By Darren Mark

The myth about the Midwest is that it's sleepy. Boring, even.

Frankly, it's boring to hear we're boring.

The only thing that's tired about the Midwest are the clichés, and on the cutting edge of this movement to “stick it” to the stigma is Kansas City. Oh, behold this knight in shining armor!  Or rather, “night” in shining armor.

Dear New York: We beat you to the punch!

The thought of Kansas City as a night owl’s paradise isn’t a stretch, it’s a reality, and one with a stunning legacy. During the 1930s, the constellation of signs outside Kansas City’s hundred-plus after-hours joints lit the sky.

Now, thanks to a booming redevelopment renaissance, Kansas City shines again, and the path of discovery starts in the sparkling new downtown.

Undaunted Courage

One night in Kansas City is hardly enough time to indulge in its myriad of highlights. But if one night is all you have, here’s the perfect itinerary to launch your owl. And quench your thirst…for life. Yeah, thirst for life.

7 P.M.

The Kansas City Power and Light District is the one-year-old neighborhood that’s re-energizing downtown. The highlight of the district is the exciting “KC Live”, an entire city block of 14 restaurants, bars and night clubs. Not sure what to do?  Try this: 

• Score at the ultra-chic Lucky Strike, a bowling alley and lounge celebrating 1960s Hollywood glam.
• Down a Pabst, strap on the chaps, and ride the mechanical bull at PBR Big Sky.
• Grab a bite at gourmet burger haven, Chef Burger, then listen to one of dozens of free summer concerts in the live block’s outdoor “living room.”

8:30 P.M.

“Who makes cocktails this good?” asked the woman sipping the Engert Avenue. Gasps of shock and disbelief are the signature of newcomers to Manifesto, the speakeasy-inspired cocktail temple in the basement of 1924 Main. En route to the evening’s next destination, catch a quickie from these masters of mixology. Don’t miss:

• The Tempest: a brilliant blend of dark rum, lime juice, ginger syrup, and five pepper-infused tequila.
• Winter in Buenos Aires: Brazilian rum, cinnamon bark simple syrup, lemon juice, roasted butternut squash puree.

9:30 P.M.

Back on track, and ready to roll, hop a cab to Kansas City’s nest of the night owl, Westport. Cobblestone streets and red brick buildings frame the city’s after-hours intersection of Westport Road and Pennsylvania Avenue, ground zero for late-night fun.

• Kelly’s Westport Inn may be the oldest building in Kansas City, but it’s also the coolest according to Bono, leader of U2. He drank here while working on a music video in KC.
• Beaumont Club hosts some of the country’s best-known musical acts. That’s in addition to Saturday night dance parties, pool and, of course, cocktails.
• Take it down a notch, and vibe out at the wonderfully classy Harry’s Bar and Tables, a beautiful bar with a sprawling patio.

10:30 P.M.

Swing by the Sunfresh for a box of toothpicks. Time to prop those sleepy lids back to attention, and welcome the morning with a martini. Martini Corner isn’t just a corner, it’s a row of hip restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

• The Drop is the beloved martini bar featuring more than a dozen signature martinis.
• Across the street, the dive chic Sol Cantina opens its ten-foot-high windows on summer nights, creating an open-air Mexi-lounge that’s the perfect setting for margaritas.
• Next door, the party is just beginning at Mint, the cool ultra lounge that’s home to the city’s best DJs. Party till 3 A.M. Thursdays through Saturdays.

What time is it anyway? 

If you partied till three at Mint, you’re leaving just in time to catch the after-hours jam sessions at The Mutual Musican’s Foundation.

Located in the heart of the city’s Depression-era nightclub district, this jazz joint is open till 5:30 A.M.

If anyone questions why you were out so late, your answer is simple: “I was on a historical expedition.”

Related Links

• www.powerandlightdistrict.com
• www.bowlluckystrike.com/locations/info/?id=24
• www.pbrbigskykc.com
• www.chefburgerkc.com
• www.westportkc.com
• www.kellyswestportinn.com
• www.beaumontkc.com
• www.westportkc.com/places/harrys.html
• www.martinicorner.com
• www.thedropbar.com
• www.solcantina.com
• www.mintkc.com
• www.thefoundationjamson.org