Scooter's Bar Journal » Private/restricted

VFW Post # 56

scooterj — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Leavenworth, KS)

Scooter’s 1809th bar, first visited in 2024.

We were walking from Fluffy’s to Willcott Brewing when we found ourselves in front of an open VFW that we didn’t even know was there, so we decided to head on in.

After talking a seat we were asked for our memberships. Whoops! So many VFW bars have become open to the public to help with their fundraising that I forgot private clubs still exist.

Fortunately for us a very nice vet sitting at the bar, who from later conversation context I believe works at or manages the place, sponsored us for our visit.

I had a Sam Adams Boston Lager and a double-chocolate cookie from a tray being passed around.

519 Cherokee St.
Leavenworth, KS 66048
US
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+1 (913) 682-9200
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theChive HQ

scooterj — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Austin, TX)

Scooter’s 1560th bar, first visited in 2022.

After a long-ish walk from Friends Bar (made longer with a side trip to CVS to buy a forgotten toothbrush) our main planned activity for the day was a 3:00 tour of the corporate headquarters of theChive.

The tour begins at the company bar, where you get a drink to take with you on the tour. I chose an Electric Jellyfish (NE IPA) by Pinthouse Pizza. I had no idea yet (would find out at our next venue) that this is Pinthouse’s flagship beer. It would also turn out to be my undoing for the day, as everything after drinking it was a struggle due to stomach volume.

The tour was awesome, but since this is a bar blog I won’t spoil the fun of the tour.

After making a complete circle through both floors of the building, the tour ends at… the bar! This time I had a Rosé Cider from Austin Eastciders, which turned out to be a fortunate selection because our plan to later visit Austin Eastciders fell through and I happened to pick a flavor I had not tried before.

98 San Jacinto Blvd
Austin, TX 78701
United States
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+15125273500
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Alaska Lounge

scooterj — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 17:12:00 +0000

(SEA-TAC, Seattle, WA)

Scooter’s 1529th bar, first visited in 2022.

And another new Alaska Lounge. We didn’t really have time to go to our usual (and favorite) Alaska Lounge in Terminal N, and the nearest lounge to our gate in Terminal C was over capacity, so we headed to thye one in Terminal D. Located near

This location was a bit annoying because it’s split onto two floors and some food/drinks are upstairs while others are downstairs.

I had a Crikey IPA by Reuben’s Brews.

17801 International Blvd
Seattle, WA 98158
United States
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+18006545669
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Alaska Lounge

scooterj — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 17:11:00 +0000

(Portland International Airport, Portland, OR)

Scooter’s 1528th bar, first visited in 2022.

Adding another Alaska Lounge to my list, this time the one at the Portland airport. Terminal C, near gate C5.

I had the Apocalypse IPA by 10 Barrel Brewing.

7000 NE Airport Way
Portland, OR 97218
United States
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+18006545669
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St. John’s Catholic Club

scooterj — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 1495th bar, first visited in 2021.

This bar is located in the basement of the St. John’s Catholic Club, attached to the six-lane bowling alley. The club is located behind the big red church that dominates the Strawberry Hill skyline.

414 Barnett
Kansas City, KS 66101
United States
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+19133719690
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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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Delta Sky Club

scooterj — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta, GA)

Scooter’s 1454th bar, first visited in 2021.

Talked our way in certain we’d been let in to other Delta Sky Clubs even though we didn’t qualify. Later realized we were confusing it with the Alaska Lounge, which we do qualify for. Oops! Anyway, I had a few glasses of sparkling wine.

6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30349
United States
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Aurora Ice Bar

scooterj — Sat, 30 Nov 2019 18:10:00 +0000

(Chena Hot Springs Resort, Fairbanks, AK)

Scooter’s 1420th bar, first visited in 2019.

At 99.9 miles south of the Arctic Circle, this is the new northernmost bar I’ve ever been to.

Since the bar is located inside the Aurora Ice Museum, it is only accessible during one of the five daily museum tours. And there’s only one drink served, a $15 apple martini. It’s the martini glass made out of ice, served at a bar made entirely out of ice while you sit on a barstool made of ice, that’s the true experience.

17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd
Fairbanks, AK 99711
United States
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(907) 451-8104
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Alaska Airlines North Satellite Lounge

scooterj — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 18:10:00 +0000

(SEA-TAC, Seattle, WA)

Scooter’s 1413th bar, first visited in 2019.

This private lounge was a godsend during two long layovers here. Lots of comfortable places to sprawl out and sleep, a complimentary buffet, and complimentary drinks. One section is reserved for people who want quiet and has fixed recliners and large booths.

I had champagne, a couple of cocktails, and a Lounge Life (IPA)by Fremont Brewing

17801 International Blvd
Seattle, WA 98158
United States
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(800) 654-5669
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Elk’s Lodge #2509

scooterj — Sat, 05 Jan 2019 18:10:00 +0000

(Blue Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 1311th bar, first visited in 2019.

I’m not a member so technically I shouldn’t have been on the bar side (I was there for a private event in the reception hall), but I was there with some smokers and that’s where the designated smoking area is. So… loophole!

The bar area is spacious and very nice, with a large patio that can be enclosed in bad weather.

There is billiards, darts, Golden Tee, and various other bar games.

100 NE Brizendine Rd
Blue Springs, MO 64104
US
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(816) 229-6081
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Firelight Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 18:17:00 +0000

(Quindaro, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 1310th bar, first visited in 2018.

We tried to visit this place in 2007, but it was closed.

We tried to visit again today and again it was closed.

But this time we circled around back to turn our car around, and discovered the entrance is actually in the rear!

This dive bar pours very strong drinks! There are pool tables, nice bathrooms, and a friendly bartender. Since the lights were off except at the bar we didn’t get a very good look around, though.

It’s technically a private club, but there is a sign-in book for non-members in the entryway. Be advised you also pass through a metal detector when entering, a first for me at any bar that wasn’t at an arena or airport.

2046 N. 18th
Kansas City, KS 66104
US
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(913) 371-8473
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Strawberry South

scooterj — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 18:10:00 +0000

(Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 1222nd bar, first visited in 2018.

Private club that I’d tried twice to get into, and after 11 years I finally found a member who I knew who got me in.

48 S. 7th St
Kansas City, KS 66101
US
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(913) 371-4141
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The Trophy Room

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 17:22:00 +0000

(Downtown, Emporia, KS)

Scooter’s 1089th bar, first visited in 2015.

A laid-back lounge, located upstairs from the Casa Ramos Mexican restaurant. They feature rotating selections of craft beers and some of the coolest bar stools I’ve ever sat on.

We had been told by other people we met that this is a private club, though no one asked us about memberships when we were there.

705 Commercial
Emporia, KS 66801
US
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(620) 208-6099
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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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Fraternal Order Of Bears Lodge #238

scooterj — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 18:16:00 +0000

(Malden, MO)

Scooter’s 1008th bar, first visited in 2013.

I’m listing this under the “Private Club” category, though I walked in and was served without question so it may very well be open to the general public.

This is a great classic small town dive bar. It was pretty busy — not quite full but getting close. The clientele was mostly working-class guys my age or older.

Apart from a handful of pool players around the corner from where I was sitting, nearly everyone in the bar was entranced by the airing of “Casino Royale” playing on the TV over the bar.

110 W. Main
Malden, MO 63863
US
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(573) 276-2942

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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VFW #1668

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:25:00 +0000

(St. Joseph, MO)

Scooter’s 906th bar, first visited in 2011.

This is one of the busiest VFW bars I have been to on a day that wasn’t a holiday! Almost completely packed.

There’s Silver Strike, but I don’t recall if I saw a pool table or not due to the crowd. I’m going to assume it does, as every VFW I have ever been to has at least one.

We talked to a really nice gentleman at the far end of the bar, but as we asked questions about the area he informed us he was new in town and referred us to an acquaintance of his at a nearby table. That person was able to answer our questions but one member of his party was noticeably annoyed by our intrusion.

I went to the bar and spoke to Evelyn, the bartender, and purchased a round of drinks for that table (as well as the man we spoke to first) in order to try to smooth things over. Hopefully it worked, I felt badly.

As we left, B said to me “Look at all those spools.”. I laughed, thinking this was either some ethnic slur I had never heard before, or was some new term making fun of older people. I didn’t noticed that there was literally a whole bunch of spools right across the street:

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821 North 4th Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
US
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(816) 364-3076

Germania Club

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

(North Kansas City, MO)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
now Grain to Glass

Scooter’s 860th bar, first visited in 2011.

Updated June 2017 –

Now named Grain To Glass, a homebrewing supply store that features a small bar with 5 rotating craft beer taps plus a constantly changing selection of craft beer bottles/cans.

Original post from 2011:

A private club for German-American citizens to celebrate their heritage. Occasionally open to the public for poker nights or special dinners, but always open to the public during the annual Snake Saturday parade on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. German beer available on tap.

1611 Swift
North Kansas City, MO 64116
US
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(816) 421-4287
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Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 2414

scooterj — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 17:17:00 +0000

(Englewood, Independence, MO)

Scooter’s 767th bar, first visited in 2010.

Private club. In addition to the bar the lounge features pool tables, multiple dart boards, MegaTouch machines, two claw machines, Keno, and a stage.

2537 Blue Ridge Blvd
Independence, MO 64129
US
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(816) 254-7357
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Silver Wheel Tavern

scooterj — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 17:13:00 +0000

(De Soto, KS)

Scooter’s 763rd bar, first visited in 2010.

Like Beert Thirty, this was also a private club. Unlike Beer Thirty they did not give us memberships, but did give us temporary guest access good for 1-2 drinks.

I didn’t see any kind of patio, but since it’s a private club smoking is allowed. There was a pool table, an older Golden Tee machine, a pinball machine, and several video slot/poker machines.

They serve breakfast on the weekends but I don’t know if there are food offerings at other times during the week.

8385 Penner Ave
De Soto, KS 66018
US
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(913) 585-1001

Beer Thirty

scooterj — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 17:12:00 +0000

(De Soto, KS)

Scooter’s 762nd bar, first visited in 2010.

At first glance, this was a run down, dirty, almost scary place. But the longer I sat there, the more it grew on me. By the time I left I realized this is probably a pretty decent place to hang out.

Beer Thirty is a private club, so smoking is permitted. After quizzing us and deciding we were ok, the bartender gave us memberships. She was pretty friendly and had a sassy sense of humor.

The bar area isn’t very attractive, pretty barebones in a cinder-block room. The bar forms a long U-shape so offers lots of seating and lends itself to creating conversations. There’s a covered patio outside the east end.

To the west of the bar is a separate room (separated by a half-wall) with pool tables and additional seating. This room looks nicer than the bar area. The restrooms are back here too and were pretty clean.

The bar serves food a few days a week but apparently usually has a few things that can be quickly heated up on the other days.

Beer Thirty is biker friendly and participates in area poker runs. It also has karaoke nights as well as bands. I’m told it’s a popular hangout for off duty police as well.

9150 Lexington Ave
De Soto, KS 66018
US
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(913) 585-1416
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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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Fox Run

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:16:00 +0000

(Fulton, KS)

Scooter’s 723rd bar, first visited in 2010.

I was a bit nervous about this place at first, with its ramshackle appearance and with it being very much off the beaten path. But I’m glad we stopped in, because this was our favorite bar of the entire trip and easily among the best bars I’ve been to.

A poker run had just departed minutes before our arrival so it wasn’t very busy, which allowed us to talk with the bartender as well as one of the owners. These people were great, and they were excited that we found this place and even more excited when I mentioned that I had seen their Facebook page.

The bar was first built in 1946 and expanding to its current size (twice the original size) some time later. The current owners have had the place since about 1996.

The bar has 7′ ceilings, which gives it a very cozy feeling. (Borderline cramped if you’re tall like me.) The regulars are a vast cross section of people, a very eclectic mix of just about every walk of life. Cowboys, doctors, rednecks, lawyers,bikers, you name it. Because they are very strict and quick about dealing with troublemakers, there are almost never any kinds of problems at the bar and everyone has a great time.

The bar pulls in live entertainment, hosts poker tournaments, and even puts on turtle races for the kids. There’s two pool tables, a jukebox, and a semi-inaccessible MegaTouch machine.

One of my cohorts had just turned 21 recently so they gave him a free Fox Run hat. The hat looks great, and he loves it! (It’s the same hat worn by the mannequin below.

It’s a private club, $20 annual membership, but we were signed in as guests.

115 W. Spruce St.
Fulton, KS 66737
US
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(620) 857-9427
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Country Club

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:15:00 +0000

(Mound City, KS)

Scooter’s 722nd bar, first visited in 2010.

Technically a private club, though the fairly quiet group welcomed our presence. They were jokingly surprised that we’d pick this of all places to stop in. Our arrival filled out the remaining empty spaces on the boomerang spaced bar.

This is a very large bar, with pool tables in the front and booths and tables throughout. A visit to the restroom revealed another room parallel to the main room with further tables and games.

It took me several minutes to notice this dildo pointing at me from the bar mirror.

I know it sucks to run out of toilet paper, but come on, isn’t this overreacting a bit?

519 W Main St
Mound City, KS 66056
US
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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
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(816) 221-8846
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American Legion Post 318

scooterj — Sat, 09 May 2009 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Parkville, MO)

Scooter’s 555th bar, first visited in 2009.

Technically a private club but open to the public, this is the only true bar in downtown Parkville and serves its role as a neighborhood bar well. Open 7 days a week, with breakfast Sunday mornings and various food and drink specials throughout the week. There’s also a bingo night, an open mic night, and other entertainment. This is also the only bar in Parkville where smoking is legal.

11 Main St
Parkville, MO 64152
US
[launch map]
(816) 741-5387

Club Savage

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:21:00 +0000

(Leavenworth, KS)
Formerly Creamy’s Place, Firehouse Club

Scooter’s 550th bar, first visited in 2009.

Formerly the Firehouse Club, also formerly Creamy’s Place. We almost did not come here because our research had given us the impression that this place was very private and exclusive and would not likely let us in. Instead it turned out to be one of the best stops of the day. We quickly filled out membership and spent our entire visit in nonstop conversation with the bartender and one of the regulars.

813 Cherokee St
Leavenworth, KS 66048
US
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Tom’s Country Stampede

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:20:00 +0000

(Leavenworth, KS)

Scooter’s 549th bar, first visited in 2009.

We walked in and immediately felt the “who are you and what are you doing here?” vibe from the regulars. The bar was completely full, but it wrapped around to a small room in the back so we walked around to that corner looking for an empty seat. I could feel all the eyes in the place following us as we did so. Finding no seats, we walked around to the front.

“Now that you’ve had the tour, you gonna order something?” gruffed the bartender. The entire place erupted in laughter at our expense. I timidly got the beers, and as I paid for them the bartender asked if we had membership cards.

“Not yet,” I said, “do we need to fill them out?”

“Naw, forget it,” he said. I think he figured we weren’t worth the trouble and not at all likely to become regulars.

745 Cherokee St
Leavenworth, KS 66048
US
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(913) 682-7085

Fatheads Irish Pub

scooterj — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:18:00 +0000

(Downtown, Leavenworth, KS)

Scooter’s 547th bar, first visited in 2009.

This was the first place we went to to make us fill out membership cards. This was a split-level bar, the bar area was down a half flight of stairs from an initial seating area, then below that initial area was a third room.

I don’t understand the concept of places that call themselves Irish pubs but don’t have Guinness on tap. We grabbed our Bud Lights and went to the back corner to play some Silver Strike.

UPDATE (April 6, 2013)

This place has gotten a lot better since my previous visit! There was Guinness on tap, and the bartender served up great pours! Also it appears the private clubs are a thing of the past. Great visit!

The mirrored ceiling still messes with my head.

327 Delaware St
Leavenworth, KS 66048
US
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(913) 651-1006
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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
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(816) 471-8484
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Frederick’s Tikki Bar

scooterj — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:10:00 +0000

(Turner, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 505th bar, first visited in 2008.

Tiny private club in the railyards. Serves pizza and canned beer. Karaoke on Friday nights.

4448 Speaker Rd
Kansas City, KS 66106
US
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(913) 371-9211

KC’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:27:00 +0000

(Merriam, KS)

Scooter’s 485th bar, first visited in 2008.

We were about to give up on finding this place, because the neighborhood was just seeming way too residential and we figured we had to have bad information. We were stunned when suddenly, there it was, in a tiny strip mall anchored by a gas station.

This place too was a private club. We were asked repeatedly for club IDs but kept pretending not to hear. After a while it was forgotten about.

Just before we played some free games of Silver Strike and Bags, the bartender demonstrated with B’s PBR that the Guinness Surger actually works with any beer… except that it has the side effect of making non-Guinness beers go flat.

10201 W 47th St
Merriam, KS 66203
US
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(913) 262-7211

Brickyard

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:21:00 +0000

(Olathe, KS)

Scooter’s 479th bar, first visited in 2008.

Another private club. After showing the bartender our out-of-state (Missouri) IDs, we were allowed to sign in as new registrations.

As we entered the bar we noticed a tough looking guy standing outside in hot pants. D asked the bartender about it and she was puzzled at first, then realized what he was talking about.

“Haha! That’s the owner!” she laughed. “We’re always kidding him about it, telling him Daisy Duke called asking for her shorts back.”

If you’re a guy and need to take a crap, you’re S.O.L. here. By the way, make sure no one is behind you when you are taking photos in a men’s room. Kinda embarrassing.

1001 S Weaver St
Olathe, KS 66061
US
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(913) 780-0266
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Mulligans Bar & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:20:00 +0000

(Olathe, KS)

Scooter’s 478th bar, first visited in 2008.

This was also a private club, but we were allowed in as guests. The bartender insisted on selling us a pitcher of Bud Light.

We didn’t want to drink all that beer so after one each we gave the remainder of our pitcher to a group at a nearby table.

911 S Parker St # D
Olathe, KS 66061
US
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(913) 764-3884

Al’s Hideaway

scooterj — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:14:00 +0000

(Dallas, TX)

Scooter’s 427th bar, first visited in 2008.

A private club to get around the local smoking ban. Membership was easy.

14902 Preston Rd
Dallas, TX 75254
US
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(972) 233-0500

Austin Avenue Grill & Bar

scooterj — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:13:00 +0000

(Plano, TX)

Scooter’s 426th bar, first visited in 2008.

Huge places divided into multiple rooms — each room with its own format.

A private club to get around the local smoking ban. Membership was easy.

935 W Parker Rd # 410
Plano, TX 75023
US
[launch map]
(972) 422-8003
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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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Paradise Pointe Clubhouse Bar

scooterj — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(Paradise Pointe, Smithville, MO)

Scooter’s 390th bar, first visited in 2007.

Golf course bar

18212 Golf Course Rd
Smithville, MO 64089
US
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VFW Post 741 / American Legion Post 256

scooterj — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:11:00 +0000

(Excelsior Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 378th bar, first visited in 2007.

This was the first VFW/American Legion combo we’ve seen, and also the first of either variety we’ve been to where we encountered any resistance. The door required a passcard to open but the bartender let us in. The lone vet inside grilled us for a few minutes about our military status in an obvious attempt to point out that we did not belong, but the bartender convinced him to allow us to stay.

200 Concourse Ave
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
US
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(816) 630-7711
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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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Six-Ten Club

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:25:00 +0000

(Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 366th bar, first visited in 2007.

Turned out my cohorts had been here before, too. A private club dive bar that let us visit as guests.

Blue Rose

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:21:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 362nd bar, first visited in 2007.

We had first entered a private club called Dixie’s and immediately faced a grilling not only from the bartender but also from a customer at the end of the bar. “Check their membership cards! They don’t belong here! Throw them out!” he kept shouting as the bartender nagged a Mexican family who also were not members. This wasn’t necessary at all, we had respected the rules everywhere we have been, but this customer was being way too much of an asshole about it. So, noticing that he was reading the new Harry Potter book, B leaned in and told him how it ended as we were heading towards the door.

We stepped outside into the blistering heat and saw The Blue Rose across the street. D and I were tired of being tossed out of places (Dixie’s had made about 5 today) so B went to go check it out. After a few minutes of standing in the heat without a peep from B, we decided to go see what was happening only to find B sitting comfortably in the A/C halfway through his frosty cold beer.

The bartender gave us membership applications, the only private club we found that actually offered a way to become a member, and poured our beers.

1013 Central Ave
Kansas City, KS 66102
US
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(913) 321-7673

Hideout Club

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:20:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 361st bar, first visited in 2007.

I believe this was the bar where “The Perfect Storm” was playing on TV, and we discussed the futility of watching a 2-hour drama that’s based on a true story where everyone dies at the end anyway.

1410 Central Ave
Kansas City, KS 66102
US
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(913) 281-4115

Oasis: the Club

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:15:00 +0000

(Armourdale, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 356th bar, first visited in 2007.

This was another rough looking place but we were comfortable enough to sit and play several rounds at the trivia box. The restroom however was one of the nastiest I’ve seen. The sink was grimey enough that B wouldn’t use it, figuring it would make his hands dirtier. The toilet was clogged with cigarette butts, and the trash can had been put to use as a toilet.

1111 Kansas Ave
Kansas City, KS 66105
US
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(913) 321-7248

Alibi’s

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:14:00 +0000

(Armourdale, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 355th bar, first visited in 2007.

This almost went on the list of places that refused to serve us, but a customer “remembered” B and vouched for us to get us in. We of course reciprocated with a beer. And, B and D had actually been here before and never had a problem until now.

975 Kansas Ave
Kansas City, KS 66105
US
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(913) 233-1141

Casino Bar

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:13:00 +0000

(Armourdale, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 354th bar, first visited in 2007.

With an interior finish of the finest particle board, this place looked like it had the potential to get pretty rough. There were several interesting characters about, but most of the people were pretty pleasant. The bartender was particularly helpful as he tried to explain the concept of KCK’s private clubs and why some serve us and others don’t.

1100 Osage Ave
Kansas City, KS 66105
US
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(913) 281-5800

Country Cabaret Club

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:12:00 +0000

(Armourdale, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 353rd bar, first visited in 2007.

This was like being in an entirely different world. The ultimate Mexican country-western bar experience. The bartender passing out free homemade tamales as the sounds of donkeys braying punctuate the music. The men’s room was unusual too, facing the bar with only a partial saloon door offering any semblance of privacy.

Inside the men’s room we noticed that evidently condom peddlers are patriotic and support right-wing conservative issues:

814 S 12th St
Kansas City, KS 66105
US
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(913) 371-9501

Reich’s Club

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:11:00 +0000

(Argentine, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 352nd bar, first visited in 2007.

Despite the name this place had little to do with WW2 Germany. However it was a little bunker-like. After entering the front door you proceed down a long central corridor to another door towards the back where you are then buzzed in.

3405 Strong Ave
Kansas City, KS 66106
US
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(913) 831-3405

Dad’s Hole In the Wall

scooterj — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(State Ave, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 351st bar, first visited in 2007.

This was a nice, tiny little spot. Bar seating for 9, with a total capacity of 32. Almost completely invisible from the main road, you have to be looking for it to find it.

1111 N 50th St
Kansas City, KS 66102
US
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(913) 328-2583

American Legion Post 199

scooterj — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 17:12:00 +0000

(Bethel, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 335th bar, first visited in 2007.

We entered through the patio out back to find a fairly full house. There was a fish fry going on that we were invited to join, but we weren’t hungry yet so politely declined.

7942 Leavenworth Rd
Kansas City, KS 66109
US
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(913) 299-0281
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American Legion Post 78

scooterj — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:10:00 +0000

(Bloomfield, IA)

Scooter’s 312th bar, first visited in 2007.

B: Coors Light 10oz draw – $1
S: Coors Light 10oz draw – $1

We had trouble figuring out how to get into this place, the front door seemed to be locked. (We later discovered it was just sticky.) We went in through the back.

We asked our bartender about the other bars in the area. She named a couple of places on the way out of town that she thought we’d like. More upscale. “Younger people, people more like you, you’ll like it.”

“There’s also Jim’s Silver Dollar around the corner, but you don’t want to go. That place is a complete dump. Dirty, disgusting. Really nasty. Nasty people, too. [leaning in] True white trash. [leaning more and motioning towards the guys at the far end of the bar] Even worse than what you get in here. And it’s expensive, you’ll pay a buck-fifty, maybe even a buck seventy-five.”

Now, with an endorsement like that, where else would we go next???

211 E Jefferson St
Bloomfield, IA 52537
US
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(641) 664-2446
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VFW Post 2271

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:28:00 +0000

(Fairfield, IA)

Scooter’s 300th bar, first visited in 2007.

For years I have known of the statue of a distance ancestor in the town square at Fairfield but never had an opportunity to see it until now…

To celebrate my visit as well as something else worth celebrating, I wanted to find someplace appropriate. We checked out the square and found a few places, then checked the perimeter of the square and found the perfect setting…

B: Miller Light 12oz – $1.25
S: Miller Light 12oz – $1.25

There were about a dozen people inside this VFW. B got their attention, I announced the reason for my visit to the statue, then announced one other thing that I was also celebrating:

This is the 300th bar I’ve been to in my life!

I then bought the entire house a round and we had a good time with everyone there before it was time to move on.

121 E Broadway Ave
Fairfield, IA 52556
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American Legion #136

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:25:00 +0000

(Albia, IA)

Scooter’s 297th bar, first visited in 2007.

We chatted with a guy named Bob who used to own a hardware store and would come to KC (technically to Overland Park, it was the Kansas City Merchandise Mart) for trade shows. On our way out B bought him a beer.

By the way, this American Legion has the distinction of being the most brightly-lit bar we have ever been in. Oddly, the darkest bar we have ever been in also was an American Legion.

21 Washington Ave W
Albia, IA 52531
US
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(641) 932-2716
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American Legion #379

scooterj — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:15:00 +0000

(Allerton, IA)

Scooter’s 287th bar, first visited in 2007.

This town was a fairly significant detour off the main highways and had only one bar, so we had already called ahead to make sure they’d be open. “We’ll be open at 1:00 on Saturday,” they said. So you can only imagine our intense disappointment when we found the place closed. Luckily we found a nearby replacement in this American Legion.

This was one of the least bar-like bars we have visited… it felt more like drinking at the kitchen counter in a community center. Our host was very pleasant and friendly, though, so we increased our tip a little to help her out.

303 S Central Ave
Allerton, IA 50008
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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
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(816) 454-7570
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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
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(816) 842-2744
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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
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(816) 452-9861
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Stardust Club

scooterj — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, KS)

Scooter’s 211th bar, first visited in 2006.

I’ve been here several times over the past few years after some friends from another bar told me about it. (As many times as I have been here, I can’t believe I’ve never taken any interior pictures.)

This is one of those places you have to be buzzed into, so you need to either be a member or look like you know what you’re doing and not a troublemaker.

The owner is nice and will treat you well, as long as you respect her and the place. But if you aren’t drinking, or if you start bothering other customers, you’ll be shown the door in a heartbeat.

I’ve never managed to sit at the bar here, it’s just about always full. There’s a few small bar tables and a decent sized stage that’s mostly used for karaoke. In the far back is a pool table and an area where a buffet is occasionally set up. There’s also a small dance floor in the corner by the stage.

There’s a kitchen too, but I never seem to get here before it closes so I can’t say anything about the food.

The clientele is very blue collar, a working class bar populated by an interesting assortment of well-weathered characters.

I haven’t been in as much lately as the regulars I knew here have moved on, but I try to drop in every once in a while.

1809 Minnesota Ave
Kansas City, KS 66102
US
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(913) 281-4410

VFW Post 4043

scooterj — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 18:12:00 +0000

(Liberty, MO)

Scooter’s 209th bar, first visited in 2006.

This could very well be the smokiest bar I’ve ever been to. I don’t mind smoke, but there was literally a thick, burning haze.

B & H Highways
Liberty, MO 64068
US
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(816) 781-0184
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VFW Post 846

scooterj — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 18:11:00 +0000

(Overland Park, KS)

Scooter’s 201st bar, first visited in 2006.

Since it was Veteran’s Day we wanted to stop in and have a drink with some vets. We bought a round for all the guys in there, but not before one of them had already bought us a round too.

8804 Grant St
Overland Park, KS 66212
US
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(913) 648-4991
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Eagles Club Room – Post 1398

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:25:00 +0000

(Creston, IA)

Scooter’s 115th bar, first visited in 2006.

The bar area was quite large and located on the upper level. We think this may have been a members-only place because we were supposed to sign in up front, but no one was looking so B suggested we just stroll in “like we know what we’re doing”. This place had a big, rectangular bar. As we drank our beers we didn’t really notice that the drunken guy from the Montgomery Street Pub was also there.

When we left, that same guy had left seconds ahead of us, and he began to stumble down the stairs. Brandon grabbed him to steady him and he thanked us. He then went into a spiel about how his wife and son had beaten him earlier that night so the police took him to the bars to get him away from then. He pulled up his pants legs to reveal several scrapes and bruises to support his claim. He said that they do it to him all the time. Eventually the topic of where we were from came up and when we said “Kansas City” he got really excited. “No shit?” he began, “my daughter’s a Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader!”

We didn’t believe him, but he insisted. “Come on, they have the posters and she’s on the calendar. I’ll prove it.”

He led us back to the Montgomery Street Pub, where as soon as we stepped in the bartender looked him on the eye and said “No, no more tonight.” “I’m just here to show them the calendar,” replied our new friend. “Oh,” said the bartender, “we don’t have that anymore, it was for last month.” “So is it true?” we asked, “Is his daughter really a Chiefs cheerleader?”

“Yes, she is,” vouched the bartender and several patrons.

After we managed to lose the drunken dude, who now wanted us to go with him to his shop to see the poster he had there, we were going to head on out of town.

300 E Montgomery St
Creston, IA 50801
US
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(641) 782-4215

American Legion – Post 70

scooterj — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:24:00 +0000

(Creston, IA)

Scooter’s 114th bar, first visited in 2006.

We munched from styrofoam cups of snack mix and I found that the restroom had the smallest trough-style urinal I had ever seen.

119 N Walnut St
Creston, IA 50801
US
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(641) 782-7833
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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
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(816) 756-5670
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Cocktail Lounge

scooterj — Sun, 14 Nov 2004 18:11:00 +0000

(LAS terminal C, Las Vegas, NV)

Scooter’s 24th bar, first visited in 2004.

Airport bar.

5757 Wayne Newton Boulevard
Las Vegas, NV 89119
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Prickly Pear Cafe

scooterj — Sun, 14 Nov 2004 18:10:00 +0000

(LAS terminal D, Las Vegas, NV)

Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
Does not seem to be open anymore, but something has likely replaced it by now.

Scooter’s 23rd bar, first visited in 2004.

Airport bar. I had a 24oz beer and it came with a free 16oz beer. Needless to say, I slept well on my flight!

5757 Wayne Newton Boulevard
Las Vegas, NV 89119
US
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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
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(816) 513-4000
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