Messenger Coffee Rooftop ★ 4.4
$crossroads{'monday': '07:00-17:00', 'tuesday': '07:00-17:00', 'wednesday': '07:00-17:00', 'thursday': '07:00-17:00', 'friday': '07:00-17:00', 'saturday': '07:00-17:00', 'sunday': '07:00-17:00'}
Messenger Coffee's rooftop terrace on Grand Boulevard in Kansas City's Crossroads is the city's daytime rooftop hangout, with skyline views and an Ibis Bakery snack programme.
Tip: Daytime rooftop only; the cafe closes at 17:00. Sunset is the best time on warm days.
Tower Tavern ★ 4.0
$$midtown{'monday': '11:00-00:00', 'tuesday': '11:00-00:00', 'wednesday': '11:00-00:00', 'thursday': '11:00-00:00', 'friday': '11:00-01:30', 'saturday': '10:30-01:30', 'sunday': '10:30-00:00'}
Tower Tavern on 31st Street in Kansas City's Martini Corner has run a gastropub bar with 20-plus screens, a covered patio and a long beer selection since 2007.
Tip: Patio runs warm-weather; trivia and game nights anchor the calendar.
Boulevard Brewing Beer Hall Patio ★ 4.3
$$westside{'monday': '12:00-22:00', 'tuesday': '12:00-22:00', 'wednesday': '12:00-22:00', 'thursday': '12:00-22:00', 'friday': '12:00-23:00', 'saturday': '11:00-23:00', 'sunday': '11:00-21:00'}
Boulevard Brewing's Beer Hall on Madison in Kansas City has a second-floor patio with skyline views of downtown, plus rotating Boulevard pours and a curated food menu.
Tip: The Beer Hall opens earlier than the Tours and Rec; rooftop is the move on warm evenings.
Char Bar Roof Patio ★ 4.3
$$westport{'monday': '11:00-22:00', 'tuesday': '11:00-22:00', 'wednesday': '11:00-22:00', 'thursday': '11:00-22:00', 'friday': '11:00-00:00', 'saturday': '10:00-00:00', 'sunday': '10:00-22:00'}
Char Bar's roof patio in Kansas City's Westport is the city's largest dog-friendly outdoor space, with cornhole, ping-pong, bocce, a fire pit and Boulevard drafts.
Tip: The fire pit is the survival seat on cold nights; the patio runs later than the kitchen.
P.S. Speakeasy ★ 4.5
$$downtown{'monday': 'Closed', 'tuesday': '17:00-23:00', 'wednesday': '17:00-23:00', 'thursday': '17:00-24:00', 'friday': '17:00-02:00', 'saturday': '17:00-02:00', 'sunday': 'Closed'}
P.S. Speakeasy in Kansas City's Hotel Phillips basement is a 1930s-inspired speakeasy in a former mail sorting room, with an unmarked door entry and crafted cocktails since 2017.
Tip: Reservations recommended; the door is unmarked off the alley off 12th Street.
Swordfish Tom's ★ 4.6
$$crossroads{'monday': 'Closed', 'tuesday': 'Closed', 'wednesday': '17:00-00:00', 'thursday': '17:00-00:00', 'friday': '17:00-02:00', 'saturday': '17:00-02:00', 'sunday': 'Closed'}
Swordfish Tom's in Kansas City's Crossroads is an intimate speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar, with no beer, no wine, no food, premium spirits and crafted cocktails for 30 seats.
Tip: Reservations recommended. The door is unmarked; the Wise Sage is the bar's signature.