Kansas City is famous for its delicious barbecue and vibrant live jazz scene. And with plenty of distilleries and pubs that are located in the area, it’s an excellent place for a road trip with good friends. When our friend Kyle moved to Kansas City a month ago to live closer to his wife’s family, we did what any decent friends would do. We turned his move into the opportunity to explore the best drinks and eats in KC.

He hired an NYC moving company (the same one mentioned here) to pack up their whole apartment and load a huge U-Haul. We had the honor of driving the truck across the country while he followed behind us with his wife and kid. Thankfully, after a grueling 19-hour drive, there was a local mover there ready to help with unloading and unpacking. Once we turned the U-Haul back in, we got some sleep and then hit the town hard the following two days eating and drinking our way across his new hometown. Here are some of the highlights:

Tom’s Town Distilling Co.

This downtown hotspot was the city’s first legal distillery since the Prohibition Era and offers tours and tastings for those interested in the history of Kansas City. With an art deco vibe and a fun atmosphere, visitors can sip on a variety of bourbon, gin, and vodka while chatting with knowledgeable bartenders who know how to whip up a tasty cocktail. And with a menu of small plates, full dinner entrees, and desserts, it’s an excellent choice for a downtown get together with friends.

McCoy’s Public House

McCoy’s Public House is a Westport neighborhood bar that’s favorited by locals. Featuring over 20-craft beers on tap, a seasonal selection of brews, four different versions of mac-n-cheese, and tasty chicken and waffles, McCoy’s is the ultimate weekend must-see. The bar also offers a comfy outdoor patio that’s perfect for warm Missouri nights and has a laid back atmosphere indoors that lends itself to hanging out and chatting with friends or just stopping in for a drink and snack before heading out for the evening.

SoT Social

With a unique, secret garden feel and eclectic vibe, SoT Social is one of the newest and trendiest bars in the city. And whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, SoT’s relaxed atmosphere can make anyone feel right at home. Their cocktails change seasonally based on the availability of fresh, local ingredients and are discounted during happy hour specials that run through the week from 4pm-6pm. SoT also features a small plates menu that serves everything from savory crawfish toast to delicious tasting chocolates and is a great choice for an evening soirée.

Zoo Bar

The Zoo Bar is a hidden gem located in the Central Business District and is an ideal spot for a fun dive bar experience. The bar often gets crowded, noisy, and full of laughter with classic jukebox tunes and live karaoke music and has a gritty vibe and graffiti splattered on the wall. The Zoo Bar also serves a mean tasting flight that samples different craft beers, which is a favorite among locals. And with 30 varieties of bottled beer, plenty of bar food, and a lively atmosphere, it’s a definitely on the to-do list when visiting Kansas City.