Cocktail barBrewery taproom$$$crossroadsMon-Thu 11:30-22:30, Fri-Sat 09:00-23:30, Sun 09:00-20:00
Brewery Emperial in Kansas City's East Crossroads runs the city's largest brewery patio: 20-plus picnic tables, cornhole, kids' sandbox, plus a wood-fired.
Signature drink: Pilsner, brown ale, IPAs
Food: Wood-fired food, salads, burgers
Tip: Patio runs warm-weather seven days a week. Sun to Thu open 11:00-22:00.
Cocktail barBeer hall$$$waldo
KC Bier Co. on 79th and Wornall in Kansas City's Waldo has run authentic German lagers since 2014. Order the german lagers, helles, dunkel. At 310 W 79th St.
Signature drink: German lagers, helles, dunkel
Food: German-style snacks, pretzels
Tip: The Biergarten runs in warm weather only. New Lenexa location opens late 2026.
Cocktail barBrewery taproom$$$river-market
Strange Days Brewing on Oak Street in Kansas City's River Market has served globally-inspired beer since 2018, just north of the City Market with a casual.
Signature drink: IPAs, hazy ales, fruit beers
Food: Pop-up trucks
Tip: Mon 16:00-21:00, closed Tue, Wed to Sun varied. Food trucks rotate; check the calendar.
Cocktail barCocktail bar$$$crossroads
Swordfish Tom's in Kansas City's Crossroads is an intimate, speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar with no beer, no wine, no food, just premium spirits and crafted.
Signature drink: The Wise Sage cocktail
Food: No food, premium cocktails only
Tip: Reservations recommended; the door is unmarked. The Wise Sage is the bar's signature pour.
Cocktail barDistillery and cocktail bar$$$crossroads
Tom's Town Distilling on Main in Kansas City's Crossroads is downtown's first legal distillery since Prohibition, founded 2015. At 1701 Main St.
Signature drink: Botanical Gin cocktails
Food: Small plates
Tip: Mon 16:00-20:00, Tue to Thu 16:00-22:00, Fri 16:00-24:00, Sat 12:00-24:00. Tours by appointment.
Cocktail barSpeakeasy$$$power-and-light
P.S. Kansas City on 12th Street downtown is a modern speakeasy hidden in the heart of the historic district, with a compiled cocktail menu. At 106 W 12th St.
Signature drink: Crafted classic cocktails
Food: Small plates
Tip: Look for the unmarked door; the bar holds about 30 seats and runs Wed to Sat.