Kansas City - Top 3 neighborhoods/unique bars & eats

Question

We will be in Kansas City for about a week for fun and relaxation. We have found a great Airbnb in the Overland Park area. So far, we have ticket to a Royal’s game, and reservations to Garozzo’s Downtown & Farina. Coming to Kansas City in late June.

We are looking for recommendations on Neighborhoods/Districts we should explore, unique cocktail bars/distilleries & restaurants, nice area for hiking & best sports bar that has Chiefs memorabilia or Chiefs themed.

Answer

Kansas City has a lot to offer for a week of fun, relaxation, and local flavor. Since you’ll be based in Overland Park, you’ll have easy access to several key neighborhoods and districts worth exploring for food, drinks, and local culture.

Top neighborhoods/districts to explore:

Westport: Historic district with a lively nightlife scene, craft cocktail bars, and unique restaurants. Great for strolling and discovering hidden gems.
Crossroads Arts District: Known for its art galleries, murals, and weekend First Friday events. Plenty of trendy restaurants, craft cocktail bars, and small distilleries to try.
River Market: Close to the Missouri River, featuring a farmers market, specialty food shops, and casual dining. Fun area to wander and grab a drink or snack.

Unique cocktail bars/distilleries & restaurants:

The Monarch Bar: A speakeasy-style cocktail bar in Westport, known for creative and carefully crafted drinks.
J. Rieger & Co.: A local distillery downtown producing small-batch spirits, with a cozy tasting room and cocktails.
Manifesto: Hidden cocktail bar in Crossroads; reservation recommended. Innovative cocktails in a secretive setting.
Extra Virgin: Mediterranean-inspired small plates and cocktails in Westport, great for dinner and drinks.

Nice areas for hiking and outdoor activities:

Swope Park: Large urban park with trails, scenic areas, and the Kansas City Zoo nearby. Excellent for a short hike or a nature walk.
Loose Park: Beautiful gardens and walking trails in a quiet, scenic setting. Ideal for a more relaxed outdoor experience.
Shawnee Mission Park: A short drive from Overland Park, offering hiking trails, lakes, and picnic areas.

Best sports bars for Chiefs fans:

Johnny’s Tavern: Known for a fun sports atmosphere and Chiefs memorabilia.
Stir Crazy: Large bar with multiple screens, popular for watching NFL games and tailgating vibes inside.
Bricks & Ivy: Upscale sports bar experience downtown, with plenty of Chiefs décor and hearty pub food.

Additional tips: Since it’s late June, evenings can be warm, so enjoying rooftop bars or patio dining in Westport or Crossroads can be especially pleasant. Planning a mix of nightlife, dining, and outdoor activities will give you a well-rounded KC experience.