Grand Emporium Saloon (Reported Closed)

Doesn't Recommend

xnykr

Joined 7 years ago

don't waste your time!. Visited KC 2 years ago and had the best time at the Grand Emporium. Move here this past May and was sad to see it was not the same. Hopefully the new owners will go out of business and someone will bring back the BluesQ!

Recommends

essicaj

Joined 6 years ago

Good times and great people!. The new G.E. is way different, but that is not to say it is not awesome! Saturday night is the only night that could be considered "gay" night. The staff is always friendly, helpful and just plain FUN! Especially the back room bartender, David (only on Saturday nights). Strait as can be, but the fastest drink maker in town! That man can make you a drink like no other, no weak drinks from this guy! The music is awesome, as there really is no place to go "dance" it seems anymore unless you want to risk getting in a fight with some college punk at Americas Pub. And they have great concerts and live performaces every week! This is a great place and I highly suggest you give it a shot! (and then DO a shot!)

Doesn't Recommend

kcgal4340

Joined 6 years ago

From Grand to Gay Male Revue. How sad that a KC music institution as beloved as the Grand Emporium could have changed in such a BAD BAD way. The new owners ruined a beloved local blues watering hole and everything KC loved about The Grand is GONE GONE GONE. They could have chosen ANY other bar to change into a gay male meatmarket...

Doesn't Recommend

notdave

Joined 9 years ago

Notice all the other reviews are from 2002?. This is NOT the same place reviewed in 2002. The took an blues institution and turned it into a yuppie martini bar, but the editors of CitySearch won't let anybody tell you. Stay away from the NEW G.E.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

A variety of music plays in this historic building, but the blues rule the stage at this small venue.. The Scene
This historic building has housed everything from a card room to a brothel, but since 1985 it's been the perfect spot to see a great show. The club's impressive history covers the walls; flyers from past shows and photos of legendary musicians serve as wallpaper.

The Draw
Kansas City is known for jazz and blues, and this is the best place to find out why. Notables like Buddy Guy, Otis Rush and Stevie Ray Vaughan have all graced the stage. With 600 shows a year, including rock, reggae, zydeco and swing acts, there's always someone of interest on the small stage. A stellar jukebox with rare blues singles plays when there's no show. It serenades diners gobbling up barbecue lunches during the week and folks taking advantage of the daily drink specials.

Recommends

jynafur

Joined 11 years ago

#1. The Grand Emporium should be rated number one. Wonderful music, wonderful atmosphere, couldn't ask for more.

Recommends

jflash2000

Joined 11 years ago

Grand Emporium is the Best!!. I have frequented the Grand Emporium since the early '80's, and have seen some of the best Blues and Rock acts in the country there. Being a Blues officiando, the G.E. is the best I have seen. It has won the Best Blues Club in the U.S. twice, and been nominated several times. I would highly recommend it!

Recommends

divabelle

Joined 11 years ago

Grand Emporium is GRAND indeed!. Fun hangout, great musical variety, big dance floor. Who could ask for anything more?

Recommends

taradelis_citysearch

Joined 11 years ago

Life is Grand. I was travelling through Kansas City a couple summers ago and wandered in here on a local's recommendation. I had the best time here. The band wasn't really my favorite genre -- swing -- but I still dug it. Even let myself be dragged out to the dance floor by a strong leader.

My friend and I got chummy with the bouncer and he showed us the town after his shift ended. A very fun night. Would definitely go back in/when I'm ever in town again.