Kick back, relax and take in the game!

We have all spent time in crowds that feel a bit too much, or embedded within so many people that you almost can’t tell where your hands begin and your feet end. This is especially true now, as Kansas City winds down from the FIFA excitement this summer. While the city has been humming, there is a time and place for full-blown excitement at that level.

Sometimes, you don’t want to be surrounded by hundreds of people or listening to loud music. For those of us who often feel overwhelmed when we leave our homes or when introduced to new situations, it can be much easier to acclimate to a space with fewer distractions. In any event, getting to know someone new or catching up with an old pal can feel impossible in a crowded space. Here, some of the best places to enjoy your next nightcap without the overwhelm.

Goat & Rabbit

Located on 39th Street is a rustic, charming bar that gives off the feeling that you may have stowed away inside an establishment in the UK to await a passing storm. Goat & Rabbit has been a mainstay in the neighborhood for years now, a proper bar to pull up a stool and try a delicious, layered drink that will set fire to your insides. (In the best way.)

Our current obsession? Whatever Floats Your Goat, a beverage with a base of goat cheese gin, notes of pear, and savory bagel chips. Sweet, savory, and nothing like anything you have ever tasted.

Oak & Steel

If you are looking for a place to imbibe that is a little more sound-regulated than other establishments, Oak & Steel is a craft beer, wine, and whiskey bar in the Crossroads area that will satisfy your needs. The space is open, but not too big, holding a capacity of 80. The well-placed televisions will keep you posted on sports scores, while 24 rotating taps of delicious craft beer will have the time passing swiftly. If you’re a whiskey person, choose from over 130 types, or enjoy a relaxing glass of wine with simple bar snacks before hopping to your next – perhaps wilder – location for eats.

Something Good

If you are looking for a true reprieve from the hot summer sun, this basement bar in downtown Kansas City will absolutely tickle your fancy. A pre-cooled space with dim lighting, leather couches to lounge on, and a couple of pool tables to really unwind, Something Good is a place to bring your heartrate down and socialize a bit. This bar is not sports-focused.

Pop in after 4pm seven days a week to try a hot dog, chat with an amazing bartender, and try a tasty new beverage.

Mineral Lounge

An elevated, small bar area in The Crossroads that just can’t be beat for shared plates and wine nights with friends is Mineral Lounge. Yes, there are televisions to enjoy sports or controversial news networks on. But the space encourages community and casual conversation.

Where else in the city can you enjoy soccer out of your peripheral vision while sipping on Mediterranean cocktails, like The Fitz and The 9 to 5, a bright pink Dolly-inspired non-alcoholic dream? Not to mention biting into tasty Bakoula Hand Pie while dining on Bay Scallop Ceviche. A true destination during the madness of summer!

Le Champion

Walking into Le Champion, you may feel like you have stepped back in time. Bursting at the seams with nostalgic athletic club decor, this cozy space has the perfect balance of quiet, laid-back vibes, fantastic food options, and notable matcha lattes. The patio area ebbs and flows with energy, and is a great space to relax after a long day.

Front Range Café (Waldo)

Front Range Café -- specifically the location on Gregory Blvd. In Waldo – is one of our favorite places to sit down and get some work done. But did you know that this coffee shop chain also serves alcohol? And this particular storefront has televisions behind their wilderness-themed bar. So, while you may walk in feeling like you are about to read many leather-bound books, it is actually a fantastic, intimate spot to watch catch up on sports without too much (literal) fanfare.

Kon Tiki

A fantastic spot for strong cocktails in The Crossroads is Kon Tiki. This Mid-Century Modern Polynesian Lounge opens at 4pm and is one of the most relaxing places to enjoy yourself in the city. Dim, colorful lighting, greenery scattered throughout, some fantastic foods to nibble on, with comfortable seating and a truly personable staff make this spot the perfect afternoon hideout.

The bar normally plays old school – and often black and white – movies, particularly beach-themed classics.