Your end of winter survival guide for tropical vibes in the Midwest.

The groundhog Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter, and between cold snaps, brutal windchill, and blankets of snow, I’ve found myself on the hunt for Kansas City’s warmest oases.

As a tequila-on-the-rocks, Old Fashioned, gin martini gal, typically the words “tiki drink” wreck havoc on my stomach. However, Kon Tiki defies all doubtful odds, serving up the most refreshing, perfectly semi-sweet Mai Tais, Piña Coladas, and even Pain Killers. The mid-century modern tiki lounge, which originally opened in 1963 and again in the Crossroads in August of 2024, has mastered beachy favorites and its own concoctions, like the Fiery Temptress, with a ghost pepper tequila base, spiced pear liquor, allspice dram, and cinnamon, and the Zombie (limited to one per person), which features premium aged rums, cinnamon, and absinthe. In addition to its cocktail menu, warm rattan lights, funky metal installations, beaded and velvet curtains, and exotic wallpaper immediately transported me out of the cold and into another era.

Across the street, the new kid on the block, Crossroads Cantina, offers a more food-focused menu and dining experience. Its indoor high-table section is both cozy and elevated, with natural, hand-cut tiles, carved wood millwork, and painted cement accent walls. The convertible dining space with towering birds of paradise and floor-to-ceiling windows lets in as much natural light as the winter will offer, making it easy to imagine warmer patio days on the horizon. I shared the rotisserie chicken served on a bed of esquites and the rojo enchilada. I also devoured the homemade tortilla chips. And yes, I asked for a box to take what was left of them home.

For tourists and locals alike, Palm Tree Club is a posh restaurant and night club that transports you to warmer places as soon as you cross its bamboo double doors. It won’t matter if there are subzero temperatures outside because inside, two massive screens slow zoom over sunsets and beach views. Standout cocktails flaunt elevated takes on classics. The Amber Drift is a memorable warm and velvety brown butter washed bourbon, toasted pecan, and bitters, garnished with a dried orange peel. The Caviar Royal Martini (for me, with gin) is what I wish the ocean tasted like—filthy olive juice and blue cheese olives stuffed with caviar, with a chilled glass rolled in blue cheese sea salt. I was also impressed with the variety of the menu. I ordered A5 wagyu dumplings and bao buns, both bursting with flavor and beckoning me back for everything from sushi, oysters, pizza, and pasta.

Goat & Rabbit, tucked along 39th Avenue is an effortlessly warm coffee and craft cocktail bar. It’s the perfect place to let my evening stretch out while sipping pinot noir, espresso, or one of their playful cocktails. Whatever Floats Your Goat arrives clarified with goat cheese-infused fin, lavender pear syrup, hot honey drizzle, and even a crispy bagel chip on top. The Kumo felt like sipping summer with blue spirulina tequila, Japanese plum wine, Thai basil, and a lychee cloud that floats right past any seasonal malaise.

In Strawberry Hill, The Blue Palm, is a low-lit and moody, leaning into meticulous craft without ever feeling fussy. The cocktails are thoughtful, spirit-forward, and quietly impressive. Again, another spot to dismantle my previous tiki drink judgements. The Wheel of Fortune requires 72 hours to oat milk clarify Planteray OFTD, Malört, passionfruit, pineapple and lime. In my opinion, it’s deceptively smooth and worth every sip.

Hot air rises and floors above the Plaza, Prime Social blurs the winter blues. Even in the coldest months, the upscale rooftop lounge feels lively and warm. The menu is deliberately sharable making it the perfect spot for girls night. Trust me. Pass hand-rolled sushi, buttery salmon, and sake, and take in the panoramic view of a city that will, in another six weeks, apparently welcome spring.