The Madrid theatre is a well-kept secret in Kansas City, as far as concerts go. Â The Madrid is an excellent venue to see a show, due to its intimate size and wrap-around balcony, but it loses out on many opportunities because of the popularity of the Uptown Theater.
The Madrid recently underwent a renovation to clean up and update the structure and amenities. Â It offers a full bar at the back of the venue to keep our pallet whet during any show or event. Â The capacity supports up to 80 people for private parties and events and the Madrid hosts a "salsa dancing" night every second Friday of the month.
Not great for concerts...
This place definitely is lovely and historic. Â Unfortunately, I think the circumstances under which I was there definitely altered my perception of this venue. Â I saw a free concert here, so they were allowed to fill the place to capacity. Â I'm sure this place is great when there is medium to moderate crowd control.
There was limited room to dance, and no room to sit; we slumped against the wall. Â The line for the bar was a joke; both upstairs and down. Â I just can't picture going back based on my experience.
My recommendation; Â Don't attend free concerts at the Madrid.
This is certainly one of the crown jewels of Kansas City's unique architecture. Â Love the brick work. Â Love the old-style marquis. Â Glad I wore my black Marilyn Monroe-style silk halter dress - fit in well with the ambience here. Â The inside is dark with rich reds and browns, vaguely reminiscent of burlesque venues. Â Unfortunately, the closest we came to hotties on stage was a group of drunken ladies on stage with the wedding band - yes, we "sang" along (a la "Girls just wanna have fun" karaoke style) & rocked to Journey. Â Sorry Madrid theatre staff.
Food was mediocre and filling - very down-home cooking style: sloppy gravy-covered meats, green salad with creamy dressing, over-cooked green beans. Â The bartenders were quick and pouring large. Â (Although the minus 1 star is largely for not having green olives to make dirty martinis, and for appearing utterly confused by my order for a lemondrop instead.)
I'd go back in a heartbeat, mostly to soak up the excellent architecture and ambiance inside.