Retro-themed fried chicken restaurant, music venue opens at popular Kansas City corner
Laney knows how to throw parties — the kind that get the whole neighborhood grooving.
At Laney’s, the band is always swinging, fried chicken is perfectly crispy and guests are ever-mingling. She cooks Southern food with Midwestern hospitality.
Laney is anyone, though nobody in particular. The spirit of an imaginary hostess is the inspiration behind the ‘70s-themed restaurant offering live music. It opened a few days ago in the old Mickey’s Hideaway spot, 4057 Pennsylvania Ave.
Laney’s Get Down aims to bring Westport together in the name of food.
While the space is bedecked in disco balls, records and televisions showing performances from iconic bands of the era like Fleetwood Mac, general manager Eric Coleman said cuisine is the primary focus.
“We don’t wanna get lost of what we are,” Coleman said. “We’re definitely food-forward.”
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Chef Will Zuchman, who once made an appearance on “Iron Chef” in 2004, offers a fried chicken-centric menu at Laney’s.
Sandwiches include the North of Broadway with Nashville hot chicken, potato salad, pickles and buttermilk ranch. On the side, choices like mac and cheese, baked beans or cider-glazed Brussels sprouts.
Coleman said the chicken platters have been the most popular. A half-bird (breast, thigh, wing and drum) is $18. Dessert options include peach crumble and banana pudding.
While food is the focus, the entertainment aspect is no afterthought, by any means.
A full stage with a drum kit sits on the main floor of the restaurant, where performers will play at Laney’s on Friday and Saturday evenings. A DJ mixes throwback tunes on Thursdays for “Disco Dinner.”
Two bars pour from an expansive list of cocktails: Cruel Summer (1908 Empress Gin, elderflower and Polly’s grape soda), Southern Tea (Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, iced tea and sugar) and more.
Laney’s offers brunch Saturdays and Sundays. On the brunch menu: chicken and waffles, whiskey berry French toast, biscuits and gravy and other options. Laney’s serves Post Coffee, which is nearby at 3550 Broadway Blvd.
Inside, customers sit under the reflection of a mirror ball at tables shaped like records. When the weather improves, customers will be able to lounge and order drinks on Laney’s outdoor patio.
Coleman said the team tried to create a concept that would stand out amid the bar-and-restaurant-heavy entertainment district.
“We don’t think we’re like anything else in the area,” he said. “That’s why we’re excited to get the word out about it.”
The concept is owned by the Nashville-based group behind Tin Roof, which neighbors Laney’s.
But the Laney’s space has been empty since Mickey’s closed in late 2022. Coleman said the departure left a gaping hole in Westport’s real estate. The restaurant is across from another popular Westport bar, Kelly’s Westport Inn.
“A lot of people are telling us they’re really happy to have something go back in this spot,” he said. “It was really important to have something here.”
Laney’s is open from 4 to 11 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4 p.m. to midnight Thursdays, 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays. It’s closed Mondays.