Night Clubs

I have tried to list a few of the local dance clubs and bars in the immediate KC area. I am constantly updating the list, so make sure you send me more info about anything new or some of the hot spots I may have overlooked. Feel free to post your own happenings and places that will have some things happening.

America’s Pub 510 Westport Rd. 816-531-1313

This place is America. The diverse crowd is made up of not-so-tough suburbanites, so-tough gangstas, skinny girls in short skirts, college students and middle-aged men and women who can drink the youngsters under the tables. These creatures meet in a sultry, smoky haze on a sunken dance floor or at a pair of long bars where patrons order expensive drinks (the Pub may offer drink specials, but what exactly is in that Long Island iced tea?). For those too shy or too sober to dance, there’s a game room with pool tables, foosball and video games.

Ameristar Casino, Depot #9 3200 N. Ameristar Dr. 806-414-7000

Angel’s Rock Bar 1323 Walnut 816-896-3943
At one time, this chain nightclub (exclusive only to the Cordish Companies, located on the upper level of the Power & Light District) claimed to be Kansas City’s only true rock bar, which turned off many a local musician and/or scenester. Now that the smoke and hype have cleared, we can see that besides the barely clad female flair bartenders, Angels Rock Bar has bras hanging from the chandeliers, a swing affixed to the ceiling, and a huge video screen for those who have gotten their fill of the circus around them. Expect loud music, expensive drinks — and long lines to get those expensive drinks. Total rock-star style.

The Back Yard at the Beaumont Club 4050 Pennsylvania 816-931-2224

The Westport Beach Club is aptly named. It’s a large, outdoor bar and patio with an attached sand volleyball court. The place draws a lot of athletic frat-types, but the crowd around the bar is often diverse, thanks to various theme nights, hip-hop DJs and salsa dancing. The weekly drink specials rock the summertime.

Balanca’s 1809 Grand 816-474-6369
No one should feel out of place at Balanca’s. This club is the perfect place for gay, straight and undecided persons, not to mention those looking to have some fun with someone else’s wife or husband. On any given night, swinging couples can be found scanning the crowds for like-minded pairs. The red leather booths and demonic artwork make for a sultry atmosphere that’s as frightening as it is sexy, while James Dean and Marilyn Monroe look down from the wall approvingly. Both friendly and abrasive, ever-present owner Lori Burroughs simply won’t tolerate closed-minded troublemakers. Balanca’s plays host to rock, hip-hop, blues and even karaoke acts.

Beaumont Club 4050 Pennsylvania 816-561-2560
The Beaumont was designed to be a country-music dance hall. This explains the mechanical bull, the bar stools made of saddles, and the country-spinning DJs who are there most nights. But the club books more than just country acts; on any night of the week, expect to see live rock, rap, metal or even the occasional boxing match at the ol’ Beaumont. Which is a good thing, because the club’s size and acoustics are well suited for big-but-not-huge concerts such as the Dropkick Murphys or Matisyahu. The NASCAR-meets-dark-nightclub décor here is pretty run-down, but the ample space, the pool tables and the chance to ride a mechanical bull mostly make up for it.

Blonde 100 Ward Pkwy. 816-931-2525

Missie B’s 805 W. 39th St. 816-561-0625

Each of the two floors at Missie B’s has its own distinct appeal. The spacious bottom houses a long bar, which, depending on the night, is either bustling or sleepy. B’s presents colorful drag shows on its illuminated stage, plus karaoke on Tuesdays and Thursdays . The top floor is where the dance happens. A light-drenched dance floor that looks like something out of a Pat Benatar video fills with sweaty partyboys and partygirls thrusting and swishing to pop remixes, courtesy of a DJ who presides from a booth ensconced in chain-link fencing. Twin stripper poles loom over the crowd; many have witnessed (or engaged in) a pole-off or two. Even if you’re not a member of the rich and fabulous, you can still throw down like one here.

Mosaic Lounge 1331 Walnut 816-442-8134

Sleek and sophisticated, with soft seating, champagne by the glass and an outdoor balcony overlooking the Power & Light District, which has fast become Kansas City’s living room. Mosaic is downtown Kansas City’s premier destination for cocktails after work, private parties or late night festivities, with a soundtrack provided by the area’s premier DJs. Hours: Open 9pm-3am Wed.-Sat.

PBR Big Sky Bar 111 E. 13th Street
Cowboy cool meets urban chic… From the toughest sport on dirt, comes Kansas City’s most stunning country and western bar, as PBR brings its party downtown to the Power & Light District! Throw in cold beer, hard drinks and a little bull ridin’, and it’s every cowboy and cowgirl’s nighttime oasis. Across the street from the Sprint Center. Hours: Open 7pm-3am Thu., 6pm-3am Fri., 8pm-3am Sat.

The Jones Pool 10 E. 13th St.

Tootsies 1822 Main 816-471-7704

Voodoo Lounge – Harrah’s One Riverboat Dr. North 816-889-7320

VooDoo hosts great parties. Nationally-known DJs are flown in each week to work their magic using one of the most sophisticated sound and lighting systems in the country. As the night heats up, flair bartenders entertain, VooDoo Doll Dancers set the pace and the crowd connects. Rock the VIP experience as we raise the velvet rope exclusively for your entourage. Party at your reserved table – bottle service provided. Contact VIP reservations at voodooreservations@harrahs.com. Hours: Open 8pm-3am Fri., 9pm-3am Sat. $5 cover charge