@Anjin
Love doesn’t sit there like a stone; it has to be made.
Welcome, {{secret_name | Secret Reader}}
February tends to simplify things. There aren't as many spots that are worth venturing out to, and you find yourself going out less just for the sake of it. What remains are the gems—cozy spaces that welcome you with warmth, drinks that encourage you to savor the evening, and plans that are made with purpose rather than out of obligation.
This week is all about embracing that vibe. With Valentine’s and Galentine’s celebrations popping up all over, remember that romance doesn’t always come with roses. It might be a sake tasting on a chilly twelve-degree evening, enjoying live music with shared plates, or exploring the Crossroads until you stumble upon the perfect spot. Whether you’re planning every detail or just going with the flow, these are the places and experiences that make winter feel truly special.
I’ll see you at the bar.
—Jay, SecretKC editor
🕯 The Pregame — Thursday
Ease into the weekend.
Mike Bourne & KC Boogie — Black Dolphin Lounge 8:00 PM
Steady, reliable live jazz in an intimate lounge setting.
→ Black Dolphin Lounge
26th Annual Carnival — The Ship 8:00 PM
It's Carnival Time! Make your plans and gather your krewe for an extravagant evening at KC's Mardi Gras headquarters.
→ Tickets & info
New Edition (feat. Boyz II Men & Toni Braxton) — T-Mobile Center
Legacy R&B night with arena-scale vibes.
→ Show info
🥃 The Short List
Rooms that always understand the assignment.
Listening bar energy · Evening
XO Hifi
Intentional sound, low conversation, focused room.
Best when you want to hear the music and your thoughts.
Cocktail-first lounge · Evening
The 1909 Club
Deep seats, serious drinks.
A room built for staying longer than planned.
Voo Lounge
Dim lighting, smooth pacing.
Works best after 9 when the room settles in.
Personal Favorite · Evening
The Monarch Bar
Serious cocktails, intentional energy.
A clean handoff between dinner and night.
The Lobby Bar of KC · Evening
Bar Stillwell
Grown Ass Bar Energy
Best place to begin and end adventures.
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🎷 Can’t-Miss Weekend Plans
Friday
Quixotic Performance Night · Fri & Sat · Quixotic (Crown Center)
Immersive performance art that’ll move you.
Best if you want something visual and atmospheric before settling into the late-night acts.
Quixotic / Whiskey Dynamite
First Friday Musikshow — KC Bier Co 5-9pm
Libations Quartet + Castle Studios Presents live music series with strong First Friday energy.
→ Event details
First Fridays!! — Crossroads Arts District Evening
Gallery openings, pop-ups, and street-level wandering.
→ First Fridays
Kevin “Church” Johnson — The 1909 Club | 7:00–10:00 PM
Blues-forward jazz night in a true speakeasy room.
→ Live music info
Lydia Alem Echoes of the Soul — @ Sherri’s Lounge | 7:00–10:00 PM
A First Friday Live performance night
→ Sherri’s Lounge
Michael Shanks — Voo Lounge | Evening
Resident jazz sets paired with curated cocktails.
→ Voo Lounge
Saturday
Bob Marley Tribute — Tin Roof KC 12:00 PM
Legendary reggae tribute with high-energy crowd vibes.
→ Tin Roof calendar
Carlton Rashad — The Phoenix 8:00 PM
Live jazz/funk set in historic Downtown KC
→ The Phoenix
DJ Sir Queen — Nighthawk | 10:00 PM
Late-night DJ set in one of downtown’s hippest spots.
→ Nighthawk Bar
Jazz Sets — The Blue Room | Evening
Historic 18th & Vine club featuring local and touring talent.
→ The Blue Room
Sunday
Bubbles in the Bottoms — West Bottoms
A Valentine’s & Galentine’s toast during First Friday weekend.
→ West Bottoms events
Upside Down Bar — Frost Frozen Bar | Thu-Sun
A playful, limited-run bar experience worth a stop.
→ Event details
Crown Center Ice Terrace · Thu–Sun | Day & Evening Crown Center Ice Terrace
Outdoor skating downtown before you head back inside.
→ Skating info
Mark Slim Duo — Green Lady Lounge
Classic KC jazz in an iconic KC setting.
→ Read venue info
Last Call — @Anjin
Tengumai Yamahai Jakomi Junmai
Downtown KC was a crisp 12 degrees, so I hurried from the truck to the bar. It's easy to spot, especially with its big steamy windows — Anjin. We began with a guided sake flight — smooth, chill, and quietly educational — before enjoying a bowl of Tengumai Yamahai Jakomi Junmai from Ishikawa. It’s deep and savory, the boldest flavor among the three samples.
I love that you get to choose your drinking vessel from a tray of unique sake bowls! The space itself is cozy yet spacious, incredibly comfortable. Warm, calm, and thoughtfully arranged, you can truly feel the care put into every detail. The staff tops it off — knowledgeable without being preachy, genuinely excited to guide you through the sake list.
Anjin isn’t just a place to stop by; it’s a shelter, a warm refuge — just bring your own company!
Stay sharp, KC ☾