The Top Designer-Approved Spots to Visit in Kansas City, Missouri
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While Kansas City, Missouri, is famous for barbecue and jazz, the destination is an underrated treasure trove of design-minded locales. From quaint hotel rooms decorated with art by local makers to antique shops brimming with one-of-a-kind finds, the city is worth a visit for even just one of its distinct offerings. You don’t have to search hard to find them, either, because we tapped Kansas City-based designers to share all of their favorite places to shop, eat, drink, explore, and stay in the Midwestern city. Dive into all of the best recommendations ahead, and your final itinerary will be impeccable.
WHERE TO STAY
A hybrid of a boutique hotel and a collection of Airbnbs, No Vacancy is a retreat for tourists and locals alike. Each of the eight guest rooms has a distinct yet cohesive look. “I took to auctions, estate sales, and craigslist—spending the last couple years collecting pre-loved antiques and funky one-of-a-kind décor items,” says owner and Kansas City native Spencer Sight. The guesthouse also features work from dozens of local artists and makers, including hand-painted signage, murals, and woodwork. “My objective was to create a truly collaborative project,” the designer adds. The rooms can be rented out individually or all together, to accommodate anything from micro weddings to birthday parties.
Hotel Kansas City
In a building with a storied past, Hotel Kansas City is more than just a place to stay. “This Gothic Revival-style institution, located in the Power and Light District near Union Station, offers a chance to time travel back in history to the Roaring Twenties, with stained glass and hand-hewn walnut as reminders of a proud past,” says designer Laura McCroskey.
The Truitt
A newly renovated colonial home, The Truitt features modern, moody interiors. “It’s steps away from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and walking distance to the Country Club Plaza shopping district,” says designer Sara Noble. “The modern decor is fun to take in while staying there.”
Crossroads Hotel
At Crossroads Hotel, guests can expect historic rooms with hardwood, exposed brick, and original industrial details. “We love that the venue has tapped local artists, designers, and vendors to share their talent and creativity inside the hotel,” McCroskey says.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Jack Stack Barbecue, Freight House
A family-owned restaurant since 1957, Jack Stack began as a traditional storefront barbecue stand with a small selection of five to six items. Now, it’s in its fourth generation of family ownership and has evolved into a massive wood-fired cookery. “It features a lively atmosphere, the best BBQ beans in town, and classic Kansas City BBQ—and it’s loved by all,” McCroskey says.
Baba’s Pantry
Opened by a Palestinian refugee and his family only six months ago, Baba’s Pantry is quickly becoming a Kansas City institution,” says Sight. “Both the food and atmosphere are transcendent. At peak hours, prepare to wait in line to try the tasty family recipes and a garnish of friendly faces.” The authentic Palestinian-American deli and cafe is a true labor of love and has something for everyone, from vegan shawarma to rose-saffron kombucha.
Affäre
With a farm-to-table menu that rotates seasonally, Affäre features German fare in a homey yet sophisticated atmosphere. “I have never had a bad meal here,” Noble explains. “They often serve full courses with wine pairings that I highly recommend, and if the weather is right, you should sit out in the beer garden.”
The Mercury Room
For stunning views of Kansas City and a dreamlike atmosphere, head to the reservation-only upscale bar The Mercury Room for drinks. You’ll find plush seating, sleek bar-height ghost chairs, and a ceiling doused in lights to resemble stars in the night’s sky.
WHERE TO SHOP
Duet
At Duet, you can shop tons of funky pieces that make perfect souvenirs or gifts—from a giant corn stool to colorful woven throws. “The place is iridescent and multifaceted [since it’s a] shop, gallery, and art studio,” Sight adds. “It’s located in the Crossroads Art District and is owned by funky duo Sasha Santillan and Emily Reinhardt.”
SID & Co.
Designer Mark Sudermann and his wife Jean-Anne never tire of hunting for treasures at flea markets and antique shops. When their personal collection grew too big, they opened SID & Co. They carry a constantly changing assortment of vintage furniture, custom upholstery, lighting, candles, and even handmade jewelry. Plus, the shop is located near tons of other antique shops worth popping into.
J’adore Home & Garden
Plant lovers need to check out J’adore Home & Garden, which offers French furniture and accessories and is “known to have great topiaries and plants for interiors,” McCroskey explains.
Jorjy
Pop by Jorjy for a fresh take on wallpaper, fabric, art, and accessories. Whether you're in need of new barware, are itching to add another coffee table book to your collection, or want to adorn your sofa with a throw pillow made from a vintage rug, the shop has something for everyone. "Jorjy is our go-to for creative and colorful home accessories and decor," McCroskey says.
WHERE TO EXPLORE
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Art lovers will adore exploring the exhibitions at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, which features works from a range of continents, cultures, and time periods. On the grounds, make sure to check out the iconic big shuttlecock sculptures, and consider stopping by the museum’s Rozelle Court Restaurant designed to look like a 15th-century Italian courtyard. Note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan accordingly!
Historic West Bottoms
Head to the West Bottoms for everything from shopping and music to food trucks and historic buildings. This area is Sight’s favorite place to explore. “Over the past two decades, the movie set aesthetic has attracted makers, artists, and antique dealers to occupy the buildings once used largely for manufacturing,” the designer explains. He adds: “The buildings themselves tell the story of a bygone era. This is the part of town where I am opening my next hotel.”
Green Lady Lounge
Kansas City is practically synonymous with jazz. Noble recommends spending time at the Green Lady Lounge, where live music is played nightly. The establishment is free of televisions so that you can truly focus on the music and atmosphere, which features velvet red walls adorned with vintage oil paintings.
Union Station
A renovated train station, Union Station is home to Science City, a collection of 300 interactive exhibits and host to many STEM-based events; the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, which offers interactive astronomy education and public shows; a model train gallery that stretches across 8,000 square feet; and touring exhibitions worth exploring. Not to mention, you can learn all about the building’s fascinating history.
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