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Welcome, {{secret_name | Secret Reader}}
The best nights out don’t announce themselves — they unfold. A strong start, a well-made drink, a familiar room, and folks. Then, somewhere between the second round and the decision to leave, the night changes shape. Music fades into laughter, cocktails into movement, intentions into decisions. Go with it.
The places where you begin matter just as much as where you end up. Start somewhere that sets the tone. Finish somewhere that lets you forget it.
I’ll see you at the bar.
—Jay, SecretKC editor
⭐ Kansas City Restaurant Week (Jan 9–18)
One of the best weeks of the year to dine out is here. Kansas City Restaurant Week invites you to explore prix-fixe menus from standout restaurants across the metro — all while supporting local charities.
🍽️ Browse restaurants & make reservations:
Explore KC Restaurant Week
📰 Insider dining coverage & tips:
Kansas City Star Restaurant Week Guide
SecretKC note: Weekend reservations disappear quickly. Book early, dress well, linger longer.
The Whisper — Thursday, Jan 8
G. Love & Special Sauce · Thu | 8:00 PM Knuckleheads
A laid-back, soul-forward concert that eases you into the weekend.
🎟️ Get tickets
Ken Lovern & Brian Baggett · Thu | Evening Green Lady Lounge — Main Floor
Late-night jazz from two KC heavyweights in a room that never misses.
🎶 Green Lady Lounge calendar
Ladies Night featuring DJ Groove · Thu | 7:00 PM Sherri’s Executive Lounge
Cocktails, Cigars, DJ energy, and a dancing!!
🍸 View event details
Jay’s Favorite Spots
Our go-to rooms for cocktails, music, and unmistakable KC atmosphere.
The Monarch — Country Club Plaza
One of KC’s sharpest cocktail rooms and a flawless date-night opener.
🔗 themonarchbar.com
Libations & Co. / 1909 Club — Lee’s Summit
A true speakeasy: big vibes and intentional. Serious cocktails, sociable staff.
🔗 Libations and Company
Brass Monkey — West Bottoms
Neon, vintage, playful. A cocktail bar with personality, unpretentious energy, and a touch of mischief.
🔗 instagram.com/brassmonkeykc
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Friday Night
Pottery Date Night · Fri @Belger Arts Center
Hands-on, creative, and quietly romantic.
🎨 Reserve your spot
JC & The Lucky So & Sos · Fri | ~6:30 PM Johnnie’s Jazz Bar
High-energy jazz paired perfectly with a strong cocktail.
🎷 See the full lineup
Lauren Ashely · Fri | ~8:00 PM VOO Lounge
Smooth vocals, low lighting, and late-night pours.
🎤 VOO Lounge events
DJ Leo · Fri | Night Nighthawk at Hotel KC
Downtown DJ set with hotel club vibes
🍸 Nighthawk details
The Weekend
Cynthia van Roden Quartet · Sat | ~6:00 PM The Savoy
Classic jazz in one of Kansas City’s most storied rooms.
🎼 Live music at The Savoy
Coffee Urban Hike · Sat | Morning Downtown KC
Caffeine-fueled conversation meets city exploration.
☕ Join the hike
Havilah Bruders Jazz Ensemble · Sat | Evening 1909 Club
Speakeasy energy with modern jazz flair.
🎶 1909 Club live music
Noir · Sat Downtown KC
Moody lighting, sharp outfits, and after-hours atmosphere.
🖤 Noir KC
Chloe McFadden · Sun | ~7:00 PM The Phoenix
A soulful close to the weekend in a classic KC room.
🎵 Kansas City music listings
Penguin March · Sun | Afternoon Kansas City Zoo
Cold-weather charm and unexpectedly delightful energy.
🐧 Zoo event info
Brown & Loe · Sun | Brunch or Dinner River Market
A solid Restaurant Week contender with refined comfort food.
🍽️ View menu & reservations
Last Call @ The Monarch Bar
Pale Rider @The Monarch Bar
“There are nights when the wolves are silent and only the moon howls.”
— George Carlin
We started the night strong at The Monarch. A mix of old and new friends. It’s always a joy introducing folks to the Monarch’s cocktail list. You can always fall back on your old drink list, try something new!
The new one for me was the Pale Rider.
Silken malt and white-chocolate–washed rye, Brooklyn-leaning and dressed just enough in bitters and citrus to stay sharp. It’s a quiet flex of a drink — confident, layered, unhurried. I thought I was gonna have a fight on my hands for the white chocolate!
In the glass:
Nikka Coffey Malt
White-chocolate–washed rye
Alma Finca
Noilly Prat Extra Dry
Cherry, orange & nut bitters
Finished with a white-chocolate–dipped rum cherry
From there, the night loosened its collar. We spilled out laughing and landed at O’Dowd’s — to dance it out!
—Stay sharp, KC ☾