Scooter's Bar Journal » Kansas City

Block 15 Tavern & Exchange

scooterj — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1861st bar, first visited in 2025.

This was a last-second impulse stop after riding the streetcar around to various Christmas destinations. It was exactly halfway between where we got off the streetcar and where the car was parked.

This is a basement bar, albeit a walk-out basement if you enter from the alley side. Good to see more basement bars in KC, we don’t have as many as other cities. (I later learned there’s another newer one a few days earlier whose main entrance is also in the alley.) There is foot in the form of a taco truck on the patio.

We arrived to a nearly-empty bar just after a group left, but by the time we left ourselves it was starting to fill back up. The bartender said it’s busiest after 10pm.

I only had a few minutes to stay so had a Guinness. I’ll have to come back another time to spend more time here.

This is a bar that actuallypours Guinness correctly, so it took several minutes.

The shower curtain is an interesting design choice.

311 Delaware St, Suite 102 A
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
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+18164378873
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Cooper’s Hawk

scooterj — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:10:00 +0000

(Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1851st bar, first visited in 2025.

We had been to the Plaza location for a meal a few years ago, then went to this location a few months ago for another meal. This time we decided to join the wine club. This counted for inclusion as of the first date that we went there specifically to sit at the bar for drinks, rather than going to the dining area for a meal.

1900 NW Tiffany Spgs Rd
Kansas City, MO 64154
US
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+18163988100
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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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801 Chophouse

scooterj — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1755th bar, first visited in 2024.

Highe-end steakhouse chain, we came here and at at the bar for our anniversary. In addition to steak and seafood, I stuck to cocktails for my drinks.

71 E 14th St
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
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+18169948800
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Brewer’s Kitchen

scooterj — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 18:10:00 +0000

(Hyde Park, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1745th bar, first visited in 2024.

Decided to check this place out for a late breakfast before we headed to a lawn and garden show. I had a couple of cocktails with my meal.

There is a separate bar/lounge attached named Brewer’s Corner, but that didn’t open until later in the day.

3107 Gillham Rd
Kansas City, MO 64109
US
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+18167751274
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Piropos

scooterj — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 18:10:00 +0000

(Briarcliff, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1742nd bar, first visited in 2024.

We came in here for cocktails and appetizers and sat at the bar. The place was absolutely packed, which we thought was strange for cold, snowy Thursday. It turned out we had forgotten it was Restaurant Week.

We had scallops, bread service, and something else I can’t remember. As for drinks, I had some wine and a chocolate martini.

4141 N Mulberry Dr
Kansas City, MO 64116
US
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+18167413600
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Vine Street Brewing Company

scooterj — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1688th bar, first visited in 2023.

After an hour delay to go inside caused by them changing their hours in the week since I checked them, I brought my youngest brother here for his 40th birthday.

This is Missouri’s first Black-owned brewery. When the new opening time hit, every car door on Vine opened. Within minutes the brewery went from empty to standing room only on both levels.

I started to order a flight, but then as hey were making it they realized one of the beers I’d asked for were not eligible for flights due to how it needs to be poured. So they called the two they had already poured me “free samples” and I ordered a full pour of their flagship beer. (Jazzman, a black lager, the one that couldn’t be included in a flight.)

The other two beers I tried (the two redeclared as “free samples”) were the East 71 (cream ale) and the Midnight Mississippi (stout).

2010 Vine St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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+18162310799
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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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Stockyards Brewing Co.

scooterj — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Kansas City International Airport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1605th bar, first visited in 2023.

Had some BBQ and a FoxTrotter Scottish Ale while waiting for my flight to board.

1 Kansas City Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64153
United States
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Missie B’s

scooterj — Sat, 04 Mar 2023 18:10:00 +0000

(West 39th, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1604th bar, first visited in 2023.

I’ve never been in here before because I’m rarely in this part of town during the hours this place is open. Finally got a chance to today when an after-after-party of the after-party of a funeral decided to come here.

While I opted not to mark this as “sports bar”, one of the regulars told me he comes here specifically to watch games om the ample supply of big-screen TVs.

805 W 39th St
Kansas City, MO 64111
United States
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+18165610625
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Jim’s Alley Bar

scooterj — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1603rd bar, first visited in 2023.

A new bar built in dive bar style, and they pulled it off pretty well. Feels a lot like being in a basement bar in the 1970s. The entrance is in the alley, look for the door that has the hours painted on the bottom.

500 E 18th St #103
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
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Our House KC

scooterj — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 18:10:00 +0000

(West 39th, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1579th bar, first visited in 2022.

Awesome restaurant/bar/coffee shop/bakery with year-round rooftop seating. Since we were here for breakfast, I had an Irish coffee.

1815 W 39th St
Kansas City, MO 64111
United States
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+18164428569
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The Campground

scooterj — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1573rd bar, first visited in 2022.

We were unable to go inside because it was far too packed, so had to settle for drinks from the slightly more limited outdoor bar. But that was okay, their outdoor seating area is pretty terrific.

I had a cocktail called The Huntsman while my wife had one called Bronson’s Milk Punch.

1531 Genessee St
Kansas City, MO 64102
United States
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+18166123434
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West Bottoms Whiskey Co.

scooterj — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1574th bar, first visited in 2022.

We didn’t know this even existed until the bartender at 9th & State mentioned it was the source for the whiskey used in their cocktail called The Murdock. (Murdock, as it turns out, is the nickname of the bespectacled figure in the West Bottoms Whiskey logo.)

There’s picnic table out front and a seating area inside just past the bar. There’s also a cozy sofa seating area in the loft above the bar.

I had a coffee-based cocktail called The Whiskey Waker. My wife, not a fan of whiskey, opted for a glass of wine.

1321 W 13th St.
Kansas City, MO 64102
United States
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+18162390520
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Voltaire

scooterj — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1572nd bar, first visited in 2022.

I had avoided coming in here for a drink for years because I assumed it was way too upscale for the likes of me. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Sure, it’s a very nice place, but completely relaxed and fun.

We had some appetizers, my wife had some sort of crazy cocktail (photos), and I had a Fox Trotter Scottish Ale from Stockyards Brewing (across the street).

1617 Genessee St
Kansas City, MO 64102
United States
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+18164721200
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9th & State

scooterj — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Lots of things

Scooter’s 1571st bar, first visited in 2022.

We had tried to visit here a week earlier but it was closed for a private event, so gave it another try today. It quickly became a new favorite.

Over 110 years old, the building was originally a Pabst bar back in the days when the big breweries operated their own little chain bars all over. It has since been NUMEROUS things, see the history in one of the photos for details.

This is primarily a cocktail bar, though they do have other options. I started with one called The Murdock, which was made with West Bottoms Whiskey, which is how I found out West Bottoms Whiskey existed so would get added to our itinerary for the day. I followed that up with a coffee based cocktail called The Ape Hanger. My wife had a Fancy Glory Hole, named after a row of likely glory holes found in the basement from one of the building’s past uses as a fetish club.

The bar includes two ping-pong tables, something you don’t normally expect to see in a cocktail bar.

1717 W. 9th St.
Kansas City, MO 64101
United States
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Fountain City Winery

scooterj — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1570th bar, first visited in 2022.

We were out for some Saturday afternoon bar hopping and stumbled across this place, that we’d never even heard of, while on our way to a different bar.

We ended up both having wine flights and then buying a couple of bottles to take home. All of their wines are inspired by Kansas City fountains.

There’s a large seating area in the front and a cozier area toward the back with leather sofas. There’s also event space.

I had he wines with checkmarks by them in my flight card photo. The one called “Pour les Jeunes” is what we bought two bottles of.

1409 W. 11th St.
Kansas City, MO 64101
United States
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+18164428893
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The Pressed Penny Tavern

scooterj — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 17:12:00 +0000

(West Plaza, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Boozefish

Scooter’s 1548th bar, first visited in 2022.

Been meaning to come here ever since it was Boozefish back in the ancient times, nut never had an opportunity until today.

Had a meat & cheese spread and a couple of espresso martinis.

1511 Westport Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
United States
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+18165317687
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Sidestreet Bar

scooterj — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 17:11:00 +0000

(Midtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1547th bar, first visited in 2022.

Dive bar with pool tables and an absolutely stunning patio. The bartender was very friendly and welcoming.

I had a Dunkel from KC Bier Company.

413 E. 33rd St
Kansas City, MO 64109
United States
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+18165311775
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Sinkers Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1543rd bar, first visited in 2022.

Mini golf themes bar that I came to as part of a birthday party. I had an old fashioned and was almost tricked into an illicit pickle vodka shot.

53 W. 13th St.
Kansas City, MO 64105
United States
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+19133740105
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Blade & Timber

scooterj — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1542nd bar, first visited in 2022.

Axe throwing bar that I visited for a birthday party. I had two Guinness, lots and lots of misses, and one bullseye.

1303 Baltimore
Kansas City, MO 64105
United States
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+18163438489
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Nimble Brewing

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jul 2022 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1541st bar, first visited in 2022.

This had been open for a couple of years, but it was my first chance to visit. Unfortunately I was so lit I forgot to check in my beer and don’t remember what I had. From looking at the online menu, I think it was probably the Space Ghost IPA.

1735 Oak
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
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(816) 787-1822
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King G Bar & Deli

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jul 2022 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1539th bar, first visited in 2022.

Turning what was a one-off into a neighborhood trend, this is the second building along this strip to be turned into a craft beer bar after a speeding criminal crashed a car into a vacant building causing it to partially collapse.

The bar has two levels and a small outdoor seating area. I didn’t get to explore much as it was very packed.

I had the Madagascar Cobbler by 4 Hands Brewing Company.

500 E. 18th St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
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+18166520383
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Red Sash Brewing

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jul 2022 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Border Brewing

Scooter’s 1540th bar, first visited in 2022.

New (to me) brewery located in the former home of Border Brewing. though I’ve had their beer at festivals. There’s a deck on the east side that is almost as big as the indoor eating area itself.

I had the Frag Out! (Belgian Tripel)

I had been bar crawling for about 4 hours by this point and had enjoyed quite a few big beers, so later had to do a sort-of walk of shame back here to even more drunkenly collect the backpack I drunkenly left behind.

406 E. 18th St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
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+18162607062
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Border Brewing Company

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jul 2022 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1538th bar, first visited in 2022.

My first visit to their new location, just over a block east of their original location.

I had the Campfire Porter and the Chocolate Milk Stout.

512 E 18th St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
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+18164695287
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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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Electric Park at J. Reiger & Co.

scooterj — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 17:10:00 +0000

(East Bottoms, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1530th bar, first visited in 2022.

The outdoor bar at J Reiger that was closed for the season the last time we were here.

I had a couple of cocktails and a Heim Beer by KC Bier Co.

2700 Guinotte Ave
Kansas City, MO 64120
United States
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+18167027800
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Budweiser Brew House

scooterj — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 17:10:00 +0000

(Kansas City International Airport, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Also listed as “Budweiser Stadium Club”

Scooter’s 1518th bar, first visited in 2022.

Inside security, near gate G77. Had a Guinness and some snacks while waiting for a slightly delayed flight.

601 Brasilia Ave
Kansas City, MO 64153
United States
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River Bluff Brewing @ River Market

scooterj — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1512th bar, first visited in 2022.

The second location if a brewery out of St. Joseph that conveniently opened in the same building where I work, so I’m doomed.

There’s a small bank of pinball machines and a covered patio along the east side next to the alley. Currently there is no food but kitchen appears to be planned in the future.

On opening weekend I had the Market Milk (milk stout) a couple of different times, and also the Jerry’s Porter

210 Main, Ste 101
Kansas City, MO 64106
United States
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+18162552360
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Tasting Room at J. Reiger & Co.

scooterj — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 18:10:00 +0000

(East Bottoms, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1511th bar, first visited in 2022.

We found out about this distillery complex less than a week before COVID lockdowns started in early 2020 and were anxious to visit, but then forgot about it by the time things re-opened and it was only due to needing to pick up a bottle of gin that we suddenly remembered and decided to pay them a visit.

There are actually four bars throughout the complex — one on each level plus one outside. The outdoor bar was closed for the winter, and since we were on a shopping trip we decided to stick with just the tasting room for today’s visit and check out the other bars in the future when we have more time.

I had a Heim beer and a lemongrass gin & tonic.

2700 Guinotte Ave
Kansas City, MO 64120
United States
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+18167027800
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Alma Mader Brewing Company

scooterj — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1509th bar, first visited in 2021.

Though I’ve had their beer several times at other bars, this was my first visit to their actual location.

I had the Tall Tales base beer (imperial brown) and the Tall Tales (Coffee//Cinnamon).

2635 Southwest Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
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+18169452589
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Panther’s Place

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1488th bar, first visited in 2021.

Not quite a speakeasy,. but pretty close. You have to follow them on Instagram to be apprised of when they will open, and they will stop entry or switch to private mode if it gets too crowded and/or too rowdy.

There is an affiliated restaurant next door called Outpost Social Club that wasn’t quite ready for opening day during our visit but has since opened.

This place is made from a combination of shipping containers and greenhouse-style fiberglass panels covering an alley. The interior walls are covered in English Ivy, and tropical plants and orchids complete the ambiance.

I had a Guinness and one of their signature cocktails.

1000 W 25 St
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
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Bar Stilwell

scooterj — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1452nd bar, first visited in 2021.

The bar in the main lobby of the new Loew’s Hotel. The bar features split-level seating areas with an enormous glass wall giving a panoramic view of the downtown skyline.

There is an outdoor seating area, but it’s February.

I had one of their signature cocktails (The New Midwest: Tom’s Town Double Oaked Bourbon, brown butter, amaretto, and maple), followed with a Guinness.

1515 Wyandotte
Kansas City, MO 64108
United States
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816-897-7058
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Madison’s

scooterj — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 17:10:00 +0000

(West Plaza, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly The Point

Scooter’s 1444th bar, first visited in 2020.

I had been here a few times when it was The Point. The remodel that make sit Madison’s was so extensive that I can claim this as a new bar, as even the bar area itself is in an entirely different part of the building.

This is a hard one to categorize, as it has elements of a dive bar and an upscale bar at the same time. So I’m filing it under both. There is a limited menu of rather good bar food, and two enormous patios â€” one in the east courtyard and another a level down in the south parking lot.

I returned on Dec 31, 2020 and got updated photos.

917 W 44th St
Kansas City, MO 64111
United States
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(816) 579-4499
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BKS Artisan Ales

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 18:10:00 +0000

(Brookside, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1429th bar, first visited in 2020.

I decided to spend a Saturday afternoon visiting a few of the local breweries that are too far south for me to normally go to. Started out with this one, which like all the others I’d end up visiting today was quite busy and had a lot of kids.

There’s a sidewalk patio, but it was way too cold to use it today.

I had their Rockhill & Locust (English Mild Ale) and Holstein (Milk Stout).

633 E 63rd St, #120
Kansas City, MO 64110
United States
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(816) 673-3027
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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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Stroud’s Oak Ridge Manor

scooterj — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 17:10:00 +0000

(Oak Ridge, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1384th bar, first visited in 2019.

Considering I’ve been coming here for more than two decades, it was stunning to me when I looked it up and discovered I’ve never actually visited the bar here. But I finally got my opportunity tonight, when a take-out order wasn’t ready yet.

I had a Guinness.

5410 NE Oak Ridge Dr
Kansas City, MO 64119
US
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(816) 454-9600
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The Clubhouse Experience

scooterj — Sat, 28 Sep 2019 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1383rd bar, first visited in 2019.

After more than a decade of dormancy, the basement courtyard of the Wallstreet Tower is alive again! This new sports bar & restaurant features a nonsmoking patio (the first I’ve heard of in KC) and several virtual Top Golf suites. The dining area is much larger than I first realized, apparently wrapping around at least part of the courtyard.

I had an O’Bar House Amber Ale by O’Fallon Brewery, which is rebranded here as “Wallstreet Amber”.

1101 Walnut
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
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(816) 216-7978
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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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Pierpont’s

scooterj — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1356th bar, first visited in 2019.

I popped in here to meet my wife and a friend of ours at the bar for drinks and appetizers. I’d never been inside Pierpont’s before and was overwhelmed by its awesomeness.

In addition to a petite filet I had an unintentional vertical of Old Stock Ale (2017) and Old Stock Ale (2018), followed by a Brother Thelonious, all from North Coast Brewing.

30 W Pershing Rd
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 221-5111
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Pizza Bar

scooterj — Sat, 11 May 2019 17:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1336th bar, first visited in 2019.

I had no idea until later that, while I’ve been in here before, I’d never actually had a drink here! That has now been rectified. Though I never got a chance to look at the beer list, as I was handed an unidentified pink bomb and told “drink this”.

1320 Grand
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 221-8466
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County Road Ice House

scooterj — Sat, 11 May 2019 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Gordon Biersch

Scooter’s 1335th bar, first visited in 2019.

I wasn’t originally planning to even count this as a new bar since I had already been here when it was Gordon Biersch. But it is so completely transformed that it’s impossible to call the the same place. The bar itself isn’t even in the same part of the building anymore.

The menu includes much of the same BBQ from Joe’s KC, so the food is automatically good given that alone.

The beer list is pretty standard, so I had Guinness.

100 E 14th
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
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(816) 399-4967
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Side Pockets

scooterj — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 17:10:00 +0000

(Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1331st bar, first visited in 2019.

Gigantic strip mall sports bar. Mostly centered on pool but also has darts, several video games, cornhole tournaments, and lots of TVs. The food’s pretty decent. This is the Northland location of this small regional chain. Came here to watch a friend compete in a tournament.

I stuck with Guinness.

600 NW Englewood Rd
Kansas City, MO 64118
US
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(816) 455-9900
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Dott Boss

scooterj — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 18:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1300th bar, first visited in 2018.

This is the hotel bar for the Hotel Indigo, but with a separate street entrance on Baltimore it’s removed enough from the lobby that it doesn’t really feel like a hotel bar.

In addition to a good beer selection and good cocktails, the food is pretty good too and we loved the personalities of the bartenders.

101 W 11th St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
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(816) 283-8000
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Made In KC Cafe

scooterj — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 18:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1299th bar, first visited in 2018.

From the outside, you’d never guess there was a bar in here. All you can see is a coffee shop.

Come inside and wander to the back room, you still would never guess there’s a bar in here. All you’ll see is a coffee shop and a seating area with shelves of KC souvenirs available for purchase.

But then you might notice the red curtain around the corner, that looks like it would lead to an employee-only stock room.

Head through THAT curtain to find the bar — hidden so far back into the center of the block that you will have no phone signal and have to use their free wifi.

The beers are all local KC beers, and there is a limited cocktail menu using liquors that I assume are all regional.

1114 Baltimore Ave
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
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(816) 585-2459
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Parlor

scooterj — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1298th bar, first visited in 2018.

This food hall contains 7 restaurants, 2 bars, a covered deck on the second floor, and space for private events in the basement.

1707 Locust St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 875-4813
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Spokes Cafe & Cyclery

scooterj — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 18:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1297th bar, first visited in 2018.

Bike shop, deli, coffee shop, and craft beer bar all rolled up into one.

1200 Washington, Suite B
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 307-2453
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Bar K Dog Bar

scooterj — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1296th bar, first visited in 2018.

This bar isn’t just dog-friendly, it’s mainly for dogs. The menu even has a section of food and drinks for dogs. While to dogs aren’t allowed in the main building due to restaurant health code ordinances, there is plenty of covered and open-air seating outside on two levels. There are also staff on hand that watch your dogs as they play if you want to spend some time inside.

Gotta love the signs on the restroom doors:

501 Berkley Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64120
US
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(816) 474-2275‬
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Mo Brew

scooterj — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 17:10:00 +0000

(West 39th, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1263rd bar, first visited in 2018.

Craft beer bar that borders on both sports bar and five bar. Great staff. Open and airy with seating on both the indoor and outdoor side of the northern half-wall.

I had a a Split Shot by Elysian Brewing, and a Brother Thelonious and an Old Stock Ale (both by North Coast Brewing).

1403 W 39th St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
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816-492-6183
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The Peanut on 64th

scooterj — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 17:10:00 +0000

(North, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1262nd bar, first visited in 2018.

Stopped in for a beer and a bite to eat after a long afternoon of programming. I had a Guinness.

6409 N Cosby Ave
Kansas City, MO 64151
US
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(816) 859-5005
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Smokehouse BBQ

scooterj — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 17:14:00 +0000

(Zona Rosa, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1260th bar, first visited in 2018.

We popped in here for an appetizer and one last beer for the day. I had a Helldorado by Firestone Walker.

8451 NW Prairie View Rd
Blue Springs, MO 64153
US
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(816) 587-3337
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BC Bistro

scooterj — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 17:10:00 +0000

(Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1231st bar, first visited in 2018.

Visited for a friend’s birthday party. I had Block IPA by Cinder Block Brewery.

7749 NW Prairie View Rd
Kansas City, MO 64151
US
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(816) 587-0899
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Strange Days Brewing Company

scooterj — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1223rd bar, first visited in 2018.

New brewery in the River Market that seems to have hit a gold mine on location as it’s always busy. I tried three of their beers: Australian Gold, Estranged, and Japanese Black IPA. I forgot to take any indoor photos due to being distracted by a great dane that pooped nearby, smelling up the place.

Doesn’t technically have outdoor seating, but the front wall is all garage doors.

316 Oak
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
816-469-5321
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Casual Animal Brewing Company

scooterj — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1221st bar, first visited in 2018.

Stopped into this new brewery a couple of weeks after opening. I ended up having some of everything. They offer tasters, half-pours, and full pours.

1725 McGee
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 214-5388
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Martin City Brewery Pizza & Taproom

scooterj — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 17:10:00 +0000

(Martin City, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1215th bar, first visited in 2017.

Tap room for Martin City Brewing Company… serves some pretty great pizza! Visited for birthday dinner with my family.

Beers Consumed: Fallback Brown & Amber Ale

500 E, 135th
Kansas City, MO 64145
US
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(816) 268-2222
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Grand Street Cafe

scooterj — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 17:10:00 +0000

(Plaza, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1214th bar, first visited in 2017.

Stopped in for a drink and to wish the bartender (a friend of ours) a happy birthday.

4740 Grand
Kansas City, MO 64112
US
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(816) 561-8000
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White Horse Pub

scooterj — Sun, 01 Oct 2017 17:11:00 +0000

(New Mark, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1213th bar, first visited in 2017.

English style restaurant and pub. Very nice for being located in a strip mall by a grocery store!

Beer consumed: Boddington’s Pub Ale

10221 N Oak Tffy
Kansas City, MO 64155
US
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(816) 500-7472
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Nicky’s Pizza

scooterj — Sat, 26 Aug 2017 17:10:00 +0000

(Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1211th bar, first visited in 2017.

Italian restaurant in a strip mall with a limited craft beer selection, though that’s not what I came here for. My friend brought be here specifically because they carry Michelob Golden Light.

9771 N Cedar Ave
Kansas City, MO 64157
US
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(816) 781-6500
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Mission Taco Joint

scooterj — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1210th bar, first visited in 2017.

St. Louis taco chain that recently opened its first KC location in the same building as iTap.

Beer consumed: Odell Drumroll APA

403 E 18th St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 844-3707
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Draftcade

scooterj — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 17:10:00 +0000

(Zona Rosa, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1206th bar, first visited in 2017.

Arcade bar with large central island bar area. Lots of craft beer selections to choose from.

Beer consumed: New Holland Oak Aged Dragon’s Milk, Boulevard Jam Band

7260 NW 87th St.
Kansas City, MO 64153
US
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(816) 759-3474
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Stockyards Brewing Company

scooterj — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1205th bar, first visited in 2017.

Craft beer brewery located in what used to be the Golden Ox restaurant. Visited on a Friday afternoon after work.

Beer consumed: Brunch Stout, Black IPA

1600 Genessee
Kansas City, MO 64102
US
[launch map]
816-895-8880
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HopCat

scooterj — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 17:10:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1204th bar, first visited in 2017.

Mega craft beer bar with lots of taps and a rooftop deck. The bartender was dealing with a clogged drain under the beer taps so have us some goblets for being patient.

Beer consumed: Torn Label Darkest Timeline, Founders Nitro Rubaeus

401 Westport Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
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(816) 656-3439
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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
[launch map]
(816) 982-9455
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International Tap House – Crossroads

scooterj — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1200th bar, first visited in 2017.

The first Kansas City location for the St. Louis based beer bar. 54 beers on tap plus what looks like somewhere between 100-200 more in bottles & cans. Spacious indoor area with lots of TVs, plus garage doors opening to sidewalk seating. And all of this made possible because a bad driver stole a car…

Out of destruction comes opportunity! Two years ago this was an empty warehouse, saved for vintage cars being stored on the upper level. Then this happened, leaving the building on the verge of teardown for a year before iTap came along and saved the day!

403 E. 18th St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(314) 621-4333
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Crown Point Tavern

scooterj — Mon, 15 May 2017 17:10:00 +0000

(Antioch/Vivion, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1186th bar, first visited in 2017.

Restaurant/Bar with rotating craft beer selection. Downstairs, the former Marcy’s Lounge is now a game room named Crowncade.

2631 NE Vivion Rd
Kansas City, MO 64119
US
[launch map]
816-399-4210
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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
[launch map]
816-945-9625
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Char Bar

scooterj — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 17:10:00 +0000

(Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1169th bar, first visited in 2016.

Large restaurant and bar featuring good BBQ and a beer garden with several lawn games. In addition to burnt ends I had a Southern Pecan (nut brown ale) by Lazy Magnolia and a Boone County Brown by Burr Oak Brewing.

4050 Pennsylvania Ave #150
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 389-8600
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Double Shift Brewing Company

scooterj — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1168th bar, first visited in 2016.

One of Kansas City’s newest breweries. I had the River Pirate Oatmeal Stout and the Barrel-Aged River Pirate so I could compare the two. As one would expect, barrel-aged is much better!

412 E 18 St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 304-7028
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Torn Label Brewing Company

scooterj — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1167th bar, first visited in 2016.

Located in a nondescript building on the inside of the center of the block, this is a bit hard to find if you don’t know what to look for. Given the rough exterior I was surprised how nice of a place it is. The entryway is through a covered patio.

I had their House Brew (coffee wheat stout) and Christmas In July (a stout with blood orange).

1708 Campbell St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(913) 634-8001
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La Fonda El Taquito

scooterj — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1166th bar, first visited in 2016.

Mexican Restauarant/bar that I’d been meaning to try for years and kept forgetting to. I had fried tacos and a Dos Equis Amber.

800 Southwest Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 471-1675
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Boulevard Brewing Company Beer Hall

scooterj — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1165th bar, first visited in 2016.

Tours and the gift shop downstairs, spacious tasting room with a very limited restaurant upstairs. Upstairs includes an outdoor deck overlooking the brewery and the downtown skyline.

My flight included Bully! Porter, a test Milk Stout, a test Black Walnut Ale, and Rye-on-Rye X – Sazerac.

2534 Madison Ave
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 474-7095
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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
[launch map]
816-599-6667
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Harry’s Bar and Tables

scooterj — Sat, 19 Mar 2016 17:10:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1130th bar, first visited in 2016.

Stopped in here for a quick drink while waiting for my table to open up at another place across the street. Looks like a dive, but too nice to be a dive. Open daily until 3am.

501 Westport Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-3950
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Sol Cantina

scooterj — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 18:10:00 +0000

(Union Hill, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1128th bar, first visited in 2015.

Mexican restaurant & bar in the Martini Corner area. Stopped in briefly as part of a pub crawl.

408 E. 31st St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 931-8080
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Old Folks Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 17:10:00 +0000

(East Side, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1120th bar, first visited in 2015.

This is a bar I have wanted to visit for years, but I’ve always been too scared to go. However, I got my chance when our friend B’Lenda mentioned it was her birthday, and it came up in conversation that she’s a regular here. I got my in!

As we approached the bar I began to get a little nervous, passing street sign after street sign of street names I normally only hear about on the news. The nervousness reached a peak when we parked our cars and the first sound we heard upon getting out was a gunshot no more than a block away. None of the locals seemed fazed, however, so we headed on inside.

Though there was initially a “record scratch moment” when we stepped inside, one of B’Lenda’s friends was sitting at the bar just inside the door/ Introductions were made that quickly broke the ice.

Old Folks is divided into three sections. The main section (center) houses a long bar that is dual-sided at the north end. We sat in the west section, with dining tables, the DJ booth, and access to the patio. There is another section east of the bar, we didn’t venture over there but from what we could see it looked like there was a pool table over there.

The bartender was a little gruff with us at first but warmed up pretty quickly, we enjoyed her. The DJ, who has not on duty yet but was coming on around the time we left, came over and chatted with each of us. He was a nice guy.

So, once again, a bar that I spent a long time being terrified of turned out to actually be a pretty nice place with nice clientele.

4805 E 24th St
Kansas City, MO 64127
US
[launch map]
816-231-4334
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Beer Kitchen

scooterj — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 17:10:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1119th bar, first visited in 2015.

We met here for brunch with my family. We almost didn’t go — parking was difficult and once we got inside we found out there would be a 40 minute wait. But suddenly a large group left and freed up a spot for us within moments.

Which was fortunate, because we loved this place!

Great service, a great atmosphere, lots of good beer choices, and fantastic food.

This is the first bar we’ve found that my parents ask to get to come back too.

435 Westport Road
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 389-4180
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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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Yard House

scooterj — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1106th bar, first visited in 2015.

This was the 4th bar and my first new bar on my bachelor party. They are best known for their yard beers, which aren’t literally a yard tall but sure feel like it!

1300 Main
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 527-0952
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Matchbox Bar & Grill

scooterj — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1105th bar, first visited in 2015.

We stopped in here after celebrating a friend’s birthday at El Patron across the street. Coincidentally, a mutual friend of ours was here participating in open mic night. We sat at the bar in front, the stage is in a separate room in the back. There was a good mix of people here, very friendly. Food was served, we had just eaten but what we saw others eating looked pretty good.

2934 Southwest Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
816-960-4790
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64 Tavern & Grille

scooterj — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 17:10:00 +0000

(Tremont Square, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1104th bar, first visited in 2015.

Sports bar with a good size patio, lots of video screens, and some pretty good burgers. We came for the burgers and stayed for a few rounds of beer.

6312 N. Chatham Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64151
US
[launch map]
816-741-6444
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Founder’s Club at Sprint Center

scooterj — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1077th bar, first visited in 2015.

Had a few beers here before and during the Bob Seger concert. Great food, too.

1407 Grand
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
816-949-7100
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The North End

scooterj — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 18:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly La Sala’s

Scooter’s 1075th bar, first visited in 2015.

Formerly La Sala’s Deli, this was converted into a bar a couple of years ago and I just kept forgetting to go check it out until tonight.

For what seems to be a dive, the limited number of tap handles contain a great selection of local and import brews.

It was too cold to check out the patio, so we sat at a small table against the wall. We had a couple rounds of Peroni and some really good appetizers.

910 E. 5th St.
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 421-2189
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Tapcade

scooterj — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1074th bar, first visited in 2015.

Officially part of the new Screenland Crossroads theater, this new arcade/bar (just opened the day before our visit) feels more like its own standalone entity. In fact, I was unable to tell where the movie theater portion actually is.

There are numerous beers available on tap, and while I didn’t get a photo the bar counter is completely tiled with bottle caps. The south wall is an amazing homage of movie memorabilia, while classic arcade games line the northern quarter of the space.

At the time of our visit it looked like a sidewalk eating area was in the works.

1701 McGee
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 492-6577
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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
[launch map]
(816) 471-7111
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Border Brewing Company

scooterj — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

MOVED – No longer at this location.

Scooter’s 1072nd bar, first visited in 2015.

This place had been in business for all of about 2 hours when we arrived, and there was already a line out the door. Fortunately the patrons inside knew of the wait and didn’t linger, so we were able to get in quickly.

This is a very small facility — a handful of bar stools, a ledge by the east window, and a few small tables out front. But that’s all a smaller-batch facility like this needs.

Normally I’m all about stouts, but here of the four beers I tried I liked the red ale best.

406 E. 18th St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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Westport Ale House

scooterj — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 18:10:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Streetside Records

Scooter’s 1071st bar, first visited in 2015.

The last time I was here, this was Pennylane Records and I was buying cassettes and my first CDs. That’s right, I hadn’t been here in so long I completely missed the entire Streetside Records era of this building.

Today, in approximately the same place I picked up the latest Pet Shop Boys album nearly 30 years ago, I instead picked up a pint glass of a local microbrew.

We sat at the dual-sized island bar, while college sports fans watched games from the tables surrounding us. My friend grabbed a bite to eat, but I’m finicky and couldn’t find anything on the menu I’d eat.

On our way out we noticed there’s a rooftop deck, but it was a chilly day so we didn’t head up there.

4128 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 756-5277
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Bier Station

scooterj — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 18:11:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1069th bar, first visited in 2015.

This fairly recent addition to Kansas City has already leaped to top spaces in multiple lists of the best beer bars in the US.

Lots of seating — indoor, outdoor, and the upper level patio that’s enclosed in colder weather.

A great selection of beer on tap, but the most impressive feature is the self-service wall of bottled beer. Just grab what you want and take it to the bartender to drink on-site or get it to-go.

120 E. Gregory Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
816-548-3870
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Waldo Pizza Tap Room

scooterj — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 18:10:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1068th bar, first visited in 2015.

It’s been several years since Waldo Pizza opened their Tap Room, but until this particular night I had only been on the restaurant side so I could not count it as a bar.

The Tap Room is a great bar, with an excellent beer selection and terrific food. The only down-side is that it’s pretty much the only bar I can think of where your attempt to peacefully enjoy a craft beer will be punctuated by the shrieks of the multitude of children’s birthday parties surrounding you.

7433 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
(816) 363-5242
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The Ship

scooterj — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1067th bar, first visited in 2014.

The Ship is a re-creating of a classic decades-old Kansas City institution that was demolished in the 1990s to make way for a city park in what is now the Government District. After the bar’s interior was discovered in a warehouse it was restored and operated on the down-low for a few years.

I’d been wanting to go for a long time, but no one who knew the location would tell me for obvious reasons. I had managed to narrow it down to about the half-block but could never identify the specific door or hours.

Earlier in 2014 The Ship went legit, and now it is easy to spot with its blazing 1930s-esque electric signage, though with its entrance being in an alley you still have to have a general idea of where to look.

The interior re-creation uses as much of the original bar’s decor as was salvageable, creating an atmosphere that looks very much like being on the ship. The main room, where the bar is located, features live music. A small corridor offer additional limited seating, leading to additional rooms in the back that can be used for more seating or private events.

1217 Union Ave
Kansas City, MO 64101
US
[launch map]
816-471-7447
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All Star Pizza & Pub

scooterj — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 17:10:00 +0000

(Northland, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1057th bar, first visited in 2014.

Sports bar / pizza joint in a suburban shopping center. I’d known about it for a couple of years and hadn’t stopped in. I was surprised to find a great and constantly rotating selection of craft beers.

Though this is a pizza place, I am more impressed by their pizza rolls and by their bacon-bacon-bacon burger.

6100 NW 63rd Terr
Kansas City, MO 64151
US
[launch map]
816-587-6000
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Judge’s Pizza & Pub

scooterj — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 17:11:00 +0000

(Shwerwood Estates, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Pancake House

Scooter’s 1035th bar, first visited in 2014.

I didn’t really know what to expect since I have never heard anyone talk about this place and as far as I know I don’t know anyone who has been here, but it was pretty busy inside and the pizza was good enough to leave me impressed.

The building is obviously a former Pancake House, but they’ve made good use of the space to turn it into a pizza bar. There’s even a little lounge area with sofas and a TV near the patio. The restrooms are easily the nicest of any bar along the Vivion corridor.

5171 NE Chouteau Trfy
Kansas City, MO 64119
US
[launch map]
816-453-1516
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The Well

scooterj — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 18:11:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1013th bar, first visited in 2014.

I have to admit I was a little worried about coming here because I’ve heard horror stories from those who have been here late on Fridays and Saturdays. But I found that — at least in the evening on a Thursday — it’s my kind of place after all.

This is very big establishment, with multiple rooms and bars. There’s a patio on the main level, and a rooftop deck surrounds the second level.

Drink prices are slightly high but not terrible. I didn’t try the food but it looked & smelled good enough that I may have to next time.

7421 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
816-361-1700
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Milwaukee Delicatessen Company

scooterj — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1012th bar, first visited in 2014.

This re-creation of a restaurant that occupied this space nearly a century earlier has help save a building that only a couple of years ago was days from being demolished for parking.

Pizza 51 (a small local chain) is served here, but the salad was the true gem of the meal — using a dressing recipe made here.

The bar offers a nice assortment of beers — both on tap and in bottles. Drinks are a little pricey compared to other bars in the area, but I see the extra buck or two as a historic preservation fee that I’m more than happy to pay.

101 W. 9th
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
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(816) 471-6900
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Mutual Musicians Foundation

scooterj — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 999th bar, first visited in 2013.

I came here on the last leg of a 21st birthday party. The birthday girl didn’t make it this far, but I had been putting this one off for far too long. I made it to 3am without following asleep, what’s another hour or two?

A registered historic landmark, musicians have been gathering here after-hours every weekend since the 1930s to hold jam sessions until sunrise.

Because of the nature of this tradition, the club room opens at midnight on weekends and doesn’t really get hopping until around 3:00am. For decades the city looked the other way, but a complaint in 2006 forced enforcement of the liquor laws. Unable to serve drinks any longer, attendance fell off and the Foundation was in danger of failure.

Thankfully the cultural importance of this institution was recognized, and special legislation was passed in 2007 making this the one and only place in the entire state of Missouri licensed to serve drinks all night long.

But if you’re here only for the uniqueness of drinking past 3am in Kansas City, you’re missing out on the main attraction. The music here is fantastic. Kansas City’s best have been jamming here for nearly 9 decades, this is a place to go to listen to great music while the beer you buy helps keep the lights on.

1823 Highland Ave
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 471-5212
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Bar Louie

scooterj — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Famous Dave’s BBQ

Scooter’s 982nd bar, first visited in 2013.

I stopped in here to take advantage of the Tuesday $1 burger special and stuck around for a few beers as well. The burgers were delicious.

The bar area is a central island, with booths around the outer walls. There’s a small outdoor seating area on the sidewalk, and some of the windows are garage doors that open up when the weather is nice. With lots of TVs this has a sports bar feel. It was quite busy for a non-event Tuesday night, but it wasn’t terribly noisy and drinks/food came quickly.

101 E. 14th St.
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
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(816) 841-9100
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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
[launch map]
816-888-8800
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Arthur’s Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 17:14:00 +0000

(Platte Ridge, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 957th bar, first visited in 2012.

This is a bar that I was supposed to visit way back in 2006, but as I was getting out of the car to go inside my buddy’s wife called him and wanted him to come home. It was mainly just a matter of it slipping my mind that it took me 6-1/2 years to make it back.

Opening at 7am with a morning happy hour for night shift workers, Arthur’s is a good strip mall dive. It has several pool tables, plenty of seating, offers karaoke, and is open until 3am.

8158 NW Prairie View Rd
Kansas City, MO 64151
US
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(816) 587-8811
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Grandma’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Connie’s Genessee Inn

Scooter’s 946th bar, first visited in 2012.

Dive bar with hot wings and other basic bar food. There’s a pool table in the side room.

1615 Genessee St
Kansas City, MO 6410
US
[launch map]
(816) 442-8131

VFW Post 9997

scooterj — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 17:13:00 +0000

(Sheffield, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 933rd bar, first visited in 2011.

I’ve known about this VFW for a couple of years, and chose this year’s Veterans Day (11/11/11) to pay it a visit.

This was a really friendly dive bar, and I was welcomed in. There was a Veterans Day buffet taking place. From what I can tell, despite its remote and sketchy location (it’s next to a huge tire dump), this VFW is very active in the community.

Apart from the bar (which only has Budweiser on tap but has several other domestics in cans and bottles), there’s a pool table, a juke box, lottery tickets, Silver Strike, and a MegaTouch game. In the back there is a banquet/reception hall.

As is customary when I am able to get to a VFW or American Legion on November 11, I bought a round for the bar and shook the hands of several veterans before leaving.

6801 Wilson Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64125
US
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(816) 231-9932
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Blue Bird Bistro

scooterj — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 859th bar, first visited in 2011.

Fine dining restaurant serving a locally-grown menu. Towards the back of the restaurant is an upscale bar/lounge.

1700 Summit
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 221-7559
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Westside Local

scooterj — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 858th bar, first visited in 2011.

A restaurant serving locally grown food, but also very popular for its beer garden. A small back room features an intimate bar, beyond that is a shaded and enclosed beer garden in the alley.

Since my first visit was 3 days after a blizzard, I didn’t get to see the beer garden omn that visit.

1663 Summit
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 997-9089
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Garment District

scooterj — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 857th bar, first visited in 2011.

Locally owned clothing boutique. In the center is a bar serving wine, martinis, and a small selection of bottled beer.

1350 Main
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 221-4387
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Rivals Sports Bar

scooterj — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 17:10:00 +0000

(Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 754th bar, first visited in 2010.

Sports bar at Kauffman Stadium overlooking the outfield. I’m listing it as “private” since you have to buy a ticket to a game to get in. This could be my new favorite spot to watch the Royals play.

1 Royal Way
Kansas City, MO 64129
US
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(816) 921-8000
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JR’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:11:00 +0000

(Northland, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Shaker, Buster’s Bar & Grill

Scooter’s 735th bar, first visited in 2010.

Though from the inside it appears to be a typical bar for a typical suburban bar & grill chain, on the inside the bar is isolated enough from the restaurant to maintain a separate identity. In fact, it borders on meeting my criteria for being a dive bar. Despite the bland exterior, it’s a nice little hangout.

9321 N Oak Trfy
Kansas City, MO 64155
US
[launch map]
(816) 468-4450

Eddie’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 17:14:00 +0000

(Robandee, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 713th bar, first visited in 2010.

This is a bar I’d never heard of and likely would never have known about, if not for my friend’s eagle eye. He had spotted it several months ago and tried to tell me about “this real shithole looking place” he had found, but I could never find it on my own. So, on a Saturday we both had free, we ended up deciding to head there together.

When we first arrived the owner had just unlocked the door, but she was not ready for customers yet. She seemed very suspicious of us and told us to come back in about an hour. (Hence why this is bar #713 instead of #710 as it originally would have been.)

When we returned the second time the man who was with the owner earlier asked me suspiciously about my camera and notebook. I explained about my hobby, and suddenly the mood changed. The owner (Leslie) apologized too us for her earlier mood, and everyone all around was very friendly to us from that point on.

“Make no mistake, this place is a shithole, and proud of it,” said the guy who had asked me about my camera. So I guess my friend’s description was not out of line.

However, as “shitholes” go, this is actually a pretty nice place. It’s also quite a bit bigger than you’d think from the outside. It’s well-maintained and not a bad neighborhood hangout at all.

Located in the dying Robandee Shopping Center, this place has been here a long time. Leslie told us she had worked here for 15 years before buying it 3 years ago.

I asked her why it’s still named Eddie’s, given that her name is Leslie. “Oh, honey, when I bought this place I had to deal with a mountain of paperwork half a foot thick and go to Jeff City to get fingerprinted and a background check. No way was I going to add to that by going through the renaming process too!”

There’s bartop trivia, darts, and I believe there were a couple of arcade games behind me. They’ve scaled back the kitchen, though, there’s food only 1 day a week now and Saturday isn’t that day much to the chagrin of our hungry bellies.

8226 E. Bannister Rd
Kansas City, MO 64134
US
[launch map]
(816) 761-1767

BB’s Lawnside BBQ

scooterj — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 17:10:00 +0000

(Legacy East, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 709th bar, first visited in 2010.

(This entry fixes an injustice… I’ve actually visited BB’s several times over the years but for some reason have always forgotten to add it to the list.)

The BBQ at BB’s is good, though I am not a fan of their sauce. It’s too sweet for my tastes. However, BBQ or no BBQ, it’s a good place to kick back with some beers and listed to live blues. In fact, this is one of only three places in the KC area where I actually don’t mind there being a band. (The others are Winslow’s and Knuckleheads.) BB’s is definitely a KC institution.

1205 E. 85th St.
Kansas City, MO 64131
US
[launch map]
(816) 822-7427
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Woodswether Cafe

scooterj — Thu, 06 May 2010 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 708th bar, first visited in 2010.

Long time breakfast/lunch dinner that recently opened its bar and started staying open late. Excellent, inexpensive food. Nightly dinner specials, karaoke on alternate Thursdays, and watch parties for major sports events.

1414 W. 9th St.
Kansas City, MO 64101
US
[launch map]
(816) 472-6333

Savvy Coffee & Wine Bar

scooterj — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Went out of business, again, in May 2010. Cant help but think their hours had a lot to do with it.

Scooter’s 685th bar, first visited in 2010.

Coffee and wine bar on a busy corner in downtown KC. A nice spot to sit and people watch. Free wifi available. The restrooms have some of the coolest sinks ever.

Odd hours though:

Mon – Wed 7 am – 4 pm
Thurs – Fri 7 am – 11pm
Saturday – 5 pm – 1am
Closed on Sunday

1201 Main
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
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(816) 471-7044?
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Savoy Grill

scooterj — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 684th bar, first visited in 2010.

Given that this bar is located inside what could be considered downtown’s ritziest restaurant, I was really surprised that they allowed my group of jeans-wearing guys in off the street to have a drink at the bar. But they did, and our bartender was a really cool guy and fun to chat with.

219 W. 9th St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
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(816) 842-3890
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Los Corrals

scooterj — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 683rd bar, first visited in 2010.

This is an extremely popular Mexican restaurant. The bar is a separate room in front, it is fairly tiny and was packed shoulder to shoulder during my Saturday afternoon visit.

408 W. 9th St.
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 421-9440

Harleys & Horses Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:10:00 +0000

(Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 681st bar, first visited in 2010.

Biker & rock/blues themed bar in a converted restaurant near Worlds of Fun. The bar is a rectangle in the center of the building, with a stage to once side and pool tables to the other side. There is a covered patio in back for the smokers.

This is a fairly new place, it opened October 2009.

The menu features a 5-lb burger challenge. But plan ahead, it requires 48 hours advance notice.

7210 NE 43rd St.
Kansas City, MO 64117
US
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(816) 452-2660
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Gordon Biersch Brewery

scooterj — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 680th bar, first visited in 2009.

Kansas City location of a brewpub restaurant chain. Beer is served directly from the vats via chilled taps.

The bar area is removed from the restaurant and has a more cozy feel than you might expect from a place of this size. The large windows behind the bar are a nice touch.

100 E. 14th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 471-2340
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Qudos Cigar & Cognac Bar

scooterj — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 18:10:00 +0000

(Financial District, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 679th bar, first visited in 2009.

A very comfortable, laid-back lounge on Grand Avenue downtown. The main lounge area features plush leather chairs. The screen behind the bar is used as a TV by day, then becomes the stage for silhouette dancers by night.

To get around the smoking ban, the bar also has two private street-facing patios that are isolated from the lounge, have windows that can be open or closed, and include TVs and heat.

1116 Grand Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 474-2270
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Tengo Sed Cantina

scooterj — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 678th bar, first visited in 2009.

I was in here on a snowy Tuesday night so I was the only customer. Often this place gets pretty packed. They serve Mexican food, but I haven’t heard good things about it.

1323 Walnut
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 442-8112
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Johnny’s Tavern

scooterj — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 677th bar, first visited in 2009.

Downtown KC location of a sports bar chain. It wasn’t super busy during my visit but it seems less likely to draw the Axe-wearing crowd than it’s neighbor McFadden’s down the street. I didn’t try the food but the menu looked impressive, with a good variety of sports bar favorites.

1310 Grand
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 268-2260
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The Jones

scooterj — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 658th bar, first visited in 2009.

Seasonal rooftop pool & bar on the roof of the downtown Cosentino’s grocery store. There is a swim-up bar as well as a standard part for those who prefer not to get in the water. The Jones Ultra Pool is essentially an outdoor pool themed night club. Admission charges apply.

1271 Main, 6th Floor
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 221-8846
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Brock’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 09 May 2009 17:11:00 +0000

(Northland, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 556th bar, first visited in 2009.

Nice sports bar in Platte County. Good food, good prices, friendly people. Front patio is fully enclosed during the colder months or during rain so it can be used regardless of the weather.

6541 N Cosby Ave
Kansas City, MO 64151
US
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(816) 741-0410
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The Marquee

scooterj — Sat, 02 May 2009 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 554th bar, first visited in 2009.

The Marquee Bar fills the north lobby of the AMC Mainstreet Theatre in downtown Kansas City. You do not have to be seeing a movie to visit the bar and it it quickly becoming a popular hangout. Lots of comfortable seating in the lounge areas for watching sports on the plasma TVs or hanging out. Live music weekend evenings.

1400 Main
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
816-474-4545
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Brass Rail

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:24:00 +0000

(Northland, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 553rd bar, first visited in 2009.

This is definitely not the same type of Brass Rail as the other Brass Rail I’ve been to. Basically a gigantic pool hall with a bar. We got in another round of Silver Strike here.

This was an unplanned stop. I was minutes away from dropping B off at this home when his wife called and asked us to stay out later so she could get the baby to sleep. That’s a once-in-a-lifetime phone call, so we pulled over at the first place we found to kill some more time.

4940 NE 81st St
Kansas City, MO 64119
US
[launch map]
(816) 468-6100
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Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar

scooterj — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 18:11:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 537th bar, first visited in 2009.

Dueling piano bar in Westport. I went during the daytime for a charity mini golf pub crawl.

4115 Mill St.
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
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(816) 561-2444
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The Riot Room

scooterj — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 18:10:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 536th bar, first visited in 2009.

Night club / venue in Westport. I went during the daytime for a charity mini golf pub crawl.

4048 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 442-8177
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Crowne Plaza Hotel Bar

scooterj — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Also known as “City Lounge at Crowne Plaza”

Scooter’s 535th bar, first visited in 2009.

Basic hotel bar, nothing fancy.

1301 Wyandotte St.
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 474-6664
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The Phoenix

scooterj — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 534th bar, first visited in 2009.

Famous Jazz bar downtown. It had closed for a while but is back open under new management.

302 W. 8th St.
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 221-5299
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Le Fou Frog

scooterj — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 533rd bar, first visited in 2009.

French restaurant on the edge of the River Market neighborhood downtown. the dining area is in the back, in front is a friendly little bar that isn’t anywhere near as pretentious as one might think a bar in a French restaurant would be.

400 E 5th St
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 474-6060

Bo Ling’s

scooterj — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 532nd bar, first visited in 2009.

Upscale Chinese restaurant in the City Market. The bar is backed by large windows looking out over 5th street.

20 E 5th St
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 423-8036
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The Peanut

scooterj — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:10:00 +0000

(South Plaza, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 531st bar, first visited in 2009.

Arguably the best of the Peanut locations. Very old, tiny, but cozy neighborhood bar. Fills up with college students weekend nights but the rest of the time is a comfortable, laid back place.

5000 Main
Kansas City, MO 64112
US
[launch map]
(816) 753-9499

The Pendergast Club

scooterj — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 510th bar, first visited in 2008.

(From the web site…)

The Pendergast Club (Boss Tom’s Hangout)
A Private Club for Members and Guests Only. Located on the Third Floor of the Historic Fitzpatrick’s Saloon Building – the Home of the Majestic Steakhouse. The Club will operate seven days a week from noon until midnight or by reservation. All food and beverage consumed in Club must be purchased through the Majestic Steakhouse. Cigars should be purchased through the Club except for private stock brought in by Charter Members.

931 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 471-8484
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Kennedy’s Bar & Grill – 2

scooterj — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:11:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

MOVED – No longer at this location.
The temporary location for Kennedy’s while the original location is rebuilt after a fire. Moved to its new home in early 2009.

Scooter’s 508th bar, first visited in 2008.

With a bare concrete floor and partially-unfinished drywall, Kennedy’s currently has virtually no ambiance at all. But that’s just fine, because what’s important is that a neighborhood institution has survived a devastating fire in this temporary location. A new building has been constructed in the footprint of the original location, and by Christmas 2008 Kennedy’s is expected to return home.

512 W 75th St
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
(816) 361-9788

RC’s Restaurant & Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:10:00 +0000

(Martin City, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 507th bar, first visited in 2008.

We arrived too early in the morning for RC’s Back Door Lounge. However we were welcomed in downstairs at the restaurant’s bar.

330 E 135th St
Kansas City, MO 64145
US
[launch map]
(816) 942-4999
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Indie on Main

scooterj — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 504th bar, first visited in 2008.

From the web site:

This music-centric bar is the best place to grab a drink before and after a show. The Indie on Main features a full bar, appetizers and lounge-style seating. The bar opens at 4 p.m. on show nights and ticket holders inside the bar have the opportunity to enter the venue before doors to the public are opened. On non-show nights, The Indie on Main is open Wednesday – Saturday from 4 p.m. – 3 a.m.

1228 Main
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
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Delaware Cafe

scooterj — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Delaware Market Cafe

Scooter’s 503rd bar, first visited in 2008.

Nice restaurant with bar on the side.

300 Delaware St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 842-0303
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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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Final Approach Pub

scooterj — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:10:00 +0000

(Tiffany Springs, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 465th bar, first visited in 2008.

Stopped by here for a Guinness after dropping a co-worker off at an airport. By doing so, I got caught later in a torrential thunderstorm.

10024 NW Ambassador Dr
Kansas City, MO 64153
US
[launch map]
(816) 891-9431

PBR Big Sky

scooterj — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 464th bar, first visited in 2008.

Ride the mechanical bull!

111 E 13th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 442-8145
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Lucky Strike

scooterj — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 463rd bar, first visited in 2008.

Upscale bowling alley and lounge

1370 Grand Ave
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 471-2316
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Flying Saucer

scooterj — Tue, 06 May 2008 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 462nd bar, first visited in 2008.

101 E. 13th St.
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
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Crosstown Station

scooterj — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 461st bar, first visited in 2008.

Live music venue. VERY loud. Cool bathrooms.

1522 McGee St
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 471-1522
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Living Room Bar

scooterj — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 460th bar, first visited in 2008.

In the center of the courtyard of the KC Live! block of the Power & Light District. An entirely outdoor bar. Closed in the winter.

14th & Walnut
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
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Dicarlo’s Mustard Seed

scooterj — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:11:00 +0000

(Knobtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Maniax

Scooter’s 459th bar, first visited in 2008.

Mexican restaurant / burger joint / bar / dance

This place changes its name and format every few years but has always had the same owner.

15015 E Highway 40
Kansas City, MO 64136
US
[launch map]
(816) 373-4240
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Mike’s Tavern

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:33:00 +0000

(UMKC, Kansas City, MO)

Closed November 2009 after more than 40 years in business.

Re-opened under new ownership in May 2010.

Scooter’s 458th bar, first visited in 2008.

Our last stop of the evening corrected a 15-year-old injustice. This is essentially the college bar for UMKC and Rockhurst. But on my one and only visit in college, I drank only a Sprite!

This place was packed for a Monday night. We played Silver Strike again, this time a few games of trick bowling.

5424 Troost Ave
Kansas City, MO 64110
US
[launch map]
(816) 444-3399
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Bob’s In Motion

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:32:00 +0000

(East Side, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 457th bar, first visited in 2008.

aka Mr. Bob’s Place

Security hit us the second we stepped in but gave us the ok. I struck up a brief conversation with another guy at the bar while B used the restroom but for the most part no one talked to us. We watched a game of pool and some dancing, then headed on up the road.

Rumor has it no one under the age of 30 is admitted.

5709 Troost Ave
Kansas City, MO 64110
US
[launch map]
(816) 523-9111

Flamingo Lounge

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:29:00 +0000

(East Side, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 454th bar, first visited in 2008.

“We’re going to be the only white people in here,” said B. “Naw, this is going to be pretty much all white,” I replied. I wish we had bet, as I was right.

The place was divided into two rooms separated by the bar in the middle. On one side a dart league was underway, on the other a billiards league.

8642 E 63rd St
Kansas City, MO 64133
US
[launch map]
(816) 353-9667
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Lafferty’s

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:28:00 +0000

(East Side, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 453rd bar, first visited in 2008.

I’ve been driving by this place for over 20 years and never been inside until tonight. A guy playing pool helped us out with directions to a few other locations. In return, we bought him a drink. Except, after we left, we realized we forgot to pay for his drink! Oops!

6301 Blue Pkwy
Kansas City, MO 64129
US
[launch map]
(816) 924-6888
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Neighbors Cocktail Lounge

scooterj — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:10:00 +0000

(Leeds, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 435th bar, first visited in 2008.

Having been kicked out of this place at the end of our last run through Independence (one member of our gang was visibly drunk when we arrived), we decided to make this our first stop of the day. We arrived around 10:30 in the morning and found they had already been open for a while. We ended up having to sit at a table as there weren’t two seats open at the bar.

9025 E 35th St
Kansas City, MO 64129
US
[launch map]
(816) 924-0244

Garozzo’s Ristorante

scooterj — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 433rd bar, first visited in 2008.

Formal restaurant, the bar is well-separated from the dining area so can be enjoyed on its own.

526 Harrison St
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 221-2455
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Blackjack Bar

scooterj — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 18:10:00 +0000

(Ameristar Casino, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 422nd bar, first visited in 2008.

On the casino floor

3200 NORTH AMERISTAR DRIVE
Kansas City, MO 64161
US
[launch map]
816-414-7000
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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
[launch map]
(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
[launch map]
(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
[launch map]
(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
[launch map]
(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
[launch map]
(816) 471-7704
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Martini Loft at The Aladdin

scooterj — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 416th bar, first visited in 2008.

The tiny bar on the mezzanine level of the Aladdin Hotel. Visited during a scavenger hunt. At first the bartender seemed perturbed but he quickly warmed up and helped us find items for our list. I’m pretty sure we distracted the lone customer, though.

1215 Wyandotte St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 421-8888
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Doc Hollidays Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:22:00 +0000

(Knobtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 407th bar, first visited in 2007.

Just down the road from Tool Shed, this place is also technically in Kansas City (just barely) and was very busy.

Realizing we hadn’t eaten all day we got ourselves an appetizer of fried pepper jack balls and they were really good.

14816 E US Highway 40
Kansas City, MO 64136
US
[launch map]
(816) 478-0766
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Tool Shed Cocktail Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:21:00 +0000

(Knobtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 406th bar, first visited in 2007.

It was my turn to buy so B & D went to use the restroom while I ordered us three beers. The bartender poured the drinks, returned to where I was standing with my hand outstretched with money, and said “Where did he go? Did he order three beers and walk out?” The customer next to me started laughing and said “He’s right here!” “Good thing she’s cute, huh?” he leaned in towards me to say.

The walls of the men’s room were white, but I’m told that they used to be covered with centerfolds that someone had meticulously cut out and glued to the walls.

14940 E US Highway 40
Kansas City, MO 64136
US
[launch map]
(816) 373-1747

Brio Tuscan Grill

scooterj — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 18:10:00 +0000

(Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 394th bar, first visited in 2007.

Upscale restaurant lounge

500 Nichols Rd
Kansas City, MO 64112
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-1845
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Mac’s South KC Jazz & Blues

scooterj — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 18:11:00 +0000

(Hickman Mills, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 393rd bar, first visited in 2007.

Practically in Grandview but technically in Kansas City, Mac’s South KC Jazz & Blues is both a popular neighborhood lounge and regional music destination.

Open from 4pm to 2am, in evening Mac’s might remind one of “Cheers”, a relaxing place with friendly, familiar faces every day. After 10:00 the younger crowd comes in and Mac’s transforms into an energized dance club.

(We were invited in before opening to take some photos. The photo above with the crowd is one we found on the Internet.)

If you’re hungry, the daily bar food includes wings, fish, and shrimp. On Sundays and Tuesdays the dinner special is pork chops with chicken rice and gravy.

For entertainment, there are dart leagues Wednesdays and Thursdays, and a DJ on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. There is also a live band once a month.

Mac’s is where KC native and rising star Tech N9ne launched his career. Some of Mac’s guests also include comedian Reynaldo Rey, as well as the Blue Angels, both of whom stop in whenever they are in town.

In business for 10 years, Mac’s is owned by the McKenzie family. Ken McKenzie runs the club, and his wife Etta is also active in the local business community.

Mac’s is on the north side of Blue Ridge Blvd, a quarter mile northeast of US 71 Hwy. Most of the parking is in the rear, so don’t be scared away if the front lot looks full.

11816 Blue Ridge Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64134
US
[launch map]
(816) 763-9400

McFadden’s

scooterj — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 392nd bar, first visited in 2007.

Initially positioned itself as an Irish sports bar but it’s really neither. Food is good, service is spotty. Gets crowded at night with the striped-shirt set.

1330 Grand
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 471-1330
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13th Street Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
This became the new location of Tarantino’s, and is now the Power & Light Grille.

Scooter’s 391st bar, first visited in 2007.

Decent lunchtime bar & grill but no evening hours. Eventually closed. Re-opened under new owners who tried to turn it into a night-weekend business. But the hours they were open were spotty and unreliable, making it hard to establish a customer base. Went out of business in late 2007.

Now it’s the home of Tarantino’s. And now it’s the home of Power & Light Grille.

417 E 13th St
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 221-3313

Destiny’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 17:16:00 +0000

(Nashua, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Has changed a couple of times. Currently called “D’Barb & Grill”.

Scooter’s 376th bar, first visited in 2007.

Located in the former Sour Octopus restaurant location, Destiny’s has the distinction of being the northernmost bar in Kansas City proper.

11129 N Oak Trfy
Kansas City, MO 64155
US
[launch map]
(816) 734-4877

Jim Bob’s Belly-Up Bar

scooterj — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(Oceans of Fun, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 368th bar, first visited in 2007.

Poolside bar in Oceans of Fun. Since admission is required to the park, I am listing this as technically being a private club.

4545 Worlds of Fun Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64161
US
[launch map]
(816) 454-4545
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Houlihan’s Restaurant

scooterj — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(Boardwalk, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 350th bar, first visited in 2007.

8660 N Boardwalk Ave
Kansas City, MO 64154
US
[launch map]
(816) 584-9910
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Madrigall

scooterj — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 349th bar, first visited in 2007.

1627 Oak St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 472-4400
Visit Web Site

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
[launch map]
(816) 842-0400
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Los Tules

scooterj — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 347th bar, first visited in 2007.

Nice little bar in the front room with friendly bartenders

1656 Broadway St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 421-9229

Cafe Al Dente

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

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 346th bar, first visited in 2007.

Pizza/pasta joint with a small bar

412 Delaware St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 472-9444

The Studio Restaurant & Bar

scooterj — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS

Scooter’s 369th bar, first visited in 2007.

1118 McGee Street
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
816-214-9701
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O’Dowd’s Irish Pub

scooterj — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(Zona Rosa, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 281st bar, first visited in 2007.

8600 NW Prairie View Rd
Kansas City, MO 64153
US
[launch map]
(816) 268-6333
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Boomers Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:18:00 +0000

(Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 280th bar, first visited in 2007.

Pretty decent strip mall sports bar. Features a good jukebox, pool tables, fried bar food favorites, Golden Tee and Silver Strike, etc wraped around a central horseshoe-shaped bar.

7932 N Oak Trfy # 205
Kansas City, MO 64118
US
[launch map]
(816) 436-7245

Mickey’s Irish Pub

scooterj — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:14:00 +0000

(Englewood, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Has gone through several names. Among others it has been a Tanner’s before it was Mickey’s, was called Howell Bar & Grill later. Since April 2010 it has been Unwind Bar & Grill.

Scooter’s 276th bar, first visited in 2007.

As Mickey’s: The most expensive Guinness I’ve ever had in the KC area! At least the hurricane-force hand dryers in the men’s room were nice.

As Unwind: Inexpensive draft beer. Nice pool tables, DJ booth, dance floor. Golden Tee and Silver Strike. Was pretty busy for a Monday afternoon.

420 NW Englewood Rd
Kansas City, MO 64118
US
[launch map]
(816) 453-1010
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Hiway House

scooterj — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:13:00 +0000

(Colonial Square, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 275th bar, first visited in 2007.

On Prather Road, just south of the Prather/Antioch split.

The bar is very small compared to the rest of the building, I didn’t look beyond the restrooms to see what was down the hall (if anything). I kind of feel like I remember there being a separate restaurant area.

4071 Prather Rd
Kansas City, MO 64116
US
[launch map]
(816) 454-7200
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Bama’s

scooterj — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:12:00 +0000

(N. Brighton, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now called One Eyed Jacks

Scooter’s 274th bar, first visited in 2007.

Pizza place / bar

5044 NE Parvin Rd
Kansas City, MO 64117
US
[launch map]
(816) 455-6000

Antoinette’s Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:11:00 +0000

(N. Brighton, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 273rd bar, first visited in 2007.

2007 Visit: I take back what I said about that American Legion being the most redneck place I’ve found.

2013 Visit: No problems this time!

Decent sized open area with the bar along one wall and games along the other. A patio has been added since my first visit.

4545 N Brighton Ave
Kansas City, MO 64117
US
[launch map]
(816) 452-1011
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American Legion Post 61

scooterj — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(Clay County, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 272nd bar, first visited in 2007.

2007 Visit: This one was hard as hell to find and took several tries. I asked several locals, they all knew about it but none could give clear or accurate directions. Google Maps led me to someone’s house. When I finally found it the mystery was solved: parallel streets both with the same name, one of which dead ends at the Legion while the other is what all the mapping sites lead you to. Once inside this was the darkest bar I’ve ever been in, and possibly the most redneck too. Hidden back behind Vivion & Compton.

Regularly hosts karaoke

2014 Visit: Much cleaner and brighter. Friendly patrons, much more so than the previous visit. And Google Maps finally has the location right, too!

5125 N Bellaire Ave
Kansas City, MO 64119
US
[launch map]
(816) 454-7570
Visit Web Site

Comedy City

scooterj — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

MOVED – No longer at this location.
Now located in Westport at the Westport Flea Market. No longer has its own bar, shares with the Westport Flea Market’s bar.

New address: 817 Westport Rd Kansas City, MO 64111

Scooter’s 271st bar, first visited in 2007.

When it was located in its own building in Columbus Park, Comedy City had it’s own bar downstairs from the main stage.

300 Charlotte St
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 842-2744
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Askew Inn

scooterj — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 17:16:00 +0000

(Scarritt Pointe, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 247th bar, first visited in 2007.

3600 Independence Ave
Kansas City, MO 64124
US
[launch map]
(816) 231-0526

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
Visit Web Site

Embassy

scooterj — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 17:13:00 +0000

(Midtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 244th bar, first visited in 2007.

Hipster dive on Main Street.

3945 Main St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-1600
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Jardine’s Restaurant

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

(Plaza, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 243rd bar, first visited in 2007.

Great jazz spot. Drinks are expensive, but the atmosphere is worth it.

4536 Main St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-6480
Visit Web Site

Sharp’s 63rd St Grill

scooterj — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 17:11:00 +0000

(Brookside, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 242nd bar, first visited in 2007.

128 W 63rd St
Kansas City, MO 64113
US
[launch map]
(816) 333-4355
Visit Web Site

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
[launch map]
(816) 221-5858
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Wetherbee’s

scooterj — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:20:00 +0000

(Antioch/Vivion, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Evidently closed in 2010

Scooter’s 238th bar, first visited in 2007.

We were the only people in the bar on our visit, we had arrived just after opening. The bartender tried to talk us into staying for the drag show later.

2510 NE Vivion Rd
Kansas City, MO 64118
US
[launch map]
(816) 454-2455

Bojo’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:18:00 +0000

(Antioch, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 236th bar, first visited in 2007.

5410 NE Antioch Rd
Kansas City, MO 64119
US
[launch map]
(816) 455-3344
Visit Web Site

VFW Post 5606

scooterj — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:17:00 +0000

(Oak Ridge, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 235th bar, first visited in 2007.

This VFW is tucked back from the road a bit, located between a golf course and Stroud’s North. This writeup is about my visit to it as a bar.

As VFW bars go, this is probably the most friendly one I have been to. (And most have been friendly.) The silver-haired crowd was very excited to see some young people in there. “We need more young people in here to keep this place going,” one of them said.

I got a kick out of the men’s room when I stepped through the door to find a woman standing in the corner staring back at me. (Look at the pictures to see what I’m talking about.)

This VFW’s bar is open to the public and makes for a nice little dive to hang out at after a round of golf.

5406 NE Oak Ridge Rd
Kansas City, MO 64119
US
[launch map]
(816) 452-9861
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JC’s Sports Bar

scooterj — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:15:00 +0000

(Vivion, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 233rd bar, first visited in 2007.

2006: We didn’t get a good vibe from this place. No one would talk to us, no one was talking to each other. It was like drinking in a grungy monastery for bikers.

2014: What was I thinking in 2006? This was a friendly, laid-back place. Had a good time!

6135 NE Vivion Rd
Kansas City, MO 64119
US
[launch map]
(816) 454-8388
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Marcy’s Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:14:00 +0000

(Antioch/Vivion, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 232nd bar, first visited in 2007.

You wouldn’t know this place was here from driving by on Vivion, all you might notice is Marcy’s diner. But if you drive around back through the K-Mart parking lot, you’ll discover an awesome little dive in the basement. Enjoy the karaoke!

2631 NE Vivion Rd
Kansas City, MO 64119
US
[launch map]
(816) 452-0103

Club Deja Vu

scooterj — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 18:10:00 +0000

(Antioch/Vivion, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Attitudes and Latitudes

OUT OF BUSINESS
Something called Eclipse is moving in. But this is such a terrible place I can’t imagine it will last either.

Scooter’s 226th bar, first visited in 2007.

Generally too loud if there’s a band or DJ. Prone to late night violence. Uncomfortable seating after the booths were removed in 2007. Draft beer is usually too warm.

2516 NE Vivion Rd
Kansas City, MO 64118
US
[launch map]
(816) 453-2222
Visit Web Site

Anthony’s Restaurant & Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 225th bar, first visited in 2007.

Italian restaurant with lounge singers, the bar has hard-to-find beers on tap and is open until 3am.

701 Grand Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 221-4088
Visit Web Site

Mc Coy’s Public House & Brew

scooterj — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 18:10:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Harris House & Santa Fe Saloon

Scooter’s 223rd bar, first visited in 2007.

Popular Brewpub in Westport. I count this as a separate bar from its predecessors due to extensive renovation.

4057 Pennsylvania Ave
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 960-0866
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The Mango Room

scooterj — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Closed in 2009. Replaced by Ingredient

Scooter’s 212th bar, first visited in 2007.

Came here several times on various downtown pub crawls.

1111 Main, Suite 102
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 268-4600
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Piano Room

scooterj — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 18:16:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 206th bar, first visited in 2006.

Third time’s the charm on this south Waldo staple — my previous two attempts to visit this place were thwarted literally at the door. I liked the music here – live piano/horn performances and big band/swing on the sound system between sets.

8410 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
(816) 363-8722

Fred P Ott’s

scooterj — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Closed in 2008.

Scooter’s 199th bar, first visited in 2006.

Nice local bar & grill chain in a downtown office tower. Was a nice place to hang out after work.

1111 Main St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 474-2100
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Tomfooleries Restaurant & Bar

scooterj — Sat, 23 Sep 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(Zona Rosa, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 197th bar, first visited in 2006.

Basic suburban restaurant bar chain

8680 NW Prairie View Rd
Kansas City, MO 64153
US
[launch map]
(816) 746-8668
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Willlie’s Pub

scooterj — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 196th bar, first visited in 2006.

Mizzou-oriented sports bar.

1501 Grand Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 527-0188
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Fitz’s Blarney Stone

scooterj — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 17:15:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 195th bar, first visited in 2006.

Irish theme dive bar north of Westport.

3801 Broadway St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 753-4949

AJ’s Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 17:14:00 +0000

(Scarritt, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 194th bar, first visited in 2006.

I had heard about this place before, a story about a customer bringing in a shopping cart that had a TV in it, and that while drinking a cockroach crawled in and meandered across the the bar. So naturally I had to see this place.

I didn’t come across any roaches, but before we left a customer did come in with a shopping cart full of groceries. And on a later visit, someone did indeed bring in a shopping cart with a TV in it.

2618 Independence Ave
Kansas City, MO 64214
US
[launch map]
(816) 231-9789

Knuckleheads Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 17:13:00 +0000

(East Bottoms, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 193rd bar, first visited in 2006.

This is by far one of THE coolest places in KC. If you like the blues at all, you HAVE to check this place out. Indoor and outdoor stages, huge amounts of indoor and outdoor seating (and the indoor seating is easily converted to open-air when the weather is nice) and great talent.

2719 Rochester St
Kansas City, MO 64120
US
[launch map]
(816) 483-1456
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Karen’s Kozy Cabin

scooterj — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 17:12:00 +0000

(Scarritt, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 192nd bar, first visited in 2006.

This is one of the smallest bars I have ever seen, it was a full house with approximately 6 patrons. Though 2 months ago it “expanded” — in that they knocked a hole in the west wall and slapped up a quick ceiling and plywood exterior over their former beer garden to make room for a pool table. There is still a very small patio in back, it looks like it had seating for about two. Draft beer here is served in mason jars.

UPDATE – A further remodel has eliminated the old horseshoe-shaped bar and replaced it with one that makes better use of the limited space.

4614 Saint John Ave
Kansas City, MO 64123
US
[launch map]
(816) 483-0892

Tom’s Bigger Jigger

scooterj — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 17:11:00 +0000

(Indian Mound, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 191st bar, first visited in 2006.

A well-worn place with a large sqaure-shaped bar and about a dozen patrons. Our bartender, Norma, was a friendly older woman.

6120 Saint John Ave
Kansas City, MO 64123
US
[launch map]
(816) 231-3699

Rivers Edge

scooterj — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(East Bottoms, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 190th bar, first visited in 2006.

A combination breakfast/lunch diner (kitchen closes around 1:00-2:00) and dive bar.

1036 N Agnes Ave
Kansas City, MO 64120
US
[launch map]
(816) 231-8855

What’s Happen’n Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:22:00 +0000

(Marlborough, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 189th bar, first visited in 2006.

Formerly a trolley barn, this run down old building next to the railroad at the southern end of Prospect has been one bar or another for about half a century or so.

The clientele I’ve seen on my visits are almost universally old white drunk men and the women who love them. Drinks are very cheap, and beer is served extremely cold. This is a bar for those with true iron livers.

This is definitely one of those “letting loose” kind of places. Just about anything goes here. In local dive bar terms, this would be the Zoo Bar of South KC — except raunchy.

No true KC dive bar fan should be allowed to die without drinking here at least once.

8512 Prospect Ave
Kansas City, MO 64132
US
[launch map]
(816) 523-1174
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Ugly Joe’s

scooterj — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:16:00 +0000

(Dallas, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Fuzzy’s South

Scooter’s 183rd bar, first visited in 2006.

1227 W 103rd St
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
(816) 941-7702
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Creekside Pub & Grille

scooterj — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:15:00 +0000

(Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 182nd bar, first visited in 2006.

9916 Holmes Rd
Kansas City, MO 64131
US
[launch map]
(816) 941-4014

Billy B’s Restaurant & Bar

scooterj — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:14:00 +0000

(South KC, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 181st bar, first visited in 2006.

9922 Holmes Rd
Kansas City, MO 64131
US
[launch map]
(816) 943-1188

Half Time Sports Bar

scooterj — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:12:00 +0000

(South KC, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Good Time Charlies Pub & Grill

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now called Baylee’s

Scooter’s 179th bar, first visited in 2006.

Was also once called Pat Murphy’s. This spot seems to change fairly often.

13023 Holmes Rd
Kansas City, MO 64145
US
[launch map]
(816) 941-2720

Daily Limit

scooterj — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:11:00 +0000

(South KC, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 178th bar, first visited in 2006.

In the Red Bridge Shopping Center. More than just fishing themed… when we were in there fishing was just about all anyone was talking about.

523 E Red Bridge Rd
Kansas City, MO 64131
US
[launch map]
(816) 942-0400

Sand Trap Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(South KC, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 177th bar, first visited in 2006.

13037 Holmes Rd
Kansas City, MO 64145
US
[launch map]
(816) 942-0990

Ponak’s Mexican Kitchen

scooterj — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 99th bar, first visited in 2006.

Mexican restaurant & bar. I didn’t really care for the restaurant side, but the bar side seems to be what’s more popular.

2856 Southwest Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 753-0775

John’s Big Deck

scooterj — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Was closed for 3 months for cleaning/remodeling. Re-opened March 13, 2009 under new management.

Scooter’s 98th bar, first visited in 2006.

John’s Deck is three bars in one. The street level is a standard sports bar & grill with better than average food. The middle level, accessible through a separate entrance, is a music venue and dance area. The top level is a relaxing outdoor bar that turns into an outdoor music venue at night.

928 Wyandotte
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 474-5668

Chez Charlie’s

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:25:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 97th bar, first visited in 2006.

A pretty hard core dive bar, with strong, cheap drinks. Has a pretty regular following. Can be hard to spot since it has almost no signage, but it’s the south end of the building Blarney Stone is in.

3809 Broadway St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 753-9247

Lava Room

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:24:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now called Gusto.

Scooter’s 96th bar, first visited in 2006.

Nice, laid-back, relaxing lounge.

3810 Broadway St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-5282

Buddies

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:23:00 +0000

(Midtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 95th bar, first visited in 2006.

This ended up being one of the most fun places we went to. It was laid back, relaxed, and friendly.

B played pool with a lesbian with a mullet. While he was waiting for his next turn a guy came over and flirted with him briefly.

“I’m winning,” B told me, refering not to the pool game but to getting hit on.

But later I got checked out, blatantly and repeatedly, by a guy who was chatting with me while I was using the restroom.

After I told B this, I was declared the winner.

3715 Main St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-2600
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Side Kicks Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:22:00 +0000

(Midtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 94th bar, first visited in 2006.

Hard-core gay bar with dance floor. Our vest-on-bare-chested bartender kept calling us “honey”.

3707 Main St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 931-1430
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Levee Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:21:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 93rd bar, first visited in 2006.

Live music / dance place at night, popular lunch spot by day. Nice patio.

4235 Baltimore Ave
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-5565
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Blayney’s of Westport

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:20:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Closed in mid 2009

Scooter’s 92nd bar, first visited in 2006.

Music venue. They wanted to charge us a cover but we talked them into letting us stay at the bar.

415 Westport Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-3747
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Harpo’s

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:19:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 91st bar, first visited in 2006.

Popular among college kids for it’s 75-cent draws of Natural Light… you’ll see college kids loading up trays with dozens at a time. Much of the draw comes from UMKC. One of the few bars I’ve been to where the multi-urinal men’s room has a long line outside the door.

That aside, this place has an AWESOME patio.

4109 Pennsylvania Ave
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 753-3434
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Dark Horse Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:18:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 90th bar, first visited in 2006.

Dive bar serving Torre’s Pizza.

4112 Pennsylvania Ave
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 931-3663
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Westport Flea Market

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:17:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 89th bar, first visited in 2006.

Bar with GREAT burgers. Also weekly karaoke.

Used to have an actual flea market there, that’s largely gone now. On one past visit carried our beers around among all the flea market booths and had a conversation with a guy who tried to justify why he wanted $3,200 for a 1920s electric fan.

817 Westport Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 931-1986
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The New Point

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:16:00 +0000

(West Plaza, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 88th bar, first visited in 2006.

Bar/restaurant between Westport and The Plaza

917 W 44th St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-7660
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Twin City Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:15:00 +0000

(West Plaza, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 87th bar, first visited in 2006.

Neighborhood bar & grill that is a long-time institution. Popular among all walks of life and a major opponent of the smoking ban.

1815 Westport Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 753-5956
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Gilhouly’s

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:14:00 +0000

(West 39th, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 86th bar, first visited in 2006.

The bartender had not arrived yet and the only person who could legally get us a beer was the owner, who was outside dealing with an A/C issue. After a while he was able to come in and pour for us. As he set our beers in front of us the actual bartender arrived.

When we finished our beers B went to go use the restroom. “Need another round?” the bartender asked me. “Naw, we have to get going,” I said. “Did you already pay him?” she asked, pointing to the owner. “Yep, we’re square,” I said, honestly believing Brandon had already paid.

I then went to the restroom myself, and when I came back out, I saw B at the counter paying our tab.

Whoops!

I promise, Bartender-lady, whoever you are, I was not trying to slip out without paying!

Updated in 2022 with photos, finally!

1721 W 39th St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-2899
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DB Cooper’s

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:13:00 +0000

(West 39th, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 85th bar, first visited in 2006.

Dark & dirty dive bar with billiards

1804 W 39th St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 753-9800

Jimmy’s Jigger

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:12:00 +0000

(West 39th, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 84th bar, first visited in 2006.

Former standalone bar that was later swallowed by Jazz, the restaurant above it, to become Jazz’s de-facto restaurant bar. You can sit in here and not feel like you are in the restaurant, yet still have access to the entire menu.

When we got there they were not quite open yet and the door was locked. We decided to go elsewhere but when we were about 30 feet away I barely heard a faint click. “Hold on,” I said, and ran back to try the door again. Open.

“FIRST!” shouted B as we walked in, throwing his arms up in the air.

“Hooray for you,” said the bartender sarcastically. “Write that accomplishment down in your diary.”

I immediately started laughing as I pulled the bar diary out of my pocket and wrote that one down.

1823 W 39th St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-7977

Kelly’s Westport Inn

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:11:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 83rd bar, first visited in 2006.

In one of the oldest buildings in KC (if not THE oldest). Opens at 8:30am and popular among all demographics. Big place with pizza shop in the back.

500 Westport Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-0635
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Dave’s Stagecoach Inn

scooterj — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 82nd bar, first visited in 2006.

Tiny cash-only dive bar that opens at 8:30am.

316 Westport Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-2492

PR’s Place

scooterj — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:21:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 81st bar, first visited in 2006.

Located on the eastern edge of Kansas City’s West Side, PR’s Place is a popular hangout for Kansas City’s hispanic population while virtually unknown among the artists and hipsters found only a block to the east. You might drive right by this place and not realize it’s a bar, the exterior might make one think more of a dentist office.

PR’s has an inviting, comfortable interior and one of the more eclectic jukebox catalogs we’ve seen. It’s also a popular place for watching sports — especially soccer. If you are a fan of the World Cup this is a great place to watch it. There are no beer taps, but bottles and cans are plentiful and cheap.

1741 Washington St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 421-9746

Screenland Theatre bar

scooterj — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:20:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 80th bar, first visited in 2006.

Because we arrived here well after the start of the night’s last feature, the bartender seemed puzzled by our arrival.

“Um, we’re just here to have a drink,” Seth said.

A smile grew across the bartender’s face. “That’s the coolest thing I’ve heard all night! Come have a seat!”

The Screenland shows current indy flicks along with choice “classics” from time to time. While we drank, I made sure to note that there are three very important films they NEED to show as part of their classics series. “Flash Gordon, Clash of the Titans, and The Last Dragon.”

Flash, The Kraken, and Leroy?!? You can all thank me later.

1656 Washington St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 421-2900
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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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Cigar Box

scooterj — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:18:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 78th bar, first visited in 2006.

Daytime lunch spot becomes popular after-hours hangout. Yes they still have the walk-in humidor even though you can no longer smoke what you buy — stupid voters. Stay too late and you might get into a debate with a drunken Chiefs fan or get seduced by one of the ladies from Temptations, the strip club next door.

1519 Grand Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 421-7222

The Brick

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

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 77th bar, first visited in 2006.

Monday-Saturday
11:00 AM – 3:00 AM

Sunday
Noon – Midnite

Good food, delivered until 10pm. Popular hipster live music venue.

1727 Mcgee St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 421-1634
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Grinders

scooterj — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:16:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 76th bar, first visited in 2006.

Great pizza and wings, excellent beer selection, spotty service. Picnic table just outside the back door leaving to a large outdoor concert venue.

417 E 18th St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]
(816) 472-5454
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Zoo Bar

scooterj — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Open Monday thru Saturday, 11am to 1:30am. Mon-Thurs call ahead before arriving late as it sometimes closes at 11pm during the week if it’s slow.

Scooter’s 75th bar, first visited in 2006.

Zoo Bar is a place that so few people know about and is so hard to find, that oftentimes first-time visitors have no idea what to expect and may feel a little nervous. Instead they are surprised to find themselves inside what is probably the friendliest and most laid-back place in town. I would venture to call it the best dive bar in Kansas City. And that can’t be far from the truth, to be thriving after nearly 26 years and counting in a location where none of its neighbors have lasted.

The bar is very small… in fact the bar itself takes about half of the usable space. There are seats for maybe about 25, but no one seems to mind standing when they have to.

The most striking feature of Zoo Bar is the graffiti covering its walls, ceiling, and nearly every other accessible permanent surface other than the bar itself. In the mid 1980s the bar was repainted and patrons threw such a fit about loss of the scrawlings that it has never been painted since. More than 20 years of Zoo Bar history is now inscribed upon the walls. Many people just leave their name and the date, while others draw pictures or write a sentence or two about the visit. Markers are left out on the bar for anyone who wants to add themselves to the ink-on-paint tapestry.

Another feature Zoo Bar is very proud of is its old flip-style CD jukebox. The owner and bartenders have spent years editing and refining the mix of selections, literally agonizing over what CD to remove if a new one is added. The result is such a well-balanced mix of music that almost any visitor can find music they like, yet no matter what gets played it fits the style of the bar perfectly. Occasionally spontaneous bar dancing has been known to break out.

Zoo Bar has no beer taps, but it does have nearly 30 varieties of beer in bottles and cans. This includes several premium and foreign beers as well. And as long as it doesn’t require a blender (which no real drink ever should… especially a drink in a dive bar), the bartenders can mix up just about anything else you may want. Most importantly, this is one the cheapest places to drink in downtown Kansas City.

The bartenders are all a fun bunch. Ronnie or Ellen (who was the first bartender I met there back in 2006) will take care if you during the daytime, while Carol, the Sarahs, Cameron, Samantha, or Shizzy will be happy to serve you at night. Collectively the bartending staff call themselves the Zooettes. Except for Cameron, of course.

On Saturday the bar offers a free lunch buffet. All of the food is home cooked, usually by the owner and often with a bit of a kick of spices. The menu changes each weekend and is usually written on the whiteboard inside the front door a day or two in advance.

The owner, Preston Cain, is a friendly guy who often will stop in at some point in the evening. An attorney who practices out of the law office above the bar, Preston runs the bar almost as a hobby. Preston took over operation after the original owner, prosecuting attorney Ray Webb, passed away. A ceiling tile commemorating Webb sits behind the bar, while Preston is showcased in magic marker on the opposite wall.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

When I made my first visit to Zoo in June 2006, a friend and I were looking for a place that we did not know for certain even still existed. We had only a name and a general idea of the location that I had picked up from a 2-year-old list of businesses mentioned in a bicycle blog. Indeed, the Zoo Bar was so hard to find that we looked directly at it several times, from right across the street, and did not see it. The only signage was a small engraved wooden sign inside the window. Somehow I caught this sign out of the corner of my eye as we were giving up the hunt and walking away.

When we stepped inside, everyone inside stared at us and we realized we were intruders in a very private, close-knit community. So we was surprised when the moment of silence was broken with “Welcome to the Zoo!” as a woman moved her coat in order to offer us a place to sit.

The regulars were a mix of lawyers, government workers, and construction workers. Ellen, our bartender, opened our cans of beer while we began talking with the gang about topics ranging from a tragic bicycle accident that had occurred around the corner an hour earlier, to KCTV’s Katie Horner, to people having sex at a nearby bus stop. One Zoo fixture, a man named Les, gave us a lesson on the health benefits of drinking Goldschlager.
* * * * * * * * * * * *

Zoo Bar opened on October 24, 1982, in the southeast corner of a 2-story law office building at 12th & McGee. It was the direct descendant of Up The Street, a bar that had opened in 1977 on the 12th Street side of the same building. It was a lawyer hangout and featured pool tables in its back room (a room that today is the wig shop next door). In 1984 a fire closed the bar for a few months.

In the late 1990s downtown went into a slide and most of the bars along what was once a mighty dive bar row closed. Eventually only Zoo Bar remained. It operated as a daytime-only bar for years, supported by the daily visits of a small but very dedicated group of regulars. (Many of whom are still regulars today.) The larger back room was walled off, becoming retail space that today serves as the wig shop operating next door. What remained was the tiny sliver of a bar that we see today, with the cutouts that used to allow access to the back room still obvious at both ends of the bar.

In early 2007, anticipating increased foot traffic from the new Sprint Center and Power & Light District, additional bartenders were hired and a night shift was added. Lighted beer signs were added for the first time, and exterior signage was put up. The gamble paid off, and Zoo Bar’s patronage has increased tremendously. At night Zoo becomes a favorite hangout of downtown residents and visitors to the new entertainment venues.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Today Zoo is a place where adults of all ages and all walks of life enjoy relaxing. There’s never a band — only the jukebox — and the TVs are rarely on (usually just for Royals games) so it’s a good place for conversation. And with the small space, conversations usually end up spreading to include diverse groups of people who would otherwise normally never likely cross paths. It’s the kind of place where everyone treats each other right and looks out for each other.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Because of the new signs Zoo Bar isn’t as hard to find today as it was when I first visited, but it can still be a bit of a challenge. It is located on McGee, immediately north of the Sprint Center, about halfway up the block. It is directly across the street from the McGee Street entrance to the Board of Education building. If you are driving, note that McGee is one-way northbound, and accessible only from 13th Street which is one-way westbound. There is no parking lot but the metered spaces out front are free evenings and weekends. Still, being adjacent to the Sprint center and only 1 block from the Power & Light District, many visitors walk there from other downtown destinations.

1220 Mcgee St
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 842-6060
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12th Street Rag

scooterj — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 74th bar, first visited in 2006.

In the lobby of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown

200 W 12th St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 421-6800

The Stables

scooterj — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 73rd bar, first visited in 2006.

The Stables is an okay dive bar. Being close to several office towers its nice to walk to with co-workers for come cheap after-work beer. (Served cheap and very cold.) There’s pool tables in the back,Silver Strike in the front, and an old-style big screen TV that’s used mainly for music channels but sometimes for sports. The bar is a cozy L-shape, and there is ample table seating. True to its name, riding equipment and pictures of horses are placed throughout the bar.

For a long while, Stables was the only bar downtown that was not open on Saturdays. That finally changed about a year ago.

Another change is that The Stables has quietly become gay-friendly… at least on certain nights of the week. I wouldn’t say it’s completely become a gay bar just yet, and (at least from what I’ve seen so far) it really shouldn’t make anyone uncomfortable who isn’t into that sort of place.

Still, if you happen to be an exceptionally handsome young fellow, don’t be surprised if you get hit on by some middle-aged dude in a wifebeater. Just laugh it off and chill… you’ll be fine.

813 Walnut St
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 842-2016

Tarantino’s

scooterj — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly The Garage

OUT OF BUSINESS
Now located at 13th & Locust, Kansas City, MO

Closed November 2009.

Scooter’s 72nd bar, first visited in 2006.

Fantastic pizza/calzone/sandwich joint with limited bar

601 Mcgee St
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 421-0043

Red Front Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 71st bar, first visited in 2006.

From the web site:

The Red Front Bar is located on Admiral Blvd. in the heart of downtown. A great place to sit down and relax after a long day of work or maybe the perfect place to start your night out on the town, however it is common for a person to sit down at Red Front for the whole night. Our great bartenders can mix up anything you request. Play some music on the Juke Box or make your own music on the Karaoke machine. Hang outside on our new deck! Red Front is a place to relax with old friends, make new friends, and even dance the night away! The perfect place for b-day, bachelorette, and bachelor parties.

310 Admiral Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 472-0569
Visit Web Site

Caddy Shack

scooterj — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 70th bar, first visited in 2006.

Caddyshack, or “The Shack” as many of the regulars refer to it, is a popular dive bar and night spot for downtown Kansas City barhoppers.

On our first visit in 2006 we were warmly greeted by our bartender, who asked our names and immediately engaged us in conversation. The owner, Joe, came out to meet us as well. On subsequent visits we have learned that Joe makes it a habit of getting to know his customers, circulating among the crowd saying hello and making conversation.

The interior of the bar is divided into two main sections. The front section contains booths and low tables surrounded by office chairs. The back section contains a mix of high and low bar tables interspersed among the pool tables.

Caddyshack features free popcorn, optionally seasoned with their special blend of spices, and has recently begun making their own pizza. The pizza is Sicilian style, based upon a recipe Joe has been making for over 30 years, and is available until 2:00am. Other standard bar foods are also available.

Entertainment includes pool tables and other usual bar games. About once a month they have a karaoke night that is wildly popular, often drawing standing-room-only crowds.

In 2007 though early 2008 Caddyshack underwent an extensive renovation. In addition to fixing up the bathrooms and cleaning up the interior, the unused back patio was closed and a new, much bigger patio was built on the building’s east side. The picture a the top this article was taken before construction, the new patio sits off the right-hand side of that photo. This patio is now one of the busiest spots downtown after 1:30am.

700 E 3rd St
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 421-4742

Tomfooleries

scooterj — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(Plaza, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 69th bar, first visited in 2006.

Basic semi-upscale bar & grill

612 W 47th St
Kansas City, MO 64112
US
[launch map]
(816) 753-0555
Visit Web Site

Charlie Hooper’s Brookside Bar

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:26:00 +0000

(Brookside, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 68th bar, first visited in 2006.

Claims to have the best selection of beer in town.

12 W 63rd St
Kansas City, MO 64113
US
[launch map]
(816) 361-8841

Brooksider Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:25:00 +0000

(Brookside, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 67th bar, first visited in 2006.

Very popular Brookside hangout – sports bar / live music venue

6330 Brookside plz
Kansas City, MO 64113
US
[launch map]
(816) 363-4070
Visit Web Site

GAF

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:24:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 66th bar, first visited in 2006.

Our bartender on our first visit was a recent transplant from New Zealand.

This place sways back and forth between whether it wants to be a bar with a restaurant or a restaurant with a bar. Currently it’s leaning more towards the latter.

7122 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
(816) 333-1321
Visit Web Site

Governor Stumpy’s Grillhouse

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:23:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 65th bar, first visited in 2006.

Restaurant with bar near the front

321 E Gregory Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
(816) 444-2252
Visit Web Site

Tanner’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:22:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 64th bar, first visited in 2006.

Generic sports bar & grill – though one of the better locations for this chain.

7425 Broadway St
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
(816) 822-7525
Visit Web Site

Bobby Baker’s Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:21:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 63rd bar, first visited in 2006.

At $4 a draw this was the most expensive beer we bought all day. Unfortunately for B this fell on his turn to pay.

This is a tiny but comfortable place. Try to get the big round booth!

7418 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
(816) 523-5485

Hanibal’s Waldo Bar

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:20:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Fin’s Waldo Bar

Changed hands in early 2008.

Scooter’s 62nd bar, first visited in 2006.

I liked this place better back when it was Fin’s — when it was a dirty-dive with beer-soaked carpet and super-cheap pitchers of beer, a place where you could relax and cut loose with your group of friends without anyone else judging you.

Since the buyout and remodel a couple year back, this place looks good. It’s clean, it’s hip, it’s trendy, it has a decent selection of beer and some good-looking food. It has a cool garage door front that opens to a sidewalk patio. And yet, to me, anyway, it’s not quite right.

Despite the open brightness, it comes across to me as stuffy. I can’t relax when I’m here. I feel like all the yuppies are staring and waiting for me to do something to annoy them. Even the bartender came across as a little too uptight.

7438 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
(816) 523-9964

Kennedy’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:19:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

MOVED – No longer at this location.
Destroyed by fire on February 16, 2007. Moved to a temporary location next door. Move back to the original location (roughly) in 2009 after a new building was constructed where the old building used to be.

Scooter’s 61st bar, first visited in 2006.

Destroyed by fire on February 16, 2007. Opened in a temporary location next door. Now a new building is being constructed at the original site and Kennedy’s will soon move back again. Was a dive, don’t know what the new one will be like.

7428 Washington St
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
(816) 361-9788

75th Street Brewery

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:18:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 60th bar, first visited in 2006.

Restaurant / brew pup. I am a particular fan of their Muddy Mo Stout.

520 W 75th St
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
(816) 523-4677
Visit Web Site

Lew’s Grill & Bar

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:17:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 59th bar, first visited in 2006.

Popular Waldo hangout and live music venue. Seems especially popular with the striped-shirt crowd.

7539 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
(816) 444-8080
Visit Web Site

Tommy Farha Cafe & Bar

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:16:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 58th bar, first visited in 2006.

The place with the white hearse in front. Opens at 7am!

8019 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
(816) 444-0990

Patricks Bar & No Grill

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:15:00 +0000

(South Waldo, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Deangelo’s Lounge

Now “Patrick’s Bar No Grill”

Scooter’s 57th bar, first visited in 2006.

This place has a cool split-level bar, with a big screen in one corner and a pool table in another.

When we first visited it was DeAngelo’s:

Now it’s Patrick’s, and other than the name it seems pretty much the same.

8251 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
(816) 444-3707

Jake’s Smokehouse Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:14:00 +0000

(South Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now called Murphy’s Pub and Grill. It’s still the same people. Just a new name and expanded menu.

Scooter’s 56th bar, first visited in 2006.

I can’t remember if we went here with the intention of eating or just to check to see if they had any beer. Well, we didn’t eat. Instead we partook of some Guinness.

8314 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
(816) 444-1517

Village Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:13:00 +0000

(South Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now Swagger

Scooter’s 55th bar, first visited in 2006.

The movie “First Knight” was being shown on all the bar TVs during our visit.

8431 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
(816) 361-4388

Walsh’s Corner Cocktail

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:12:00 +0000

(South Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 54th bar, first visited in 2006.

This place was decked out in an Irish decor but didn’t have any Irish beers on tap. We were the only customers in the place. (Saturday, 11:15am)

304 W 85th St
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
(816) 361-7099

Grand Saloon

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:11:00 +0000

(South Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 53rd bar, first visited in 2006.

Located south-southeast of Waldo, this bar almost seems out of place in the neighborhood. (Though BB’s being located a few blocks east helps it not seem quite so isolated.)

I’d classify the Grand Saloon as somewhere halfway between a restaurant-bar and a low-key lounge. It’s a bar that doesn’t seem to be very well known, but is a lot of fun for those who know about it. The bartender on my last visit was pretty funny and we chatted with him for quite a while.

The kitchen is open until 11pm nightly, and there’s also karaoke every Saturday night. I don’t know if they still do this, but on the day of my first visit (in a July while back) they were having a free BBQ that evening.

927 E 85th St
Kansas City, MO 64131
US
[launch map]
(816) 333-1750

Flo’s Poke-A-Dot Lounge

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(Waldo, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 52nd bar, first visited in 2006.

At the extreme southern end of Waldo, or arguably at the extreme northern end of South KC, sits a tiny run-down strip mall. In the center of this strip mall you will find Flo’s Poke-A-Dot Lounge.

We found our seats on the south side of the box-shaped bar, the only people in the place under the age of sixty. (Granted, it was 10:30am on a Saturday.) On the wall across from us, a velvet painting of a nude woman graced our presence.

We both ordered Bud Light draws and began talking with the bartender and other customers. Based upon the name of this bar we had assumed the owner was a woman named Florence. Instead we learned that “Flo” is a man named Floyd.

About midway through our beers, napkins were suddenly slid in front of us by one of the other customers. With a look of worry on his face, my drinking buddy leaned over to me.

“How quickly can you chug your beer?” he whispered.

“I don’t know, pretty fast,” I whispered back.

“Do it!” he whispered forcefully.

Unaware of what he had somehow realized was about to happen, I began drinking as quickly as I could. As I took the last gulp, out of the corner of my eye I spotted the need for this urgency.

A gentleman a few bar stools down had pulled a plastic bag full of shrimp out of the pocket of his jacket and had begun dumping fistfuls of it onto the napkins he had just placed in front of the other patrons.

Now I love shrimp, but I’m not going to eat fisted shrimp from a plastic bag pulled out of the pocket of some random guy at an unfamiliar bar. I set my empty beer glass down and my friend and I stood up to leave.

“Wait, don’t you want some shrimp?” the shrimp-fister asked us.

“Ah, no, we just had a huge breakfast,” we fibbed. “Thanks anyway!”

We left the bar and got into the car. As my friend put the car in reverse, there was a knock at the driver’s side window. We saw one of the other customers standing outside the window, cupping some shrimp in his hands. We lowered down the window just enough that he could speak without passing us any shrimp.

“What the hell am I supposed to do with this???” he asked rhetorically, laughing about his failure to escape the shrimping in time.

“No clue, guess you better bolt faster next time!” we chuckled back.

8934 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
US
[launch map]
(816) 363-9571

Dos Hombres

scooterj — Sat, 06 May 2006 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Closed Fall 2009. Reopened in January 2011 as Hickock’s Southwest Bar & Grill

Scooter’s 51st bar, first visited in 2006.

Tex-Mex restaurant with separate bar in the front.

528 Walnut
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 474-4696
Visit Web Site

Vivace

scooterj — Sat, 06 May 2006 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Now the Redhead Tavern.

Update again: Now it’s Thirsty’s Cantina

Update: Now it’s called Thirsty’s and looks like it will actually be pretty stable.

Scooter’s 50th bar, first visited in 2006.

Famous for its ice bar. Bar open until 3am.

Update: As of being reincarnated as Thirsty’s, the ice bar gimmick is gone.

As Thirsty’s, it offers a food menu based on the defunct Dos Hombres that was across the street. Serves Schlaffly beer as the “local” offering due to a debt to Boulevard left by the previous owner of the license.

529 Walnut St
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 527-0999
Visit Web Site

Harry T’s Corner Bar & Grill

scooterj — Tue, 02 May 2006 17:18:00 +0000

(Chouteau, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Is now a BBQ restaurant. I assume the bar is still available during restaurant hours.

Oops, closed again, late 2009.

Scooter’s 47th bar, first visited in 2006.

Sports dive across the parking lot from The Bar.

3920 N Chouteau Trfy
Kansas City, MO 64117
US
[launch map]
(816) 452-3150

The Bar

scooterj — Tue, 02 May 2006 17:17:00 +0000

(Chouteau, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Closed in Spring 2011. A sign outside says “Dangerous Building”.

Scooter’s 46th bar, first visited in 2006.

This is one of the most popular true dive bars in the Northland — if not THE most popular. Though an older crowd by day, at night it is packed with a very young crowd — generally with a high concentration of the “pretty-people” set.

The actual bar is fairly small but is fronted by several skinny bar tables to maximize seating in that area. Around the corner is a larger back room with a pool table and the dance floor.

Drink prices are very cheap, and karaoke is a regular occurrence. I’ve been visiting The Bar off and on for about 4 years now and have always had a good time.

3904 N Chouteau Trfy
Kansas City, MO 64117
US
[launch map]
(816) 453-5911

Moxie Bar & Grill

scooterj — Tue, 02 May 2006 17:13:00 +0000

(Northland, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 42nd bar, first visited in 2006.

Award winning neighborhood bar & grill, very popular in the Northland

4011 N Oak Trfy
Kansas City, MO 64116
US
[launch map]
(816) 455-9600
Visit Web Site

Shooter’s

scooterj — Tue, 02 May 2006 17:12:00 +0000

(Northland, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 41st bar, first visited in 2006.

Shooter’s is one of those places where everybody knows everybody. But don’t let that intimidate you, newcomers are welcome and as long as you aren’t a troublemaker you’ll soon find yourself right at home.

Owners Scott and Robin Severson have turned what from the outside looks like a little shack into a popular neighborhood institution. You can count on seeing the same faces on the same nights every week, and the tight-knit community of bikers, working class, and young singles that has formed all take care of each other. The Seversons are also very active in the local business community, working to promote the rights of small business owners.

The bar features a spacious patio in the back. Half the patio is covered, the rest is open-air and naturally shaded by large trees atop a stone wall. Inside you will find 2 pool tables and a much larger seating area than the building looks like it should hold.

Some of the regular specials include bottomless beer for $10 and free pool on Monday and Wednesday nights, Ladies Night on Tuesdays, Guys Night on Thursdays, and karaoke on Thursday and Saturday nights. On Saturdays you can also enjoy a free lunch buffet, which changes each week. Tacos, fried catfish, BBQ, and many other selections have been served.

4108 N Oak Trfy
Kansas City, MO 64116
US
[launch map]
(816) 454-7650

Big Shots Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 18:11:00 +0000

(Barry, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Now a sushi restaurant

Scooter’s 38th bar, first visited in 2006.

Basic strip mall bar

7753 NW Prairie View Rd
Kansas City, MO 64151
US
[launch map]
(816) 505-3009

Dirk’s Sports Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 18:10:00 +0000

(Barry, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 37th bar, first visited in 2006.

Basic strip mall sports bar

8132 NW Prairie View Rd
Kansas City, MO 64151
US
[launch map]
(816) 587-3646
Visit Web Site

Recordbar

scooterj — Sat, 11 Mar 2006 18:10:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 35th bar, first visited in 2006.

Popular strip mall music venue that also serves some pretty good food. Since they don’t open until 4:30 they’ve missed my business several times…. their food is good enough to justify being open for lunch.

1020 Westport Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 753-5207
Visit Web Site

Chili’s Grill & Bar

scooterj — Sat, 18 Feb 2006 18:10:00 +0000

(Northland, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 34th bar, first visited in 2006.

Generic suburban chain

8350 NW Roanridge Rd
Kansas City, MO 64151
US
[launch map]
(816) 741-4433
Visit Web Site

AmeriSports Brew Pub

scooterj — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 18:10:00 +0000

(Ameristar Casino, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 33rd bar, first visited in 2006.

Casino bar (location approximate)

8201 NE Birmingham Road
Kansas City, MO 64161
US
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Visit Web Site

Drum Room

scooterj — Sat, 14 Jan 2006 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 32nd bar, first visited in 2006.

Restoration of vintage popular nightspot, though the drum-shaped bar that gave it its name no longer exists.

1335 Baltimore Ave
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 303-1686
Visit Web Site

Capital Grille

scooterj — Fri, 16 Dec 2005 18:10:00 +0000

(Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 31st bar, first visited in 2005.

Fine dining restaurant with bar in front.

4740 Jefferson St
Kansas City, MO 64112
US
[launch map]
(816) 531-8345
Visit Web Site

Winslow’s City Market Barbecue

scooterj — Wed, 07 Sep 2005 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 30th bar, first visited in 2005.

BBQ restaurant with a separate bar on the other side of the kitchen. The bar opens to the largest patio in KC. Several beers on tap, poker nights, live music on weekends. No cover.

20 E 5th St
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
[launch map]
(816) 471-7427
Visit Web Site

Cup & Saucer

scooterj — Sat, 06 Aug 2005 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Closed in 2006

Reopened Jan 2010 as a wine/coffee bar called K City.

Scooter’s 29th bar, first visited in 2005.

Coffee shop / bar that catered to hipsters who like live local music. The drink selection was rather sparse.

412 Delaware St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 813-0944

Drafter’s

scooterj — Sat, 06 Aug 2005 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Closed in 2007. Started to re-open as The Belfry but that went under before it got going.

Scooter’s 28th bar, first visited in 2005.

Nice little neighborhood/after-work bar & grill. Huge, relaxing space in an old Garment District converted warehouse. Occasional free buffets. Love the off-the-beaten-path location.

323 W 8th St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 472-4001

Cinemark VIP Room-The Palace

scooterj — Sat, 30 Jul 2005 17:10:00 +0000

(Plaza, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Sat, 10 Jul 2005 15:20:19 +0000

Scooter’s 27th bar, first visited in 2005.

Located inside the movie theater, the bar is available to all guests (not just VIP Room ticket holders) but is located inside the ticketholders-only area.

Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 756-5670
Visit Web Site

12 Baltimore

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jul 2005 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 26th bar, first visited in 2005.

Technically the hotel bar for the Hotel Phillips, but since it has a seperate street entrance it caters just as well to the downtown population. Good food though pricey. Can get loud due to the acoustics.

106 W 12th St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
[launch map]
(816) 346-4410
Visit Web Site

Buzzard Beach

scooterj — Sat, 09 Jul 2005 17:10:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 25th bar, first visited in 2005.

This is one of the few bars in Westport that I don’t mind going to. A true dive. There’s an upper and lower level, plus a deck upstairs. CASH ONLY!

Monday – Thursday 3:00 P.M. – 3:00 A.M.

Friday & Saturday 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 A.M.

Sunday 8:00 P.M. – 3:00 A.M.

4110 Pennsylvania Ave
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(816) 753-4455
Visit Web Site

Boulevard Brewpub

scooterj — Thu, 04 Nov 2004 18:10:00 +0000

(MCI terminal B, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 22nd bar, first visited in 2004.

Airport bar

601 Brasilia Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64153
US
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Visit Web Site

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

Mike Kelly’s Westsider

scooterj — Tue, 06 Jul 2004 17:10:00 +0000

(West Plaza, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 20th bar, first visited in 2004.

Combines fine dining with a dive bar. The web site makes it look formal, but during an afternoon visit I sat at the bar and the bartender told me dirty jokes.

Updated in 2022 with photos, finally!

1515 Westport Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
[launch map]
(866) 486-3138
Visit Web Site

O’Dowd’s Little Dublin

scooterj — Tue, 01 Jun 2004 17:10:00 +0000

(Plaza, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 19th bar, first visited in 2004.

Irish themed restaurant-bar with a really nice rooftop deck.

4742 Pennsylvania Ave
Kansas City, MO 64112
US
[launch map]
(816) 561-2700
Visit Web Site

Buddha Bar

scooterj — Fri, 28 May 2004 17:10:00 +0000

(Union Hill, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
This places changes frequently. I believe it is now called The Drop. Oops, now it’s called Tower Tavern. Something will stick eventually.

Scooter’s 18th bar, first visited in 2004.

This place seems to become something else about every 1-2 years. I think it’s called Tower Tavern today. Or may even have moved on from that to become something else. The photo shows it when it was called The Drop.

409 E. 31 Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
[launch map]

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
[launch map]
(816) 421-4799
Visit Web Site

Replays Sports Bar

scooterj — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 16th bar, first visited in 2004.

Sports bar on the lower level of Kemper Arena. Open before most events and after sporting events. Located near Gate 2.

1800 Genessee
Kansas City, MO 64102
US
[launch map]
(816) 513-4000
Visit Web Site

Harry’s Country Club

scooterj — Tue, 23 Sep 2003 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 14th bar, first visited in 2003.

Hands down one of the best bars in Kansas City!

Great tap beer selection including all the local Boulevard favorites, plus an extensive collection of bottled imports. Great food too!

Live music some nights on the outdoor stage. Outdoor patio is a great place to people-watch or drink under the stars in front of the backdrop of the downtown skyline. On chillier nights there may even be a fire going in the outdoor firepit.

The jukebox continuously plays a good mix of classic country, Sinatra, and other gems from a bygone era. A small humidor contains a respectable selection of cigars.

The bartenders are highly skilled and both the bartenders and the servers make an effort to get to know you and remember you. Just an all around great place!

112 Missouri Ave
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
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(816) 421-3505
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Harling’s Upstairs Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 14 Jun 2003 17:10:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 13th bar, first visited in 2003.

Nice, spacious upstairs dive and venue with a patio during the summer. If using the men’s room, watch your step at the doorway!

Frequent live music including Saturday blues jams.

3941A Main St
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
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(816) 531-0303

Velvet Dog

scooterj — Tue, 06 May 2003 17:10:00 +0000

(Union Hill, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 12th bar, first visited in 2003.

This is one of the trendier bars, a genre I typically am not a fan of. But of the trendy bars I’ve been to, this one is by far my favorite. A funky, relaxing lounge atmosphere with multiple rooms and two levels. It also has a fantastic, large patio in the back that, when busy, is serviced by its own bar.

400 E 31st St
Kansas City, MO 64108
US
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(816) 753-9990
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Minsky’s Pizza

scooterj — Tue, 29 Apr 2003 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 11th bar, first visited in 2003.

Good pizza, sandwiches, and appetizers. Great bar with a terrific selection. Service can get pretty slow at lunchtime. If you want to watch sports on a TV in a bar this is THE place in downtown Kansas City to do it! In addition to numerous small TVs there are three gigantic projection screens that can be seen from nearly every seat in the three-level terraced seating area.

427 Main St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
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(816) 421-1122
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River Market Brewing Co

scooterj — Fri, 18 Apr 2003 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Closed at the end of business on January 31, 2009.

Scooter’s 9th bar, first visited in 2003.

Good home-brewed beers plus bottled standards. Live music and karaoke on some nights.

500 Walnut St
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
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(816) 471-6300

Peanut Downtown

scooterj — Thu, 06 Mar 2003 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 8th bar, first visited in 2003.

Cool dive bar with good beer selection and a variety of live music. Good food (burgers vary however) and good service. Upstairs room used for bands and private parties.

418 W 9th St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
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(816) 221-7470
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Granfalloon Bar & Grill

scooterj — Thu, 12 Dec 2002 18:11:00 +0000

(Plaza, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 7th bar, first visited in 2002.

I’ve only been here once. The crowd was pretty much a mix of fratty and JoCo-ish, not the kind of place I like.

608 Ward Pkwy
Kansas City, MO 64112
US
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(816) 753-7850
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re:Verse

scooterj — Thu, 12 Dec 2002 18:10:00 +0000

(Plaza, Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Closed September 2010 when landlord didn’t renew lease. Owner hopes to re-open in a new location soon.

The former re:Verse location reopened in Feb 2011 as Coal Vines.

Scooter’s 6th bar, first visited in 2002.

Pretty trendy and upscale. Can be a relaxing environment when it’s not so busy that people are pressed against you.

618 Ward Pkwy
Kansas City, MO 64112
US
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(816) 931-7811
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Oldham

scooterj — Sat, 20 Apr 2002 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
This later became Kabal, which was forced to close after numerous fights, shootings, and a firebombing. It then reopened as Skybox, and history repeated itself. It has been empty since being shut down by the city in 2007.

Scooter’s 5th bar, first visited in 2002.

This was a restaurant/bar on the ground floor of the former Oldham Hotel, it opened in 2001 and lasted about 2 years.

I was here for a private party in April 2002. The upstairs was a more formal bar while the downstairs had a more lounge atmosphere. After closing it reopened and closed 2 more times with new names. It’s been closed since 2007.

All Dressed Up: A restaurant teaches the Oldham Hotel new tricks

(Photo by ‘The Pitch’)

105 E 5th St
Kansas City, MO 64106
US
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(816) 421-1779

Tanner’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Sat, 06 Apr 2002 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Tanner’s downtown location usually attracted decent crowds but was notorious for poor service. It closed in 2008.

Scooter’s 4th bar, first visited in 2002.

Popular but average sports bar. Large main level space plus a separate bar downstairs that I have not yet been to. Food is good but nothing spectacular. Unlike the Waldo location, this place is notorious for poor service so expect long waits — especially if you are seated at a table.

1000 Broadway St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
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(816) 471-8687
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The Quaff

scooterj — Tue, 02 Oct 2001 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 3rd bar, first visited in 2001.

The Quaff is a pretty popular sports bar in downtown Kansas City. The main bar is fairly small, but two additional rooms create a large open space that can hold a pretty big crowd. All the sports bar staples are here: multiple big screens, pool tables, pop-a-shot, foozball, Golden Tee, darts, etc. They have a good selection of beer and the food is excellent for bar food. They even serve breakfast.

This was my gang’s first frequent hangout and the first place I ever achieved “regular” status.

If you start a tab, make sure you close it with cash instead of leaving it on your card. They add a surcharge if you pay with credit. Also look at your bill closely, this place is notorious for trying to slip extra drinks onto the tabs of unsuspecting customers. Screwing us over one too many times is why we no longer go here. (Though I still go for lunch on occasion.)

1010 Broadway St
Kansas City, MO 64105
US
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(816) 471-1918
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Santa Fe Saloon

scooterj — Fri, 07 Jun 1991 17:10:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)
Formerly Harris House

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
After some extensive remodeling in the mid 1990s, became McCoy’s Public House.

Scooter’s 2nd bar, first visited in 1991.

This bar was a 1991 reincarnation of the old Harris House and only lasted a few months. It went went back to being the Harris House again for a few years. After an extensive remodel, it later became what is now McCoy’s Public House.

I remember little about this place except that it was dark and my friends and I usually sat in a row of booths next to the dance floor.

444 Westport Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
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Fuzzy’s

scooterj — Fri, 05 Apr 1991 18:10:00 +0000

(Westport, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Is now the Korma Sutra restaurant.

Scooter’s 1st bar, first visited in 1991.

This was the first bar I can confirm I ever had a drink at. It was a fairly small place, I sat at a round table near the front while a jazz band played towards the back.

The photo shows the location as it looks today, it’s now an Indian restaurant.

4113 Pennsylvania
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
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Longbranch Saloon

scooterj — Fri, 03 Feb 1989 18:10:00 +0000

(Plaza, Kansas City, MO)

OUT OF BUSINESS

Scooter’s 0th bar, first visited in 1989.

This sports bar was located in the dark, carpeted basement of the former Seville Square shopping mall, near the One Hour Photo and around the corner from the old Seville Square movie theater. It was a fun sports bar with good food, and had a sarcastic theme. “Home of the Meanest Waitresses in Kansas City” was the tagline, if I remember correctly.

I came here several times in college, both before and after I was of legal drinking age. I am numbering this as “Bar 0″ and not including it in the total count because I cannot remember if I ever actually had a beer or other adult beverage here. Nonetheless, it is part of my bar history so it does deserve mention.

Kansas City, MO 64111
US
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