Sarah G.
Yelp
It's been a year since my last review on Swordfish Tom's so it's time for an update. ... can I give them six stars? Honestly, they are still my favorite bar in the city and here's why:
1. The cocktails: I have never had a bad drink here. Their menu is vast, thoughtful, and experimental, and they hit it out of the ballpark each time. I have never left thinking to myself that the drinks were overpriced, which at this price point in KC, says something.
2. The folks that work here: I challenge you to find bartenders and wait staff that care more about your consumer experience anywhere. Each time I go I am warmly greeted by the staff, they are more than happy to answer questions about the drinks and much to my delight and surprise, they all know their way around the menu, offering ideas, suggestions, and describing each drink in amazing detail. Furthermore they always check to see if you are enjoying your drink. I've been a few times with a friend who maybe didn't love the drink and the staff insists on making something new - they WANT you to have a good time and their commitment to this is special. They are never off put by anything, they love chatting, and I always leave them with a good tip. Seriously, they are what takes this place from a good cocktail bar to an excellent cocktail bar.
3. The ambiance: It's a pretty standard speakeasy set up, you've got a light to let you know if they are full or not and you wait with the honor system to get in. I've never seen somebody cut so I feel like folks get the vibe. When you get inside I LOVE that it's so intimate and calm. I'm guessing the bar only fits about 20-ish folks at a time, so that with the dim lighting, and comfy furniture makes for a really sweet elegant cocktail hour. I never feel rushed here and I love the feeling of walking out and realizing that there is a wait and it's busy elsewhere in the city, but for the hour or two that you've been in Swordfish Tom's it's like time stood still and you were gifted the opportunity to savor and enjoy your drinks.
Overall, I'm always on the prowl for more great cocktail bars in KC, but so far none of them have been able to knock the crown off of Swordfish Tom's.
Keep up the amazing work - I'll be in as soon as dry January is over!