Nighthawk
Live music bar · Downtown ·

Nighthawk

Live music bar · Downtown ·

Live music, strong drinks, tasty snacks, and pool

live music
speakeasy
cool vibes
great atmosphere
dj
pre-made cocktails
friendly staff
attentive service
Nighthawk by null
Nighthawk by null
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Nighthawk by null
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Information

1228 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64105 Get directions

$10–20

Reserve a table
See Menu
Restroom
Cozy
Trendy
Good for groups
Touristy

Information

Static Map

1228 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64105 Get directions

+1 816 685 1228
hotelkc.com
@nighthawk_kc

$10–20 · Menu

Reserve a table

Features

•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Cozy
•Trendy
•Good for groups
•Touristy
•Credit card accepted
•Debit card accepted

Last updated

Jan 18, 2026

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Remembering the Legacy of the Frisco and Night Hawk | Eater Austin

"Founded in 1932, this long-running restaurant chain is remembered for the force of its founder, Harry Akin, and for playing a visible role in local social history. Staff stories emphasize mentorship and loyalty—employees like Frank Young and Hoover Alexander rose from busboys into management, and Akin even helped Young set up automatic savings from his paycheck. The chain was notable for small but telling touches (it used real silver place settings, which became coveted souvenirs) and for legendary staff like pie-maker Roy Mallett, whose recipes endured for decades. It also figures in desegregation lore: when a server refused to work with a Mexican-American colleague, Akin fired her on the spot and the woman she defended went on to work there for fifty years. The restaurants drew a steady stream of celebrity diners—from TV actors to wrestling stars like Andre the Giant—and host memorable anecdotes, including a visit by President Lyndon B. Johnson who quipped about still entering through the backdoor after the Civil Rights Act, prompting a cheeky reply from a server. Together these stories paint a picture of a community-minded chain with deep local roots and a reputation for comfort food and hospitality." - Erin Russell

https://austin.eater.com/2018/7/27/17620712/frisco-shop-night-hawk-stories-austin-restaurant
Nighthawk

Robert S.

Google
Female bartenders were extremely rude. It's pretty disappointing because you had one very nice gentleman bartender, He was kind and in a good mood. Those ladies though. When there are 100s of places to drink, you would expect people to want to come back to your establishment.

Elisa W.

Google
Moody, dark and perfect. The vocalist tonight and her band were exquisite and deserve more attention. The bar tender made a drink to my liking and the vibe was chill and relaxing! Perfect ending to a night in the city!

Benjamin S.

Google
The music is always too damn loud. Shouting to have a conversation is not the vibe. Good drinks and atmosphere just turn the music down for the love of god

Miss M.

Google
Cool vibe, pretty decent music, depending on the night & the DJ, appetizing food, & stiff drinks. Let’s not forget the unforgettable liquor themed chalets on the rooftop!! If you’re looking for a cool place to check out, then look no further than the Hotel Kansas City, and enjoy Nighthawk! Cascade down the steps to the basement for FREE admission to this new-ish club, celebrating its 1 year anniv in 2023. There is a small menu of food, some that is only offered downstairs. If you want different options, go upstairs to the bar in the lobby. There is plenty of seating, even if you end up at the bar or on other barstools in the vicinity. There is a huge middle area that leads up to the stage that is also available. More booths & hightop tables line the wall on the far side of the room. Interesting art lines the walls! When we went, it was extremely crowded , but didn’t feel like it based on how open the space was. However, the lack of seating showed it was busy! We ended up scrunching up at the bar & later relaxin in a cushy couch that you sink into. Pure relax mode! The rum shot we had was astounding! Knocked my boots off! Not a rum drinker but woo wee!!! I hate that I forgot what the name of it is, but it was a sweet, kind of rum I believe. Don’t quote me, but ask one of the waitresses downstairs in Nighthawk and they can assist you. It definitely hit the spot. There was a mixed crowd of humans as was the music, which was a nice change from some of the other places I frequent. I’m not sure what the genre was that night, but you can always go up and request songs. That particular DJ was open to it if he had it in his collection of music for the style of music being blasted through the speakers. I always appreciate visiting this hotel because it has so many options within it. It’s also magnificently gorgeous, and the decor is impeccable, as well as stunning chandeliers, and other lighting throughout. There are statues & works of art in the lobby you can read about. My photos of that got lost in a phone transfer. Next time I go, I will be sure to flash some bulbs of light 📸to capture those! The only frustrating thing I find, which I factored into my rating, was any time you try to contact them via Instagram, they do not respond. The whole point of being able to send a message is to get questions answered at your leisure. that’s very disappointing because I have wanted to host a couple events there. . Due to lack of communication I have declined doing so. Perhaps in the future that will change 🤞🏽 Tour the suites! Look for the red headed woman in paintings. She is the mascot for the hotel. I will keep silent about her mysterious background 🤐 The two-story suites are so luxurious and makes you feel ritzy!! They are perfect for a bridal showers or a ladies night stay. We were quoted discounted Covid rates, so I’m not sure what the prices are now. In summary, if you’re looking for a hotel, whether you are staying or just going to enjoy the ambience, this would be a great choice in downtown Kansas City, Missouri! Happy visiting! Chalet photo, courtesy of the hotel’s website.

Nicole B.

Google
I'm so happy this place exists! I didn't know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised. It's going to be a wonderful place for local live music. Drinks are great, I love that they have snacks. Atmosphere and design are perfection.

H H.

Google
This is a great place for drinks and live music. I would describe it as an "alternative speakeasy" meaning the majority of the clientele is hypster and the band playing when we were there was a bluegrass/old country. Things to know: The drink menu is small and straightforward. 2 beers: light and dark 2 wines white and red, and pre-made cocktails but the whiskey sour was really good and the dark beer was a solid brown ale. The room is big and perfect for large groups. The music was to too loud. The wait staff was a little slow or there was not enough of them to get around fast enough.

Danielle S.

Google
It’s been a year since I’ve been here but we’re never going back. It’s a cool spot and some of the staff members are nice but the person working the door was incredibly rude. We had a group in front of us that he talked to for literally ten minutes before even acknowledging us ONLY because someone in the group noticed we had been standing there for awhile and said they should get out of the way. I have an out of state ID and people have trouble finding the DOB on it so I let him know it was in the bottom right since he stared at it for awhile looking confused. He said, “WOW that’s the first time someone’s told me how to do my job!!” Clearly sarcastic. We chose to ignore his attitude and went in but left before ordering anything because he soiled the mood. As we were leaving he made another sarcastic comment about how fast we were leaving and continued trying to get jabs in at us as we walked away. TLDR: Atmosphere is cool, drinks are just ok, and staff is incredibly hit or miss.

Ann D.

Google
Not the cool nightclub vibe advertised, just another bad wedding afterparty. Fled to the lobby bar upstairs and it was more of the same. Staff was great, drinks were good….. but nothing they could do to change the fact that they are part of a wedding-venue hotel.
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Erica J.

Yelp
Nighthawk is one of my favorite spots downtown and a go-to when friends are visiting. The drinks are pretty good and there's an small menu of snacks available to order until around midnight. There's often something fun scheduled during the weekends, live music or DJs, but it's worth checking the online calendar before a visit as the space can also be reserved for private events.
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Cassandra P.

Yelp
Great late night spot to hang Drinks are ok but the dj, idk what her name was but she was playing all the best songs
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Jacob M.

Yelp
Busy Saturday evening but quick with drinks and great live music! Appetizers were perfect addition to late night drinks!
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Dev T.

Yelp
We stopped in at the Nighthawk after dinner at The Town Company. It was late evening and the space was empty other than one other couple. There was a $5 cover to get in. (There was no live music while we were there so we were unsure why there needed to be a cover charge). The bartenders were quick to check in with us and get our drinks. I ordered the cherry blossom girl and enjoyed it. The space remained relatively empty while we were there (about one hour). Overall, we had a good experience.
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Tasha F.

Yelp
Nice chill spot in the basement area of the Hotel Kansas. Real trendy ambiance. Our server was attentive, even with us just ordering drinks. Party of 4, and we ordered from their specialty cocktails. The Cherry Blossom Girl is made with Vodka, lemonade, Rosé, cherry & grapefruit. Light flavors, & refreshing.
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Alex P.

Yelp
We came here for drinks and dancing. The venue was cool and there was a decent area for dancing. It was a Friday night so it was very busy so it took awhile to get drinks but that is expected. The music however, was pretty terrible. It seemed to be the same song with slight variations to it for the 2 hours we were there. The DJ was not taking requests and seemed to think very highly of his music. I am not sure how often that DJ plays for them, but he should diversify his music or maybe play on a cruise ship.
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Blair J.

Yelp
Nighthawk is my favorite bar in Kansas City. The environment is warm and inviting, with a variety of seating options. I love the long 'bar' away from the bar that allows you to sit at barstools facing the stage. The decor is elegant and moody. Nighthawk features live music and acts multiple nights a week, with no cover, making it a great place to hang out and check out something new. They have a decent happy hour, and a solid drink and snack menu. I love that for beer, they simply have Nighthawk "dark" and "light." Recently, they've started Chiefs watch parties, with food specials, that I've really enjoyed. The bartenders are reliably the same folks, and all friendly. The location is great, central to downtown, right off the street car, in the basement of hotel Kansas City. I can't recommend this place enough!
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Sarah G.

Yelp
Nighthawk is a very cool bar. I attended a bachelorette party recently that had Nighthawk as it's main venue and this bar did not disappoint. Honestly, it's probably been a few years since I've been out to a bar later than 9pm and rolling into Nighthawk on a Friday night around 10:30pm was a vibe. There is a bouncer who will check your ID, which brought me back to my college days, and had me thinking, wow I really haven't been out much lately. You then move downstairs and into a whole new environment. It's dark, brooding, and has the most gorgeous light fixtures. It being somewhat late on a weekend, the bar was hopping. Completely filled to the max, we were lucky to snag a table. You order at the bar and while I was waiting to catch the attention of the bartender I took in the short but well crafted menu, settling on the "Frozen KC Coffee." I have no idea what was in it, but it was nothing short of amazing. Overall this place has a vibe of being a really fun hangout for the late night crowd, while being classy. I will say, they didn't really have a cocktail menu with handcrafted drinks so if you are looking for that I recommend something more intimate like Swordfish Tom's. I'd like to return a bit earlier in the evening to see what it's like before it gets so packed, but overall I'd come back here just for the ambiance and that frozen coffee drink alone.
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Toni A.

Yelp
This is a cool speakeasy that has live music and no cover. Located in the basement of the Hotel Kansas City, this spot is all the feels. On weekends there's a DJ - that spins all the songs that makes you dance in your chair or actually get on the dance floor. Yes the drinks are pre made but they were decent. You can either order at the bar or a server can take your order. Service is average. The bar also serves snacks - try the tater tots - they were crispy and crunchy. This joint fills up - we got there before 10 on a Friday but soon after the bar and tables were full. This is definitely a fun spot to people watch, dance and make new friends.
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Amanda M.

Yelp
Nighthawk is all vibes and I'm in for it! The hotel is beeUtifil and the basement bar is gorgeous. It's large, a bit loud and full of people. I'd love to see the bar include some local KC made spirits and brews but the bar is massive and welcoming. Plenty of live music so check the social schedule!
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Charley B.

Yelp
Nothing says Kansas City like a swanky lounge in the basement of a downtown hotel. This is a dark and mysterious place. One where you can go for a good time, but also not be recognized during the next day's light. The layout features a prominent art deco style, especially along the long bar. Retro show fliers hang on the walls. Booths and tables decorate the floor. A stage is at the front of the room. The drinks are fun, albeit a little different. Dark and light beer is available. Crispy white, dry cider and juicy red wine is, too. Cocktails are either premade via draft service, machine or bottled. Name brands aren't offered, and I think that's a good thing. It adds to the mystique. Entertainment includes live music and djs. Styles range from folk to jazz to Latin-influenced to retro house to Top 40. Please check the website for the schedule. I think there's something for everybody. The club doesn't charge a cover. Seating is first come first serve. This is a cool place. I highly recommend.
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Marissa S.

Yelp
As others have mentioned, the drink choices are slim. However, the ambiance and service are top-notch! Live music every night, all different kinds of genres - there's something for everyone. Great place to visit with a group of friends, or even on a date night. If you plan on ordering a draft cocktail, the mango love is tart, smoky and delicious while The boss falls on the sweeter side! Plus, food is served until close. Perfect for those late night munchies. The chicken fingers w/ spicy sauce and tots hit the spot. Wednesday nights are service industry night! Don't miss out on 50% off if you work in a restaurant, bar, or hotel. Overall, nighthawk is a gem. Moody lighting, with good music, great service, and that speakeasy feel right beneath Hotel Kansas City.
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Elizabeth H.

Yelp
This place is great. They have live music and/or a DJ every night they are open. The space is comfortable and there is a lot of seating. The FOOD! We ordered like everything and it was so good. The waffle grill cheese, how have I not thought of this! The pickled fried fish - didn't know I needed it but I did. The wings are huge and spicy! My favorite was the fried Bologna sandwich. Soft bun American cheese and amazing fried bologna it is every single thing that you need when you I've been drinking. Or just because it is amazing. The only negative I have is about the drinks. They are going for speed of service not variety. You can have beer, their house made seltzer, or a couple of their draft cocktails. There are no other options, you cannot get wine or order any old cocktail. I would hope this changes because the drinks at the lobby bar and restaurant are really good.

Jay S.

Yelp
Moderately priced drinks. Great, great live show on Wednesdays. Had a fantastic time. Really enjoy Daisy Bũcket
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Hilary L.

Yelp
What a FUN spot downtown! I'd not heard of Nighthawk until recently and was excited to check it out - especially when I learned that it was in the basement of Hotel Kansas City. I love an underground speakeasy! Plus, there's no cover charge. Nighthawk is a great space. I anticipated a much smaller space but was surprised to find that it's actually quite large! The actual bar spans the length of the room and there's a stage, which is perfect for the nights that there is live music. There's also plenty of seating - booths & tables alike. I've heard that the food is great but have only been for drinks. While the drinks are delicious, my only complaint is that the drink menu is somewhat limited. I'd love to see more drink options added. That being said, Nighthawk features its own house beers which are quite tasty. I'd recommend this spot!

Claire T.

Yelp
Very cute space! Good service and drinks. The bar does keep your card which made closing out a bit of a chore, but otherwise it was great! They had a very fun band playing as well.
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Alieu J.

Yelp
Reallllllllly iconic like holy shit? Getting to it is a little tricky but it's such a cool space with cool people who just want to vibe and have fun. The staff was super cute and nice and really fast with getting food and drinks out. The pretzel bites were phenom and the dj was also really cute. Defo recommend

Gaganroop K.

Yelp
I loved the hot chocolate! The live jazz was awesome too, except I wouldn't play funeral music " When the Saints go Marching In "! It was happiness overall!!!
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Janie G.

Yelp
Went here last night for the first time. You can valet your car for $18 or look around for street parking. Has a club ambiance with dim lighting. The space feels too large for the vibe. There was no cover charge despite the live band preforming. Limited cocktail and slushy menu. Drinks are about $12. I would recommend the pretzel bites and fried mac & cheese. The spicy chicken fingers were only OK, I would not order those again. Service is good.
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Jocelyn R.

Yelp
This was super fun with a birthday group last weekend - live music, strong drinks (I LOVED my frozen coffee cocktail and I needed the caffeine to keep my evening going), very attentive service given the circumstances (loud, crowded, etc) - would absolutely come back here again for another night out soon!
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A B.

Yelp
Warning: Cocktails are pre-made. I don't love to give iffy reviews, but it kills me that this place has a cool speakeasy look and vibe plus a legit-looking bar, yet does not serve any cocktails besides their premade 'draft' ones. I love vibe just as much as anyone. Pretty much any bar or restaurant locally -- even divey ones, arcade bars, or flippin' Dave & Busters or Applebees -- all offer the simple classics, even if it's just a Manhattan, G&T, a Jack and coke, or a Red Bull vodka. Nighthawk can't make any of those. The first time I went, I figured it was because it was so packed, but I ran into the same thing a year later when it was quiet. Edit: I checked and saw that they can do spirit pours but that's still pretty bare-bones. IMO it's kind of silly and empty-feeling to have the 20's prohibition look (and actual filled bottles on the wall) if you can't even order a simple mixed drink. Especially with the classy hotel upstairs. Go for the atmosphere and to hang out with friends I guess.
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Akanksha G.

Yelp
Such a fun spot for a dressy night out! The first thing I love about this speakeasy is that there is no cover to enter. Upon arrival, my friends and I were able to find a booth and place our orders pretty quickly. I requested a mocktail and got a pineapple drink that was absolutely delicious! I also ordered the chicken fried steak with Buffalo sauce - however, I wasn't really a fan of it as it was pretty tough and just not very flavorful. Although there wasn't a jazz band playing that night, there was a DJ playing some great tunes in the back. As the night progressed, people started dancing in the walking area near the DJ. The best part was that a few people were even dancing on the stage! The atmosphere was both laid back and electric at the same time. I had such a great time and I'll absolutely be back!
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Shelby C.

Yelp
The KC coffee is my favorite drink! The atmosphere is amazing and service is efficient!
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Scott E.

Yelp
Great service. Good drinks. Cool ambience. Sort of feels like it should be a speak easy. Would recommend.
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Juliet R.

Yelp
Wow, what a lovely space to enjoy the late evening with someone fun or with a group of friends! Super spacious and very cool decor. We came early, so we decided to stay at the bar area. Bartenders are very friendly and informative about anything you want to talk about! Definitely a hidden gem in KC!
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Sara J.

Yelp
Great energy but please expand the menu with wines and champagne. Needs some more celebratory beverages.
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Stella B.

Yelp
I came here on a Saturday with my boyfriend, ordered a few drinks to wait for the live music. The service was very attentive and friendly. The biggest improvement Nighthawk needs is to expand their menu, most drinks didn't appeal to me but the few that I had were decent. However the reason why I would come back would be for the live music and good vibes.

Liz S.

Yelp
The drinks are good and the environment is so dark and moody. Great spot for a date or a get together with friends.
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Alex L.

Yelp
Went here after our wedding and had an absolute blast! Love that they serve late night eats and such a cool atmosphere!! Would highly recommend for a final final.
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Darryll M.

Yelp
Fun speakeasy with some fun late night food. I mostly try to frequent the place when it's a hip hop night but all in all it's a cool place for anyone to enjoy
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Jennifer L.

Yelp
I was so excited to try this place! My husband and I walked in and we were there when it opened at 7. The DJ was playing great music and we went to the bar. We were surprised by the lack of variety of liquor offered. We chose to get their version of a Whiskey sour offered on the menu. We asked if it had egg white on it, because every great whiskey sour does, and we were told no, because it is vegan!!!! It was a little too sweet tasting for our liking, and also I must mention that it came out of a tap, was not freshly made for $10! For that amount, I wouldn't expect it to be a tap drink! Next, we chose to try a Old Fashion, I asked to bar tender which whiskey or bourbon she had available to make it with. She informed me that it was premade and was also a tap and was a combination of a whiskey and bourbon but was unsure what kind it was. We took this as a sign to leave and take our $$ else where. I am shocked that they would call this a bar with the limited amount of drinks offered and nothing is made to order! I will not be returning again, which is unfortunate due to being such a cute place and I am sure the live music would have been great to stick around to hear and the the DJ was great. I did like that they had a pool table that you were able to play for free, because who has cash these days, but not enough to return. I expected so much for this place and it was supremely disappointing! Step up your game Nighthawk!

Matthew J.

Yelp
This bar sucks. It's basically the Applebees or lounge bars. Their liquor list is extremely limited (one cheap, one mid, and one top shelf of each type of liquor), all their wine and beer is their own brand, and all their cocktails come in pre-mixed canisters so that they can pour them out of a tap. I was told by the waitress that the bar tenders 'don't shake or stir', so if you are looking for anything more complicated than a one booze and one mixer (eg vodka tonic), keep moving.

Greyson W.

Yelp
Cool vibes. However, I am throughly disappointed in the drink options as well as the presentation. My wine was given to me in a cup looked fit for an elementary school glass of milk.

Sam H.

Yelp
This place is awesome. Amazing ambience, DJ was playing great oldies R&B. We got martinis that were delicious and tried their in house seltzers. They call them nightclaws, wish they sold them in liquor stores cause they're the best seltzers we have ever had. Will be back!

Avery D.

Yelp
This place is wonderful!!!! The drinks are delicious and well-priced for downtown KC and every band we have seen here has been amazing. The whole place has an awesome vibe and lodes of character. We are well on our way becoming regulars here. Highly recommend.

Patrick B.

Yelp
Really awesome little night club/lounge/speakeasy. A melding of various energies, yet superbly pulls it off! Multitudes of character & ambiance, calibrated just right for a wonderful evening. Service was very fast & attentive despite the large crowd. It was obvious this place is meticulously managed. Great experience.