Rock Island Bridge could be your new favorite outdoor hang!
River views, fresh food & plenty of booze— soak up the river this summer!
Photos by Meredith Schneider
The Rock Island Bridge is a new entertainment district and third space that the Kansas City metro has been patiently awaiting for quite some time now. We had the opportunity to check it out shortly after it opened, on a beautiful weekday afternoon during happy hour. Parking around 3:45 pm was relatively easy on the street alongside the entrance. However, there is a surface lot and a parking garage within easy walking distance as well.
Conveniently located just west of historic HyVee Arena (or “Kemper Arena” for those who remember), this entertainment district was built on a 120-year-old bridge and is equal parts relaxing and fun.
As you approach the building on the bridge, split to your left and walk along the side of it to find the front door to the restaurant, River House. We noticed the Pickup window on our way out, which undoubtedly makes takeout a breeze. Just inside, the kind host led us to a high-top with a north-facing view of the river.
Surrounded by lush ferns and bright, natural light, the feels both casual and elevated. People were wandering in after a long day at work, meeting friends, and checking out bar specials all around us. Above us – in a space that was closed off that afternoon – is a 703-foot-long venue space, which can be booked for a max capacity of 1400 people. I can’t wait to see how the community utilizies that space in particular.
The bar area has implemented both modern and rustic, nostalgic accents around the original welding of the bridge. The bartenders were helpful, and a little more knowledgeable than the waitress assigned to our table at the time. (To be fair, she was great at her job and it was her literal first shift.)
The menu is not too complicated, but every item we ordered was executed well. My friend had a burger and fries, and was a big fan. I can speak to the balanced seasoning on the fries, though I do wish they had slightly more of a crunch. The pickle chips and curds were fantastic, but I cannot say enough good things about the smoked trout dip, which comes with sourdough and is so filing and flavorful.
We wandered down the bridge toward the west side as the sun was peeking form behind the clouds. It was one of the days that you can find donation-based yoga classes on the bridge, and a class was breaking as we were walking. Being outside, on the river, was a truly refreshing experience.
Seeing other people enjoy the outdoors was really encouraging, and I am really proud of the art, local vendors, pop-up experiences, and musicianship that this bridge is going to see more frequently.
