Neighborhood Guide: Westport, Kansas City

Looking for an eclectic neighborhood with no shortage of entertainment, shopping, and restaurants? Well look no further — Westport is the place to be. From morning brunch to late-night drinks, this KC neighborhood has a full day’s worth of activities.

You’re not the only one with your eyes set on Westport. The neighborhood’s 19th-century charm lines the streets with historic buildings and homes, which are walkable to all of your favorite coffee shops.

Drive down Main Street to see a show at the Madrid Theater or grab a drink on the rooftop at Canary . Take a stroll down Pennsylvania Avenue for classic barbecue at Char Bar and a beer at Kelly’s Westport Inn . No matter which way you turn, Westport is full of opportunities of what Kansas City does best – enjoying life.

The early days

Westport was first settled by Reverend Isaac McCoy and his family in 1831. It was located approximately three miles south of the location we know of as downtown KC. McCoy kept supplies at a rocky point on the Missouri River, which became known as “Westport Landing.” Becoming a resource for wagon trains led to great prosperity and population growth for Westport. This business avenue became so large that Westport and the Town of Kansas eventually evolved into Kansas City.

Can’t miss

Running low on time? A trip to Westport isn’t complete without a stop at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue + Archibald Avenue for Mexican cuisine at Port Fonda and then a short walk around the corner for a drink (or two) at Julep , so be sure to factor it into your day. You can even stop by the Kansas City Royals mural to look like a true Kansas Citian. You’ll thank us later.

Shop

• Loyally located in Westport since 1997, Bunker has KC sports gear + brand-name apparel that will have you looking the best dressed at the tailgate.
• For the thrifty folk, Arizona Trading Company buys and sells clothes and accessories for a fraction of the price.
• Put your records on with Mills Record Company , an indie record store that buys, sells, and trades records, tapes, CDs, and books.
• Shop at Becoming , a boutique full of curated curiosities that range from home, body, and soul.
• Experience the decades at Wonderland Vintage, a curated shop full of fashion and accessories from the 1920s-early 2000s.

Eat + Drink

• Pop the champagne and enjoy French-inspired bistro bites at Ça Va .
• Beer Kitchen — burgers, brunch + beer. Must we say more?
• Known for having the best burger in KC, Westport Flea Market has a rightful spot on this list.
• The Taco Bell Cantina offers an urban-dining twist on the fast-food restaurant, with boozy T-Bell freezes.
• Broadway Cafe is home to KC’s oldest coffeehouse and independently-owned roasting company.

Arts + Culture

• Westport Wednesday features specials and happenings at participating businesses the last Wednesday of every month.
• Check out a glimpse into the past at 1885 Harris-Kearney House — home to the oldest residential piano in KC.
• Do it for the ‘gram. It wouldn’t be a KC neighborhood without a mural or five. Check out the Chiefs mural at Westport Ale House for a true KC photo opportunity.
• Westport Coffee House Theater hosts improv nights, jazz musicians, and local festivals year-round.
• Love karaoke but not looking to subject the entire bar to your rendition of “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield? Check out the private suites at Offkey Karaoke Lounge .

Where to live

If you’re sold + looking to buy a home in the area, here are some housing options currently on the market:

• 3944 Clark Ave., Kansas City, MO | 3 BD, 2 BA | $359,950 | A fully renovated Craftsman-style home that has “move-in ready” written all over it.
• 4201 Roanoke Rd., Kansas City, MO | 2 BD, 2 BA | $245,000 | This cozy bungalow is walkable to a number of the spots listed above.
• 1309 W. 41st St., Kansas City, MO | 4 BD, 2 BA | $285,000 | Checkered kitchen floors, original trim, and a brick fireplace make this historic 1910 home hard to pass up.