Of all the games to go viral, did you expect Mahjong? The Chinese-born, Rummy-style tile game has been popular in the US since the 1920s — but a new wave of pop-ups, workshops, and media attention (Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, the Smithsonian) suggests the craze is catching fire.
Now, KC has its very own hotspot: The Bam Bam Room, the metro’s first Mahjong parlor, now open in Leawood. On its first day, I found the small storefront packed wall-to-wall with champagne-sipping guests, stylish merch, and the satisfying click of pastel tiles.
The setup? Simple and social. Walk-ins joined four-player tables on the fly — no need to bring a crew. The boutique-style shelves were stocked with giftable accessories, gear, and the must-have item of the moment: $10 decorative covers for your National Mahjong League card (IYKYK). Co-owner Kristi Powell compared it to “picking out wedding china” as visitors tested personalized tile and mat combos before investing in a set.
Whether you’re a tile-slinging pro or don’t know a Joker from a Bamboo, The Bam Bam Room has a seat for you. Stop by for daily ~$8 games or follow along for open play, leagues, and beginner workshops.
