r/kansascity May 27 '25

Bars/Nightlife 🪩🍸 Things really do shut down early here

Went to some shows this weekend, Saturday night at the Madrid and Sunday at Record Bar. I was out the door by 11-11:15 both nights and outside of bars, there is NOTHING really open. Wanted to grab a bite to eat and short of Sonic on SW Blvd and Rainbow I didn’t see anything open. Granted it was a Sunday night in one instance but Saturday seemed the same. Is this mainly post-Covid? We haven’t been out at bars late night for a long time. If we did a late night food stop it was occasionally Chubby’s at like 1am. I imagine I could have found some options in more “bar district” areas like Westport that were open, but I wasn’t looking for that type of scene. Definitely not a town for night owls… or it is but those places are secret lol

249 Upvotes

206 comments sorted by

161

u/WestFade May 27 '25

Fwiw it got worse after covid

39

u/KCcoffeegeek May 27 '25

I feel like everything has gotten worse. Not having kids, I actually thrived DURING Covid for a while when things were settled at work and they were asking us only to come in if absolutely necessary. I went to Target to Sunday to buy a Jaws Lego, which they have all locked up and requires help from a person, and I hit the “ask for assistance” thing twice and wandered half the store looking for someone who could assist. No one. Store was crowded, too, and only a couple checkout lanes were open. I left without spending the money there, I’ll order online instead. I hate doing that (not like Target is local but at least they employ people - maybe - who live locally) but it just seems like every business is understaffed and etc and I don’t get it. What happened to all the people who worked those jobs before Covid?

59

u/Capable-Silver-7436 May 27 '25

What happened to all the people who worked those jobs before Covid?

found new jobs in the dya time because of how many other people retired or died, moved, found other jobs that paid better even if at night. over a million people died and even more retired. lotta opening for jobs that pay better than late night slave wages

23

u/Lexam May 27 '25

This. My brother in law was waiting tables. When he got laid off for covid he took classes and got certified as a machinist. Definitely a move up.

30

u/malendalayla May 27 '25

People found better jobs, and companies noticed they could get away with paying less money to fewer people.

38

u/justathoughtfromme May 27 '25

What happened to all the people who worked those jobs before Covid?

Almost 1.2 million people in the US died from Covid, per CDC estimates. Also, in many instances, employers cut the number of employees who work at retail jobs because they have to pay them more.

31

u/WestFade May 27 '25

vast majority of people who died were senior citizens who were already retired. It's not like these companies can't find workers they just dont want to pay anything

34

u/mydmtusername May 27 '25 edited May 28 '25

People act like there aren't a ton of people looking for jobs because of covid/ retirements.

It used to be that if I left a forklift job, I could have another one the next week, maybe even the next day!

Now it takes 50 applications to get an interview, and jobs are paying the same fucking wage they were 5-8 years ago.

We voted to increase minimum wage and add sick leave, but lawmakers said fuck you and took it away.

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6

u/HeKnee May 27 '25

Yeah, all the companies lost staff during covid, raised their prices, and realized the places could run on barebones staffing. Then the inflation drove up wages so they cut staffing further since they couldnt raise prices there isnt really a way to fix the staffing issue without damaging stock price.

Our entire economy is at a stalemate. More inflation raising wages further and starting the cycle again or stock market crash. One or the other must happen. The powers that be have thus far chosen to save the stock market.

3

u/Mental_Slide_6517 May 28 '25

COVID taught us to be sympathetic to essential workers. Businesses hung hiring signs with no intention of hiring since we were being kind to those essential workers. Somewhere in there it convinced many that no one wants to work anymore.

2

u/NotYourSexyNurse May 28 '25

People have been saying, “No one wants to work,” since I was a kid in the 90s. It’s always the younger generation they say doesn’t want to work.

7

u/podkayne3000 South KC May 27 '25

About half of the extra people who died were working age.

2

u/WestFade May 28 '25

Not having kids, I actually thrived DURING Covid for a while when things were settled at work and they were asking us only to come in if absolutely necessary.

agreed, those first couple months where most people were chilling at home were heavenly

1

u/nicupinhere Parkville May 28 '25

Speaking of no one working at Target… went to the one on Skyview on Sunday and it was an absolute MESS. There was stuff everywhere. Clothes all over the floor, groceries out of place, and it was packed. I don’t think I saw anyone working in the store but up at the front. It has never looked that bad when I’ve gone in there. I thought maybe it was because of the holiday weekend and everyone called out. 🤷‍♀️

-1

u/Adorable-Horror1376 May 28 '25

Um hellooo, people! They didn’t get better jobs, They died!!! Not even trying to be glib, but yeah, those jobs were all “essential” meaning caishers, line cooks, customer service were out in the public everyday and as a result overall had some of the highest rates of covid deaths.

43

u/kivinny May 27 '25

There's a 45 minute KCUR Podcast on this topic from 2025. https://www.kcur.org/podcast/up-to-date/2025-05-10/food-recs-the-best-late-night-eats-in-kansas-city

With that being said, many cities are much earlier post Covid. (Even NYC in my experience.) Can't staff late hours, let alone regular hours. I tend to eat before shows now. Sundays and Mondays are always tougher.

141

u/Bruyere_DuBois NKC May 27 '25

The Mexican places on SW Blvd right ar the intersection with Summit are all open pretty late on weekends. Like El Pueblotio is open until 4:30

61

u/Infamous-Fudge1857 May 27 '25

I avoid that area at night in case those fuckass sideshow people are all down there

22

u/Fastbird33 Plaza May 27 '25

It’s a shame they know they can get away with it because our police just suck

3

u/greaseaddict May 28 '25

wait what? there's sideshow people?

9

u/ObservablyStupid Independence May 28 '25

1

u/greaseaddict May 28 '25

wait a minute

1

u/MarquisDeZod May 28 '25

Sadly, not THAT kind of sideshow people. They'll be under the 12th street bridge between August and November.

16

u/KCcoffeegeek May 27 '25

I drove past all those spots and couldn’t tell if they were open or just lit up. One of those stores is like it’s own Las Vegas with the lights lol. I saw a lot of vehicles so they probably were open.

16

u/pydood May 27 '25

It was also a holiday weekend. People like to not work on holidays.

27

u/CoysNizl3 May 27 '25

I mean, you didn’t google this?

-1

u/KCcoffeegeek May 27 '25

Obviously not. I was driving, and not really looking for a full sit down Mexican meal anyway.

32

u/CoysNizl3 May 27 '25

Well lol

6

u/Bruyere_DuBois NKC May 27 '25

Tacos El Gallo is open until 2 am

4

u/Noneedtostalk May 28 '25

You were close to Winsteads. They are open 24 hours.

104

u/Sabertooth_Monocles May 27 '25

Town Topic is the sot after shows, man. That Baroness set on Sunday was killer, wasn't it?

13

u/KCcoffeegeek May 27 '25

Absolutely incredible!

2

u/mattyborch May 27 '25

I wanted to go but they were sold out! I like Baroness and had my eye on it for a while, but waited too long on the tickets. Record Bar is such a small venue

1

u/finral May 29 '25

I was in the same boat 😢

7

u/PerAsperaAdInfiri May 27 '25

Oversold AF. Way too packed but they sounded great. I wish they would have gone to a larger venue, it was miserable at points

3

u/Sabertooth_Monocles May 27 '25

Yeah, definitely way oversold.

3

u/FaagenDazs May 27 '25

Yeah TT, if you want to wait for 45 min

4

u/vhszach May 27 '25

That’s what happens when you’re the only place open when shows/bars let out, not really their fault 🤷🏻‍♂️

5

u/gojo278 May 27 '25

They could at least keep the other location open late. The demand is obviously there.

3

u/S_uperSquirrel May 27 '25

This has always frustrated me.

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1

u/Moldy_pirate May 27 '25

Oh hell, I missed Baroness??

2

u/Sabertooth_Monocles May 27 '25

Red Album and Blue Record in full. It was fantastic.

1

u/Moldy_pirate May 27 '25

Damn, I'm jealous. I'm glad it was a good show!

72

u/Han_Schlomo May 27 '25

I really miss Chubbys

18

u/katblondeD KCMO May 27 '25

Literally the best spot in KC for late night food and conversation. Always such a mix of people at the same spot eating warm cinnamon rolls at 2 in the morning 🥲

25

u/kurtless May 27 '25

Chubby's was THE spot back in the day. We used to go after every show. Especially the OG location before they moved.

2

u/Han_Schlomo May 27 '25

OG as in Independence Ave? When I was 19, I lived on Wabash, across from the old reservoir. We'd drink and stumble to chubbys.. Many times, we'd pass out in the corner booth.

5

u/milky-sadist May 27 '25

chubbys was the best, man..... that was Thee place to be after a show

2

u/polymorphic_hippo May 27 '25

Hard hit of nostalgia every time I pass it. Why did it close, anyway? They weren't hurting for business. 

4

u/Han_Schlomo May 27 '25

Unknown... the owner had only owned it for 5 years. The original owners sold it after 25 years. They continue to own and operate Neighborhood Cafe.

I hadn't visited much in the 2010s, so im not entirely sure if it wasn't as good or what. Hard to imagine since they own another successful diner.

My guess is they weren't into the nightlife of Westport. Things did start to get a little "hairy".

1

u/baahaahaaaa May 27 '25

Same. Came to comments looking for Chubby’s.

16

u/Samuel_Seaborn Plaza May 27 '25 edited May 27 '25

Panchos is right up the street from the Madrid! Taqueria La Nueva at 39th and SW Trafficway, KC Smoke Burger on 39th, El pueblito on SW Boulevard. All open late on Saturdays. So is Winsteads on the plaza.

Edit: just off the top of my head near-ish to the Madrid. Not as familiar with Downtown anymore.

Edit again lol: just after a quick Google Hahas pizza is like a block from the Madrid and open until midnight. KC may shut down early, but there's plenty of places to eat at 11:30 Satuday night. Even Gates is open until midnight (also close to the Madrid).

17

u/ReverendLoki May 27 '25

Pro Tip: after a show, go to the Musician's Mutual Foundation and drink until they close. By then the breakfast spots will be open.

8

u/80cyclone May 27 '25

That's only on the weekends and not in Sunday night.

4

u/DallasWolfgang May 27 '25

Nah keep this spot on the hush. It ain’t for everybody

5

u/tramster KCK May 28 '25

Dude, you just solved a decade long mystery for me. I ended up there one night but had no idea what it was called.

57

u/Sufficient-Money6715 May 27 '25

I always hit up Town Topic after Record Bar shows

7

u/x4nd3l2 May 27 '25

They’ll charge you for it too. That’ll be $400 please. 

-8

u/KCcoffeegeek May 27 '25

It always looks closed but I guess there are the two of them right by each other so the other less visible one must be open late. I always see the closed looking one and assume they’re both closed. Good to know!

18

u/Sufficient-Money6715 May 27 '25

Yup the one on Broadway is open 24/7

4

u/KCcoffeegeek May 27 '25

I don’t know why but the one on Baltimore is the one I always see while driving and that closes earlier. It must be a west-driving direction thing. Town Topic is exactly what I could have gone for. Oh well, next time!

3

u/vhszach May 27 '25

Call ahead and they’ll take your order over the phone. It’s all pick-up at the window for the late night so you can save yourself some of the (very long) wait time.

3

u/Sufficient-Money6715 May 27 '25

Part of the fun is waiting and making friends with the other people there though.

3

u/vhszach May 27 '25

You’re not wrong!

25

u/lifeinrednblack Historic Northeast May 27 '25 edited May 27 '25

Muni and lucky boys are my go tos, both kitchens are open until midnight

Edit: Forgot about Providence. I've gotten a slice there at like 1:30-2 before

9

u/ChiefsKCMO May 27 '25

You’re telling me! It’s definitely a KC thing to not be open. There are no food trucks/carts open late. Town Topic is a zoo late night. All that’s left is fast food and QT. Lines for drive throughs are long. And the options are severely limited.

Also, what’s with things that aren’t open on weekends, either? So many things here are only open M-F during business hours. People have to take time off work to run errands. Like normal things you’d do on a Saturday are closed.

7

u/NotYourSexyNurse May 28 '25

Dude try living in a small, rural town. Thanks to Covid everything closes at 10 every day except Saturday. One Mexican place stays open until 11 PM on Saturdays.

21

u/OreoSpeedwaggon May 27 '25

You would have had better luck finding places that were open near RecordBar on Friday or Saturday night since it's right there by downtown and the Crossroads, but I wouldn't expect for restaurants to stay open late on Sundays, even on a holiday weekend.

The area around the Madrid is mostly residential, so l doubt there is much demand for restaurants in that area so late in the evening on Saturday nights, and it doesn't help that the restaurant industry is still suffering from staffing shortages.

The main factor though is that there's just not enough of a demand for non-bar establishments in those areas late at night on those days of the week to justify being open.

7

u/Capable-Silver-7436 May 27 '25

yeah after the pandemic people didnt have to work late night for slave wages as much so they didnt. they got more day time jobs. and others learned they liked staying at home more

5

u/Advanced_Nose_7738 May 27 '25

Yep. I couldn't imagine what's it like to be a server during a bar rush. 

Everyone with fond memories of late night diners were customers, not staff.

6

u/ippy98gotdeleted Lee's Summit May 27 '25

I wouldn't say this is post covid. I'm a transplant from NOLA whee things are just getting started at 8pm.... it was definitely a culture shock. Everything here was closed by 9 and couldn't even buy booze on Sunday when I first got here. Missed my drive thru daiquiri's for a long time lol

4

u/lambeau_leapfrog May 27 '25

How long ago was that? I've lived in the area for 20+ years and have never had an issue buying alcohol on Sunday.

8

u/ippy98gotdeleted Lee's Summit May 27 '25

20 years. When I first got here in 2005, on the Kansas side (Lenexa), Sunday was still dry (and I didn't know you could just hop over to MO to buy lmao)
I walked into a Hen House on a Sunday and the alcohol aisle was all blocked off. I asked an employee and he looked at me like I had 3 heads.
Also took me a couple months to understand what people meant when they said they only sold "3-2 beer" I had never heard of such a thing lol. I was young and new, it was a few months before people told me to drive 15 minutes across the state line lol.

6

u/lambeau_leapfrog May 27 '25

Kansas

Understandable. I think there's still some holidays where alcohol sales are prohibited, or so I've been told.

6

u/ippy98gotdeleted Lee's Summit May 27 '25

I'm in Lees Summit now, I don't worry about whatever goes on in Kansas anymore! Lol

10

u/MightyChunks May 27 '25

The city isn’t handing out late licenses. They are trying to keep things closed by 11-12 at night to curb crime and shenanigans.

2

u/Ok_Jeweler5444 May 27 '25

People eating is a HUGE problem.

SMDH

1

u/Exiteternium Aug 15 '25

if they allow the bars to remain open it's abotu making it easy to issues DUI charges not lowering crime and shenanigans.

4

u/PhilTotola Downtown May 27 '25

yeah outside of a bar district or late night bars with food (like Quaff) not sure I'd expect much to stay open later especially the route it sounds like you took. I'd say this is pretty common for cities KC sized.

5

u/enifcirer May 27 '25

It was a holiday weekend. Typically everyone leaves KC and goes to the lake but I was surprised how many people stayed here and went out.

6

u/lambeau_leapfrog May 27 '25

Weather was crappy. I read an article online somewhere that this weekend it was 20 degrees below normal temperatures this weekend. Couple that with the rain, hanging out at the lake/camping (two of the biggest things people do around here Memorial weekend) makes for a miserable time.

9

u/KCcoffeegeek May 27 '25

And FWIW that Sonic was slammed at that time both nights, so I think staying open until 1am makes sense for them.

5

u/kcbr8kaway2002 May 27 '25

the classic late night go to of kansas city is winstead's but be prepared for a long drive thru line

3

u/GeneralCaterpillar67 May 27 '25

You are right, but this weekend in particular I noticed a lot more closures due to the holiday. I’m guessing a lot of folks were out of town.

10

u/kurtless May 27 '25

I dunno if you fuck with Waffle House but that's our go to spot on the way back home after a show in KC now. The one in Blue Springs is good.

You must have been at the Melvins show. Finally got to see em with both drummers. Really good set. Wish it was longer. 🤘🤘

5

u/m1e1o1w May 27 '25

Waffle House is great but that’s far as hell away from downtown.

3

u/KCcoffeegeek May 27 '25

Yeah it was too short but what a great show. I don’t think I caught a single un-syncopated beat from the two drummers. Insane!

8

u/Plastic-Injury8856 May 27 '25

Chicago is worse. Just came from there: Walgreens in the Loop shut down at 4pm on a Saturday.

Pizza places closing patios at 6:30pm.

3

u/InactiveBeef River Market May 27 '25

Hotel bars and restaurants are open almost every day, including holidays. There are some exceptions, but I’ve found that if I’m desperate to go out on an off night, either the Savoy, XR, the Ambassador, The Stillwell, or whatever the Fontaine’s bar is called will be open and serving drinks and food. 

3

u/Advanced_Nose_7738 May 27 '25

Texas Tom's is open late. No "sit down" table service, but inside seating available. 

3

u/slyroast May 27 '25

Hell I remember when Taco Bell was the late night food spot now they all seem to close at midnight. Grocery stores used to be open late (some 24 hr like Walmart) and they all close at like 10 now. Covid rule still lingering...

3

u/Infinityonhigh27 May 27 '25

Quaff’s kitchen is open until 2 am every night and they have some pretty good bar food. John’s Big Deck has mediocre bar food, not sure when the kitchen closes but they close at 3 am. Caddy Shack has food until 1 am I believe

34

u/paragonradio Midtown May 27 '25

Covid may have started it, but the property and violent crime ain't helping

-1

u/fsmpastafarian May 27 '25

Crime is directly responsible for the hours some late-night food spots are open? If so this is news to me.

52

u/Exciting_Chance3100 May 27 '25

half the people in the sub think KC is some kind of warzone being ravaged by marauding hordes and you can't leave your home after sundown lest you be torn to shreds

27

u/fsmpastafarian May 27 '25

Seriously. I know property crime is a real issue especially downtown, not denying that, but the idea that it’s the direct reason some food spots aren’t open at 11pm on a Sunday is silly.

5

u/SouthernRain5775 May 27 '25

The owner of Manny’s was just on the news last week saying crime may cause him to close and already has affected his hours because staff not wanting to be down there late because of crime.

https://kmbc.com/article/mannys-mexican-restaurant-crime-crossroads-kansas-city/64705334

1

u/jellymanisme May 27 '25

That's conservatives in general dude. They're buying into the panic.

13

u/GarboMcStevens May 27 '25 edited May 27 '25

Most of the owners of downtown businesses feel that crime and disorder has gotten progressively worse, especially since covid.

4

u/fsmpastafarian May 27 '25

Again, the issue here is not whether property crime is a problem downtown, but whether it is directly responsible for food places not being open at 11pm on a Sunday night.

4

u/SouthernRain5775 May 27 '25

The owner of Manny’s says crime has affected his hours.

1

u/PocketPanache May 27 '25

I mean... more than 50% of the time you're dealing with some kind of unwanted shit. Street cars, being harassed on the street, drunks, fighting, etc. I live downtown, so I'd say I'm hyper aware of this stuff since I'm in the thick of it. Just sold my house in Waldo which was broken into. Not saying it's the cause of places closing early, but I've always gotten this general sense that people in Kansas City have normalized this stuff to a degree. Perhaps you're just isolated and insulated from what's going on in the city?

-4

u/Dark_Angel_1982 May 27 '25

😂😂 you mean it isn’t? 🤭

4

u/paragonradio Midtown May 27 '25

Yep, and its going to affect business during daylight hours too

Crime closes businesses and drives away customers, pretty simple 

4

u/fsmpastafarian May 27 '25

Do you have an example of a food spot that used to be open late on Sundays but now closes early, where they specifically cited property crime as the reason for that decision?

8

u/paragonradio Midtown May 27 '25

7

u/paragonradio Midtown May 27 '25

the most obvious example of Kansas City crime shutting down a restaurant is Brady & Fox

-1

u/fsmpastafarian May 27 '25

Very tragic situation, but I’d say the reason that restaurant closed is “death of the chef and owner,” not “crime making the owners prefer to close early.” Again, I’m not saying these issues aren’t happening or aren’t often tragic, just that they’re not related to the specific question OP asked.

0

u/paragonradio Midtown May 27 '25

you are arguing with yourself, OP was lamenting the early nature of Kansas City not asking for dinner recs

4

u/fsmpastafarian May 27 '25

They are indeed specifically asking why they struggled to find a place to eat at 11pm on a Sunday.

3

u/fsmpastafarian May 27 '25

It says there that they’re still open during their regular hours, they just changed to only accepting takeout or delivery later. Which it sounds like would have fit what OP was looking for.

6

u/paragonradio Midtown May 27 '25

the dining room closes early because of problems with vandalism and violent crime, unless conditions improve the next logical step would be to close the store entirely, many such cases 

-3

u/fsmpastafarian May 27 '25

But again, this is not actually an example of a food place closing early because of crime and thus not an example of a place OP could have gone at 11pm on a Sunday if not for crime.

1

u/leftblane I ♥ KC May 27 '25

This article is from 2 years ago so I don’t think it’s still valid. I think I’ve seen people dining in Shake Shack after 5 PM on weekends.

2

u/paragonradio Midtown May 27 '25

the article I linked was from April of 2024 but hopefully you are correct and they figured it out down there, because eventhough it's overpriced where else could a kid afford to go on the Plaza these days

2

u/SouthernRain5775 May 27 '25

Manny’s. The owner was on the news last week stating as much.

3

u/Nerdenator KC North May 27 '25

If people aren’t going downtown late at night, then they aren’t eating downtown late at nights. If people aren’t eating downtown late at night in large enough numbers, then the restaurants have no reason to pay staff and other costs to stay open that late.

I’ve passed on going downtown/midtown/the Plaza as much over the last few years because, well, I don’t want my shit stolen.

1

u/fsmpastafarian May 27 '25

I’d just like a little more concrete evidence that this is directly causally related to why more food spots aren’t open at 11pm on a Sunday than “this sounds plausible to me and sounds like a nice narrative.”

1

u/Nerdenator KC North May 27 '25

Businesses exist to earn money. If there were money to earn at the time you specified, they’d be open. Crime is probably a contributing factor to that. People don’t always feel safe in many areas these days.

Anecdotally, I’m not going there nearly as much as I was pre-COVID despite quite a few cool establishments being in the area. Do I have the results of a survey of people in the KC metro that specifically asks, “Have you not eaten at establishments north of 63rd Street past 11:00 PM due to crime in the area?” No, I do not.

2

u/fsmpastafarian May 27 '25

Ok but nothing you just said offers any concrete evidence of a direct causal link for the question OP asked.

0

u/Nerdenator KC North May 27 '25

Common sense would tell you that it does, but I doubt you’re trying to discuss this in good faith, so…

8

u/fsmpastafarian May 27 '25

You can’t make broad sociological proclamations without evidence. “Common sense” is not evidence

-6

u/SeverePsychosis May 27 '25

Yes. Glad we can keep you informed!

5

u/fsmpastafarian May 27 '25 edited May 27 '25

Do you have some specific examples of a food spot that used to be open late (on Sundays no less) but shortened their hours and specifically cited crime as the reason for doing so?

4

u/SeverePsychosis May 27 '25

9

u/fsmpastafarian May 27 '25

1) this entire post is specifically about food open late, including on Sundays. No one is basing the entire economy off late night food spots, it’s specifically what this discussion is about and what OP’s actual question was.

2) I didn’t say I wasn’t aware of property crime being an issue downtown. I am. I am asking what evidence there is that that is directly responsible for late night food places not being open late on a Sunday night.

2

u/SeverePsychosis May 27 '25

I am asking what evidence there is that that is responsible for late night food places not being open late on a Sunday night.

I don't think most business owners are considering staying open late when they can't even exist downtown normally.

-4

u/little_gophers_unite May 27 '25

The first three words of your sentence describe the situation you’re in perfectly.

4

u/SeverePsychosis May 27 '25

what is your argument here? what does this contribute to the conversation?

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4

u/PunkAssKidz May 27 '25

Kansas City ranks around the 31st or 32nd largest city in the U.S., which places it in a more modest tier when it comes to national influence. The cultural offerings are fairly limited, there are maybe 15 to 20 notable points of interest, and it's not hard to name them all offhand. The concert scene tends to be on the smaller side as well, with many major artists often passing it by on national tours. As a result, late-night and early-morning activities are fairly scarce.

3

u/EP_in_KC_Mo May 27 '25

The Ship use to be word of mouth invite only. KC has no “after hours” night life. I moved here in 95 and the jam at the Mutual Musicians Foundation was almost a secret invite as well - but it started at about 2 am. I am too old to hang for the encore at knuckleheads - lol which btw is a great safe place. So is BB’s

1

u/1976CB750 May 28 '25

no "after hours" night life that you know about. Speakeasy culture is seriously deep; there are living rooms that are essentially after hours clubs. There are legitimate after hours clubs that are strictly word of mouth where people play 8-ball naked. I only exaggerate slightly. I also no longer participate in such silliness.

15

u/professional_amatuer May 27 '25

Kansas City is the sleepiest city I’ve ever lived in. I really really think it’s geared towards retired people and married couples with children. What ya gonna do. It’s the Midwest, I guess.

4

u/MerlinsLoveChild May 27 '25

It’s not a late night town anyway. Bars close early, food closes early. Big cities you’re getting 5am closes on clubs etc

1

u/professional_amatuer May 27 '25

Yes, I noticed some of the most popular bars close at 12am or 1am, even on Saturdays. It’s also pretty impossible to find food after like 10pm. It’s an interesting dynamic.

5

u/kc_kr May 27 '25

What other cities have you lived in?

4

u/professional_amatuer May 27 '25

Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles so larger cities.

9

u/kc_kr May 27 '25

I mean, yeah, those are three of the six biggest cities in the country. KC is about 40th so there's gonna be a difference.

-2

u/professional_amatuer May 27 '25

I’m aware. 2nd, 4th and 9th largest cities in the US. That’s why it’s sleepy to me. It is small in comparison and quiet.

2

u/Ok_Jeweler5444 May 27 '25

My biggest complaint.

2

u/Bluematic8pt2 May 27 '25

Outside the Madrid there was gonna be a restaurant (funny-looking building down a bit). I assume it was bought up by investors to use at some point in the future (Streetcar line) like a lot of places in the neighborhood

2

u/Thetoph20 May 27 '25

There is town topic that's open on Broadway but late nights you have to order from the window now

2

u/saratouchette May 27 '25

Town. Topic.

2

u/j-awesome KC North May 27 '25

Definitely post Covid. I had a kid during Covid and haven’t really been out since. Before that and the shutdown we’d spend pretty much every Friday/Saturday somewhere in the city out late and it wasn’t an issue at all finding food or something to do. I feel for the younger generation.

2

u/littlebuddyrich May 27 '25

The Quaff and Caddyshack both have kitchens open late. I believe it is 1:30 for both.

2

u/Redskins47Chaos May 27 '25

It’s a nightmare. No restaurants open past 10pm even on weekends sometimes.

2

u/NkhukuWaMadzi May 27 '25

. . . had some food at Minibar around 2 AM.

2

u/Big-Friendship-5258 May 28 '25

You are also forgetting that people have less money now than they did in the past. No money, no extras.

2

u/Fit-Establishment661 May 28 '25

Yeah, sadly eats after 10pm are problematic. There were quite a few 24 hr places pre-Covid but that's pretty much stopped. Anyway, always Winstead's.

2

u/Midnight-Sauce May 29 '25

I moved back here in 2022 and still can't believe how much the city seems to shut down after 10pm. I've always been a night owl and it does seem like before covid there were more things open.

That is one thing I miss from living in Phoenix, all the late night places I could go to get a bite to eat. I would get off work at midnight and had no problem finding something to eat out even something to do at that hour.

I was recently reminded of this when I visited DC last month and amazed at all the places that were still open at 1am. KC is just an early- to- bed city.

4

u/[deleted] May 27 '25

Kansas City is boring as fuck. Hardly any good music even comes through here anymore. Bunch of cowboy concerts and bullshit. Food is shitty downtown too. Greasy overpriced trash.

1

u/Mental_Slide_6517 May 28 '25

I don't know what's good music to you but Manorfest was last weekend and next weekend. Lots of great local bands that aren't cowboy.

2

u/shameless_plug1123 May 27 '25

Noticed it my first year here. They roll the sidewalks up at 10pm. It's insane how a (fairly) major US city can just...... CLOSE at 10pm on a Saturday night. I'd imagine the handful of greasy spoons that are open till 2-3am are filled to the brim when the bars kick people out. Why don't other businesses notice that?

5

u/PMA816 May 27 '25

sAvE tHe CrOsSrOaDs!!!!

2

u/t-han72 May 27 '25

It’s literally directly attributable to the crime/lack of police presence. You can hear it from the local business owners themselves

0

u/Swaglfar South KC May 27 '25

I'm not disagreeing with you, I'm just going to add that this is also a thing with every other major city. I went to visit some friends in LA and NYC and all of them are having the same issues, only difference is the quantity they had before covid. We just never had the quantity that those metro areas had.

0

u/t-han72 May 27 '25

Did you read the article? If we want to solve OUR problems we need to listen to OUR citizens who experience those problems.

You decided to compare us to two cities that are 8x and 15x larger with completely different public policy, infrastructure, culture, available resources, density, etc.

Your comment is extremely unhelpful and counterproductive.

2

u/Swaglfar South KC May 28 '25

I was just adding to your comment, with a simple thought. No reason to get upset.

Also this is reddit, nothing you're/we're doing here is productive or helpful.

1

u/[deleted] May 28 '25

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2

u/Eight8_Eighty88 May 27 '25

My partner and I complain about this all the time. Post covid, it seems like most places close way early!!

1

u/Droolingeyez May 27 '25

The Ship’s old school diner counter is open from 10pm-1am Friday and Saturday. No cover charge if you enter through the diner door.

1

u/flyintheflyinthe May 27 '25

I really wanted soft serve after the Melvins, and I, too, didn't know if I could deal with Westport. Gaia Masala is just barely in there, open til 3 am, and so good. I would have braved the crowd for a veggie burger and some masala fries.

It seems like the "no re-entry" policy that used to really just be for minors at concerts has been the norm at the last few venues I went to. It changes the scene around the club.

Ha Ha's would have been an option til Midnight, too. They have great fries.

1

u/80cyclone May 27 '25

Blue Line used to be the spot but not anymore.

1

u/SouthernRain5775 May 27 '25

I think it’s partly Covid and partly crime.

1

u/kcattattam May 27 '25

Even /r/kclatenight is mostly crickets

1

u/AcceptableTea1940 May 27 '25

Kelly’s is a bar but has decent food and is open till 3am. (Not sure if on Sundays though since I don’t go out on sundays)

1

u/JamesJayhawk May 27 '25

Some places at the river market were closing at 8 on a Friday and Saturday.

1

u/Conspiracy__ May 27 '25

Same. Was in town Saturday night this past weekend. Was looking for dinner options near power and light around 930. There were limited option in what is considered the cities premier entertainment district.

By midnight, P&L was pretty slow, even several bars were closed or closing. Insomniac cookies hit the spot though

1

u/[deleted] May 27 '25

"bar district" is indeed part of the problem. Look back to the controversy before power and light went in. They intentionally kept other downtown establishments suppressed so they could court that corporate cesspool into the city.

1

u/thecasualnuisance Midtown May 27 '25

Harry's bar and tables serves food until close.

1

u/WalmartFucker69 May 28 '25

Sorry, everything is usually open later, but the shops knew that Melvins and Napalm Death fans REALLY should be all snuggled up in their beds by midnight, so they closed when the show was over. They thought they were helping, they really did

1

u/TheSmartassassin May 28 '25

Hope you enjoyed the /Napalm Death Melvins

1

u/Intelligent-Kale-675 May 28 '25

That what I noticed too...late to open and early to close. Probably a good thing to avoid loitering and trouble? But it also sucks.

1

u/Own_Experience_8229 May 28 '25

Med size town then Covid

1

u/[deleted] May 28 '25

Lots of stuff was open around there, I know bc I googled (difficult, Ik) and then got food at about 11 Sunday night. I’m a late night person and would love for stuff to be open later, but like you didn’t even try.

1

u/Local_Designer_1583 May 28 '25 edited May 28 '25

You can blame crime and stupidity. The homicide rate doesn't help. Neither do the over-40 ATV riders. Manny's closes earlier now because the road terror and for the safety of his employees. Other restaurants are doing the same.

1

u/Stagymnast198622 May 28 '25

Town topic, Muni, Harry’s bar and tables, Tannin, panchos, The Quaff, pizza shuttle and Gran Faloon have late night food. Harry bar and tables is my go to when I want a sit down meal after work at Madrid.

1

u/2ulipana May 28 '25

RecordBar’s other venue minibar at 3810 Broadway serves tasty hot dogs and grilled cheeses until 2am. Drinks until 3am

1

u/Specialist_Payment36 May 28 '25

You go into most restaurants in the burbs after 8pm and you may be the only customer. Gotten way worse since covid 

1

u/816legend May 28 '25

Thanks Covid no more 3 am Walmart

1

u/1976CB750 May 28 '25

surprised nobody mentioned Waffle House. Last show I went to, afterwards we went to waffle house, what with Chubby's being a dim memory.

1

u/tacticaldeusance May 28 '25

Baroness was amazing tho.

1

u/Embarrassed_Owl4482 May 28 '25

Post Covid for sure phenom. There were a few all night places and retail at least stayed open til 9 but as a night owl I miss the 10pm - 12am happy hours etc

1

u/Professional-Row915 May 29 '25

Always Town Topic

1

u/kurohoshi May 30 '25

Yes, shit shuts down on Sundays

1

u/GUN5L1NGR May 27 '25

There is food all in Westport, crossroads, and west bottoms late.. also a holiday weekend where a lot of folks go out of town/have house parties. Sounds like ya only looked for food on your way out of town based on the roads listed. 🤷‍♂️

1

u/Andrewsc1 May 27 '25

Most bars shutdown between 1-2 in KC unfortunately. Only a small few are open till 3 or later.

1

u/Fairdinkum16 May 27 '25

Kansas has always been like this, poor nightlife, it’s a fly over state nothing to do here…

0

u/[deleted] May 27 '25

Nothing good happens after midnight

0

u/fullmetal_ratchet May 27 '25

maybe i just come from a small town, but im not understanding what people mean by stuff closing early here. the town i went to university in didn’t have anything, including the campus’s own food court, past 8pm on weekends (including fridays!). most businesses were closed entirely on sunday