One of the best places for live music in Kansas City, and the food is not shabby either. The calendar is filled with local and national bands, and the capacity can't be more than 100 so its an intimate view and listen.
Very nice craft beer selection, and friendly staff, too. Finally, the owners often host fundraiser events with bands for kids (in the afternoon on Saturdays, for example) and have one monthly Friday evening kids show, too. Very nice for parents of young ones.
Easy, lighted parking. I guess a small criticism is the men's bathroom is kind of run down, but hey, its a dive bar, right?
Ahh, the recordBar, one of my favorite venues to see a show! Â I've probably been to the most shows here since I moved to KC two years ago. Â They get everything from excellent local groups, like theACBs, Ghosty, and the Caves, to bigger names like the White Rabbits, one of my all time favorite bands. Â They have shows a lot of nights of the week, and on the weekends they sometimes have an early show (7 o'clock) and a late show (10 o'clock), though if you stay for both they will make you pay cover for both. Â
It's a smaller space and the sound quality is good. Â If you get there early enough, there's some seating, a few booths and some tables. Â They serve dinner in addition to their full bar, though I've usually always had dinner elsewhere before the show. Â The ladies' room has an odd layout, but it's generally clean. Â The whole venue's setup is a little odd -- the bar, the merch tables, and the bathroom are all in the same area, so it causes for bad traffic flow when it's busy.
Parking is spacious (they share a large lot with a couple other businesses) and well-lit; I've gone to shows here by myself and felt safe.
EDIT: Â I went to the recordBar for an early show the night after I wrote this. Â We had a supreme pizza and the black bean/gouda dip. Â Both were tasty, but service was terribly slow because there was only one waitress, one bartender, and one server -- the place wasn't packed, but it wasn't enough help for Saturday night.
recordBar came along at the perfect time to fill the gap in venue mediocrity that I sensed was occurring in KC. Â I still remember being SO excited, waiting in anticipation for the opening of a live music venue that I just *knew* would meet my criteria. Â And I was not disappointed. Â I have continued to enjoy great touring and local musical acts, events, meals, and drinks - all with the comfort of a parking lot, friendly staff, and quality sound.
Today recordBar is still able to provide these things for me, and has evolved with offering things like all ages, 18 & over, and early matinee shows. Â They are smart enough to have a web presence that includes a functional website WITH a show calendar. Â The information that someone (either from out of town, or a first time visitor to the establishment) might need is all accessible via the website. Â That is very much appreciated.
Record Bar is a good size - not too small ; but shows are still intimate. Â I love that there is a kitchen open with a great menu that offers a lot of variety. Â In bigger markets /bigger cities a lot of the venues either offer food, or have an adjoining restaurant where people are encouraged to arrive early, eat, have something to eat during the show, grab a late night bite. Â That has become something I personally almost expect, and I wish more venues were able to offer that combination of food and music.
If you are considering a show, and are curious what to expect if your favorite band has added a date at recordBar, you can rest assured that you will have the best experience  you could possibly have in Kansas City at a moderate sized venue.  And if you are just looking for a place to stumble into, with no knowledge of who is playing, again recordBar is where I would suggest going. Â
In my opinion recordBar is ahead of the curve with things in this city. Â As a patron, I feel that I get my money's worth and more. Â And per friends of mine who are on the road touring as musicians, I can confirm from the musician's standpoint, they were also treated well by recordBar, which makes ME happy as a patron to know that the bands I am going to see are having a good experience with the venue as well.
Some of the Pros I would point out about recordBar are:
* Free/Ample Parking (lot)
* Food (including a late brunch on Sundays)
* Live music with decent vantage points, good sound, and the option for seating
* Full bar
* Website includes pertinent information regarding shows, including Ticket purchasing for some shows.
* Outside patio
Their Sunday brunch from noon to 5 p.m. for the service industry who were out late bartending the night before is PHENOM. Who would have thought that a hipster-central music venue would have such tasty food? Their lunch and dinner menu is completely customizable and has numerous vegetarian options and vegan options. For the Sunday brunch, be sure to try the breakfast burrito or the tater tot scramble. Or anything else, really, just get out there.
Review Source:What an awesome little venue to soak up great music and superb suds. (They have Grimbergen on tap!!!)
A cramped little joint that smacks of local color and great sight lines for watching your favorite 'undiscovered' band (or at least they're so close, you'll feel as though they're playing their tunes just for you).
There isn't anything remarkable about the food but the decor is 'urban-core-cool' with vinyl records ensconced on the walls and music flyers on every surface.
Aside from some spotty sound checks (where the audio engineer thinks they're working an arena), I've seen more than my fair share of remarkable shows here.
Time to spread the wealth.
I don't care who you are, the Record Bar is the best place to go outside of the WWI Museum in the entire Bi-State Area. Â This includes NASCAR, Kaufman, Arrowhead, Art Museums and Riot Room. Â I have never had a bad meal, I have never had a bad drink and I have never seen a bad show at the Record Bar. Â Sunday Brunch is pretty tasty, the fries are top 5 fries in Town, and the owners are HOT and SEXY men who will treat you right. Â Also they have the Cleanest bathrooms of any bar in the country. Â Seriously clean. Â It doesn't smell like pee or nothing. Â So get your ass down to the Record Bar and tell em Brent sent ya. Â They'll have absolutely no idea what you're talking about, but they'll pretend like they do, just because that's the kind of guys they are.
Review Source:Terrible venue. I say this only because the staff are very rude. Especially the door guy. His attitude sucked...it seemed as if he hated his job. I mean I would too if I was in my 40's working at a crappy bar. ITS TIME TO MOVE ON, MAN.
Such a shame so many great bands choose to play at the Record Bar.
While this place is far better known as a music venue, the food offerings here are actually worth going when you're not waiting for a musical act to begin.
The pasta, pizza and sandwich menus all have build-your-own options with a large variety of veggie toppings. Â However, what I end up craving is the black bean and smoked gouda dip. Â Served with fresh made chips, it is a hidden treasure on the menu of a place better known for concerts. Â The Sunday brunch menu has a lot of great veggie options as well, and the Bloody Mary bar is worth a trip or two.
Sure, the Record Bar gets in some great local and traveling acts, and the tap selection is worthwhile, but what makes this place stand out is the attention to food options (veggie and otherwise) outside of what gets dunked in a fryer.
I have been to the Record Bar for a few different reasons over the years. Â The first being Crawl for Cancer. Â To be honest, by the time it made it there I was almost literally to the crawl stage of the day and don't remember much. Â The second was for a beer tasting. Â How can I not like that!?! Â And then recently I have been able to see two of my favorite bands there: The White Rabbits and Canasta.
The Record bar is one of those venues that is purely about what they do, not worried about impressing anyone with furnishing. Â My favorite part are the booths covered with early 90's speedboat sparkle cloth. Â The walls are covered in music memorabilia because that is what they do there. Â I have never had the food here, but they have a decent beer selection and a good wall o' liquors.
I enjoy the Record Bar because it has allowed me to see what are usually crowded concerts in an intimate setting. Â When I saw the White Rabbits in Chicago the venue was three times the size and twice as packed...I like my elbow room. Â Plus, the covers seem very fair or even cheap, who can argue with that. Â
Good music venue, I'm a fan!
This place of business is my home away from home. It's part music venue and part restaurant.
Let's start with the music. Record Bar schedules music seven nights a week featuring the best of local Kansas City and national bands. Â I've seen bands such as The Ting Tings, The Sword, Local H, Henry Rollins, Brother Ali, Electric Six, Innerpartysystem, Junkie XL, VHS Or Beta and most recently Frank Turner here. Â The sound is good and clean and sight lines, as long as you aren't in a booth, are fantastic. Â When the room is full it can be a little cramped and tough to walk around, but then again you shouldn't be walking during the band you should be watching.
The bar features weekday happy hour sessions that can change. Â Monday and Thursday are trivia nights, Tuesdays are a hodge podge of old whiskey country, cover bands and singer songwriters and Wednesdays are Bob Walkenhorst's weekly dinner. Â Acts will change so please check the calendar on the website.
Now the food. Â Record Bar's main claim to fame are their pizzas, but the also serve burgers, pasta and veggie wraps. I might be missing an item or two, but it gives you a good idea. Â Sometimes you can order off the menu and if they can do it, they'll cook it up for you. My favorite dish is a couple of chicken tenders cooked in Zim's Buffalo Sauce (another local delicacy) on a bun topped with Swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato.
Next up is the Bartender's Brunch every Sunday from 12-5pm complete with Bloody Mary Bar, if you're into that sort of thing. Â Do you need a little hair of the dog or some extra protein to fight off your Saturday night? This is the place and it's cooked fresh.
Last, but not least Record Bar has a large parking lot with plenty of spaces which will alloy you easy access at any time for dinner and / or a show. Â Once you're in, feel free to pull up a chair, grab a drink and enjoy the entertainment.
for some reason I just don't care for this place.. I can't really say why, maybe it's the staff, especially during the day. They just don't seem to care to be there or to care that you are a patron wanting to spend money.
I have been to many shows here but it's not one of my favorite venues. Drink prices are reasonable and my friends like it so I will continue to go sometimes. I guess maybe I had higher expectations.
This is difficult to review as there are already a lot of great reviews.
I like to come here for Robert Moore's Music Trivia night. Â Every Monday at 7:00PM. Â The pitch just gave him an award for this.
As someone else stated before me:
The Molloy Brothers Reuben: One of the best in the city.
I can drink cheap, but good beer here ie Old Style or I can grab one of the better beers ie Bob's 47.
Most nights it is pretty sparse until about 10:00PM and then it can really pick up! Â I enjoy both aspects.
You could find me here any night of the week except Wednesdays. Â Don't ask why. Â I don't go out on Wednesday nights, but if I did I wouldn't go there on Wednesday night.
Seriously though, there is just something about the bar. Â What is that american phrase I am chercher for? Â A certain je ne sais quoi! Â And there are all kinds of live music rolling through there. Â Some memorable ones for me have been The Elders and the Dead Girls tribute to Cheap Trick.
Rock on!
Fete le donc!
After moving back into the city (as well as the neighborhood RecordBar is in), I've frequented here enough to be able to update my review, as well as raise my rating. After being back a bunch of times, seeing bands, enjoying the food, and getting great service, having brunch there yesterday for the first time put it over the top for me.
First of all, I want to reiterate something I put in my first review; that this place "gets it". Â Not only as a music venue, but really knowing how to make a place welcoming, with really great service and many, "that's the way everyone SHOULD do it!" features. Â
The Dame and I had been wanting to try brunch at RecordBar for some time now, and yesterday morning, walked the few blocks down to get there not long after they opened at noon.  Being noobs, we were taken by VERY happy surprise about the BLOODY MARY BAR!!!  When our lovely waitress informed us about this when we ordered  (casually) "Oh, just a Bloody Mary" that we make our own "Like a salad bar!", The Dame and I looked at each other like a couple of kids who'd been told we could make our own Dinosaurs FOR REALZ.
So, when we got our pours of Vodka, we went up to the bar and heaped on all the fixin's that make a Bloody Mary good (luckily, The Dame's bartending skillz make this an easy task for her), and we were back at our seats, sipping contently at what could have been breakfast, alone.
Then the food arrived and things just got better. Both of us had huge plates of food that was cooked specifically to our order and delicious at every bite. Â I like my bacon crispy, and always ask for it that way, and it's my "standard" of what a good breakfast joint is when I see how well a place makes it. Â And they nailed it: it was perfect, and of course, complimented the Bloody Mary, as well!
I think we ended up just lazily hanging out there for like 2 hours (that's whaty ou do, right), and we noticed that as the afternoon moved along, the place got more crowded, so if you like things a tad quieter, hit it up near opening time. Â
To me, a place makes it high on my list when I can admit that "This is where we need to take people who are in from out of town", and RecordBar's brunch (and in general) is certainly one of those place in town that we'd show any visitors to KCMO what a cool place it is.
I am unable to add anything extra that is not already written in all of the other reviews, I can only tell you my likes. Â
Ian MacKay: I crave this pizza and now make my own version at home, which unfortunately keeps from eating here as much as I used to.
The Molloy Brothers Reuben: One of the best in the city and Great Live Music!
Bartenders Brunch: A huge Bloody Mary Bar and yummy scrambled tofu.
I thought Record Bar couldn't get any better. I was wrong! After all, I had not yet tried their brunch. I had an utterly fantastic bloody mary at brunch today. Why...because I made it myself. Â Maybe that sounds egotistical, but I'll have you know, my bloodies were very much appreciated in any bar I've tended. It's a rare day that I order a bloody that I don't have to doctor up myself with extra tabasco, salt, etc. At Record Bar, it's all out there for you to get creative. There are easily over a dozen hot sauces (several with warnings, nice touch, seeing as most people don't realize ghost peppers mean more like poltergeist peppers). I'm a purist, though. Tabasco is the only hot sauce that goes in my bloodies. If you're into garnish, they have about a dozen of those, too. Pickled okra to varieties of stuffed olives to pepperoncini to celery.
Sure, it's a meal in and of itself, but the brunch menu kicks ass, so don't just drink your meal no matter how tempting that may be. There's something for every brunch taste. Sweet, savory, vegetarian, traditional bacon & eggs. And hallelujah, if eggs give you the willies, too, they even have tofu (I had a modified tofu/tater tot scramble to which you can add three ingredients from a list of 100 items...OK, maybe it was more like 50 items, but still! Veggies are my thing, but if you like meats, cheeses and the like, those options are there, too, if you order stir fries or bfast burritos). The price is incredibly cheap. Easily the best brunch deal in the city.
You'd think that it would be odd having your first meal of the day in a place where you might have ended the night before, but I think that's very comforting.I liken it to being in yo mama's womb. Hey at this rate, they should just set up a sleeping area, too. Trees Lounge in Kansas City? Only in the best possible way.
The RecordBar gets a solid 4.5 stars from me, and the following review is being written without reading previous reviews so as not to influence my decision one way or another. I thought it only fair to review this place in two categories; as a daytime diner, and as a night time music venue. If you choose the right day to visit, you may be one of the only people present at either one.
As a diner, RecordBar excels in many ways. If you are visiting solely to eat, you will be surrounded with entertaining eye and ear candy such as upcoming gig posters, working pinball machines, a photo booth, and a very noteworthy music selection playing overhead. The interior of RecordBar lives up to it's name, vinyl records line the walls and support beams, many of the selections among classics in the annals of punk and indie rock. No surprise, as the owners of the location are Steve Tulipana and Shawn Sherrill, who any self-respecting local music fan would know as being part of two of the best bands to ever emerge from the Kansas City area, Season to Risk and Shiner.
The record and music theme doesn't end there, though. When a member of the waitstaff brings you a menu, it is encased in an old gatefold LP jacket (the most recent one I got was Karen Carpenter or something similar), and even the food items are influenced by the music world at large. You can find items like a triple Italian meat sandwich named The Nuge, a vegan-friendly pizza named after Ian MacKaye, a vegan sandwich named The Moby, and that theme continues on throughout most of their menu.
As an appetizer, I highly recommend the black bean and smoked gouda dip. It is served with freshly made jalapeno cheddar chips; large tortilla-thin wedges that are deep fried, or oven baked (I don't remember which) but are so very, very good. They bring out an incredible flavor sensation when paired with the dip. My last visit to the dine-in RecordBar was about a month ago, but if I recall right I had the Ian MacKaye pizza, a delicious, liberally topped, and surprisingly filling thin crust pie.
As a venue, RecordBar excels almost as much as a diner. They have a sound person who knows what they are doing, a fast and efficient bar staff, and a very loud system, despite being a bit smaller of a location in a strip mall setting. The only lamentation I feel justified in holding against this venue is concerning the admission prices on most of their shows, which even if only local can reach close to or surpass $10 a head. However, if that is the only complaint I can muster up for likely one of the cleanest, most well run venue-slash-diners in the entire city, then I think they are doing a pretty good job.
One of my absolute favorite bars in town in a very nondescript you-wouldn't-think-there-was-anything-here strip mall.
Music: Always a good mix of pretty much everything in the local (and also national) scene, I've seen crowds of all ages in this venue, which is a good sign. As another reviewer mentioned, there is ample seating and not really a bad seat in the house to watch a band. Also plenty of room to stand on the floor. And being a part of a band, the Record Bar is always a fun place to play with great sound techs, equipment and stage size. Most importantly, the staff is organized and friendly, and I've never felt like we were getting screwed over (which is something that happens at other venues I won't mention right now).
Food: Really good, much better than I expected. Really thin crust pizza with a variety of toppings, some good veg options, and menu items named after musicians. I've gotta say I was thoroughly impressed with everything I've had there so far.
In general: They have a PARKING LOT. As a drummer, it's great to not have to lug my gear through urine-soaked alleys or across 4 lanes of traffic. Or if I want to go see a band it's nice to not have to worry about how far away I'm going to have to park. The atmosphere inside is, you know, bar-like, but they have some great records on display on the walls. The bathrooms are clean, even though awkwardly set up. The staff is really nice from what I've experienced. If there's even an excuse to head to the Record Bar, I'll probably be there.
Okay, straight up, I love the Record Bar. Â That being said I think the cover charge is way too high most nights (you can see similar shows in Lawrence for only $2-3 instead of the $7-10 at Record Bar). Â Their wait staff is probably the worst around, however, their bartenders are on point and always give you fast and efficient service! Â Most importantly for the ladies, the bathroom is CLEAN, you don't even have to hover. Â I know I'm giving a mixed review here, I think there are definitely some things they can improve, but for the most part they have the best live shows in town!
*Side note - You can't go wrong with the Black Bean and Smoked Gouda Dip Served w/ Fresh made Jalapeno Cheddar Chips
Two words: Bartender's Brunch
If you haven't been here for Sunday brunch, go here. Now! Don't let the fact that this is a music club by night scare you, 'cause the food is excellent! Haven't had Eggs Benedict like this in I don't know how long. The English muffins were soft and eggs were cooked to perfection. Seriously, I pigged out... and am not embarrassed to admit it :)
Mike T and I also had fun in the photo booth. You can count on one hand the number of "couple pics" that exist of us, so it was nice to add one more to the collection.
It's too bad we were too tired after Saturday night's baseball game to hang out here and see a show. But after hanging out in 90+ degree heat for 4 hours, all I wanted to do was sleep! The thought of listening to a Cheap Trick cover band wasn't too appealing...
Can't wait to come back to KC for some more Record Bar good times!
Living 4 blocks away from the Record Bar, I am very surprised it took me this long to go there! As some reviews had said, i think i was a bit apprehensive because of the strip-mall-location. I went last night to see Nekromantix, Mutilators, and the Howlers play! AMAZING show! Especially for $15!!! The stage is low, and you can get RIGHT up on it, so we were literally maybe a foot away from the bands. And maybe I'm sounding like a fan girl, but seriously, it's not every day you get to be within arm's reach of your dreams! :)
The decor is really nice too! There are a lot of screenprints of vinyl records hanging around, and of course some band posters and stuff. I didn't have the opportunity to eat anything but I have heard all good things. The drinks we're relatively cheap, not the cheapest but not expensive at all. Their ATM was broken, which put me in an awkward situation of having to run across the street to BP... but bring cash if you need it. :) The staff was really nice! The bartender was pleasant and quick!
Once again, Record Bar is only getting 4 stars because of their bathrooms. :( Besides the layout of the women's bathroom being awkward, it could use a hardcore scrubbing. Well, hell, let me rephrase: It NEEDS a hardcore scrubbing. But!! In once of the stalls, some one has written a life changing little four words for me: Live Fast. Die Pretty.
Was recently on tour with a band and had the pleasure of hitting Record Bar on our route. I have to say, I wish this place was in Chicago. Awesome parking, photobooth and a great selection of Beer and Pizza.
I've also never seen a crowd of people so dedicated to music trivia. Monday nights in KC seem awesome!
You know how it is, you're craving some vegan and some hard rock in a dark bar that has a photo booth, have I got the place for you. Â The people watching at any hour is very satisfying and the menu is pretty surprising both in ingredients and cost. Â The smoked Gouda and black bean dip is great to share and even better to have to yourself. Â The salads are huge and ridiculously cheap. Â Now to the shows.
I accompanied some friends to see a local band doing a farewell/reunion tour. Â There were many loyal followers, we got there an hour before. Â I recommend whoever you see to get there at least an hour before because you WANT to sit up front. Â It was a very intimate place to rock out. Â People even danced, we could almost touch the stage. Â Bring earplugs for sure and if you smoke be prepared to stand on someone's shoulder's or take turns outside. Â Cool place to be. Â I'll see you there.
Love the bands, love the atmosphere. Love it that they have tea. Thankyou thankyou thankyou, so much! One day, I promise I will eat the food. Every time I'm at the Record Bar, I love it even more. The closeness of the bands, and the general atmosphere makes me regularly visit.
I noticed they removed the salt and pepper shakers around 9:30, well, that's okay, Â eating after 7:00 is very unhealthy for the general public. The guy carding people is so nice, and the service is, again, one waitress doing the whole bar. She's on top of things. Things like that keep people coming back.
Have I told you lately that I love you!!!
Went for the bloody mary bar on Mother's Day.  If you haven't went for this yet, I have no idea what you're waiting for.  $6 gets you a hefty  shot of vodka & a tall glass of ice.  Take it to the bar & FILL 'ER UP!! pickled okra, an array of stuffed olives, any & all hot sauces you could imagine, standard tomato juice & several mixes to choose from.
& don't forget to get your picture taken in the black & white vintage photo booth :)
As a concert venue, Record Bar is completely 5 stars. Â It's such a unique atmosphere. Â It's small enough to get wayupclose to the band you're seeing, but big enough to pack in the masses who want to see some sweet tunes.
We finally went out to brunch this past Sunday, and while the food was PHENOMENAL, the service sadly knocked it down to 3 stars. Â
I understand that the whole "seat yourself" thing at a restaurant can be stressful for servers (I just got completely boom-roasted myself at work tonight during this situation...ugh) but we saw two other tables walk in behind us and get their drinks to them before we were even greeted. Â I saw some of the girls talking and frantically gesturing to our table and THEN we had someone take our drink orders.
Wait and wait and wait we did. Â Not so great for 3 starving people, 2 of them deathly hungover. Â (One guess which side of that coin I was on.) Â As soon as we got our drinks, we ordered food. Â I couldn't believe as I perused the menu that I spotted something called the "tator tot scramble." ...WHAT?! Â Be still my hungover, beating heart! Â Tots, scrambled with eggs and your choice of 3 out of about a billion choices. Â I settled on spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and gorgonzola. Â My roommate and friend who was with us both ordered the corned beef hash.
Again, we played the waiting game with food. Â But with drinks in hand and stories from the night before flowing, it was more bearable. Â Finally the food came and...HOLY. Â Big, fat greasy magic. Â Sure, a tator tot scramble isn't fancy, but oh me oh my was it AWESOME. Â My friends loved their meals as well.
(Although my gorgonzola serving was a bit miniscule. Â MORE PLEASE!)
Perhaps we caught them on off day. Â I certainly, CERTAINLY will be back for more brunch. Â And of course, more awesome shows!
I might have been eight or nine, I remember being in a restaurant with my family for brunch, and my dad, who isn't a drinker by any means ordered a Bloody Mary. I liked the name, so I begged him to let me try it. He did, and I loved it. Is that weird? No. Not at all. You have to be made out of discarded plastic Walmart bags to not like a good, spicy Bloody Mary.
From noon 'till five on Sundays Record Bar a Bartender's Breakfast that includes a build your own Bloody Mary bar. What you do is order your vodka, and they bring you a glass with your liquor, and a glass with ice. Then you walk up to the bar, where they have a selection of Bloody Mary mixes, or if you prefer to do all by yourself, V8. There is a multitude of hot sauces, fancy olives, celery, carrots, cocktail onions, etc. This is a lot of fun. I like my Bloody Mary to burn my throat all the way down, and this is a good way to do it, because if I don't make it spicy enough, I can fix the situation myself without having to bother the bartender.
This place also features an old photo booth, which oddly enough becomes more fun the more you drink, or maybe it's not odd at all, liquor makes a lot of things more fun :)
The food they serve here is pretty damn good too. But really, who needs food, when there's a Bloody Mary in front of you.
One of my favorite small venues. Generally they have really great rock n roll shows. The entire staff is friendly, the food isn't terrible but I would save your dollaz for the drinks. It's easy to get carried away drinking here because the crowds usually always young + fun. Because of the smoking ban there is a small outdoor patio that is almost always very crowded.
Great place to take out of town guests.
Great bar in an ideal location for getting out there and home by car, bike, taxi, foot, whatever. Â The huge lot is a snap for parking.
Totally locally owned, and an honest-to-goodness music venue. Â Very few nights go by that 3 to 4 bands don't hit the stage here.
The menu here is simple but great, whether it is dinner (until midnight!) during a show or the infamous bloody Mary bar and "bartenders' breakfast" from noon to five on Sundays. Â Pasta, pizza, burgers, hummus... plenty of really good veggie and meat options.
The bartenders are second to none here, they have a great board, there are sidewalk tables so you don't have to trade a drink for a smoke, the patrons are decidedly not of the asshole variety, they take credit cards, they have real working pinball and other games, and there is even a photo booth in the back with which to make new friends and immortalize your debauchery.
If you are reading this because you haven't been there yet, you should really check it out... Â just be sure to bring your ID, no matter how old and haggard you pride yourself on being.
I really like RecordBar because they actually have good and creative food  (penne pasta, meatloaf sandwich, cheddar chips) while also having good live music and weekly specials and events. They have trivia every Thursday night which is pretty fun and also have a good looking Bloody Mary bar for those hungover Sundays from 12-5 (I hate bloody marys, but I was still impressed).
Also, 'RecordBar' stacks up to their name by having live music almost every night of the week. Most of the shows start at 7 pm, are all ages, and are about $5. RecordBar is located right at the 'mouth' of Westport (where the covered wagon) and is great place to get an affordable bite to eat, play trivia, or just listen to great local bands.
RecordBar is better than it looks. From the outside, it seems like an odd location to be a prime hipster spot. The bar, after all, is in a strip mall. Don't let the outside fool you. This easy-going hangout with a slightly punk vibe is one of the city's best places for music, drink and food.
It's a little dark inside, so it will take a while for your eyes to adjust. Once they do, you'll seen a long, low space decorated with rock memorabilia  The bar is well stocked. More than PBR here. RecordBar was one of the first places in the city to serve the very fine Plymouth Gin, and most, not all, of the bartenders know how to mix a good cocktail.
A big shocker is the above average bar food. The pizza is excellent and the fish & chips, batter friend and drenched in malt vinegar, will do you right every time. (Eat at the bar for faster service.) The drawbacks are few -- namely there's too darn much entertainment. RecordBar brings in regional and national music acts almost every night of the week. So, if you just want to have a quiet drink, sans the latest EMO act from Pittsburgh, and you don't want to pay a cover charge, you might want to head elsewhere. Otherwise, rock on.
Great place to catch a band and get some good food while you are at it. I was surprised at how cool the inside was - it's decorated with all sorts of music memorabilia (records!!!) and posters for upcoming shows. The menus come in vintage record sleeves, which I thought was a nice touch.
The menu is simple but they really allow you to be creative by giving you a list of ingredients to choose from when creating your own cheese plate, pasta dish or pizza. How awesome is that?
Do try the black bean/gouda appetizer with the jalapeno cheddar chips. (I didn't really get any of the jalapeno kick, but the chips were good.) Also, they have fresh cut fries - a rarity these days so enjoy. And the 7 inch pizza (like singles, how cute) is perfect for two to share. I loved the thin crust and their generosity with toppings.
Alcohol and beer selection is extensive. They have the regular choice of microbrews along with some British ale and the ubiqitious Belgian Stella Artois.
As far as seeing a band there - the view from anywhere is good and acoustics are all right.
The only reason I am not giving them 5 stars is that service was s-l-o-w. They only had one waitress serving the entire bar (and there wasn't an empty chair or barstool in the house.)
But that won't scare me away. Â This place rocks!
From the outside, you might think this bar really sucks. Â Inside they are laughing at all the people that keep on driving by. Â
This place is booking some really solid music acts. Â I spent 6 hours there because the bands just kept getting better. Â They are what the Hurricane used to be.
The Record Bar is a dive bar in the middle of a strip mall. Right between the unassuming First Watch and the Scrapbooking store is this coffeeshop/bar that feels completely out of place next to the covered wagon of Old Westport. But once you walk through the door, you are transported to a completely different time and place.
Dark and dirty, the walls covered in old posters and records, you could be  in Chicago or New York instead of bland, old Kansas City. It is very punk rock and is a little gem just outside of the main Westport bar scene. You can see some amazing acts here, and if you're a local band it's a great place to play.
The seating is very limited and if you're sitting in a booth you can't really see the stage, so I assume those are more for hanging out and people watching. You are definitely up close and personal with the band, and my favorite show so far was the Alacartoona and Rasputina  gig a couple months ago. Truly brilliant.
Support the Recordbar! Don't judge a venue by it's location, or you'll miss out on some great music.
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