#79 – 39th Street
Midtown, Kansas City
Cost: Free – $$
Good for: Bar crawls, an afternoon of exploring and trying a variety of cuisines.
Tip: After an afternoon at 39th Street, walk through historic Roanoke Park and visit artist, Thomas Hart Benton’s preserved home.
In the midst of two historic neighborhoods and the mammoth KU Medical Center, 39th Street is home to a wide mix of bars, restaurants and shops. It is one of the most eclectic and walkable areas of Kansas City, making it enjoyable for people of all demographics.
About 39th Street
In my opinion, the best part of 39th Street is its versatility. Need coffee? Nomad’s or Mud Pie. Drinks? Take your pick. Food? There’s a spot with almost every cuisine you could want. Shopping? Donna’s or Prospero’s.
Similar to the Crossroads’ First Fridays, 39th Street hosts Third Fridays each month. The areas small businesses are open late, and some even host live music.
Where to Visit on 39th Street
Bars:
- Hi-Dive Lounge – A bar with a beloved Mystery Beer vending machine.
- Drunken Worm – A tequila and mescal bar with cheap food and good tacos.
- MoBrew – A bar with a focus on local, Missouri beers.
- Gilhouly’s – An Irish-themed bar with enough space for pool tables.
- Nomad’s – A café serving craft cocktails and specialty coffee.
Restaurants:
- Miami Ice – Ice cream and shaved ice shop that’s open year-round.
- D’ Bronx – NYC-style pizza and deli (Try the calzones!).
- Bob’s Wasabi – Rumored to be one of the best sushi spots in KC.
- Friends Sushi – Sushi restaurant with a killer deal on lunch bento boxes.
- Meatball District – All the meatballs you could want – whether on spaghetti or a sub.
- Fric & Frac – Great burgers and fries, and always busy.
- Aladdin Café – Mediterranean cuisine with delicious lentil soup.
- Mud Pie Bakery – Vegan bakery and coffee shop.
- Room 39 – Farm-to-table new American food with a great brunch.
- Blue Koi Noodles and Dumplings – A wide variety of dumplings and Asian cuisine.
- Anna’s Oven – Home-cooked meals away from home.
- Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill – All-you-can-eat buffet or entrée-ordered Mongolian fare.
- Jazz – Southern comfort food with live music every night.
- Meshuggah’s Bagels – NYC-style bagels in Midtown, KC.
Shops:
- Do Good Co. – A curated home and clothing store, whose proceeds go to non-profits.
- Donna’s Dress – Vintage children’s and women’s clothing boutique.
- Prospero’s – A three-floor secondhand bookstore.
Whether you’re in search of vintage clothing or an epic dive bar, 39th Street has you covered. xx, Libbie.
