Dave Woods, The Booze Beat: Power & Light District breathes life into KC’s downtown

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July 15, 2010

By Dave Woods New media and marketing manager The Joplin Globe Thu Jul 15, 2010, 01:28 PM CDT

KANSAS CITY, MO. — The Booze Beat is good to me. I’ve explored the nightlife in Chicago, San Francisco and Palm Springs. I’ve taken in casino bars, late night clubs and dives around the country all in the name of journalism — sort of.

Ah, good times.

Some of the biggest fun I’ve had so far has been digging into the nightlife at Kansas City’s new downtown Power and Light Distict.

If you haven’t had the chance to motor north on Highway 71 recently, do yourself a favor and set aside a weekend for an adult vacation in KC. The nation’s largest cow town has invested big in downtown redevelopment and booze hounds from far and wide are now able to take advantage of what has to be one of the coolest spots to eat, drink and make merry in the Midwest.

A 24/7 neighborhood

The new $850 million P&L District serves up an eight-block neighborhood plopped down in the heart of downtown KC. The district is centered around the renovated Bartle Hall Convention Center, the Sprint Center, the College Basketball Experience, hotels, condos, shopping and other entertainment destinations.

It has become a 24/7 neighborhood with dozens of entertainment and dining options. Imagine Fremont Street in Las Vegas and you get the idea.

The entire three-story entertainment complex is topped by a giant glass canopy that covers a main courtyard and a dozen or so restaurant patios. It’s a perfect place for people watching and enjoying a cold brew or two.

The P&L District features some of the country’s premier food and entertainment establishments, such as a Gordon Biersch Brewery, Mosaic Lounge, McFadden’s Sports Saloon, Lucky Strike Lanes, Famous Dave’s Barbecue and Raglan Road Irish Pub, according to the P&L’s Web site, www.powerandlightdistrict.com.

It ain’t cheap

A couple of notes: Beers and cocktails start around $6. Parking is free with a validated parking ticket. Don’t forget to take it with you when you leave the underground lot.

The district had a pretty restrictive dress code and code of conduct, but recently some of the those restrictions were relaxed. I didn’t really have any trouble with the dress code before, but the development company took some heat for it.

Check out the online calendar of events for concert dates and times. The P&L offers a great line of musical entertainemnt — much of it free. American Idol Adam Lambert recently preformed at The Midland by AMC and Lyle Lovett is booked for August 1.

Most of the restuarants, lounges and bars offer lunch and dinner deals and happy hour prices on beers, wine and cocktails. Check out the Maker’s Mark Bourbon House & Lounge for a dose of class. Lucky Strikes Lanes and Lounge offers a great time for bowling fans and those looking for a unique lounge experience.

If you think that Joplin-area bar prices are too high, then check out these prices from my Kansas City excursion:

* At Makers Mark, a Frangelico and coffee will run you $9, and a Smirnoff and cranberry is $7.50.

* At Famous Dave’s, a 23-ounce Bud light is $5.

* At the Gordon Biersch Brewery, a big Heffeweizen is $5.

* In Westport, at McCoy’s Public House, a happy-hour beer will run you $5, and across the street at one80 a Bacardi mojito is $5.

Cheers!

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Dave Woods, The Booze Beat: Power & Light District breathes life into KC’s downtown

Eliminating the state income tax and increasing sales tax was debated during a press day on Thursday at the Missouri Capitol. Do you favor that proposal?

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