The best bars in Kansas City right now

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What is it? Located in downtown Kansas City, In Good Company is a refined, members-inspired cocktail lounge that also welcomes walk-ins. Its polished decor gives lush seating, warm wood accents, subtle lighting, and the intention behind every pour distinguishes it from the typical night-out bar.

Why we love it: The drink menu is sophisticated without being intimidating: house-infused spirits, layered classics and non-alcoholic concoctions receive the same level of care. The space morphs with the day. The natural light during earlier hours gives way to candle-lit ambiance as the night deepens. Membership regulars lend it a private club feel, but access is open to anyone, striking a rare balance of exclusivity and accessibility. Service is thoughtful; it’s not just a drink you’re getting, it’s the experience.

Time Out tip: Visit mid-week when the vibe is relaxed but live music is still in the mix. Perfect for unwinding without the late-night frenzy.

Address: 1518 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Opening hours: Wed–Thu ~4pm–11pm; Fri, Sat ~4pm–12:30am

Expect to pay: Cocktails $14–18, mocktails $10–12

What is it? Goat & Rabbit consistently emerges as one of Kansas City’s most intentional cocktail destinations. The name nods to a local historic rivalry, but the bar itself leans into unity, craft, and elevated atmosphere. By day, the space is bright; by night, it becomes low-lit and seductive.

Why we love it: Their signature espresso martini is already city-famous, but their real superpower is the rotating seasonal menus: inventive flavor combinations, profound technique, and a commitment to non-alcoholic builds that hold their own. The crowd is composed, the vibe refined, and the snacks support rather than overshadow the drink. It’s mature, but never stuffy.

Time Out tip: Ask about the current seasonal menu. Some of the most adventurous cocktails in KC appear here, then vanish when the next cycle hits.

Address: 1804 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 4pm–10pm; Thu, Fri 4pm–midnight; Sat 9am–midnight; Sun 9am–10pm

Expect to pay: Cocktails $12–16; small plates $8–14

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What is it? Tucked in Kansas City’s westside neighborhood, XO HiFi blends a cocktail lounge with an audiophile’s sense of sound and space. The design is sleek, the lighting intimate, and the music isn’t background, it’s part of the architecture.

Why we love it: Whiskey flights, warm sake pours, zero-proof cocktails, and a list built with intention. This is a place for those who believe every detail matters. The seating, service, and sound system combine to create a night you’ll remember, not just another hour at the bar. The crowd is upscale yet approachable, and the entire experience strikes a balance between being elevated and not over-the-top.

Time Out tip: Arrive earlier in the week (Tuesday–Thursday) for optimal seating and quieter conversation before the weekend rush kicks in. Order the whiskey flight, then settle into a house cocktail or non-alcoholic option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Address: 709 W 17th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5pm–11pm; Fri, Sat 5pm–midnight

Expect to pay: Cocktails $13–17; whiskey flight ~$30+; zero-proof $9–12

What is it? The Monarch Bar exudes luxury. The design alone, white marble, gold accents, velvet booths, and a chandelier of laser-cut butterflies, is worth the trip. Behind the beauty is a menu rooted in precision. Cocktails are built with art-house finesse, highlighting house-made syrups, clarified juices, and rare spirits. Everything here, from the menu design to the glassware, was chosen to mirror the namesake butterfly: refined transformation. Even the music and lighting evolve through the night.

Why we love it: Bartenders deliver creative riffs on classics, while the service keeps things warm and unpretentious. It elevates any night out without turning stiff. Grab one of the front-lounge seats for people-watching or retreat to the quieter back lounge for conversation over a Vesper or their floral gin martini.

Time Out tip: Arrive during weekday happy hour (4 – 7 pm) when signature drinks are discounted and the bar glows with soft natural light before the evening rush.

Address: 4808 Roanoke Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64112

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 4pm–1 am

Expect to pay: Cocktails $14–20; small plates $10–18

What is it? Occupying two levels of a reimagined bank building, Blanc Champagne Bar is Kansas City’s only venue dedicated entirely to Champagne and sparkling wine. Downstairs, the dining room pairs caviar, steak frites, and oysters with curated flights; upstairs, the Sun Club rooftop opens to panoramic skyline views, complete with fire pits, DJ sets, and a summer resort vibe. The décor features white marble, mirrored walls, and soft gold lighting, lending every visit a celebratory energy.

Why we love it: It nails “approachable luxury.” Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or indulging in a weekday splurge, the staff walks you through vintages without intimidation. Over 80 labels by the glass means you can explore styles from crisp grower Champagnes to rare rosés without committing to a bottle. The rooftop’s frozen brut cocktails and sunset views seal the deal.

Time Out tip: Book a sunset table upstairs; order a three-pour flight and watch the city sparkle like what’s in your glass.

Address: 3835 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111

Opening hours: Wed–Thu 4–10 pm; Fri, Sat 4–11pm; Sat, Sun 10am–2pm

Expect to pay: Flights $30–50; bottles $60+; bites $12–25

What is it? Atop the Crossroads Hotel, Percheron Rooftop Bar feels like a hidden resort hovering above the city. Named after the draft horses that once worked the building’s original bottling plant, it channels that legacy into pure leisure with wood-deck terraces, greenery, and sweeping views that run from Union Station to the downtown skyline. It’s seasonal (open roughly from April to October) and effortlessly photogenic.

Why we love it: It captures Kansas City’s outdoor spirit. Bright, crushable cocktails, like the frozen paloma or cucumber gin spritz—pair with small plates, patio games, and DJ nights that feel like summer camp for adults. By day, it’s relaxed; by night, the city hums beneath your table.

Time Out tip: Come early to claim a sofa before sunset and stay for the glow; after 8pm the crowd skews 21+ and the rooftop transforms into a mellow night party.

Address: 2101 Central St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Opening hours: Mon–Sun 4–11 pm; Fri, Sat 4–midnight (seasonal)

Expect to pay: Cocktails $11–16; shareable plates $10–15

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What is it? Located in the heart of the Westport district, Q Kansas City is a bold, multi-level queer nightclub and community hub designed with intention. The space features a main dance floor with a stage and advanced lighting, an upstairs speakeasy, and a large heated outdoor patio, creating zones for dancing, lounging, pure celebration, or intimate connection. It focuses on pride, joy, and belonging, offering themed nights, specialty cocktails, zero-proof options, and community events that span more than just drinks. 

Why we love it: Q Kansas City stands out because it doesn’t force you into a single mode. Want to dance until 2 am? The main floor delivers. Prefer to lounge, speak quietly, sip a highball, and enjoy drag culture or a DJ set? The upstairs and patio offer that sanctuary. From the Instagram-ready giraffe with a chandelier art piece at the entrance to the weekly community-theme nights, the space is vibrant yet intentional.

Time Out tip: Stop by Q on a Thursday or Friday early (around 8–9 pm) for lower cover, catch the specialty cocktails, then stay for the build at midnight when the crowd hits full.

Address: 504 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111

Opening hours: Thu–Sat 7pm–3 am

Expect to pay: Cover ~$10–$15; specialty cocktails $10–16; wells $8. 

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What is it? The Brass Monkey is an apothecary-themed speakeasy and one of KC’s most imaginative new bars. Inside, shelves overflow with herbs, tinctures, and bottles of house-infused spirits. The team, industry veterans from several local favorites, built the concept around experimentation: no static cocktail list, only custom drinks created through conversation. Soft lighting and vintage décor keep the focus on the craft.

Why we love it: Every visit feels like a one-night-only show. Tell the bartender your mood or flavor preference and watch as they mix something completely bespoke. The hospitality is warm, the pacing unhurried, and the results often spectacular. Think lavender smoke, citrus foam, or a new infusion they’ll remember for your next trip.

Time Out tip: Don’t shy away from the “weekend rush”. The vibes are unmatched, no matter what time of the week you go.

Address: 307 Admiral Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106

Opening hours: Evenings; check socials for current schedule

Expect to pay: Cocktails $13–18; snacks $8–14

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What is it?
Perched on the 16th floor of 46 Penn, Prime Social is Kansas City’s sky-high lounge, blending rooftop glamour with Midwestern ease. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the skyline, while fireplaces and a wraparound terrace create all-season appeal. The interior has a coastal modern aesthetic, featuring soft neutrals, rounded furniture, and golden lighting that complements everyone.

Why we love it: It’s upscale without being intimidating. The drinks lean vibrant and visual. Think passionfruit margaritas and smoked old fashioneds. Even the food is worth ordering. The small-plates menu keeps groups sharing and grazing. Staff know how to pace a night: polished service that still feels personal.

Time Out tip: Book your table an hour before sunset; the view alone justifies the reservation.

Address: 46 Penn Plaza (16th Floor), Kansas City, MO 64112

Opening hours: Evenings only; check reservation schedule

Expect to pay: Cocktails $14–20; plates $12–20

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What is it? Down a narrow alley and behind an unmarked door, Swordfish Tom’s remains Kansas City’s most revered true speakeasy. The underground space, bare brick, candlelight, and barely a dozen seats evoke Prohibition-era drinking with modern finesse. No printed menu; bartenders build every cocktail from conversation. The focus is on balance, proper technique, and hospitality that evoke a bygone era.

Why we love it: Every pour feels intentional, whether it’s a spirit-forward Negroni variation or a crafted mocktail using house syrups. It’s KC cocktail culture distilled to its essence.

Time Out tip: Keep your group small (max. 4) and put your phones in your pocket. This is a space curated for real connection.

Address: 210 W 19th Ter, Kansas City, MO 64108

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 4pm–1:30am

Expect to pay: Cocktails $12–16