A very cool bar attached to an Alamo Drafthouse that took over a beautiful, old-school theater in Downtown Kansas City. The Chesterfield's emphasis is on quality, phohibition-era cocktails like Sazeracs and Sidecars, all done pretty well.
I came here for pub quiz, but the large bar also accommodated what I can only describe as a nerd meet-up with people much smarter than me bring their homemade 3D-printers and anamatronic, remote-control tails to I guess show-off to other nerds. My friend and I talked to them and they were all cool in explaining their state-of-the-art inventions.
Definitely a cool place to check out if ever in downtown Kansas City, a place that I definitely have underestimated in its coolness.
This place is a nice change from the normal bar scene near P&L. Â The decor is classy and relaxed (best combination ever!), with a really kind wait/bar staff. Â The one time I've been on a night with live music was phenomenal. Â It was a snowy, Friday night in February and barely anyone there but the band brought it!
Plus, you can order anything from the Alamo Drafthouse Menu and there is something very comforting (albeit strange on my part) about being able to order a bourbon with a plate of chocolate chip cookies at 1am.
Like the rating says - I am a definite fan of the Chesterfield. My exposure is mostly on Thursday nights for the Geeks Who Drink Pub Trivia.My review can't attest to the bar, I usually just grab a bite to eat before trivia. The food is...limited but what is there is pretty damn good. My favorite dish is the Feta and Prosciutto Burger. I also Like the queso and fries. The brown sugar lemonade is superb but expensive because it's hand squeezed or something of the like.
Service is okay for what it is. Usually they only have one waitress.
The atmosphere is good, but because it's very dimly lit - you shouldn't try reading a news paper or anything while you are in the lounge.
This bar has so much potential. Â The space is really cool and we enjoy the Alamo Drafthouse. Â We showed up early to our movie and sat at the bar. Â The thin, blonde, male bartender didn't acknowledge us for 10 minutes. Â He acted as though he was slammed, but there were very few people at the bar and he he still had time to check his phone. Â There is a back side of this bar where people are working to fill the theater orders, so his air of confusion and panic didn't make sense. Â It's always fun to have a bartender who is friendly and has a personality and this guy was void of both. Â He finally took our drink order and mine arrived in a sticky, dirty glass. Â Chesterfield, realize your potential: Â vet your employees and hire some experienced, professional bartenders. Â Wash the glassware. Â Oh, and ditch those dinky chandeliers for larger ones; they look stupid in that large space.
Review Source:As a card-carrying member of Geekdom (I have a Torchwood license plate...yes, my geekiness knows no bounds), I was really excited to find out about Geeks Who Drink trivia nights at The Chesterfield. Â Along with two of my fellow geek friends, we headed there on Thursday night (Geeks Who Drink happens every Thursday night here) prepared to blow everyone out of the water with our extensive knowledge of all things geeky.
We went early to take advantage of their happy hour but were disappointed when we found out only a few drinks were offered for happy hour, not the ones in their menu. Â We did get a couple of appetizers: the hot pretzel and nachos. Â Both were ok, but we were all starving, so I can't be a good judge. Â The nachos were meh, but the hot pretzel definitely didn't get wasted.
The Chesterfield itself still looks good, I don't think they changed much from when it was The Marquee. Â Not a lot of tables and lots of space. Â We snagged one of the 1/2 circle booths that line the perimeter walls. Â Our server wasn't the fastest gal around and her attention was a little off...coming every couple of minutes to check on us at times (bordering on annoying), then wouldn't even look our way others. Â She just seemed a little flakey.
By the end, I got two drinks, a pretzel, and a small pizza for $30 + tip. Â Ok, I guess but considering the food wasn't amazing, probably a little overpriced. Â The drink was about half the size of what it should have been. Â It came in the tiniest of tiny drink glasses and wasn't even full. Â About two solid sips and it was empty.
The worst part, though, was the trivia wasn't even filled with geeky questions. Â Not one category or question about Star Wars, Star Trek, Video Games, Doctor Who, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Games...nothing! Â I mean, it's a Geek night...have at least a COUPLE of questions related to something geeky. Â What started out as excitement about finding people who were like us turned into a big disappointment.
Love this bar and the entire look and feel. It's not pretentious. We went on a couple of nights when there were large groups there to dance, and when there was a wonderful singer onstage performing some classic songs and really looked the part. The bar has table seating, a handful of couches/booths and of course bar seating. Service has been excellent the many times we've been there. We prefer to go to bars when there are things to do and see, so I'd really like for them to host more events (like the performer/dancing mentioned above, or for a while they were hosting burlesque nights, etc.). More events would get us in the door more often.
Review Source:The bar has a very open and bright layout, a handful of cozy table, a couple of long high-tops, a couple of quad high tops and plenty of bar space. Â The staff is friendly and attentive. Â The menu is the same as the Alamo Drafthouse Theater menu. Â I attended for trivia night which was interactive and fun (although I wish our team did a little better). Â I would for sure like to check out one of the burlesque shows and attend a happy hour. Â The Chesterfield offers a discount on your first drink with your movie receipt as well. Â If I was headed out to hang out in a bar I would probably pick one of the other area ones but this is a decent option for trivia or before/after a movie at the amazing Alamo.
Review Source:I rarely come here bc for some reason I only ever think about it on Monday when it's CLOSED! Why is everything in KC closed on Monday?? *sigh* that's a whole other entry. Â Anywho, I came here again on a Monday thinking new management would equal new hours - guess not. Â Whatever!
I do like coming here though when I can catch them open. Â It's really laid back and not douchebaggy like the rest of P&L. Â However, there is one bartender that stayed w/ the change in mgmt and he can be a real douche bag. Â I don't know his name but he acts like he's God's gift to bar tending. Â I enjoy myself on any night I come and he's not there. Â
Music is snazzy. Â Just a real chill place for nights I'd rather drink something fancy instead of beer.
The Chesterfield is never more fun than on Thursday nights at 8 when Geeks Who Drink does its Pub Quiz. Brian, the Quizmaster, has a dry sense of humor and the waitstaff is wonderful. It's a classy setting for a fun, challenging evening. Get your biz down to the quiz! It's a terrific, mind-expanding way to knock back a few and make some new friends.
Review Source:Much like the Alamo, I suspect I will bump this up later.
There are decent beers on tap and I like the cocktails available, but it is somewhat of a carryover from the previously established place in this space. There also must have been happy hour pricing in place because our drinks were half the listed price. We were there around 6 p.m. on a Tuesday. I had a French 75 and an Aviator. French 75 is great if you like lemon and sparking wine .... which I do. Aviator has a violet liquor making it very floral (duh!). It was ok, but probably won't try it again.
We chatted with the bartender a bit. He told us there are plans to do a bit of an overhaul on the place and add in more beer taps. This makes sense given it's tied to the Alamo Drafthouse and draft to me means beer! To say the least, I look forward to and seeing what Alamo can make of the place given this is the third or fourth re-launch.
I can't recommend this place enough.
Whether you are waiting for a movie or just looking for a comfortable place to have some drinks and maybe a nosh downtown, then the Chesterfield is for you.
The setting is good with a lot of lounging options. They have bar seating, High-top tables and comfy couches.
I found the food menu  inventive without being off-putting, my drinks were wonderful. and the staff was top notch . My server (Heather) was very professional and friendly.
Thursday nights they have Geek who Drink trivia, which I think is a lot of fun.
So far, this place is a hit for me! Â We are drinking here while we wait for midnight to roll around for The Dark Knight Rises. Staff is different from The Marquis. Good! Â These servers are very attentive and even when busy they acknowledge me. I am holding back two stars till I find out the music and dancing situation. Will revisit and update!
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