Neighborhood Guide: West Bottoms
A guide to eating and drinking your way through the West Bottoms- after all, you’ll need fuel for all that antique-ing!
Photo by Anna Petrow
The West Bottoms has long been home to unique shops, restaurants, and - of course - haunted houses. With a $527 million development project that just broke ground, the area is poised for revitalization. The West Bottoms is expansive, and there are a ton of great places to discover. This guide covers some of the food and drink options, but it doesn’t even touch the impressive array of new and vintage shopping. You’ll want to explore far beyond this round up, but here are several must-visit places in the West Bottoms.
Photo by Anna Petrow
Amigoni Urban Winery | 1505 Genessee St #100
Michael Amigoni’s passion for winemaking turned from a hobby to a career in 2006. His passing earlier this year was such a loss for this city– but his legacy lives on. Sample their stunning wines in his honor with daily wine tastings (Tuesday - Sunday) in the Amigoni tasting room. If you can’t make it to the winery, check your local liquor store. Amigoni wines are carried in many local shops.
Photo by Kelly Bunch
Blip Roasters | 1301 Woodswether Road
Motorcycles and coffee pair seamlessly at Blip Roasters, a coffee shop, cafe, retail store, and motorcycle-enthusiast hot spot. A seasonally-changing menu ensures fresh offerings, but the breakfast burritos are a delicious mainstay. The cafe has plenty of space to spread out, so don’t be shy about bringing friends.
Photo by Kelly Bunch
Chef J BBQ | 1401 W 13th St Suite G
Don’t let the line down the block deter you - it’s worth the wait for this mouthwatering BBQ. If it’s your first time, go #beastmode with their menu item of the same name featuring chopped brisket, pulled pork, sliced turkey, jalapeno cheddar sausage, and two pork ribs. Finish it all off with the crowd-favorite banana pudding to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Photo by Anna Petrow
Fortunati Pizza | 1623 Genessee Street
It’s always a good sign when a spot focuses on doing one thing really well. Fortunati offers pizza - and pizza alone. The flaky crust is a solid base for all of their pies, but the toppings make them shine. Favorites include the Pep Boi (tradish sauce, pepperoni, hot honey, and jalapeno) and the Loaded Baked Potato (pecorino cream sauce, mozzarella, baked potato, bacon, sour cream n’ onion dust).
Photo by Anna Petrow
In The Lowest Ferns | 1105 Hickory Street
Leave the real world behind as you step into what feels like a secret garden turned HIFI lounge. Sound will envelop you as you dance the night away with creative cocktails and mocktails alike. Live shows and DJs keep the music flowing and bodies moving.
Photo by Anna Petrow
Lemonade Park | 1628 Wyoming Street
The 2020 pandemic was the worst, amirite? However, there were glimmers of silver linings here and there due to some innovative folks who created new ways to add joy to our lives. Lemonade Park was exactly that. When we couldn’t go inside to see the bands we love, Lemonade Park was born to let us gather safely outside. Since then, the live music venue has become a nice-weather staple to take in a show. Pro tip - Grab dinner at Voltaire before you head over!
Lucky Boys | 1615 Genessee Street
Friendly bartenders? Check. Pool table? Check. Retro velvet art? Check. Lucky Boys has everything you could want out of a dive bar, including an unforgettable Hot Nashville Chicken Sandwich. Grab a seat at the bar and settle in for the night.
Photo by Anna Petrow
Stockyards Brewing Co | 1600 Genessee St #100
On the other side of The Golden Ox (another KC classic!), Stockyards Brewing Co welcomes patrons into a no-fuss bar for no-fuss craft beer brewed right on site. Pop in on Sundays from 3-6 for Sunday Service - live bluegrass, folk, or Americana music.
Photo by Anna Petrow
The Campground | 1531 Genessee Street
The Campground feels cozy and elevated, perfect for a date or intimate evening with friends. Come for the ultimate martini service (potato chips, anyone?) and stay for the double smashburger. Don’t miss their Christkindlemarkt, which has become an annual December tradition and showcases local artists and merchants among crackling fire pits.
Photo by Anna Petrow
The Ship | 1221 Union Avenue
With origins dating back to the post-prohibition era, this quirky, boat-themed bar has delighted patrons in its revived form for the past 20 years. These days, you’ll find yourself dancing under the iconic “The Ship” sign that hangs in the intimate main bar. Connected to that space, All Else the Sea (The Ship’s sister space) houses larger events and shows - including the long-standing Honky Tonk Tuesdays. Grab your first mate and sail down for a good time.
Photo by Anna Petrow
West Bottoms Whiskey Co | 1321 W 13th Street HT
Award-winning whiskey and cocktails will lure you into West Bottoms Whiskey Co’s renovated train depot. You can visit the parlor for the best Old Fashioned in KC (as voted by The Pitch readers in 2021 and 2024) or you can book a one-hour distillery tour and tasting to take in the full experience of this pre-prohibition style whiskey. West bottoms up!
