32. Drum Room (Power & Light District, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
33. AmeriSports Brew Pub (Ameristar Casino, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
34. Chili's Grill & Bar (Northland, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
35. Recordbar (Westport, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
36. Class Reunion Lounge (Blue Springs, MO) [see details]
37. Dirk's Sports Bar & Grill (Barry, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
38. Big Shots Bar & Grill (Barry, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
39. Jockey Club Lounge & Bar (Kansas City, MO) [see details]4312 NW Gateway Ave
Kansas City, MO 64150
(816) 741-9844
Rating: 
Price: 
Dive bar
Live music
or karaoke
The bar's name ties to the local history, when a questionably-legal horse racing track operated during the 1930s under the financing and protection of Kansas City boss Tom Pendergast. Though the track is long gone, some of the original structures still remain. I am uncertain if this bar is one of those structures.
In the time since our visit the owner has spruced the place up quite a bit. The outside has been cleaned up and repainted, and the broken sign atop the building has been replaced with a new, stylish sign. Sadly, however, the classic vintage "cocktails" sign that once graced the front of the building has been removed.
40. The Runaway Lounge (Northmoor, MO) [see details]
41. Shooter's (Northland, Kansas City, MO) [see details]4108 N Oak Trfy
Kansas City, MO 64116
(816) 454-7650
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Biker friendly
Live music
or karaoke
Outdoor seating
Shooter's is one of those places where everybody knows everybody. But don't let that intimidate you, newcomers are welcome and as long as you aren't a troublemaker you'll soon find yourself right at home.
Owners Scott and Robin Severson have turned what from the outside looks like a little shack into a popular neighborhood institution. You can count on seeing the same faces on the same nights every week, and the tight-knit community of bikers, working class, and young singles that has formed all take care of each other. The Seversons are also very active in the local business community, working to promote the rights of small business owners.
The bar features a spacious patio in the back. Half the patio is covered, the rest is open-air and naturally shaded by large trees atop a stone wall. Inside you will find 2 pool tables and a much larger seating area than the building looks like it should hold.
Some of the regular specials include bottomless beer for $10 and free pool on Monday and Wednesday nights, Ladies Night on Tuesdays, Guys Night on Thursdays, and karaoke on Thursday and Saturday nights. On Saturdays you can also enjoy a free lunch buffet, which changes each week. Tacos, fried catfish, BBQ, and many other selections have been served.
42. Moxie Bar & Grill (Northland, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
43. Pat's Pub (North Kansas City, MO) [see details]
44. Bar 12 (North Kansas City, MO) [see details]
45. River City Tavern (North Kansas City, MO) [see details]
46. The Bar (Chouteau, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
47. Harry T's Corner Bar & Grill (Chouteau, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
48. Depot Saloon (Avondale, MO) [see details]
49. River Aces Lounge (North Kansas City, MO) [see details]
50. Vivace (River Market, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
51. Dos Hombres (River Market, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
52. Flo's Poke-A-Dot Lounge (Waldo, Kansas City, MO) [see details]8934 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
(816) 363-9571
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
At the extreme southern end of Waldo, or arguably at the extreme northern end of South KC, sits a tiny run-down strip mall. In the center of this strip mall you will find Flo's Poke-A-Dot Lounge.
We found our seats on the south side of the box-shaped bar, the only people in the place under the age of sixty. (Granted, it was 10:30am on a Saturday.) On the wall across from us, a velvet painting of a nude woman graced our presence.
We both ordered Bud Light draws and began talking with the bartender and other customers. Based upon the name of this bar we had assumed the owner was a woman named Florence. Instead we learned that "Flo" is a man named Floyd.
About midway through our beers, napkins were suddenly slid in front of us by one of the other customers. With a look of worry on his face, my drinking buddy leaned over to me.
"How quickly can you chug your beer?" he whispered.
"I don't know, pretty fast," I whispered back.
"Do it!" he whispered forcefully.
Unaware of what he had somehow realized was about to happen, I began drinking as quickly as I could. As I took the last gulp, out of the corner of my eye I spotted the need for this urgency.
A gentleman a few bar stools down had pulled a plastic bag full of shrimp out of the pocket of his jacket and had begun dumping fistfuls of it onto the napkins he had just placed in front of the other patrons.
Now I love shrimp, but I'm not going to eat fisted shrimp from a plastic bag pulled out of the pocket of some random guy at an unfamiliar bar. I set my empty beer glass down and my friend and I stood up to leave.
"Wait, don't you want some shrimp?" the shrimp-fister asked us.
"Ah, no, we just had a huge breakfast," we fibbed. "Thanks anyway!"
We left the bar and got into the car. As my friend put the car in reverse, there was a knock at the driver's side window. We saw one of the other customers standing outside the window, cupping some shrimp in his hands. We lowered down the window just enough that he could speak without passing us any shrimp.
"What the hell am I supposed to do with this???" he asked rhetorically, laughing about his failure to escape the shrimping in time.
"No clue, guess you better bolt faster next time!" we chuckled back.
53. Grand Saloon (South Waldo, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
54. Walsh's Corner Cocktail (South Waldo, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
55. Village Lounge (South Waldo, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
56. Murphy's Pub and Grill (South Waldo, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
Was Jake's when I went, but it's still the same people. Just a new name and expanded menu.
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(Formerly
Jake's Smokehouse Bar & Grill)
8314 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
(816) 444-1517
Rating: Price:
Restaurant bar
I can't remember if we went here with the intention of eating or just to check to see if they had any beer. Well, we didn't eat. :) Instead we parook of some Guinness.
57. Patricks Bar & No Grill (South Waldo, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
Now "Patrick's Bar No Grill"
|
(Formerly
Deangelo's Lounge)
8251 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
(816) 444-3707
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Lounge
This place has a cool split-level bar, with a big screen in one corner and a pool table in another.
When we first visited it was DeAngelo's:
Now it's Patrick's, and other than the name it seems pretty much the same.
58. Tommy Farha Cafe & Bar (Waldo, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
59. Lew's Grill & Bar (Waldo, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
60. 75th Street Brewery (Waldo, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
61. Kennedy's Bar & Grill (Waldo, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
62. Hanibal's Waldo Bar (Waldo, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
Changed hands in early 2008.
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(Formerly
Fin's Waldo Bar)
7438 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
(816) 523-9964
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Restaurant bar
Upscale
Outdoor seating
Was a classic dive bar, cheap beer, small tables, fun.
Has been renovated and transformed into an upscale bars and restaurant. New patio in front, garage door front entry, new decor, and a considerably expanded selection.
63. Bobby Baker's Lounge (Waldo, Kansas City, MO) [see details]7418 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
(816) 523-5485
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Lounge
At $4 a draw this was the most expensive beer we bought all day. Unfortunately for B this fell on his turn to pay.
This is a tiny but comfortable place. Try to get the big round booth!
64. Tanner's Bar & Grill (Waldo, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
65. Governor Stumpy's Grillhouse (Waldo, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
66. GAF (Waldo, Kansas City, MO) [see details]7122 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
(816) 333-1321
http://thegafkc.com/Rating: Price:
Restaurant bar
Upscale
Our bartender on our first visit was a recent transplant from New Zealand.
This place sways back and forth between whether it wans to be a bar with a restaurant or a retaurant with a bar. Currently it's leaning more towards the latter.
67. Brooksider Bar & Grill (Brookside, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
68. Charlie Hooper's Brookside Bar (Brookside, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
69. Tomfooleries (Plaza, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
70. Dave's Stagecoach Inn (Westport, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
71. Kelly's Westport Inn (Westport, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
72. Jimmy's Jigger (West 39th, Kansas City, MO) [see details]1823 W 39th St
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 561-7977
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Restaurant bar
Former standalone bar that was later swalled by Jazz, the restaurantabove it, to become Jazz's de-facto restaurant bar. You can sit in here and not feel like you are in the restaurant, yet still have access to the entire menu.
When we got there they were not quite open yet and the door was locked. We decided to go elsewhere but when we were about 30 feet away I barely heard a faint click. "Hold on," I said, and ran back to try the door again. Open.
"FIRST!" shouted B as we walked in, throwing his arms up in the air.
"Hooray for you," said the bartender sarcastically. "Write that accomplishment down in your diary."
I immediately started laughing as I pulled the bar diary out of my pocket and wrote that one down.
73. D B Cooper's (West 39th, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
74. Gilhouly's (West 39th, Kansas City, MO) [see details]1721 W 39th St
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 561-2899
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
The bartender had not arrived yet and the only person who could legally get us a beer was the owner, who was outside dealing with an A/C issue. After a while he was able to come in and pour for us. As he set our beers in front of us the actual bartender arrived.
When we finished our beers B went to go use the restroom. "Need another round?" the bartender asked me. "Naw, we have to get going," I said. "Did you already pay him?" she asked, pointing to the owner. "Yep, we're square," I said, honestly believing Brandon had already paid.
I then went to the restroom myself, and when I came back out, I saw B at the counter paying our tab.
Whoops!
I promise, Bartender-lady, whoever you are, I was not trying to slip out without paying!
75. Twin City Tavern (West Plaza, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
76. The New Point (West Plaza, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
77. Westport Flea Market (Westport, Kansas City, MO) [see details]817 Westport Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 931-1986
http://www.westportfleamarket.com/Rating: Price:
Restaurant bar
Bar with GREAT burgers. Also weekly karaoke.
Used to have an actual flea market there, that's largely gone now. On one past visit carried our beers around among all the flea market booths and had a conversation with a guy who tried to justify why he wanted $3,200 for a 1920s electric fan.
78. Dark Horse Tavern (Westport, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
79. Harpo's Restaurant Bar (Westport, Kansas City, MO) [see details]4109 Pennsylvania Ave
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 753-3434
http://harposkc.com/Rating: Price:
Outdoor seating
Popular among college kids for it's 75-cent draws of Natural Light... you'll see college kids loading up trays with dozens at a time. Much of the draw comes from UMKC. One of the few bars I've been to where the multi-urinal men's room has a long line outside the door.
That aside, this place has an AWESOME patio.
80. Blayney's of Westport (Westport, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
81. Levee Bar & Grill (Westport, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
82. Side Kicks Saloon (Midtown, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
83. Buddies (Midtown, Kansas City, MO) [see details]3715 Main St
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 561-2600
http://www.buddieskc.com/Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Gay bar
This ended up being one of the most fun places we went to. It was laid back, relaxed, and friendly.
B played pool with a lesbian with a mullet. While he was waiting for his next turn a guy came over and flirted with him briefly.
"I'm winning," B told me, refering not to the pool game but to getting hit on.
But later I got checked out, blatantly and repeatedly, by a guy who was chatting with me while I was using the restroom.
After I told B this, I was declared the winner. ;)
84. Lava Room (Westport, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
85. Chez Charlie's (Westport, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
86. Caddy Shack (Columbus Park, Kansas City, MO) [see details]700 E 3rd St
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 421-4742
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Sports bar
Outdoor seating
Caddyshack, or "The Shack" as many of the regulars refer to it, is a popular dive bar and night spot for downtown Kansas City barhoppers.
On our first visit in 2006 we were warmly greeted by our bartender, who asked our names and immediately engaged us in conversation. The owner, Joe, came out to meet us as well. On subsequent visits we have learned that Joe makes it a habit of getting to know his customers, circulating among the crowd saying hello and making conversation.
The interior of the bar is divided into two main sections. The front section contains booths and low tables surrounded by office chairs. The back section contains a mix of high and low bar tables interspersed among the pool tables.
Caddyshack features free popcorn, optionally seasoned with their special blend of spices, and has recently begun making their own pizza. The pizza is Sicilian style, based upon a recipe Joe has been making for over 30 years, and is available until 2:00am. Other standard bar foods are also available.
Entertainment includes pool tables and other usual bar games. About once a month they have a karaoke night that is wildly popular, often drawing standing-room-only crowds.
In 2007 though early 2008 Caddyshack underwent an extensive renovation. In addition to fixing up the bathrooms and cleaning up the interior, the unused back patio was closed and a new, much bigger patio was built on the building's east side. The picture a the top this article was taken before construction, the new patio sits off the right-hand side of that photo. This patio is now one of the busiest spots downtown after 1:30am.
87. Red Front Bar & Grill (Downtown, Kansas City, MO) [see details]310 Admiral Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 472-0569
http://www.myspace.com/redfrontkcRating: Price:
Dive bar
Dance floor
Restaurant bar
Lounge
Live music
or karaoke
Outdoor seating
From the web site:
The Red Front Bar is located on Admiral Blvd. in the heart of downtown. A great place to sit down and relax after a long day of work or maybe the perfect place to start your night out on the town, however it is common for a person to sit down at Red Front for the whole night. Our great bartenders can mix up anything you request. Play some music on the Juke Box or make your own music on the Karaoke machine. Hang outside on our new deck! Red Front is a place to relax with old friends, make new friends, and even dance the night away! The perfect place for b-day, bachelorette, and bachelor parties.
88. Tarantino's (Downtown, Kansas City, MO) [see details]MOVED - No longer at this location.
Now located at 13th & Locust, Kansas City, MO
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(Formerly
The Garage)
601 Mcgee St
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 421-0043
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Restaurant bar
Fantastic pizza/calzone/sandwich joint with limited bar
89. The Stables (Downtown, Kansas City, MO) [see details]813 Walnut St
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 842-2016
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Recently renovated, the bar features a country-western décor and a jukebox playing '50s rock. Food is served at lunchtime.
This is the only bar in downtown Kansas City that is closed on Saturdays.
90. 12th Street Rag (Downtown, Kansas City, MO) [see details]200 W 12th St
Kansas City, MO 64105
(816) 421-6800
Lounge
In the lobby of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown
91. Zoo Bar (Arena District, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
Open Monday thru Saturday, 11am to 1:30am. Mon-Thurs call ahead before arriving late as it sometimes closes early during the week.
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1220 Mcgee St
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 842-6060
http://www.myspace.com/kczoobarRating: Price:
Dive bar
Zoo Bar is a place that so few people know about and is so hard to find, that oftentimes first-time visitors have no idea what to expect and may feel a little nervous. Instead they are surprised to find themselves inside what is probably the friendliest and most laid-back place in town. I would venture to call it the best dive bar in Kansas City. And that can't be far from the truth, to be thriving after nearly 26 years and counting in a location where none of its neighbors have lasted.
The bar is very small... in fact the bar itself takes about half of the usable space. There are seats for maybe about 25, but no one seems to mind standing when they have to.
The most striking feature of Zoo Bar is the graffiti covering its walls, ceiling, and nearly every other accessible permanent surface other than the bar itself. In the mid 1980s the bar was repainted and patrons threw such a fit about loss of the scrawlings that it has never been painted since. More than 20 years of Zoo Bar history is now inscribed upon the walls. Many people just leave their name and the date, while others draw pictures or write a sentence or two about the visit. Markers are left out on the bar for anyone who wants to add themselves to the ink-on-paint tapestry.
Another feature Zoo Bar is very proud of is its old flip-style CD jukebox. The owner and bartenders have spent years editing and refining the mix of selections, literally agonizing over what CD to remove if a new one is added. The result is such a well-balanced mix of music that almost any visitor can find music they like, yet no matter what gets played it fits the style of the bar perfectly. Occasionally spontaneous bar dancing has been known to break out.
Zoo Bar has no beer taps, but it does have nearly 30 varieties of beer in bottles and cans. This includes several premium and foreign beers as well. And as long as it doesn't require a blender (which no real drink ever should... especially a drink in a dive bar), the bartenders can mix up just about anything else you may want. Most importantly, this is one the cheapest places to drink in downtown Kansas City.
The bartenders are all a fun bunch. Ronnie or Ellen (who was the first bartender I met there back in 2006) will take care if you during the daytime, while Carol, the Sarahs, Cameron, Samantha, or Shizzy will be happy to serve you at night. Collectively the bartending staff call themselves the Zooettes. Except for Cameron, of course.
On Saturday the bar offers a free lunch buffet. All of the food is home cooked, usually by the owner and often with a bit of a kick of spices. The menu changes each weekend and is usually written on the whiteboard inside the front door a day or two in advance.
The owner, Preston Cain, is a friendly guy who often will stop in at some point in the evening. An attorney who practices out of the law office above the bar, Preston runs the bar almost as a hobby. Preston took over operation after the original owner, prosecuting attorney Ray Webb, passed away. A ceiling tile commemorating Webb sits behind the bar, while Preston is showcased in magic marker on the opposite wall.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
When I made my first visit to Zoo in June 2006, a friend and I were looking for a place that we did not know for certain even still existed. We had only a name and a general idea of the location that I had picked up from a 2-year-old list of businesses mentioned in a bicycle blog. Indeed, the Zoo Bar was so hard to find that we looked directly at it several times, from right across the street, and did not see it. The only signage was a small engraved wooden sign inside the window. Somehow I caught this sign out of the corner of my eye as we were giving up the hunt and walking away.
When we stepped inside, everyone inside stared at us and we realized we were intruders in a very private, close-knit community. So we was surprised when the moment of silence was broken with "Welcome to the Zoo!" as a woman moved her coat in order to offer us a place to sit.
The regulars were a mix of lawyers, government workers, and construction workers. Ellen, our bartender, opened our cans of beer while we began talking with the gang about topics ranging from a tragic bicycle accident that had occurred around the corner an hour earlier, to KCTV's Katie Horner, to people having sex at a nearby bus stop. One Zoo fixture, a man named Les, gave us a lesson on the health benefits of drinking Goldschlager.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Zoo Bar opened on October 24, 1982, in the southeast corner of a 2-story law office building at 12th & McGee. It was the direct descendant of Up The Street, a bar that had opened in 1977 on the 12th Street side of the same building. It was a lawyer hangout and featured pool tables in its back room (a room that today is the wig shop next door). In 1984 a fire closed the bar for a few months.
In the late 1990s downtown went into a slide and most of the bars along what was once a mighty dive bar row closed. Eventually only Zoo Bar remained. It operated as a daytime-only bar for years, supported by the daily visits of a small but very dedicated group of regulars. (Many of whom are still regulars today.) The larger back room was walled off, becoming retail space that today serves as the wig shop operating next door. What remained was the tiny sliver of a bar that we see today, with the cutouts that used to allow access to the back room still obvious at both ends of the bar.
In early 2007, anticipating increased foot traffic from the new Sprint Center and Power & Light District, additional bartenders were hired and a night shift was added. Lighted beer signs were added for the first time, and exterior signage was put up. The gamble paid off, and Zoo Bar's patronage has increased tremendously. At night Zoo becomes a favorite hangout of downtown residents and visitors to the new entertainment venues.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Today Zoo is a place where adults of all ages and all walks of life enjoy relaxing. There's never a band -- only the jukebox -- and the TVs are rarely on (usually just for Royals games) so it's a good place for conversation. And with the small space, conversations usually end up spreading to include diverse groups of people who would otherwise normally never likely cross paths. It's the kind of place where everyone treats each other right and looks out for each other.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Because of the new signs Zoo Bar isn't as hard to find today as it was when I first visited, but it can still be a bit of a challenge. It is located on McGee, immediately north of the Sprint Center, about halfway up the block. It is directly across the street from the McGee Street entrance to the Board of Education building. If you are driving, note that McGee is one-way northbound, and accessible only from 13th Street which is one-way westbound. There is no parking lot but the metered spaces out front are free evenings and weekends. Still, being adjacent to the Sprint center and only 1 block from the Power & Light District, many visitors walk there from other downtown destinations.
92. Grinders (East Crossroads, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
93. The Brick (East Crossroads, Kansas City, MO) [see details]1727 Mcgee St
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 421-1634
http://www.thebrickkcmo.com/Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Restaurant bar
Live music
or karaoke
Monday-Saturday
11:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Sunday
Noon - Midnite
Good food, delivered until 10pm. Popular hipster live music venue.
94. Cigar Box (East Crossroads, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
95. J P Wine Bar (Crossroads, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
96. Screenland Theatre bar (West Side, Kansas City, MO) [see details]1656 Washington St
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 421-2900
http://screenland.com/Rating: Price: Because we arrived here well after the start of the night's last feature, the bartender seemed puzzled by our arrival.
"Um, we're just here to have a drink," Seth said.
A smile grew across the bartender's face. "That's the coolest thing I've heard all night! Come have a seat!"
The Screenland shows current indy flicks along with choice "classics" from time to time. While we drank, I made sure to note that there are three very important films they NEED to show as part of their classics series. "Flash Gordon, Clash of the Titans, and The Last Dragon."
Flash, The Kraken, and Leroy?!? You can all thank me later.
97. P R's Place (West Side, Kansas City, MO) [see details]1741 Washington St
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 421-9746
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Sports bar
Lounge
Located on the eastern edge of Kansas City's West Side, PR's Place is a popular hangout for Kansas City's hispanic population while virtually unknown among the artists and hipsters found only a block to the east. You might drive right by this place and not realize it's a bar, the exterior might make one think more of a dentist office.
PR's has an inviting, comfortable interior and one of the more eclectic jukebox catalogs we've seen. It's also a popular place for watching sports -- especially soccer. If you are a fan of the World Cup this is a great place to watch it. There are no beer taps, but bottles and cans are plentiful and cheap.
98. John's Big Deck (Library District, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
99. Ponak's Mexican Kitchen (West Side, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
100. Characters Sports Bar / The Raging Buffalo (Lamoni, IA) [see details]
101. Bears Den Pub (Leon, IA) [see details]
102. Poor Boys Lounge (Decatur, IA) [see details]
103. K Town Legends (Kellerton, IA) [see details]
104. Smith's Sports & Spirits (Mt Ayr, IA) [see details]
105. Office Bar & Grill (Mt Ayr, IA) [see details]
106. G & L Bar and Grill (Diagonal, IA) [see details]
107. Darlene's Place (Ellston, IA) [see details]202 E Main St
Ellston, IA 50074
(641) 772-4992
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
We sat at the short end of the L-shaped bar under the watchful eye of a mounted goat head smoking a cigarette (similar to the one shown here). To our left a couple of weathered farmers were having a drink.
"We've got a population of, oh, about forty*," one of the farmers told us, "so we're awful lucky to have this place."
This is one thing we love about this area of Iowa. No matter how far it is from the main highway, no matter how small it is, you can almost always count on finding a place to stop and share a drink with the locals.
As we finished our beers, two young future regulars came in for some root beer. Hopefully Darelene's will still be there for them when they come of legal age.
We still had more places to see, so we said goodbye to our friends at Darlene's and got back on the gravel highway towards our next destination.
*55, according to the US Census 2006 estimate
108. Long Branch Lounge (Arispe, IA) [see details]
109. Berts Pub & Grub (Afton, IA) [see details]175 E Kansas St
Afton, IA 50830
(641) 347-5150
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Restaurant bar
Live music
or karaoke
Afton, Iowa is the former county seat of Union County, and has a nice town square to prove it. While people in jeans played basketball in a park in the square in 100+ degree heat, we drove around looking for a place to cool off.
Located right on the square, Bert's Pub & Grub occupies a former Gamble's department store. With wood floors and high ceilings, Bert's showcases its ornate, leather-wrapped bar proudly. We had just settled in with our bottles of Bud Light and Miller Lite when the bartender offered to show us around the place.
The most striking feature of the main bar area is its antique elevator. Originally used by the department store, it is still used today for bring in cases of beer and taking out the trash. This unique elevator is hand-operated, using an intricate system of pulleys to allow the operator to raise and lower themselves and a heavy load of merchandise with ease by simply pulling a rope. Our bartender demonstrated how simple it was to use.
As we toured the bar we were surprised to find a dance room in back, complete with setups for pole dancing and cage dancing. (The camera we had with us on this visit had no flash, hence the "night vision" photo below.) The owner, Jeff Zeits, had the stage and dance area constructed in 2004 and had plans to bring in exotic dancers from time to time to "bring a little life" to town. But City Hall got wind of the idea and put a stop to it before it ever took off. Nonetheless is still makes a good stage for local and touring bands.
110. TJ's (Afton, IA) [see details]
111. Elms Club (Creston, IA) [see details]
112. Good Time Charlie's (Creston, IA) [see details]
113. Montgomery Street Pub (Creston, IA) [see details]
114. American Legion - Post 70 (Creston, IA) [see details]
115. Eagles Club Room - Post 1398 (Creston, IA) [see details]300 E Montgomery St
Creston, IA 50801
(641) 782-4215
Rating: Price:
Private club or
restricted entry
Dive bar
Lounge
The bar area was quite large and located on the upper level. We think this may have been a members-only place because we were supposed to sign in up front, but no one was looking so B suggested we just stroll in "like we know what we're doing". This place had a big, rectangular bar. As we drank our beers we didn't really notice that the drunken guy from the Montgomery Street Pub was also there.
When we left, that same guy had left seconds ahead of us, and he began to stumble down the stairs. Brandon grabbed him to steady him and he thanked us. He then went into a spiel about how his wife and son had beaten him earlier that night so the police took him to the bars to get him away from then. He pulled up his pants legs to reveal several scrapes and bruises to support his claim. He said that they do it to him all the time. Eventually the topic of where we were from came up and when we said "Kansas City" he got really excited. "No shit?" he began, "my daughter's a Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader!"
We didn't believe him, but he insisted. "Come on, they have the posters and she's on the calendar. I'll prove it."
He led us back to the Montgomery Street Pub, where as soon as we stepped in the bartender looked him on the eye and said "No, no more tonight." "I'm just here to show them the calendar," replied our new friend. "Oh," said the bartender, "we don't have that anymore, it was for last month." "So is it true?" we asked, "Is his daughter really a Chiefs cheerleader?"
"Yes, she is," vouched the bartender and several patrons.
After we managed to lose the drunken dude, who now wanted us to go with him to his shop to see the poster he had there, we were going to head on out of town.
116. Twilight Zone (Creston, IA) [see details]
117. Side Tracked Again (Creston, IA) [see details]
118. West Side Tavern (Osceola, IA) [see details]
119. Plain Jane's Lounge (Osceola, IA) [see details]
120. Rookie's (Osceola, IA) [see details]
121. Rookie's (Clear Lake, IA) [see details]
122. Other Place (Clear Lake, IA) [see details]
123. Half Moon Inn (Clear Lake, IA) [see details]
124. Retlaw's at the Lake (Clear Lake, IA) [see details]
125. Ingy's (Clear Lake, IA) [see details]
126. Elly's Lake Front Tap (Clear Lake, IA) [see details]12 S Shore Dr
Clear Lake, IA 50428
(641) 357-9589
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
It was a warm, overcast Thursday afternoon in August as we walked around downtown Clear Lake, Iowa, enjoying cold drinks at the neighborhood pubs. One tavern proved to be a little bit of a challenge for us to find, as we didn't expect it to underground -- in the basement of what appears very much to be a private residence!
Indeed, the front of Elly's Lake Front Tap looks like a visit to one's grandmother's house. However a set of steps leads down to an entrance below sidewalk level to a hidden basement bar.
The bar was U-shaped and had a few people sitting around it, most of them considerably older than us. Drinks were cheap and in cans. We sat down beside a gentleman and he asked where we were from. We told him "Kansas City" and explained what we were up to. When we told him we'd be going to Mason City next, he gave us warning after warning about construction between Clear Lake and Mason City, rambling about lane closures and flooded out shoulders. (We'd later find the highway completely open, clear, and fine.)
Clear Lake is best known for being the location of The Day The Music Died -- the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper. The Surf Ballroom, where the three performed their last concert the night before the crash, is located just a few blocks from Elly's, while the crash site is just a few miles to the northeast.
Consequently, Elly's has become an unofficial and lesser-known shrine of sorts for memorabilia and artifacts surrounding the event (as well as Clear Lake history in general). The walls of the bar are covered in photos, posters, and newspaper clippings, while display cases house other items such as bricks from the first Surf Ballroom (which was destroyed in a fire and rebuilt years before the crash).
Tourists coming to Clear Lake for its place in music history typically make visits to the Surf Ballroom and to the crash site, but a stop at Elly's should be added to the itinerary to get the full experience.
Because the interior of Elly's is very dark and the flash on the camera I had with me was malfunctioning, I was unable to get any decent interior shots. However I have selected a few photos from the nearby Surf Ballroom, as well as from the crash site, to illustrate some of the history in Clear Lake.
127. Players Sports Bar & Dance (Clear Lake, IA) [see details]
128. Willow Run Lounge (Mason City, IA) [see details]
129. Mug Shotz (Mason City, IA) [see details](Formerly
Route 65)
1401 N Federal Ave
Mason City, IA 50401
(641) 421-1756
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Dance floor
Restaurant bar
Live music
or karaoke
This places is called Mugshotz if you go by the newer sign on the side or Route 65 if you go by the sign on the front.
130. Kozy Korner Bar (Mason City, IA) [see details]
131. Burke's Bar & Grill (Mason City, IA) [see details]
132. Champions Bar & Grill (Mason City, IA) [see details]
133. Rhythm and Brews (Mason City, IA) [see details](Formerly
Cousin's Sports Bar)
11 S Delaware Ave
Mason City, IA 50401
(641) 424-4490
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Restaurant bar
Live music
or karaoke
This place had a nice bar and eating area. We got a medium all-meat pizza here that was really good -- very meaty and flavorful.
134. Wok 'N Roll (Mason City, IA) [see details]
135. Saddle Company (Mason City, IA) [see details]
136. South Federal Reserve (Mason City, IA) [see details](Formerly
Sallee's)
627 S Federal Ave
Mason City, IA 50401
(641) 424-1310
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Live music
or karaoke
Had the smallest tap of anyplace we'd ever seen.
137. Candy Bar Nite Club (Mason City, IA) [see details](Formerly
The Poodle)
116 N Federal Ave
Mason City, IA 50401
(641) 423-9299
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
I don't remember much about this place other than approximately where it was.
138. Sportsmans Lounge (Mason City, IA) [see details]
139. Matts Bar (Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
140. Roundup Beer Hall (Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
141. Champions Sports Bar & Grill (Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
142. C C Club (Uptown, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
143. Independent Uptown (Uptown, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
144. Uptown Bar & Cafe (Uptown, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
145. Liquor Lyle's (Uptown, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
146. Lee's Liquor Lounge (Downtown, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
147. Mackenzie (Warehouse District, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
148. The Saloon (Warehouse District, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
149. O'Donovan's Irish Pub (Warehouse District, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
150. Champps Sports Bar & Cafe (Warehouse District, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
151. Loon Cafe (Warehouse District, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
152. Brothers (Warehouse District, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]430 1st Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 333-8100
http://www.brothersbar.com/Rating: Price:
Lounge
Upscale
Outdoor seating
Downstairs bar, next to "Refuge". Square shaped bar. As we were chatting and getting rather lit, two young Asian people came in with a large camera. We didn't pay much attention at first until there was a tap on my shoulder.
Them: "Excuse me, do you guys like White Castle?"
Us: "Yeah, in fact we had it today."
Them: "Have you tried chicken rings?"
Us: "Yes, today, for the first time, and we loved them!"
Them: "Great! Here are some coupons for some free rings and sliders."
Us: "Thanks! We're from Kansas City and they closed all of our White Castles so we're glad you have them here."
Them: "In that case, here's a whole pile of coupons, get as many as you can before you go home."
Us: "Wow, thanks!"
Them: "Mind if we take your picture for our promotional materials?"
They then snapped our picture and had us sign releases.
153. Pizza Luce' Downtown (Warehouse District, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
154. Sawatdee Bar & Cafe (Warehouse District, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
155. New City (Warehouse District, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
156. Brass Rail (Warehouse District, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
157. Kieran's Irish Pub (Downtown, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]330 2nd Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 339-4499
http://www.kierans.com/Rating: Price:
Restaurant bar
Lounge
Live music
or karaoke
Big Irish-theme restaurant/bar downtown.
Though it was on our list we hadn't specifically intended to come here, we were actually on our way back to the hotel. But we were lost and going the wrong direction, and really needed to use the bathroom. :)
This was our last stop of the night, as the beers in this area were too large and too pricey for us to continue our marathon. Plus, we had a big day of drinking ahead of us bright and early in the morning!
158. Irv's Bar (North Side, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
159. Stand-Up Frank's (North Side, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
160. Halek's Bar (Nord East, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
161. Dusty's Bar (Nord East, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
162. Psycho Suzi's (Nord East, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
163. Tony Jaro's River Garden (Nord East, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]2500 Marshall St NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
(612) 789-9728
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Outdoor seating
This was a rectangular bar with a sticky floor. We selected Iron Range Amber Lager because we liked the anvil on the tap. The bartender seemed unusually grateful for our tip. The restroom had an even tinier trough than the small one we had seen yesterday and sported a sign on the soap dispenser that read "All Employees Must Wash Genitals".
Just before we left one of the customers wanted to watch ESPN but nobody knew what channel ESPN was on. "This must be a gay bar," quipped Brandon.
164. Sully's Pub & Restaurant (Nord East, Minneapolis, MN) [see details] OF BUSINESS
Closed Jan. 31, 2007, due to smoking ban.
|
2519 Central Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
(612) 781-6658
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Lounge
When we planned our road trip to Minneapolis we compiled a list of around 100 bars we wanted to try, but knew we'd only be able to make it to a fraction of that.
We ended up making it to 35, but one place we made absolutely sure we visited was Sully's. After all, how could we pass up a place that gets online reviews like these?
* "As a young woman, I was crazy to go in there alone. I am lucky I made it out of there not drugged or something. The staff is not very pleasant either."
* "It's way below a DIVE bar. Don't bother checking it out."
* "Watch your back while tossing down the real cheap beer"
* "Danger! Danger! Watch yourself! For those who crave excitement, check this place out. Drug deals in bathroom are a constant. "
* "I wish giving this bar zero stars was an option. "
* "Don't wear your nice clothes, as you might get a little blood on them in the scrap you'll find yourself in after a few too many rounds of Jim Beam."
* "So put on your steel-toed boots and brass knuckles, and head on down to Sully's. Where the men are men, and so are the women."
* "Sully's, where livers go to die. Truly a manifestation of end-stage alcoholism, this is the spot from whence the four horsemen of the apocalypse shall arrive to wreak havoc upon the earth as judgment day draws nigh."
* "I simply cannot stress to you how god awful this place is. Horrific traumatic memories flood my mind and my senses are transported to its urine scented pint glasses and feces stained walls just thinking about it."
* "A scummy dump. Every "patron" in here looks like a meth user/dealer. If you're looking to get harassed or assaulted, this is the place for you."
There was no way we were passing this up!
We arrived at Sully's at 2:55 on an overcast Saturday afternoon. Like most places in Minneapolis (and I wish more places in Kansas City), parking was in the rear so we entered through the back door.
Because of the Minneapolis smoking ban there was no tobacco smell to mask the base odor of stale urine, faint remnants of vomit, and a faint but sharp odor that was reminiscent of the spray of a male cat.
We made our way down the narrow corridor to the large rectangular bar, where I ordered an Icehouse and my friend ordered a Bud.
We spied a Silver Strike machine and decided to play. My friend accidentally chose a female character so he made sure I did as well. I had never actually played before, so after losing the first game he gave me some pointers. I came back to defeat him for the next two games.
Meanwhile an intoxicated biker was trying to make song selections on the adjacent Internet jukebox but could not figure out how to use it. He asked for our help, so my cohort helped him find and play Still Loving You by the Scorpions as well as some Helloween, Metallica, and Black Sabbath. Eventually he decided he no longer needed help, and expressed this by grabbing my pal's arm and pushing him away.
Despite this minor scuffle we were a little let down. This was not the diviest dive we have been to, and it wouldn't even come close to being our scariest bar experience that day. (That would come about 3-1/2 hours later and will be the subject of a future post.) Still, this was a place that definitely met every single one of our dive bar criteria and was well worth the trip.
As we left the bar we were cornered by a pair of drug dealers in the parking lot. They were selling prescription drugs and were especially pimping their Vicodin.
"How much is that going for?" my friend asked.
"$2 a pill," replied one of the dealers.
"Hmmmm....." my friend paused as he feigned interest, "Naw, I'll have to pass. I can get them much cheaper from the hospital I work at."
As we climbed into the car I took a picture of the drug dealers to remember them by.
Sully's was located in the Nord East area of Minneapolis, on the east side of Central just north of Lowry. Unfortunately it has closed, the smoking ban has been cited as the reason for it's demise. As of this time we have been unable to confirm if another bar has re-opened in its place, and there is information that a neighboring food processing facility may have expanded into this location. It appears Sully's is now just a memory.
165. NE Palace (Nord East, Minneapolis, MN) [see details](Formerly
First Chance, Last Chance)
2500 4th St NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
(612) 788-2305
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Sports bar
Lounge
Outdoor seating
This place used to be called "First Chance, Last Chance" because it was the first chance for a drink if you were coming in to town and the last chance for a drink while leaving town. We were left alone for half an hour while the bartender stayed out on the patio (which featured a waterfall). We played several games of shuffleboard and attempted to play some pool but in our semi-stupor we could not get any balls to sink, so we gave that up. A drunk woman tried to dance with us and then later when we went to see the patio a guy out there told us a few choice things about that woman. Clearly they had been fighting. :)
166. Stasiu's (Nord East, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
167. Johnny A's 200 Club (North Side, Minneapolis, MN) [see details] OF BUSINESS
Several drugs busts and a liquor license violation led to be being shut down in early 2008.
|
200 W Broadway
Minneapolis, MN 55411
(612) 522-0894
Rating: Price:
Sports bar
Lounge
They were definitely right. In the morning Gary was almost the only black person we saw in this neighborhood Now we were the only white people anywhere in sight. As we approached the rear entrance of Johnny A's a guy tossed a crumpled napkin out of his car window. As we walked by Brandon pointed to the "No Littering" sign in front of him and said "Hey! The sign says 'No Littering'!" "What the f%@$ did you say?" said the stunned driver. "I'm just messin' with ya, man," said Brandon and the two exchanged a laugh.
Johnny A's was packed but we managed to get a couple of seats at the bar. Just like outside, we were the only whites in the place. Our bartender was pretty cool but we didn't catch his name. After a while we walked over to watch some people play Silver Strike Bowling.
As we were sitting in front of Johnny A's taking pictures I heard a woman say "Excuse me!". I turned to look to find 7 angry people next to us. "Why did you just take a picture of my license plate?!?" Uhhh... uh.... "I didn't," I said, "We were taking a pictures of B.J.'s and Irv's". "No, I saw you, and you BOTH had cameras, you had them pointed straight ahead. "Only to see what we had taken pictures of. I swear, we were not taking pictures of license plates." "Come on," they said, "what in the world would you be taking pictures of bars for?" "We're on a road trip," I said, "and taking pictures of every bar we go to." They apparently accepted this answer because they walked away. Brandon was pretty ticked about being singled out and scrutinized but I pointed out that they probably experience that every day.
168. Scott's 1029 Bar (Nord East, Minneapolis, MN) [see details](Formerly
Laura's)
1029 Marshall St NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
(612) 379-4322
http://www.the1029bar.com/Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Sports bar
Lounge
Originally a sports bar, local police started hanging out so the theme switched to a police bar. Now police from all over come here. Police memorabilia adorns the place, including the door of a police car donated by New Orleans police as a gift in thanks for help during Katrina. But that's not the only kind of decor. The ceiling is covered with bras hanging from nails. For whatever reason, the bartender did not know why, women seem to like taking their bras off here so they hang up all the bras that women donate.
Notable in the news for being busted by ASCAP --for having karaoke on September 6, 2007, without paying royalties.
169. N E Yacht Club (Nord East, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
170. Elsie's Restaurant (Nord East, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
171. Nye's Polonaise Room (Nord East, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]112 E Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 379-2021
http://www.nyespolonaise.com/Rating: Price:
Restaurant bar
Lounge
This was a multi-room place -- originally had been one small bar but the owner had gradually bought the adjacent buildings and tacked them on. This was a polka bar and the band was setting up when we arrived. Unfortunately this bar continued our downfall, as for some reason and we do not know what, Brandon and the bartender got off on the wrong foot. The exchange began something like this:
Bartender: "What can I do for you?"
Brandon: "Two Bud Lights, please."
Bartender: (in a snappy tone) "Well then you had better have some ID on you."
The relationship deteriorated from there despite several attempts to patch it up. Several times the bartender came and stood right next to us watching us drink, making us rather uncomfortable. Then finally he started telling us about the building and we thought maybe he was finally warming up to us, until he encouraged us to take our drinks to the piano bar in the back. Just trying to get rid of us. We still have no idea what we did.
172. Legends Cafe (Nord East, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
173. Broadway Pizza (Nord East, Minneapolis, MN) [see details]
174. Boonies Bar & Grill (Faribault, MN) [see details]
175. River Bar (Dows, IA) [see details]
176. Bar At Times Square (The Strip, Las Vegas, NV) [see details]
177. Sand Trap Bar & Grill (South KC, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
178. Daily Limit (South KC, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
179. Half Time Sports Bar (South KC, Kansas City, MO) [see details](Formerly
Good Time Charlies Pub & Grill)
13023 Holmes Rd
Kansas City, MO 64145
(816) 941-2720
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Sports bar
aka Pat Murphy's
180. Bogey's Bar & Grill (South KC, Leawood, KS) [see details]
181. Billy B's Restaurant & Bar (South KC, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
182. Creekside Pub & Grille (Kansas City, MO) [see details]
183. Ugly Joe's (Dallas, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
184. Race Day Cafe (Raytown, MO) [see details]
185. Cuzzins Pub & Grill (Raytown, MO) [see details]
186. Hangout (Raytown, MO) [see details]
187. Spanky's Lounge (Raytown, MO) [see details]
188. Bogart's (Independence, MO) [see details]
189. What's Happen'n Lounge (Marlborough, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
190. Rivers Edge (East Bottoms, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
191. Tom's Bigger Jigger (Indian Mound, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
192. Karen's Kozy Cabin (Scarritt, Kansas City, MO) [see details]4614 Saint John Ave
Kansas City, MO 64123
(816) 483-0892
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Outdoor seating
This is one of the smallest bars I have ever seen, it was a full house with approximately 6 patrons. Though 2 months ago it "expanded" -- in that they knocked a hole in the west wall and slapped up a quick ceiling and plywood exterior over their former beer garden to make room for a pool table. There is still a very small patio in back, it looks like it had seating for about two. Draft beer here is served in mason jars.
UPDATE - A further remodel has eliminated the old horseshoe-shaped bar and replaced it with one that makes better use of the limited space.
193. Knuckleheads Saloon (East Bottoms, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
194. AJ's Tavern (Scarritt, Kansas City, MO) [see details]2618 Independence Ave
Kansas City, MO 64214
(816) 231-9789
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
I had heard about this place before, a story about a customer bringing in a shopping cart that had a TV in it, and that while drinking a cockroach crawled in and meandered across the the bar. So naturally I had to see this place.
I didn't come across any roaches, but before we left a customer did come in with a shopping cart full of groceries. And on a later visit, someone did indeed bring in a shopping cart with a TV in it.
195. Fitz's Blarney Stone (Westport, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
196. Willlie's Pub (Arena District, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
197. Tomfooleries Restaurant & Bar (Zona Rosa, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
198. Margarita's North (Kansas City, MO) [see details]
199. Fred P Ott's (Central Business District, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
200. Bar (Old Town, Lenexa, KS) [see details]
201. VFW Post 846 (Overland Park, KS) [see details]
202. Rusty's Last Chance Saloon (Lenexa, KS) [see details]
203. Red Balloon (Shawnee Mission, KS) [see details]
204. Birdies Pub & Grill (Overland Park, KS) [see details]
205. Roxy (Shawnee Mission, KS) [see details]
206. Piano Room (Waldo, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
207. Retro Bowl (Liberty, MO) [see details]
208. Back Door Lounge (River Bend, MO) [see details]
209. VFW Post 4043 (Liberty, MO) [see details]
210. Pub House (Liberty, MO) [see details]
211. Stardust Club (Central, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
212. Uno Chicago Grill (Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
213. Chip Shot Bar & Grill (North Kansas City, MO) [see details]
214. Denim & Diamonds (North Kansas City, MO) [see details]
215. Other Place (Downtown, Shawnee Mission, KS) [see details]
216. Maloney's Bar and Grill (Downtown, Shawnee Mission, KS) [see details]
217. Peanut On 76 (Downtown, Shawnee Mission, KS) [see details]
218. J Barleycorn's Bar & Grill (Overland Park, KS) [see details]
219. Arizonas Sports Bar & Grill (Overland Park, KS) [see details]
220. Jake's Place (Shawnee, KS) [see details]
221. Danally's Bar & Grill (Shawnee Mission, KS) [see details]
222. Court Of aPpealS Pub and Grub (Downtown, Shawnee, KS) [see details]
223. Mc Coy's Public House & Brew (Westport, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
224. O'Malley's Irish Pub (Weston, MO) [see details]
225. Anthony's Restaurant & Lounge (North Loop, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
226. Club Deja Vu (Antioch/Vivion, Kansas City, MO) [see details](Formerly
Attitudes and Latitudes)
2516 NE Vivion Rd
Kansas City, MO 64118
(816) 453-2222
http://www.myspace.com/clubdejavu1 Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Dance floor
Live music
or karaoke
Generally too loud if there's a band or DJ. Prone to late night violence. Uncomfortable seating after the booths were removed in 2007. Draft beer is usually too warm.
227. Oak Tree Restaurant & Lounge (North Kansas City, MO) [see details]
228. VFW Post 4050 (North Kansas City, MO) [see details]
229. Paci's Cafe (North Kansas City, MO) [see details]1825 Buchanan
North Kansas City, MO 64116
(816) 985-1157
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Live music
or karaoke
Outdoor seating
This is a place that blurs the boundaries of my definition of a dive, but since it technically meets most of the criteria I'll go ahead and count it even though it's a little classier.
Large bottled beer selection.
230. Paul & Jack's Tavern (North Kansas City, MO) [see details]
231. Helen's Just Another Dive (North Kansas City, MO) [see details]
232. Marci's Lounge (Antioch/Vivion, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
233. JC's Sports Bar (Vivion, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
234. Hot Shots (Claycomo, MO) [see details]
235. VFW Post 5606 (Oak Ridge, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
236. Bojo's Bar & Grill (Antioch, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
237. Player's Sports Bar (Antioch, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
238. Wetherbee's (Antioch/Vivion, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
239. Jerry's Bait Shop (Old Town, Shawnee Mission, KS) [see details]
240. Blue (Old Town, Lenexa, KS) [see details]
241. Cashew (Crossroads, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
242. Sharp's 63rd St Grill (Brookside, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
243. Jardine's Restaurant (Plaza, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
244. Embassy (Midtown, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
245. Manny's Restaurant (Crossroads, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
246. Bar Natasha (Crossroads, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
247. Askew Inn (Scarritt Pointe, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
248. Dodie's Roadhouse (Basehor, KS) [see details]15302 Briar Rd
Basehor, KS 66007
(913) 724-2808
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Lounge
We both had Bud Light. 16 oz draws were $2.50 each.
The interior was decorated with marlins and had t-shirts stretched over several of the ceiling tiles.
249. Helen's Hilltop (Tonganoxie, KS) [see details]
250. Slow Ride Roadhouse (Lawrence, KS) [see details]
251. Perry Bar & Grill (Perry, KS) [see details]
252. Stingers (Topeka, KS) [see details]
253. Twilighter Country Club (Topeka, KS) [see details]816 N Kansas Ave
Topeka, KS 66608
(785) 357-7598
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
We had been searching for a bar recommended by a bartender at an earlier stop, following a set of scrawled instructions on a series of post-it notes. Instead of reaching our destination, we found ourselves completely lost in a seedy looking neighborhood.
Luckily for us, this neighborhood included a strip dotted with several little watering holes-in-the-wall. Having time for only one, we picked the first place we spotted. It turned out to be the diviest dive of the day.
We parked in front of the Twilighter Country Club and were actually a little skittish about walking in. We worked up the nerve and heading on inside.
We took our seats at the double-L shaped bar. To our right, an older gentleman on oxygen was chain smoking while nursing his whiskey. Catty-corner to us, two leathered older women gossiped over bottled beer. (Except that the ladies were not older after all, we later learned from context that they were in fact in their mid 20s.)
Our bartender was a heavily pierced young woman who was watching daytime television and munching on onion rings. She glared at us for a moment when we sat down before sighing, setting down her onion ring, and coming over to see what we wanted.
After pouring us each a 12 oz draw of Bud Light ($1.25 each) she huffed, grabbed her onion rings, and sat back down to watch TV.
Now when you've had a few beers it's inevitable that nature will come calling, and in our profession that means you grow accustomed to relieving yourself under a wide variety of conditions. Which is fortunate, because the men's room here was swarming with flying insects and even featured urinal millipedes -- a first for us!
As we reached about the mid-way point in our beers, the front door opened. The bartender, previously focused only on her television and onion rings, jumped to her feet.
"NO! You cannot come in here!" she barked.
"Why not?!?," growled a gravely voice from behind us. "I have money, I want a drink!"
Slowly we turned around in our barstools to see a dirty, haggard man wearing absolutely nothing except a pair of tattered jeans. No shirt, no shoes, no socks.
"No, you have to have a shirt to be in here!" the bartender yelled. "It's the law!"
"I come in here shirtless all the time! The owner lets me!" he insisted.
"Well number 1 I don't believe you, and number 2 he's not here so I'm the law. Now get out!"
"Well I'll just go to any of these other bars down the street since you don't want my money," he threatened.
"Fine! Go right ahead! They'll all tell you the same thing!" Our bartender was now shouting at the top of her lungs.
"Well I don't give a fat f*ck!" he screamed.
"Fine! Now get the f*ck out of here!" she yelled back.
"I will! F*ck this place, you f*cking bitch!". And with that, he surrendered and stormed out.
The bartender took a deep breath, looked at us, and said "I'm so sorry about that, guys."
"Oh no, don't worry about it," we said, "that was the highlight of our day!"
We all laughed and from that point on she warmed up to us.
* * * * * *
When we left the bar we discovered that shirtlessness is apparently common attire in this particular part of town. Next to our car a beer-bellied shirtless dude was sitting in the bed of a pickup truck oggling women walking past.
254. Rambler's Steakhouse & Saloon (Wamego, KS) [see details]
255. Cock & Bull (Manhattan, KS) [see details](Formerly
My Place Tavern)
2413 Stagg Hill Rd
Manhattan, KS 66502
(785) 776-6699
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Biker friendly
Based on its name I was certain would be a pretty rough and tumble gay bar, though B disagreed. The fact that was on Stag Road bolstered my theory even more.
I was wrong.
We both had Bud Light. 10 oz draws were $1.50 each.
256. Corner Club (Junction City, KS) [see details](Formerly
Corner Club (Private))
1202 N Washington St
Junction City, KS 66441
(785) 238-5510
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
This place was formerly a private club... the word "private" had since been scratched out on its sign. Inside free hot dogs and sausages simmered in a crock-pot in a small room packed with Coors memorabilia... but we both had Bud Light. 10 oz draws were $1.50 each.
257. JC Bar (Junction City, KS) [see details]912 N Washington St
Junction City, KS 66441
(785) 238-7445
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
As we sat inside the woman sitting to B's left would not stop talking to us about tornados. Meanwhile a delivery truck brought in a shipment of snacks just in time to allow B to enjoy some 75-cent Chex Mix.
On the wall behind the bary, just above a "Happy Birthday" banner, at least 9 guns were displayed.
B had a Bud, I had a Bud Light. 12 oz draws were $1.50 each.
258. Uptown Lounge (Junction City, KS) [see details]908 N Washington St
Junction City, KS 66441
(785) 762-4044
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Dance floor
Live music
or karaoke
We both had Bud Light. 12 oz draws were $2.00 each.
This was one of the more run-down places we went to. Damage near the front seemed to speak of a recent fight ending with a good body slam to the wall.
The Kentucky Derby seemed to be the main thing people wanted to watch at the bars in Junction City, and the bartender had a brief but friendly argument with a customer who wanted to see it. (The bartender was insisting it was over, but it wasn't.)
259. Lumber Yard Restaurant & Bar (Chapman, KS) [see details]
Chapman was hit by a devastating tornado in early 2008, but the downtown area only had minor damage. I have attempted to contact the owner without success to check the status of the bar, but am presuming it is still open.
|
114 W 4th St
Chapman, KS 67431
(785) 922-6140
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Restaurant bar
B had a 12 oz. Coors Light for $1.50, I had a 12 oz. Killian's for $2.00
Needing to make a pit stop I proceeded to the logical part of the bar area but was quickly stopped by a handful of regulars and was told I was going the wrong way. It turned out the men's room was by the front door. While I was inside a young guy sat down at the bar and the owner (or manager), seated nearby, told the bartender to check his ID.
"Do I need to card those their IDs too?" she asked, referring to us.
"No need," said the manager, "I've served them before, they've been in here a few times."
Hmm, if that's true, then I guess I can't count this as a new bar. ;)
260. Downsouth Tavern (Abilene, KS) [see details]210 W 1st St
Abilene, KS 67410
(785) 263-0359
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
We both had Bud. $1.50 for a 12 oz. draw.
We were seated next to a guy who told us about the four bars in town, about a place that he sometimes described as a liquor store and then other times described as a bar, and which streets we needed to avoid so that we didn't get pulled over and arrested for DUI. He also wanted to talk a lot about Westport.
261. Brownie's (Abilene, KS) [see details]209 W 1st St
Abilene, KS 67410
(785) 263-3264
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
B had Bud Light, I had Coors Light. $1.50 for a 12 oz. draw.
This place had a pretty impressive stock of canned and bottled beers. The bartender gave us a detailed overview of how Kansas's liquour laws worked and all the different types of establishments you could be. She also reminded us that we were drinking 3.2 beer, which almost made it feel like we were cheating.
It was about an hour from the start of karaoke but we didn't have time to stick around. We were going to have to skip any remaining towns if we were ever going to make it to Salina.
262. Knucklehead's Tavern (Salina, KS) [see details]311 E Pacific Ave
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 826-4909
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Biker friendly
We both had Bud Light. $1.00 for a 10oz. draw.
This place was pretty small and pretty brightly lit on the inside. We chatted with the guy next to us about Westport. It seems that any time you tell someone in a bar you're from KC, Westport is the part of town they know.
"Be careful, fellas, Salina is the DUI capital of the world," the bartender warned us.
263. Bootlegger's Saloon (Salina, KS) [see details]616 N Broadway Blvd
Salina, KS 67401
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
We both had Bud Light. $1.25 for a 10oz. draw.
B got carded, as he often does due to his youthful appearance. A nearby patron in his 50s estimated B's age as young 20s. At 36 years of age he was pleased with that assessment.
We noticed jugs of corn squeezins behind the bar and asked the bartender about them. She told us that the guy who mis-estimated B's age was drinking some.
"By the way, be careful tonight," she said. "Salina is the DUI capital of the world. And I don't mean per capita either, I mean literally more arrests than anywhere else, period."
"Why is that?" we asked.
"Well," she said, "some years back the police chief lost a child to a drunk driver so he made it a personal campaign. It was so successful that now it's something the city takes pride in so please do watch yourselves tonight."
As we were leaving, that same customer that had earlier questioned B's age grabbed B by the arm and yanked him over, demanding to see his ID. He studied it carefully by the glow of his lighter before letting him go.
"I was getting close to decking that guy," B told me later.
264. Sharkey's (Salina, KS) [see details]925 W Lincoln Ave
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 827-7769
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Sports bar
Lounge
We drank our beers quickly while watching a guy seen in the do some pretty impressive pool playing.
The bartender here told us about some of the places we wanted to check out in town. We mentioned that one place in particular we wanted to see was The Blind Pig, solely because of its name. We got directions and walked back to my car. Except we started to enter a nearly-identical car parked 3 spaces down. Only the discovery of a cooler in the back seat kept us from getting all the way in.
265. Blind Pig (Salina, KS) [see details]2501 Market Pl
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 827-7449
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Dance floor
Live music
or karaoke
We both had Bud Light. 10 oz draws were $1.25.
We asked the bartender here about non-chain eating options and after running through a few ideas she hit upon a place called Scheme that makes a good local pizza. We got directions from her before we headed out the door.
By now we had managed to get enough beers close enough together that I was starting to get a buzz for the first time today, so it was time to ditch the car. We called Sam, the manager at Budget King (our motel), and asked him to get us a cab while we returned to the motel to park the car. About halfway back we heard that strange beeping sound again.
We got back to the motel in short order and still needed to wait several minutes for the cab, so we chatted with Sam for a bit. Turned out he had previously managed motels in Kansas City and Atlanta. He seemed like a pretty good guy who cared a lot about his family.
Our cab finally arrived and we climbed into a van driven by Lee of Sunflower Taxi who took us out to get something to eat.
266. The Scheme (Salina, KS) [see details]123 N 7th St
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 823-5125
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Restaurant bar
B had a Bud Light, I had a Miller Lite. Bottles, I believe they were $2 each. B's was an insulated aluminum bottle.
We arrived just as they were about to close but they were kind enough to let us put an order in. Rushed, we blurted out "large peppperoni" then nursed our beers while waiting for our pizza.
Before long, the deliciousness arrived. Flavorful, hot, and very cheesey.
We were only able to eat half of it so decided to take the rest of it with us since we usually end up getting the munchies after a full day of drinking. We got a box and thanked the cook (who turned out to be the owner) for making such a good pizza. I got my camera back out to take a few more pictures and that's when the mystery of the beeping sound was solved. It was my camera warning me that my batteries were about to die.
The owner of Scheme was nice enough to give a new pair of batteries. Thank you!!! So I took a picture of him and our bartender...
They then gave us the grand tour of the place, showing us all of the art and memorabilia hanging on the walls and telling us the story behind them. Much of the art contained hidden images or was an optical illusion.
Some of the other pieeces told the story of Salina's history and of the history of the owner's family. Such as the little girl who wrote to Abe Lincoln and told him more people might vote for him if he grew a beard. Or of an old family friend named Wild Bill Hickok. Other pieces were simply art for art's sake.
We thanked them for their hospitality, grabbed our precious cargo of pizza, and headed back outside.
267. Big Nose Kate's (Salina, KS) [see details]121 N Santa Fe Ave # 201
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 820-8872
Rating: Price:
Lounge
Upscale
Martini bar
Outdoor seating
We were in downtown Salina, but we did not have our bearings and did not know where to go. We spotted a couple approaching from a parking lot and decided to follow them. They went in the back door of a building across the alley and up some stairs to the third floor. Which led us here.
We both had Bud Light. 16 oz. draws were $2.00.
This was a large area with 2 main rooms and an outdoor concrete deck overlooking the street. However, sorry, but this is one Big Nose that blows. It just wasn't the type of bar we like to go to. Pretentious and filled with an assortment of hipsters, fratties, and trendy people.
We drank 3/4 of our 16 oz beers, decided that 12 ounces was good enough to count, and got the hell out.
When we got back downstairs we found it raining and stood under the awning trying to figure out where to go next. We asked a guy with several piercings where all the bars were. "There's only three," he insisted. We knew he was wrong but pretty much everyone around here insisted that Big Nose Kate's, Martini's (the bar downstairs from Kate's), and Groove (a bar across the street) were the only bars around. He gave us tickets to Groove (it had a cover charge otherwise) and showed us how to cut through Martini's to get out the front door (since we had entered via the alley).
Martini's looked much the same as Big Nose Kate's so we didn't bother to stop. We ran across the street in the rain to Groove, peered in the windows, and reached the same conclusion. We decided to ditch this block.
We knew we were on the main drag but didn't know where on it we were. We started walking south as lightning began to strike with increasing closeness. After a few blocks and no sign of a bar, Brandon approached a car sitting at a Sonic and asked for directions.
It turned out we were at the sound end of the strip and neeeded to go back and walk the other way. As i lightly rained we headedd back north, our beloved pizza still in tow.
Well, what do you know? Only 1 block past the area we had just come from, we found a cluster of good dive bars! (Damn trendy people and their not-knowin' of things that exist outside their trendy little world.)
268. Paramount Bar (Salina, KS) [see details]219 N Santa Fe Ave
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 827-0992
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Lounge
Live music
or karaoke
This place was crowded and did have a band, but there was no cover charge and the music was not too loud. We were able to get a table with ease.
We both had Bud 10 oz. draws were $2.00.
After finishing our beer we stepped out under the awning to scope out our situation. It was raining heavily (turned out to be one of the worst floods Salina had seen in years, over 5 inches of rain fell n just a few hours) and the next bar was up the street. As we made our plan, B felt something shift and heard a heartbreaking "sploosh" sound.
Weakened by several exposures to the rain, the side of the pizza box we had been carrying since The Scheme had popped open and our entire 1/2 large pepperoni pizza had just dropped face-down onto the wet sidewalk.
In what must have looked like a well-choreographed scene, we looked in horror at the mess on the sidewalk, then at each other, then at the pizza, then at each other, and at the pizza again, and bck at each other.
B was at a loss for words. He knelt down and somberly started putting the slices of wet pizza back in the box. "Well maybe it might still be salvageable," I offered.
He looked at it, frowned, and set it behind a bench. "There's no point," he said, before cursing himself repeatedly.
Devastated by our loss, we ran up-and-across the street to the next place we saw.
269. The Blue Goat (Salina, KS) [see details](Formerly
The Spot)
232 N Santa Fe Ave
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 827-1800
http://www.myspace.com/thebluegoatRating: Price:
Dance floor
Live music
or karaoke
Upscale
A wedding party was in its death throes as we entered this place. Soaking wet, we decided not to cross the dance floor where some bridesmaids were dancing and instead cut through a narrow area where the groomsmen were hanging out. One of them was yapping on his cell phone and wouldn't step out of the way, and B accidently knocked him down. B helped him right himself and apoligized and he walked back to the bar.
We found ourselves against a barrier that was new to us but we would eventually experience many more times in our barhopping careers -- the sheer limit of stomach volume. There simply wasn't room in there to squeeze in any more beer.
Luckily they had $1 shot specials. Problem solved! We went for Kamikaze shots.
When we left B cut across the dance floor to avoid tipping over any more groomsmen.
270. Rendezvous Bar (Salina, KS) [see details]249 N Santa Fe Ave
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 827-3830
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
We both had Old Style. 12 oz. draws for $1.25 each.
Before long we once again began lamenting the loss of of our pizza. "At least it will be a good meal for a bum," I said. B's face lit up and he started chuckling.
"I have a phrase that just popped into my head," he said. "Check this..... 'Bum Feast'. That's exactly what that pizza is."
I started cracking up.
"I'd make a good name for a band," he added.
"I can see the debut album now," I said. "Bum Feast: Pizza On The Sidewalk."
And the cover art could have been the photo I should have taken of us moping over spilled sidewalk pizza.
Believe it or not, we began to get a second wind here and decided to keep going. So we stepped outside to head down to the next bar. We were stunned to find that what had been rain when we arrived at Rendezvous had since turned into a sky-wide waterfall. A river was running down the street with the water level already up to the chassis of the cars parked in front. We decided to call a cab instead. We dialed the number for Sunflower Taxi and got Lee again.
"It's going to be at least half an hour because the streets are all flooded," he said.
We went back inside and played Golden Tee until he arrived. B heckled me for using my thumbs instead of my palm when putting.
Lee arrived, and the two of us plus a third guy who had also called ran out in the pouring rain with him. We were surprised to find an already-full cab waiting for us. Somehow the three of us + Lee managed to squeeze in. We asked him to take us to any bar that was still open, but the places he named we had already been to. Not wanting to delay anyone else, we asked to just go back to the Budget King motel so that we could figure out a new strategy from there.
By now all of the streets were under 1 to 1-1/2 feet of water (I later learned that Salina got 5.3 inches of rain in 90 minutes that night!) and Lee looked nervous as all hell trying to get us to our destinations. He did a great job though so our hats definitely go off to him.
It was a little after 1:00am when we returned to our room. With nature behaving the way it was and less than an hour before Kansas law mandated that the bars closed, we decided thet prudent thing to do would be to call it a night.
271. Comedy City (Columbus Park, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
272. American Legion Post 61 (Clay County, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
273. Antoinette's Lounge (N. Brighton, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
274. Bama's (N. Brighton, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
275. Hiway House (N. Prather, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
276. Mickey's Irish Pub (Englewood, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
277. Kyle's Tap Room (Gladstone, MO) [see details]
278. Hide Out Bar & Grill (Kansas City, MO) [see details]
279. Mark & Michelle's Bar & Grill (Kansas City, MO) [see details]
280. Boomers Bar & Grill (Kansas City, MO) [see details]
281. O'Dowd's Irish Pub (Zona Rosa, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
282. Angela's Bar & Grill (Hamilton, MO) [see details]
283. Traphouse (Chillicothe, MO) [see details]319 Henry St # A
Chillicothe, MO 64601
(660) 646-6800
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Biker friendly
This place was hard to find. Google Maps got us close but we just didn't see it. We circled around, drove all over, and even called for directions. Finally, with great effort, we found it. It turns out it wasn't on a street at all but on an "alley" of sorts that looked like the driveway for a nearby trailer house.
The bartender was the owner's mother, who was watching the final Bob Barker episode of The Price Is Right. She told us that several bars in town have gone under due to younger people moving away but that their place was doing well due to low overhead.
Behind us a wall was completely covered with photos of various parties hosted at the bar.
284. Trackside (Trenton, MO) [see details]
285. Snappy's (Trenton, MO) [see details]201 W 10th St
Trenton, MO 64683
(660) 359-6224
http://www.myspace.com/snappys666Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Live music
or karaoke
When we first arrived there was no one to be found, but after a couple of minutes B did some exploration and found the bartender/owner in the poker room in the back. Named Craig, he was the first bartender we met on this trip to be internet savvy. His bar has a MySpace page, and in fact he moved to Trenton from Florida after using the internet to find this bar for sale. He whipped out a laptop and we showed him photos and blogs from our past barhopping adventures.
One interesting feature towards the back is the women's restroom, it's an outhouse brought inside and fitted with a more modern toilet.
286. Crossroads Bar & Grill (Princeton, MO) [see details]
287. American Legion #379 (Allerton, IA) [see details]
288. Fibbin Fisherman Lounge (Corydon, IA) [see details]211 N Franklin St
Corydon, IA 50060
(641) 872-2883
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
I forgot to get a photo of
this sign that was hanging behind the bar, I also forgot to buy one of their t-shirts.
289. Neighborhood Tap (Seymour, IA) [see details]
290. The Silver Spur (Centerville, IA) [see details]23771 Highway 5
Centerville, IA 52544
(641) 437-4777
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Biker friendly
Live music
or karaoke
While I tried 3 times to close the men's room door before giving up and peeing with it wide open, B struck up a conversation with the bartender about her carpal tunnel braces.
When we left this was a memorable bar, but we didn't realize until several hours later how memorable it would become. The following information was given to us by some people that we would meet 10-1/2 hours later:
The Silver Spur used to be called Larry's Silver Spur. Larry was a really nice guy, but then one day his wife up and shot him in the head. She's in prison now. Then later there was a couple in there and they had an argument. The girlfriend stormed out and the boyfriend stayed inside, he was going to wait for her to cool off and knew she'd come back in. But she never did... because when she went outside she stepped onto the highway and got flattened by a semi. They got most of her for the burial but "one arm was unattainable."
I haven't been able to confirm any of this yet but it's too interesting of gossip not to pass along.
291. Gordie's Bar & Grill (Centerville, IA) [see details]
292. The Alibi (Centerville, IA) [see details]
293. Fat Annie's (Moravia, IA) [see details]102 E Chariton St
Moravia, IA 52571
(641) 724-9822
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Either Annie wasn't working today or she's lost a lot of weight. The thing that most caught our attention was the nude paintings on the wall. There were four, all of the same woman. One thing that was odd was that two of them were identical.
Both when we arrived and again when we left, a young girl opened the door of the laundry next door and stared at us.
294. Murph's Sports Bar (Albia, IA) [see details]17 S Clinton St
Albia, IA 52531
(641) 932-2232
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Sports bar
B: Bud Lite 8oz draw - $1
S: Bud Lite 8oz draw - $1
295. Tennessee Owl Tap (Albia, IA) [see details]
296. Brick Street Pub & Eatery (Albia, IA) [see details]24 A Ave W
Albia, IA 52531
(641) 932-5442
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Restaurant bar
B: Bud Lite 10oz draw - $0.75
S: Bud Lite 10oz draw - $0.75
(Our tips were more than the cost of the beer!)
This place was built in 1904, and has always operated as a bar for all 104 (and counting) years of its life.
297. American Legion #136 (Albia, IA) [see details]21 Washington Ave W
Albia, IA 52531
(641) 932-2716
http://www.legion.org/Rating: Price:
Private club or
restricted entry
Dive bar
We chatted with a guy named Bob who used to own a hardware store and would come to KC (technically to Overland Park, it was the Kansas City Merchandise Mart) for trade shows. On our way out B bought him a beer.
By the way, this American Legion has the distinction of being the most brightly-lit bar we have ever been in. Oddly, the darkest bar we have ever been in also was an American Legion.
298. Alpine Inn (Ottumwa, IA) [see details]
299. Primavera Club (Ottumwa, IA) [see details](Formerly
Harley's)
2801 Roemer Ave
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Dance floor
Lounge
Live music
or karaoke
Our intention was to pass through Ottumwa for now because we had some business to attend to in Fairfield, two towns further down the highway. But as we reached the eastern edge of Ottumwa we were stopped in our tracks by barricades across the highway -- closed for construction. Luckily there was someplace right next to the barricades where we could ask for directions. :)
B: Bud Lite bottle - $1
S: Miller Light bottle - $1
Formerly Harley's, this place had just recently been bought by a nice Mexican family and re-opened as the Primavera Club. Our bartender, Lorena, was a former nurse who told us about heer life's travels. Her friends at a nearby table helped us out with directions around the construction zone so that we could get to Fairfield.
300. VFW Post 2271 (Fairfield, IA) [see details]121 E Broadway Ave
Fairfield, IA 52556
http://vfw.org/Rating: Price:
Private club or
restricted entry
Dive bar
For years I have known of the statue of a distance ancestor in the town square at Fairfield but never had an opportunity to see it until now...
To celebrate my visit as well as something else worth celebrating, I wanted to find someplace appropriate. We checked out the square and found a few places, then checked the perimeter of the square and found the perfect setting...
B: Miller Light 12oz - $1.25
S: Miller Light 12oz - $1.25
There were about a dozen people inside this VFW. B got their attention, I announced the reason for my visit to the statue, then announced one other thing that I was also celebrating:
This is the 300th bar I've been to in my life!
I then bought the entire house a round and we had a good time with everyone there before it was time to move on.
301. George's (Fairfield, IA) [see details]57 W Broadway Ave
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-9119
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Restaurant bar
B: Coors Light bottle
S: Coors Light bottle
Now, my notes call this place "Taso's Pizza & Pub", but my photo is of "George's Pizza & Steak". George's is in the right location, and I can't find any listing for a place called Taso's. So most likely I mis-read a sign inside while taking notes. Anyway, we had some coors and then decided to get a little pizza after realizing we hadn't eaten in over 12 hours. I don't know how much our beers were since the pizza got added to the same tab.
302. Ned's Place (Batavia, IA) [see details]1000 3rd St
Batavia, IA 52533
(641) 662-2600
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Batavia was on the way back to Ottumwa and we stopped despite the fact that it was getting late, so we were disappointed that all we could find was an American Legion with a locked door. We walked around the side of the building and saw some people standing near a truck. "Can you tell us how to get to Ned's Place?" we asked. "Through that side door right behind you," they reeplied. Whoops!
B: Bud Lite 10oz draw - $1.50
S: Bud Lite 10oz draw - $1.50
B was gettting antsy for some reason so we played some shuffleboard as we drank our beer.
303. Front Runners (Ottumwa, IA) [see details]837 Church St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 682-0720
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
B: Old Milwaukee 12oz draw - $1.25
S: Old Milwaukee 12oz draw - $1.25
The change to Old Milwaukee was a pleasant switch that helped give us a little bit of a second wind. I think we played a little bar trivia here.
304. The Keg (Ottumwa, IA) [see details]622 Church St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
B: Bud Lite 10oz draw - $1.25
S: Bud Lite 10oz draw - $1.25
A zig-zag across a busy street from the previous bar.
305. Dugout (Ottumwa, IA) [see details] OF BUSINESS
Shut down in July 2008 after a drug raid.
|
535 Church St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-0895
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Sports bar
Live music
or karaoke
B: Miller Light 10oz draw - $1.50
S: Miller Light 10oz draw - $1.50
And yet another zig-zag across the street. This bar was divided into two rooms - the front main bar area and a back room. It was karaoke night, with a karaoke guy set up in the front corner of the back room. Despite the bar being crowded, most of the people were in the front room and hardly anyone was doing karaoke. I'm not surprised, though, it was unusually loud in the karaoke room.
306. Uncle Buck's Bar & Grill (Ottumwa, IA) [see details]518 Church St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 682-4449
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Live music
or karaoke
Outdoor seating
B: Bud Lite 16oz draw - $2
S: Bud Lite 16oz draw - $2
And, again, another zig-zag across the street. This place was also having karaoke, but here it was proving popular with singer after singer after singer. The setup was in the front room by the window which had to help. Upon our arrival B noticced a distinctive-looking fella and immediately nicknamed him "Blonde Jesus". Beefore we left, Blonde Jesus got up and sang "Sweet Home Alabama".
307. Owl's Nest (Ottumwa, IA) [see details]116 S Court St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 682-9368
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
B: Bud Lite 10oz draw - $1.25
S: Bud Lite 10oz draw - $1.25
We were now both feeling it. Not drunk... full. Stomach volume was proving to be a major challenge that looked likeely to keep us from reaching our goal.
308. Tom Tom Tap (Ottumwa, IA) [see details]107 E 2nd St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 682-8051
http://www.hotelottumwa.com/tomtom.htmRating: Price:
Lounge
Upscale
Hotel bar for the Hotel Ottumwa
B: Bud Lite 16oz draw - $2
S: Bud Lite 16oz draw - $2
Our stomachs were so full that these beers were now massive. B had to step outside thinking he would be sick, and I did not think I was far behind. We nursed these beers, trying all we could to get them down.
Finally we were forcced to invoke our rarely-used Emergency Stomach Volume Relief Rule. This rule allows us to bypass one large draw by drinking the same amount from the glass as the size of the smallest draw beer we had been allowed to purchase all day. (This rule was last invoked on Cinco de Mayo at Big Nose Kate's in Salina, KS.) Since the smallest draw we were served today was 8oz, that meant we had to drink half. I drank 2/3 for good measure. This rule is truly reserved for emergency use only since its use creates an automatic violation of the sacred "No Beer Left Behind" rule.
309. Scooters (Ottumwa, IA) [see details]305 E Main St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-4197
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=265317835Rating: Price:
Dance floor
Lounge
B: Tall Kamikaze - $3.50
S: Tall Kamikaze - $3.50
We entered through the back door and discovered that this was a dance club. A bouncer stopped us and told us there was a $2 cover. We don't pay cover charges so we turned around and left -- it's just not not right to have to pay in order to be able to buy a drink.
We went around the block and found another place. We went inside, another dance club. The bouncer stopped us, but this one said "You guys were here earlier, right?" About then we realized that we were at
the same place we had just left the other end of, so technically it wasn't a lie to say "Yes." :) The bouncer waved us on in.
With our stomachs still suffering from a volume issue I decided to order us kamikaze shots instead of beer. But the bartender misunderstood and made us tall kamikazes instead. Still, this was much less liquid than a pint of beer.
When we arrived a man to B's right began staring very affectionately at him, making B somewhat uncomfortable. The guy then started making some suggestive remarks. Just as the bartender handed me the drinks, B grabbed me and made me trade places with him, spilling some of my drink onto my shirt. The guy that was bugging B took my hand then told me he was going to have my friend "maybe not tonight, perhaps not tomorrow, but soon." We slammed our drinks and got the hell out of there.
310. The Salty Frog (Ottumwa, IA) [see details]314 E Main St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 683-8327
http://www.myspace.com/saltyfrog Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Lounge
Live music
or karaoke
B: Bud Lite 8oz draw - $1.25
S: Bud Lite 8oz draw - $1.25
Right across the street from Scooters, this place had only been open for a couple of weeks tops when we visited.
311. Cocanana's (Ottumwa, IA) [see details]1317 E Main St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 682-1931
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
We got our beers ($1 each for 10oz Bud Light draws) and I began looking through my notebook to see how we had done. I did a double-take and rechecked my figures. I was stunned to discover that we had just ordered our 30th drink at our 30th bar of the day, shattering our previous record by 7 bars.
We high-fived and clinked our glasses, sending a splash of beer onto the bar counter. A guy standing at the end of the bar asked what we were celebrating.
"We've been to 30 bars!" we said.
"Really? This is your 30th ever?" the guy asked.
"No," we replied, "our 30th today!"
"Oh my god!" interjected the bartender. "PLEASE tell me you are not driving!"
"Oh no," we reassured her, "we're on foot."
"Well, congratulations, then, and be careful," she told us as she wiped up our minor spill.
After we finished our drinks and left the bar, we were met in the parking lot by a group of patrons, a man and two women who had heard us talking about our accomplishment. They asked us where all we had been and shared with us a wealth of information about some of the bars we had been to earlier in the day.
312. American Legion Post 78 (Bloomfield, IA) [see details]211 E Jefferson St
Bloomfield, IA 52537
(641) 664-2446
http://www.legion.org/Rating: Price:
Private club or
restricted entry
Dive bar
B: Coors Light 10oz draw - $1
S: Coors Light 10oz draw - $1
We had trouble figuring out how to get into this place, the front door seemed to be locked. (We later discovered it was just sticky.) We went in through the back.
We asked our bartender about the other bars in the area. She named a couple of places on the way out of town that she thought we'd like. More upscale. "Younger people, people more like you, you'll like it."
"There's also Jim's Silver Dollar around the corner, but you don't want to go. That place is a complete dump. Dirty, disgusting. Really nasty. Nasty people, too. [leaning in] True white trash. [leaning more and motioning towards the guys at the far end of the bar] Even worse than what you get in here. And it's expensive, you'll pay a buck-fifty, maybe even a buck seventy-five."
Now, with an endorsement like that, where else would we go next??? :)
313. Jim's Silver Dollar (Bloomfield, IA) [see details]109 S Washington St
Bloomfield, IA 52537
(641) 664-3162
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
B: Old Milwaukeee 10oz draw - $1
S: Old Milwaukeee 10oz draw - $1
This place wasn't bad at all... exactly the type of dive we like. The antique bar was incredible, the ceiling ornate, and behind us a rustic old-timey piano sat side-by-side wwith a TouchTunes jukebox. The men's room was a bit odd... basically a closet with a toilet -- no sink and no working light.
314. Boondocks (Lancaster, MO) [see details]104 Jackson St
Lancaster, MO 63548
(660) 457-3544
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
B: Bud Lite 7oz bottle - $1.25
S: Bud Lite 7oz bottle - $1.25
We asked for the smallest beer they had, and got the smallest beer of the entire trip. I'd never seen such small bottles before.
315. Checkers (Queen City, MO) [see details]430 Cedar St
Queen City, MO 63561
(660) 766-2423
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
B: Bud bottle - $2
S: Miller Light bottle - $2
We sat at the square-shaped bar and talkedd across the bar to an old man with a tracheotomy as he smoked a cigarette. He and the bartender -- a young woman -- told us about how this place is usually pretty busy once the farmers come in from the fields. As we left, B bought trache-man another beer.
316. Full Moon Bar & Grill (Kirksville, MO) [see details]816 W Northtown Rd
Kirksville, MO 63501
(660) 665-5600
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Biker friendly
Live music
or karaoke
B: Bud Lite 10oz draw - $2
S: Bud Lite 10oz draw - $2
317. The Locker Room (Kirksville, MO) [see details]106 S Elson St
Kirksville, MO 63501
(660) 665-4448
http://www.myspace.com/kvlockerroomRating: Price:
Dive bar
Sports bar
B: Bud Lite 10oz draw - $1.50
S: Bud Lite 10oz draw - $1.50
We watched a couple rounds of UFC with several other guys.
318. TP's Office (Kirksville, MO) [see details]
319. Ryan's Sports Bar (Kirksville, MO) [see details]112 W Harrison St
Kirksville, MO 63501
(660) 627-5919
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Sports bar
B: Bud Lite 10oz draw - $1.75
S: Bud Lite 10oz draw - $1.75
320. Woody's Wooden Nickel (Kirksville, MO) [see details]114 S Elson St
Kirksville, MO 63501
(660) 665-2760
http://www.woodennickelrestaurant.com/Rating: Price:
Restaurant bar
Lounge
B: Bud Lite 14oz draw - $1
S: Mule Kick 14oz draw - $1.75
They were just opening up and the bartender was doing side work so te owner poured our beers. "I'm just the owner, I don't know what these things cost," he said wwhile hooking us up with a sweet deal.
The owner restored a 1913 round barn that today ise used for stage play as well as a blues festival. See
roundbarnblues.com for details.
321. Dukum Inn (Kirksville, MO) [see details]111 S Elson St
Kirksville, MO 63501
(660) 665-7722
http://dukuminn.com/Rating: Price:
Dance floor
Restaurant bar
Live music
or karaoke
B: Coors Light 8oz draw - $2
S: Coors Light 8oz draw - $2
With school out of session, this was the busiest of all the places we visited in Kirksville. They had a great selection of beer on tap but the half-draws we wanted were only available for the domestics.
322. Too Tall's Two: The Inferno (Kirksville, MO) [see details]220 N Elson St
Kirksville, MO 63501
(660) 665-1844
Rating: Price:
Lounge
Live music
or karaoke
B: Bud Lite 10oz draw - $1.50
S: Fat Tire 10oz draw - $2.50
This place was originally Too Tall's, then it caught fire. It was fixed up and reopened as Too Tall's Two. Then
it's owner, the mayor, burned it down for insurance money. A new owner bought it, fixed it back up again, and reopened it as Too Tall's Too: The Inferno.
The fiery history is celbrated within including animated flames of light projected on one of the walls. This place seems prone to fire, even the new owner nearly did it again with an accidental trash can fire in the office one night -- spotted only because a patron outside at closing time asked about the new smoke machine. :)
323. Nemo Rocks (Kirksville, MO) [see details]
324. Chevy's Bar & Grill (Novinger, MO) [see details]125 S Frankford Ave
Novinger, MO 63559
(660) 488-5300
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
On the way into town we spotted a guy driving a go-cart and tried to get his picture... but he was too fast and all we got was his dust.
B: Natural Light can - $1.50
S: Natural Light can - $1.50
When we arrived in town we found three bars lined up in a row, but only the southern one was in business.
Our bartender told us that she couldn't remember the name of the one in the middle but that the other one was named "Hotel California". She said that only one of the three bars ever seems to be in business at any given time, and that she has worked at each of them.
By the way, how often do you see a Bible verse on the side of a bar?
325. Legends (Green Castle, MO) [see details]93 E Front St
Green Castle, MO 63544
(660) 874-4686
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Live music
or karaoke
Outdoor seating
B: Natural Light can - $1.50
S: Natural Light can - $1.50
We couldn't go into the bar due it being rented out for a bachelor party. Luckily it had a nice outdoor beer garden. Our bartender was the former owner, a really nice guy.
We each did have to slip into the main bar to use the restroom and in doing so found that the the stripper, who was supposed to have been there by now according to the bartender, was late and only a few guys were anywhere to be seen.
We saw far too many cars parked nearby to be explained by the number of people in the bachelor party so looked around and found that the local Lion's Club meets in the "Opra" House [sic] across the street. We decided to check it out. B opened the door, and about 200 silver-haired bingo players stopped what they were doing and stared at us. B wanted to join them, but I wanted to hit the road.
326. Afternoon Saloon (Milan, MO) [see details](Formerly
Cat's Den)
103 S Main St
Milan, MO 63556
(660) 265-5000
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Lounge
B: Bud Lite 8oz draw - $1
S: Fat Tire 8oz draw - $1
This place was almost cavernous and looked like it had been recently renovated. I selected a seat at some patio furniture.
327. Rob's Beer Joint (Browning, MO) [see details]310 W Main St
Browning, MO 64630
(660) 946-9905
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Live music
or karaoke
B: PBR can - $2
S: PBR can - $2
Rob still owns the place but has been having health problems the last several months, so his wife is running things for him.
328. Horseshoe Bar (Linneus, MO) [see details]209 W State St
Linneus, MO 64653
(660) 895-9905
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Restaurant bar
While we were sitting in this spacious bar the bartender's husband and 3 children arrived and sat near us. Cute kids, sipping on their Cokes.
B: PBR can - $2
S: PBR can - $2
329. Lucky's (Brookfield, MO) [see details](Formerly
Shawn's Place)
610 W Lockling St
Brookfield, MO 64628
(660) 258-5303
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Lounge
Live music
or karaoke
B: Coors Light bottle - $2
S: Coors Light bottle - $2
Your basic strip-mall bar. When we arrived there were 2 cop cars waiting in the lot. Moments later two guys left the bar with drinks in-hand and started to get in their cars. Then they both noticed the cops and in unison turned around and went back inside.
330. OK Tavern (Marceline, MO) [see details]126 E Howell Ave
Marceline, MO 64658
(660) 376-9400
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
B: Michelob 10oz draw - $2
S: Michelob Light 10oz draw - $2
I had mis-printed my map of this town so it took us for-e-ver to find this place... even having asked for directions. Finally I spotted the telltale neon and we eventually figured out how to get to it. The interior was pretty rustic.
331. My Place Ca Fae and Lounge (Bucklin, MO) [see details]1416 N Livingston St
Bucklin, MO 64631
(660) 695-3476
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Live music
or karaoke
We pulled in to Bucklin, MO a little after 10:00 on a summer Saturday night, and after a couple of wrong turns found the My Place bar.
The place was packed, in part due to a birthday party. Karaoke was in full swing, and a large guy in overalls named Norm was enjoying a few beers. We got ourselves a couple of cans of Busch Light and sought an empty spot to go hang out.
The karaoke DJ announced that Norm had a special talent to perform but only if the bar raised $50. A collection was taken up (we chipped in a few dollars ourselves), and before long the funds were raised.
Apparently under instruction not to do it inside the bar, Norm stepped just outside the door and proceeded to remove his underwear without removing his overalls to the delight of the crowd. After he got a round of ovation I got a picture of him, complete with his underwear hanging out of his pocket and the fifty dollars cash in his fist.
As we were leaving, a woman step out of the bar, spat a loogie into the street, and stepped back inside.
My Place is located in downtown Bucklin, just northeast of Hunt Street on Livingston (Mo-129). Bucklin is in Linn County, MO, about a mile-and-a-half north of US-36 on MO-129.
332. Bottom of the Hill (New Cambria, MO) [see details](Formerly
Jimbo's)
101 W Front Ave
New Cambria, MO 63558
(660) 226-5959
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Live music
or karaoke
B: Busch Light 8oz draw - $0.75
S: Busch Light 8oz draw - $0.75
Karaoke was in play here, but it was dead. We learned why when we tried it ourselves. B did a severely-truncated "You Never Even Call Me By My Name" and I did "Elvira". The karaoke guy had never done it before and apparently was uninsured because he warned both of us to be extremely careful around his "$22,000 of equipment". There was only one song book and it was fastened to the microphone stand. The songs were not organized by title nor artist, instead by what CD they were on, and most of the pages were hand-written. Several times he was unable to find the right songs using his "system". "Elvira" was my third attempt for him to find a song that he had listed, and it took him 3 tries to even find that. Wow. :)
At least we got to meet the dopplegangers of Julianne Moore and Kid Rock, who were having a beer together next to us.
333. Office Bar & Grill (Bethel, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
334. Jerry's Neighborhood Sports Bar (Bethel, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
335. American Legion Post 199 (Bethel, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
336. To the Hoop Bar & Grill (State Ave, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
337. 61st St Pit Stop (State Ave, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
338. Sports Page Bar & Grill (State Ave, Kansas City, KS) [see details](Formerly
an arcade and water slide)
941 N 74th Dr
Kansas City, KS 66112
(913) 788-5139
Rating: Price:
Sports bar
Dance floor
Live music
or karaoke
We had a hard time finding this place which was why we had to do some backtracking. We paused for lunch at an Arby's and while we were there deduced that our next stop had to be located down the hill across the street.
The locals all touted this as the premier bar in the area and the best place to be. It was large and decent, but an older man to our left was being a little too pompous about this place and describing everything else as a shithole.
339. Experience Sports Bar & Grill (Welborn, Kansas City, KS) [see details](Formerly
Rax)
5934 Leavenworth Rd
Kansas City, KS 66104
(913) 788-2400
http://www.experiencesportsbarandgrill.com/Rating: Price:
Lounge
Upscale
This was a bit of a surprise. This was the only bar whose web site we had checked out in advance. There was a major incongruity between what that web site presents and the converted former Rax restaurant we found ourselves in as the only white customers. No one seemed bothered by our presence, perhaps they were too distracted watching "Village of the Damned" on the TV at the bar, but a few newcomers did do double-takes when they saw us sitting in there.
340. Bill's 32 West (Muncie, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
341. Roadhouse Bar & Grill (Muncie, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
342. Frankie D's (Muncie, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
343. Jamie's Place (Turner, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
344. Muddy Waters Bar & Grill (Muncie, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
345. Coyote Blue Cantina (Argentine, Kansas City, KS) [see details]2710 Strong Ave
Kansas City, KS 66106
(913) 432-8005
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Restaurant bar
The photo is actually of the building we went in by mistake first. Coyote Blue is the next building to the left, the gray building.
We were invited to join in on a nacho bar and also to have some free tripe but we were too scared to try it.
As the only non-hispanics in the place, while I was in the restroom B was accused of being an undercover cop from the vice squad. B neither confirmed nor denied this allegation. ;)
346. Cafe Al Dente (River Market, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
347. Los Tules (West Side, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
348. Paddy O'Quigleys Pub & Grille (Crossroads, Kansas City, MO) [see details] OF BUSINESS
Closed in early 2008, less than a year after opening.
|
100 E 20th St
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 842-0400
http://www.oquigleys.com/Price:
Sports bar
349. Madrigall (East Crossroads, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
350. Houlihan's Restaurant (Boardwalk, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
351. Dad's Hole In the Wall (State Ave, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
352. Reich's Club (Argentine, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
353. Country Cabaret Club (Armourdale, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
354. Casino Bar (Armourdale, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
355. Alibi's (Armourdale, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
356. Oasis: the Club (Armourdale, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
357. Club Sparks (Armourdale, Kansas City, KS) [see details]1436 Kansas Ave
Kansas City, KS 66105
(913) 233-1099
Rating: Price:
Dance floor
Lounge
Live music
or karaoke
This was a bonus bar, we were actually heading next door to a place called Carol's Place that for whatever reason was not open.
This place, open for only a few months now, was really nice and looking to be proving quite popular. It was very clean with a great smell (how often can you say that about a bar?) and they were serving up the Saturday taco special. Our bartender was the owner and was terrific. This may have been the most expensive bar of the day, as well as in this area, but it looks like it's going to do very well.
358. Pam's Pizza & Pub (Park Drive, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
359. Gossip Inn (Park Drive, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
360. Dot Landers (Central, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
361. Hideout Club (Central, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
362. Blue Rose (Central, Kansas City, KS) [see details]1013 Central Ave
Kansas City, KS 66102
(913) 321-7673
Rating: Price:
Private club or
restricted entry
Dive bar
We had first entered a private club called Dixie's and immediately faced a grilling not only from the bartender but also from a customer at the end of the bar. "Check their membership cards! They don't belong here! Throw them out!" he kept shouting as the bartender nagged a Mexican family who also were not members. This wasn't necessary at all, we had respected the rules everywhere we have been, but this customer was being way too much of an asshole about it. So, noticing that he was reading the new Harry Potter book, B leaned in and told him how it ended as we were heading towards the door.
We stepped outside into the blistering heat and saw The Blue Rose across the street. D and I were tired of being tossed out of places (Dixie's had made about 5 today) so B went to go check it out. After a few minutes of standing in the heat without a peep from B, we decided to go see what was happening only to find B sitting comfortably in the A/C halfway through his frosty cold beer.
The bartender gave us membership applications, the only private club we found that actually offered a way to become a member, and poured our beers.
363. Johnnie's Club (Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
364. Chicago's (Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
365. Sammy's Tavern (Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
366. Six-Ten Club (Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
367. The View (Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS) [see details]
368. Jim Bob's Belly-Up Bar (Oceans of Fun, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
369. The Studio Restaurant & Bar (Arena District, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
370. Bert & Ernie's (Plattsburg, MO) [see details] OF BUSINESS
Was destroyed by a fire on November 6, 2007.
|
108 Broadway St
Plattsburg, MO 64477
(816) 539-3136
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Restaurant bar
A pretty nice place! After our first beer we decided to stick around and try the pizza. We had a medium pepperoni & sausage, and it was delicious. Actually good enough that I'd be willing to make the hour drive each way to have it again sometime!
Edit: Except now I can't, it burned down a couple of months later. :(
371. Katies Pub (Gower, MO) [see details]
372. B Z Bar (Edgerton, MO) [see details]
373. On the Rocks Bar & Grill (Smithville, MO) [see details]
374. Town Tavern (Smithville, MO) [see details]
375. Brick House Cafe & Pub (Smithville, MO) [see details]
376. Destiny's Bar & Grill (Nashua, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
377. Goodtimes Restaurant & Lounge (Excelsior Springs, MO) [see details]
378. VFW Post 741 / American Legion Post 256 (Excelsior Springs, MO) [see details]
379. Our Place Bar & Grill (Richmond, MO) [see details]
380. Hide a Way Bar (Richmond, MO) [see details]
381. Depot Tavern (Richmond, MO) [see details]
382. Shakers Nightclub (Richmond, MO) [see details]
383. The Dukes (Richmond, MO) [see details]
384. V.P.'s Bar (Lexington, MO) [see details]
385. Riley's Pub & Grill (Lexington, MO) [see details]
386. Lexington Inn Lounge (Lexington, MO) [see details]1078 N Outer Rd
Lexington, MO 64067
(660) 259-9025
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Dance floor
Live music
or karaoke
aka "Edge of Town"
This motel bar is a popular hangout, especially at the end of hospital shifts, and gets pretty packed.
387. Red Dawg Saloon (Buckner, MO) [see details]
388. Jersey's Sports Cafe (Ripley, Independence, MO) [see details]
389. Dr Pikl's (Ripley, Independence, MO) [see details]
390. Paradise Pointe Clubhouse Bar (Paradise Pointe, Smithville, MO) [see details]
391. 13th Street Bar & Grill (Arena District, Kansas City, MO) [see details]Closed, but a new bar has opened in the same location.
This is now the new location of Tarantino's.
|
417 E 13th St
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 221-3313
Rating: Price:
Restaurant bar
Decent lunchtime bar & grill but no eevening hours. Eventually closed. Re-opened under new owners who tried to turn it into a night-weekend business. But the hours they were open were spotty and unreliable, making it hard to establish a customer base. Went out of business in late 2007.
Now it's the home of Tarantino's.
392. McFadden's (Power & Light District, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
393. Mac's South KC Jazz & Blues (South KC, Kansas City, MO) [see details]11816 Blue Ridge Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64134
(816) 763-9400
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Dance floor
Lounge
Live music
or karaoke
Practically in Grandview but technically in Kansas City, Mac's South KC Jazz & Blues is both a popular neighborhood lounge and regional music destination.
Open from 4pm to 2am, in evening Mac's might remind one of "Cheers", a relaxing place with friendly, familiar faces every day. After 10:00 the younger crowd comes in and Mac's transforms into an energized dance club.
(We were invited in before opening to take some photos. The photo above with the crowd is one we found on the Internet.)
If you're hungry, the daily bar food includes wings, fish, and shrimp. On Sundays and Tuesdays the dinner special is pork chops with chicken rice and gravy.
For entertainment, there are dart leagues Wednesdays and Thursdays, and a DJ on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. There is also a live band once a month.
Mac's is where KC native and rising star Tech N9ne launched his career. Some of Mac's guests also include comedian Reynaldo Rey, as well as the Blue Angels, both of whom stop in whenever they are in town.
In business for 10 years, Mac's is owned by the McKenzie family. Ken McKenzie runs the club, and his wife Etta is also active in the local business community.
Mac's is on the north side of Blue Ridge Blvd, a quarter mile northeast of US 71 Hwy. Most of the parking is in the rear, so don't be scared away if the front lot looks full.
394. Brio Tuscan Grill (Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
395. Ranch House (Blue Springs, MO) [see details]1505 SE AA Hwy
Blue Springs, MO 64014
(816) 229-4720
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Biker friendly
Technically in unincorporated Jackson County, the Ranch House is believed to be the oldest bar in Eastern Jackson County, both in terms of continuous operation as the same bar and in terms of the age of the building housing it.
Our bartender was extremely friendly and helpful, giving us information about the locations of all sorts of bars in Blue Springs to help us start off our day.
396. Gridiron Lounge (Downtown, Blue Springs, MO) [see details]1123 W Main St
Blue Springs, MO 64015
(816) 229-9517
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
The Gridiron is the end point for one of the world's shortest St. Patrick's Day Parades, an annual tradition for over 3 decades. The parade begins across the street at the old Lowe's Drug building and has a total length of 66 feet.
One thing that was amusing to us was the restroom. Tiny side-by-side stalls for women and men opened to a common sink. The stalls were so small that the men's stall had a notch cut in the door so that it could be closed without hitting the toilet. The toilet itself had a makeshift tank lid fabricated out of a piece of sheet metal. A true classic.
By the way if you are a KU fan, stay away. You'll be mocked and ridiculed until you cry.
397. Clancy's Cafe & Pub (Blue Springs, MO) [see details]
398. Trouser Mouse Bar & Grill (Blue Springs, MO) [see details]625 NW Mock Ave
Blue Springs, MO 64014
(816) 220-1222
http://www.trousermousebar.com/Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Sports bar
Live music
or karaoke
Blues, Jazz, Bluegrass, & Rockabilly venue in a strip mall. Several pool tables, too.
The coin boxes on the pool tables were being emptied while we were here and I never realized how much money pool tables make. Sounded like slot machines.
399. Twin Stroke Bar & Grill (Blue Springs, MO) [see details]
400. Special Kay's Pub & Grub (Blue Springs, MO) [see details]1513 SW State Route 7
Blue Springs, MO 64014
(816) 229-9229
Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Restaurant bar
Live music
or karaoke
When we asked for 10-oz draws our bartender asked us why we wanted such small beers. Not wanting to get into too much detail about our plans for the day we just said that we were on lunch break for work. "Where do you work?" she asked. Not wanting to get trapped, I said "Oh, we all work at different places and just decided to meet up here for a beer."
With our 10-ouncers in hand, we settled down to play the trivia box.
The odd centerpiece of this bar is the televangelist-style image of (presumably) the owners, painted onto a mirror...
401. Stick's Bar & Grill (Blue Springs, MO) [see details]
402. Night Shades (Blue Springs, MO) [see details]
403. Firehouse Bar (Blue Springs, MO) [see details]
404. Wise Guy's Bar & Grill (Blue Springs, MO) [see details]
405. Edge of Town (Blue Springs, MO) [see details]960 SW 37th St
Blue Springs, MO 64015
(816) 224-0595
http://edgeoftowncafe.com/Rating: Price:
Dive bar
Lounge
Live music
or karaoke
B had said we'd be carded harder here than any other place, and he was right. All 3 of us were carded... sort of. The bartender changed her mind about carding me after checking D's and B's IDs. :)
One odd thing about the layout of this bar is that while the women's restroom is inside, you have to physically leave the bar to get to the men's restroom.
406. Tool Shed Cocktail Lounge (Knobtown, Kansas City, MO) [see details]
407. Doc Hollidays Bar & Grill (Knobtown, Kansas City, MO) [see details]14816 E US Highway 40
Kansas City, MO 64136
(816) 478-0766
http://www.myspace.com/dochollidaysbarandgrillRating: Price:
Dive bar
Dance floor
Biker friendly
Live music
or karaoke
Just down the road from Tool Shed, this place is also technically in Kansas City (just barely) and was very busy.
Realizing we hadn't eaten all day we got ourselves an appetizer of fried pepper jack balls and they were really good.
408. Hot Shots (Independence, MO) [see details]
For the past few years I’ve been keeping a meticulous record of ever bar I have visited. While I have been listing them by name here, several people have mentioned that my list would be more useful if it had more information.