Tiffany Watts

Kansas City drinks like a city that knows who it is. You can chase an espresso martini in a low-lit cocktail den, sip Champagne with an 11th-floor view of the skyline, work through a guided whiskey flight while a playlist rolls in warm and slow, or end up on a rooftop that feels like summer even in October. You’ll find members-only lounges that lean grown and intimate, speakeasies where the bartenders build something just for you, and neighborhood rooms that are serious about craft without acting like they’re doing you a favor.  The point is: KC’s bar scene isn’t just “for a night out” anymore. It’s destination-worthy all on its own. This list of the best bars in Kansas City is built for people who actually go out here: locals looking for their next regular spot, visitors trying not to waste a night, and anyone who believes the drink, the room, and the crowd all matter. Updated October 30, 2025: Kansas City’s bar landscape is having a moment. We’ve seen a wave of intentional, grown-and-sexy cocktail lounges, concept-driven listening bars, and high-design rooftops and Champagne bars built for lingering, not just posting. At the same time, new speakeasy-style rooms are pushing bartenders to experiment in real time instead of sticking to a script. This list reflects what’s thriving right now: places with intention, staying power and a crowd worth being part of—not just what’s busy on a Saturday. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Kansas City🍴 The best restaurants in Kansas

If Kansas City had a crown jewel of cocktail craftsmanship, it would shimmer somewhere between the woodgrain and warm glow of In Good Company. Tucked inside downtown’s historic heart, this elevated cocktail bar brings the art of conversation back to the barstool. Here, mixology feels like a love letter to anyone who dares to enter—intimate, intentional, and impressively balanced. The cocktail list changes with the seasons, but expect flavor-forward drinks built around house-infused spirits and creative garnishes that rival those of any big-city bar. Think mezcal meets fig, espresso kissed with lavender, or a bourbon that’s as smooth as the soundtrack humming through the speakers. Each sip reminds you why KC’s cocktail scene is booming. Beyond the drinks, In Good Company has curated a crowd that embodies its name—grown, stylish, and socially seasoned. Through its membership program, the bar cultivates a sense of exclusivity and belonging for regulars who appreciate good cocktails and even better company. But don’t worry, you don’t need a membership to experience the space. Day passes are always available. Whether you’re popping in for a nightcap or celebrating something special, you’ll still be welcomed into the fold. And while the drinks are the star of the show, the team behind the bar, equal parts mixologists and memory-makers, make the entire experience feel personal. Whether you’re cozied up at the bar or chatting with friends in a candlelit corner, In Good Company lives

At 1804 West 39th Street, Goat & Rabbit embodies Kansas City’s evolution. It’s a cocktail lounge that marries vintage charm with modern artistry. The name itself nods to the city’s storied past, when “Goats” and “Rabbits” represented rival political factions. Today, that history is reclaimed as a celebration of connection and creativity, drawing both sides of the state line into one shared experience. By day, sunlight floods the room, bouncing off emerald-green seats and warm wood accents. The space hums with easy conversation and a touch of neighborhood charm, making it a perfect afternoon stop for a slow sip or a casual catch-up. When the sun dips, the atmosphere shifts. Lights dim, candles flicker, and the room leans into its sultry side. The playlist moves from mellow to magnetic, setting the tone for late-night conversations and second rounds that stretch longer than you planned. And the cocktail menu evolves as artfully as the lighting. The current Nightmare on 39th St. menu leans into seasonal playfulness, transforming mixology into a small-scale theatrical experience. Now We Got Bag Blood (bourbon, spiced honey, pomegranate, peach cordial) delivers layers of warmth and sweetness, while Spinal Tap (mezcal, grapefruit cordial, lime, ancho-chili hibiscus syrup) packs a smoky punch with a playful syringe of flavor for guests to add themselves. Meanwhile, the signature “House Cocktails” list showcases the team’s creativity. Whatever Floats Your Goat, made with clarified go

In a city full of loud bars and fast nights, XO HiFi stands apart by turning the energy down just enough to let the details take center stage. Part cocktail bar, part sonic sanctuary, every element is intentional, from the acoustics to the seating, designed for conversation, connection, and a little mystery. The cocktail list leans sophisticated and sensory, with each drink crafted to match the rhythm of the room. Classics hold their ground beside experimental sips, and the zero-proof options are made with equal artistry for those who prefer flavor without the buzz. Whiskey lovers can opt for curated tastings, where each pour unfolds a new dimension of spice, smoke, and sweetness. For a different kind of warmth, the hot sake service offers a soothing ritual, smooth and fragrant in every sip. Tapas and small plates arrive in thoughtful portions meant for sharing—snacks that enhance conversation rather than interrupt it. As the night progresses, the lighting softens, the playlist deepens, and the entire room seems to sway with its own pulse. XO HiFi’s magic lies in its restraint: it’s cozy but never cramped, sexy but never showy. Even the smallest touches, like heated toilet seats, speak to the venue’s obsession with comfort disguised as luxury. The vibe: Modern, intimate, and sultry. A low-lit blend of sound, spirit, and style. The food: Tapas and small bites made for sharing, paired beautifully with sake or whiskey. The drink: Smooth whiskeys, elegant craft cocktails, and zer