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Welcome, {{secret_name | Secret Reader}}
Kansas City Restaurant Week is in its final stretch, and if you’ve been meaning to squeeze in one more reservation, this is your sign. I’ve been making the rounds this week — Brown & Loe for a classic, cozy start, Cooper’s Hawk for an easy crowd-pleaser, Em Chamas when only endless skewers will do, and Brix Cantina for bold flavors that feel good in winter. A few days left, plenty of good excuses to say yes to dinner plans.
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
🗝️ The Pregame — Thursday
Kansas City Restaurant Week (through Sun, Jan 18)
Prix-fixe menus at 250+ kitchens across town — perfect for lining up a great dinner before slipping into your favorite lounge or live music spot.
🔗 KC Restaurant Week
Sugar Rush: A Candy Circus Holiday Spectacular · Select dates | The Gem Theater
Kansas City Aerial Arts’ whimsical, high-flying holiday production — colorful, theatrical, and unexpectedly mesmerizing.
🔗 Event Link
The Sherri Royale Speakeasy · 7:00–10:00 PM | Sherri’s Executive Lounge
A glamorous speakeasy-style evening with live saxophone jazz, casino tables, and classic Sherri’s elegance — dress sharp.
🔗 Sherris Lounge
The Short List
Our go-to rooms for cocktails, music, and unmistakable KC atmosphere.
Late Set Listening Session · Fri Night | XO HiFi
An intimate, high-fidelity listening experience where the room goes quiet and the music does the talking. Expect genre-hopping selections, impeccable sound, and a crowd that actually listens. Arrive early, stay late.
🔗 XO HiFi
Craft Cocktails, Properly Done · Evening | The Monarch
One of KC’s sharpest cocktail rooms and a flawless date-night opener. Polished without feeling precious — every detail earns its place.
🔗 The Monarch Bar
The Speakeasy Standard · Evening | Libations & Co. / 1909 Club
A true speakeasy with big energy and intentional pacing. Serious cocktails, sociable staff, and a crowd that knows how to linger.
🔗 Libations & Co.
Neon Nights & Playful Pours · Night | Brass Monkey
Vintage neon, unpretentious energy, and just enough mischief. A personality-driven cocktail bar that never tries too hard — and never has to.
🔗 Brass Monkey on Instagram
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🎶 Can’t-Miss Weekend Plans
Friday, Jan 16
Quixotic Presents: Whiskey Dynamite · 8:00 PM | Crown Center
An immersive, psychedelic multimedia experience blending live music, acrobatics, and surreal visuals.
🔗 https://whiskey-dynamite.com
90’s Night · 7:00 PM | Howl at the Moon KC
A full-throttle nostalgia party with live band covers and crowd-singalong energy.
🔗 https://home.howlatthemoon.com/kansas-city
Ladies Night — DJ Mix & Shot Specials · 8:00 PM | Iron Horse Bar & Grill
A casual Friday kickoff with DJs, drink specials, and an easygoing crowd.
🔗 https://www.ironhorsegrillbar.com/
Dan Cool Plays Disco & Boogie Records · 9:00 PM | The Ship
Two crates. Two turntables. All killer ’70s–’80s disco and boogie grooves — come dance or just vibe at the bar.
🔗 https://www.theshipkc.com/music
Late Night Jam Session · 1:30–5:00 AM | Mutual Musicians Foundation
Historic, no-frills jazz jams in the heart of 18th & Vine — one of KC’s most authentic late-night spots.
🔗 https://artskcgo.com/event/late-night-jam-session-2
An Evening with Kevin “Church” Johnson · Evening | The 1909 Club
Kick back with craft cocktails and smooth sounds for an intimate night featuring Kevin “Church” Johnson in one of KC’s most refined lounge settings.
🔗 https://givedrink.com/event/kevin-church-johnson-19
Saturday, Jan 17
Sara Bellum & The Brain Waves · 7:00–10:30 PM | The RINO
Live music and birthday vibes featuring LVNDLOCKED and Tornado Season
🔗 https://www.therinokc.com/events
Jazz & Blues Sets · Late Night | Green Lady Lounge
Classic KC jazz lounge energy — low lights, strong drinks, and serious musicianship.
🔗 https://greenladylounge.com/
Late Night Jam Session · 1:30–5:00 AM | Mutual Musicians Foundation
If you missed Friday, round two delivers just as hard — different players, same magic.
🔗 https://artskcgo.com/event/late-night-jam-session-2
DJ Jarod & Salsa Saturday · Fri | ~7:30 PM Johnnie’s Jazz Bar
Drinks, Dancing and Salsa tunes!!
🎷 See the full lineup
Sunday, Jan 18
Live Music at Knuckleheads · Afternoon & Evening
Bands like The Brothers Comatose and Levee Town bring roots-forward energy for a laid-back Sunday
🔗 https://tickets.knuckleheadskc.com/orderticketsarea.asp
👀 Spotted Around Town
Public Ice Skating — Crown Center Ice Terrace · Jan 16–18 | Daytime
Seasonal outdoor skating downtown — festive, casual, and great for a daytime reset before night plans.
🔗 https://www.crowncenter.com/ice-terrace-2025
KC Tattoo Expo · Jan 16–18 | KC Marriott Downtown
Live tattooing, artist consultations, and serious ink inspiration all weekend.
🔗 Ink Masters Expo
Last Call @ XO Hifi
Hoshi Zora
“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.” — Ernestine Ulmer
—Stay sharp, KC ☾