Caw-ling all night owls … er, hawks. Nighthawk is opening this Friday, Nov. 26. Kansas City’s newest bar plays a sophisticated-yet-casual tune that hums with musical influence + nostalgia. We went to the preview event so we could give you the scoop.

Location

Nighthawk operates in the basement of Hotel Kansas City — at 1228 Baltimore Ave. — a historic 99-year-old building. The location is near the KC Streetcar’s Metro Center stop and within one block of two paid parking garages. There is also street parking on Baltimore, and Hotel Kansas City offers valet services.

When you go inside, your best bet is to ask the front desk for directions. There are two ways to get down to the club — we went through the arch by the cafe bar, left past the elevator, and down the stairs.

Vibe

Class meets eclectic. Nighthawk is like a Gatsby-era speakeasy and a record bar in one. The lights are dim + moody, gold metal framing hangs over the bar, and a red velvet curtain backdrops the stage. On the other side of the room, vinyl records line a DJ booth outfitted with a mid-1900s theater speaker. A collage of vintage posters lines the far wall.

“The premise of Nighthawk was born out of an immense love of all forms of auditory art,” a Trozzolo press release stated.

The bar serves drinks like cran-orange seltzers + frozen coffee colodas. | Photo by KCtoday.

Food + Drinks

The eats are described as comfort food. For a lower price, you can try a snack — like a smokey pickled egg or pepper jerky kept in jars behind the bar. Baskets lined with gingham paper sport larger dishes, like hot bologna buns and a grilled cheese waffle. We tried the fried mustard wings, which were served piping hot with a tangy mustard sauce.

Beverages are served on tap, including handcrafted mixed drinks. We tried the Mango Love, which is good if you like mezcal, and the green Gin-Midori Hi-Ball. The beers, which are listed simply as Nighthawk lite and dark, are brewed specially for the bar by Strange Days Brewing Co.

Nighthawk will open Friday + Saturday from 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Hours will expand in the coming months. Entry is first come, first serve.

Pictured: Gin-Midori Hi-Ball, Fried Mustard Wings, and the High-Sour. | Picture by KCtoday.

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