Westport: Where History Meets Modern Vibrancy
Unveiling Westport's Enduring Legacy and Lively Spirit
Kansas City, Missouri, renowned for its delectable barbecue and distinctive jazz rhythms, also boasts an often-overlooked yet incredibly vibrant nightlife. Among its most captivating enclaves is Westport, a district that truly comes alive after dusk. This historic area is dotted with venerable structures, including the iconic Kelly's Westport Inn, one of the city's oldest watering holes. Beyond its historical charm, Westport pulsates with energy, offering an array of live music venues, bustling clubs, evocative street art, diverse restaurants, and a rich tapestry of cultural events. On weekend evenings, the streets transform into a pedestrian haven, inviting visitors to wander and explore its myriad offerings.
The Pioneering Roots and Prohibition-Era Flourish of Westport
Originally known as West Port, this area served as a crucial stop for pioneers venturing westward on the Oregon and Santa Fe Trails. An early tavern, established around 1827, laid the groundwork for the district's future as a bustling hub. The true growth of Kansas City, and by extension Westport, blossomed with the establishment of a nearby port on the Missouri River. This foundational role in the city's development earned Westport the affectionate moniker, the 'Mother of Kansas City.' Despite a brief alcohol ban in the mid-1800s, Westport maintained its reputation for lively taverns. During the Prohibition era, Kansas City, under the influence of political figure Tom Pendergast, became a haven for illicit drinking. This lax enforcement allowed Westport to thrive, fostering a vibrant scene of clandestine bars and live music, cementing its legacy as a destination for revelry.
Embarking on a Spirited Journey Through Westport's Premier Establishments
A visit to Westport is incomplete without experiencing the legendary Kelly's Westport Inn. This historic Irish pub, a family-owned institution since the 1940s, is housed within Kansas City's oldest building. With its unpretentious charm, enticing drink specials, arcade games, and unique events like 'meat bingo,' Kelly's provides an ideal starting point for a memorable pub crawl. Don't miss Guy's Deli, conveniently located at the back of the bar. For a more refined yet equally cherished experience, Harry's Bar and Tables offers a full bar and a menu infused with Mexican and New Orleans flavors, providing a distinct perspective on Kansas City's nightlife. For those seeking an intimate speakeasy atmosphere, the Firefly Lounge, which commenced operations on the 75th anniversary of Prohibition, promises a 'dark lounge feel' complemented by weekend DJs.
Westport's Melodic Heartbeat and Evolving Entertainment Landscape
The Levee stands as a Westport institution for live music. As one of Kansas City's longest-running bars, it is celebrated for its high energy and captivating live performances on Fridays. Tin Roof offers another dynamic space, featuring nightly drink promotions, multiple stages, and inviting outdoor patios during the summer months. The Westport Bar hospitality group has further enriched the area's nightlife with new venues such as Westport Landing and Lotus, multi-level, Vegas-inspired clubs boasting multiple DJ rooms. For a relaxed and social ambiance, Bar & Rec seamlessly blends arcade games with the nightlife experience. While the vibrant jazz scene of the Jazz Age has unfortunately diminished in Westport, with the recent closure of Ça Va, the last jazz bar in the district, aficionados can still discover the regional sounds at sophisticated venues like Lonnie's Reno Club or the intimate Blue Room, a jazz club nestled within the American Jazz Museum, both a short drive from Westport.
Beyond the Bars: Art, Culinary Delights, and Accessibility in Westport
Westport continues to satisfy cravings for authentic Kansas City barbecue. Char Bar, located in the heart of the neighborhood, is a culinary gem overseen by pitmaster Mitch Benjamin, celebrated for its burnt ends and popular Sunday brunch. Nearby, in Midtown, Q39 offers a 'chef-driven, championship BBQ' experience, the brainchild of the late Robert Magee, a competitive BBQ icon. The district is also a vibrant canvas for art, with captivating street murals adorning its thoroughfares, making it a joy to explore on foot. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers a vast collection spanning 5,000 years of history, including rotating exhibitions, film screenings, and even an art-themed mini-golf course, all with free admission. The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, also free to enter, houses a prolific permanent collection featuring works by contemporary masters like Jasper Johns and Andy Warhol, alongside rotating exhibits and a beautifully designed cafe with an excellent wine and cocktail selection.
Navigating Westport: Location and Transportation Insights
Westport is strategically positioned between Broadway Boulevard and Westport Road in Midtown, north of the Plaza, south of downtown, and west of Hyde Park. For those arriving from Kansas City International Airport (MCI), the journey is approximately 22 miles via I-29 and U.S. 71. From downtown Kansas City, a short 3-mile drive south on Main Street or Broadway Boulevard, roughly 10 minutes by car, will lead you to Westport. For nocturnal adventures, opting for rideshare services or public transportation is highly recommended for safety. The MainMAX Green Line bus offers a direct route from downtown to Old Westport. Should you wish to extend your exploration of historic Western vibes after your Westport sojourn, consider a trip to Leavenworth, Kansas, the state's oldest city and an architectural marvel, situated just 40 miles from Kansas City.