The Best Bars in Kansas City
By: Blake McCoy
John’s Big Deck
John’s Big Deck is in downtown KC and is distinguished by, you guessed it, its big ass deck. John’s is a three-story bar that has it all. On the first floor, there is a bar along with plenty of seating, and they sometimes have live music. While you may want to start your night on the first floor, the next two floors are even better. If you’re in the mood to get ripped and shake ya tailfeather, head to the second floor. The second floor has a club-like vibe with a DJ, a dancefloor, and obviously, a bar. While this may be fun to many, it’s not everybody’s cup of tea so you should go check out the iconic deck up top. When the weather is nice, it’s probably the best place to kick it for a night out. Up top, they have TVs everywhere, plenty of seating, two bars and to top it all off, you can even order food and it’s pretty darn good. I don’t know who John is, but he made a wicked deck that you should check out if you’re looking for a good night.
Power and Light District
If you’re from Kansas City or have been to Kansas City, you probably know about the Power & Light District. P&L is a huge venue right across the street from the T-Mobile Center that has a big stage surrounded by a bunch of bars. They often hold concerts or watch parties for big games and you can go into your bar of choice to get a drink or hang out when the concert is done. Downstairs they have sports bars like McFaddens, Johnny’s Tavern, and No Other Pub. They also have some bars to sit back and lounge in like The Dubliner, Guy Fieri’s Dive & Taco Joint, and Leinie Lodge and Beer Garden. While those bars are a lot of fun, the party is just getting started. Go up top and you’ll find some clubs where the music bumps. PBR Big Sky is right up the top of the stairs. They offer bottle service at request and even have a mechanical bull if that’s your thing. Shark Bar is another bar up top with a retro surf and dance vibe that’s perfect to let loose. Perhaps the most extravagant club up top is Mosaic. They just recently reopened and have renovated the place to offer you one of the most premier nightclubs in all of Kansas City. Whether you want to listen to live music, go clubbing, or just kick back and watch the game, Kansas City Power & Light District will not disappoint.
Society
Located in Downtown KC, Society is an art-inspired bar that reflects the artistic minds and culture of Kansas City. One thing that really sets this bar apart from others is the passion of local artists. They install custom art pieces which can be seen the second you enter the bar, and their bartop was even hand-poured. This bar invests in the local art community and is loved by all. Their website notes that they “are not an art gallery with a bar inside of it or a bar with an art gallery in it”. Instead, this place takes art as it is, an experience. This place is glamorous and incredible. It’s got all of your favorite drinks and features art you didn’t know that you needed to see. Its upscale environment serves as an escape that will make you feel like you’re in a premier club in L.A. or Miami.
UpDown
Located in downtown Kansas City, UpDown is the perfect place if you like drinking, gaming, and pizza. This bar is filled with 80’s arcade games like Pacman, pinball, skeeball, console gaming, and outdoor games like giant Jenga and connects four. Along with this they also have two bars serving mixed drinks, and craft beer with over 50 on tap. This place is sick and you’ll love it if you’re into the games you used to play when you were younger or if you’re a younger person just looking for a new bar. If you’re not that into retro games, that’s fine too because they have an upper deck with a seating area, a bar, and TVs so you can kick it your friends.
Taps on Main
Taps on Main is in downtown Kansas City in the Crossroads district on Main Street. It’s a great place to stop in the middle of the day for a meal and maybe a drink or two or to watch the big game. It’s also a nice little place to try some new drinks because of their famous beer on tap that you pour yourself. It’s basically like a gas station fountain drink, but instead of soda, it’s beer. They start your tab, give you a card that you bring to the taps and you pay by the ounce. This is so you can try as many as you want without having to buy a whole glass. Taps on Main is the perfect spot to bring your family or catch up with friends for a casual drink or a night out.
Yard Bar
Located in Westport, Johnny Kaw’s Yard Bar is one of the biggest sports bars in all of Kansas City. Yard Bar makes it feel like it’s game day no matter what day it is. Everyone loves a good tailgate and Yardbar gives you that experience. With week one of football kicking off this week, this place will be perfect to cheer on your team. They got all the game day festivities like bags, giant Jenga, water pong, and darts. They also have a live DJ that’ll be sure to really get the party going. Thursdays are a big day for Yard Bar because for “College Night” they have $1 beers, what more could you ask for? If you love to drink, and you love sports, there’s no doubt that you’ll love this place too.
These are some of the absolute best bars that you’ll find in Kansas City. Whether you’re a casual drinker, a craft beer enthusiast, or a party animal, Kansas City has the perfect spot just for you. Discover more local shops and businesses and be a local wherever you go by visiting Peep Connect
