Good food and a fun vibe, but really not the cleanest. I've been here a few times, and I want to start by saying that I've always had fun! The atmosphere is pretty chill, so you can either have a low key night, or just hang out if you're tired of the clubs but not ready to go home yet. The food is also decent - a little pricey, but completely worth it. Staff is friendly and efficient, and it's never taken me too long to get food or drink. The reason I knocked off two stars though is because it is REALLY not the cleanest. It's pretty common for tables to still be a little wet from someone's previous drink, and there's no one to wipe them down. The bathrooms are especially disgusting - I would STRONGLY suggest you go either before or after. I get that it's a casual spot, but that doesn't mean it can't be clean. Overall, it's a fun place to hang out from time to time, as long as you're not expecting much. read more

$5 cover on the weekends for a dive bar? Granted they had live music on the first floor (super loudly) and a DJ on the second floor so it's $5 to support the music. I guess that's fine. Rooftop patio isn't open during the winter so if that's what you're looking for, be sure to check first. Good selection of beers on draft and couple larger tables when you walk in. We had a party of 7 and it was so loud we stayed for 1 drink and mozied onto anther joint where we could hear each other. Love the patio to watch a game (when the weather is right). read more

All jokes aside, the deck is a big draw in the summer and has some great views of the city! When it gets a little chillier in the fall some tables have small fire pits to keep you warm. I love to come here on Tuesday nights for Intelligence Check Trivia and hang out on the second floor. There are drink and food specials pretty much every day of the week so check the menu! I typically get an app or two to share - recommend the pretzel bites, chicken tenders, waffle fries (!!) and don't miss the burger week special! The dollar tacos on Tuesday usually come soggy so be warned, and you have to buy 4 minimum. Bartenders provide great service and are super nice! read more

I have to give this place a good score because the drinks are cheap, and we love the Tuesday night Intelligence Check trivia on the second floor. John's Big Deck has 3 floors - the first floor has a bunch to tables, then 2nd floor is smaller with mostly high tops and a small dance floor, and the 3rd floor is the iconic big rooftop deck with fire pits and plenty of seating. They have a huge food menu with plenty of bar snacks, and lots of drink deals. I think I paid $3 for a draft Bud Light the last time I was at trivia, and you really can't complain at that price! read more

We came in late after a concert to get food to-go. The service was okay and the food was typical bar food, nothing out of the ordinary. We weren't disappointed but we also weren't impressed. read more

I just grabbed food to go-the salad came pre-dressed which made me very dubious about the kitchen. You just don't do that to salad. I also ordered a side of plain ground beef and got what can only be described as "taco meat." Is it from a cow? A pig? Bald eagle? So a few notes to the kitchen-you always put dressing in its own container for a salad and if you don't have what someone ordered it's ok to say no. But don't give me something inedible. read more

Ordered the John's (fried) Chicken Salad to go, bit into something hard, and realized it was a big piece of plastic... read more

See all

Saturday evening, mainly Sunday morning. 215 last call was a nice change for a while. Musician had good vocals but volume was WAY TO FKN high. Mellow energy, diverse crowd. Way to many men and not enough women.. first floor bartenders were overweight men. I would suggest having sexy attractive bartenders not on just the first but all levels. Customer service was moderate, would return, didn't get a food item. Ambiance and other patrons was friendly and welcoming. First level, not attractive at all. Second level moderate and third was beach like relaxing mode. Every level needs an upgrade but overall not bad for a dive bar. read more

My food never came, when I had to walk up to the bar to make them aware that they only delivered my husbands food. It took a while to get the servers attention, she was busy taking shots with patrons. It was very annoying, HOW COULD THIS BE ALLOWED?? When she finally paid attention to me, she didn't believe me and gave me a nasty look. After 30 minutes of waiting again for it we decided to ask for the check and leave, she tried charging me for my burger and I had to ask for the manager to take it off along with an appetizer that also never arrived to our table. Would never go back. All of this could have been avoided if she would have done her job and made sure to check on how her tables were doing. Several other patrons were annoyed by her and I even gave other people my napkins because I had no reason to use them. Server was an older lady maybe 40s or 50s. read more

If it's food you seek for it is not that good. The atmosphere and views are pretty decent. The drinks are fairly priced, but in all honesty this place was very dull and basic not much of a attraction to stop at or even locally good. read more

Updating my rating because we've recently been back twice and sat at the downstairs bar and the serve has been on point. The environment has been comfortable and enjoyable. We ordered some fried pickles and peppers and they were fire. Check out John's Big Deck! read more

We got John's Big Deck for Yelp's Big Night In. We called to order based off the menu on yelp. Unfortunately, this is their full menu and they have a limited menu for the current time. The man who answered the phone was super nice and talked me through the current menu since everything we wanted to order wasn't on the current menu. The food was ready when we got there and we grabbed it through the window. We got home, threw it in the oven for about 10 minutes, and it was hot and ready! We got the jalapeño poppers and the build your own burger with waffle fries. The poppers and fries were good, but the burger was a little overcooked for my liking. I will definitely go back when social distancing is over - I want to check out the deck! read more

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

Food was ok, but just had a house salad. The JBD lemonade was nice, cucumber melon lemonade. The roof top deck was nice, good ambiance. Covered and heaters, good music. Service was excellent. read more

The food was not great. The waffle fries were amazing. The beer was kind of warm. The service was decent. The ambience and views made up for everything. Worth the trip! It's a big deck...just sayin read more

I was so impressed this go around. I have been here in the past and not been as happy with my experience. They seem to have revamped their patio space upstairs on the roof and it is so nice now! I was there on a chilly day and they had fire pit tables!!! We scored one of those and posted up for some delicious cocktails (we happened to be there on 4/20 so their specials were $4.20 beers and cocktails). They also had a band! I have missed live music so much! Overall, great experience and I will be back! read more

You can always expect to have a good time here! Being able to get rooftop drinks at any time of year is awesome (note that it's 55 steps and there's no elevator). I've been to JBD's quite a few times, but I was super impressed after I spent my Super Bowl Sunday here. Despite being packed, their service was excellent. One of our groups food didn't arrive at the same time as everyone else's, and they comped it without them even asking. This probably isn't a place you would go specifically for food (given how many other options there are in KC) but their menu is great and I've never been dissatisfied with what I got. They also have great drink deals, different buckets you can get, and pitchers as well. Excellent for groups! My only qualms is it's not always the cleanest, and the bathroom is suuuper tiny and cramped. If you're wanting to watch a game there, I'd opt for the first or second floor. When it's packed, it's nearly impossible to see the TVs on the rooftop. All in all, JBD's is a guaranteed good time. Highly recommend! read more

See all

It is what it is: a dive bar with an amazing roof patio and amazing staff. I like the tuesday tacos specials. Your simple, American tacos but pack flavor. They also have a late night menu so perfect for industry folks. Love it there. read more

This place is located in a pretty pedestrian friendly area, which is great. It has the appeal of downtown KC, but without the annoyance of near total one way streets. Parking was not great. That's pretty standard for north of Westport. Upon entering the restaurant, I wasn't impressed. It was kind of dated. I checked out the menu and again wasn't impressed. I am a sucker for a restaurant with a cocktail menu. Even if it's a short menu, I think you should have a list of cocktails that represent the establishment. If they had one, it wasn't shared with us. I ordered fried pickles and peppers and the Mrs Piggy with waffle fries. The fried pickles with peppers were pretty good. The Mrs Piggy was lacking. The meat lacked any flavor. When a sandwich has a hoagie bun, IMO, you have to have a meat with a lot of flavor so you can find it among the bread. I ended up deconstructing the sandwich to taste the meat and was still disappointed. I let my friend try the other half and she was equally disappointed. The waffle fries were fine. She ordered the jalapeño cheddar bites and a salad. She was incredibly satisfied with the salad, but disappointed with the cheddar bites. She said they were just lacking flavor. I personally ordered a few Moscow mules and I would rate them alright. Perfect after a tough day. A huge plus though is that the food was served hot and the service was great. We were tended to by multiple people and the timing was always great. The backbone of restaurants is the wait staff and this staff was on point in that area. I believe we saw each wait person at some time during our visit. Lastly, when we first arrived (between 5 and 6 on a Tuesday), few patrons, but as the night went on, it filled up. By 7 or 8, it was pretty packed. It had a very neighborhood/Cheers feel to it, which was fun. It felt cozy with everyone filling the seats and that's a good feeling. Personally, I don't think I would go back, but I encourage experiencing it at least once. read more

John's Big Deck - Mrs. Piggy Sandwich - Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Just moved to downtown KC and this joint is across the street from my building. I will definitely be back to try the food and the rooftop deck. read more

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

Urban, rooftop vibe with live music and cheap drinks. Great for large groups. Service is good. But I wouldn't go there for a meal. Drunk snacks only. Great place for a (very) casual night out or a beautiful night on the roof. read more

GARBAGE!! Bartenders "adjust tip" while your tab is still open. Check your bank account statements!!

Went with a friend I met at a concert. Relaxed casual setting with typical bar food and a large rooftop bar. Mango beer, burgers, fries, and regulars. Would go back if I were hanging out near the central library. read more

Great happy hour deals, friendly bartenders, you feel like a regular here after just a couple visits.

Wicked good food and awesome views. Our server was so nice and obviously loved his job. This is my new favorite downtown restaurant. Great place to hang out with friends. This is definitely on my list to take family from out of town. read more

I love this bar! The food is good, the bartenders are friendly, and I always have a good time.

This is my Cheers bar. Everyone is friendly and I've never had a bad time. I live nearby and John's is my go to. Amazing happy hour prices are M-F 2pm-7pm Happy hour drink specials all day on Sunday Funday. Atmosphere is great. Live music most evenings. Taco Tuesday's are lit. read more

Great spot for a bite like their steak quesadillas (very generous portions) or fried mushrooms. You can enjoy billiards on the second level and well...a big deck on the top level. Had many great nights here with friends and even saw the Mahomes family there a couple times. JBD is a downtown KC staple. 4/5 because it can get a little trashy after midnight on weekends. The service has always been fantastic. Personable employees, polite bouncers for those late nights, and always happy to help. read more

Fast, service was good! Whitney took great care of us. The deck is awesome! You can smoke so keep that in mind if a non smoker. Food was delicious! read more

Went for lunch. Wings were OK. Nachos were a a WASTE of money!!! Subpar food and a waitress that was only interested in the bar...would NOT recommend!!! One and done for us!!! read more

LOVE this bar! Been going to KC on business and this is my go-to spot and meet up with some of my associates. It's walking distance from a bulk of the hotels in P&L and it's far enough from P&L that you don't deal with that P&L mess, lol. When it opens, make it up to the upper deck. Nice patio area to hang out winter, spring, summer or fall, all you gotta do is... not fall from climbing the steps, lol. When the weather is cold, they bring out the covers and the fire pits are cool. Drink specials on different nights and 50 cent taco tuesdays. The bartenders are cute and will hook you up with some strong drinks. Doesn't get too crowded, but that's why i like it. Bring your friends and make it a party and get down with the DJ at the rooftop. read more

John's Big Deck - 50 cent taco tuesdays! - Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

See all

But have you been on this deck?! great views of the city and fun atmosphere. They have great daily drink specials and have been doing pop up bars on the 2nd floor. The staff is always welcome and fun. Definitely a must when you're downtown. read more

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

Love this spot. Multiple floors, each floor has its own unique vibe. The ground floor is my spot, classic kc dive bar. As you go up, the mid floor is more dance club and the top floor is open air rooftop. Super cool at all levels. Highly recommended! read more

Stopped in at Johns after work to meet a friend. It's been a loooong time since I have be in Johns. John's is a great "neighborhood bar" as wells as a place for a big group. We just drank, Jamison for my busy and Dos Equis for me. Bar staff was attentive and engaging. read more

This place is wonderful has wonderful people working here I had eaten here before and those Tuesday deep fried tacos are to die for I suggested making them a game day entree for when the chiefs play my meal I had today was also awesome I had ordered it to go so I could have something to snack on in 15 min when the game was coming home and for my daughter to have a meal when she got off work they were quick and got my food and got home to see the kick off what Game night I even had few minutes to pick up a little something to wash it down. Great job everyone at John's Big Deck I will be back some of you guys reading this need to go on and drop in get your drink on and have some great EATING only downer they open at 4pmafter get off work hours no Quick lunch run but it's a worth the wait for real read more

We went here last month for The Pitch's Nacho Week. We specifically picked this place to try their Dorito nachos...and they were good. But everything else left something to be desired. They had one poor girl working the entire upper deck (on a summer Friday at 3:30pm!), which left many of us waiting extra long for service. She was doing her very best though to manage so many tables. And wow, the bathrooms could use some work. It baffles me why any reputable business would provide hand soap (which I'm pretty sure was actually Dawn dish soap - see pic) in a squeezable 'ketchup' bottle & 'Soap' hand-written on a piece of masking tape. It doesn't need to be fancy, but it doesn't need to look like trash either. Lots of negative reviews lately; hope they get it together! read more

John's Big Deck - So classy...and pretty sure it was Dawn dish soap. - Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

See all

Great sandwich, hot fries & cold beer! Awesome! All for a late afternoon meal with plenty of TVs for sports viewing!

I enjoyed the happy hour (M-F 2-7 pm, Su all day) crowd, atmosphere, and prices when I visited on a Friday evening before a concert. The crowd was relaxed and casual, the first floor was clean and not too busy, featuring a pool table and nine TVs with sound coming from the TV tuned to the Royals game (at a reasonable volume), while well drinks were priced at just $3. The second floor was closed during my visit, and the roof level was fully occupied with customers enjoying conversation and the downtown view. Sweet! read more

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

Slow service. Online ordering wasn't working. Person on the phone hung up on us, was rude, and refused to take our order. Bathrooms had no toilet paper. On a high note, the deck is nice and drinks are priced resonantly. read more

Went here for lunch! Had quesadilla, birria and tacos. They were all excellent!! Affordable for the serving size as well. Service was excellent!! read more

After a few weeks of keeping my eyes open for a low key, divey bar....but not too divey, locals bar I finally found it. I almost missed it while driving by in my search for a downtown loft, but my keen dive bar radar went off so I swerved into the nearest parking spot and jumped out. I only planned on a short break & 1 drink, but then somehow I ended up watching a Royals game on a rooftop deck with $3 stellas magically showing up in my hand along with a very good chicken quesadilla. And so concluded my house hunting for the day. The people there were friendly...staff and patrons alike and more importantly not a single F'n man-bun in sight! Didn't find my house but more importantly I found my new watering hole. read more

See all