Many couples fail to pay the proper mind to their rehearsal dinner, even though it is the stage-setting event for all the rest of the festivities. It creates a tone, and when done correctly, builds momentum for the wedding day, keeping guests engaged and united. No pressure, but it’s pretty imperative that you celebrate in style, wherever that may be. Fortunately, when it comes to Kansas City, there is no shortage of rehearsal dinner options. In fact, no matter the look and feel, seating capacity, or cost constraints, there is an option out there for everyone. So, we’ve created a list of 25 rehearsal dinner hotspots in Kansas City, so you can find the best fit for you and your loved ones to celebrate!
1. Rye
A beautiful expression of Kansas City and the Midwest, the Rye brand has been carefully built by husband-and-wife chef team Colby & Megan Garrelts. The two restaurant venues – one at Mission Farms and one on the Country Club Plaza – boast beautiful private spaces, ideal for rehearsal dinners, receptions, and post-wedding brunches. Each location is also available for full-restaurant buyouts and off-site catering. Come pull up a chair!
Cuisine: American
Location: Mission, KS / Country Club Plaza
Seating Capacity: Varies – Multiple Private Rooms Available
Rye Plaza | Rye Mission Farms | Rye Menu
2. Q39
Q39 offers the perfect backdrop for your guests to enjoy a delicious meal and a championship Kansas City BBQ experience. Their two locations offer a spot close to your rehearsal – complete with buffet or plated style service, custom menu options, and AV so that you can personalize your event to the fullest.
Cuisine: Barbeque
Location: Kansas City / Overland Park
Seating Capacity: Varies – Multiple Private Rooms Available
3. Silo Modern Farmhouse
Location: Lenexa
Seating Capacity: Up to 180
4. Ambassador Hotel 
There isn’t anything easier than hosting your rehearsal dinner at your hotel, so if you are looking for both a rehearsal dinner location and a room block for guests – this is the spot! Celebrate your rehearsal dinner in style at Ambassador Hotel Kansas City, Autograph Collection. Their contemporary decor and spacious private room blend perfectly with their first-class service and innovative catering options.
Cuisine: Barbeque
Location: Downtown Kansas City
Seating Capacity: 105
5. Fiorella’s Jack Stack BBQ
If KC is known for anything, it’s mouth-watering BBQ. Although that’s not always ideal for a wedding reception, it’s the perfect way to show your family and friends your true appreciation, KC style. What started as a storefront expanded to a full-scale restaurant in Martin City when the founder, Russ’s son took over the family business. And with hickory smoked flavor, Fiorella’s proudly boasts the most extensive BBQ menu in the nation.
Cuisine: Barbeque
Location: Martin City & Crossroads
Seating Capacity: 170
Jack Stack BBQ Website | Jack Stack Menu
6. J Rieger & Co.
J. Rieger & Co., Kansas City’s original distillery since 1887 and reborn in 2014, offers finely crafted spirits, innovative cocktails, and unforgettable experiences. They feature four distinctive bar-restaurants, daily tours, tastings, and a 40-foot slide. Their turn-key event spaces ensure seamless, elevated gatherings with inclusive packages, perfect for unique and memorable occasions.
Cuisine: American Classic
Location: Kansas City East Village
Seating Capacity: Varies – 9 private spaces with different capacities
7. Fox and Pearl
Located in the historic Westside neighborhood, Fox and Pearl works directly with local farmers to craft award-winning seasonal menus. Chef Vaughn Good uses his French culinary background to blend contemporary flavors with irresistible comfort foods. Built in 1907 this former drug store boasts 12 foot ceilings and large windows which flood the space with natural light. Located down a spiral staircase is the Cellar Lounge, a private dining area with elegant velvet seating, stone walls and a speakeasy feel.
Cuisine: Seasonal Farm-To-Table
Location: Downtown KC
Seating Capacity: Varies – 3 private dining spaces with different capacities
Fox and Pearl Website | Fox and Pearl’s Menu
8. Grand Street Café
With a private event space, you can decorate to your desire, and guests can enjoy a panoramic view of the Plaza. Especially perfect if your event is during the winter months, with the Plaza lights burning bright. And, if you’re closer to the Kansas side, this place became so popular over the last 25 years, they’ve recently opened another location in Lenexa. Either way, guests will be delighted by innovative edibles. And ample private parking.
Cuisine: Modern American
Location: Plaza
Seating Capacity: 100
9. JJ’s
Picture an ambient plaza location, with a European flair, ample parking for all your guests, and an outdoor option should the weather cooperate. JJ’s is known for a top-notch wine selection, and the owner, Jimmy Frantze. The restaurant was notorious for a massive fire that shut the place down for 18 months. However, the family atmosphere speaks for itself when almost the entire staff returned upon reopening.
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Location: Plaza
Seating Capacity: 50
10. Garozzo’s Kansas City
This Kansas City staple was actually voted one of “America’s Top Italian Restaurants.” It started over 30 years ago, when Michael Garozzo got his start as a busboy, and the restauranteur seed was planted. He’s even gone as far as to create his own private label of wine, as well as sauces and dressings, and is known for his Chicken Spiedini.
Cuisine: Italian
Location: Downtown KC, Overland Park
Seating Capacity: 80
11. Farina
This chic but casual Italian eatery located in the Crossroads features a modern menu inspired by classic recipes from every region of Italy. At the heart of each dish is the lovingly made pasta that is shaped by hand in house every day. The private dining room features exposed brick and a floor to ceiling wine wall that is sure to make for a memorable meal.
Cuisine: Italian
Locations: Crossroads
Seating Capacity: up to 24
Farina Website | Farina’s Menu
12. Rochester Brewing and Roasting Company
Rochester Brewing & Roasting Co offers freshly roasted coffee and handcrafted beer in an elegant urban environment. The white brick walls and high ceilings are the perfect backdrop for an intimate and laid back event. The smell of roasting coffee and craft beer only heightens the cool vibe that Rochester Brewing provides.
Cuisine: American
Location: Crossroads
Seating Capacity: Up to 52
Rochester Brewing Website | Rochester Brewing’s Menu
13. Ocean Prime
Dramatically designed, Ocean Prime offers guests a glamorous and dynamic dining experience. With several different lunch and dinner menu options, including a long wine list, Ocean Prime can help you create the perfect event. Located on the third floor of the Plaza’s 46 Penn Centre, this award-winning restaurant offers an impressive menu and truly exceptional dining experience.
Cuisine: Seafood
Location: Plaza
Seating Capacity: Varies – Multiple Private Rooms Available
Ocean Prime Website | Ocean Prime Menu
14. Trezo Mare Restaurant & Lounge
If you’re into paying it forward, this restaurant donates a portion of its proceeds to local non-profit’s through it’s “Dine with Purpose” program. Located just north of the river in Briarcliff, they boast an eclectic menu from wood-fired steaks to fresh seafood. However, the sky is the limit here as their culinary specialists offer custom menu creations for your event.
Cuisine: Italian-American
Location: North Kansas City
Event Spaces: 6 private dining options with different capacities
Trezo Mare Website | Trezo Mare Menu
15. Boulevard Brewing
As synonymous with Kansas City as BBQ, Boulevard Brewing has been quenching thirsts since the early nineties. Enjoy views of downtown from the terrace of the Muehlebach Suite while sipping an Unfiltered Wheat or try your hand at shuffleboard over at the Rec Deck. With 6 different event spaces Boulevard Brewing has you covered.
Cuisine: Bring your own
Location: Downtown Kansas City
Seating Capacity: Varies – 6 private event spaces with different capacities
Boulevard Website | Boulevard Event Spaces
16. Stock Hill
Just south of Ward Parkway sits Stock Hill, a chic option for modern steakhouse fare. With three different private dining areas ranging from 20-40 in capacity, this savory steakhouse choice serves up divine dishes that are perfect for rehearsal dinners. Or, opt for a more exclusive dining experience by buying out the entire restaurant space. Either way, Stock Hill is a prime choice.
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Location: South Plaza
Seating Capacity: 75
Stock Hill Website | Stock Hill Menu
17. The Russell
Filled with rustic antiques and the smell of a hickory wood-fired grill The Russell creates fresh grilled food in an extraordinary environment. When dining at The Russell make sure to leave room for dessert, besides offering a variety of fresh farm to table entrees they also have a large selection of baked goods.
Cuisine: American
Location: Kansas City
Seating Capacity: Unknown
The Russell Website | The Russell’s Menu
18. The Farmhouse
This is the true farm-to-table experience with locally produced goods from around Kansas and Missouri. Starting in 2009, before farm-to-table had become the next big thing in gastronomy, this place was on the cutting edge of culinary trends. In fact, they only use word-of-mouth to advertise, as they are that confident that their customers will make the best, and most honest, claims.
Cuisine: Farm-to-Table, Homestyle
Location: River Market
Seating Capacity: Unknown
The Farmhouse Website | The Farmhouse Dinner Menu
19. Parlor
This modern food hall located in the Crossroads challenges the idea of what a restaurant can be. Featuring 3 levels, 6 different restaurants and 2 bars there is something for everyone at this trendy spot. You can reserve one of the 6 cozy spaces throughout the building or rent out the whole place!
Cuisine: Various
Location: Crossroads
Seating Capacity: Various – multiple spaces available
20. Bristol Seafood Grill
If you’re looking to offer your guests a little bit of luxury, Bristol will inspire even the pickiest palate with their creative twist on traditional items and a seafood selection hard to rival. Boasting awards for Best Seafood and Brunch several times over, it’s no surprise to find that they hand-select all their orders with national purveyors to ensure the highest standard.
Cuisine: Seafood & Steak
Location: Leawood & Downtown KC
Seating Capacity: 50
Bristol Kansas City Website | Bristol Menu
21. Capital Grille
Known for their steaks and seafood The Capital Grille is the perfect choice for an elegant event. Events come with a customized menu and world class wine pairings, sure to please even the pickiest of guests. With 6 different private spaces throughout the restaurant there are plenty of options for every event.
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Location: Plaza
Seating Capacity: Varies – multiple spaces available
Capital Grille Website | Capital Grille Menu
22. Jaspers Restaurant
Opened by two KC natives, this restaurant proudly holds very prestigious awards. They use their family recipes to create an authentic Italian experience, with seasonal additions. They proudly use local ingredients, create multi-course compilations, and offer family-style serving of their regional fare.
Cuisine: Italian
Location: South Kansas City
Seating Capacity: 50
Jaspers Website | Jaspers Menu
23. The Majestic
This historic landmark has seen over 100 years of Kansas City history! Built in 1911 the James Fitzpatrick Saloon Building has had many occupant over the years, including garment manufacturing, it even sat vacant for a number of years. In the 1980s the building was painstakingly brought back to its former glory, including molded tin ceilings and 40 foot long bar. The Majestic offers several options for private dining, from the charming Pendergast Club to the classic Jazz Club, this gem has the perfect old school feel.
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Location: Downtown KC
Seating Capacity: Varies – multiple spaces available
The Majestic’s Website | The Majestic’s Menu
24. Messenger Coffee
Founded in 2013 Messenger Coffee has been a long-standing favorite of coffee loving Kansas Citians. Their tri-level flagship location on Grand blvd features a bright airy space, spacious rooftop patio and an inside peak at the roasting process. Messenger Coffee strives to cultivate meaningful relationships with their farmers to deliver a cup of coffee that is not only delicious but ethical as well.
Cuisine: Breakfast
Location: Crossroads & Plaza
Seating Capacity: Up to 100
Messenger Coffee Website | Messenger Coffee Menu
25. The Antler Room
Owners Leslie and Nick Goellner’s travels inspire the cuisine at The Antler Room. Highlighting culinary techniques from Persia, Asia and the Mediterranean the menu is ever changing but with a respect for quality ingredients. Groups of up to 30 can enjoy the private dining room on the second floor of the building featuring a bright airy space that you can make your own.
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Location: Kansas City
Seating Capacity: 30
The Antler Room Website | The Antler Room’s Menu
26. Chicken N Pickle
Featuring several unique options for indoor and outdoor event spaces, Chicken N Pickle is guaranteed to make for a memorable dining experience. Enjoy a tasty chicken sandwich on the rooftop deck or bier gardens while playing a game of Pickle Ball. This laid back spot has 14 different options between the KC and Overland Park locations with space for up to 250 guests.
Cuisine: American
Location: North KC & Overland Park
Seating Capacity: Varies – 14 different private/semi private dining options
Chicken n Pickle Website | Chicken n Pickle Menu
Find this article about the 25 Rehearsal Dinner Hotspots in Kansas City to be helpful? Read more articles about planning your wedding in Kansas City
