KC gets another rooftop bar with signature cocktails and 360-degree views
Kansas Citians have another opportunity to drink refreshing cocktails while basking in the summer sun and taking in city views at KC’s newest rooftop bar.
RooftopKC, from event venue company Skyline and Co. and in partnership with real estate firm Copaken Brooks, opened in April and will operate seasonally through October. It’s a sister bar of Noir, the members-only cocktail lounge, but RooftopKC is less exclusive in that guests don’t need a membership, owner Tim Wirick said.
A reservation comes with a $20 fee, which pays for a guest’s first cocktail. Members of Noir don’t need to pay the reservation fee at RooftopKC.
And because it’s a rooftop — specifically atop Corrigan Station (1828 Walnut St.) on the 11th floor — there are sights to see from a 360-degree view of downtown. Guests can see the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Power and Light Building, Union Station and the Western Auto sign.
The design of the space aims for relaxation while guests imbibe. There are a few bar chairs and tables, but most of the seating is made up of comfortable patio couches and Adirondack chairs, in total fitting 85 guests.
When not taking in views of Kansas City, guests can also play pool at two tables, as long as a windy KC day doesn’t skew the game. The music is low, and RooftopKC is reservation-only on purpose to keep the new spot relaxed.
“It’s a chill environment that focuses on comfort, cocktails and conversation — not rowdy, dancing, loud music and long lines,” Wirick said over email.
RooftopKC offers a menu of cocktails, wine, beer, seltzers and mocktails, but the bar doesn’t serve food. Wirick said it makes the spot perfect for those seeking cocktails before dinner or a nightcap after.
Its bartenders are shaking up a few classics, like the popular espresso martini made with Tito’s vodka, fresh espresso, Mr. Black coffee liqueur and vanilla ($20). Guests can also order dirty martinis topped with large, gorgonzola-stuffed olives ($20).
But much of the menu is made up of craft cocktails or riffs on beverages. The lava lamp is made to look like its decorative light namesake by using strawberry jelly and pairing it with coconut rum and prosecco ($16). The Mai Mango is for the fans of tropical drinks, mixing coconut rum, pineapple amaro and amaretto before topping the drink with a coconut-banana whip ($16).
This drink menu is fully aware of KC’s sticky-hot summer weather, pairing tequila or rum with fruit and citrus, or offering a frozen drink in the form of a frosé (frozen rosé at $16).
“A little more playful and perfect for the rooftop, the cocktails are refreshing, ice-cold and beautiful,” Wirick said.
There are a couple of vodka and bourbon options available, however, like in the bourbon-based Cask & Blossom ($19) that combines honey and orange blossom, or the Smoke Show ($17), which is a clarified blend of Tito’s, St. Germain, pineapple, vanilla and coconut milk.
The rest of the drink menu is limited, with five by-the-glass wine options ($9), four beers that include two local brews ($7), three THC-infused seltzers ($7) and a cherry blossom seltzer from Boulevard Brewing Company’s Quirk brand. There are also two mocktails to choose from: an herbal paloma or a ginger spice beverage, both for $12.
Weather permitting, RooftopKC is open 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday and 6 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.
