Neighborhood Guide: Westport
One of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, Westport is home to historic restaurants, hot new spots & stellar shopping!
Photos by Anna Petrow
Westport has plenty to offer in midtown KC. With a full range of restaurants, shops, and nightlife, it’s easy to spend the entire day and night enjoying everything. Check out the spots below for a great introduction to this vibrant neighborhood.
Eat & Drink
Char Bar | 4050 Pennsylvania Avenue
With an outdoor beer garden filled with yard games, Char Bar is the perfect spot to keep your whole crew entertained. Spend a sunny afternoon here playing bocce ball and noshing on Cheesy Hushpuppies and the Burnt Heaven Sandwich (smoked burnt ends, smoked sausage, fried jalapeños, chipotle bbq mayo, creamy slaw, egg bun). And don’t forget fido - dogs are welcome!
Broadway Cafe | 4106 Broadway Boulevard
It’s rare to drive past Broadway Cafe and not see people lingering with friends on the sidewalk. Loyal customers have flocked to this spot for more than 30 years. Grab a coffee to enjoy at the cafe or pick up some beans - roasted right down the street at Broadway Roasting Company - to grind at home.
Ça Va | 4149 Pennsylvania Avenue - Suite 1010
Champagne, while delicious, can sometimes feel intimidating. Ça Va is a rare - and very approachable - champagne bar that completely rejects that idea. Don’t know what to order? No problem. Friendly staff can guide you to delicious offerings, including unique flavors during “Weird Wine Wednesdays.” There’s no better place to pop some bubbly to celebrate a birthday, promotion, or - most importantly - a random afternoon. '
Pot Pie | 904 Westport Road
Pot Pie will forever and always be one of the best spots in the city. They’ve perfected the blend of cozy comfort and elevated food. Start with the mussels - the garlicky butter sauce is begging to be soaked up with baskets of fresh bread. Scallops and short ribs are two of my favorite mains, but they (of course) have delicious pot pie if you want to try out its namesake. Leave on a high note after the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip bread pudding.
Chingu | 4117 Pennsylvania Avenue
If chicken wings don’t immediately come to mind when thinking of Korean food, think again. Chingu is bringing Korean childhood favorites to the table - including double-fried chicken wings tossed in gochujang-garlic sauce. Enjoy the banchan (small sides) that they refill on request - the kimchi is a must try. Need something to wash it all down? Soja, a Korean rice spirit, is on tap and ready for the task.
Fountain Haus | 401 Westport Road
Housed in one of the most prominent locations in Westport, Fountain Haus has its arms open wide to welcome the Queer community and its allies. Everyone is welcome and you’re guaranteed to have a good time. Between shows, dancing, or enjoying the rooftop patio, it’s always time to have a good time at Fountain Haus.
Chewology | 900 Westport Road
Chewology blends local ingredients with traditional Taiwanese flavors that leave patrons wanting more. Dumplings are a no brainer, but don’t miss the Bao (steamed buns) and noodle dishes. For an unforgettable experience, reserve a spot at the next Stray Kat dinner, a multi-course tasting menu inspired by good memories.
Kelly’s Westport Inn | 500 Westport Road
It’s impossible to think of Westport without Kelly’s Westport Inn coming to mind. This long-time staple has stood at the core of the neighborhood since 1947. If you’ve been in KC long, there’s a good chance that you’ve spent a night (or 10) enjoying this casual watering hole with friends - both old and new. If you’re new in town, this is a great place to start. When hunger strikes, grab a sandwich or a slice of Joe’s Pizza at Guy’s Deli (at the back of Kelly’s).
Westport Cafe and Bar | 419 Westport Road
“Charming” is the first word that comes to mind when thinking of Westport Cafe and Bar. It’s equally perfect for brunch with friends as it is for happy hour or a romantic dinner date. The Arugula Salad is a fresh and citrusy starter before making your way to the Steak Frites. The profiteroles - 3 puff pastries filled with vanilla ice cream and covered in chocolate sauce - are a decadent way to end the evening.
Westport Coffee House Theater | 4010 Pennsylvania Ave
You may know Westport Coffee House, but are you familiar with the theater in the lower level? Accessible through Green Room Burgers and Beer (stop for a burger!), the theater has frequent evening events to showcase musicians. Tickle your funny bone by swinging by on Fridays and Saturdays for an improv comedy show.
Westport Flea Market | 817 Westport Road
With the “burger-mobile” out front, Westport Flea Market is hard to miss. Head inside to try what’s been deemed KC’s best burger by several publications over the years. On Tuesdays, you can snag two-for-one mini-market burgers and curly fries. Heads up that this is a cash-only joint, but there’s an ATM inside in case you forget.
SHOP
Pryde’s Kitchen and Necessities | 115 Westport Road
If you’re looking for a specific kitchen gadget or love to be surrounded by a rainbow of beautiful dishes, Pryde’s is for you. This shop is packed to the brim with every possible kitchen utensil you could imagine and the largest selection of Fiesta dishware I’ve ever seen. Wondering what smells so good when you walk in? It’s the intoxicating scent of fresh pies baking. Don’t leave before grabbing a slice at Ashleigh’s Bake Shop in the lower level of the store.
Reset KC | 8 Westport Road
Walking into Reset KC, you’ll be greeted with a jaw-dropping wall of curated sneakers. Take your time enjoying the view while you decide which pair to take home. Once you find them, browse through the shop for vintage threads to complete your outfit.
Wonderland Vintage | 307-309 Westport Road
A bit of everything, Wonderland Vintage has a huge selection of gowns, furs, sequins, boots, and items you never knew you needed. In the market for a petticoat? They’ve got it. As luck would have it, I found the perfect Father’s Day gift while browsing around.
Photo courtesy of Clothz Minded
Clothz Minded | 4115 Pennsylvania Avenue
It’s easy to reduce your shopping footprint by purchasing well-cared-for designer clothing instead of new. That’s why sustainable fashion is top of mind at Clothz Minded. Open-buying days are announced periodically if you’re interested in selling your pre-loved clothes.
Bunker | 4056 Broadway Boulevard
Since 1997, Bunker has delighted shoppers with clever t-shirts, local goods, a great shoe selection, and so much more. The sign has become an iconic visual for Westport and serves as a welcome when driving down Broadway. It’s nearly impossible to leave without finding something fun to take home - and I highly recommend that!
Photo courtesy of Mills Record Company
Mills Record Company & Wise Blood Booksellers | 4045 Broadway Blvd
There’s nothing quite like the sound of vinyl. Build your collection from Mills Record Company’s wide selection of both new and classic music. They even have a section of “rarities” for those hard-to-find albums. Need something to play all your new records? They have you covered on turntables, too.
While you’re there, check out the North side of the same space to find your next read at Wise Blood Booksellers. Both new and used books are available.
Mid Coast Modern | 314 Westport Road
Mid Coast Modern is passionate about supporting small makers and artists. You’ll find products from both national and local makers, but they make all the Bear Soap Company products in house - it doesn’t get more local than that.
Photo courtesy of Daylight Flora
Daylight Flora | 4 Westport Road
This darling flower shop has been in the floral business for some time but has only recently opened a brick and mortar store. Stop in for fresh blooms and other heavenly-scented products. While you’re there, pop around the corner for a drink at Cheval or Enchante.
POP! Vintage Furniture & Accessories | 312 Westport Road
Pop into POP! to explore vintage furniture, dishes, clothing, and more. This colorful shop is open Thursday through Saturday only, but new finds are posted regularly on Instagram. Keep an eye out for your new favorite bar, bookshelf, or who knows what.
