Pretty great place. A group of friends and I were bar hopping one Friday night and John's Big Deck is one of the many we visited that I actually liked. The server we had was very friendly and gave us great suggestions. She chatted with us and joked around a bit but was very professional. We didn't try any food this time but we all agreed to come back so when I do I'll update my review. The ambiance was really cool and causal. The mix drinks were good and the bartender was really accommodating when we asked her to make us some specific drinks. I want to go back to check out the deck as well when the weather gets nicer. read more

The wings and fries were amazing. I was already pretty drunk when I got here so I didn't drink at all. All three Floors had good music.

On a nice, warm day, the upstairs patio is a perfect place to grab a couple drinks with friends. The walk up, just try to look straight ahead and don't mind that your feet are sticking to the floor. The food is good for bar food and the drinks usually have some stellar specials. If you are looking for a classy place to empress someone, this is not your spot. However, if you are looking for a low-key, chill place...this is as good as any! read more

A fun day on a nice deck. We didn't order food, but the drinks were cold and the service was good.

New from out of town.and was looking for a cool place to hang out. Felt like I got the cold shoulder from the start. Hostess rolled her eyes when I was trying to find somewhere to sit and felt like she was just trying to avoid me. I decided to walk out when she stopped coming to me. Never even got an order in. I literally was looking for somewhere else to go while I waited for my order to be taken. The bars in Scottsdale, AZ are friendlier. read more

I've only been here once, and it was to see a friends band play on a beautiful spring evening, outside on the deck next to one of the fire pits.... so bear that in mind. Other than a mediocre booze selection (is it too much to have a decent beer list?), we had a nice time (if you don't count the weirdo homeless guy that found his way in and decided to drop his life story on us, but he did give me lady friend a cookie on a stick, never mind the fact that it was six months expired, nice enough guy though...). If all the conditions are right and the stars are aligned, this place can be great, but I can see how this could also turn into a horrible shitshow. Great location in downtown KC helps the overall rating tremendously but if John's isn't hitting the spot The Phoenix is a block away (not that they've anything special as far as beer is concerned but A+ for music...) read more

I enjoy coming here every once in a while with a group of friends. During the winter for those of you who smoke you can do it on the top deck since it is not technically indoors, although they keep it fairly warm with the tent and heaters. The food is decent and the prices are a little higher then some other area bars but it is a fun atmosphere. read more

This place is a cool place the bar area is a little small on the 2nd floor and out up on the deck but the service is great, cheap drinks, and the people here are fun laid back and like to have a good time. The dance area on the 2nd floor was packed and people were getting it. The upper deck was more laid back and just chill with lots of seating. Great for warm night to kick back and relax! they also have one skee ball machine here and some pool tables. read more

John's Big Deck - Tough picture - Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Dropped by here for a mid-day drink. I don't know if John has a big deck or not because it wasn't open yet. I really wanted to see that deck too, I hear good things. Staff was very friendly, and prices were fair. read more

Thus far, the place is totally chill and a nice little spot to hangout and enjoy a DRINK (as I mentioned in my check-in, grown-up drink)! If you're ever by KC, you must visit this Big Deck for a great view and a stiff one!! :) read more

John's Big Deck - Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

I visited this place on a Friday night and found it to be just ok. The place is a divey kind of joint but has 3 separate levels. The first level (the main entrance level) is your basic pub; a long bar with several tables and a few TV's and is nothing fancy. The second level is loud and has more of a club/dance place feel. I did not spend much time on this level so this is about all I can say about the second level. The third level is an outdoor rooftop bar that is the best part of the entire place. There is a decent sized bar along with several tables and couches outside on what is a pretty good sized rooftop. There are also a few TV's if you are looking to keep an eye on the game. The rooftop was definitely laid back and the crowd ranged from 20-something's to 40 somethings all mingling and having a good time. Overall I would definitely go back to John's Big Deck but probably only if I could find a place on the rooftop. read more

A nice little dive-bar that's the definition of American gastro-pub. Fairly good selection of beers on tap but the burgers...oh my god those burgers. Best bar burgers in KC HANDS DOWN! Don't listen to the sheeple that praise Westport Flea, the best burgers are at John's and the Monday night burger special is too good to pass up. Honestly, I can only have a pint or two if I'm finishing the giant angus burger with seasoned curly fries. Awesome spot. read more

Environment is open and relaxing. Recommend the upstairs, deck seating at night is breezy and modern. Not all of the tables are sturdy, just a heads up. Waffle fries are delicious! Decent menu items, good variety and well priced. Nothing was overly cooked or presented. Salmon Club Sandwich -- Cooked well, falls apart easily, but the salmon itself is really good. Caesar Club Wrap -- Great chicken and bacon combo, great choice for caesar fans. Beer choices on tap are limited, but it's priced well. TV's all over the place for sports too! read more

Three levels of fun awesome atmosphere diverse crowd starts rings good times for all. Oh yeah damage the top floor you can smoke because it's outside but covered read more

Pros: great deck in summer, good burgers and tots, prices are low Cons: service can be a bit slow, it's a bit dirty (stairway, bathroom), limited beer options read more

Late night decision to head to John's. We specifically went to listen to their entertainment for the night. The rooftop sounded like it was lively. It's been years since I'd been here. Not much had changed. The late night food was pretty tasty read more

Honestly the workers here are beyond rude. Like thankful that y'all are open till 3 every night but when I am physically pushed out a door as soon as I walk into your roof and harassed just no. Also there was a guy laying on the ground outside the place and when we asked if he was okay to the bouncer he said he's on drugs no worries. When we told the downstairs worker what had happened he clearly couldn't care less. Try to be nicer to your customers... read more

Stumbled in here shortly after arriving to KC. I didn't really expect the food to be fantastic, but it was open and close by to my apartment. It has a typical bar atmosphere, but man was the food good. I ordered a club with onion straws and it really hit the spot. Drinks were a good price too. read more

My friend was kicked out of John's Big Deck last night. She was willing to leave but did not have her phone or purse. They were both inside with her friends. I am not arguing about her being kicked out-if she needed to leave, that is fine. After she was escorted outside, she asked the bouncer to escort her upstairs to get her phone and purse and was told she could not get her belongings or notify her friends. Luckily, she wasn't too drunk and knew better than to wander off. She waited for her friends. I can't fucking believe she wasn't allowed to get her phone to call an Uber home. That is so fucking dangerous. What the fuck is a girl supposed to do without her purse, phone, or friends? If she was more drunk and not coherent, what could have happened to her with NO FUCKING WAY HOME. Why couldn't someone have either escorted her to her purse or could have, at the VERY least, let her friends know she was asked to leave? This is incredibly unsafe. read more

This was a favorite hotspot for me and my friends, especially during the summer because of the atmosphere and cheap drinks. . The ambience is great at John's big deck; one of the best for dive bars in KC. The bar is three levels, with dancing on the second floor and a large rooftop deck at top. During the summer, they would often have live music playing on the deck. If it's chilly, there were fire pits on the roof, and they would often have live music in the evenings. All around a great place to chill and have cheap drinks, especially for those who don't want to trek it to the chaos that is Power and Light but still want to stay downtown. The food is fine; it's cheap but nothing very special, just sort of typical bar food. read more

The owner of John's is a self-centered person who has complete disregard for anything but his own bottom line. Despite having a deck for patrons to sit on, it was decided there needed to be a sidewalk patio on a sidewalk that is not wide enough for tables, chairs, parking meters patrons and other people to pass through while chairs are being used. Patrons block the entire sidewalk at any given time, whether by leaving chairs strewn all over or by standing around with people sitting in chairs pulled far from the tables. Owner also likes to park in the "no parking" alley, often right across the sidewalk causing people to walk in the street in order to pass by. Recently they have decided they have no responsibility for the cigarette butts left all over the sidewalk and street by their patrons. Apparently it's totally fine to not provide appropriate receptacles and also not clean up behind the people causing the mess. The sidewalk and street look like a personal trash can for John's and completely disrespectful to the neighborhood residents. read more

Good food and drinks. Came during happy hour with great prices. Food and services was quick dn made to order. Impressed with the one guy running the show and handling a large group(s) during the week. read more

Went here to watch a football game with some friends. Had a good time- the servers were highly attentive, the drinks were affordable but not weak, and the waffle fries and fried green beans were delicious. I would definitely go back to watch another game. Not sure I would go back to just enjoy the bar though- the deck was closed because it was cold and once the game was over, the music was so loud it was pretty difficult to hear each other talking. I felt like I was yelling the whole time and we left pretty soon after the game ended as a result. I think it would be a four star rating if I had been on the deck, but with the weather now too cool for that, I'll have to wait till it warms up to find out. read more

Johns big deck is actually very fun and a good place to meet new friends. We had a great time there. It is a little more classy than a dive bar, which we really enjoy most dive bars. They serve food which was pretty good. It came out reasonably quick. The bartenders were always attentive even thought they were really busy. It was within walking distance of downtown. Great job read more

Had a blast here dancing and playing beer pong in June. I like how each floor had its own vibe. I will definitely be back!

Service is terrible here. My coworker and I waited forever to get our drinks, that were sitting on top of the bar while the bartender, waitress, and a patron were taking shots at 130 in the afternoon. And, taco tuesday is filled with nothing but cheese and hardly any meat. I will never spend my money here again. read more

Not only are the bartenders pretty snobbish they stole 20 dollars from my girlfriend by cheating the tip adjustment. Absolutely unacceptable. read more

This place has a really cool layout. The bar tender she was very rude to our hole group. She kept giving everyone drinks in the small cups instead of the normal ones and was charging the same price and when I asked her to pore my beer in a cup she had an attitude and was over half foam. read more

Horrible service. My cousin (who's btw is pregnant) sat down at the bar after paying the Bar cover (so hey, she already is paying for sitting would you think) but the bartender gave us attitude and such a hostile service because she wasn't having alcohol. She even felt the need to tell him that she was pregnant when she asked for water and the guy stared at her giving her a killer look... It sucks, not too many rooftop options in the city. But definitely not paying to get treated this way. read more

Yeah, we go there - to watch hillbillies hook up while dancing to miserable top 40 hits on a rooftop. It is total lowbrow entertainment, but it always makes me laugh when I am down. read more

Worst experience ever. Originally sat upstairs and had to play musical chairs to avoid a stench to which reminded me of something dead. Ended up downstairs which Is where we got our food. Philly was dry like jerky, street tacos were average, loaded fries has almost zero queso and when we asked for more we were charged $1.50. I didn't pay it. Here's the biggest disappointment. I ordered the turkey burger and the blend of goat cheese and the vinaigrette did not appeal to me at all. I asked the waitress if I could swap it for a pizza instead and was told that because I already paid for it (had to before we could go downstairs) that there wasn't anything she could do about it but she'd be happy to ring me up a pizza. Unbelievable. Waitress upstairs was awesome. Very attentive and and polite. Aside from that there is zero to rave about. Went to Blue Line where the food is always good. Ps. Power wash your deck. Pretty sure the stench is from rotting wood. read more

I was in town on business and happened to walk upon this place on my way back to the hotel. Instead of calling it an early night I checked out John's Upper Deck - it was ST. Patty's Day and al! - since the rooftop looked like it was about to explode. There was a DJ, and a handful of open flame fire pits, a bar, and a load of friendly folks dancing. Drinks were cheap enough to by a round for some strangers. I made some new friends and we danced until they kicked us out of the place. I went back the following night but it wasn't as much fun since the upper deck was closed. If I ever make it back to KC I'll definitely hit up John's. read more

Really cool outside venue. Feel like you are in your own backyard. Very relaxed and super nice staff!

It's the best downtown bar with excellent bar food and service in the area. They have the best happy hour and specials everyday. Check out the second floor on the weekends as there is a DJ, free pool, and beer pong tables. It's also big enough for private events! The first floor has two large garage doors they open when it's nice outside and it really makes the room feel good. Live acoustic music every Thursday- Saturday. The deck has a full bar and fire pits for when it's chilly. I love this place!! read more

Taco Tuesday is a must. The only place in Kansas City I go for taco Tuesday just because they actually season their beef and chicken better!

My husband and I are new to the area and can appreciate a good dive bar...judging from the reviews this bar sounded divey, but not too rough. As we approached John's a male patron of the bar was out front pissing on the front of the building in broad daylight. Sorry, but that's disgusting and I would never go here again if that's the kind of people who frequent here. Definitely not the place to meet for friends or take your coworkers to. read more

I LOVE John's Big Deck! There's something for everyone. Sports bar on the bottom, dance party in the middle and of course, the great deck up top. Every time I go here the service is good, they have drink specials, and on the weekend there is live music on the deck. I celebrated my birthday there a few weeks ago and they were very nice. It's great for a low key evening and easily followed by a dancing if needed. read more

First and last visit. A friend started a tab with their card, after drinks and a bit of food I offered to take care of the bill, so I asked the waitress if I could pay with a different card. No problem, I get the bill and tip $10 on ~$45. A few days later my friend realized their card was also charged an even $30. The waitress decided to thrown an extra tip on the first card. I won't be going back to to a place where servers steal. read more

Love coming here to sit on the roof. Pretty good drink prices and a nice environment on the roof. I don't like sitting inside because it smells kinda weird but it's not too bad. It is fun to play corn hole on the roof when it is not too busy and it's just a nice place to chill. The food is decent for a bar also. read more

It was pretty solid the wings were so so BUT their sweet potato fries were amazing! Season to perfection the staff was great and the drinks were bomb great place! Go there lol read more