There are few outings we love more than a well-planned date night.
Do you ever feel like adding something beyond an incredible restaurant – which we have plenty of in Kansas City – to your date night plans?
If so, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’re sharing unique Kansas City date night suggestions that go beyond romantic dinner reservations – five itineraries, to be exact.
Although they are different from one another, all the itineraries have something in common: they are centered around Kansas City’s local culture and culinary traditions.
The itineraries are designated by neighborhood with the intent being to be able to stay within walking distance for the evening.
We hope this list leaves you inspired to try something different for your next date night outing!
1. Kansas City Date Night: Westport Cafe, The Kick Comedy Theater & Ca Va
Neighborhood: Westport
Westport Cafe
Pricing: $$ – $$$
Begin your date night with an intimate dinner at Westport Cafe – approachable, modern French fare served in a quaint bistro.
With velvet curtains, exposed brick, subway tiles, dimmed lighting, and flickering candles, the vibe is every bit romantic – ideal for a date night.
The menu changes seasonally. For a date night approach, order several of the small plates and share.
Don’t let an unfamiliarity with French cuisine deter you – on the menu are familiar dishes such as risotto, mussels, and oysters.
Their cocktail offerings are extensive and creative. We love the sparkling wine.
The KC Improv Company at The Kick Comedy Theater
Pricing: $15/ticket
After dinner, stroll down the block to The Kick Comedy Theater, a house comedy troupe specializing in improv. Be prepared to suggest mid-show improv topics!
They offer shows most Fridays and Saturdays – their calendar of events is available on their website.
It should be noted that because it is improv, some shows will be funnier than others. In our experience of attending several shows, we always enjoy the experience.
Ca Va
Pricing: $$
End your Kansas City date night with bubbly at Ca Va. This quaint champagne bar offers a tranquil, dimly-lit setting perfect for sharing a toast with your date. They have excellent desserts as well. Cheers!
2. Kansas City Date Night: The Westside Local, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts & Swordfish Tom’s
Neighborhood: Westside
Westside Local
Pricing: $$
As the name suggests, Westside Local supports local farms and businesses. They offer creative takes on farm-to-table cooking in an inviting space with a modest beer garden.
We love their “Localities” offerings where you can select from a variety of local meats, cheeses, breads, and pickles to create your own charcuterie platter.
Their menu is varied with a range of ingredients and flavor profiles – ensuring that there is something for any craving.
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Pricing: Varies by Performance
After dinner, make your way a few blocks to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts for an evening of high culture.
This iconic building is home to a wide array of performing arts—from operas and ballets to orchestras.
This date night is best scheduled around a particular performance you’d like to see.
That shouldn’t be a problem – their calendar lists out performances many months in advance.
Swordfish Tom’s
Pricing: $$
Must-visit speakeasy – if you can find it, that is.
You’ll need to locate the nondescript door in an alleyway and follow the stairs to the basement. At the next door, you’ll see either a red or green light. If red, there’s no vacancy and you’ll have to wait. If green, knock and be patient.
This pre-Prohibition-inspired cocktail bar is open 4:00p – 1:30a and features a romantic dimly-lit, intimate ambiance with exposed brick and an original boiler situated in the center of the small room. They’re cash only, but have an ATM on-site.
3. Kansas City Date Night: Antler Room & Cooking Class at Billie’s Grocery
Neighborhood: Midtown
Antler Room
Pricing: $$
Begin your evening with a drink at The Antler Room – walking in, you’re wrapped in an atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and cozy.
Exposed brick walls, antler chandeliers, and well-curated art pieces make you feel like you’re dining in an upscale, artsy hunting lodge.
Cozy up to the bar and order from their well curated drink menu. Their cocktails often incorporate house-made syrups, bitters, and garnishes.
Cooking Class at Billie’s Grocery
Pricing: $125/person
Billie’s Grocery has had a cult following since it first opened. While you’re likely to wait in line if visiting during peak meal times, you can bypass the crowds for a great experience at one of their cooking classes.
Classes at Billie’s Grocery are designed to be interactive and are tailored to cater to diverse interests and skill levels.
Options range from learning how to make pasta from scratch, to exploring global cuisines, to perfecting the art of the dinner party.
Each class features step-by-step guidance, so you can replicate the dishes at home with ease.
Wine is provided and their full restaurant bar menu is available to purchase from. At the end of the hands-on demonstrations, you’ll sit down to enjoy the meal.
4. Kansas City Date Night: Corvino Tasting Room & Green Lady Lounge
Neighborhood: Crossroads Arts District
Corvino Tasting Room
Pricing: $150/person
The list of accolades for Corvino is lengthy, and includes a James Beard Semifinalist award for Chef Michael Corvino.
The upscale, elegant New American fare is paired with live jazz music and dimmed lights to create an intimate ambiance.
Their main space, the Supper Club, offers a wide variety of shareable plates based on seasonality.
For a more unique date night, consider their Tasting Room, which offers 10 courses for $150, a small, intimate dining experience complete with an open kitchen, and access to Chef Michael Corvino.
Over roughly two and a half hours, you’ll embark on a culinary journey that masterfully displays Chef Michael’s relentless pursuit of innovation and simplicity, all grounded in a deep respect for ingredients and techniques.
The sommelier will provide thoughtfully selected wine pairings that seamlessly complement the menu.
You’ll experience not only top-notch hospitality but also the region’s premier showcase of contemporary American fare.
Green Lady Lounge
Pricing: $$
After dinner, make the four minute walk to Green Lady Lounge where you’ll be immersed in sultry jazz tunes and velvety cocktails.
This iconic jazz club in the Crossroads Arts District is a nod to the classic jazz clubs of yesteryears that Kansas City is known for.
Red velvet curtains, plush seating, and dimmed lighting set the stage for an array of live jazz performances every night.
If the upstairs is too loud, try the basement level.
There is a cover charge.
5. Kansas City Date Night: Distillery Tour, Rockhille Grill, KC Wineworks Wine & Chocolate Pairing
Neighborhood: Crossroads Arts District
Distillery Tour
Kansas Citians like their liquor, and they like it local. There are several local distilleries around the city – for purposes of proximity, we’re going to suggest two of them.
Tom’s Town
Pricing: $20
Stepping into this historic distillery, you’ll be immediately transported to the Jazz Age.
The art deco interiors, with their gleaming marble counters, polished brass fixtures, and opulent chandeliers, tell tales of Kansas City’s risque history.
The distillery produces a range of spirits – notably bourbons and gins – that showcase craftsmanship and quality.
The 1-hour tour will tell you all about it, along with the involvement of Tom Pendergast, a notable influence in the history of Kansas City.
They typically occur Tuesday through Saturday at 5:00p and 7:00p and include a tasting. You can purchase a ticket below.
Lifted Spirits Distillery
Pricing: $25
Located in a restored circa-1800s stables, they offer beautifully crafted, creative cocktails made with their own small-batch spirits.
Included in their lineup is an absinthe for “curious palates only.” Several of their spirits are award-winning!
The 45-minute tour will take you through the production process and allow you a peek into the botanical ingredients they use.
The tours typically take place Thursday through Saturday at 4:00p, 5:00p, and 6:00p and include a tasting. You can purchase a ticket on their website.
Rockhill Grille
Pricing: $$ – $$$
Sophisticated, airy space serving elevated American dishes. Notable are the roasted chicken, pork chop, gourmet cheeseburger, and rustic mashed potatoes. Their cocktail game is exceptional.
With candle-lit tables, green leather chairs, and artsy chandeliers, there is an intimate, romantic ambiance. When we dine in, we opt to sit on the second floor next to a window for a great view of Crossroads.
KC Wineworks Wine & Chocolate Pairing
Pricing: $20
Should the end of date night involve both drinks and dessert?
Yes, please!
You can get both at KC Wineworks, a local tasting room for a family-run winery with vineyards located in Missouri.
The tasting room is trendy and the knowledgeable staff are always willing to walk you through the various regional varietals and their natural wine making process.
They partner with local Christopher Elbow chocolates to provide a tasting of three wines paired with three chocolates. It is the perfect ending to a date night.