Looking for things to do in KC? The West Bottoms is one of the most unique and historic areas in Kansas City and has so much to offer. Here's the complete guide of Kansas City's West Bottoms.
Activities and Things to Do
First Friday's: The West Bottoms is incredibly popular on First Fridays. All of the antique and vintage shops open like Good Ju Ju, Bella Patina, Martin's Memories, Stuffology, Serendipity, The Robin's Nest, The Dusted Attic. Some of these are open throughout the week but for many, First Friday weekends are the only time you're able to stop in. The West Bottoms is home to the best antiquing in Kansas City. Because most of the buildings in the West Bottoms were previously warehouses, some of these antique shops are really large, spanning multiple floors. If you like antiquing or people watching, this is the time to go.
Haunted Houses: The West Bottoms is home to three massive and very well done haunted houses. The Edge of Hell, The Beast and Macabre Cinema. The first two span multiple floors and have been voted Best Haunted House in the Nation. They are very good and absolutely worth it if you're into getting spooked.
Lemonade Park: A newer music venue in KC's West Bottoms that books great shows and offers food from nearby Voltaire.
Hammerpress: A really well curated letterpress and stationery shop.
In The Lowest Ferns: A HIFI cocktail lounge.
West Bottom Bikes: A bike shop with both new and used bikes for sale. They also do bike repairs. West Bottom Bikes occasionally host bike swap meets where you can find and trade unique bike parts.
Doc's Caboose: Everything model trains. If model trains are a hobby of yours or you just want to immerse yourself into this fascinating world, Doc's is the spot.
Vintage Source: Great vintage MCM-centered furniture store that also does upholstery and refinishing. They have a really fun selection of furniture in their 7000 sq ft showroom.
Lark's Entertainment: Newer to the West Bottom's, Lark's is a shuffleboard forward bar. They also have cornhole, an arcade and tons of food and drink options.
12th Street Post: A huge space with a variety of KC-based makers. You'll find plants, candles, vintage and more. Inside, you will also find AdhDIY, a craft cafe with a plethora of art projects to choose from.
Where to Eat
Blip Roasters: Voted one of the best coffee shops in Missouri. Blip is the go to space for motorcyclists. They moved into a new space after the pandemic that now has merch, a cafe and even a motorcycle repair shop. Blip has a light menu with solid food options.
Java Garage: Java Garage is a really cozy space with really great coffee. They have an assortment of pastries and soups as well.
The Lunch Box: Really tasty, casual spot for breakfast and lunch. Great burgers and sandwiches here.
Golden Ox: A phenomenal steakhouse in the Stockyard District.
Voltaire: A record bar with delicious New American food.
Have a Drink
Lucky Boys: Classic bar and lounge in the Stockyard District. They've got good food and a pool table.
The Ship: A nautical, ship-themed bar with live music. The Ship dates back to just after the repeal of Prohibition and it eventually shuttered in the mid-90s. It was eventually reopened in its current location with all of the old fixtures in 2014. They have really good food and drinks during the day and offers live music in the evening most nights of the week.
Amigoni Urban Winery: Locally owned, handcrafted wines in the West Bottom'ss Stockyard District
The Campground: A really unique, well-designed cocktail bar featuring dark walls, vintage furnishings and taxidermy. They whip up great cocktails and have some great bites as well.
Stockyard Brewing: Locally made beer in an inviting historic space. They host Sunday Service with live roots music each week.