Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Kansas City / Kansas

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Kansas City / Kansas? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Conductor Club

5.0

5 (427)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

E. Kansas City

About the restaurant

Currently transitioning between themes. Keep an eye out on our social media for announcements and open dates.

Tucked away in a hidden corner of historic Union Station, the Conductor Club is a unique rotating themed cocktail bar. We feature a specialty cocktails, small bites from Pierpont's kitchen and lots of fun.

*All guests must be 21+ years old. Reservations are exclusively through OpenTable. Kitchen is open until 9pm on weekdays and 10pm on weekends.

Top review

Dana

Dined on May 24, 2025

Decor was very fun! Drinks were great and the bartender was top notch! He really took extra effort to take care of us. We’ll definitely be back!

Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Westwood

4.8

4.8 (358)

$30 and under

Sushi

Kansas City

About the restaurant

Blue Sushi Sake Grill unites creative ingredients with energetic vibes, premium cold sake with happy moments to give you a fresh and fun new way to experience sushi. Our sushi and grill menus allow you to explore your sushi favorites in new and unexpected ways. We like to say that sushi is for sharing, and our menu encourages it. Order a spread of all your maki, nigiri and sashimi favs from the sushi bar, and throw in a few orders of starters from the grill. We'll stagger your plates so you can savor it all bite-by-bite, and maximize the sushi experience you've been craving all week. If you're not sure where to start, tour the menu during Happy Hour, where all our guest favorites — from our sushi, grill and drink menus — are available at an amazing value. We offer Happy Hour every day of the week at Blue Sushi Sake Grill!

Top review

Braden

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

I love this restaurant! Their food is always fresh and delicious and the service staff is fun. Only downside is that they’re so popular that sometimes there’s a 30 or 40 minute wait on sushi but it’s worth it!

Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Power & Light District

4.8

4.8 (481)

$30 and under

Sushi

Kansas City

About the restaurant

Top review

Cherina

Dined 5 days ago

We live in the area and walk to dinner to have sushi here!! Since moving here a year and a half ago it’s become one of our favorite places. The service is always phenomenal in the sushi is always so good!!! it’s a 10 out of 10 every time!

Extra Virgin - Kansas City

4.7

4.7 (2012)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Kansas City

About the restaurant

James Beard Award Winning Chef Michael Smith's latest culinary creation is Extra Virgin, located in Kansas City's historic Crossroad's Art's District. Open to rave reviews in December 2008, Extra Virgin serves Mediterranean Tapas and has an extensive wine list and full cocktail menu. We offer patio dining for 50 people & multiple private dining spaces for 12-50 people.

Top review

Kristin

Dined 4 days ago

We love Extra Virgin and enjoy sharing small plates with friends! There's something for everyone and the atmosphere is fun and energetic.

VOO Cocktail Lounge

4.7

4.7 (134)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

Kansas City

About the restaurant

After a few decades of dormancy, we’ve reimagined and revitalized the former Rendezvous as – VOO Lounge.
Featuring rotaing musicans and performers every Friday and Saturday night, exclusive crafted & curated cocktails
and a fully stocked bar. To see a list of who is performing Friday and Saturday night visit https://www.vookansascity.com/events. Complimentary 2 hour self parking in the Kansas City Marriott Downtown Garage or $15 valet parking available.

Top review

Philip

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

Great spot to pop in for a great cocktail- the staff was very friendly!

P.S. Speakeasy

4.6

4.6 (594)

$30 and under

Speakeasy

Kansas City

About the restaurant

Hidden from the long arm of Prohibition-era law, Kansas City’s speakeasies welcomed revelers seeking good spirits and a spirited good time.An affectionate nod to the city’s glamorous, freewheeling nightlife, P.S. is Hotel Phillips’ contemporary incarnation of the 1930’s speakeasy, artfully crafting cocktails concealed in a long-forgotten basement mail sorting room, accessible only by an secret door. Under the radar, underground and undercover, P.S. celebrates its USPS roots, delivering today’s imbibers nothing short of a certified first-class experience.

Top review

Jeff Porter

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

Cool speakeasy bar … has a “secret” entrance even. The room is elegant; great, comfy seating, perfectly lit. The staff was attentive, but still allowed you to chill and relax. They pour wonderful bevies, very nice selection of spirits. GO on Thursday night … very good jazz trio with a nice NOLA vibe.

Whiskey River Pizza & Pub

4.6

4.6 (118)

$30 and under

American

Parkville

About the restaurant

Borne from a passion for hospitality and the pursuit of excellent spirits, Whiskey River is a celebration of old whiskey and new encounters. A taste for intriguing conversations and a thirst for delightful creations.

Grab a glass, raise a toast, take a swig, make a moment. Here’s to common people and rare whiskey!

Top review

Mike

Dined 6 days ago

What a great menu, and even better whiskey selection!

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Experience

Colonel's Lounge

Fern Bar

4.6

4.6 (9)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Kansas City

About the restaurant

Fern Bar is a unique destination in Kansas City's Crossroads District, housed in the historic Broadway Bank building. Recently nominated for Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar, this casual and warm space features exposed brick arches as an ode to Kansas City & a striking terracotta bar, creating an atmosphere that captures our home in KC while exploring Latin & Caribbean themes. Fern Bar was awarded Best Girls Night Out bar in 2024 & Best New Bar by KC Magazine.

At Fern Bar, craft cocktails take center stage, particularly those made with sugarcane & agave spirits. The seasonal menu (changing quarterly) offers innovative drinks, each with its own story, catering to both cocktail enthusiasts & newcomers alike.

Fern Bar is a community hub where friends can gather in an inviting space filled with plants & soft lighting. Non-alcoholic options available as well as DJ sets on Saturdays.

Join us at Fern Bar for unique cocktails & hospitable service that promises an unforgettable experience.

Top review

DavidVIP

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

Incredible cocktails — great service and vibe — best bar I’ve been to in a while!

30hop Lee's Summit

4.4

4.4 (102)

$30 and under

American

Lee's Summit

About the restaurant

We pride ourselves on being both unique and inviting with an atmosphere that’s all about kicking back and enjoying the good times! The menu is built to satisfy every craving—from classic comfort foods to bold, globally inspired flavors. Whether you're in the mood for something hearty or light, we’ve got you covered. Plus, our extensive selection of local craft beers on tap pairs perfectly with any occasion. And don’t miss our weekend brunch, where sweet meets savory, perfectly paired with craft cocktails to start your day off right.

Top review

Stephanie

Dined 3 days ago

My friend and I had a great experience! The food and the ambiance was perfect.

Besos y Abrazos

4.3

4.3 (11)

$30 and under

Latin / Spanish

Kansas City

About the restaurant

Where vibrant atmosphere meets bold, Latin-inspired flavors and premium nightlife. At Besos y Abrazos, every moment is a celebration—from elevated, shareable dining to high-energy late nights. Our menu is a modern take on Latin American cuisine, designed for exploration and shared experiences. Indulge in boldly crafted cocktails featuring an expansive collection of mezcal and tequilas, paired with innovative small plates that ignite the senses.

Top review

Wilson

Dined 6 days ago

Julia our server was excellent! The mood and ambiance in this place is amazing. Definitely a spot i want to visit on a Friday or Saturday night.

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Experience

VIP Table Service

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