Scooter's Bar Journal » Crossroads

recordBar

scooterj — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1850th bar, first visited in 2025.

Came here to see the Scottish band High Fade.

I had been to the original recordBar location a few times 19 years earlier when it was located in a strip mall in Westport and had a full kitchen, but I’d never been to the current location nor seen a show at either.

I had a few glasses of Three Blind Mice (brown ale) by Mothers Brewing during the show.

1520 Grand Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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+18167662527
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Kon Tiki

scooterj — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1831st bar, first visited in 2025.

I didn’t even know this tiki bar existed until visiting it on this Sunday afternoon for a birthday party.

The bottom level (Baltimore Street side) is everything you expect from a tiki bar. Dark, island-themed, and lots of fun cocktails. I hade the Cafe Kahuna and the Saturn.

The upper level has more of a lunch place feel but is nice in its own way. It has large garage doors that let in a lot of light and open up to the outdoor patio. However that patio is basically a set of tables in the fenced off area of a parking lot, so that aspect of it is meh compared to the rest of the place.

1922 Baltimore Ave
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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+18166056288
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BLVD Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 20 May 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1657th bar, first visited in 2023.

We visited this somewhat-upscale cocktail bar for the first time today, for brunch. Since it was brunch, I had poinsettias instead of beer.

320 Southwest Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
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+18164211023
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Percheron Rooftop Bar

scooterj — Sun, 05 Jun 2022 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1531st bar, first visited in 2022.

Seasonal rooftop bar at the Crossroads Hotel, with stunning views in all directions. Cocktail-oriented but does have a few beer offerings, and offers a small plate food menu.

2101 Central
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
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+18168978100
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Rochester Brewing and Roasting Company

scooterj — Tue, 24 Dec 2019 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1428th bar, first visited in 2019.

A combination coffee shop and brewery that opened earlier in 2019. We stopped in here after work on the spur of the moment.

I had their Spiced Coffee Brown, their American Barleywine, and their Imperial Stout.

2129 Washington St
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
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(816) 216-7181
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Afterword Tavern & Shelves

scooterj — Sat, 21 Dec 2019 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1427th bar, first visited in 2019.

Part book store, part library, part cafe, part bar. I stopped in here for the first time as a last-moment addition to an impromptu walking bar crawl I was doing by myself the Saturday before Christmas.

I had a Thresher Porter by Broadway Brewing.

1834 Grand Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
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(816) 569-3001
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Chances Social

scooterj — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Thou Mayest

Scooter’s 1412th bar, first visited in 2019.

We came in here for a friend’s birthday. It’s a combo coffee shop / craft cocktail bar, also has some craft beer. There’s a col patio in back with some swings.

I had a White Russian, which was also one of the best I’ve had.

419 E 18th
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
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(816) 666-8777
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City Barrel

scooterj — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1411th bar, first visited in 2019.

This was the final “new bar” on my birthday bar crawl. By this point I was hammered. I remember that several of us were hungry and were irritated that the kitchen was already closed, and I remember being annoyed that the one beer I wanted most was “members-only”. I also remember briefly locking myself in the bathroom. But I do also remember that everyone liked their beer.

I had the Get Off Your High Horse!(NEIPA)

1740 Holmes
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
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(816) 298-7008
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Lifted Spirits

scooterj — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1410th bar, first visited in 2019.

This was the next stop on my birthday bar crawl. I was pretty lit by this point and all I really remember is that my drink included a toasted marshmallow, and that the guy behind me in line (mid-20s in age) ordered something I couldn’t make out that caused the bartender to say “Bro, we are a distillery. We sell distilled spirits and cocktails.”

1434 Cherry
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
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(816) 866-1734
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Mean Mule Distilling Company

scooterj — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1409th bar, first visited in 2019.

This was stop #2 (but my first new bar) on my birthday bar crawl.

One of the first things we noticed was crickets in the vending machine. Which grossed us out. So of course one of us decided we needed to try them. So several of us (myself) included did… on the count of three. They were actually not bad. I ended up eating two.

I took a photos of the menu so I would remember what cocktail I had. I didn’t work. Best I can narrow to is either “Coffee And Treason” or “You Go Glen Cocoa”.

1733 Locust St
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
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(816) 301-5447
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Streetcar Grille & Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 28 Sep 2019 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1382nd bar, first visited in 2019.

Another new place that also opened very recently in the ground floor retail area of a parking garage.

My first visit was for lunch with my family, and I had a Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro.

1580 Main St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 216-6187
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Oak & Steel

scooterj — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1381st bar, first visited in 2019.

A brand new craft beer/whiskey bar, my first visit was just a few days after it opened. It’s located in the ground-level retail space of a parking garage about a block from the Kauffman Performing Arts Center.

The bar area has ample seating, and there is a large covered patio as well. Note that during the daytime, from the street it can be really had to tell a business is here. It’s on the south side of the garage (north side of 17th).

I had a Black Noise, Port Barrel Aged Black Noise, Black Noise (w/ Blueprint Coffee), Rum Barrel Aged Liquid Spiritual Delight (LSD), and Little Big Hop; all by 2nd Shift Brewing.

120 W 17th St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 766-3580
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Up-Down KC

scooterj — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Hamburger Mary’s

Scooter’s 1201st bar, first visited in 2017.

Technically this should be bar #1109, as I first visited it way back on July 29, 2015. But somehow I forgot to add it to the list, and I really don’t feel like renumbering everything that came after it, so here’s where I’m sticking it.

Split-level arcade bar with a sidewalk patio and a rooftop deck. Features indoor and outdoor games and a nice craft beer selection. Despite being an arcade, it’s strictly 21+.

101 Southwest Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 982-9455
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Brewery Emperial

scooterj — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1182nd bar, first visited in 2016.

The newest microbrewery to open in the downtown area. Has a a courtyard and a menu of food that I hear is good but is too, umm, interesting for my tastes.

1829 Oak
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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816-945-9625
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Ruins Pub

scooterj — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly The Bulldog

Scooter’s 1132nd bar, first visited in 2016.

I only add a new bar located on the site of an old bar if it’s an entirely new building or if there’s a very significant change. I’d say the addition of a self-service beer bar aong the back wall counts as a big enough change.

1715 Main
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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816-599-6667
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Rhythm & Booze

scooterj — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1107th bar, first visited in 2015.

The second to last bar and my second new bar on my bachelor party night. We showed up just in time for last call!

423 Southwest Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
816-221-2669
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The Belfry

scooterj — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 18:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1073rd bar, first visited in 2015.

I’ve known about this place since it opened a while back, but bring that it’s in a spot that’s kind of hidden from view I had just kept forgetting to check it out. I finally got a chance today.

Normally I don’t go for places with such a clean (almost sterile) and higher prices, but both of those work here and I found myself loving this place. There is a TREMENDOUS beer selection (as well as scotch & whiskey, which I’m not really into myself), and the bartender was very knowledgeable about all of the products. We ended up spending a lot more time (and money) here than we planned to, and we’re looking forward to a return. The fact that they open at 7am makes me like it all the more.

Note: The address says Grand, but the entrance is actually on 16th Street.

1532 Grand
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 471-7111
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Anton’s Tap Room

scooterj — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 967th bar, first visited in 2013.

Sat at the bar for a late evening dinner.

As a bar, this place is great. They have done great work fixing up what used to be a filthy, nasty dive and turning it into a really beautiful place to sit and enjoy a drink. There is a really great beer selection, too.

1610 Main
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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816-888-8800
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Twist

scooterj — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Sarah’s On Grand

OUT OF BUSINESS

Scooter’s 467th bar, first visited in 2008.

Looked like a nice little martini bar, but nothing seems to lats long in this location.

1815 Grand Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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Balanca’s

scooterj — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 421st bar, first visited in 2008.

The first time I visited I got the cold shoulder. Since then I’ve had a great time and the staff has been more friendly.

An all-lifestyles/swingers bar, but don’t let that scare you away if you’re not into that sort of thing.

1809 Grand Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 474-6369
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Hereford House

scooterj — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Destroyed by explosion and fire shortly after midnight on October 20, 2008. In June 2010 the owner was indicted for the arson.

Until I hear otherwise, I’m assuming it will eventually re-open.

Scooter’s 420th bar, first visited in 2008.

I’ve been here on 2 different scavenger hunts.

On the first, a couple sitting at the other end of the bar were fascinated by the scavenger hunt and helped us out by letting Brad buy one of them a beer.

On the second, we mentioned our hard luck finding someone in a Royals t-shirt. A man at the bar happened to have one, went to his car to get it, and gave it to us!

(We also got a slap out of the deal, another item on our list.)

2 E 20th St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 842-1080
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1924 Main

scooterj — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Closed at end of business Feb 14, 2010. Something new is in the works at this location.

Scooter’s 419th bar, first visited in 2008.

Visited during a scavenger hunt. Another bar in a fine dining restaurant, but we were openly welcomed here too. 1924 is a good place for trying out unconventional beers such as Maudite, which came with a cool glass.

1924 Main St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 472-1924
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Michael Smith’s Restaurant

scooterj — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 418th bar, first visited in 2008.

Visited during a scavenger hunt. I wasn’t sure how welcome we’d be at the bar of a fine dining restaurant but our bartender thought what we were doing was fun and he and a waitress gave us a good deal of assistance.

1900 Main St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 842-2202
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Tootsies

scooterj — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now called “Eighteen 22 Ultra Lounge”

Scooter’s 417th bar, first visited in 2008.

Visited during a scavenger hunt. Who says 4 guys can’t go to a lesbian bar? They had just opened for the day so the place was almost empty, but our bartender was very happy to help us find things for our hunt. She even gave Bill a dance, marking off one of the items on our list.

1818 Main St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 471-7704
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Paddy O’Quigleys Pub & Grille

scooterj — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Closed in early 2008, less than a year after opening.

Scooter’s 348th bar, first visited in 2007.

100 E 20th St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 842-0400
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Bar Natasha

scooterj — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 17:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Closed September 2008. Replaced by Flo’s Cabaret in early 2009.

Scooter’s 246th bar, first visited in 2007.

Cabaret with fun performances and friendly bartenders. Pricey, but a nice place.

1911 Main St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 472-5300

Manny’s Restaurant

scooterj — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 245th bar, first visited in 2007.

Mexican restaurant with a bar in the front.

207 Southwest Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 474-7696
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Cashew

scooterj — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 241st bar, first visited in 2007.

Popular upscale bar. I’m not a fan, I’ve found the bartenders to be somewhat unfriendly.

2000 Grand Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 221-5858
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JP Wine Bar

scooterj — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 79th bar, first visited in 2006.

Upscale wine bar

1526 Walnut St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 842-2660
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Jilly’s

scooterj — Fri, 23 Jul 2004 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Re-opened in late 2008 as CODA.

Scooter’s 21st bar, first visited in 2004.

As Jilly’s, it was virtually empty in the early evenings, packed after 10pm.

As CODA is still had an emphasis on live music, but with a new menu it is now popular even when a band isn’t playing.

1744 Broadway St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 221-4977

The Bulldog

scooterj — Tue, 11 May 2004 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 17th bar, first visited in 2004.

Specializes in prohibition-era and pre-prohibition drinks. One of the few bars in town that serves absinthe. Be sure to also visit Uncle Bill’s, the bar in the back.

1715 Main St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 421-4799
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