Cool Bar Advice in Kansas City? (home, neighborhood, rooftop)

[merzbow1]

Hello everybody! I am going to be spending a week in Kansas City in September and was hoping that some locals may be able to shed a little light on what a young guy such as myself should be doing with my free time out there.

Specifically, I'm trying to find a few bars/hangouts where a person in their mid twenties who's really into indie/punk music can hang out with like minded folks. I've spent lots of time searching on the web for something that fits this general description, but everything looks (albeit just by judging from the various web pages I've visited) to be a bit cheesy, or out of touch. I've had "The Brick", "The Riot Room" and "Record Bar" suggested to me, but once again fear these places to not be quite what I'm looking for...

Essentially I'm looking for a place where younger hip (but down to earth folks) mingle in an atmosphere that tends more to locals rather than visitors or faux "rock bar" hipster types. I'm not necessarily looking for live music, but perhaps a good jukebox and cool folks .

Likewise, I'm open to hear suggestions for anything else in the city (that’s not a bar) that may fit this description.

Any help I can get would be much appreciated!

Austin

[Versatile]

Go to Volleyball Beach(a bar) on Holmes Rd in South KC at Blue Ridge and Holmes. They play volleyball there and it is loaded with buff young women. imo!

[WiseOwlSaysHoot]

Somehow I think the poster is not looking for beach volleyball.

The Brick and the Record Bar are good places to go if you want to see live music. They seem like they would fit the bill for what you're looking for (not cheesy, as you fear). I'd also recommend Grinders.

For what what has been voted the best jukebox in town, checkout Dave's Stagecoach (if you're into small, dive bars). Other dives of note include the News Room and Buzzard Beach.

In general, I would say check out bars in the Crossroads, River Market, and Midtown, while it seems that you would want to avoid the Power and Light District, the Plaza, or anything suburban.

[merzbow1]

Thanks owl, that's exactly what i needed to know!

[luzianne]

I'd go downtown to the KC Power and Light District to one of the bars with a rooftop deck!

[chrisl999]

Sounds like we got the same taste in music. The Record Bar gets my vote, I go there all the time - lots of good shows, mostly small indie groups. The Brick's kind of the same way, although I've only been there once. I've never been to The Riot Room, but I think they're pretty decent.
You'd probably like any of the bars in the Westport area, most are pretty established with a lot of locals. Some crowds on the weekend, but not the flashy types you see at P&L.

[TabulaRasa]

You'd probably definitely prefer Westport over Power and Light, from what you describe. If live music isn't a priority (as you say, jukebox is okay), and you really want friendly, chatty locals/average folk, I'd go with a place with a neighborhood feel like Twin City Tavern (edge of Westport area on State Line); it's very down home and un-hipster. Westport Flea Market can be interesting, too, and as a bonus, if you have dinner there, you'll get the opportunity for the best and best priced burger in the city.

[fanfares]

Grinder's has great food, service, and music. The people there would fit what kind of atmosphere you're looking for. Buzzard Beach, the ultimate dive! I see a lot of local art students there.

I also second the Record Bar and The Brick (which has Guitar Hero tourneys).

[JMitchellHomes]

The Record Bar!!! And this from a mom who knows! (Say "hi" to Tim at the Record Bar -- he's the "chef" but don't call him that!! Especially check out Sunday Brunch after the Saturday Night rounds -- you never know what the offer will be but you can't go wrong!! The locals know...).

[JMitchellHomes]

P.S.: Hoot...are you a reverse-snob ; } ??? How about Tanners? O'Dowd's can be great for live Irish music! The Red Balloon in Shawnee? All good choices with varied flair!