West 39th Street is Kansas City’s proudly eccentric “indie” enclave, a compact, four-block corridor that packs more local flavor per square foot than perhaps any other district in the metro. Nestled directly on the border of the historic Volker and Roanoke neighborhoods—and standing in stark contrast to the massive, sterile complex of the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) just across the state line—this district serves as a vibrant cultural release valve. It is widely known as “Restaurant Row” due to its incredible density of independently owned eateries, but that moniker barely scratches the surface of its identity
39th Street Things to Do
39th Street occupies a unique position in Kansas City’s neighborhood hierarchy—not quite a nightlife destination, not quite a retail corridor, but something in between. The street runs east-west through the heart of Midtown, anchored by a walkable stretch between State Line Road and Southwest Trafficway where independent restaurants, vintage shops, and neighborhood bars cluster in converted storefronts. Unlike districts built around a single identity, 39th Street rewards browsing—a used bookstore next to a ramen shop next to a dive bar next to a plant boutique.
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39th Street Kansas City Restaurants
39th Street’s restaurant scene reflects the corridor’s independent spirit—owner-operated establishments that prioritize quality over scale, and regulars over tourists. The strip lacks the white-tablecloth formality of upscale dining districts, offering instead a collection of neighborhood spots where the chef might also be working the register.
The corridor sits within Midtown, benefiting from the residential density of surrounding historic neighborhoods. Diners here are often locals walking from nearby apartments and bungalows rather than visitors driving in from across the metro.
For those comparing Kansas City’s dining destinations, 39th Street offers a different experience than The Country Club Plaza to the south. The Plaza delivers national chains and upscale branded restaurants in a designed retail environment; 39th Street delivers quirky independents in aging storefronts with more character than polish.
The vibe also differs from Westport a few blocks east. Westport’s restaurants cater heavily to the bar-hopping crowd—late hours, pub menus, proximity to nightlife. 39th Street’s restaurants are destinations in themselves, not preludes to drinking.
Visitors familiar with Brookside‘s walkable dining strip will find a similar neighborhood energy on 39th Street, though with more ethnic diversity and less family-oriented programming.
The chef-driven, farm-to-table movement that defines the Crossroads District hasn’t fully reached 39th Street—and that’s part of its appeal. This corridor celebrates solid, unpretentious cooking over Instagram-ready presentations.
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39th Street Food
The food culture on 39th Street tilts heavily toward international cuisines and casual neighborhood joints. Vietnamese, Thai, Ethiopian, and Mediterranean options cluster along the strip, reflecting both the corridor’s history as an immigrant gateway and its ongoing appeal to Kansas City’s globally minded eaters.
This diversity distinguishes 39th Street from the River Market, where food options center on the City Market’s weekend vendors and a handful of established restaurants. 39th Street offers a deeper bench of sit-down ethnic restaurants operating seven days a week.
The corridor’s Vietnamese and Southeast Asian options rival anything found in Northeast KC, though the two neighborhoods serve different audiences. Northeast draws visitors seeking strip-mall authenticity and rock-bottom prices; 39th Street offers the same cuisines in slightly more polished, pedestrian-friendly settings.
For authentic Mexican and Central American fare, Southwest Boulevard remains the metro’s undisputed leader—but 39th Street’s taco shops and panaderías hold their own for Midtown residents who don’t want to drive across town.
Unlike the food halls and corporate dining clusters of Downtown KC, 39th Street lacks a centralized food destination. The corridor rewards those willing to walk the strip and discover individual establishments rather than choosing from a curated menu of options under one roof.
Families with children often find easier fits at Crown Center, where attractions and dining combine in a climate-controlled environment. 39th Street is more date-night and friends-dinner territory than kid-friendly destination.
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39th Street Bars
The bar scene on 39th Street skews neighborhood over nightclub—places where regulars claim their stools and bartenders remember names. The strip’s drinking establishments range from true dive bars to craft cocktail dens, but none approach the bottle-service energy of Kansas City’s larger entertainment districts.
This distinguishes 39th Street sharply from Power & Light, where bars are designed for volume, late-night dancing, and event-driven crowds. 39th Street bars are designed for conversation, local beer, and walking home.
Visitors who appreciate the industrial grit and antique-market energy of The West Bottoms will find kindred spirits in 39th Street’s older dive bars—places where the decor hasn’t changed in decades and that’s the point.
For those seeking live music with their drinks, 18th and Vine offers a jazz-rooted alternative with historic venues and a cultural identity that 39th Street’s bars don’t attempt to replicate.
Residents of the Kansas City Suburbs unfamiliar with urban neighborhood bars will find 39th Street approachable—ample street parking, walkable blocks, and a laid-back atmosphere that doesn’t require navigating downtown parking garages or highway interchanges.
The neighborhood bar density here compares favorably to Waldo to the south, though Waldo’s establishments skew younger and more sports-bar oriented. 39th Street attracts a slightly older, more eclectic crowd.
Couples seeking a low-key evening out often choose 39th Street over newer developments like The Riverfront, where the bar scene is still emerging and options remain limited. 39th Street’s combination of dinner, drinks, and walkable browsing has been refined over decades.
The “attractions” here are the shops and the street life itself, rather than ticketed museums.
- Prospero’s Books: The cultural anchor of the street. This three-story independent bookstore is a local legend, featuring creaky wood floors, a massive ladder, and over 50,000 used and rare books. The basement (“The Cellar”) and upper floors often host impromptu acoustic sets and poetry readings.
- Thomas Hart Benton Home & Studio: Located just a few blocks east of the main strip (on Belleview Ave), this state historic site offers an intimate look at the life of the famous Regionalist painter.
- Murals of West 39th: The district is covered in street art, from the psychedelic designs on the side of shops to the “Kansas City” script murals that serve as popular photo backdrops.
- Roanoke Park: Located just south of the district, this rugged, wooded park features limestone bluffs and trails, offering a nature escape immediately adjacent to the urban strip.
What makes West 39th Street unique?
West 39th Street (also known as the W 39th KC District) runs from State Line Road to Southwest Trafficway and is home to around 100 local shops, boutiques, and restaurants — a long-standing community corridor maintained by the local improvement district.
Walking the strip gives you a cross-section of Kansas City’s urban & residential heritage — historic buildings, local storefronts, and lively street-level energy unique to neighborhoods on the city’s border. Many longtime KC residents appreciate 39th Street as a living snapshot of KC history and community vibrancy.
For visitors or locals wanting to explore something off the tourist beaten path, this stretch is ideal for Tours — casual self-guided strolls, window-shopping, and a peek into KC’s less-commercial, more rooted neighborhoods.
West 39th is the most diverse dining corridor in the city, famous for its “Restaurant Row” status.
- Room 39: One of the pioneers of Kansas City’s farm-to-table movement. It offers a refined, seasonal menu in an intimate bistro setting, focusing on locally sourced ingredients for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Jazz: A Louisiana Kitchen: A high-energy staple bringing the sights, sounds, and tastes of New Orleans to KC. It is famous for its “Chicken à la Mer,” spicy cajun pasta, and live jazz/blues musicians playing in the dining room.
- Baba’s Pantry: A family-owned Palestinian deli and market that has received national acclaim (including James Beard recognition). Their falafel, hummus, and shawarma are widely considered the best in the city.
- Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill: A historic spot with a distinct dragon mural outside, offering a create-your-own stir-fry experience that has been a neighborhood favorite for decades.
- Aladdin Café: A cozy spot for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern staples, known for its lentil soup and extensive vegetarian options.
- Miami Ice: A retro, neon-lit landmark that is half liquor store, half shaved-ice parlor. It is the quintessential summer stop for a “concrete” or a cherry limeade.
- Tiki Taco: A bright, fast-casual spot offering California-style tacos and burritos, perfect for late-night cravings.
Where to eat on 39th Street?
39th Street boasts a wide variety of dining spots: everything from bagel cafés, barbecue joints, to international cuisine and comfort-food spots. For example, Meshuggah Bagels serves authentic NYC-style bagels, and Q39 is a nationally recognized BBQ joint.
For a relaxed but full evening of food-hopping, many people turn the corridor into a DIY Food Tours — starting with breakfast or brunch, sampling tacos or barbecue, and wrapping up with dessert or drinks — all within a compact walkable zone.
Nightlife here is low-key, intimate, and conversation-driven.
- The Hi-Dive: A “mystery beer” kind of place. This beloved neighborhood dive bar offers a patio, canned beers, and a complete lack of pretension.
- Prospero’s (The Cellar): While primarily a bookstore, the venue frequently hosts underground music performances, book launches, and spoken word events.
- Goat & Rabbit: A craft cocktail bar with a relaxed, lounge-y vibe, offering a sophisticated drink menu without the stuffiness of an upscale club.
Does West 39th Street have nightlife entertainment?
Yes — there are neighborhood staples such as bars, lounges, and small live-music venues along the corridor. Like Hi-Dive Lounge is a laid-back spot on 39th Street offering food, drinks, and a relaxed vibe.
Because of this mix of food, music, and community-scale venues, 39th Street is a comfortable and familiar place for local adults or residents wanting a casual night out. It’s not touristy: it’s real, neighborhood-driven nightlife.
Community events here focus on local art and neighborhood camaraderie.
- 39th Street West Fest: An annual street fair (schedule varies) that closes down the blocks for local makers, food trucks, and live music, celebrating the Volker neighborhood spirit.
- Third Fridays: While not as massive as the Crossroads’ First Fridays, the businesses on 39th often host “Sip and Shop” events, sidewalk sales, and extended hours on the third Friday of the month.
- Rosé Walk: A seasonal ticketed event where attendees stroll between participating boutiques and restaurants, sampling different rosé wines.
Are there events or community happenings on West 39th Street?
Yes — the corridor and its oversight district regularly support community-oriented events. The area has been praised for being a place where one can spend a whole day: eat, shop vintage or boutique stores, and end with drinks — a kind of relaxed festival of local life.
If you’re thinking about what to do this weekend, 39th Street is a strong bet — between events, local shows, or casual meetups — making it a go-to for this weekend things to do without the need for heavy planning.
- Location: West 39th Street, between State Line Road and Southwest Trafficway.
- Key Intersections: 39th & Bell (Center of the district), 39th & State Line (Western edge/KU Med).
- Context: Located immediately west of Midtown/Westport and immediately east of the KU Medical Center complex.
How is West 39th Street positioned in Kansas City?
West 39th Street runs east-west from State Line Road to Southwest Trafficway in KC, making it a border-area corridor touching both local neighborhoods and city access roads.
The corridor lies near the campus of the University of Kansas Hospital and offers reasonable proximity — a quick ride north brings you downtown, while just a short distance south are Westport and other nightlife districts. This central yet neighborhood-rooted layout makes 39th Street a convenient stop whether you’re staying in the city, visiting the hospital, or exploring KC on foot or by car.
39th Street FAQ
What is West 39th Street?
West 39th Street is a historic commercial district in Midtown Kansas City, Missouri. It is a dense, walkable strip of independent businesses, restaurants, and bars that serves as the commercial heart of the Volker neighborhood and the primary dining destination for the adjacent University of Kansas Medical Center.
What is near West 39th Street?
Popular places near 39th Street, include:
- KU Medical Center (KUMC): Directly across State Line Road to the west.
- Westport: The city’s oldest entertainment district is just a few minutes east/southeast.
- The Plaza: The Country Club Plaza is located about 5-10 minutes south.
- Q39: The original location of the famous BBQ joint is located just a few blocks east at 39th & Mercier.
What kind of district is 39th Street?
39th Street is best described as a “locally rooted district”: many of its businesses are small, independently run, giving it a community-driven feel, not a commercialized tourist vibe. The historic storefronts reflect early-20th-century urban corridors, and its longevity is maintained by residents and local investment through a district association.
Because of that, it attracts people who value authenticity, history, and neighborhood character — making it a good alternative to purely commercial areas. Visitors looking for genuine KC flavor will appreciate how 39th Street balances convenience with community identity.
What kind of experiences does West 39th Street offer?
Popular experiences near 39th Street, include:
- Culinary: A global tasting tour (Middle Eastern, Cajun, French, Mongolian, Mexican) within two blocks.
- Literary: Browsing stacks of used books at Prospero’s.
- Vintage: Hunting for retro fashion at the district’s clothing boutiques.
What kind of visit can you have on 39th Street?
A great plan might start with a late-morning bagel or brunch at a café, then a wander of vintage shops, boutiques, and the local bookstore(s). Mid-afternoon might be a good time for lighter shopping or checking out what’s new on the strip. Dinner at a barbeque or international restaurant followed by drinks at a neighborhood bar gives you a full locals-style evening — all within walking distance.
For people looking for a short term rental, staying near 39th Street can give easy access to everything: food, shops, nightlife, and quick connection to downtown or hospital areas — making it a practical base for exploring KC without needing a car each time.
Where to stay in West 39th Street?
Popular places to stay near 39th Street, includes:
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites KU Medical Center: Located directly at the western edge of the district (on 39th & Rainbow), this is the primary hotel serving the area.
- Short-Term Rentals: The surrounding Volker neighborhood is full of historic bungalows and apartments that are frequently available as Airbnbs
What kind of accommodations are available in West 39th Street?
Aside from the Holiday Inn Express (which caters largely to hospital visitors), the area relies on vacation rentals in historic homes. For full-service boutique hotels, visitors typically look to the nearby Plaza or Westport areas.
What kind of transportation options are available near West 39th Street?
Popular kinds of transportation options near 39th Street, includes:
- Bus: The 39 39th Street bus route runs east-west through the district.
- KC Streetcar (Future): The Main Street Extension (opening late 2025) will have a stop at 39th & Main, which is about a 15-minute walk or short bus ride east of the West 39th district.
- Parking: Parking can be tight. There are meters along 39th Street and some free parking on residential side streets (check signs carefully).
What is the history of West 39th Street?
The area developed in the early 20th century as a “streetcar suburb” commercial node. It grew in tandem with the residential expansion of the Volker neighborhood and the development of the Bell Memorial Hospital (now KU Med). In the 1980s and 90s, it developed a reputation as a bohemian and counter-culture hub, attracting artists, writers, and independent shop owners who revitalized the historic storefronts.
What is the historical significance of 39th Street ?
39th Street is one of Kansas City’s major east-west streets, originally named Rosedale Avenue when it led to the old town of Rosedale. The current West 39th Street corridor, especially the W39thKC segment, evolved over time into a mixed-use strip combining residential, commercial, and community services.
Over decades, as the city expanded and borders between neighborhoods shifted, 39th Street remained a stable urban backbone — preserving historic storefronts and adapting to changing community needs. That heritage underlies its present-day feel: a living, breathing slice of KC’s urban history.
Where to shop in West 39th Street?
Shopping is specialized in vintage and books.
- Donna’s Dress Shop: A beloved boutique offering a mix of true vintage and vintage-inspired modern clothing, known for its inclusive sizing and whimsical style.
- Boomerang: A shop dedicated to mid-century modern aesthetic, selling retro clothing, accessories, and home decor.
- Prospero’s Books: The place to go for used books, vinyl records, and local literary culture.
- Urban Provisions: A modern general store offering curated goods, gifts, and local food products.
What kinds of local retail experiences can you find on 39th Street?
West 39th Street offers a mix of vintage shops, boutiques, specialty retail, and small local stores — not big malls. The variety ranges from dress shops, vintage clothing stores, local bookstores, to unique accessory and retro-style boutiques.
For a visitor or local wanting something outside mainstream retail — artisanal items, vintage finds, or local-made goods — the corridor delivers that “hidden-gem” retail feel. It’s a great place to stumble upon something unique while exploring the neighborhood.
39th Street isn’t Kansas City’s flashiest corridor, and that’s precisely why it works. The strip has avoided the homogenization that often follows urban revitalization—no corporate chains have displaced the vintage shops, no food halls have absorbed the independent restaurants, no rooftop bars have overshadowed the neighborhood dives. What remains is a walkable stretch of Kansas City that reflects the city’s eclectic, unpretentious character: a place where you can buy a used book, eat Ethiopian food, drink a local beer, and browse a plant shop without ever needing to move your car. For visitors seeking the Kansas City that locals actually frequent—rather than the Kansas City designed for visitors—39th Street delivers.