Ça Va
Whatever you’re in the mood for — a late-night meal, a fancy bottle of bubbly to celebrate something special, a decadent patio brunch or just a crisp pour of Miller High Life — you can find it at Ça Va. This cozy champagne bar caters to both bougie ballers and bargain hunters. The bottle book features French-imported magnums of champagne that cost as much your monthly mortgage alongside a thoughtful selection of natural sparkling wines from less-prominent French regions and beyond. The daily happy hour boasts several steals, including a bottle of Prosecco for $20. Pop in on Wednesdays for “Flight Night,” where some very special bottles are uncorked for tasting, or on Thursdays for live music featuring local artists. 4149 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, Mo. 816-255-3934, cavakc.com
Westport Cafe & Bar
There’s so much to love about Westport Cafe & Bar. This little French bistro feels as timeless as an Édith Piaf song, with its checkered floor, warm lighting and cozy bar. In 2016, owner Aaron Confessori welcomed two new business partners, French-born chefs Kevin Mouhot and Romain Monnoyeur, and they have infused a fresh sense of joie de vivre. The menu is full of updated French classics like steak frites, escargot and a luxurious croque madame, but it also adopts dishes from other countries (see: the pasta section) and gives them a French twist. Longtime barman Bronson Kisstler is always ready with a pour of wine or a well-made drink, too. Bonus: WCB offers a free bloody mary or mimosa with your brunch entree. 419 Westport Road, Kansas City, Mo. 816-931-4740, westportcafeandbar.com
Char Bar
Barbecue is the star of the show at Char Bar — and there’s so much of it to choose from. Should you somehow find yourself unimpressed by the brisket chili, the smoked burnt end sandwich and the sky-high barbecue trays, you may want to turn your attention to the beer selection, where 20 taps rotate between local, regional and national craft brews. There’s a fabulous bourbon selection here, too, and craft cocktails. Plus, the patio and beer garden are a sell: a green oasis featuring its own outdoor bar, table service and yard games (think bocce ball, croquet and cornhole). 4050 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, Mo. 816-389-8600, charbarkc.com
Julep Cocktail Club
If you can’t find a whiskey you like in the floor-to-ceiling wall of ’em at Julep, well, you might not be a whiskey drinker. That’s OK, because there are plenty of other spirits to choose from at Beau and Keely Williams’ sophisticated cocktail lounge. Get the namesake julep cocktail, or select a rare bourbon from the library list at your fingertips — or just trust that the talented bartenders here can whip up anything your heart desires. Don’t skip the bar snacks: From deviled eggs and bacon-wrapped dates to the burger and fries, there’s something here to fuel your next drink order. 4141 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 104, Kansas City, Mo. 816-216-7000, julepkc.com
Port Fonda
Patrick Ryan’s vibrant Mexican-inspired cuisine has long earned him nods as one of Kansas City’s most inventive chefs. At Port Fonda, he gives familiar south-of-the-border favorites fresh spins in a party atmosphere. Go for the chorizo fundido — a hot sausage-and-cheese skillet served with tortillas — or the daily chimichanga. You’ll have a hard time saying no to one of the excellent margaritas on the menu, too. We’re particularly fond of the Roselle with orange liqueur and hibiscus (and yes, you can order by the pitcher). There’s also an extensive collection of mezcal, should you feel up to an adventure. 141 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, Mo. 816-216-6462, portfonda.com
Harry’s Bar & Tables
Harry’s is always the right choice, particularly when you’re feeling indecisive. That’s partly because they do it all here — classic cocktails, cheap beer and well drinks, decent wine, really good pub food — so you can appease even the most diverse friend group. Mostly, though, it has something to do with that old-school Cheers vibe that has been going strong since Harry’s opened in 1994. Bartenders in white shirts will pour your High Life or shake up your martini promptly and without fuss, and although the staff might not know your name, they’ll still manage to make you feel at home — even on busy weekend nights. 501 Westport Road, Kansas City, Mo. 816-561-3950, harrysbarandtables.com
Jerusalem Cafe
Simple, colorful Mediterranean plates are served with a smile in this homey restaurant known for its shawarma, gyros and fresh hummus. The dishes here traverse regions from Greece, the Balkans and the Middle East. Sample stuffed grape leaves bathed in a robust tomato sauce, or sink your teeth into flavorful falafel patties — whatever you choose, you won’t leave hungry. To satiate a late-night craving, Jerusalem Cafe also has a food truck parked in Westport on weekends, so you can soak up Saturday night booze with a chicken and kifta kabob. 431 Westport Road, Kansas City, Mo. 816-756-2770, jerusalemcafekc.com
