Eat & Drink

Grab a drink at one of these 5 Kansas City cocktail bars

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

Kansas City’s cocktail scene thrives on a blend of innovation, history, and inclusive spaces.

Pierpont's is a Kansas City classic. The Union Station bar marries inventive cocktails like the Old Fashioned Revolution with fine dining, which make each visit a special occasion.

The Forge embraces a nostalgic speakeasy vibe with hidden doors and Prohibition-inspired drinks. Fern Bar celebrates communal hospitality by focusing on global spirits and casual elegance — you're sure to have an adventure when you're there.

Looking for a bar that embraces nonalcoholic cocktails? We recommend Wild Child in Shawnee. Let us know what your favorite spot is in the comments.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Owner Bryan Arri pours a Naked and Famous cocktail at his recently opened Fern Bar. The drink features Vago Elote, Banhez Espadin, aperol, yellow chartreuse and lime.

NO. 1: NO FERNS AT THE NEW FERN BAR IN KANSAS CITY. BUT IT SERVES THE COCKTAILS AND VIBES

This new bar’s owner describes it as a “world-class cocktail bar in a casual environment.” | Published February 2, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

The entire space inside The Forge echos a speakeasy of the 1920s. By Roy Inman

NO. 2: TO GET INSIDE THIS NEW JOHNSON COUNTY BAR, ENTER AN UNMARKED DOOR. THEN GIVE A PASSWORD

The entryway looks like an old tool shed. The secret to getting inside is via the rotary phone on the wall. | Published March 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Filet Pierpont, topped with blue cheese cream and malted figs, comes with roasted garlic whipped potatoes and baby green beans at Pierpont’s in Union Station. By Emily Curiel

NO. 3: A STEAK, A COCKTAIL, AN ELEGANT SPACE. INSIDE KC RESTAURANT WITH A ‘HIGHER STANDARD’

This one-of-a-kind Kansas City restaurant is celebrating its 25th year. Every time I visit, it has been special. | Published April 16, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jonathan Shorman

A Chicago-style tavern pizza at The Wise Guy. By Roy Inman

NO. 4: ‘PIZZA, PASTA, MARTINIS, COCKTAILS’: ITALIAN TAVERN NOW OPEN IN HISTORIC KC BUILDING

The previous occupant closed during the pandemic. This new place just opened. | Published April 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

Wild Child is covered in floral wallpaper and windows to give it a light, airy feel. By Emily Curiel

NO. 5: ONE OF THE 10 BEST NEW COCKTAIL BARS IN US IS IN JOHNSON COUNTY, AWARDS GROUP SAYS

A reason this Johnson County bar is up for a national award? It might be the nonalcoholic cocktails. | Published May 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.