Summertime means it’s time to take it outdoors whenever possible, and for Kansas Citians, that means hanging out on all manner of outdoor decks, rooftops spaces, courtyards and patios. Here are 14 of the metro’s best al fresco spots to keep you dining and drinking under the stars all summer long.
Aixois
What’s better than an elegant French bistro covered in red-and-white tapestries and decked out with lush wooden floors? An elegant French bistro with a street-side patio to match, of course. At Aixois, the dishes and drinks are prepared with intention and love, but the backdrop backs it all up. Whether it’s experiencing escargot for the first time or taking a friend out to brunch, we’ll choose the Aixois patio in Brookside every time. And at night, the covered tables are set aglow with strands of twinkling lights. Très chic, no?
Brewery Emperial
This indoor-outdoor taproom is a perfect introduction to the area if you’ve just moved to Kansas City or happen to be showing your out-of-town friends around the Crossroads. Not only are the beer and food menus approachable for any palate but the brewery’s patio also offers a diverse selection of cozy spaces—from picnic tables near the occasional live musician or fire pit to a covered area with tables and chairs. Plus, you’ll find outdoor restrooms here, and that’s always a plus in our book.
Brown & Loe
Located in the former Merchant’s Bank building, Brown and Loe offers a peek into Kansas City’s history in the River Market. Inside, you’ll find dramatic high ceilings and retro black-and-white tiles; outside, the patio greens up in spring with pretty potted plants, and you can people-watch as the market comes alive after a long winter. This is a great patio for catching up with friends, schmoozing with a business client or (classily) pre-gaming for a night out. The rotating cocktail list is funky and fun, and the food is just as terrific.
Cafe Trio
Need to get your Plaza fix? Cafe Trio has unbeatable views of the neighborhood and a lively patio that belongs on any good “best patios in Kansas City” list. The bar and restaurant itself is artfully decorated, and that same attention to detail follows into the covered outdoor area, which boasts its own bar. Dining in the open air here feels expansive and posh—like something you save for special occasions. Even so, you can’t beat $7 martinis and alcoholic slushies, plus flatbreads and more during Cafe Trio’s epic happy hour.
The Campground
Ah, the West Bottoms. More like Best Bottoms. The Campground is one of those bars that just makes our city look good. It thrived during pandemic times, expanding its outdoor patio space even further so we could space out; it introduced a special wintertime market out there, complete with wares by local artisans; and most importantly, the bar has had the cocktail and food game on lock since day one. Check this one out if you love the magic and history of the neighborhood—and if you want to dine al fresco with some of the most finely crafted cocktails in the city.
Harry’s Bar & Tables
Not to be confused with Harry’s Country Club—another awesome bar across town that’s owned by different people—Harry’s in Westport has a semi-divey atmosphere, remarkably good food and an attentive staff. You can sit at the bar on the inside, but the patio space is Harry’s true shining star. This place has it all: Upper and lower decks, heaters and tents in cold weather, high tops, low tops, enough space for your whole crew and some nice green foliage from surrounding trees. As a rule, try the Horsefeather here, and order the red beans and rice, pizza or hummus trio to set it off.
Horsefeather Social at Loews Hotel
Located on the seventh floor of the Loews Kansas City Hotel, this outdoor city hotspot with Insta-worthy views is returning this summer with a robust summer menu, specialty cocktails and First Friday events, such as Latin Night, Boulevard Beer and Brats and Shrimp Boil with Torn Label. The space will bring back its Thursday Taco Night featuring carne asada, blacken rock shrimp and marinated portabella mushroom tacos weekly along with live music every Thursday, Friday and Sunday evenings.
Il Lazzarone Pizza
Speaking of pizza, in the River Market, Il Lazzarone offers a very cute brick-lined patio that whisks you away to Italy (if you squint a bit). The outdoor area doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles, but it doesn’t need them—the pizza speaks for itself here, and when you visit, you’ll appreciate the simplicity of pulling up a red metal chair to the table, eating pies in the sun with friends and feeling grateful for the fact that these simple pleasures are still relatively easy to find among all the world’s hustle and bustle.
La Bodega
Fancy some Spanish food in Kansas City? This well-loved tapas restaurant represents the best of both worlds: refined dining on a patio situated along one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares. La Bodega’s street-side outdoor space is laid-back and welcoming, with heaters for chilly spring nights and a view of the businesses lining Southwest Boulevard. You’ll be comfy and mostly hidden from the sun thanks to wooden backrests on the seats and red cloth shades over top. This isn’t a small sidewalk patio, either—the spot has room for parties both large and small.
Novel
Date night? Say less. Novel, the Crossroads fine dining restaurant known for its focus on locally sourced ingredients and Midwest hospitality, has carefully added touches to its patio over the years to turn it into a destination. Lined with a few tables, chairs, umbrellas and a garden of native grasses and trees, the Novel patio gives patrons a different view of the city. This is a quiet corner of the Crossroads, making Novel—both inside and out—feel like an escape and deep dive into its chefs’ worlds. Come for the food, stay for the refreshing perspective.
Panthers Place
All the cool kids go to Panthers Place, and it’s easy to see why. The bar has a certain “if you know, you know” vibe—perhaps because it’s tucked into a series of shipping containers within Kansas City’s Westside neighborhood. But just because it’s hidden doesn’t mean Panthers Place—which is made up of a few different patios, if you think about it—is pretentious. Look for the bar’s iconic Airstream trailer and wander through its many rooms. One has fires going at night, giving campground energy; another houses a long table with hanging plants and lights, perfect for a dinner party. And if you have friends who appreciate a well-made cocktail (or a yard beer, for that matter), take ’em here.
Percheron Rooftop Bar
This goes without saying: When Percheron opens for the season, all of Kansas City celebrates. Soaring high above the Crossroads Hotel on Central Street, this rooftop patio and bar has arguably the best views of the Crossroads and the city skyline for a venue of its kind. In fact, the view alone is worth the potentially elusive parking space and the trek up the elevator through the well-appointed hotel lobby. Best of all, sitting above the city at Percheron makes for both an intimate date night and a birthday party, say, with your closest 10 friends. We love a patio that can do both.
Trezo Mare
It doesn’t get much better than summer happy hour at Trezo Mare at Briarcliff. Sitting on the patio around the firepit or at one of the bistro-style tables overlooking the Kansas City skyline is a fabulous way to unwind. The Northland restaurant has been a favorite for decades now and has reached near-institution status. The employee owned restaurant’s Italian-inspired menu changes with the seasons and is committed to using local ingredients.
Vivilore
10815 E. Winner Road, Independence
Located in the heart of Independence’s historic Englewood Arts District, Vivilore is part art gallery, part antique store, part upscale dining venue and, come summer, part romantic outdoor eating venue. The restaurant’s inner brick courtyard is decked out in fairy lights, brimming with all sorts of flowers and exotic plants and open for dining. From ribeyes and wild pacific salmon to grilled cauliflower steaks and burgers, there is definitely something for every palate.
