and any specific gear mentioned in activity descriptions. Check individual listings for detailed requirements.
Many nightlife experiences in Kansas City cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Check individual listings for difficulty levels and requirements. Many operators offer instruction and guidance for newcomers.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of experience and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium options can range from $200-500+. Group discounts and packages are often available.
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