The cocktail lounge in the Mariott’s Muehlebach Hotel has lain dormant since the early eighties. Now, it’s finally been restored under new ownership, resulting in the swanky Voo Lounge (1214 Baltimore Ave. KCMO) which will open to the public on February 10.
The hotel originally opened in 1915 and while the restoration of the lounge brought the space back to life, it still resembles the prohibition era with its dim lighting, emerald green velvet chairs, and deep mahogany wood and gold accents.
Customers can enjoy a craft cocktail menu curated by General Manager Allison Korn, who previously created the cocktail menus for Char Bar, Meat Mitch, Port Fonda, and more. Her menu for Voo consists of riffs on classics. For example, the popular bee’s knees cocktail is infused with saffron and a matcha sour is topped with a toasted orange blossom meringue. The food menu is full of small bites like Cajun deviled eggs, fig and pancetta flatbread, and homemade dips.
Entertainment will be provided each evening by Will O’Keefe, vocalist and master piano player who has been playing in local piano bars for the past decade. Regular clientele can use the lounge’s liquor vault to hold their favorite spirits. Voo Lounge also offers valet and is accessible by the KC Streetcar.
