Nestled in Nostalgia: Introducing Nighthawk
One of Kansas City’s newest multi-faceted music venues offers exciting energy for everyone.
All photos courtesy of Michael Robinson / RW2 Productions.
One of the many reasons I love Kansas City is the sheer variety of destination spaces in the heart of downtown. There’s always someplace that radiates exciting energy, eagerly awaiting exploration. One of these newest locations to have captured my attention is Nighthawk — an eclectic live music venue that’s incredibly unique but has a sense of familiarity. So, what is Nighthawk? Well, believe it or not, there isn’t one simple answer to that question, but that’s precisely what makes this swanky new bar beneath Hotel Kansas City so alluring.
First and foremost, what does “Nighthawk” mean? Well, the namesake is somewhat enigmatic and stems from multiple sources. From Edward Hopper’s classic painting Nighthawks; the classification for an early-century group of Kansas Citians who listened to jazz music into the waking hours of the night; a Mercedes-AMC luxury speedboat; or a comic book superhero — there isn’t one single source of truth behind the name. In short, Nighthawk has numerous origins. But as you’ll discover, much like the experience Nighthawk provides, it can be many different things to very different people. So, how is that possible? Well, let’s dive into my favorite aspect of any location: the ambiance and atmosphere.
When you descend the hotel’s rear stairwell and enter the bar, it’s almost a certainty that the first thing you’ll notice is the main stage, lavishly draped with a vibrant red velvet backdrop. It’s tough to miss and for good reason. The walls are outlined with jazz memorabilia, historic concert posters, old photographs and vintage vinyl — a presence plucked straight from the Roarin’ 20s. The leather booths and dark wood complement the warm aesthetic, and the bar lighting — thoughtfully designed by John O’Brien (who helped create the aesthetic for Golden Ox, Harry’s Country Club, Voltaire and many more) — really rounds out the experience. Think Gatsby, but elevated, if that’s possible.
Nestled in the back of the room is one of Nighthawk’s most popular locations — the pool table. Bar stools outline the area, providing plenty of seating for a larger group or an up-close and personal perspective of an impromptu competition. Regardless, this is definitely one of the bar’s hot spots. Plus, it’s a few steps away from that beautiful stage. Pool and a performance? Sign me up.
Speaking of entertainment, every Saturday night features live music with theater-style seating, placing you front-and-center without the need to buy a ticket. The acoustics of the room are encompassing, so wherever you’re seated, you’ll feel immersed. If you’d rather be on the dancefloor with a live DJ, Friday nights might be a better fit. My friends Sheppa and Jon Marzette frequent the turntables with jams that last well into the morning hours. Regardless of which night you visit, your evening will be lively, energetic and fun.
Okay, on to the drinks. It’s no secret that I love seasonal offerings and new options to introduce to friends. The problem is, once you find a favorite, it’s often replaced on the menu within a few months. So when it comes to food and drinks, the team at Nighthawk wants their menu to be accessible, approachable and familiar. In fact, they subscribe to having fewer options because they craft those items really well. When you find your drink of choice, it will be waiting to be ordered again upon your next visit. The glassware used is unique, Instagrammable and makes all their drinks taste even better. I never know how or why that is but it’s gotta be science.
So, coming back to my original question — what exactly is Nighthawk? Simply put, it’s whatever you want it to be: a live music venue, a vintage dive bar, a grandiose nightclub or a theatrical hangout. It encompasses a feeling of nostalgia and is designed for you, Kansas City. So whoever you are and whatever your vibe, grab your friends and head down to one of the hottest new spaces in the heart of our city.
