Kansas Dive Bar Guide

As with many Midwestern states, Kansas included a couple of populated hubs with renowned dive bar and then a vast expanse in between hiding countless more divey drinking opportunities. Our travels have not yet allowed us to fully explore the state, a failure we hope to soon remedy. 

The Kansas side of Kansas City is home to perhaps the best dive bar in the state, Johnnie’s on 7th, opened in 1934 and one of the great places to catch televised sports in the city. The nearby 403 Club is equally compelling if a bit more refined, a factor balanced out by an extensive pinball collection. 

Outside of KC, Wichita’s underrated downtown core boasts a handful of great drinking spots. And dueling college towns Lawrence and Manhattan add to the statewide mix. All told, Kansas is a compelling dive bar destination and some of our recommendations can be found below.