Found this one almost by accident and it's exactly the kind of place I live for. Drastic Measures…read moreis a speakeasy tucked into Shawnee, of all places, and walking in feels like stepping into a completely different city. Low light, hidden-away energy, the whole vibe from the second you're through the door. Bartender Kate asked if I wanted a specialty cocktail and I said absolutely. She built me something based on a mojito I first had in Dallas -- mint, cucumber, and a habanero syrup that sneaks up on you in the best way. Cool and sweet up front, then a slow burn on the finish. I could have sat there sipping those all afternoon, which is exactly why I made myself stop at one. This is a real find. Genuinely undiscovered gem territory, and I'll be back.

We decided to stop by on a Friday night and were welcomed in. One of the unique features of this…read morecocktail bar includes a green light / red light outside of the establishment to indicate whether they are at capacity / space is available. Upon entering the speakeasy-type of cocktail bar, we were seated. Our server answered questions about drinks and offered recommendations for what we might like! My favorite feature included an option for the bartender to create a drink based on what you like! I provided information about liquor preferences and taste (e.g. citrus, sweet, fruity, etc.). The drinks were absolutely delicious! This is a fabulous cocktail bar located in downtown Shawnee! I highly recommend visiting if you are looking for an intimate night out and wanting to sip on tasty cocktails! We will return.

Really neat little place.. simple food like a charcuterie board and spinach dip…read more Drinks were amazing everything you could ever imagine incredible combinations they really take pride and effort.. see their website for waitlist and reservations because the place is really small. Very attentive service.

Just moved to the neighborhood and so enjoyed being able to pop in to a cozy, trendy, welcoming…read morecocktail spot on my way to dinner - no reservation needed. The ambience was excellent, they've taken care to make it cozy and elevated. The drinks were fresh, cold and well mixed. The menu had so much to choose from, but I loved my selection so much I chose it twice - Lonesome Crowded Midwest, full of the freshest summer flavors (cucumber, mint, lime) and topped with a generous amount of lime zest that made it an aromatic experience alongside a tart and refreshing taste. Will be trying the bites on my next visit!

Such a cute cocktail bar! The atmosphere was cozy, stylish, and perfect for a date night or drinks…read morewith friends. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable! The cocktails were delicious and beautifully made, and the whole place had such a fun, intimate vibe. Definitely a spot I'd come back to for a drink and a cute night out!

I've driven past the Fern Bar countless times, but had never stopped in. Truthfully, I knew next to…read morenothing about it. That changed yesterday, when Diana Condori, the bar manager, was named a 2026 James Beard Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service semifinalist. As we love supporting restaurants and bars that receive that kind of recognition, my wife and I headed to Fern Bar that evening. I was especially curious what exactly a "sugarcane and agave bar" meant. We arrived around 5:30pm and found only a handful of guests inside. After congratulating the bartender who first served us, he mentioned that Diana was working that night and would stop by to meet us. During our conversation, Diana shared that she didn't even know she had been nominated. She woke up Tuesday to a call from owner Bryan Arri, who said he had big news and was coming over. Her first thought was that something terrible had happened--like the bar had burned down. Instead, he showed up with coffee and told her she was a James Beard honoree. Diana is originally from Bolivia and has lived in Kansas City most of her life, with the exception of time spent in San Francisco during the pandemic. She further refined her cocktail craft through local pop-ups in Kansas City under the name Condor's Cove. When Bryan was preparing to open Fern Bar, he reached out to bring her onto the team. The printed cocktail menu immediately reminded me of the Monarch and the Mercury Room--not surprising given Bryan's background at Manifesto and the Monarch. Thoughtful, intentional, and clearly designed for people who appreciate serious cocktails. We planned on having one or two drinks but ended up staying for three, thanks to an outstanding lineup and a memorable conversation with Diana. We tasted: * No Fly Zone - Rum, agave, pineapple foam * Mr. Collage - Smooth, elegant, egg-white cocktail * Three Negroni Lunch - Bitter, boozy, and beautifully balanced * Pendergast No. 4 - Complex and spirit-driven * It's Bananas - Banana liqueur with bright tropical notes * Off the Rails - Creative and well-executed rum/agave cocktail One downside of many cocktail-forward bars is the lack of food, but Fern Bar offers two varieties of mini burritos for $4--just enough protein to keep things balanced while indulging. Great concept, exceptional service, and truly memorable drinks. Check it out--and be sure to say hello to Diana.

Very cool speakeasy vibe in the Crossroads! If you're looking for a place with well drinks and…read morepitchers of beer, then this is *not* your place. No, Swordfish Tom's is only serving up handcrafted cocktails, and generally off of their particularly killer menu. Drinks are artisanal, they take a little extra time to prepare, and they are absolutely smashing! Owner Jill has all the talents with both mixology and design and the unique taste comes through each time. Hoist your drink and find a comfy seat, or maybe a dimly lit corner table just for two. Just know that it is CASH ONLY (and there is an ATM on site) and the drinks will run you upwards of $15 or so. Each one is very well worth it, and you're there for a specific ambience, so pony up and enjoy. If you don't know that the entrance is in the alley off of 19th, then you will miss it altogether. Great space, great atmosphere, and outstanding cocktails.

I am so happy I came here! We grabbed pre dinner drinks at Swordfish Tom's and it is a really cool…read moreexperience. The bar is downstairs and a speakeasy feel, with the entrance being in an alley. It feels hidden! There are paintings of nautical creatures/ animals on the walls as you're entering. The space itself is smaller, and from what I've been told they do a great job on regulating crowd size with their wait area. They have very specific craft cocktails. While they didn't have a traditional dirty martini that I enjoy, the bartender recommended something and offered to remake it for me if I didn't enjoy it. It's a really unique space that anyone would enjoy- definitely check it out.

Such a cute, cozy cocktail bar with a welcoming vibe and friendly staff! I recently went to their…read moreScent & Sip candle making event, and it was a really fun experience. The atmosphere was laid back and relaxing, and sipping on a delicious cocktail while making a candle was the perfect midweek reset. I love the combination of hands on events and cocktails, it's such a fun and unique concept. Check out their website because they host a variety of events throughout the month. I'll definitely be back for another one!

I attended the paint and sip event and it was so cute! While I was painting I ordered a cocktail. I…read moreloved the Mariposa cocktail. It was refreshing and the butterfly was a perfect touch. The service was attentive and superb! The chips were great and fresh out of the grease but, I did not like the guacamole at all, would not order again.

My first experience at the conductor club! It was Valentine's / beatles themed and they did a great…read morejob decorating! The drinks were perfectly themed and the staff was really welcoming. They were helpful on picking some food items as well as drinks. The drinks were well balanced and the food was accurately described. Knowing it's from pierpont, I knew it would be good! I will definitely be keeping an eye on the future themes to join in on in the future!

SPOOKY SPECIAL: We Survived Camp Crystal Lake @conductorclubkc…read more The Conductor Club is always cooking up something amazing. Their ever changing menu and themes really made this one a can't miss place. This review is from October of 2023

Great Espresso Martin's! Really cool atmosphere and lack of tv's encourages conversation and…read moreconnection. Wife and I loved the place and will definitely be back!

After a mediocre dining experience in Independence area, we got on yelp to find a cocktail bar to…read morekill the rest of our night. We found wine down 109, and it had a pretty good rating so we thought we would give it a try. It was a super friendly place and the owner/bartender was very pleasant, and visited with us for quite a while. I tried some of their specialty drinks. Each were very good and unique. If you're looking for a good hometown, feel in a bar, this is the place. The prices are very reasonable as well.

The Good, the Gin, and the Jalapeño Apocalypse. This hidden…read moregem in Mission Farms serves up serious aesthetic goals. The decor is pure speakeasy charm--complete with ultra-comfortable leather couches and cozy chairs you could sink into for hours. Bonus points to the waitstaff, who were wonderfully attentive all night. Now, for the drinks. A quick PSA: despite a massive liquor list, their custom cocktail menu is fairly compact and fiercely dedicated to gin. As a fellow gin enthusiast, I was thrilled. My first drink--a botanical gin and raspberry infusion topped with a velvety egg white float--was stellar. The rest of our non-gin-loving group, however, looked on with mild betrayal. The real drama came courtesy of the spicy cocktail my friend ordered. "A little bit of spice," the menu implied. What actually arrived was a beverage hosting a massive, fully-seeded jalapeño. It wasn't a drink; it was a weapon. A literal five-alarm fire erupted in her mouth. Come for the immaculate vibes and the leather seating, stay for the gin, but maybe skip the pepper spray in a glass.

What a unique cozy cocktail bar in Mission Farms. Highly recommend coming here for a cocktail or a…read moreglass wine before or after you get dinner in the Mission Farms area. What an amazing atmosphere for a cocktail bar. Very chill, relax vibe. Highly recommend checking it out. There was only one bartender on a Sunday night but he was very attentive.