''See also Kansas City (Kansas)''

'''Kansas City''' [http://www.visitkc.com] is a large, major midwestern city on the border of Missouri and Kansas. It is the largest city in Missouri with a population around 450,000 people and more than 2 million in its metropolitan area (2005 estimate).

Understand

Kansas City is a great city that tends to hide itself from tourists. Having reportedly more boulevards than Paris and more fountains than any other city in the world except for Rome, it can be a beautiful city, too. It is also unique, in that it is split down the middle by the state line of Kansas and Missouri.

The suburbs are largely south of the central city, though the area north of the Missouri River (known locally as the Northland) is beginning to experience growth similar to the south. Numbering of east/west streets begins at the Missouri River with the east/west division occurring at Main Street. Westport is around 40th Street, the Plaza at 47th Street, Brookside at 55th, and Waldo beginning around Gregory (71st Street).

Downtown

Downtown Kansas City is generally defined as the areas including the River Market, the central business district (the "Loop"), the Crossroads Arts District, Crown Center and Union Station.

After years of neglect and decay in the 1980s and 1990s, downtown Kansas City is making a comeback. Many once-abandoned buildings in downtown have been (or are being) rebuilt into high-dollar condominiums and loft apartments. The demand for residences downtown is quite high. In October of 2007, the Sprint Center sports arena was completed, bringing a modern sports and entertainment venue to the downtown core. The Power and Light District, an $850 million development adjacent to the Sprint Center, was constructed and opened in 2008. The P&L District comprises 5 high rise residential and office towers, with many clubs, bars, restaurants, and shops on the lower floors. Bartle Hall Convention Center is also undergoing extensive improvements, with the addition of a 250,000 square foot ballroom that is being built over I-670. If that isn't enough, there is also going to be a new performing arts center south of the convention center area. Overall, about $4.5 billion is currently being invested in downtown Kansas City, MO.

The "Downtown Council" [http://www.downtownkc.org] operates security and cleaning/maintenance crews, who keep downtown's streets clean, and serve as a security presence. Downtown is one of the safest areas of the city, day and night.

Traveling north to south, the '''River Market''' is the first neighborhood one encounters, south of the banks of the Missouri River. A burgeoning urban neighborhood, the River Market houses many shops, restaurants, bars, and a very active farmers' market that convenes every Saturday, even in winter.

The expressways form a loop around the '''central business district''' (CBD). Crossing the north segment of the loop takes you from the River Market to the CBD. This is where Kansas City's famed skyline reaches its greatest heights, further accentuated by its position on top of a sizable hill. The CBD has the principal concentration of white-collar employment in the metro area. The world headquarters for H&R Block is located here, within the Power & Light District.

From here, crossing the south segment of the loop will bring a visitor into the '''Crossroads Arts District''', which is a regional center for art, culture, and nightlife. The vibrant art community in the Crossroads hosts First Friday [http://kansascity.about.com/b/a/173843.htm], on the first Friday of every month.

When a visitor crosses Pershing, they reach '''Union Station''' and Crown Center, which houses shops, restaurants, and offices, including the world headquarters of Hallmark. The nearby Liberty Memorial [http://www.libertymemorialmuseum.org/] is the world's first World War I memorial and has spectacular views from the top. Just south of Crown Center is Union Hill, another revitalized area offering some of the best skyline views in the city.

South of Downtown

A visitor enters '''Midtown''' when they cross 31st Street. A largely residential area, Midtown is the largest single named neighborhood in the city, and actually includes a number of smaller neighborhoods, like Hyde Park, Squire Park, Sheraton Estates, Ivanhoe, Coleman Highlands, Roanoke, Volker, Westport, Southmoreland, Valentine, North Plaza, and many others.

Just south of Midtown is the '''Country Club Plaza''', known locally as "the Plaza", one of the finest outdoor shopping centers in the US, modeled after Seville, Spain. Farther south is the Waldo/Brookside area marked by more bars and a wonderful pre-war neighborhood. Further south, the city gives way to suburban development, which continues for about ten to fifteen miles, before giving way to rural farmland and pastures.

Get in

By plane

'''Kansas City International Airport''' ({{IATA|MCI}}) [http://www.flykci.com/], serves the Kansas City area and is located in the Northland. The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority [http://www.kcata.org] offers hourly service to and from the airport on the #129 bus, called the I-29 Express [http://www.kcata.org/_kcatadata/pdf/129swk.pdf], on weekdays, from 5AM to 7PM. The fare is $1.25 since February 1st, 2006. KCI Shuttle [http://www.kctg.com/kcishuttleindex.html] offers a shuttle service between the airport and downtown hotels.

By train

'''Amtrak''' serves Kansas City via the recently renovated and cavernous Union Station, located at Main and Pershing. Kansas City serves as a major stop on the daily ''Southwest Chief'' [http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Route/Horizontal_Route_Page&c=am2Route&cid=1081442673827], line which provides service between Chicago and Los Angeles. Barring delays, eastbound trains depart at 7:26AM and westbound trains depart at 10:55PM. Kansas City is also the southern terminus of Amtrak's ''Missouri Routes'' [http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Route/Horizontal_Route_Page&c=am2Route&cid=1081256321878&ssid=133], which heads east to St. Louis before turning north to Chicago.

By car

'''Interstate 435''' forms a ring around the city. Notably '''I-70''' goes east to St. Louis and west to Denver. '''I-35''' is a major corridor running northeast and southwest. '''US Highway 71''' runs north and south and forms a midtown expressway, running from the I-435/I-470 interchange, in a northwesterly course toward downtown, where it joins '''I-29'''. North of the River, US 71 follows the same route as I-29. For more information about navigation in the metro area see the Kansas City Metropolitan Area Wikipedia Article [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansas_City_Metropolitan_Area].

By bus

  • '''Greyhound''', [http://www.grehound.com].
  • Kansas City is also serviced by other commercial coach service companies, which arrive and depart from the depot at 10th and Troost.
  • '''Megabus''', ''+1 877'' 462-6342, [http://www.megabus.com]. Low-cost bus service to Kansas City from Chicago and St. Louis, fares start at $1. Buses arrive and depart from the east side of Grand Boulevard between 2nd and 3rd Streets, next to the 3rd & Grand MetroCenter.
  • Get around

    First, purchase a good book style map.<!--Really? Even if I'm only visiting for a week?--> The national map companies produce book style maps that can be purchased at many grocery and book stores. Local real estate agents and delivery drivers use a book map produced by a local company in the crossroads district but it is hard to find. The one inside the '''Feist directory''' is good and can often be obtained locally for free but the directory itself may be too bulky to carry.

    Businesses that deliver (e.g., pizza) usually know the city well and have large maps on their walls.

    For more information about navigation in the metro area see the [:WikiPedia:Kansas City Metropolitan Area].

    Street numbers

    Addresses on east-west streets are numbered from Main Street in Kansas City, Missouri, and on north-south streets from St. John Avenue (or the Missouri River, in the River Market area). The direction 'South' in street and address numbers is generally implied if 'N' is not specified, except for numbered 'avenues' in North Kansas City. In most of Wyandotte County, Kansas the north-south streets are numbered and the address numbers are measured from Riverview Avenue.

    Navigation landmarks

  • The '''KCTV''' pyramid shaped tower can be seen from many parts of the city and is well lit at night. It is next to '''KCPT''' studios at the corner of 31st and Main. It is orange.
  • West and North of that is the '''Liberty Memorial''' cylinder shaped tower, which overlooks Union Station
  • The twin red brick towers of American Century Investments are oriented north and south along Main at 45th street. They are just north of the '''Country Club Plaza'''. The '''Kemper Museum''' is slightly east. The '''Nelson Atkins Museum''' is east and slightly south.
  • '''Kansas City Community Christian Church''' at 4601 Main, has a group of lights that shoot a beam straight up at night. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the church. It is slightly south of and across the street from the American Century Investment Towers. The '''Nelson Atkins''' is to the east and the '''Kemper Museum''' is to the north and slightly east.
  • '''Bartle Hall''' has a section that looks somewhat like a north-south suspension bridge crossing over I-670 at the southwest corner of the downtown loop. It has four towers with metal sculptures on top of each tower.
  • '''One Kansas City Place''' is the tallest building in Kansas City (as well as Missouri). The building walls are entirely black glass and the top has a red/white/blue light ring that can be seen at night. Located on 12th and Main in downtown, the office skyscraper serves many corporations, and will become the new home of Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L), the metro area's power source, in 2009.
  • Places and notes

  • '''Brookside''' refers to the Brookside residential neighborhood as well as the collection of shops between 63d and Meyer off Brookside Blvd.
  • '''Waldo''' refers to the '''Waldo Residential District''' in Kansas City, Missouri near 75th St. and Wornall Rd.
  • The '''Country Club Plaza''' (called "the Plaza" by locals) is an upscale shopping district built by the J.C. Nichols Co. in the 1920s.
  • '''39th St.''' usually refers to the small section of West 39th St. between State Line Road and Southwest Trafficway. Often referred to as the "39th St. Corridor, " it has many restaurants, bars and shops, and is just across the state line from the University of Kansas Medical Center.
  • '''University of Kansas Hospital''' (KUMED) is the corporate name of the hospital on the KU Medical Center campus.
  • '''Benton Curve''', a site of many accidents, is a curve on '''Interstate 70''' where it crosses Benton Ave.
  • '''Three Trails Crossing''' is the new name for the former '''Grandview Triangle''' and is the intersection of three major highways: '''I-435''', '''I-470''', and '''US Highway 71''' (Bruce R. Watkins Drive). Notorious for fatal accidents, as of February 2005, improvements and upgrades on the Triangle have mostly been completed.
  • Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., named for former mayor and current Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, comprises recently renamed portions of 47th St. and Brush Creek Blvd.
  • '''18th and Vine Historic District''' contains the '''Negro Leagues Baseball Museum''' and the '''American Jazz Museum'''.
  • The '''Library District''' is a recently defined district around the new Central Library at 14 West 10th Street
  • '''Strawberry Hill''' is a historical area in Kansas City, Kansas.
  • '''Hospital Hill''' is the area near 23rd and Holmes. It is home to Truman Medical Centers and Children's Mercy.
  • '''Argentine''' is a part of Kansas City, Kansas near 30th and Argentine.
  • The '''Crossroads Arts District''' is a Downtown neighborhood between the Central Business District and '''Union Station''', centered around the intersection of 19th St. and Baltimore. It contains dozens of art galleries and is considered by many to be the center of the arts culture in the metropolitan area. Local artists sponsor exhibits there on the first Friday of each month.
  • '''Quality Hill''' is an upscale residential and commercial neighborhood on top of a hill in '''downtown Kansas City''', across the river from the '''Kansas City Downtown Airport'''|'''Charles B. Wheeler Airport'''.
  • '''Washington-Wheatley''' is an historically African American/black neighborhood southeast of the '''18th and Vine District'''.
  • Bus service

    '''The Metro'''[http://kcata.org] bus is feasible within the urban core, where most of the tourist destinations are located. The MAX (Metro Area eXpress) and #57 buses connect downtown, Crown Center, Westport, the Plaza, Brookside, and Waldo. There are other lines that can drop you fairly close to your door in KCMO as well as limited stops in outlying suburbs such as Kansas City, KS, Independence, Blue Springs, Lee's Summit, the Northland, etc. There is pretty good service to the casinos.

    Standard fare is $1.50/trip with transfers available from the bus driver that expire two hours after issue. Some lengthy and express routes may cost more. You may purchase a One Day Pass on the bus. The Day Pass is good for local service ''only''. It is issued at the farebox and expires at midnight. Upon boarding, request a Day Pass before depositing the $3 exact change into the farebox.

    Most major routes use buses that are equipped with bike racks.

    '''The JO'''

    If you are needing bus service in Johnson County, KS (Overland Park, Mission, Fairway, Leawood, Olathe, Lenexa, Westwood, Merriam, Shawnee) you can access "The JO" [http://www.thejo.com] bus service. It also has lines that run from downtown KCMO to Johnson County and vice versa. The stops are limited and far apart.

    Service on "The JO" is limited mostly to morning rush hour, mid-day, and evening rush hour. Fares are $1.25 for trips that begin and end in Johnson County, $1.75 for trips that go start or end in Downtown KCMO. Transfers are available.

    Most buses are equipped with bike racks.

    See

    18th and Vine Historic District

  • '''American Jazz Museum''', 1616 E 18th St, [http://www.americanjazzmuseum.com/]. T-Sa 9am?6pm, Su noon?6pm. Adult $6.
  • '''Negro Leagues Baseball Museum''', 1616 E 18th St, [http://www.nlbm.com/]. T-Sa 9am?6pm, Su noon?6pm. Adult $6.
  • Combination adult ticket for both museums $8, (save $4).

    Union Station area

  • '''Union Station''', 30 West Pershing Rd, [http://www.unionstation.org/]. Has a visitor center, theatres, restaurants, shops, the Amtrak station and the following attractions.
  • * '''Science City''' [http://www.sciencecity.com/], '''Gottleib Planetarium''' [http://www.unionstation.org/connectionDetail.cfm?listingID=124] and '''KC Rail Experience''' [http://www.unionstation.org/exhibitDetail.cfm?listingID=150]. Ticket to all 3 is $8.95.
  • '''National World War I Museum ''' and '''Liberty Memorial''', 100 W. 26th St, [http://www.libertymemorialmuseum.org/]. Tu?Su 10am?5pm (4:15pm for the tower). Museum opened Dec 2006. The memorial is the world's first for World War I. Take an elevator to the observation deck at the top of the 200ft obelisk for spectacular views. Adult $8 museum, $4 tower elevator, $10 both.
  • Near the Plaza

  • '''Visitor Center''', 4709 Central, Phone: (800) 767-7700. M-Sa 10am?6pm, Su noon-5pm.
  • '''Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art''', 4525 Oak St, [http://www.nelson-atkins.org/]. Also has the Kansas City Sculpture Park. Tu?Th 10am?4pm, F 10am?9pm, Sa 10am?5pm, Su noon?5pm. Free.
  • '''Toy and Miniature Museum''' Just off the UMKC campus 3 minute drive from the plaza
  • '''Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art''', 4420 Warwick Blvd, [http://www.kemperart.org/]. Tu?Th 10am?4pm, F?Sa 10am?9pm, Su 11am?5pm. Free.
  • '''Community Christian Church''', 4601 Main St, [http://www.community-christian.org]. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and visible from the Plaza.
  • Other

  • '''First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District''', (gallery crawl between Downtown and Crown Center), [http://www.crossroadscommunityassociation.org/]. 7PM-9PM on the first Friday of each month. Many art galleries are open late on these Fridays, attracting a growing crowd of art enthusiasts. You can walk between galleries, or hop the free trolley. Summer months are typically the most busy and entertaining. Entry to most galleries is free. Some charge for refreshments.
  • '''Swope Park Zoo'''
  • '''Ward Parkway'''
  • '''Harley-Davidson Final Assembly Plant''', 11401 N Congress Ave (near the airport). Free tours (approx. 1 hour) 8am-1pm M-F. No cameras allowed.
  • Do

  • '''Kansas City Chiefs''' (Football - NFL) NOTE: Tailgating is a key tradition evident at every home game.
  • '''Kansas City Brigade''' (Arena Football)
  • '''Kansas City Royals''' (Baseball - MLB)
  • '''Kansas City Knights''' (Basketball) (Did not play a 2005-06 season)
  • '''Kansas City Wizards''' (Outdoor Soccer)
  • '''Kansas City Comets''' (Indoor Soccer)
  • '''Kansas City T-Bones''' (Independent League Baseball - Located at Legends in KC, Kansas)
  • '''Plaza Art Fair'''
  • '''American Royal BBQ contest''' (Largest in the world)
  • Go To A Blues Bar- Try "BB's Lawnside BBQ", 1205 east 85th street. They have the best mural in town, great blues, and a patio and a cheap cover. Another favorite is "Knuckleheads" a blues saloon located in the East Bottoms area, 2715 Rochester.
  • Other Live Music Venues: Uptown Theatre (midtown, on broadway and valentine) hosts lots of up and coming acts and many timeless performers play here because it is so famous, the Beaumont Club is a soulless westport C&W club that hosts live music but has horrible acoustics and a mechanical bull. The Grand Emporium used to be one of the best blues clubs in the world but after being bought by the owners of the Beumont they tore the posters off the walls, took out the beer specials, put in purple lights, $9 martinis and they are calling it Tao. Don't bother.
  • *CITY MARKET AREA: once called the River Market and before that the River Quay back when mobsters used to end up in trunks with bullet holes. Like Times Square, they chased out the venerable old peep shows and dive bars. Now the neighborhood hosts a farmer's market, live music during the summer from major acts, and the Steamboat Arabia Museum which hosts the largest collection of prewar silver in the world- recovered from a large paddlewheeler that went down in the 1830's. The River/City Market area also has the River Market Brewery as well as an across the htstreet club which changes names every few months whenever there is something infamous that happens outside or inside. It is skybox now, but expect that to change.
  • Antiques: KC has many unique things you will not find on the coasts. The best places to poke around are estate sales and whatnot in the outlying farm areas- they throw nothing away. If you are in town, check out the River Market Antique Mall for 4 stories of vendors selling something between trash and treasure. The West Bottoms wearhouses host antique and estate sale auctions on the weekends, look to the KC star for details.
  • *Notable Clubs: America's Pub in westport (top 4/hip hop), Korruption in the West bottoms(house/techno), Skybox in the River Market, Raoul's Velvet Room (house, Overland Park).
  • *Notable Bar Areas: RiverMarket (Harry's Country Club, minsky's, river market brewery, etc), Westport (kellys, beaumont, many others), Quality Hill on Broadway (Quaff, the Peanut, John's Big Deck), the Plaza (Kona Grill, 810 Zone Sports Bar, Tomfooleries)
  • '''[http://www.isleofcapricasinos.com/Kansas_City/ Isle of Capri Casino Kansas City]''' Casino and dining.
  • Kansas City Hot & Spicy Festival. C HOT SPICY FEST. ttp://www.kchotandspicyfestival.com/. Kansas City Hot & Spicy Festival with many hot and spicy food cook-off's and contests! Live Bands, Beer, hot and spicy food. Fun for all ages! Then 21+ as the night Heats up! Please visit: kansas city hot and spicy festival . com http://www.kchotandspicyfestival.com </do>

    Learn

  • Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
  • Steamboat Arabia Museum
  • Renovated Downtown Library
  • Truman Library - (25 Minute Excursion into Independence MO)
  • Work

  • EMBARQ (Overland Park, KS)
  • Sprint (Overland Park, KS)
  • General Motors (Fairfax, KS)
  • Ford (Claycomo, MO)
  • Hallmark
  • Aquila
  • Yellow Roadway
  • Cerner Corporation
  • Federal Circuit Courts of the 8th district (MO) and of the 10th district (KS)
  • H&R Block
  • DST Systems
  • American Century
  • Garmin GPS
  • Quintiles
  • Kauffman Labs, now a subsidiary
  • SwissRE
  • Buy

  • Country Club Plaza [http://www.countryclubplaza.com/] Outdoor shopping center completed in the 1920s by J.C. Nichols. Upscale shops both nationally known and locally grown including Hall's Plaza Department Store, Burberry, Tumi, Standard Style Boutique, Tivol, Mark Shale. Large flagship style stores exist for Banana Republic, Gap, and Barnes & Noble. Higher quality chain restaurants include Brio, Kona Grill, McCormick & Schmick's .
  • Oak Park Mall (suburban) [http://www.thenewoakparkmall.com/] Largest indoor mall in the region includes Nordstrom, LUSH, Lacoste, XXI, Aldo and many others. Currently undergoing major renovation that will include a multi-level, 35,000 square foot Barnes & Noble Booksellers.
  • Brookside Shops [http://www.brooksidekc.org/] local non-chain shops and non-chain restaurants. Grocery stores, bar, sandwiches.
  • 39th Street West'' [http://www.39thstreetwest.com/] located roughly between State Line Road and Southwest Trafficway includes unique shops like Zebadee's RPM Records, Prospero's Books, Boomerang and many local restaurants.
  • Halls
  • Crown Center
  • Great Mall of the Great Plains (in Olathe, KS)
  • Zona Rosa
  • '''119th Street''' (Suburban Kansas) The area east of the Sprint HQ is home to a number of shopping complexes like Town Center Plaza which includes shops like Vera Bradley, Bose, Janie and Jack, lucy, and Restoration Hardware. The area is also home to two new centers: Leawood Park Place and One Nineteen. Park Place is a highly dense, mixed use suburban town center catering to local retailers such as The Learning Tree and Annabelle's while One Nineteen holds the region's only Crate & Barrel store with West Elm, Dean & Deluca, Z Gallerie, and many others coming soon.
  • Crossroads Arts District [http://www.crossroadscommunityassociation.org/] Highly inspiring mix of shops ranging from apparel to home design. Shops are scattered throughout this gritty district of former warehouses and industrial spaces. Black Bamboo, spool, Habitat, Phenom, Retro Inferno, Hudson Home and Peruvian Connection are just a few of the retail stores located in this area. The district is also one of the largest collections of art galleries and studios in the Midwest. Some of the most popular galleries include the Dolphin, Grand Arts, and Leedy-Voulkos Art Center.
  • The Legends [http://www.legendsshopping.com/].
  • Eat

    Barbecue

    "Who has the best barbecue in Kansas City?" is a question that causes much debate in Kansas City. Although the debate is usually in good humor, be ready for a passionate explanation which may take some time (or a light-hearted argument if asked in front of more than one person). Although the different restaurants each have their own unique flavors, they will usually have a sauce which is thicker and sweeter than offered in most other parts of the US.

    Kansas City is also home to a barbecue dish that is rarely found outside the area, called "Burnt Ends." These are the overcooked ends and edges of a brisket, which although dry and chewy, are amazingly smoky and full of flavor (much more flavorful than any other cut). If you are feeling open-minded about your KC barbecue experience, they are definitely worth a try.

  • '''LC's''' [http://www.lcsbar-b-que.nv.switchboard.com] - 5800 Blue Parkway in Kansas City, MO (head east on Ward Parkway from the Plaza). Though located off most tourist's radars, LC's is a much-loved local BBQ joint. Though not much to look at, don't let the barred door and admittedly intimidating surroundings scare you off; the area LC's is in, called "East Wood Hills", is actually home mostly to families--and (of course) some of KC's best BBQ. Specialties here include sandwiches that feed two and thick cut fries.
  • '''Rosedale''' - One block west of Rainbow (aka 7th St.) on Southwest Blvd.
  • '''Arthur Bryant's''' [http://www.arthurbryantsbbq.com] The original at 1727 Brooklyn is the best. It has pictures on the wall of presidents and other famous people who have visited. The sandwich consists of a large pile of brisket and two pieces of butternut bread. One sandwich could feed three people. If you get an order to go make sure you ask for sauce. There is a security guard in the parking lot at night. Arthur Bryant's also produces sauces that can be bought in most local grocery stores.
  • '''Gates''' [http://www.gatesbbq.com] When you walk in, you will immediately hear: "Hi, may I help you?" So if you're eating in, grab a tray ASAP if you don't want to be yelled at. Most locals have a preference: Gates or Bryant's (meaning Arthur Bryant's). If you're lucky enough to be living with a KC family for a short time, ask them which is better, and you're sure to receive a detailed reply.
  • '''Haywards''' [http://haywardsbbq.com]. You must put Haywards BBQ on your list to one of the places to eat. Not only do they have the best Onion-Rings in the city, the BBQ sauce is one of the most unique flavors in Kansas City BBQ. Great gifts for out of state friends. They are located in the heart of Overland Park, (College Blvd. & Antioch)
  • '''Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue''' [http://www.jackstackbbq.com] Four locations: suburban Overland Park, the original in Martin City, in the beautifully restored Freight House shared with City Tavern and Lidia's, and now on The Country Club Plaza. Well known for its hickory pit beans and cheesy corn bake.
  • '''Oklahoma Joe's''' [http://www.oklahomajoesbbq.com] Located in Kansas City, KS. This gem is situated in a gas station/liquor store. Walk around to the serving line and have some of the best ribs in Kansas City. Also try the "Z-Man" sandwich.
  • Winslow's. Located in the River Market. Be sure to ask the cook what's best. The burnt ends are really good here.

  • '''BB's Lawnside BBQ'''
  • Diners

  • '''Town Topic''' - famous small diner. Low prices. The original is at 2021 Broadway just north of Broadway and Southwest Blvd. It is open 24 hours. Souvenir T-shirts available.
  • '''Chubby's''', 3756 Broadway St - Greasy spoon that attracts the after 3AM bar closing crowd.
  • '''YJ's Snack Bar''', 128 W 18th st. Six tables; live music; laid-back atmosphere. Open 24 hours Thursday through Saturday; attracts an artsy crowd from the surrounding Crossroads district.
  • Italian

  • '''V's Restaurante'''
  • '''Lidia's'''
  • '''Anthony's'''
  • '''Garozzo's'''
  • '''Cupini's'''
  • '''Cascone's'''
  • Splurge (High-End Dining)

  • '''American Restaurant'''
  • '''Bluestem'''
  • '''Capital Grille''' - Located in the Country Club Plaza.
  • '''Jaspers'''
  • '''Savoy Grill''' - Located Downtown across from Quality Hill.
  • '''Skies''' - Located in Crown Center, Skies is a rotating restaurant on the top of a hotel.
  • '''801 Chophouse''' - Opened in 2008, located in the Power & Light District.
  • '''The Golden Ox''' - Located in the West Bottoms near Royal Kemper Arena, The Golden Ox is one of the classic steakhouses in Kansas City.
  • '''The Hereford House''' - Perhaps the most famous steakhouse in Kansas City, The Hereford house has several locations, with the original in the Crossroads Arts District downtown (20th and Main). (NOTE: Due to an arson attack on Oct. 20, 2008, the downtown location is currently closed while being repaired. Other locations include Independence, Leawood, Shawnee and the Northland).
  • '''Amor de Brazil Fiery Steakhouse''' [http://www.amordebrazil.com] - Brazilian Steakhouse - 11920 Metcalf Ave (&119th) (913)312-0543. Amor de Brazil offers a fine dining experience with the highest quality in its selection of 15 cuts of grilled meats with seasonings and marinades that represent a tradition of great flavors. Enjoy their salad extravaganza with as many as 50 different items.
  • '''Little Chef''' - the first export from the well known UK roadside kwality koozine specialists. And certainly the best.
  • Other

  • '''Stroud's''' - Best fried chicken (Stroud's South at 1015 East 85th Street is closed).
  • Drink

    There is a popular brewery in KC by the name of Boulevard that offers some great-tasting beers for someone wanting to try something different than the usual Budweiser. Boulevard offers many different styles of brew, with their most popular brews being a light, refreshing wheat beer, and a more flavorful pale ale. They are available on tap at many different bars and restaurants throughout the town.

    Downtown

  • '''The Drum Room''', Historic Jazz and Blues location
  • '''The Quaff''', 1010 Broadway (next-door to the old Tanner's, which closed down in 2008), - Large, very popular bar with scantily-clad waitresses and tough guy bartenders. Frequented mostly by the post-college crowd.
  • '''12 Baltimore''', 12th St and Baltimore (attached to the upscale Hotel Phillips).
  • '''The Phoenix'''
  • '''John's Deck'''
  • '''The Peanut'''
  • '''Angel's Rock Bar'''
  • '''Flying Saucer Draught Emporium'''
  • '''McFadden's Sports Saloon'''
  • '''Howl at the Moon Dueling Piano Bar'''
  • '''ChinaBar (Coming in May)'''
  • '''Bice Italian Bistro'''
  • '''Kansas City Live!''', - Open-air live music and entertainment venue with open-container allowed and surrounded by the Power & Light District's various bars and eateries
  • '''Crosstown Station''', - Brand new indoor live music venue and bar; just south of the Sprint Center Arena. Voted Best Lights, Sound and Stage!
  • '''Willie's''', - Small neighborhood sports bar with a largely post-college crowd. A franchise out of Columbia, MO; this is a great place to go to see University of Missouri games.
  • '''Tengo Sed Cantina'''
  • '''Azul''', - Brazillian-style food and ultra-hip lounge atmosphere
  • '''Nara''', - Japanese "robata"-grill; specializes in sushi and small appetizers along with happy hour cocktails; has a surprisingly amazing bowl of chili. Very hip and trendy establishment.
  • '''Studio Bar''', - Multi-layer bar created from a rehabbed downtown building
  • '''Zebra Room''', - Newly remodled in the historic Hotel Aladdin; has a swanky but not cheesey zebra-skin theme. Great food and a martini lounge on the mezzanine level.
  • '''Raglan Road''', - Owners want it to be the closest thing to an actual Irish Pub as you can get in America, including food and actual hardware taken from existing bars in Ireland. Only other location is in Walt Disney World.
  • River Market

  • '''River Market Brewing Company'''(closed February, 2009)
  • '''Harry's Country Club'''
  • '''The Cup and Saucer'''
  • '''Kabal'''
  • '''Winslow's Barbecue'''
  • '''Minsky's'''
  • Crossroads

  • '''Bulldog''', 17th and Main - Fantastic cocktails, amazing atmosphere, and fine eats make this place a can't miss.
  • '''The Cashew''', 20th and Grand - An open air cafe type feel to this two-story bar ensures a great time. In the summer months, the windows are raised up (think garage door) and both stories gain a relaxing breeze, and a nice view of the city. Occasionally including live music, The Cashew is also a popular stop during First Fridays.
  • '''Danny's Big Easy''', 16th and Main.
  • '''Jilly's'''
  • '''Grinders''' 18th and Locust, three blocks east of Grand street. Eclectic beer selection, and authentic Philly Cheesteak sandwiches.
  • '''The Brick'''
  • '''Balanca's Pyro Room'''
  • Midtown

  • '''The Newsroom'''
  • '''The Velvet Dog'''
  • '''The Lava Room'''
  • '''The Empire Room'''
  • '''Davey's Uptown Rambler's Club'''
  • '''Harling's'''
  • '''The Hangout'''
  • '''The Levee'''
  • '''The Grothaus+Pearl Gallery''' [http://www.grothauspearl.com/].
  • Westport

  • '''Buzzard Beach'''
  • '''Kelly's'''
  • '''Harpo's'''
  • '''McCoy's Public House'''
  • '''Westport Flea Market'''
  • '''Dave's Stagecoach Inn'''
  • '''Harry's Bar and Tables'''
  • '''Karma'''
  • '''Dark Horse Tavern''' [http://www.thedarkhorsetavern.com/].
  • Country Club Plaza

  • '''Tomfooleries'''
  • '''O'Dowd's'''
  • '''Fred P Ott's'''
  • '''The Granfalloon'''
  • '''JJ's'''
  • '''Reverse'''
  • '''Blonde'''
  • '''PF Changs'''
  • Brookside

  • '''Charlie Hooper's'''
  • '''The Brooksider'''
  • '''Sharp's'''
  • '''Carmen's Cafe'''
  • Waldo

  • '''75th Street Brewery'''
  • '''Lew's'''
  • '''Waldo Pizza'''
  • '''Fin's Waldo Bar'''
  • '''Bobby Baker's Lounge'''
  • '''Tanner's Waldo'''
  • '''The Gaf'''
  • '''Swizzle'''
  • Sleep

    Budget

  • '''Microtel Inn & Suites Kansas City International Airport''', 11831 N.W. Plaza Circle, ''+1 816'' 270-120 [http://microtelinn.com/reservations/locationdetail.asp?facid=213].
  • Mid-range

  • '''AmeriSuites Kansas City/Airport''', 7600 NW 97th Terrace, ''+1 816'' 891-0871 [http://www.amerisuites.com/reservations/locationdetail.asp?facid=4029] Located just two miles south of the Kansas City International Airport and 12 miles north of downtown Kansas City.
  • '''Embassy Suites Kansas City International Airport''', [http://www.embassysuiteskci.com]. Located four miles from Kansas City International Airport, one mile from Zona Rosa, and minutes from downtown.
  • '''Southmoreland on the Plaza''',116 E. 48th Street, [http://www.southmoreland.com]. Bed and Breakfast ideally located on the Plaza.
  • Splurge

  • Courtyard Kansas City Country Club Plaza. istoric Courtyard Marriott Plaza. 600 JC Nichols Parkway . ttp://www.courtyardkansascity.com. The Courtyard Marriott is in the heart of the famed Country Club Plaza. The trendy, sophisticated center of Kansas City's dining, shopping and cultural scene. The hotel has many great amenities including free wifi, complimentary parking, refrigerators and microwaves in every room and a great bar! This is a unique, upscale hotel perfect for your plaza experience.
  • '''Hotel Phillips''', 106 W 12th Street, [http://www.hotelphillips.com]. Renewed and rejuvenated through a $20 million restoration project, this is a luxury boutique hotel for the 21st century. First opened in 1931, the hotel is on the National Registry of Historic Places, cited as a classic example of Art Deco architecture. From the wonderful walnut paneling and polished marble floors to the personalized, high-touch service, an upscale, luxurious guest experience.
  • '''InterContinental Kansas City at The Plaza''', 401 Ward Parkway, [http://www.kansascityic.com]. Offers 366 luxury-class guest rooms and suites, superb meeting facilities, and a location near the Country Club Plaza entertainment district.
  • The Hilton President Hotel. Located in the Power & Light District, the hotel's signature marker is the large sign on the top of the hotel that reads "PRESIDENT".
  • The Marriott Hotel. Located in the Convention District (12th & Wyandotte), the Marriott is a 22 floor hotel that connects to the historic '''Muehlebach Hotel''', which was annexed by Marriott in 1996. It is most recognizable at night, when the front of the hotel shows a light display from dusk until 11 pm.
  • Hyatt Regency Crown Center. ttp://www.crowncenter.hyatt.com. Newly renovated, connected to the Crown Center office and shopping complex.
  • The Raphael Hotel. 25 Ward Parkway Kansas City, Missouri 64112. ttp://www.raphaelkc.com. A historic landmark at Kansas City_fs Country Club Plaza, The Raphael is an upscale boutique hotel with European charm, exceptional service and luxury amenities for business, leisure and heritage travelers.
  • The Westin Crown Center.

    Contact

  • '''Kansas City Convention & Visitor's Bureau''', [http://www.visitkc.com/]
  • '''Missouri Division of Tourism''', [http://www.visitmo.com/]
  • Stay safe

    Like most major cities, the tourist and business areas of Kansas City (downtown and the Country Club Plaza) are generally safe day and night, but it is always best to beware of your surroundings. It's also best to be especially cautious during the evenings and night around the Power & Light District, where there has been an increase in crimes lately. Most violent crime happens during the late nighttime hours. "Inner city" neighborhoods east and southeast of the downtown-midtown-plaza areas are experiencing an increase in violent crime. These areas offer little for visitors and are best avoided.

    Kansas City is in Tornado Alley, so make sure you check the local weather forecasts and make sure you understand what to do during a tornado.

    Cope

    Due to the lack of any large body of water nearby, Kansas City experiences a continental climate with large swings and extremes of temperature. Winters vary from mild to very cold, with significant snow at times, and temperatures occasionally dipping to single digits and below zero Fahrenheit. Snow accumulation occurs 3-5 times per year, on average, sometimes exceeding a foot. KC enjoys very pleasant spring and autumn weather, but suffers hot, humid summers. It is not uncommon for the temperature to stay above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for weeks at a time, during July and August. Because of the heat, almost all buildings in Kansas City are equipped with air conditioning. While KC has relatively high humidity, the most common weather is clear with almost completely blue skies. The majority of the rain falls in April, May, and June, but even in these wettest months, rain is light, compared to other cities in the region.

    Get out

    Kansas City is one of those places where hidden in darker corners, you will find the gems, the places to visit and go. Rarely do things jump out at you and say: come visit this attraction, food, shopping, or historical establishment. Pick up a ''Pitch Weekly'' for nightlife information. If you want to relax and enjoy a walk, check out Loose Park just south of the Country Club Plaza. During the spring and fall, it's one of the most beautiful places to stroll. When you are done there are plenty of other beautiful and majestic cities in this region like Omaha, Chicago, Saint Louis, Independence, Lee's Summit, and Des Moines.