Curious and Curiouser: Exploring The Fall
Tumble down the rabbit hole and discover one of Kansas City’s newest themed bars with our Neighborhoods Editor Weston Owen.
Photos courtesy of The Fall
“Down, down, down. Would the fall never come to an end!”
A brand new, uniquely enticing bar has been unearthed in our very own backyard. While only open a few months now, this experiential adventure ingrained in the lore of Alice in Wonderland has already begun generating buzz and for good reason. So let’s tumble down this rabbit hole together—allow me to introduce you to The Fall.
Drawing inspiration from underground bars on the west coast, The Fall boasts a decor unique to Westport and Kansas City as a whole. Open on both Friday and Saturday nights, The Fall’s velvet-roped entrance is located at the southwest corner of Ale House. As someone who appreciates novel and memorable experiences, I was very eager to explore this Wonderland-themed bar.
From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with an array of uncommon selfie and photo opportunities. The curious decorations create a unique backdrop—make sure to take advantage of them. Groups are let in individually, so take your time and snap all those pics with your friends. If you don’t post about The Fall, did you even go?
Make your way to the back of the room and check in with the attendant. In the true spirit of Wonderland, you’ll be graciously provided a special ‘Drink Me’ potion (i.e. a fruity green shot) that will get the night started. Fortunately, you won’t physically shrink after drinking it like Alice did. Toast with your friends as you begin your descent to the bar by way of winding staircase lined with clocks of every make, model and design. On the way down, make sure to note the time because it’s easy to lose track of in this unique underground setting.
When you exit the staircase, take a moment to explore. The space is both quaint and inviting while the dim lighting enhances its mystique. You’ll notice the intricate details that went into decorating the bar and appreciate the attention to detail that was given to this space. From colorful walls adorned with leafy vines and barky tree trunks to a fully immersive subterranean atmosphere, the earthy ambiance is unlike anything I’ve experienced in Kansas City.
The Fall harbors four exclusive VIP rooms available for reservation: Alice’s Room, Queen’s Court - Red, Queen’s Court - White and, my personal favorite, The Mad Hatter. Each space seats anywhere from 6-14 friends (depending on the room) and offers your own personal lounge that feels secluded yet not excluded from the party. The velvet-lined furniture is not only comfortable but offers the perfect shots to show off on your social channels. The secret nook in the back of the Mad Hatter was my favorite touch—sometimes you need a breather from the party and it provides just that. You can read more about the rooms and reserve them here.
If the VIP rooms aren’t your vibe, the communal area surrounding the island bar has plenty of standing room and comfortable seating available, lined with LCDs displaying artsy, sometimes psychedelic videos (we are in the rabbit hole, remember—Alice saw some trippy things down there). The music that reverberates is spun by a live DJ and provides a healthy combination of Top 40 hits and EDM—it’s never too loud to stifle conversation but the perfect mix to break out those impromptu dance parties with your friends.
Currently, the drink menu hosts a robust selection of wine and spirits to accompany their three specialty cocktails - the Queen of Hearts, Blueberry Lemon Fizz and Jabberwock. Each is delicately and masterfully crafted over a glowing amber bar and I can attest from first-hand experience that they’re all delicious and far too easy to drink. They’re also very aesthetically pleasing, which somehow makes them taste even better.
When it comes to The Fall, what I was most impressed with was the attention to detail that went into its flawless execution. Everywhere you look, from the art decorating the walls to the decadent furniture adorning the private rooms, you can tell that an immersive experience was top of mind when it came to design. I’m a sucker for unique experiences, so I highly recommend visiting because it offers just that - an adventure that escapes the mundane and propels you into the surreal. So grab your friends and take a trip to The Fall.
4128 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111
Friday & Saturday 8 pm - 1 am
Closed Sunday - Thursday
