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    Knuckleheads

    4.4 (173 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    Knuckleheads Photos

    Business Info

    KNUCKLEHEADS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Very loud
    Divey
    Casual

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    Recommended Reviews - Knuckleheads

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    Reviews With Photos

    Gail and Jon King
    Sandra G.

    This KC gem is tucked away off Front Street so use Maps to guide you. Another landmark you might recognize is J. Rodger & Co. on the other side of the railroad tracks. Knuckleheads offer a wide variety of music- no joke so check their website often. They have 4 different stages and theres great music at different times throughout the day and night at one of these outdoor stages: the courtyard with an upper 'open sky' level, the Garage stage, Saloon Stage and intimate Gospel Lounge seating up to 75 people. This particular night Gang of Four an English post-punk, political and funk rock band from the late 70s early 1980s graced the outdoor stage for their "Long Goodbye" tour and would be their last. They rocked it! And the crowd didn't disappoint in their fashion! Also Gail formerly of L7 and Belly was playing bass and killed it! !!! Cash only !!!

    Ronni J.

    We always have the best time at shows here! The only thing I wish was for more parking nearby!

    Local Band "Four Fried Chickens and a Coke".
    Denise Y.

    We are so lucky to a venue like Knuckleheads and all the varied music we can hear. So glad it's standing the test of time.

    In the Gospel Lounge Stage area
    Scott N.

    We drove from Cincinnati for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a favorite artist perform. It was a particularly special event for a very special friend. We arrived early and gathered in the Gospel Lounge Stage, objectively the most interesting of the stages. It was great to have time to look around look at the extensive galleries of rock and roll memorabilia. The concert was on on the Saloon Stage. On stage it was just the performer and her guitar. The sound was fantastic, perfect even. This room was covered with signed photos of performers that have graced the stage. Not quite as interesting as the Gospel Lounge Stage, but pretty impressive nonetheless. I wish Kunckleheads wasn't so far away because it's a fantastic concert venue!

    Sunday open jam session
    Veronica C.

    Knuckleheads is Kansas City's best kept secret. There is only one rule: NO PISSY ATTITUDES!

    Art on the side of the other building
    Soudary K.

    Always fun times at Knuckleheads. Kansas City oldest live music venue. There is usually two different performance each night. Purchase ticket online or at door. Cash only for drinks.

    Concert at Knuckleheads Garage
    David T.

    What a venue! In the middle of an industrial area that'll have you wondering if you took a wrong turn. Then you arrive and know that things turned exactly right. Indoor/outdoor vibe with a roadhouse feel throughout. Great sound, right next to train tracks, it transports you into a world of only the band you're hearing and the people you're with. The singer (James McMurtry) and this venue are a perfect pairing. So were the throwback beers ($2 Hamm's!) and surprisingly good gin and tonics! I came here to see James McMurtry, who rocked, but after seeing the show here I'd come back here just because. Great vibe, great night!

    Emcee Exits the Gospel Stage
    Jen F.

    Came here to see Jaron Myers a local, very funny, young, newly engaged comedian! I found the place. It ain't the suburbs! Parked ACROSS THE TRAIN TRACKS - don't do that - and Jaron himself hauled 4 of us I up and over a bridge to get us around a stalled train to our cars. Even though he'd had food poisoning. After his gig. Dead tired. But still! I truly loved Knuckleheads even though it was my frat time! Crazy location, yes but a great venue for an intimate setting at their Gospel Stage or just to hang out, it seems! Will be back!

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    9 months ago

    Awesome open mike at noon on Saturday. Great atmosphere and food. Fun people and reasonable drink prices

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    1 year ago

    Food is delicious! I highly recommend any of the burgers! Service is awesome as well!

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    The Food is Great (for Bar Food) the Beer and Cocktails are Great and BEST OF ALL.....the Music is always top notch !!

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    Ask the Community - Knuckleheads

    If you're not going to see a show are you still able to use the bar area? Going with a bachelorette group for a night out but not to see a concert

    If there is a ticketed show, you will need a ticket to access the bar. The bar is cash only.

    View All 2 Questions

    Review Highlights - Knuckleheads

    Many national acts come through Kansas City and play here, and the bar also hosts many regular local acts.

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Chicken N Pickle- Kansas City - Chicken N Waffles

    Chicken N Pickle- Kansas City

    4.0(464 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$

    I arrived to town fairly late and happened upon Chicken N Pickle. The staff was still welcoming and…read moreattentive. I ordered the Waygu Truffle Burger and Tater Tots. The tots were perfectly crispy and the burger was flavorful and life-changing. The place seemed spacious but I didn't take the time to explore. I will do that the next time I'm visiting KC.

    I don't typically post reviews like this, but my recent experience with Chicken N Pickle crossed a…read moreline. The service continues to be inconsistent at best--no patio service, long waits, and a general lack of attentiveness--but what's most frustrating is the latest beverage and menu decision. You can no longer order a single glass of wine. Instead, guests are now forced into purchasing a half bottle as the minimum entry point--starting around $25--for a very limited and underwhelming selection (Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc... and that's about it). No Pinot Grigio, no variety, no flexibility. Just a forced upsell on mediocre wine in a casual, outdoor setting. Let's be clear: You can order a single beer. You can order a single cocktail. But you cannot order a single glass of wine. In 2026, that's not just outdated--it's completely out of touch. This approach eliminates choice, discourages responsible and casual consumption, and frankly alienates a large portion of your customer base. What if someone wants just one glass? What if they want to try two different wines? That experience is gone. And the reasoning doesn't hold up. If this is about waste or throughput, there are countless modern solutions--by-the-glass preservation systems, or even high-quality boxed options like Black Box Wines that maintain freshness without forcing customers into higher spend. This feels less like a thoughtful strategy and more like a blunt, revenue-driven decision that ignores the guest experience entirely. So here's the question for leadership: Who is making these menu and beverage decisions--and how does this align with the kind of experience you claim to offer? Because from a guest perspective, this isn't hospitality. It's restriction. I'd genuinely like to hear a response from the team on this. Until then, this is a complete veto for me.

    Photos
    Chicken N Pickle- Kansas City - Ordering line, inside seating

    Ordering line, inside seating

    Chicken N Pickle- Kansas City - Chicken and Quesadilla with tots and fries.

    Chicken and Quesadilla with tots and fries.

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    Taps on Main - Corn nuggets

    Taps on Main

    4.2(239 reviews)
    2.7 miCrossroads, Greater Downtown
    $$

    The wings were thick, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The ranch was amazing. The pretzel…read moresticks were so soft and fresh and the queso was yummy. The bar was not busy and we got to sit right by the outdoor seating but not be in the rain. Loved the wings and will come back again

    This is a fun concept and a good place to watch a game however, when it comes to food the prices…read moredon't quite justify the quality. I come here because it is convenient, always has been for me and now even more so because of the streetcar and because of the self serve beer wall. If that intimidates you don't fret because there is a full bar and some taps behind the bar the bartenders can serve you from. Sometimes I choose to do this because the beer wall can get pricey quickly but, it's a novel and fun concept that works for downtown. The food though I feel is overpriced, like why am I paying $15 for tots that are barely topped with toppings and really aren't even a sizable portion? Last time I was here to watch the Chiefs game I ordered the Rueben Tots expecting a fun pile of classic Rueben sandwich components on top of hot crispy greasy tots instead what I received was a small mound of stringy corned beef and a slice of melted Swiss cheese and a dismal drizzle of thousand island. I had to ask for more sauce on the side because it just wasn't enough for the amount of tots. If these would have been between $10-$12 maybe I would have let it slide and this review would have been different but for $15 I just wasn't too happy. Also, another note the menu online has absolutely no descriptions whatsoever so, if you're trying to place a pickup order good luck knowing what you're actually ordering. This could be an easy fix. The service is okay but sometimes it feels like you have to chase down the wait staff or just walk up to the bar to get another drink or ask for a menu. I'm sure happy hour is fine here but I haven't been for years so, I'm not sure if the prices have gone up for that too. Will I be back? Well yes but, I'll definitely order something different from the menu then the last time around. Maybe 4 sliders for $15 is a better way to go? Because I've also gotten the Rueben sandwich here before for $15 and I felt like it was sparse and the meat was lacking. I do believe they have a pretty good burger deal on Monday unless that has changed.

    Photos
    Taps on Main
    Taps on Main
    Taps on Main - Try out the beer wall!

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    Grinders - Calzone to go

    Grinders

    3.8(809 reviews)
    2.6 miGreater Downtown
    $$

    Without question, this is the best pizza joint/spot in the Crossroads. Whether you are just getting…read morea slice or a full pie, you have a zillion options and all of them are good choices. But they don't just do pizza, there is an array of sandwiches, burgers, and of course their famous wings (beware of the Death Wings, like, REALLY beware). The kitchen is pretty much right in front of you and pies are getting slung constantly. That Rockin' Red sauce has that rich tomato base and it goes perfectly with that toasted crust flavor that only a pizza oven can provide. Toppings are seemingly anything (I'm a sucker for fresh mozz & meatballs) and while one slice is enough for many, two is just a sweeter spot. Beer on tap flows with local, regional, & known brands. The drink menu is pretty lengthy and beers will rotate with the seasons. If you're unsure on what you want, then your friendly server is very likely going to give you some good options. The whole place seems to be held together by stickers & customer 'art', so it gives Grinders a divey atmosphere but delivers a five-star product. Parking is Crossroads, pricing is reasonable but the value is far more than the price point(s), and there's a reason this place gets national exposure. It's that good. And if weather allows, then eat out back. Underrated KC patio.

    This is a fun little hole in the wall place in Crossroads. Service was fast and friendly, and the…read morefood was good. The philly was a little dry, but tasty. There are many more things on the menu we would like to try, so we will definitely go back!

    Photos
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    Grinders - 12 PC Wings with Molten sauce

    12 PC Wings with Molten sauce

    Grinders - 4 Hands Cannabis Tropical (NA) & Quirk Hard Seltzer (Tiger Paw Punch)

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    Yard House - Tap in to great food, classic rock and 100+ craft & local beers.

    Yard House

    3.8(587 reviews)
    2.4 miPower & Light District, Central Business District, Greater Downtown
    $$

    So excited that the Happy Hour appetizer choices come in full portion. Be warned that you need to…read morebring your appetite with you!! The food came out piping hot and with the right amount of flavor. The chicken fingers had a great flavor, which complimented well with the honey Dijon mustard. The cheese curds were super cheesy and as long as you ate them right away as with any cheese curds it didn't stiffen up! Per my friend the queso was creamy, her reaction to the full portion coming out was priceless but I couldn't capture that here lol. It came with both tortilla chips and soft flour tortillas. I'd probably leave off the soft flour tortillas because those don't really fit with the idea of dipping into the queso. Our server was A+, very attentive, he kept up pretty well with our table and the others during I'm sure the busiest time with Happy Hour. Kept our water coming, was mindful that Happy Hour would soon be ending and came back by to grab any additional orders which I loved. The ambiance was happy hourish. We were downtown for the New Edition concert. So the crowd was expected but not to loud and rowdy. We were able to walk right in when we arrived due to the time we chose, but noticed the wait forming as we left. We'll definitely be back !! Loved this happy hour.

    Traveling back from a college visit and looking for a quick stop on a Saturday night and only a 15…read moreminute wait. They have a lot of seating! Staff was quick and attentive and love the option to order from your table as well if you choose. Pretty much everything was amazing including appetizers and main courses.

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    Yard House - Lobster Garlic Noodles - Maine lobster, shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, spinach and parmesan.

    Lobster Garlic Noodles - Maine lobster, shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, spinach and parmesan.

    Yard House - Enjoy a variety of appetizers, like our Chicken Nachos, while watching your favorite sports games.

    Enjoy a variety of appetizers, like our Chicken Nachos, while watching your favorite sports games.

    Yard House - Mac + Cheese]² - With white truffle, bacon, chicken, crimini, shiitake & oyster mushrooms, parmesan and panko cheddar crust.

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    Mac + Cheese]² - With white truffle, bacon, chicken, crimini, shiitake & oyster mushrooms, parmesan and panko cheddar crust.

    Knuckleheads - musicvenues - Updated May 2026

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