The Ultimate Kansas City Guys Weekend

@traveling_newlyweds

By Kirstin McCudden

It’s true that what happens in Vegas stay there, but after a guys’ weekend in Kansas City, everybody will be talking about it.


Kansas City Steaks

 

When the guys roll into town, the first thing to do is sit down for a catch-up. There will be plenty of opportunities to sit next to each other with beers in hand and not have to converse, but if it’s truly been a while, ask for the private room at The Capital Grille on the Country Club Plaza. It’s true that steaks abound in this town, but here the back room is all yours, the menu is mature, and the service is impeccable.

Explore Westport

 

When the download is done but the night is early, take the guys to Westport. Many a bachelor party has started, ended, and started again in this bar district, which also happens to be Kansas City’s oldest neighborhood. Perennial favorites include Kelly’s Westport Inn, a dive bar steeped in the city’s rich history.

 

If the crew manages to stay in Westport until the sun comes up again, you’ll need to refuel. Char Bar combines smokehouse and beer garden into one festive stop. Head outside to the backyard, which is filled to the brim with yard games that guys love.

Barbecue Crawl

 

If everyone turns in at a respectable hour, the good news is you can do brunch in true guys’ weekend style: a barbecue crawl. Arthur Bryant’s, Q39 and LC’s will have you crisscrossing our state lines in pursuit of perfectly smoked meat.  

 

You won’t be disappointed, but you will be in a meat coma. To shake it off, go caffeinate at Broadway Café. Its chill, local vibe sets the scene for lattes and zoning out on your phones until the crew is ready to roll again.

 

Or treat your buds to a free behind-the-scenes tour at Boulevard Brewing Co., the 10th largest craft brewery in America. The public tours are first-come, first-served and fill up quickly.

Get Your Sport On

 

What’s beer without sports? Whether you’re heading to the front lawn of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art for a pickup game of football, or are stadium-bound to see the Royals on the diamond, national soccer leaders Sporting KC take the pitch, or the Kansas City Chiefs head on to the field, sports fans are in good company here.

 

No wonder Travel + Leisure named KC one of “America’s Most Sports-Crazed Cities.”

Head to the Boats

Argosy Casino

When your time together is growing short, find a moment to sprinkle in some Vegas style and get your blackjack fix. Argosy and Harrah’s were our first riverboat casinos, and gave rise to the collective name, “the boats.” There are eight casinos total in the area, and offer everything from world-class entertainment to spa treatments.

Finish with Cocktails and Cigars

 

Before heading out to the water’s edge to play slots, take a few hours to savor KC’s revitalized cocktail scene. Tom’s Town, a new distillery positioned on the streetcar route, features craft cocktails, a tasting room and informative tours depicting our city’s spirited past.

 

Cap off your night with cigars from Fidel’s or Diebel’s to enjoy after your tour. It’s true that luck be a lady, but some male bonding time over cigars and drinks feels pretty lucky, too. If cigars aren’t in the mix, swing by Green Lady Lounge—a classy, authentic jazz spot—to finish the weekend off with solid conversations and some of KC’s finest  musicians. Even better, there’s never a cover.

MORE IDEAS: From roller coasters to zip lines, check out our list of 15 adventurous thrills, perfect for groups of guys.