Bar Phoebe boasts rooftop views and nostalgic nods
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Cheers to summer nights. Photo: Travis Meier/Axios
The newest rooftop bar in the city opened last week in the Crossroads to crowds, live music and dancing.
Why it matters: Bar Phoebe doesn't just mix cocktails and corn dogs with impressive views. It's also a nod to Kansas City's suffrage movement.
Flashback: Phoebe Jane Ess was a prominent Kansas City educator, organizer and labor advocate who helped form more than 30 clubs.
- She pushed for education and prison reform and led the charge in Jackson County for women's suffrage.
- "She championed progress without pretense," the bar's website says. "Bar Phoebe is a love letter to her."
The vibe: An elevator on Holmes takes you to the top. You step into the main bar area, which has a deep red backsplash, cream accents and glass block dividers.
- It's a play on American nostalgia, where hot dogs, walking tacos and slices of pie hint at endless summer.
- A deck sports north and south views and a stage for performers.
Dig in: The food and drink menu is upscale but not pretentious.
- I had the barbecue spare rib sandwich ($16), which wasn't filling but had good flavor.
- Apps include oysters ($3.50 each), wings ($14) and mini corn dogs ($10).
- The drink menu points to the past as well, with bygone favorites like appletinis ($14) and salty dogs ($13).
If you go: The bar is at 708 E 18th St. Live music is scheduled Thursday–Sunday this week.