The Phoenix Listening Room ★ 4.4
$$downtown{'monday': 'Closed', 'tuesday': '11:00-01:30', 'wednesday': '11:00-01:30', 'thursday': '11:00-01:30', 'friday': '11:00-01:30', 'saturday': '16:00-01:30', 'sunday': '10:00-14:00'}
The Phoenix on 8th Street in downtown Kansas City is the city's oldest jazz and blues listening room, with food service and live music nightly Tue through Sun since 1990.
Tip: Saturday brunch 10:00 to 14:00 with the bloody mary bar. Sunday closes at 14:00.
Kelly's Westport Inn ★ 3.8
$westport{'monday': '11:30-01:30', 'tuesday': '11:30-01:30', 'wednesday': '11:30-01:30', 'thursday': '11:30-01:30', 'friday': '11:30-03:00', 'saturday': '11:00-03:00', 'sunday': '11:00-01:30'}
Kelly's Westport Inn on Westport Road in Kansas City is one of the city's longest-running dive bars, set in an 1850 building (later run by Albert Gallatin Boone as a trail outfitter) and the Westport bar strip's late-night anchor.
Tip: Cash works fastest; the back patio is the survival seat on busy Saturdays.
Buzzard Beach ★ 3.7
$westport{'monday': '15:00-03:00', 'tuesday': '15:00-03:00', 'wednesday': '15:00-03:00', 'thursday': '15:00-03:00', 'friday': '15:00-03:00', 'saturday': '12:00-03:00', 'sunday': '12:00-03:00'}
Buzzard Beach on Pennsylvania in Kansas City's Westport is the dive bar with a sand-floored patio, pool tables and cheap drinks until 03:00 nightly.
Tip: Cash works fastest; the patio sand stays around even in winter.
The Brick ★ 3.8
$crossroads{'monday': '16:00-03:00', 'tuesday': '16:00-03:00', 'wednesday': '16:00-03:00', 'thursday': '16:00-03:00', 'friday': '16:00-03:00', 'saturday': '16:00-03:00', 'sunday': '16:00-03:00'}
The Brick on McGee Street in Kansas City's East Crossroads is a long-running dive with live music nightly, a pool table and cheap drinks until 03:00.
Tip: Live music starts late; the back patio runs warm-weather only. Cash works fastest.
Mosaic Ultra Lounge ★ 4.0
$$power-and-light{'monday': 'Closed', 'tuesday': 'Closed', 'wednesday': 'Closed', 'thursday': '21:00-03:00', 'friday': '21:00-03:00', 'saturday': '21:00-03:00', 'sunday': 'Closed'}
Mosaic Ultra Lounge in Kansas City's Power and Light District is the city's primary dance club, recently expanded with a $2.5 million upgrade including LED wall, new sound system and DJ booth.
Tip: Open Thu through Sat 21:00 to 03:00. 21+ after dark; dress code in effect.
Howl at the Moon ★ 3.8
$$power-and-light{'monday': 'Closed', 'tuesday': 'Closed', 'wednesday': '20:00-02:00', 'thursday': '20:00-02:00', 'friday': '19:00-02:00', 'saturday': '19:00-02:00', 'sunday': 'Closed'}
Howl at the Moon in Kansas City's Power and Light District is a high-energy dueling-piano bar and dance venue, with live music, party atmosphere and rotating performers nightly.
Tip: Most popular for bachelor and bachelorette parties; reservation booths recommended.