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    Knuckleheads

    4.4 (175 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Knuckleheads Photos

    Business Info

    KNUCKLEHEADS ATMOSPHERE

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

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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!

    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.

    Sunday open jam session
    Veronica C.

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

    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!

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Awesome time, we had never been here before but what a great place to catch a show. Will definitely be back!

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Good music, atmosphere, service, food, and drinks. All of the staff was super friendly.

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    5 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    17 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Had tons of fun. Love the train. Beer is cheap so drink a lot. Crowd mostly old white people.

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Great venue for live musi. Great food full bar and reasonable priced. Not a lot of seating but good acoustic.

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    Page 2 of 5

    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 16 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Chicken N Pickle- Kansas City

    Chicken N Pickle- Kansas City

    4.0
    (467 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
    Ordering line, inside seating
    Ordering line, inside seating
    Martini flight was amazing and adorable!
    Martini flight was amazing and adorable!
    Outdoor courts

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    Outdoor courts
    Taps on Main

    Taps on Main

    4.2
    (243 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$

    They're known for:…read more Wings. Self-serve beer taps. Lots and lots and lots of screens for sportsball. What else would you need to know? Take the KC Streetcar if urban parking is not your thing. The nearest streetcar stop is the Crossroads, so it's only a couple of blocks to walk, eezy peezy. Service is friendly and timely, you can cheer for the locals or whatever else might be on a screen at that time, and enjoy one of dozens of self-service taps. Get a beer card from the bar or your server, grab a glass from the rack to the left of the taps, put your card on the reader, pull the tap, and ZAM! Bob's your uncle. Pull for just a pint or sample up & down the line and just know you're paying by the ounce. What's not to like? Taps on Main has a strong wing game and they're serious about keeping it that way. There are almost a dozen sauces or rubs that you can get, and order your wings by 10 or 20. I'm one for sweet heat, so the Korean Gochujang is my target. Wings are sauced nicely, not smothered, and a basket of 10 wings is gracious plenty for a 'serving'. Pick a dipper if you need one, or add a buck for more than one, but the wings are very well executed and arguably should be talked about more in KC wing convos. Great wings, great beer selection, and great location. Winning all the way around.

    Helllllllaa TVs which is great for game watching. Wings…read morewere great... however the ranch was not thick. Sadness, but the wings def made up for it. The flavor was great tho Highly recommend Quite a bit beers on tap, def appreciated the amount of sours and seltzers

    Photos
    Taps on Main
    Corn nuggets
    Corn nuggets
    Taps on Main

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    Grinders

    Grinders

    3.8
    (811 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    We went for a late afternoon lunch while in the area...kids had never been before…read more We got pizza, a burger and wings. The kids like the decor-all the stickers and writing on the walls. Our server was great-she was the only one and kept up with refills etc! Pizza was amazing! My kiddo said he wants to get pizza from here everyday! Wishful thinking kid! My other kiddo enjoyed her burger. And hubby ate all of his wings-self explanatory. Will we be back? Definitely! Should I have ordered a pizza to go? Yes! Did I? No, am wish I had! Gratuity is already added-not sure if this a permanent thing or World Cup thing...but we tipped extra for the great service.

    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.

    Photos
    Grinders
    12 PC Wings with Molten sauce
    12 PC Wings with Molten sauce
    4 Hands Cannabis Tropical (NA) & Quirk Hard Seltzer (Tiger Paw Punch)

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

    Knuckleheads - musicvenues - Updated August 2026

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