Brian Nagele
Summer in Kansas City would not be complete without enjoying cocktails with friends. The growing rooftop scene in the midwest is taking Kansas City by storm.
You will not want to miss these hangout spots in the City of Fountains! Enjoy the sun from a rooftop bar with endless mimosas, or have a sophisticated Moscow mule in the evening under the stars.
Kansas City rooftops have great dining and drink options.
Best Rooftop Bars in Kansas City
- The Well Bar Grill and Rooftop
- John’s Big Deck
- Up-Down KC
- Westport Ale House
- Chicken N Pickle – Kansas City
- O’Dowd’s Gastrobar
- Teocali Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
- Gram & Dun
- Messenger Coffee Co. + Ibis Bakery
- Trezo Mare Restaurant & Lounge
- Prime Social
- Parker at The Fontaine
- Canary
- Percheron Rooftop Bar
So whether you’re looking for a fun night out or planning a big date, here are the best rooftop bars in Kansas City!
The Well Bar Grill and Rooftop
7421 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64114
Phone: (816) 361-1700
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In the center of the Waldo area, you will find The Well Bar, Grill, and Rooftop. Two floors of food and fun can be enjoyed by everyone at The Well. Open year-round, this bar and restaurant have an inviting, casual feel.
My favorite dish on the menu was the Baja 75th Street Tacos with fresh cod topped with a generous amount of queso, cabbage, and pico de gallo served with chips and salsa. I am glad I went on a Sunday because the discounted Bloody Marys were a great addition to my meal!
The Kansas City Bier Company is just down the street, which made a great stop on our day out. The Well is in a convenient location with shopping just around the corner.
With 30 beers on tap, a wide selection of wine, and signature cocktails, the Well is the spot for a relaxing night out with friends and a great lunch destination.
John’s Big Deck
928 Wyandotte St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Phone: (816) 255-3396
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Whether you are in the Power and Light District or the River Market, John’s Big Deck is close by! Located conveniently between the two, John’s Big Deck is a great place to stop for some grub, drinks, and fun.
I came on a summer night, which consisted of great food and drinks, beautiful views, and live entertainment. We sat on the large rooftop terrace, but underneath was the grill on the first floor and a dance club on the second floor.
Best of all, I got to enjoy my favorite Mac & Cheese at John’s Big Deck without breaking the bank. This tasty treat paired perfectly with my Belgian White Wheat Beer.
I honestly wanted to try everything on their extensive menu. They had wraps, nachos, Po’Boys… Just about anything at all, you name it, and they had it. And it all looked good!
One of my favorite things about John’s Big Deck was its location. We spent our day at the River Market exploring, at dinner at John’s Big Deck, and enjoyed some live entertainment, then headed down to the Power and Light District for the great nightlife. It is a great hub in between everything!
Up-Down KC
101 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: (816) 982-9455
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Up-Down KC is a trendy arcade bar that provides that vintage ambiance you crave from your childhood. The best part about the more than 50 available games is that they are only 25 cents each to play.
Join the fun and try the extensive craft beer from more than 50 kinds on tap, traditional bottles or cans, or something from their full bar service.
With weekly specials and a limited, but flavorful pizza menu, a night out at Up-Down KC will be fun for all. Their Mac & Cheese Pizza is one of the best I’ve had.
They also offer various beer and token specials to enjoy draft beer, domestic products, and more.
Westport Ale House
4128 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111
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As one of the fun rooftop bars in Kansas City, the Westport Ale House delivers everything you want for an entertaining night out.
They offer live music and DJs to enjoy some terrific music. Alternatively, their TVs and videogames are a popular choice for those patrons who want to enjoy watching a game together or participate in some videogames with friends.
The Westport Ale House menu includes some tasty options you know and love. From appetizers and snacks to full meals, you can enjoy pizza, salads, burgers, and more throughout the week.
Although, you shouldn’t skip their Ale House Fries. I love them and have to have them each time I go. So, spend some time in their rooftop beer garden with friends on your next evening out.
Chicken N Pickle
1761 Burlington St, North Kansas City, MO 64116
Phone: (816) 537-1400
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Want to get some exercise on your night out? Head to Chicken N Pickle. This chicken-centered entertainment venue and restaurant is the spot for great food, fun, and competition.
Eight pickleball courts can be found on the rooftop of the second floor. I enjoyed competing in pickleball games, watching a Sporting Kansas City game on the many flat screens, and of course, eating chicken!
While I think you should try pickleball, if you decide it’s not your thing, they have other lawn games available too!
My bestie and I got a ½ chicken to share. It was served with flour tortillas, avocado, and serrano pepper.
This fueled us to beat our competitors at pickleball! Along with a side of street corn, this combination is unbeatable. Their signature cocktails were delicious.
My favorites were Thyme Stone and Fig-Mint of Your Imagination. Both unique and flavorful. The whole experience is one I will never forget!
O’Dowd’s Gastrobar
4742 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64112
Phone: (816) 561-2700
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O’Dowd’s Gastrobar is one of Kansas City’s happening locations for live music and entertainment. Each evening is unique and varies between live music and DJs to bring you the best music while you sit back and relax.
If you are a whiskey lover like me, O’Dowd’s Gastrobar is the place to be. With dozens of Irish, American, Japanese, and Scotch whiskey choices, everyone can pick a favorite.
Between 4 and 6 pm is O’Dowd’s Social Hour, where they offer $6 food specials to satisfy your cravings while spending time with friends.
They don’t forget the drinks, though. You can choose between beer, wine, martinis, or mules for the drink specials.
Teocali Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
2512 Holmes St. Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: (816) 221-4749
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The Teocali Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is the best place to go for authentic Mexican cuisine in Kansas City.
When you visit Teocali, you will feel like family as you enjoy Mexican food the way it is prepared in Mexico, and not adapted for American menus.
My favorite part of Teocali is their salsa. Choosing to experience real, authentic salsa is essential when you head out for Mexican dining.
Whether you want to dine in or try out their Tailgate Experience with their transportation bus for 16 people with food and drinks, you are sure to have fun.
Teocali Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is the perfect solution for any sporting event or concert.
Gram & Dun
600 Ward Parkway, Kansas City MO 64112
Phone: (816) 389-2900
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Gram & Dun is the place to be when you want a flavorful and relaxing experience in Kansas City. They focus on culinary-drive fare while pairing it with exceptional libations for the ultimate dining experience.
In addition, the relaxed atmosphere ensures you can sit back and enjoy time with friends any day of the week.
Whether you are looking for a new brunch spot, going for lunch or dinner, or just want to enjoy an appetizer or dessert, the choices at Gram & Dun are unique and delectable.
Stop in Monday to Friday between 3 and 5 pm for their Happy Hour and try some terrific snacks and drink specials.
Messenger Coffee Co.
1624 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: (913) 669-9883
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I know, I know, can you put a coffee shop in a rooftop bar article? I think yes.
Whether you need some coffee after a long night out on the town or somewhere to get some homework done, Messenger Coffe Co. is the best place for it.
I was on a trip visiting my friend in KC right before the Chiefs played in the Superbowl. Nothing sounded better than a hot coffee on a chilly February day.
We got our coffee and headed up to the roof. We sat around the fire pits as snow fell, and we drank our coffee.
My favorite thing at Messenger is a classic vanilla latte.
If I’m not in the mood for something too sweet, I order mine half sweet. Just a touch of sweetness in the rich bitter coffee was everything I needed at that chilly moment.
Trezo Mare Restaurant & Lounge
4105 N Mulberry Dr. Kansas City, MO 64116
Phone: (816) 505-3200
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If you love Italian cuisine as much as I do, then Trezo Mare Restaurant & Lounge will be a favorite for you.
Although they serve many exceptional dishes, they focus on Italian menu options, fresh seafood, and wood-fired steaks.
They offer brunch, lunch, and dinner selections in a fine dining experience that is pleasant and relaxing.
But if you do not have a large appetite and only want snacks and appetizers, be sure to try their Fried Calamari. It is my absolute favorite choice when I do not need a full meal.
Prime Social
46 Penn Centre • 16th Floor
4622 Pennsylvania Ave. Kansas City, MO 64112
Phone: (816) 400-4210
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For a more modern and refined gathering space in Kansas City, the Prime Social is ideal.
Their dynamic rooftop cocktail lounge includes a fire pit to enjoy some of the best panoramic views of the city while visiting with friends.
Their expansive menu includes sushi, pizza, and more to satisfy any taste.
The last time I stopped by with friends, we tried their Chips and Dips with House Made Potato Chips, French Onion, and Smoked Trout, and I’m so glad we did.
The savory and flavorful combination makes this and their other menu options a must when visiting.
Parker at The Fontaine
901 W. 48th Place, Kansas City, Missouri 64112
Phone: (816) 753-8800 Toll-Free: (855) 596.3399
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Parker at The Fontaine is within its hotel space, but that doesn’t make it less desirable. This rooftop lounge is the perfect place to enjoy cocktails and try some seasonal menu options.
For an even more unique experience, Parker at The Fontaine offers the popular Nine Zero One Igloo Bar as one of the most popular winter rooftop destinations.
Try something from their extensive wine selection and pair it with a seasonal delicacy for the ultimate rooftop experience in Kansas City.
Canary
3835 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: (816) 599-2008
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Home to expertly crafted cocktails and modern American cuisine, Canary is a good destination for a night out.
Canary is in Midtown Kansas City in The Netherland. It is both a lounge and restaurant, with a rooftop bar and terrace to top it off.
I enjoyed sharing an assortment of appetizers with my drinks on my night out with the girls. Lamb and beef meatballs and hush puppies were great to snack on as I drank my Canary cocktail.
Their signature Canary cocktail is vodka mixed with pineapple, coconut, turmeric, ginger, lemon, and egg white.
We topped off the night with a signature Gooey Butter Cookie from Canary’s dessert menu. The soft cookie was served with coconut ice cream. The perfect way to satisfy my sweet tooth!
Enjoy views from the expansive rooftop terrace for a night out with friends or brunch on the weekends. Canary is not just a destination but is a place for all to call home.
Percheron Rooftop Bar
2101 Central St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: (816) 897-8100
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If you want the best view of the Kansas City skyline, head to Percheron Rooftop Bar! It is found on top of the Crossroads Hotel and is Kansas City’s first rooftop beer garden.
This was a strictly drinks-only stop for me and my mom on our day in the city. I enjoyed a Sure, Sure slushee.
It had Ford’s gin and refreshing Aperol, passionfruit, lemon, and Cocchi Rosa. My mom had a glass of their medium-bodied red wine, called Baga Duck.
Unfortunately, we had just eaten before we stopped. When I go back, I want to try their Marinated Olives and Focaccia. These two stuck out to me on the menu, but they had so many great options to choose from.
After I enjoyed my frozen cocktails, I headed down and explored the Crossroads Arts District. This convenient location allows for a refreshing stop after a long day of sightseeing.
Final Thoughts
Kansas City is the place to go for rooftop bars. I just gave you an insight into some of the best rooftop bars in Kansas City, but I know there is more! Get out and explore and find your favorites.
Whether you’re looking for a great brunch spot, late-night bar, or early morning coffee shop, Kansas City has a rooftop for that! So grab your friends and head out for a memorable night in the Midwest!
