Every great night out on the town should start with the perfect dinner. The right dinner vibes can at times be hard to find, but these places are sure to get your night started the right way.

1. Rockhill Grille

Lighting up the corner of 20th and Grand since August 2016, The Rockhill Grille sets the perfect stage for a great night to come. The fresh yet classic décor lets you know from the second you walk in that you’ve come to the right place. Serving up classic American favorites with a modern twist, they are knocking it out of the park again and again. Fan favorites like the Jalapeño Cheese Tater Tots and the Rockhill Collins are served throughout the multilevel bar and restaurant, framed by the Kansas City skyline.

Jalapeño cheesy tots. Photo by Emily Held

2. SoT

The secret garden that is SoT, is located, as the name suggest, just South of Truman. While best known for their innovative specialty cocktails, their ever-changing dining menu is consistently fantastic. Packed with seasonal and larger than life flavors, your dinner is destined for success. SoT also has one of the most noteworthy and quaint patios in all of Kansas City, hidden out back between neighboring Crossroads buildings. Don’t leave without trying their delicate and delectable dessert items like homemade ice cream sandwiches and horchata sundaes. Welcome to your new obsession, South of Truman.

3. Extra Virgin

If tapas are your thing, Extra Virgin is the best place for you to kick off your night. The eclectic and vast menu from the James Beard winner Michael Smith is bound to blow you away time and time again. After selecting a drink or two from their legendary bar program, the perfect food pairing is bound to follow. Whether it be a Nose to Tail delicacy like the Duck Tongue Tacos or a classic dish like Bread and Ricotta, there’s something for everyone at Extra Virgin.

Tapas at Extra Virgin. Photo by Emily Held

4. Gram & Dun

Located proudly on the Country Club Plaza, with one of the most iconic patios and dining spaces, Gram & Dun consistently provides a fun and elegant dining experience. The upscale, yet comfortable atmosphere ensures a great dinner and drinks are in store. A signature favorite, The “D” Cup with Grey Goose Le Citron, St. Germain, lemon and cranberry, alone will keep you coming back for more. Other staple menu items include the French Onion Dumplings, Asian Pig Wings and the Tomahawk Ribeye For Two.

5. Julep

Last, but certainly not least, the people bringing class and kick-ass cocktails to Westport. The culinary minds behind Julep Cocktail Club also know how to serve up a killer dinner. Through their menu items like Hot Crab Dip, Fried Shrimp Po’Boy and Mac & Cheese, they are sure to prove that Julep is much more than just kickass cocktails. That being said, their libations and bar selection is unparalleled and ups the ante for all of Westport. Enjoying dinner and drinks under the lights at Julep will be a night you won’t forget.

5 Dinners to Start Your Big Night Off Right