Kansas City is a midwest jewel that is finding itself on the map a little more each year because of Rodger Goddel’s favorite team: the Kansas City Chiefs. But dont let that stop you for considering it because its a great town. This old river city is a goldmine for eating bbq like kings, drinking like old buddines, and having enough class to make their fiancées think they planned something “nice.”
The Location: Main Street Magic
Staying on Main Street is the move. It’s close to the free streetcar (so no one has to be the DD), and there’s a solid mix of hotels and Airbnb/VRBO rentals. But, If you find a killer aBnB or VRBO? Lock it in. Ubers are cheap, and parking isn’t a nightmare if someone insists on bringing their car.
The Hook: Heavenly BBQ
Kansas City takes BBQ more seriously than your Best Man takes sports gambling. The experts usually rank it right below central texas and about 5 steps above Carolina-style. There are dozens of great spots like Q39, Henry Perry’s, and Gates, but you've done it wrong if you don’t try any of these:
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Arthur Bryant’s – This is the spin off of the place that started it all in KC, Henry Perry’s. Its a national icon that is known for its Burnt Ends, Brisket, and BBQ sauce thatll make you emotional. The staffers are also purposely rude, which is a fun quirk, so know what you want when you get to the front of the line.
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Joe’s Kansas City BBQ – Joe’s Kansas City is the only place where you willingly eat meat from a gas station and call it a life-changing experience. This has been the best spot since the early 90s and has won more than its fair share of competitions. They are known for their Z-Man sandwich, and Burnt ends that are only served on sunday. This is probably the best joint in the city, but don't be surprised if the line wraps around the block.
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Slap’s BBQ – Short for Squeal Like A Pig, Slaps is worth the trip across the river. The team actively competes in the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) circuit, participating in 25-35 contests each season to stay sharp. Try their ribs, burnt ends, and sausages, all prepared fresh daily but just know they close when they run out.
If you cant chose between just one, have someone else enable your meat addiction by booking a KC Barbecue Tour. A driver will cart you around town while you drink your share and eat your weight in smoked meat form all the best spots.
The Time Wasters:
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Sports & Tailgating: If You Time It Right… If your weekend lines up with football season, tailgating at a Chiefs game is bucket-list level, and its pretty cheep. You also have pretty cheep seats at the Royals for baseball fans and Sporting KC. My take is MLS Soccer is a sleeper because, its only 90 minuets and well - its soccer in America… but KC is a really good time. Sit in sections 115-121 if you want to act like a hooligan.
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Boulevard Brewing Co. is the next stop. This KC staple has some of the best local beer, plus a taproom that makes you feel like a classy beer snob instead of a dude in town to shotgun Coors Light. Ive done their brew tour more than once and can vouch for it. But you should stop by Pardo's just north of the brewery for some drunk mexican food.
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Power & Light District – A massive outdoor bar mall where you can open carry drinks and hop between clubs. They have a stage for live music and and a massive screen for to show sports. Its also right next the the Sprint Center (im old) and you can fun there for hours. Just go a little early to side step the cover because drinks are already expensive.
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Riverboat Casinos – Go try and fund the trip or bankrupt the ATM at one of the Kansas City riverboat casinos. I like Bally’s because its close and because I think harrahs is cursed. Its also a good place to get hotels for the trip too, but no sports beeok here, boys - for that youll need to go into Kansas. There is a Hollywood Casion out by the Sporting KC stadium
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West Bottoms – This up and coming, cultured version of Westport. It has some good food spots, decent bars, but also a notably good distillery called. West Bottoms Whiskey Co.It also has a winery if thats the kind of crowd you roll with.
The Tips:
Overall, Skip Westport. Its a cool place to day drink or get brunch, but it gets kinda sketchy at night and mostly caters to people who still have a fake ID. Yeah, its has its spots like Harpos and Laneys, and that bar ashley mentiond. But its a time waster at best in my opinon
Kansas City has a free streetcar goes up and down main st. It starts way down by the museum district and goes all the way through the city - i.e. itll cover everywhere in the guide except Westport.
The Golf:
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Shoal Creek (~$70) – Formerly #55 Public Course in the country by Golf Digest
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Falcon Valley (~50) – 19th best 9-hole course in America via Golfworld
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Topgolf Overland Park - 10611 Nall Ave, Overland Park, KS 66207
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