Kansas City has a thriving LGBTQ+ community and plenty of bars and clubs to keep it buzzing. Even though the city isn’t huge, it’s a fantastic place for queer folks to live, connect, and have fun. Neighborhoods like Westport, Waldo, the Crossroads Arts District, River Market, Downtown, and nearby areas are LGBTQ+ friendly and feel safe to visit both during the day and at night.
Here’s a top ten list of the most popular gay bars, lesbian nightclubs, and venues offering craft cocktails, drag brunches, live music, and both local and guest DJs—some of the best gay and lesbian in Kansas City hotspots.
Top 5 Gay Bars and Restaurants in Kansas City
Missie B’s
Address: 805 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111
Missie B’s is a beloved gay bar cherished by the local LGBTQ+ community. It’s been serving guests since 1994—originally as a piano/karaoke bar with occasional drag shows. Thanks to strong support from the community, the business has grown over the years and become one of the largest gay clubs in Kansas City, now featuring three separate bar areas and a patio. There’s even a leather shop on-site, where leathermen can pick up some stylish accessories.
People often choose Missie B’s over other bars for its fairly priced cocktails and an incredible cast of drag performers—every show is spectacular and full of energy. Another reason this bar has such a great reputation? Its dedication to giving back. Missie B’s regularly hosts fundraisers, puts on potluck dinners for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and does a lot year-round to support residents in need.
Woody’s KC
Address: 3740 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111
Woody’s is a laid-back, queer-friendly bar for the 21+ crowd. The staff is diverse, with team members of all different gender identities and sexual orientations, and the crowd is just as colorful—truly everyone under the rainbow. Events include drag races, DJ nights, and trans-inclusive parties with go-go dancers, pop-up shows, and LGBTQ+ vendors.
Back in 2019, Woody’s painted their now-famous Pride Stairs to honor the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and show love to the local LGBTQ+ community. Today, the stairs are one of Kansas City’s most Instagrammable spots—and a favorite place for couples to sneak a kiss and snap a picture.
Sidekicks Saloon
Address: 3707 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111
Sidekicks Saloon is a popular gay dive bar located in Midtown, just a few minutes from downtown Kansas City. Styled like a country western gay bar, it’s large and spacious inside—perfect for gathering big crowds—and is seen as one of the top spots for gay people to meet and hang out.
To keep queer folks entertained, Sidekicks hosts drag shows, late-night performances, dart leagues, and blind draw competitions on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s been a beloved gay bar for years, and its old-school charm means they don’t bother much with social media or even a website. Still, drag performers and patrons often post updates and photos from events, so you can find info about what’s coming up through their personal pages and local listings.
Sidestreet Bar
Address: 413 E 33rd St, Kansas City, MO 64109
Sidestreet Bar is one of the most popular gay bars in Kansas City, known for its outdoor patio and live music. Even though it’s tucked away in an unassuming building near Costco, far from Downtown, it’s still a top nightlife hotspot where you can sip cocktails and enjoy the company of LGBTQ+ folks. It gets packed on Fridays, so arrive early to enjoy a bit of intimacy before the crowd rolls in.
Cafe Trio
Address: 4558 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111
Cafe Trio is a gay-owned, fancy café with patio that’s inclusive to everyone. It’s a great spot for fine dining and meeting a high-profile crowd—especially gay folks who radiate success, wealth, and style. With its classy design and special menu, this restaurant is perfect for celebrating a big occasion or just treating yourself after a long work week. Live music and a solid cocktail menu make Cafe Trio a hotspot that’s definitely worth checking out.
Top 5 Lesbian Bars and Restaurants with Patios
Gaels Public House & Sports
Address: 5424 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110
Gaels Public House & Sports is one of the most popular bars outside of Downtown. Queer folks come here for the fun weekend lineup—drag shows on Fridays and DJ sets on Saturdays that get everyone dancing. The inviting patio with wide tables and comfy chairs is perfect for sipping drinks and enjoying the sunset.
Gaels also regularly hosts private creative events, so be sure to join them on Instagram to stay updated on what’s coming up next.
Hamburger Mary’s
Address: 3700 Broadway Blvd #110, Kansas City, MO 64111
Hamburger Mary’s is a national chain restaurant that focuses on two things: serving up some of the best burgers in town and delivering unforgettable events. From mind-blowing drag shows to laugh-out-loud bingo nights, this place knows how to bring the fun and unite members of the LGBTQ+ community. You’ll love the vibrant, welcoming vibe—where open-minded folks from downtown and nearby neighborhoods come together to enjoy themselves and live in the moment.
Grinder Pizza
Address: 417 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108
If pizza is your favorite food, Grinder Pizza is a must-visit LGBTQ-friendly spot in Downtown. It’s got a cozy patio, old-school pinball machines, live music from Kansas bands, and fun events like trivia nights that bring people together. Whether you’re out with friends or flying solo, this place will make your trip a blast.
Queer Bar Takeover
Address: The event’s location changes every month.
Queer Bar Takeover is a pop-up nightlife event that transforms a traditionally straight bar into a queer-friendly party spot—just for one night. Happening on the second Saturday of every month, this event brings LGBTQ+ energy to unexpected places across Kansas City.
The dance parties are loud, energizing, and packed with lesbians, queers, and allies from surrounding towns as well as other cities of the East and West Coasts. If you’re ready to dive into a night of dancing and celebration, make the second Saturday special. Check visitor information on their website or social media to find out where the next takeover is happening—it could be Downtown or anywhere else in the town.
Blue Bird Bistro
Address: 1700 Summit St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Blue Bird Bistro is a cozy mixed crowd venue—gay, lesbian, straight—all welcome. Located in Westside North, it’s a great place to reserve a table for their special four-course Wednesday night dinners, featuring organic, Missouri-grown ingredients. Be sure to contact the bistro in advance to hear about their seasonal menu and specialty drinks.
Wrapping Up: Kansas City Welcome LGBTQ+ Visitors from All over the Country
Kansas City has a rich history of LGBTQ+ civil rights dating back to the 1960s. Today, that legacy has evolved into a vibrant scene filled with queer-friendly neighborhoods, lively nightlife, welcoming gay bars, loud Pride events, and more.
Visit Kansas City any day of the week and you’ll find something to enjoy—drag brunches, delicious food at trendy restaurants, bingo, nd all-night dancing at some of the best gay bars in the Midwest. During the day, stroll from the Crossroads to the Arts District, visit shops, then stop by the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art or the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art—both of which feature exhibitions that highlight LGBTQ+ stories and strength.
Don’t have a friend to grab a drink with in Kansas City? You can always meet someone new through dating apps. Try Bumble or Tinder for all-gender matches, Bindr for trans folks, PinkCupid for lesbians, and Hinge for queer and gay singles.
For the ultimate LGBTQIA+ dating experience, join Taimi—a free and safe and inclusive dating app made for building real connections and sparking romantic attraction. It’s a top pick among Missouri visitors and local bar patrons in Downtown KC. With a strict verification process and smart AI matching algorithm, Taimi can help you find someone special to share the night with—or maybe even snap a sweet kissing photo on the Pride Stairs.
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