16. Outabounds Sports Bar
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (816) 756-2577
Address: 3601 Broadway
Description: People thought Doug Knetzer and Alan Rogers were crazy to open a gay sports bar, but look who’s crazy now—as in happy crazy. It’s wall-to-wall on Chiefs Sundays and just about any other time a game is on one of the multiple plasma-screen TVs. The bar food and decor are pretty standard, except the poster of local legend George Brett has longer hair. And just like any sports bar, when the favored players come on the screen, the entire place cheers—but here it might be more for how cute he looks in his uniform. But it’s all in good fun. Although it’s mainly a gay hangout, the friendly staff welcome straight folks as well.
17. Sidekicks Saloon
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (816) 931-1430
Address: 3707 Main
Description: Who says gay men can’t wear cowboy hats and line dance? At this saloon and dance hall, everyone’s welcome, but it mainly caters to the gay crowd of cowboys and leathermen. Fri night features drag shows, and Sat night brings on dancing to country and pop music. Tuesday is a retro-music affair, and on Wednesday get ready to vote for your favorite contestants in their boxers. Drag queens and singers are on the stage most Thursdays. Hours are 2 p.m. to 3 a.m.
18. Bb’S Lawnside Bar-B-Q
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (816) 822-7427
Address: 1205 E. 85th Terrace
Description: Owner Lindsay Shannon combines his passions for blues, beer, and barbecue in this homey roadhouse, which plays live music Thurs through Sun. The food’s pretty hot, too; try the spicy jambalaya, Smoky Jo’s Gumbo, or ribs and burnt ends. And to wash it all down, order a “Bucket of Blues,” which will get you five Pabst Blue Ribbons in a galvanized tin. Get here early for Tuesday Bluesday, when Trampled Under Foot (just TUF to their fans) crank up the sound. These siblings from Kansas City have garnered international acclaim.
19. The Beaumont Club
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (816) 561-2560
Address: 4050 Pennsylvania (Westport)
Description: If an old-timer walked into this cavernous space wearing a “Let’s Rodeo” belt buckle, he’d wonder where his favorite cowboy bar went. It moooo-ved on, mister. Now the Beaumont hosts bands with a more kinetic beat, including punk rock and indie electro, as well as classic rock tribute bands. In fact, it’s nothing if not diverse. A recent evening brought in a burlesque review, and there are free salsa dance lessons every Sat from 10:30 p.m. until last call at 3 a.m. The Beaumont added an outdoor bar and live music venue recently, where young music lovers can party in the heart of Westport.
20. Crossroads Kc
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Description: Leave it to local artist Stretch for adding a fan-friendly concert venue to his East Crossroads neighborhood. Here’s where music lovers come to hear big-name national groups, grab a slice of pizza and beer from Stretch’s Grinders Pizza, and enjoy low prices and a killer view of the Kansas City skyline. It’s rustic, and there are no refunds if it rains, but hey, it’s rock ’n’ roll, folks. Tickets are available online, including reserved seating and even VIP treatment. Free parking surrounds the area.
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Address: 2715 Rochester
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Address: 3700 Broadway
23. Ameristar Casino
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (816) 414-7000, (800) 499-4961
Address: 8201 Northeast Birmingham
Description: Consistently voted “Best Casino” by readers of KC Magazine, Ameristar could also win prizes for the entertainment lineup in its Star Pavilion. Since 1997 it has brought in such acts as Keith Urban, Tony Bennett, and even the Smothers Brothers to its elegantly appointed stage. Tickets range from $12 to $65. Or head to the more intimate Casino Cabaret.
24. Argosy Casino
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (800) 270-7711
Address: 777 Northwest Argosy Pkwy.
Description: With a $105 million makeover, this stunning casino has plenty of action outside the blackjack tables. The local jazz and rock stars in the Casino Stage Bar and Crazy Olives Bar and Restaurant are as cool as the margaritas and martinis. One of our favorites, Lonnie McFadden, brings soulful R&B, a right-on impression of Louis Armstrong, and even some old soft-shoe to the stage. And if a steak is calling your name, the Journey is the place for wood-fired beef. As for us, we think we’ll journey upstairs to one of the stunning new suites.
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
26. Isle Of Capri Casino
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (816) 855-7777, (800) THE ISLE
Address: 1800 E. Front St.
Description: You can’t miss this casino, with lights outlining the paddleboat so bright it rivals the nearby downtown skyline. Inside, the music is lively as well, with local groups making Sat evenings special with everything from jazz to rock to funk.
27. Denim And Diamonds
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (816) 221-7300
Address: 1725 Swift
Description: Loosen up those new Levi’s with free dance lessons Wed, Fri, and Sat from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., then be ready to two-step all night. The crowd often breaks into a line dance, and even if you don’t know the steps you’ll have fun. Double D is known for some of the prettiest cowgirls in the Midwest, especially on Wed, which is Ladies’ Night.
28. Pbr Big Sky
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (816) 442-8145
Address: 111 E. 13th (Power & Light District)
Description: Here’s where cowboy cool meets urban chic. Truth be told, you won’t see as many Stetsons here as other country bars, but the vibe is still “let’s party.” There’s often a line waiting to get in on a Saturday night, but that’s a fine way to meet your next dance partner—or someone to spot you on the bull-riding machine. Live music ranges from country to southern rock.
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Address: 4742 Pennsylvania St.
30. O’Malley’S Pub
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (816) 640-5235
Address: 500 Welt St.
Description: When a German immigrant named John Georgeans started a brewery (the oldest brewery west of the Hudson River) in the early 1840s, he dug three rooms 55 feet underground and lined them with limestone blocks to create an even temperature for the fermenting process. At one time the brewery produced up to 20,000 barrels of beer a year before it was closed during Prohibition. Today the tri-level space is home to Sean O’Malley’s Pub, which is the perfect escape on a hot summer evening. When entertainers take the stage, the atmosphere is unlike anything else in town. Every October, Sean hosts an Irish Festival with three additional stages outside. There’s authentic Irish food, imported libations, and great entertainment, including bawdy limericks.