John's Big Deck

John's Big Deck is not one of my favorite places to go in KC, but if you're looking for cheap drinks and food, this is the place to go. Downstairs is pretty much dark and depressing IMO, but the roof patio has an awesome view of the city, complete with a bar so you don't have to run downstairs every time you want a drink. HOWEVER, you're pretty much shadowed by the surrounding buildings and feel like you're under a canopy the entire time. I like sunlight, so this is a big downer for me.
So it's not the worst place for a drink in KC, but if you're looking for something a little bit classier, or at the very least cheerful, I'd suggest you look elsewhere.

THis is as good as good as it gets for a dive bar in KC. It's on the same level as Caddy Shack, Red Balloon, and The Peanut.

I come here for my weekly beer session with the guys. Never had the food, rarely make it up to the roof in the best of weather. We stick to the main level bar. They make some mean shots and my tab is always curiously low. It pays to be a regular.

Love this bar. It's in a great spot and the service is always friendly and fast.

You'll love their big deck. Some people can't get enough of it. But you don't have to go up top to find a great bar and good time.

All around decent place. Not the best, not the worst. Two different places with the same name though.  Downstairs is just another urban bar.  Upstairs is a lot more fun, different vibe and a really unique view of the city.  I would list a visit to the roof as one of the top 50 things you must do on a visit to the city.  

My last visit was this past Saturday evening.  It was chilly, we were in the mood to just eat and go, so we ate in the bar and never went to the roof.  My wife and I split a burger, tenderloin, and nacho platter.  Good bargain.  All that grub for right around $20.  Good grub also, and we had a full take home box.  Nitpicking, I would say the tenderloin wasn't all that tender, maybe just a tad overcooked.  Still decent, nicely breaded and flavorful.  I have never had a great meal there, but never have I had a bad one either.  3 stars solid.

Expect a pretty diverse crowd also.  Suit and tie on some, another guy is probably buying that beer with money he panhandled for.  Saturday evenings crowd was great except for one obnoxious KU fan that was MF'ing LOUDLY all over the bar because KU choked away the game to OSU.  People looked, but no one said a word.  I guess that behavior is common place.