Very cool speakeasy vibe in the Crossroads! If you're looking for a place with well drinks and pitchers 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. read more

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I am so happy I came here! We grabbed pre dinner drinks at Swordfish Tom's and it is a really cool experience. 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. read more

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A chic little speakeasy tucked into an alley a few blocks from Power & Light, Swordfish Toms is a pretty fun little spot. The service is good but the vibe is slow and calm so don't go in there thinking you're going to snap your fingers and get a drink immediately (then again... probably don't do that anywhere). Their old fashioned was pretty solid but a little strong aromatics, I'm assuming from the type or amount of bitters they're using. There's a giant boiler in the main room and some tables that are tucked behind it so if you're unlucky enough to get sat there, you'll be a bit excluded from the rest of the bar... but maybe that's the point of a speakeasy? Anyhow, definitely worth checking out. read more

Such the hip vibe!! Showed up shortly after opening, green light-- knock, knock and there we were! Tremendous craft cocktail menu! Fun, intimate-- great date or romantic stop before/after dinner. read more

Swordfish Tom's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Best cocktails in the city!!! I've been here 4 times now and am never disappointed. The bartenders & servers are so friendly and will make any drink that is to your liking. If you're unsure what to get just let them know a drink you've had in the past that you like and they'll make a great suggestion. Can't say enough about this place!!! read more

Swordfish Tom's - Passenger Side is their version of a Sidecar with cognac. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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Wow!!! What a treat. Top notch drinks for the win. The cocktails are next level, so self control will be key. The ambiance and the hospitality we experienced was what any business should put into practice. Two thumbs up. read more

Swordfish Tom's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Great hidden Speak Easy Bar. The decor is low light cozy small to medium group setting. The service was top notch. The specialty cocktails are impressive and the bartender turned out the drinks quickly and well balanced across the board. Our group of three thoroughly enjoyed, ordering a range of cocktails and sharing so we got a decent sample of the variety of drinks, which was a lot of fun. Our server that evening was one of the owners who we enjoyed getting to know. It's definitely a place we will bring our guests to in the future. My only suggestion would be that offering a quick easy appetizer-snack mix to order (cracker, bread or nuts) would be great complement to the experience. I definitely will be adding this place to my go to favorites! read more

Swordfish Tom's - Tornado warning, Smoking and sorry I forgot the name of the yellow one. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Apple Maps takes you to some venue with a plate glass window and you are like where is the speakeasy? Go around the right side of the building and in the alley you will find an entrance. The sign blends in extremely well. You're not sure where you are until you get close enough to read it. Next, go down the octopus stairs And down into another concrete and brick room. There is a green light outside the door. (it's red if they are full to capacity) You rap on the door using the knocker. Then you may be admitted to this hidden gem. First, you are faced with a giant boiler that lends a steampunk speakeasy vibe. Don't bring your visa or Mastercard. Bring small, untraceable bills. There Is an atm for your convenience. The drink menu is amazing. From the Manhattan project to the Exorcism, and everything in between. Come in open minded and enjoy the offerings. They were universally good. Prices are reasonable for this sort of venue. It's an experience. Our server was fabulous and recommended drinks. We sat in cozy chairs under dim lighting and the vibe was friendly and quiet. We had a chat with the couple next to us, and the guests were couples and small friend groups. Dress was casual to slightly dressy. We will be back on our next trip to KC. read more

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This tiny, cash only bar is all of what a speakeasy can be. In a cold gusty alley, down a basement, behind a locked door, swordfish Tom's make excellent drinks in a friendly and intimate boiler room. I loved all of the drinks I had. You can tell they put a lot of thought and care into creating their cocktails. Milk punch, peanut butter washed scotch, mushroom syrup manhattan, the lone bartender and server can do it all. read more

Swordfish Tom's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Innovative and delicious drinks. And outstanding service. Shout out to Bex for being a great bartender and helping me learn more about the cocktails. Love this place. read more

How do I fit all the great things about Swordfish Tom's into one Yelp review? KC has quite a few speakeasy bars, but this is hands down always the best. The unassuming entrance is in an alley. Proceed down the stairs. The rules are simple: if the lamp is green, knock because there's room. If the lamp is red, they're at capacity, so take a seat and wait for someone to leave. The cocktails are phenomenal. Their menu is extensive, so there's something for absolutely everyone. They are CASH ONLY! But they do have an ATM in the bar for your convenience. The vibes are so cozy and intimate. The bartenders are truly some of the kindest, warmest, and unpretentious folks around. There are high top tables, couches, lounge chairs -- many options packed into the little space. If you are looking for a really special Kansas City experience, you absolutely must brave the wait and experience Swordfish Tom's. read more

This was a fun place. You sit outside and wait for the red light to change to be seated. The staff was friendly. We were seated and the bar tender gives you recommendations based on what you like. The place was so cool and decor was amazing. Drinks were excellent read more

This speakeasy had a very nice calming ambiance to it. It's a smaller bar so getting here when they open is probably better if you don't want to wait. I got the Leo Summer and my friend got a drink that I forgot the name of unfortunately. Both drinks were very good! read more

Swordfish Tom's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Swordfish Tom's is the epitome of speakeasy entrances. Down an unmarked alley you'll find the door to this underground bar where a single lantern will inform you if they have seating available with its red or green light. The atmosphere here is amazing and the owner couldn't be more friendly. We had a wonderful time and I must recommend the Random Rules cocktail with its delicious blackberry notes. I also sampled the Abandoned Highway, which is a warm cider, but I didn't care for this one. This is one of the top two speakeasies in all of Kansas City, so be sure to arrive early or you might be waiting a while for a seat. You can see more of our experience on our YouTube travel channel: https://youtu.be/A508y__Cka4 read more

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Walk down an alley. Go down a random staircase. Wait in a room with old movie theater type seats. When they have room for you enter the tiny and crazy good bar. They do a crazy good job of crafting strange things like mushrooms into a deep and mysterious riff on a Manhattan. Find this place and g for the taste ride. One of my favorite bars anywhere. read more

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Lovely intimate speakeasy! Only two bartenders, so the line can be a little long to be admitted. All the drinks were as you would expect from an elevated bar--interesting combinations, made with care. Great place for a date as it is rather small and easy to talk with one another. They only accept cash. There's an ATM on site that charges $1 to withdraw money. read more

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It's first Friday and we went to Swordfish Tom's. But we only waited 20 minutes! We arrived around 9:50pm and there was a group of 6 and a group of 2 in the waiting area. And before we knew it we were inside the speakeasy. If you don't already know Swordfish Tom's boasts some of the best cocktails in the city and is the a speakeasy in the truest sense - doorway in an alley,down the stairs, rustic, very if you know you know kind of vibes, and, of course, cash only. But don't worry they have an ATM. They are currently serving their Spring/Summer menu and I got the Celadon City. It was just the tiniest bit too sweet for me - but overall a really great, inventive cocktail. Husband had the Bourbon Heaven and Earth and a mezcal drink for his second. If you haven't been yet, just go! Don't be afraid of the red light! read more

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What an awesome speakeasy! The labyrinth that you have to go through to reach the door is awesome and filled with cool murals. The instructions are very clear and posted appropriately. The inside is perfectly dark and mysterious. And the staff are all friendly and helpful. They have an extensive cocktail menu and will also customize your drink if you'd prefer. I started with the Random Rules-Four Roses Bourbon, blackberry infused cocchi americano, nocino, and lemon. Now I don't know what half of those ingredients are but I will say that this drink was fantastic and I'd definitely order it again. I also tried a sip of Heaven, Bourbon, and Earth: angels envy bourbon, barolo Chinato, spiced chocolate bitters, homemade mushroom syrup, with a dark chocolate powder rim. This was a super interesting and you could really taste the mushrooms and chocolate. It was super earthy. Finally, we tried Babylon's Garden: Still 630 Confluence gin, Ophir gin, pear liqueur, lemon, and champagne. This one was super refreshing and light. We will definitely go back! read more

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It's a cash only establishment but I promise you the drinks here are out of this world. The entrance to this place is a little tricky but once you find it and head down it's pretty straight forward. Like I said above it's a cash only establishment. Prices ranges around $15 per drink. The bartenders are super duper friendly. We've came here close to closing time and they're still super friendly and serve us. The interior in here is also a bonus for those who loves taking pictures. Definitely a spot to check out! read more

Swordfish Tom's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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Hidden away is a refreshment connoisseur's paradise called Swordfish Tom's. A polished underground oasis of creative mixology. They have a variety of seating options that are conducive for various occasions, but all were intimate. The server educated us on the history of the speakeasy, which made the experience all the more meaningful. The drinks are more works of art than they are your typical cocktail. More than flavors you can taste the inspiration and passion. The Exorcism was a favorite. read more

Swordfish Tom's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Excellent place to hard launch your boo on Instagram! Waited about 30 minutes to be seated, but a great ambiance!

Loved, loved, loved this bar from the uniqueness of the place to the customer service. We went early evening on a Saturday. There was a little bit of a wait but not too long. We read the reviews ahead of time so we knew to take cash. It is cash only and they do have an ATM. Our hostess was so nice and informative. She helped me select a drink. The bartender was also quick with the drinks and they were well made. We loved the decor, the intimacy of the place but what we loved most was how you enter the bar. There is a small wait room. They have a light determining if there is space inside. If it's green that means there is space, if it is red it means they're full. Loved everything about it. Definitely a must visit when in Kansas. read more

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I come here for the commitment to inclusivity. I stay for the menagerie of cocktails, the quiet ambience and friendly servers willing to guide you in the sometimes perplexing world of mixology. The drinks are creative and fabulous. While they are a bit pricier than say, a beer at the dive bar down the street, the experience is definitely more memorable. read more

This place was awesome. I went on a Thuraday around 7p.m. and there was one other group there. Finding the place was cool, and the staff was super friendly and helpful since it was our first time there. The drink menu is a good size, a lot of choices, but not overwhelming. It is cash only, but they have an ATM there. There is only a $1 service fee to take cash out, so that was cool. I'll be back and bring friends nextime. read more

Swordfish Tom's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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Swordfish Tom's is a great speakeasy down an alley on the streets of Kansas City. I love the big black tanker thing, the dimly lit atmosphere, and the service. I highly recommend the Blowing Smoke cocktail (basically a Mezcal Old Fashioned) if you're feeling for something smoky, delicious, and unique. Beware of the octopus went you first enter. read more

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This place is such a hidden gem! I went here with my boyfriend to celebrate his birthday, and it was the perfect spot. The drinks are funky, creative, and absolutely delicious, and the staff could not be friendlier or more welcoming. The whole speakeasy vibe makes it feel like you've stumbled onto something special, and it's the kind of place you instantly want to bring your friends back to. We will absolutely be back! read more

Best cocktails. Great service that will get you exactly what you didn't know you needed.

I was out with two friends in the Cross Road area have a drink when one mentioned Swordfish Tom's. I will say that Kansas City has had a bit of a proliferation of speakeasies over the last few years. A Swordfish Tom's actually has the feel of a speakeasy. You actually walk down an alley to find the door, go down a flight of stairs and are presented a door with a Light. If it's green, give her knock. The old boiler room with the boiler sitting in the middle of it, creates a unique feeling It's dark and quaint, and feels like something special! There's a fantastic list of drinks, and the three of us tried six different ones. All of them were great and we had a wonderful time! I'd love to keep this place a secret, but I must admit you all yourself to give them a try. read more

Swordfish Tom's - Interior photo - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

It's been a year since my last review on Swordfish Tom's so it's time for an update. ... can I give them six stars? Honestly, they are still my favorite bar in the city and here's why: 1. The cocktails: I have never had a bad drink here. Their menu is vast, thoughtful, and experimental, and they hit it out of the ballpark each time. I have never left thinking to myself that the drinks were overpriced, which at this price point in KC, says something. 2. The folks that work here: I challenge you to find bartenders and wait staff that care more about your consumer experience anywhere. Each time I go I am warmly greeted by the staff, they are more than happy to answer questions about the drinks and much to my delight and surprise, they all know their way around the menu, offering ideas, suggestions, and describing each drink in amazing detail. Furthermore they always check to see if you are enjoying your drink. I've been a few times with a friend who maybe didn't love the drink and the staff insists on making something new - they WANT you to have a good time and their commitment to this is special. They are never off put by anything, they love chatting, and I always leave them with a good tip. Seriously, they are what takes this place from a good cocktail bar to an excellent cocktail bar. 3. The ambiance: It's a pretty standard speakeasy set up, you've got a light to let you know if they are full or not and you wait with the honor system to get in. I've never seen somebody cut so I feel like folks get the vibe. When you get inside I LOVE that it's so intimate and calm. I'm guessing the bar only fits about 20-ish folks at a time, so that with the dim lighting, and comfy furniture makes for a really sweet elegant cocktail hour. I never feel rushed here and I love the feeling of walking out and realizing that there is a wait and it's busy elsewhere in the city, but for the hour or two that you've been in Swordfish Tom's it's like time stood still and you were gifted the opportunity to savor and enjoy your drinks. Overall, I'm always on the prowl for more great cocktail bars in KC, but so far none of them have been able to knock the crown off of Swordfish Tom's. Keep up the amazing work - I'll be in as soon as dry January is over! read more

Oh Swordfish Tom's how I wanted to love you! Sadly your drinks did not live up to my expectations...or their menu descriptions. What I ordered - Terry's Chocolate Orange, advertised as a boozy chocolate orange ball. What I got - a drink that tasted nothing like chocolate and much more like bitter anise and clove. Tasted a couple of my friends drinks too, one was good the other not so much. One was advertised as tasting like a Mediterranean sunset, but also a fruitcake with almond...quite the big stretch to compare Christmas flavors with a Mediterranean sunset if you ask me. Ultimately the Mediterranean sunset was the correct flavor comparison on that one with its intense citrus flavors. This was actually the best cocktail I tasted, but as someone that doesn't like fruitcake it immediately flew off my radar once I read about it. Aside from the disappointing drinks, the spot did have a cool vibe and our server had a fun and upbeat personality. Very limited seating inside with a variety of couches, chairs and, a high top. The waiting room had some seating too, I think about 12 seats total. We had to wait close to 30 minutes as a group of 4 later in the evening on a Thursday night. Would recommend getting here earlier if you don't want to wait. Cash only with an ATM inside. read more

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This is one of our favorite speak easy's in Kansas City! We always like to go here for end-cap cocktails on our evenings out. If you haven't been here before, the set-up might be a bit confusing. If the light is red, that means the bar is at capacity. When tables open up, a staff member will open the door and call the next group in line. They are cash-only. That being said, don't fret if you get there and don't have cash. They have an ATM available inside. We've tried many of the cocktails over our numerous visits and have yet to find one we don't like. As this is a smaller bar, I recommend going as a pair or with a small group. read more

Swordfish Tom's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

By far (and with no real competition) my favorite cocktail spot in Kansas City. If you're looking for a loud, busy club vibe, this is *not* your joint. But if you like atmosphere, a space that tells a story, staff that are both masters of their craft and joys to spend time with and (of course) truly excellent cocktails across a spectrum of tastes? This is your place. First, the space. Exactly the right type of dimly lit, enough seats to give the room energy when it's full but few enough that it always feels intimate. If you're a fan of the speakeasy experience, finding the place is a fun little adventure in and of itself. Next up, drinks. Do yourself a favor and order the Clarified Milk Punch. This is magic in a glass no matter what you think of the name. As with most great cocktail houses, the menu is seasonal and the staff is *incredibly* creative with their theme. Most recently I had a lovely strawberry wash riff on a boulevardier that was to die for. And if you're craving classics, the crew doesn't disappoint. Speaking of crew, last but not least: the staff. This is a small tight nit crew of friendly, creative craftspeople. They are fun and engaging and incredibly knowledgeable. The bar only seats three, but I highly recommend it for the face time. All of the stars. Worth noting (as others have) that the bar is cash only. Not to fear, there's an ATM inside to make sure you're good to close out that tab. Now get going, there's drinks to be drank! read more

Swordfish Tom's - Is that a vesper I see? Sure is! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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The drink menu is creative, flavorful but well balanced, and tasty. Their ice game is also on point with crystal clear ice. To top it off Swordfish Tom's staff was friendly and personable. With speakeasy vibes and amazing cocktails, I will boldly say that Swordfish Tom's is the best in the city. We had drinks "It's Corn" (and yes it indeed did taste like corn), "Coppertop," "Leo's Summer," and "Margaret's Downfall." read more

Swordfish Tom's - Drinks It's Corn and Coppertop - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

This place had a great vibe and the cocktails were awesome! We found it while traveling through Kansas City and definitely recommend! read more

Swordfish Tom's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

This limited entry cocktail bar pre-dated, and is related to Drastic Measures in Shawnee KS. It's located in an alley. Entry is nondescript. Tom's has a bigger waiting area and a few stairs to descend. Staff escorts customers inside based upon occupancy. Dark interior. I drank a Left Turn at Albuquerque. It had tequila, peach liqueur, honey, etc. Not bad (some enjoyable spice), but I think a little simple syrup would elevate it. Broader menu than Drastic Measures, so I prefer Tom's. A pleasant experience. read more

Swordfish Tom's - A Left Turn at Albuquerque - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

CASH ONLY!! They do have an ATM inside though. Swordfish Tom's is always a fun time. We came and had 8 people in our party, surprisingly we didn't have to wait too long. There was a nice drink selection to pic from with unique combinations. The space we were in was pretty dark but it was a nice time. read more

This is one of the top bars in the country. I know, crazy statement, but the drinks are creative, crafted with care and delicious. The staff is awesome and loves what they do. The space is so cool and has a real speak easy feel to it. I can't recommend this place enough. My first visit to KC and I feel lucky to have found Swordfish Tom. read more

I'm so upset. We were having an amazing time. The service drinks were wonderful We saw a longtime friend who we haven't seen in years and screamed in delight. We were told to quiet down. Not ok with me. That was a horrible end to our amazing evening. I do not recommend this place. read more

Our 1st time!!!! Down an alley, down the stairs, wait for the light to be green! Must be vaccinated and the check you vaccine card prior to entering. In the basement boiler room... absolutely cool!! Great use of space and quite the Manhattan drink menu!! We loved the little seating areas!!! Only cash! read more

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Great setting. Extensive cocktail menu. Friendly and attentive staff. Drinks were expensive but well made. It's small, so they have a seating area outside the door with a red light/green light system. Great idea and so much like prohibition era bars. read more