With football season in full swing and college hoops around the corner, there’s no better time for your crew to scope out a spot to catch your favorite team.
Check out these 6 best places in KC to watch KU, Mizzou, and K-State games, and plan your next watch party.
All-Around Best for College Sports
1. Westport Ale House in Westport
With more than 50 big-screen TVs, a wide selection of drinks on tap, a rooftop patio, a beer garden with games, and a full-service menu of classic game day favorites, Westport Ale House is the perfect spot to catch all the action.
Known as KC’s #1 Sports Lounge, you can plan ahead to bring your buds or stop by to catch a game on the fly anytime that they are open—
- Thursday/4 pm-Midnight
- Friday/4 pm-1:30 am
- Saturday/11 am-1:30 am
- Sunday/11 am-10 pm
When you do, you will never fail to find your tribe of sports fans. The friendly bartenders and staff are always happy to flip on your game, and the high-energy atmosphere is unrivaled in Westport and throughout KC.
2. Chappell’s Restaurant & Sports Museum in North Kansas City
If you’re looking for a place with a unique and immersive atmosphere to watch your favorite college sports team, look no further—Chappell’s Restaurant and Sports Museum is filled wall to wall with sports memorabilia.
Surrounded by so much history, it’s impossible not to get inspired, and easy to enjoy the pub-style menu and the latest game. There are TVs interspersed throughout the wall-to-wall displays and comfortable booths to sit and enjoy your dinner.
Although it stays busy, the crowd here should be quieter, too, if that’s your vibe—this little piece of sports history is in a quieter corner of North KC and closes a bit earlier than some of the other spots on this list—11 am to 9 pm, Monday through Saturday.
3. Granfalloon in Country Club Plaza
If you’re looking for menus with a twist on traditional bar food, Granfalloon in Country Club Plaza might be just the ticket. You can grab a burger or a side of fries, but there are also options for hummus, cheesecake, and gyros, among others, on their more elevated menu.
Although Granfalloon does not promise to be “just” a sports bar, there are views of the TVs from nearly every seat, and the hours are long enough that you’ll never have to worry that your post-game get-together lasts too long— they are open 11 am-3 am, 7 days a week.
Along with their mixed drink selection and their patio right on the plaza, this sweet spot is one of the best in KC—especially for the weeknight games that you don’t want to miss.
2nd Location College Town Favorites
If you’re feeling nostalgic for your favorite college town bar, these three bars have second (or third, or more) locations in KC that can bring you back to your college memories.
Harpo’s in Westport for Mizzou Fans
In the heart of Westport, Mizzou alums can find a taste of their college days, where Harpo’s Westport promises an atmosphere where “Columbia meets Kansas City.”
Modeled after the original location in Columbia, Harpo’s offers a sprawling outdoor patio that is heated during cooler weather and a short but satisfying menu of American food. Tigers fans can watch the game with the feeling they are back in Columbia but in the comfortable KC location.
Johnny’s Tavern in Overland Park, Power and Light, and More for KU Fans
Johnny’s Tavern has 11 locations to choose from in Missouri and Kansas if you want to watch the Jayhawks, including the original location in Lawrence, KS.
From the suburbs of Lee’s Summit and Shawnee down to the Power & Light location, KU fans in Kansas City can enjoy a beer and American fare in an atmosphere that is reminiscent of Lawrence’s “Longest Runnin’ Tap in Town” – without the commute down K-10.
Johnny Kaw’s for K-State Fans
Named after the 30’ statue that overlooks City Park in K-State’s hometown of Manhattan, KS, Johnny Kaw’s Bar and Grill has locations in Waldo and Westport that are reminiscent of the original Manhattan location and offer the fun tailgating atmosphere that K-State students past and present will feel at home in. Johnny Kaw’s offers drinks, food, and TVs to take in your favorite team. Yard games are also available at the YARD BAR location in Westport.