Dave’s Stagecoach Inn

Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City’s Westport district has turned into a desirable weekend location, but Dave’s Stagecoach Inn represents the area’s dive bar soul, owned by a single family since its founding in 1952. Opened by David Golad, the Kansas City dive bar’s original location lies down the street from its current site, beginning its life as Dave’s 423 Club in reference to its address 423 Westport Road. Golad founded the bar after falling in love with the tavern business delivering newspapers to similar spots and envying the fun times had inside. Redevelopment of the Westport area in 1972 prompted the original site’s leaseholders to freeze Golad out, prompting the move to the current location of Dave’s Stagecoach Inn.

Shortly after its move down the street, the stagecoach mural seen inside the dive bar was painted, the work done in exchange for free drinks in 1977. Dave’s Stagecoach Inn received the first lottery license in Kansas City, sparking lines down the street for the privilege to purchase tickets in 1986. Today, the shotgun-style dive bar sits under a sign that feels about as classic as a dive bar sign can feel, a twisting yellow marquee mixed with red and blue accents. Low tables run opposite the bar, wood paneling tying together the space throughout, a lone pool table anchoring the rear of the bar. A word of advice, park in the rear and use the back door to enter, making for a much easier entrance (and getaway).

The Basics

Classification:
Neighborhood Bar

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Further Reading