Velvet Dog

This swanky cocktail lounge, billing itself as KC's only supper club and martini bar, offers a refined setting. As a result, it's hugely popular with a young business crowd. The eccentric "Dog Menu" features international and American regional dishes, including Cajun shrimp, BBQ chicken pizza, rigatoni with Italian sausage, and a portobello burger. While the menu does in fact feature intriguing options, what really brings in crowds is Velvet Dog's impressive martini list, which features everything from traditional Manhattans and Cosmos to "rarer" Chocolate and Neapolitan varieties. A patio offers fresh air and a great place to pass warm Midwestern nights, especially if you've got bocce on your mind. On weekends, the place gets crowded quickly, so expect a wait.