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!
By: Christie Nordmeyer
1. Johnnie’s Jazz Bar & Grille
Johnnie’s Jazz Bar & Grille at The Power and Light District or Liberty are premiere spots for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, private events, and more! Inside the historic Mainstreet theatre, the unique space offers a glimpse of the past with a beautifully renovated 1920’s feel. The restaurant’s diligent staff oversees every detail of the event as they strive to provide professionalism, delicious cuisine, and a lively atmosphere.
Cuisine: Traditional American
Locations: Power & Light District and Liberty
Seating Capacity: up to 180
Johnnie’s KC Website | Johnnie’s Menu
2. Pinstripes
This Leawood hotspot has an unofficial anti-boredom clause built into all their events. Not only will their scratch kitchen food delight your palate, but they rotate craft beers in an effort to celebrate local breweries. Then, add in firepits, outdoor ambiance, bowling, and bocce ball to the mix, and your guests may never leave.
Cuisine: Italian-American fusion
Location: Leawood
Seating Capacity: Varies – Multiple Private Rooms Available
Pinstripes Overland Park Website | Pinstripes Overland Park Menu
3. Parker at the Fontaine
The Fontaine is a sight to be seen. Being a hotel, it is convenient for out of town guests, as its location right in the heart of the Country Club Plaza. Their crown jewel is the progressive approach they put on their culinary classics at The Parker. Shareable plates and craft cocktails define the rich soul that is present here.
Cuisine: American
Location: Plaza
Seating Capacity: Varies
Parker at the Fontaine Website | Parker Menu
4. Pierpont’s at Union Station
As if the seafood wasn’t spectacular enough, the floor to ceiling wall of liquor is enough to draw you in. Named after a prominent railroad tycoon, John Pierpont Morgan, being located in iconic Union Station seems fitting as it is the home to the main train station in town. Pierpont’s prides themselves on flying in seafood delicacies daily. Not to mention, the architectural novelty of the location makes it a perfect photo backdrop!
Cuisine: Steakhouse & Seafood
Location: Downtown KC
Seating Capacity: 8-100
Pierpont’s Website | Pierpont’s Menu
5. Manny’s Mexican Restaurant
A staple in Mexican cuisine, Manny’s has been a family-owned favorite among locals for over 33 years. They have a private dining area upstairs to decorate as you wish and give you and your guests privacy to enjoy their special family recipes with your own family. Their private areas can be made perfect for as few as 25 all the way up to 100.
Cuisine: Mexican
Location: Downtown KC
Seating Capacity: 100
Manny’s Website | Manny’s Menu
6. 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
7. Coopers Hawk
Photo: Open Table
Their concept includes not only a restaurant, but also a full-service bar, private dining room, and a Napa-style tasting room. With a firm belief that food tastes that much better with the perfect wine pairing, they scour the globe in search of the perfect grapes and growers. Then they take standard staples and infuse them with flavors from around the world. We say “Cheers” to that!
Cuisine: American with Global Infusion
Location: Kansas City
Seating Capacity: 45
Cooper’s Hawk Kansas City Website | Cooper’s Hawk Menu
8. 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
9. The Farmhouse
Photo courtesy of Alistair Tutton
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
10. Lidia’s KC
Not only does the converted railroad house boast some of the most creative design in KC, but this gourmet Italian cuisine is the brainchild of internationally renowned chef, Lidia Bastianich. Modeled after Becco, they offer a daily three-course pasta special. And if that doesn’t keep her busy enough, in concert with her son Joseph, Lidia also produces award-winning wines to pair with her pasta.
Cuisine: Italian
Location: Downtown KC
Seating Capacity: 85
Lidia’s Kansas City Website | Lidia’s Menu
11. The Westside Local
If the weather is nice, consider hosting your farm fresh event on The Westside Local’s casually gorgeous private patio. They pride themselves on creative dining that serves the environment. With featured wines and menu spotlights, the game is always changing on the Westside.
Cuisine: Farm-to-Table American
Location: Kansas City
Seating Capacity: Varies
The Westside Local Website | Westside Local Menu
12. 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
13. Brio Tuscan Grill
Brio boasts dining spaces so private, you and your guests can feast as though you have the whole place to yourselves. Located in the heart of the Country Club Plaza, the restaurant not only offers Italian comfort food, but also an ambiance and elegance all your guests will love. Whether you want to host your dinner here or opt for their food at a private location, the options are limitless.
Cuisine: Italian
Location: Plaza
Seating Capacity: 200
14. 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
Grand Street Website | Grand Street Menu
15. 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
16. Avenues Bistro
They pride themselves on creating a sensory experience with a European feel. For the wine aficionados, you’ll appreciate their distinct pairings. This Brookside eatery is home to an exclusive line of RumChata deserts. Imagine treating your guests to a signature cheesecake, Mousse Cake, or Chocolate Gateau.
Cuisine: European-Inspired
Location: Brookside
Seating Capacity: Unknown
Avenues Bistro Website | Avenues Bistro Menu
17. 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
18. El Patron
Quaint and ideal for smaller parties, El Patron features a separate space upstairs to enjoy their Mexican fare. The quaint space boasts big flavor and the titles of “Best Mexican Restaurant”, “Top Notch Guacamole,” and “Best Margarita” for seven years and running. In fact, that’s more than half of the 11+ years they’ve been treating Kansas Citians to their authentically Mexican foods.
Cuisine: Mexican
Location: Downtown KC
Seating Capacity: 35
El Patron Website | El Patron Menu
19. Stroud’s
This place is home to family-style meals and pan-fried chicken. They have expanded to four locations across the city. They go way back and are the first restaurant to be awarded the James Beard Award of Excellence in Homestyle cooking. What began as a BBQ joint changed with the ebbs of WWII into their famous chicken. What better way to welcome two families becoming one!
Cuisine: Homestyle Comfort
Location: Plaza, North Kansas City, Overland Park
Seating Capacity: Varies
Stroud’s Website | Stroud’s Menu
20. 801 Chophouse
Dining at its finest, with private event spaces, and incredible locations in Leawood and P&L. An exclusive concept, with only 6 locations across the Midwest, 801 Chophouse gives guests a delectable upscale experience. They maintain an energetic and fun environment mixed with elegant deliciousness.
Cuisine: Steak & Seafood
Location: Leawood, Power & Light District
Seating Capacity: 80
801 Chophouse Website | 801 Chophouse Menu
21. 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
22. Em Chamas Brazilian Grill
The cuisine pays homage to that of the Pampas region of Southern Brazil. This concept was the brainchild of two brothers, Sam and Nick Silvio, who made their dream a reality in 2007. With over 50 years of combined restaurant experience, it was a trip to Argentina that helped them perfect their Brazilian concept.
Cuisine: Brazilian Steakhouse
Location: Kansas City
Seating Capacity: Up to 250
Em Chamas Website | Em Chamas Menu
23. Grünauer
Give guests a worldly flavor with their Austrian distinction. The Vienna natives bring their hometown flavors across the pond to KC! This is a true family affair, brought to life in the famous Freight House district. They use Austrian-inspired flavors and atmosphere to create authenticity. And it doesn’t stop with their food, as they offer one of the most eclectic drink menus at their renowned Wünderbar.
Cuisine: Austrian & Central European
Location: Kansas City
Seating Capacity: 65
Grünauer Website | Grünauer Menu
24. 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
25. Affäre
What better place to host your family affair than at Affäre in the Crossroads District. Sourcing ingredients from local farmers, the restaurants’ private dining area, which includes its own patio, offers an intimate gathering space for a contemporary farm-to-table dining experience. A rehearsal dinner here will not only be one to savor, but also remember years to come.
Cuisine: Farm-to-Table with a German Twist
Location: Crossroads District
Seating Capacity: 45
Find this article about the 23 Rehearsal Dinner Hotspots in Kansas City to be helpful? Read more articles about planning your wedding in Kansas City!
