Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: music (24) jazz (17) live (17) great (12) brunch (11) good (11) time (8) service (7) atmosphere (7) Kansas (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jennifer F. 10 months ago on Google
    The Phoenix didn’t disappoint! Local artist Nikki White who appears most Thursdays is a treat and provides great entertainment. Highly recommend.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 GW T. 1 year ago on Google
    Updated Review: It is a shame to see how bad this place has gotten. I was taking some out of town friends for some jazz and drinks and the "door guy" basically had to sprint from where he was to block our entry to tell us there was a $5 cover, which is normal for this place, but we weren't even sure he was actually the door guy or some random person, based on appearance and hygiene. I asked if they had a table for 6 inside and he gave a big eye roll and said we could look for ourselves after we paid the cover. We politely declined and started to walk off and he said to the people dining outside "$5 is just too much for some people I guess" Rating dropped from 4 star to 1.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tracy W. 1 year ago on Google
    An excellent dining experience with live music and a delicious brunch. I had chicken fried steak with sausage gravy, fried diced potatoes and scrambled eggs.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Pauline K. 1 year ago on Google
    We arrived at the restaurant and noticed that we were the only other table inside. I ordered a roast beef sandwich and my dinner companion had the Mac and cheese. Both selections were sub par. After taking a couple of bites, my friend told our server that he didn't care for it. She offered another selection, but by that time, we were ready to leave. Our bill was $38 for a dried out sandwich, inedible Mac and cheese and 2 glasses of water. Our server did not offer to comp our meal. Don't waste your time.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 marci p. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was ok. Bloody Marys were ok. Nothing to write home about. Server didn't seem interested in being there, we got one word answers with no explanation of what was available. It was so loud we almost didn't go in. Apparently there a jazz band on Saturday mornings too, not just the afternoons/evenings. Didn't see that on the website. Not a great place for a quiet brunch for friends to sit and chat.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brandon B. 4 years ago on Google
    It’s hard to rate just the food, because the live music is such an integral part of this place and adds so much to the dining experience! As far as jazz brunches that I have been to this takes the cake for being the best. The music wasn’t too loud through the open door to the patio where I was sitting and the food itself was stellar. The French toast was an unexpected winner, with the biscuits and gravy coming in so closely at second. Perfectly savory and wonderfully sweet.It was truly a great morning.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Isaiah A. 1 year ago on Google
    Our egg skillet tasted like rust from the un-cleaned cast iron dish it was served in. Expensive prices for the quality of food. I’ve been here twice and had to throw away a dish each time.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Bianca R. 8 months ago on Google
    So… where do I start? The music- Lee Langston was great! He’s quite the entertainer. But the establishment and the service was quite lacking. As you can see I don’t give bad reviews very often. I waited 30 minutes and asked 4 times for a Buffalo Trace- neat (bourbon). That should not be that hard. The food took forever. I may revisit this place but only for a drink (if I can get one) and the music. The chicken strip did look good but i got the chips and queso app. Not impressed at all. Maybe you will have a better experience. I will be waiting a bit before I go back.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christian P. 2 years ago on Google
    Came with some friends one Saturday night on a whim for live blues. Had a great time and saw that they had brunch. So we came back the next morning and had - most of us agree - the best brunch we could remember. All I can speak for is the biscuits and gravy, which were the best I've had. There was live jazz that morning which just made it better.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Casiano T. 3 years ago on Google
    This is an awesome place to go. I will state though that the food/menu is not as good as it was pre Covid-19. On my last visit, the food seemed previously frozen. Food was good, not great. The atmosphere is worth going.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Molly M. 6 months ago on Google
    Great little spot for live music. Good food and outside seating as well. I especially love this as a happy hour spot. Expect to pay $5 cover if you’re there during the shows.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle G. 1 year ago on Google
    Had my daughter's engagement going away party back to Australia on Sunday and had their brunch it was amazing! The service was outstanding the music was divine and the atmosphere was just energetic definitely have to try this place out
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew A. 1 year ago on Google
    Live jass, stiff drinks, great atmosphere.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Calla Bjorklund J. 1 year ago on Google
    We came here for a jazz brunch with some of our friends who live in Kansas City, and it did not disappoint. The food and music were both awesome. It's a small space for a jazz band, so it was super loud, but we loved it. A very fun Kansas City experience!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stacy M. 1 year ago on Google
    Came here for Saturday brunch 10am-2pm and listened to Alex Abramovitz and His Swing'n Kansas City Jazz Band. Amazing band which took request from a birthday Party and performed to perfection. My server Abby made a stiff awesome old fashion. Must come if you visit Kansas City! Support the infrastructure which at least pay musicians to perform live! Came back and enjoyed another round of hospitality, live music and drinks by lovely bartender Miranda. Easy transportation by free Kansas City Street car, stop at North Loop, then walk cross parking lots.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Roberta S. 7 months ago on Google
    Had a wonderful time with the service and entertainment of jazz and vocalist performances! Can’t wait to go again
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Kris W. 2 years ago on Google
    Very disappointed. The food is cafeteria grade. The atmosphere is nice for a drink and socializing but this is NOT a place you plan an evening dinner around. The crab cakes were prepackaged, deep fried, with a barely there flavor. The queso is generic cheese melt, at best. Had the southerwest salad... it's just iceberg lettuce with stuff on it. The chicken fried chicken was "hospital good." For $75 plus tip... hard pass.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sean M. 2 years ago on Google
    Brunch is definitely a fun time to go, but can be super busy. We were able to snag a table in the back where it was dimly lit. Food was good and the service was okay, but the live music really makes it worth going to. If you like jazz you must try this place out.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Richard K. 2 years ago on Google
    Great Place with excellent jazz band. We went Sat at noon, and were seated right away. The jazz band included a sax and trumpet, both were seasoned pros. The fried chicken with the Chicken and Waffle was some of the best we have ever had, and we are from NOLA! A classic KC spot!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 ShaNyia R. 7 months ago on Google
    They had a $5 cover which I didn’t like but if it went to pay for the performer then I’d gladly pay for it. We were there for a going away party for a friend, our service was terrible. As soon as we said one thing to the server he ran away, I know it was busy there but he was just not really attentive or patient. This place also nickel and dimed me on my bill, I asked for extra Parmesan and Caesar dressing and they charged me .25 cent for Parmesan and .50 cent for Caesar lol. Is this place really that broke that they can’t afford an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a 2 ounce ramekin of Caesar dressing? We also ordered a drink and asked for a double shot, they charged me $10 for this “shot” which was the smallest shot I’ve ever seen, it was definitely less than an ounce. The best part of my experience was the performer she was amazing and had so much pure and light energy. I don’t think I’m in a rush to come back to this place. The service left a bad taste in my mouth, and the warm expired lettuce they put in my wrap LITERALLY left a bad taste in my mouth. Who the hell puts lettuce in a Philly cheesesteak wrap???????????
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashlie C. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing atmosphere. You really should get your table by 4pm as the live band starts at 430. They take requests and are great with walking around during their solos, giving the best personal experience. The food is awesome and well priced. Their happy hour is very fair and the servers work very quickly, thorough, and will not let you down. A+ service
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Halcyon A. 2 years ago on Google
    Party atmosphere and quality music with a mostly older crowd. I ordered on the happy hour menu. Expect a $5 cover to enter, and it gets very busy on Saturday; they barely fit me in (party of one). I was hoping to hear more straight-ahead jazz but what I got was a wide variety of classic popular music and great showmanship.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason F. 2 years ago on Google
    Cool, live jazz music in the garment district. Jazz was awesome along with the food we ate. Would vist there again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nate 3 years ago on Google
    My girlfriend and I love going and trying local spots and once again we found a new gem for brunch. The Phoenix has an excellent brunch menu, love their chicken and waffles as well as their $15 pitchers of mimosas (the equivalent of 5-6 glasses), however, what really set them apart is the live music. We were able to drink, eat, watch the game on the corner, while enjoying some live music. All for a great price. I highly recommend this place and we will both be coming back again soon!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Derpy M. 10 months ago on Google
    I came here because i had a night planned for the symphony. I was blown away by the music, drinks and class of The Phoenix. The name is earned and owed: this place is immortal. Talya and The Boyfriends actually know jazz like the back of their hands. Get here, you need this place.

  • 5/5 Bob H. 2 years ago on Google
    By far the best bar, music venue, and restaurant in the Kansas City area! The live music is fantastic! The wait staff is even better! The wait staff and bartenders have so much fun and enjoy their jobs while keeping up with their tables and that is rare to see! Then you taste the food and are amazed that they have real food also!

  • 5/5 Gina R. 11 months ago on Google
    This place is really nice. It’s been around since the 80’s The entertainment is really good. They have an affordable happy hour. The food is good and Saturday brunch is good. Try it out and you’ll like it.

  • 5/5 ARNY S. 11 months ago on Google
    Great place!! Happy hour 4-6. Live music. Very good food - upscale bar food, but excellent quality. Friendly and efficient staff. Very comfortable.

  • 5/5 Daniel M. 8 months ago on Google
    The Phoenix is one of those places that has it all. Great food (try molten tenders or French dip), amazing cocktails (best Old Fashioned in KC) and some historic vibes. My favorite time to come is on Tuesdays when Talya is the singer. Fun times!

  • 5/5 Casey K. 1 year ago on Google
    Took my wife (recently married) out for a first date night as a married couple, we stayed at 21c Museum Hotel and decided to go to the Phoenix and it did not disappoint! The music was fantastic, the energy was pure, cozy welcoming. We had the cajun pasta, it was absolutely delicious, hands down the best i have had in Kansas City. My wife is a big foodie and she rated the pasta 10/10 as i would've rated it 11/10. We fell in love with this bar and will for sure, be back! Thank you for giving us a bar to remember. Also, no pictures taken of the food because it was soooo good i didnt even think to take a picture. Next time!

  • 5/5 LS T. 1 year ago on Google
    THIS is the place to go for LIVE MUSIC and GREAT FOOD on a weeknight! We visited on a Tuesday and were blessed with hearing the piano talents of Walt and the singing abilities of Talya, who can really belt it out with the best of them! What a great vibe, a welcoming atmosphere and even unexpected back up singers from the crowd! What an unexpected treat!

  • 4/5 Cary W. 1 year ago on Google
    Great live music! Close to river market with other restaurants and bars. Just a few blocks to catch the street car down to union station and Crown Center.

  • 5/5 Clayton G. 1 year ago on Google
    Great vibe. Good beer selection, even better Old Fashioned.

  • 5/5 Luna V. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing food and drinks! I’ve never liked Bloody Mary’s, but the bartender Lauren made my husband’s Bloody Mary so good, that by default, it became mine. Our server Andy was all jokes and made us feel at home, super attentive and quick! Definitely come check out live jazz music here!

  • 5/5 Matthew C. 5 years ago on Google
    Very cool jazz spot in downtown (8th and Central)! The bar is solid and they have outdoor patio seating with skyline views. The food is great too- went there for brunch one Sunday and everything was phenomenal. Try the hangover cure (fried pork tenderloin with biscuits and gravy - see pix)! The shredded corned beef was very tasty too. Bonus: they always have live jazz, and there is a lot of history there!

  • 5/5 Julia D. 1 year ago on Google
    Staff & music are always so fun & amazing. Don’t sleep on the coolest jazz club in KC!

  • 4/5 Dee V. 2 years ago on Google
    Good music, food was ok. Ordered the Spinach dip and crab cakes. Be aware that extra chips are $2!

  • 4/5 Scott H. 2 years ago on Google
    Phoenix Mac is one of my favorite dishes in the city! Unfortunately last night it was bland and flavorless. Very disappointing. Loved the music as always.


Call +1 816-221-5299 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Dancing
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Happy-hour food
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as veteran-owned

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