Gay in Kansas City, the Miami of the Midwest.

Carlos T. Mock, MD and Bill Rattan

Last Update March 2007

Airports | Climate | Currency | Dining | Getting Around | Internet | Lodging | References | Scene | Shopping | Things to See | Tipping

Introduction

Kansas City, Missouri, has grown rapidly to its present size from a small 1830s riverboat and cattle town. Country Club Plaza here is the oldest shopping plaza in the US, with Seville-style fountains and architecture. The area around the renovated Union Station, with new hotels and shops, and the restaurant and nightlife district in Westport, are all bustling. Gay Life is constantly changing. With the demise if the Dixie Bell, the City is looking for new ways to express their sexuality.

Time Zone

Kansas City is on Central Time zone. They adopt Eastern Daylight Savings time on the first Sunday in April and revert to Standard Time on the last Sunday in October.

Language

The language spoken throughout America is, of course, predominantly English. However, a large number of people in Kansas City speak Spanish or other languages.

Currency

US Dollar - USD = 100 cents

Weather

Kansas City is a great escape no matter what time of year you visit. The city enjoys a nice mixture of sunny days during the summer months. The average temperature during the summer in Kansas City hovers around 77° F with occasional highs around 100°.

Airport

Kansas City International (MCI) serves both Kansas City, MO and Kansas City, KS. Kansas City International Airport has three domestic terminals. A Terminal Improvement Project is currently underway which will upgrade electrical and mechanical equipment, increase convenience for those using the airport and greatly improve the look of the terminals.

Limos are available for transportation both to and from MCI through a number of private companies operating in the Kansas City area. Companies serving MCI include Airport Transportation (816 421 7000), Airport Luxury (816 454 3332), KCI Limo (816 454 1500) and Mo-Kan Airport Transportation (816 523 7744).

You will need to rent a car for your visit to Kansas City. Kansas City International Airport is served by nine major car rental firms.

• Ace (800) 258-128
• Alamo Rent A Car (816) 464-5151
• Avis Rent-A-Car (816) 243-5760
• Budget Rent A Car (816) 243-5757
• Dollar (816) 243-5600
• Enterprise (816) 464-2500
• HERTZ Corporation (816) 243-5765
• National Car Rental (816) 243-5770
• Thrifty Car Rental (816) 464-5670

Word of caution about car rental companies

Most of them carry absolutely no insurance for their cars while you rent them, thus making your personal car insurance the primary insurer. If you use your credit card to cover your insurance deductible, all credit cards except for Diners Club will be secondary insurers. Yes, we were surprised to learn that even American Express Platinum has gone the secondary route. That means that the accident, whether or not it was your fault will get into your car insurance report. We find Hertz car company the worse offender because they charge for loss of use and add administrative costs to the handling of the accident. (not covered by any insurance we know of). On the cards side, we find Aadvantage Master card Platinum the worst offender. Takes forever to pay and will harass you with millions of forms just to see if you give on them and pay your deductible.

Our recommendation:

• Get a Diners Club card (now with a Master Card logo) which will cover the rental as the primary insurer and use it to rent your car.
• Pay the extra dollars to get insurance from the car rental company
• Avoid Hertz rentals if possible.

Tipping

Holidays

2007 Federal Legal Holidays

• January 1, 2007: New Year's Day [Jan. 1 every year]
• January 15, 2007: Martin Luther King Day [3rd monday in Jan]
• February 19, 2007: Presidents Day [Washington's Birthday] (observed) [3rd monday in Feb]
• May 28, 2007: Memorial Day (observed) [last monday in May]
• July 4, 2007: Independence Day [July 4 every year]
• September 3, 2007: Labor Day [1st monday in Sept]
• October 8, 2007: Columbus Day (observed) [2nd monday in Oct]
• November 12, 2007: Veterans' Day [Nov. 11 every year]
• November 22, 2007: Thanksgiving Day [4th thursday in Nov]
• December 25, 2007: Christmas Day [Dec. 25 every year]

Internet

It is possible to connect to the Internet through the phone sockets of most hotel rooms in the United States. If you own a mobile phone contact your phone company as it may be possible to use this to connect to the Internet.

Lodging

Expensive

• Fairmont Kansas City at the Plaza 401 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Missouri 64112. Tel: (816)756-1500. Email The hotel is nestled on the edge of the Country Club Plaza. Rates start at $189/night.

More Affordable

• Hyatt Regency Crown Center 2345 McGee Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108. Tel: 816 421 1234 or 800-633-7313. Near Union station at the Crown center.The Hyatt Regency Crown Center sets the standard for Kansas City hotels. Special Room rate for the GLBT community Located in the heart of Kansas City's gay community with museums, theaters, clubs and the Lesbian and Gay community Center close by. Just Ask for the "Rainbow Room Rate". To get your "Pride Price" of $95 all year round.
• Embassy Suites Hotel Kansas City Plaza 220 West 43rd Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: 816-756-1720 or 800-EMBASSY (362-2779). In the Westport Area, suites start at $99/night.
• Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza 4445 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: 816-531-3000. Near the Country Club Plaza, Kansas City's premiere shopping, dining and entertainment district. Rates start at $139/night
• The Raphael Hotel 325 Ward Parkway, (at Wornall Road), Kansas City, Missouri 64112. Toll Free Reservations (800) 821-5343. Tel: (816) 756-3800. Email On the Country Club Plaza Rates start at $129/night. You can get a two room suite for $149/night.
• The Westin Crown Center 1 Pershing Road Kansas City, Missouri 64108. Tel: (816) 474-4400. In the heart of downtown, within Hallmark's Crown Center. Rooms start at $128/night.

Gay Oriented B&B

• 40th Street Inn 1007 East 40th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64110. Tel: 816-561-7575 or cell 816-210-0666. E Mail 40th Street Inn is a 1908 Kansas City Shirtwaist (A home with Stone or Brick on the First Level & Shingles or Siding on the Second and Third Levels ) , Located in Historic Hyde Park in Kansas City Missouri. We have carefully Restored the Exterior of the Home to its Original Appearance, & Totally Renovated the Interior with today's Modern Conveniences. We have ready for your Enjoyment , Three Nicely appointed rooms available with a 4th In Process. We are Close to Westport, The Country Club Plaza, Crown Center, Union Station, Downtown, UMKC, Rockhurst, Stowers Institute & The Nelson Atkins Museum. With Easy Access to The Kansas City Zoo, Casinos, Worlds of Fun. & Centrally Located in the Heart of The Kansas City Metropolitan Area. Our Goal is to provide Homey, Comfortable, Clean, Affordable Overnight Accommodations for the Discriminating Traveler.
• The Concourse Park Bed & Breakfast 300 Benton Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64124. Tel: (816) 231-1196
• Ken's Place 18 West 38th Street, Kansas City, MO Tel: 816-753-0533.
• Porchswing Inn Bed & Breakfast 702 East Street, Parkville, MO 64152. Tel: (816) 587-6282. Email The Porch Swing Inn Bed and Breakfast is located in Parkville, Missouri just northwest of downtown Kansas City. Parkville’s historic downtown shops will delight your senses, and the wonderful assortment of restaurants will definitely satisfy your appetite. So, come for the shopping, enjoy a great dinner, then stay for breakfast! The Porch Swing Inn Bed and Breakfast, located just two blocks from the historic downtown district, offers simple comfort and hearty down home cooking. Your Hostesses: Rhonda Weimer & Ellen Underkoffler. Rates $80 - $100/night.
• Quarterage Hotel 560 Westport Road, Kansas city, MO 64111. Tel: 816-931-0001 or 800-942-4233. Email The Quarterage Hotel is located in the Westport District, an ideal place to experience many of Kansas City's wonderful surprises. Rates start at $89/night.

Getting around

You will most likely need to rent a car for your visit.

Directions from the Kansas City International Airport:
To Crown Center
Take I-29 south to North Kansas City-Broadway exit/169 south. Drive across Broadway Bridge. Proceed south on Broadway. Turn left on Pershing Road. Go one block west and turn south on Grand. Crown Center is located on the corner of Pershing and Grand.

To Country Club Plaza/Westport
Take I-29 south until it becomes I-35 south. Take I-35 south to the Southwest Trafficway exit. Follow Southwest Trafficway to Westport Road. Turn left at Westport Road to visit the historic Westport district. Or, continue on Southwest Trafficway (Bellevue), stay in the left lane, and turn left on 47th Street to get to the Country Club Plaza.

Things to see

• The Country Club Plaza Tel: (816) 753-0100. Located at 47th Street and Main Street, provides the backdrop for the glittering high-fashion setting of the famed Country Club Plaza. Here, amidst Old World architecture, magnificent fountains, and fine art is a European setting where haute couture blends with trend-setting styles to provide a unique shopping experience unlike no other. Over 185 shops, restaurants, theaters, hotels and special events. Spanish architecture, statues and fountains create a memorable atmosphere.
• Crossroads Art District First Friday Art Walk Fast becoming a Kansas City favorite, "First Fridays" are when the art galleries of the Crossroads District stay open from 7 to 9 p.m. the first Friday of every month. With free trolley service available, and ample parking, there's no better way to spend a night than enjoying drinks or dining at an area restaurant, followed by a stroll through the galleries and shops of KC's cultural heart.
• Crown Center 25th & Grand, Kansas City, MO. Tel: (816) 274-8444. Over 80 shops, restaurants, live theaters, cinemas, hotels, fountains, winter ice-skating, festivals and special events.
• Federal Reserve Bank 925 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, MO. 64198. Tel: (816) 881-2000 or (800) 333-1010. Located in the heart of downtown Kansas City, the Federal Reserve Bank head office operates during both day and night shifts. Guided tours are offered to high school and college students, teachers, banking groups, members of community organizations, and the general public.
• Fountains Kansas City is said to be the home of more fountains than any city in the world except Rome. Exactly how many fountains Kansas City has is not known, for public and private fountains are added regularly. It's sort of an unwritten policy that a fountain of some fashion is incorporated into the design of most new commercial building projects in Kansas City. But it's not only the number of fountains that makes Kansas City the City of Fountains, but the craftsmanship and presentation of these celebrations of water. Spending a day leisurely touring these stunning structures adds to the Kansas City experience.
• Hallmark Visitors Center Crown Center Complex, Kansas City, MO. Tel: (816) 274-5672
• Harry S. Truman Library 500 U.S. West Highway 24, Independence, MO 64050-1798. Tel: (816) 235-6222. Tours of Truman's home in Independence and farm farther south are also available.
• Kansas City Ballet 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo. 64108-1207. Tel: 816.931.2232
• Kansas City Board of Trade 4800 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64112. Tel: 816-7537500. Email The Kansas City Board of Trade was formally chartered in 1876. Located on the northern border between Kansas and Missouri and the junction of two rivers, Kansas City is situated in one of the most productive wheat-growing regions of the world.
• Kansas City Symphony 1020 Central, Suite 300, Kansas City, Missouri 64105-1672. Tel: (816) 471-1100
• Kauffman Stadium I-70 & Blue Ridge Cutoff. Mailing address: P.O. Box 419969, Kansas City, MO 64141-6969. Phone: (816) 921-8000. Opened as Royals Stadium on April 10, 1973, it is recognized throughout baseball as one of the game's most beautiful ballparks. The facility was officially renamed in honor of Ewing M. Kauffman in a ceremony at the stadium on July 2, 1993.
• Liberty Memorial 100 W. 26th Street, Kansas City, MO 64108-4616. Tel: 816-784-1918. Located at the southwest corner of Pershing and Main in midtown Kansas City it commemorates our soldiers who died in WWI. Recently reopened after a complete renovation.
• Lyric Opera 1029 Central,Kansas City, MO 64105-1677. Tel: 816.471.4933.
• Powell Garden 1609 N.W. US Highway 50, Kingsville, MO 64061. Tel: 816-697-2600. Email Powell Gardens is about 30 miles east of Kansas City on US Highway 50.
• River Market 201 Wyandotte Kansas City, MO 64105. Tel: 816-471-6789. Since the early 1800s, The River Market has been a place where people have gathered for Dining, Entertainment, Shopping, Living and Working. Visit the River Market with its Rich History, Unique Shops, Historical Landmarks and Wonderful Attractions today.
• Swope Park With its massive expanse of 1,769 acres, which encompass the Kansas City Zoo and Sprint IMAX Theater as well as the 7,795-seat Starlight Theater, Swope Park is the second-largest city park in the United States. Constructed in 1896 through a generous donation of land by millionaire Thomas H. Swope and dedicated on June 25, 1898, Swope Park still stands today as the largest city park in the Kansas City parks system. Located at Swope Parkway and Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri, Swope Park is home to two golf courses; the Lakeside Nature Center; sporting areas for softball, soccer, rugby, Frisbee and more; horseback-riding trails; picnic and fishing areas; and a day camp for kids. In addition, hiking enthusiasts can venture along the hill south of the Lake of the Woods for a scenic hiking adventure. For more information, call (816) 871-5600
  • Kansas City Zoo The Kansas City Zoo is open daily year-round, except Christmas and New Year’s Day.
  • Starlight Theater 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64132. Tel: (816) 363-7827 or (800) 776-1730. Email Starlight Theater was founded in 1950 and is now celebrating it's 50th season. It is Kansas City's largest and oldest performing arts organization and is the 2nd largest theater of it's kind in the United States. It was recently named, "Best Outdoor Event Site" in Kansas City by Ingrams Magazine. The theater seats approximately 7,900 people and is located on 14 acres in Swope Park next to the Kansas City Zoo.
  • Golf Course The Swope Park Disc Golf Course is located on the western edge of Swope Park (the course is a bit behind Starlight Theater). Swope Memorial Golf Course 6900 Swope Memorial Drive Kansas City, Missouri 64132. Pro Shop (816) 513-8910.
  • IMAX Theater 6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO. Tel: (816) 871-5800 (Inside the Zoo.)
• Thomas Hart Benton Home 3616 Belleview, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: (816) 931-5722. A walk through the home reveals a lot about the artist's interests.
• Union Station 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108. Tel: (816)460-2020. Beautiful, restored 1914 train station features interactive science museum, restaurants, shops and a theater district. Festival Plaza will spaciously seat 1,200 for banquets. Science City Inside Union Station. Science City environments combine art, music and history with science principles and exploration. Every place you go you use one special tool - curiosity. Science City is a special place where you can turn curiosity into knowledge.
• Westport Kansas City's Westport area is a colorful tapestry of unique restaurants, charming boutiques and hot night spots interwoven with remnants of the area's historical past. It's a place where Kansas City's modern sophistication converges with 19th century charm and frontier history. This district, which once welcomed traders and westward-bound pioneers, today welcomes visitors and residents with its distinctive blend of entertainment, shopping and dining

Museums

• The Kansas City Museum 3218 Gladstone Blvd, Kansas City, MO. Tel: (816) 483-8300
• The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art 4420 Warwick Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: 816-753-5784. For recorded information about the Museum, please call 816-561-3737. Free admission. At the core of the permanent collection is the Bebe and Crosby Kemper Collection, a gift of the Museum's donors R. Crosby Kemper and his wife Bebe Kemper, and the Kemper Foundations. The collection includes works by such artists as Jasper Johns, Helen Frankenthaler, Frank Stella, Robert Rauschenberg, David Hockney, Robert Motherwell, Nancy Graves, Wayne Thiebaud, Grace Hartigan, William Wegman, Red Grooms, Georgia O'Keeffe, Christopher Brown, Willem de Kooning, and Robert Mapplethorpe.
• Negro Leagues Baseball Museum 1616 E. 18th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108-1610. Tel: (816) 221-1920. The new Negro Leagues Baseball Museum features a 10,000 square-foot multimedia exhibit. It includes two film exhibits, two video exhibits, and 15 computer interactive stations. The gallery is arranged on a time line of African American and baseball history from the 1860s-1950s.
• The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art 4525 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111-1873. Tel: 816-561-4000. The crown jewel of the city's art community, houses one of the finest collections of Asian art. This summer the museum hosts "Eternal Egypt: Masterworks of Ancient Art from The British Museum." The exhibit traces more than 35 centuries of ancient Egyptian culture. This summer the museum will also unveil the first phase of its $200+ million expansion - an underground parking garage located on the north side of the museum.
• The Westport Historical Society 4000 Baltimore, Kansas City, Missouri 64111. Tel: (816) 561-1821

Dining

• Bistro 303 303 Westport, Kansas City, MO. Tel: 816-753-2303. It has risen over Metropolis, the popular grill in Westport. Recently expanded and now includes a patio. Large windows and a relaxing atmosphere, it has quickly become the hottest nightspot in town. A needed addition to midtown and specifically Westport. Owners Jeffrey Scmitz and Gene Switzer hired chef Paul Mullins from Metropolis and are serving lunch from Monday to Saturday and appetizers every night. Amazing food at a very reasonable price. Wine Club the first Tuesday of every month starting in August.
• Blue Bird Bistro 1700 Summit, Kansas City, MO. Tel: 816-221-7559.
• Cafe Provence 3936 W. 69th Terr., Prairie Village Shops, Prairie Village, KS. Tel: 913-384-5998. Hannah Bistro chef/restaurateur Patrick Quillec owns this extension of the French bistros.
• Café Sebastienne Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, 4420 Warwick Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: 816 561-7740. Daily specials are available on the lunch menu. Each Friday and Saturday features a new dinner menu with seasonal items and the freshest ingredients
• Cafe Trio 3535 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: 816-756-3227. Gay owned and operated. Under the new management of Tai Nguyen and Chris Youngers the restaurant has gone a complete overhaul and reopened in mid June, 2004. Good and friendly service, great "New american Cuisine" and reasonable prices keeps us coming back every time we visit. Happy Hour 4:30pm - 7pm daily. Closed Sundays.
• Cafe Trocadero 401 E. 31st Street, Kansas City, MO 64108. Tel: 816-756-3400. Opened in October 2003, this restaurant has taken over Union Hill. Opens Monday to Saturday for Lunch and Dinner.
• Chubby's 3756 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: 816-931-2482. This is your parent's diner's all the way to the jukebox music Great place for breakfast (most gays detoxify here on Sundays). Affordable at under $10/person.
• D'Bronx 3904 Bell St, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: (816) 531-0550. Deli/Pizza place. Great food for around $10 - $15/person.
• El Caribe 12112 W. 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, KS 66215. Tel: 913-599-2270. Tapas, Paella and Caribbean food.
• La Cocina del Puerco 9097 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66212. Tel: 913-341-2800. Counter service Mexican. Great food at reasonable prices. You will spend about $10/person.
• The Corner Restaurant 4059 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: 816-931-6630.
• Le Fou Frog 400 E. 5th Street, Kansas City, MO Tel: 816 474-6060. Definitely give Le Fou Frog a try for the food and the ambiance. This is a true French Bistro. Live music and after dinner cigars will complete the experience. Our favorite restaurant in KC. Great French food at around $40/person.
• Genghis Khan 3906 Bell, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: 816-753-3600. Mongolian Barbecue, & Chinese cuisine. Has a great buffet style Mongolian Barbecue. Try the Sesame Chicken. Great food for about $12/person.
• Great India 1706 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO. Tel: 816.753.3331. Indian
• JJ's 910 W. 48th Street, Kansas City, MO 64112. Tel: (816) 561-7136. JJ's is located in midtown Kansas City, Missouri, just west of the Country Club Plaza.
• JP Wine Bar and Coffee House (located downtown at the corner of 16th and Walnut) 1526 Walnut, Kansas City, MO, 64108. Tel: 816.842.2660. When you walk into JP Wine Bar, you're going to think, "What a cool place." And it is. Yes, we serve wine, coffee and food, but we've put our own twist on it. Wines and cheeses are served in flights so you can taste everything and develop your palate. Coffee is an integral part of our bar. You can sit with a cup for hours reading a book or checking your e-mail. JP's is fun and energetic. It's relaxed and casual. But one thing it's not...it's not your average bar.
• Jardine's 4536 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: (816) 561-6480. Jardine's Restaurant and Jazz Club...tucked away in an elegant old brick building on Main Street, a block off of the Country Club Plaza in the heart of Kansas City's midtown you'll find Jardine's a, cozy jazz club and restaurant built on a hill that has a European feel.
• Joe D's and Joe D's on 39th 6227 Brookside Plaza, Kansas City, MO. Tel: 816-333-6116 and 1815 West 39th St. • Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: 816-561-3663. Wine bar that looks like a European cafe and sandwich shop, but the menu features many inventive items typically found only at fine dining establishments.
• MelBee's 6120 Mission Drive, Mission, KS 66202. Tel: 913-262-6121. French version of Tapas. Live piano music. Will be around $40/person.
• Mi Cocina 620 West 48th Street (at the Country Club Plaza), Kansas City, MO 64112. Tel: 816-960-6426. Very popular with the gay crowd.; Serves wonderful Mexican cuisine for about $25/person.
• Milano 2450 Grand Crown Center, Kansas City, MO 64108. Located in the heart of Crown Center, chef John Korycki has been pleasing both lunch and dinner crowds in this elegant, but moderately priced Italian Trattoria. If you are in the area, is a good place to stop. You will lunch for about $20/person.
• The Mixx 4845 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64112. Tel: 816-756-2300. Great concept: fresh ingredients and you make up your salad or sandwich. Affordable (at under $15/person) but trendy ands fun. Highly recommended for lunch.
• New Peking 540 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: 816-531-6969. Chinese at reasonable prices
• Opal Cafe 423 South West Boulevard, Kansas City, MO. Tel: 816-472-OPAL (6725).
• Osteria Il Centro 5101 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64112. Tel: 816 561-2369. Italian near The Plaza.
• Pierpont's at Union Station 30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO 64108. Tel: (816) 221-5111. Named for the railroad baron, J.P. (John Pierpont) Morgan, Pierpont's 1914 decor combined with 2001 innovation offers you an atmosphere of casual, yet elegant dining. In addition to dining room seating, your smaller party will enjoy the private Wine Cellar rooms, while larger banquets overlook the grand dining room below. Reservations are always honored, but not required.
• Planet Cafe 3535 Broadway D, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: (816) 561-7CUP. Email Voted by Genre Magazine as one of the top 10 Gay Coffee Houses in the USA. Great place to hang out.
• The Raphael325 Ward Parkway, (at Wornall Road) On the Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, Missouri 64112. Tel: 816 756-3800. The private setting and sophisticated fare of the Raphael Restaurant provide the perfect venue for serious business luncheons or romantic dinners. Located on the edge of Kansas City's historic Country Club Plaza in the hotel by that name..
• Sharp’s 63rd Street Grill 128 W. 63rd KCMO. Tel: 816-333-4355. Gay Owned/Operated.
• Rosedale BBQ 600 Southwest Boulevard, Kansas city, MO 66103. Tel: 913-262-0343. The best BBQ food in town. Careful if you goto the area, but the food is worth the risks. Two people will eat for under $20.
• Tatsu's 4603 W. 90th Street, Prairie Village, KS. Tel: 913-383-9801. Nouvelle French for around $45/person.
• Union Cafe (at Union Station) 30 West Pershing, Kansas City, MO. Tel: 816-300-2233. Great Sunday Brunch
• Westport Flea Market 817 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: 816-931-1986. Great Burgers!
• Zin 1900 Main St, Kansas City, MO. Tel: (816) 527-0120. Inventive, contemporary dining in Kansas City's Crossroads Art District.

The Scene

Bars and Clubs

• Balanca's 1809 Grand Avenue Kansas City, MO 64108 Telephone: (816)474-MEOW (6369)
• Bar Natasha 1911 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64108. Tel: 816-472-5300. Opened December 31, 2003. Cabaret piano bar with an open mike policy. Busy on weekends, but tends to ge a mixed crowd. Food appetizers are served.
• Bistro 303 303 Westport, Kansas City, MO. Tel: 816-753-2303. It has risen over Metropolis, the popular grill in Westport. Recently expanded and now includes a patio. Large windows and a relaxing atmosphere, it has quickly become the hottest nightspot in town. A needed addition to midtown and specifically Westport. Owners Jeffrey Scmitz and Gene Switzer hired chef Paul Mullins from Metropolis and are serving lunch from Monday to Saturday and appetizers every night. Amazing food at a very reasonable price. Wine Club the first Tuesday of every month starting in August.
• Bootleggers (Upstairs at Missie B) 805 W 39th St Kansas City, MO 64111 Telephone: (816) 561-0625. Neighborhood bar with drag shows. Ever since the closure of the Cabaret gets a much bigger crowd on weekends.
• Buddies 3715 Main St. Kansas City, Missouri 64111 Telephone: (816) 561-2600.
• Cafe Trio 3535 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: 816-756-3227. Gay owned and operated. Under the new management of Tai Nguyen and Chris Youngers the restaurant has gone a complete overhaul and reopened in mid June, 2004. Good and friendly service, great "New american Cuisine" and reasonable prices keeps us coming back every time we visit. Happy Hour 4:30pm - 7pm daily. Closed Sundays.
• The Fox Bar 7520 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Overland Park, KS 66202. Tel: 913-384-0369. Johnson County' s Premier Gay Bar
• Hydes KC Tel: 816-561-1010. Email Men's club with small gym & guesthouse. Does Not Accept Walk-ins. Membership is by Appointment Only. They sign up New Members Noon to Midnight Wed. through Sat. You need to Pre Register by Phone in Advance. One Day Membership is $ 6. Six Month Memberships is $ 30.
• Missie B's 805 W 39th St Kansas City, MO 64111 Telephone: (816) 561-0625. Neighborhood bar with drag shows. Ever since the closure of the THe DB gets a much bigger crowd on weekends.
• Outa Bounds 3601 Broadway, Kansas City, MO. Tel: 816-756-2577. Good times in play at Midtown's alt sports bar
• Planet Cafe 3535 Broadway D, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: (816) 561-7CUP. Email Voted by Genre Magazine as one of the top 10 Gay Coffee Houses in the USA. Great place to hang out.
• Sharp’s 63rd Street Grill 128 W. 63rd KCMO. Tel: 816-333-4355. Gay Owned/Operated in Brookeside. has a great tea dance on Fridays after work
• Side Kicks 3707 Main St Kansas City, Missouri 64111 Telephone: (816) 931-1430.
• Side Street Bar and Grill 413 East 33rd St. Kansas City, Missouri Telephone: 816-531-1775
• Tootsies 1822 Main Street Kansas City, MO 64108 Telephone: (816) 471-7704. "Remodeled" in January. Popular lesbian bar. Has The Flo Show (drag) every Sunday at pm.
• View On The Hill 204 Orchard Street Kansas City, KS 66101 Telephone: (913)281-0833. Neighborhood bar with an older crowd. Lots of regulars - some stools have name tags because of who sat there for many years.
• Wetherbee's 2510 NE Vivion Road Kansas City, MO 64118 Telephone: (816)454-2455 Fax: (816)454-0701 #1 Alternative Nightclub North of the River. Variety shows, talent show, karaoke, food, dancing, pool & darts.

Health Clubs - Gyms - Saunas

• Gold's Gym 4050 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: 816-931-9888. Caters to a lot of the local gay boys. Has one day memberships for $10, and weekly memberships for $25.
• Hydes KC Tel: 816-561-1010. Email Men's club with small gym & guesthouse. Does Not Accept Walk-ins. Membership is by Appointment Only. They sign up New Members Noon to Midnight Wed. Through Sat. You need to Pre Register by Phone in Advance. One Day Membership is $ 6. Six Month Memberships is $ 30.
• Scott Fitness 1814 Westport road, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: 816-960-0502. Choose from a variety of degreed and certified personal trainers. Have your own exercise and nutrition “coach,” who will tailor and peak your workouts for optimal results. Lose fat, tone muscles, and generally feel better physically and emotionally. Your trainer will often become a close friend; you won’t want to miss an appointment. A typical workout is one hour. Half hour appointments are also available. Generally our clients meet twice a week with their trainers for resistive and cardio training, depending on the needs and goals of the clients. Single Membership $40 month, $220 6 months, $400 year, Couple Membership $60 month, $330 6 months, $600 year. Day memberships available.
• Universal Fitness 4711 Central, Kansas City, MO 64112. Tel: 816-960-1077. Voted the Best Gym in the Midtown / Plaza / Westport area for the past three years. Contact Stephon McCann.

Associations

• AIDS Walk Kansas City 15 West Linwood Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64111 Telephone: (816) 931-0959. Email
• AIDS Service Foundation The Mission of the AIDS Service Foundation of Greater Kansas City is to assist in funding organizations which provide food, shelter, medical care, and other services to the diverse communities dealing with HIV/AIDS, and to promote public education about HIV infections. In 1992 leaders from the four primary AIDS service organizations in Kansas City, Good Samaritan Project, SAVE, Inc., HARCMart and the Kansas City Free Health Clinic met to discuss a cooperative effort at fundraising in the community. Recognizing that there was much duplication of effort in the fundraising area due to appealing for funds from the same donor population, the organizations' separate efforts were losing effectiveness. With vision these leaders put aside organizational agendas and formed the AIDS Service Foundation of Greater Kansas City.
• The American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri 4557 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108. Tel: 314-361-2111The American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri (ACLU-EM) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, membership organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of civil liberties in eastern Missouri. Located in St. Louis, ACLU/EM is an affiliate of the national ACLU.
• Columbia/ Mid-MO LGBT Coalition P.O. Box 1947, Columbia, MO 65205. Tel: 573-446-7009. Email The mission of the Columbia/Mid-MO LGBT Coalition is to unify, inform, support and mobilize Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) individuals, groups and allies in our community through community building, communication, education and advocacy.
• DIFFA Kansas City is the local chapter of Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. PO Box 10406
  KCMO 64171-0406. Tel: 816-75DIFFA or (816-753-4332). Email Organizers of DIFFA Garden Tour and Dining by Design.
• Four Freedoms Democratic Club P. O. Box 16124, Kansas City, MO 64112. Email Sponsors voter registration drives within the community. Screens potential candidates and endorsed successful candidates. Provides campaign support for endorsed candidates. Has Gained political visibility for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens of Kansas City.
• GLADD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) PO Box 7214 Kansas City, Missouri 64113 Telephone: (816) 374-5927.
• Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) PO Box 45687 Kansas City, MO 64171 Telephone: (913) 981-2280. Email
• Good Samaritan Project 3030 Walnut St. Kansas City, Missouri 64108 Telephone: (816) 561-8784. 650 Minnesota, Suite 3, Kansas city, KS 66101. Tel: 913-371-8400. Email Good Samaritan Project is the largest, oldest and most comprehensive AIDS Service Organization in the Kansas City area. Founded in 1985 by community leaders and the local Metropolitan Community Church to respond to the growing needs of persons affected by the disease, our mission is: "To provide supportive and responsive care for a diverse community of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS and to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS through education and advocacy." Also offers Generation Q (generation queer) a peer to peer program providing interactive HIV/AIDS prevention, education and healthy lifestyle development for gay and at risk youth ages 14 - 25 in a safe and secure environment. Free movie nights every Tuesday. Tel: 913-371-8400 ext. 30.
• Heartland AIDS Resource Council (HARC Mart) 2615 Holmes St. Kansas City, MO 64108 Telephone: (816)474-4272. Food for HIV/AIDS clients who meet certain income requirements.
• Heartland Men's Chorus PO Box 32374, Kansas City, MO 64171-5374. Tel: 816-931-3338. Email
• Hope Care Center 115 East 83rd Street, Kansas City, MO 64114. Tel: (816) 523-3988. Email Hope Care Center is a nonprofit skilled, long-term-care nursing facility for persons challenged by HIV/AIDS.
• IndyOutties Kansas City Friendly Film Festival Contact Lisa Marie Evans Email
• Kansas City Anti-Violence Project (KCAVP) P.O. Box 411211, Kansas City, MO 64141-1211. Tel: 816-561-0550. Email The Kansas City Anti-Violence Project (KCAVP) is a Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation committed to providing same sex domestic violence, sexual assault, and bias crimes advocacy and education. Currently, there are no LGBT-specific domestic violence or sexual assault services in western Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, or Iowa. KCAVP was created to address this gap by providing support and services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and bias crimes in western Missouri, eastern Kansas, with a focus on the Kansas City area.
• KC Boys of Leather An organization for those who identify as leather boys in the leather community. Sponsors Heart of America Leatherwoman and Leatherman. Email
• Kansas City Cave Bears PO Box 45161, Kansas City, MO 64171. Tel: (816) 968-9696. Email
• Kansas City Free Health Clinic Midtown - 3515 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111. Eastside - 5119 E. 24th Street, Kansas City, MO. Tel: (816) 753-5144. In 1971, Kansas City Free Health Clinic began providing free, quality health care to the citizens of our area. The Clinic continues to be a true community response to the needs of the people of Kansas City. Our care is provided in a nonjudgmental atmosphere where we respect the dignity of the individual patient.
• Kansas City Couples P. O. Box 32003, Kansas City, MO, 64171-5003. Email KC Couples is a social group for committed Gay and Lesbian couples in the Greater Kansas City Area and surrounding communities. Our main purpose is to share what is helping us maintain our monogamous, committed relationships, to socialize, develop friendships, and to learn from each other.
• Kansas City Health Dept. HIV Services 2400 Troost Kansas City, MO 64108 Telephone: (816) 983-4382
• Kansas City Leather University Email Tel: 816-523-4154. An educational organization offering BD/SM classes.
• Kansas City Wave Email KC Wave is one of 40 teams belonging to International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics (IGLA).
• Kansas City Women's Chorus KCWC Voice Mail - at 816-292-KCWC or 816-292-5292
• KC Pioneers PO Box 413025, Kansas City, MO 64141. Email Leather/Levi social club. The members work together to help the leather and gay community to grow stronger and be better understood and accepted.
• Late Night Theater 1531 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108. Call the Central Ticket Office at (816) 235-6222 or 816-474-4LNT
• Lesbian and Gay Community Center 207 Westport Rd, Suite 212, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: 816.931.4420. Email The Lesbian and Gay Community Center, in Kansas City, serves as a centralized clearinghouse providing vital and timely information about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender resources and services throughout our area.
• M.A.K.I.T. Tournament & Leagues Invitational Tournament PO Box 410623 Kansas City, MO 64141-0623. Sanctioned invitational bowling tournament held annually over
  Easter weekend. The tournament is a member of the International Gay
  Bowling Organization (IGBO).
• Missouri Gay Rodeo Association 4431 East 25th, Joplin, Missouri 64804. Email.http://www.pinkagenda.com/travel/kansascity.htm
  Under the link above the Missouri Gay Rodeo Association link is incorrect. our web site is www.mgra.us
• Outspokin Gay and Lesbian bike club that usually meets every Saturday morning at 9am for a ride in the metro area. Locations change weekly. Email
• PFLAG PO Box 414101 Kansas City, Missouri 64141 Telephone: (816) 765-9818
• PrideFloat PO Box 22446 Kansas City MO 64113-0447. Email Tel: 816-436-1505. Pridefloat is about a bunch of gay guys and gals from all over the Mid-West (mostly Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Illinois) camping together for five days and nights and having a good time!
• Pride Ride Kansas City 1600 Genessee, Suite 525, Kansas City, MO 64102. Tel: 816 472 3520. Email PrideRide Kansas City is annual fundraising bicycle ride held in June that benefits services and beneficiaries that support the GLBT community. For information on being a sponsor, donor or rider, please contact John Long.
• PROMO Saint Louis - P.O. Box 24106, Saint Louis, MO 63130. 438 N. Skinker Blvd.
  Saint Louis, MO 63130-8340. Tel: 314-862-4900 or 877-511-7737. Kansas City 207 Westport Road, Suite 218, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tel: 816-931-2300. PROMO was founded in 1986 as the Privacy Rights Education Project, a grassroots membership organization that fights for the privacy rights of all Missourians. We focus most of our efforts on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. In 2001 we became PROMO, and we continue to protect and expand the Personal Rights of Missourians.
• Quality Hill Playhouse 303 W. 10th St. Kansas City, MO 64105-1615. Tel: 816-421-1700. Email
• SAVE, Inc. PO BOX 45301 Kansas City, MO 64171 Telephone: (816) 531-8340. Housing assistance for HIV/AIDS clients.

News, Magazines, & Internet

• Camp 1600 Genessee, Suite 525, Kansas City, MO 64102. Tel: 816-472-3520. Email Monthly News Magazine.
• Dos Mundos 902 Southwest Boulevard, Kansas city, MO 64108. Tel: 221-4747. Email Divulgando la cultura en dos idiomas - spreading the culture in two languages.
• exp magazine J&J Publishing , Inc. 4579 Laclede PMB 110St. Louis, MO 63108. Tel: (877) 397-6244 or (314) 367-0397 in St. Louis. Email
• GayTalk.org GayTalk.org, in cooperation with more than 100 other non-profits serving Kansas City's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, has created a Community Calendar. Hundreds of events are posted on the calendar.
• KC Active 104 East 5th Street Kansas City, MO 64106 Telephone: (816) 474-1516. Free newspaper.
• KC Exposures 122 Clinton Place, KC. Tel: 816 753-4500. Weekly Magazine Email
• Kansas City Star 1729 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108. Tel: (816) 234-4636. KC's Daily newspaper.
• Liberty Press P. O. Box 16135, Wichita, KS 67216-0315. Tel: 316-652-PRESS (7737). Email
• Mid West Times P. O. Box 920296, Kansas City, MO 64192-0296. Tel: 816-348-7600. Email
• The Pitch 1701 Main, Kansas City, MO 64108. Tel: (816) 561-6061. Email News and entertainment weekly.
• The Red Fruit 4741 Central #123, Kansas City, MO 64112. Tel: 816.931.3112. Email A monthly woman's musepaper.
• The Verge 3535 Broadway, Suite 300, Kansas City, Missouri 64111. Tel: 816.931.8000. KC's Gay and Lesbian lifestyle magazine.
• The Vital Voice P. O. Box 170138, St. Louis, MO 63117. Tel: 314-865-3787. Email
• The X (Examiner) Entertainment Monthly 500 W. R. D. Mize Road, Blue Springs, MO 64014. Tel; 816-229-9161. 410 S. Liberty, Independence, MO 64050. Tel: 816-254-8600.

Circuit parties and events

• Crossroads Art District First Friday Art Walk Fast becoming a Kansas City favorite, "First Fridays" are when the art galleries of the Crossroads District stay open from 7 to 9 p.m. the first Friday of every month. With free trolley service available, and ample parking, there's no better way to spend a night than enjoying drinks or dining at an area restaurant, followed by a stroll through the galleries and shops of KC's cultural heart.
• Kansas City Gay Pride June at the Liberty Memorial
• Show Me State Rodeo September

Shopping

• Brookside Located at 63rd Street and Brookside Boulevard. Tel: (816) 523-5553. Email Brookside, planned and built in 1920, was the city's first suburban shopping area. Brookside is home to more than 70 shops, restaurants, and offices, all unique and in keeping with the original neighborhood charm and architecture.
• The Country Club Plaza Tel: (816) 753-0100. Located at 47th Street and Main Street, provides the backdrop for the glittering high-fashion setting of the famed Country Club Plaza. Here, amidst Old World architecture, magnificent fountains, and fine art is a European setting where haute couture blends with trend-setting styles to provide a unique shopping experience unlike no other. Over 185 shops, restaurants, theaters, hotels and special events. Spanish architecture, statues and fountains create a memorable atmosphere.
• Crown Center 25th & Grand, Kansas City, MO. Tel: (816) 274-8444. Over 80 shops, restaurants, live theaters, cinemas, hotels, fountains, winter ice-skating, festivals and special events.
• Nigro's Western Stores 10509 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Shawnee Mission KS, 66203. Tel: 913-631-2226
• Out There 205 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO 64111-2239. Tel: 816-753-4757. After losing the space to the Gay and Lesbian Center, Larry has returned better than ever. Gifts, cards, porn, leather, clothing - everything you always wanted to buy but your mother never let you.
• River Market 201 Wyandotte Kansas City, MO 64105. Tel: 816-471-6789. Since the early 1800s, The River Market has been a place where people have gathered for Dining, Entertainment, Shopping, Living and Working. Visit the River Market with its Rich History, Unique Shops, Historical Landmarks and Wonderful Attractions today.
• Union Station 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108. Tel: (816)460-2020. Beautiful, restored 1914 train station features interactive science museum, restaurants, shops and a theater district. Festival Plaza will spaciously seat 1,200 for banquets. Science City Inside Union Station. Science City environments combine art, music and history with science principles and exploration. Every place you go you use one special tool - curiosity. Science City is a special place where you can turn curiosity into knowledge.
• Westport Kansas City's Westport area is a colorful tapestry of unique restaurants, charming boutiques and hot night spots interwoven with remnants of the area's historical past. It's a place where Kansas City's modern sophistication converges with 19th century charm and frontier history. This district, which once welcomed traders and westward-bound pioneers, today welcomes visitors and residents with its distinctive blend of entertainment, shopping and dining

References

• Experience KC
• Visit Kansas City
• Camp
• Out in Kansas City

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