Where to eat, shop and party in Kansas City’s Westport neighborhood
When you step into Kansas City’s Westport neighborhood, you’ll find yourself in one of the most important neighborhoods in the city’s history.
Back in the 1830s, KC’s founder John McCoy started the settlement of Westport, at the spot that is now the intersection of Westport Road and Pennsylvania Avenue. This would play a key role in the creation of Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas.
Westport has come a long way since the 1800s, now being one of the hotspots for nightlife and food in town. If you find yourself on the streetcar, it takes you right to 39th Street and Main Street. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk down Westport Road before you’re in the heart of the neighborhood.
If you’re looking for somewhere to watch FIFA World Cup games, while also getting a chance to eat, party and learn some history, Westport is the place for you. Here are some key things to know about one of KC’s main entertainment districts.
Tacos, Barbecue, Westport has it all
There is no limit on variety when it comes to food in Westport. Over 35 bars and restaurants are in the area, and many have late hours for the night owls.
In true Kansas City fashion, there is a barbecue spot in the neighborhood. Char Bar is at 4050 Pennsylvania Ave. and is known for its Burnt Heaven sandwich, which has burnt ends, smoked sausage, jalapeños and more on an egg bun. The restaurant also has a large patio, just in time for the summer.
If you’re in the mood for tacos down West of Pennsylvania, you’ll find Taco Naco at 4141 Pennsylvania Ave. Along the way you’ll find other local spots like Beer Kitchen, 435 Westport Road; Harpo’s, 4109 Pennsylvania Ave.; Gambal’s Social Club, 4116 Pennsylvania Ave., and more.
You can also find restaurants that are open late. Chick-In Waffle, 431 Westport Road, stays open until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe, a sandwich and pizza shop at 509 Westport Road, is open until 4 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
A list of Westport bars and restaurants can be found on westportkcmo.com.
Clubs and bars to check out in Westport
Westport has multiple bars and clubs to choose from to get your night going. Kelly’s Westport Inn is a popular option, but so is Lotus, a Latin dance club at 421 Westport Road. For the latter establishment, try to get there early, since the line begins to wrap around Westport Road closer to midnight.
Dos Lokos, 401 Westport Road, is a Mexican sports cantina with a rooftop patio. Tin Roof, 424 Westport Road, is a popular bar with an outside patio at 424 Westport Road. The latter consistently hosts events and concerts that you can find online.
A full list of nightlife options is also available on westportkcmo.com, though make sure you do additional research, because the list can get outdated. For example, Throwback and Laney’s Get Down are no longer in business.
Local stores to shop at
The Westport neighborhood also gives visitors a chance to shop local. You can find your Kansas City merch at Bunker, 4056 Broadway Blvd., selling KC sports-themed clothes and collectibles amongst other things.
Looking to add to your vinyl collection? You can stop by Mills Record Company, right across the street from Bunker at 4045 Broadway Blvd.
Landmarks and statues you can find in Westport
If you find yourself in Kelly’s Westport Inn, you’ll be in the oldest building in Kansas City. Kelly’s has been around for over 75 years, but its building that resides at the northwest corner of Westport Road and Pennsylvania Avenue was constructed in 1851.
Westport is also home of KC’s oldest brick residence, which is now a museum. 4000 Baltimore Ave. is where the 1855 Harris-Kearney Historical House Museum stands. It was built and owned by Santa Fe Trail trader Col. John “Jack” Harris and his wife, Henrietta.
The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. House tours can be scheduled online at westporthistoricalkc.org.
At the corner of Westport Road and Pennsylvania Avenue is a statue that honors three men who played a vital role in finding Kansas City. The Pioneers statue features Alexander Majors, John McCoy and James Bridger. The bronze email that’s roughly 9 feet tall was commissioned by the Westport Historical Society and the Native Sons of Kansas City.
Another icon of Westport that’s not as historical is the wagon at the intersection of Westport Road and Southwest Trafficway in front of the “Old Westport” sign. Placed there in 1960 to mark a new shopping center, it was designed in the Conestoga style and rumored to be dated to the 1860s. It was replaced with a new model in 2024.
