Hidden Gems in Kansas City
Hidden gems, with their authentic atmospheres and unexpected experiences, appeal to our inner sense of adventure. Tenured visitors, tried-and-true locals and first-timers will undoubtedly all agree that the off-the-beaten-path destinations in KC showcase a unique, intimate side of the City of Fountains unlike anywhere else.
See why Kansas City was recognized by CNN as one of "USA's Most Underrated Destinations".
Entertainment
- Mutual Musicians Foundation: The Foundation has been an institution in the Kansas City jazz scene for more than 100 years. Swing by to enjoy a late-night jam session that runs into the wee hours of the morning.
- Knuckleheads Saloon: Head across the tracks to the East Bottoms, where you’ll find this rough-and-tumble music venue that regularly hosts blues, country and rock acts on outdoor and indoor stages.
- Art Alley: No visit to Art Alley is the same thanks to the eclectic collection of wall-to-wall graffiti art, each piece an impermanent addition to the ever-changing canvas.
- The Rino: North Kansas City’s resident live music venue is connected to hip hotspot Colony KC, where you’ll find solid tunes and coffee for a nearly unbeatable combo.
- The Ship: The West Bottoms comes to life at night at The Ship, a nautical-styled speakeasy that touts a soulful jukebox and unexpected collection of music acts that roll through several nights a week.
- Prospero’s Books: Bibliophiles and bookworms love wandering through stacks and stacks of rare and used titles in this iconic shop on West 39th Street.
Food & Drink
- Splitlog Coffee Co.: A quick jaunt to KCK’s Strawberry Hill neighborhood takes you to this quaint café known for its warm, sunny environment and rotating single origin roasts.
- Manifesto: While this speakeasy can easily be identified as the founder of KC’s cocktail renaissance, it remains as innovative—and under-the-radar—as ever thanks to its undeniably understated cool.
- The Antler Room: The Antler Room is one of the buzziest restaurants in the city. Tucked away in charming Union Hill, sample Mediterranean small plates during date nights and special occasions to really feel at home.
- Swordfish Tom’s: Disconnect from the world around you and connect to those in front of you at this subterranean speakeasy. Reserve this low-lit cocktail experience for intimate occasions.
Destinations
- West Bottoms: Many know it as the spot for First Weekends, a time for antique shopping and food truck feasts. But this underrated neighborhood features everything from Southern-style meat-and-three dining (EJ’s Urban Eatery) and fresh-roasted coffee (Blip) to carefully crafted cocktails (The Campground) and craft beer (Stockyards Brewing Co.).
- Olathe: A less-than-30-minute drive south of Downtown KC reveals the lush greenspace and family-friendly environs that are so prominent in Olathe. Favorite picks include Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, KC Wine Co., Olathe Farmers’ Market, Red Crow Brewing Company and Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site.
- Weston: This popular day trip destination is home to several wineries, a brewery, the iconic Holladay Distillery, beloved sheep’s milk producer Green Dirt Farm Creamery and a charming Main Street that’s as romantic as it is historic.
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