We are so grateful to everyone who is coming to our wedding! Recognizing that many guests are traveling from out of town, we wanted to provide some recommendations for food, drinks, music, BBQ, and more, keeping the venue locations in mind.
This is the closest coffee shop near the Fontaine Hotel. We've heard this location is not as good as their flagship roasting facility and cafe at 1624 Grand Boulevard, but it will get the job done. They roast their own beans in Kansas City and are known for their direct relationships with farmers.
Just steps from the Fontaine Hotel, this casual breakfast/lunch spot is a go-to. It’s the perfect choice for brunch before the wedding or before your Sunday flight. They have a big patio with outdoor seating. We recommend the pancakes!
The perfect spot for farm-to-table breakfast. We recommend trying one of the pop tarts, but everything on the menu is delicious. It can get crowded mid-morning, but you can add your name to the list through Yelp. You’ll need to drive or take a rideshare to get there.
If you need a pick-me-up between the mass and the reception, this would be the perfect place to stop on the way. The Roasterie has a factory here in town.
Check out this craft cocktail bar in the Crossroads district of Kansas City, specializing in tequila, mezcal, and rum. Owned by friends of Connor’s sister, Kate, it’s one of our favorites and perfect for a pre-dinner drink. If you're staying at the Fontaine, you can hop on the free streetcar and get off at the Crossroads stop.
Located on the Country Club Plaza near the Fontaine, this rooftop cocktail lounge is another local favorite. They serve small plates if you’re hungry, and while most people make reservations, you can sometimes snag a spot as a walk-in. It’s a more elevated vibe than Fern Bar.
Want to try the beer that will be served at the reception firsthand? Stop by Boulevard Brewery. You can take a tour of the brewery or just enjoy the taproom, which offers nice views of the city. Last time we were there, we saw about 20 priests enjoying beer flights! You’ll need to drive or take a rideshare to get there, and it’s best to enjoy this spot in the day or early evening.
If you want to experience some Kansas City jazz, this is a great place to start. While the drinks may not impress, the music and atmosphere are top-notch, making it the perfect late-night spot. We once met a couple in Park City, UT who raved about it after visiting Kansas City. You can take the streetcar and get off at the Crossroads stop. Heads up—they do have a cover charge at the door. If it's too busy, the Black Dolphin next door is just as great!
Located in what was once the livestock and meatpacking district in 1871, The Ship is a great spot for live music and a good time. We've been there for Western Night, where we learned how to two-step. It has a dive bar-like atmosphere, and while they offer food, it’s not what they’re known for. We recommend getting there via rideshare, as parking is limited and you can’t walk due to the train tracks. We'll check the calendar to see what live music is playing that night.
If you want to experience Kansas City jazz without the late night, this is a great spot. It’s a more refined setup than Green Lady Lounge; the drinks are much better, and it’s closer to the Fontaine if you’re staying there. The streetcar runs right by it. Check their website to see who's playing that night.
Nestled in the basement of Hotel Kansas City, Nighthawk is a live performance venue with unique cocktails, including house-made seltzers. If you're up for a splurge, the Town and Company Restaurant upstairs is fantastic too. Don't forget to take a photo in the photobooth!
Located in the oldest standing building in Kansas City, Kelly's is a classic Irish pub that’s been serving drinks since the 1940s. It's a Kansas City classic. The bar and the Westport area it’s in have a rich history, though it's worth staying mindful of your surroundings, as there have been a few incidents nearby in recent years. You’ll need to take a rideshare to get there, but it's very close to the Fontaine.
Located in the Crossroads, Up-Down is an arcade bar with a fun atmosphere, especially on nice days. Our personal favorite game is skee-ball, but there’s something for everyone. You can take the streetcar there, and it's close to other spots like Fern Bar and the Green Lady Lounge.
This is the closest BBQ spot to the Fontaine. While we think their sides outshine the meats, it’s a Kansas City staple and would be super convenient as a wedding guest.
This is one of Connor's favorite BBQ spots. It’s where he takes out-of-town work clients when they visit. You would need to drive or take a rideshare to get there, but it is not far.
If you’re after authentic Kansas City BBQ, this is the place to go. Housed in a still-functional gas station, it’s a laid-back, casual spot. It’s more popular for lunch than dinner and just a short drive or rideshare from the wedding festivities. Fun fact: it's Mattie's dad Steve's favorite BBQ joint—he's even been known to visit solo!
"Hi, may I help you?" One of Kansas City’s oldest BBQ chains, Gates is the spot for old-school barbecue. The ordering experience is unique, and their famous sauce is a must-try—less smoky than Joe's but just as iconic. You can get there by streetcar or drive.