City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Address: 1600 E. 18th St.
32. The Gem Theater
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (816) 474-6262
Address: 1615 E. 18th St.
Description: Opened as a movie theater in 1912, the Gem has a facade that’s still beautiful, with its stained-glass and distinctive neon marquee. But inside it’s been updated to a 500-seat theater with the latest in lighting, sound, and acoustical design. The theater has hosted concerts, workshops and symposiums, and an annual Jammin’ at the Gem Concert Series featuring outstanding national performers such as Lionel Hampton and James Moody. Call for event information, or check the Web site.
33. Jardine’S Restaurant & Jazz Club
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (816) 561-6480
Address: 4536 Main St.
Description: This cozy club has become one of Kansas City’s hottest night spots to hear some of the city’s top performers seven nights a week, including Angela Hagenbach, Lonnie McFadden, Mark Lowrey, and the Barclay Martin Ensemble. The late-night jam session is also popular every Saturday after midnight when musicians show up after ending gigs elsewhere; anyone with a voice or a horn is encouraged to get up on stage.And here’s good news for night owls: Jardine’s is one of the rare places that serves dinner until midnight on weekends. There is usually a cover charge.
34. The Mutual Musicians Foundation
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (816) 471-5212
Address: 1823 Highland Ave.
Description: This living shrine to jazz is where Charlie Parker, Jay McShann, Bennie Moten, Lester Young, Mary Lou Williams, and other greats got their start and where today, on Fri and Sat, musicians jam from around midnight until dawn—or as long as the audience is there. There’s no cover charge for musicians and music students; everyone else gladly pays $8. There’s a full bar and food is served all night. Located in the 18th and Vine District, the building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1982 after undergoing major reconstruction.
35. Phoenix Jazz Club
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (816) 472-0001
Address: 302 W. Eighth St.
Description: You can’t miss this cozy neighborhood club; just drive around downtown until you hear music or spot the giant smiling face mural painted on its brick wall. Folks inside are grinning as well, thanks to the friendly atmosphere. Expect visits from top performers such as internationally respected jazz stylist Karrin Allyson (who lived in town for a while), as well as local favorites. The menu features steaks, pasta, and fresh seafood for lunch and dinner, but the main pull is the live music and casual vibe. Originally the Phoenix Hotel built in the 1880s, today it’s where to get your weekend started right. A jazz brunch is served the second Saturday of the month, when part of the $20 cover charge goes to a local charity.
36. 810 Zone
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (816) 268-9663)
Address: 4686 Broadway (Country Club Plaza)
Description: The name of this bar and grill isn’t the code name for a football play (810 . . . hike!); it refers to the hyper-popular Sports Radio 810 station. That means it’s the ultimate spot for sports fans where live broadcasts, buckets of Corona, and dozens of TVs (including four HD big-screens) are always on tap. Naturally the walls are lined with sports memorabilia, and the crowd gets noisy when the game is on. Even tough guys might need help hoisting the menu describing burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and salads, even a deep-fried Twinkie. And at the more swanky Plaza location, you can even play Pebble Beach, or at least pretend, on the amazing golf simulator. Another plus here: two for one burgers every Tuesday.
37. The Granfalloon Bar & Grill
City: Kansas City, MO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (816) 753-7850
Address: 608 Ward Pkwy.
Description: First off, you’re wondering what the name means. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. coined the word for a “proud and meaningless association of human beings.” What’s not meaningless is the fun quotient at one of the Plaza’s most popular places to watch some college football, challenge someone to game of pool, rock out to live music, or chow down on Taco Thursdays. What’s not to love? The food is better than a lot of sports bars, rooms are available for private parties, there are three Golden Tee golf simulators, and some of the most attractive people in town like to hang here.