Wait — what’s the password? Okay, we won’t make you guess to read, but a speakeasy would have 100 years ago.
Speakeasies were originally designed to skirt the laws of Prohibition in the 1920s and 30s — thankfully, we don’t have to worry about the legality of our bar-hopping anymore. Getting into one of these Prohibition speakeasies in the Roaring ‘20s could have been some whiskey business. But today, speakeasy-style bars — like these ones around KC — act as more of a nod to the past.
Enjoy a craft cocktail
The Hey! Hey! Club, 2700 Guinotte Ave., KCMO | The original Hey Hay Club was located in downtown KC — where patrons sat on real hay bales. Now, this bar is J. Rieger & Co.'s tribute to our city’s rebellious past while serving up delicious cocktails. Editor Bella recommends a Classic Negroni.
The W, 6 1/2 SW 3rd St., Lee’s Summit, MO | This little lounge bar is reminiscent of KC’s speakeasy style — featuring a changing seasonal cocktail menu.
The Boot Room, Children’s Mercy Park | Sporting KC’s very own exclusive speakeasy is tucked away inside the Field Club + only available to members. The bar serves up soccer-themed cocktails before and after matches.
For the music lover
Green Lady Lounge, 1809 Grand Blvd., KCMO | This exclusively jazz lounge features local KC musicians, with stages upstairs and downstairs + music all night long.
The Majestic, 931 Broadway Blvd., KCMO | This historic restaurant (which began in the 1800s) features live jazz music seven days a week — and an amazing dinner menu.
The Ship, 1221 Union Ave., KCMO | The Ship was originally a grand lounge opened shortly after the repeal of Prohibition in 1935, and it now serves KC’s West Bottoms as a spot for live music, dancing, and drinks.
Go back in time
P.S., 106 W. 12th St., KCMO | This secret spot in the Hotel Phillips basement will have you feeling like it’s 1933.
Swordfish Tom’s, 210 W. 19 Terrace, KCMO | This intimate hideaway is a must-see — if you can get in.
John Brown Underground, 7 E. 7th St., Lawrence, KS | From the creative menu design to the intimate speakeasy setting, this lounge style bar knocks it out of the park.
Enjoy the vibes
The Fall, 4128 Broadway Blvd., KCMO | This bar — found in the basement of Westport Ale House — is a modern twist on a speakeasy with its “Alice in Wonderland” theme.
Black Dolphin, 1813 Grand Blvd., KCMO | Located right next door (and sister to) the Green Lady Lounge — this venue continues the jazz music tradition with a more open concept layout. Basically, the vibes are immaculate.
Le Lounge, 1717 Wyandotte St., KCMO | This small bar adjacent to No Vacancy hotel is open just one day a week (Thursday) from 5-10 p.m. Enter through the alleyway to enjoy this chill + homey atmosphere.
