Kansas City’s premier shopping district known for its luxurious residential and condo living
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The Country Club Plaza (locally known as The Plaza) is Kansas City's premier shopping and fine dining district, earning a place on Project for Public Spaces' list of 60 of the World's Greatest Places. Designed in the Moorish Revival style, J.C. Nichols planned the center in 1922 with images of Seville, Spain in mind. Comprising more than 18 buildings of office and retail space, The Plaza was the first suburban center with unified architecture and the first regional shopping complex in the world to accommodate vehicles with specially-designed parking.
The Plaza allows residents and visitors to shop luxury brands, dine at elegant restaurants, and marvel at the beautiful architecture and the city's many fountains. Take a gondola float down Bush Creek or enjoy the perfect date night complete with a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride. The Plaza area offers many of KC's most sought after condos, yet also encompasses the neighborhoods surrounding the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the Kansas City Art Institute (Crestwood, Rockhill, Southmoreland, Troostwood), the eclectic neighborhoods of South & West Plaza, as well as the upscale residential neighborhoods of Countryside & Sunset Hill.
The Country Club Plaza has always been famous for shopping & dining, yet is also a very desired and popular place to live. The residential resale and rental markets are very active and competitive in this area, drawing families, professionals, and undergraduate and graduate students attending the surrounding educational institutions.
Life on The Plaza is very walkable and particularly well-suited to those who enjoy traveling on foot since many businesses and local restaurants are close together. In addition to the daily bustle of life in the shopping district, there are many quiet and picturesque neighborhoods and several local parks nearby. Residents enjoy living in one of the main centers of activity in the city and appreciate being in close proximity to some of Kansas City's most celebrated cultural offerings.
Among The Plaza’s fine dining staples are upscale steakhouse The Capital Grille and Seasons 52, where the menu rotates to change with the seasons. McCormick & Schmick's is also a classic, famous for its mouthwatering steaks and seafood platters in a club-like interior.
Try something a little more casual at world-class barbecue joint Jack Stack BBQ. Experience their legendary hickory-roasted barbecue while hanging out with friends and family. Chuy's is another chain restaurant serving giant burritos and other healthy Tex-Mex dishes. The Granfalloon is a local, bi-level, upscale sports bar and Bo Lings is everyone's favorite Chinese restaurant.
In South Plaza, you'll discover the best authentic Swiss chocolates at Andre's and West Coast-style street tacos at Mission Taco Joint. Historic The Peanut was Kansas City's very first bar and grill (during the Prohibition era it operated as a speakeasy). And make sure to visit Stock Hill, named one of the best steakhouses in America by Thrillist, for the upscale urban-chic vibe, award winning food, and fantastic cocktail bar.
Just south of UMKC, the Crestwood Shops are home to excellent shops & eateries as well. Cafe Europa is famous for its delicious lemon cake, perfectly-brewed coffee drinks, and European specialty items. Aixois is a classic French bistro with an adjoining coffee bar and bakery.
Each year, the Country Club Plaza celebrates art with exhibits and installations, including 3D mixed media, sculptures, and other works created by regional and local artists at the Plaza Art Fair. Traditionally, local businesses join the celebration by displaying art in their storefront windows.
During the holidays, The Plaza boasts a dazzling array of lights across all 15 blocks for the Plaza Holiday Lighting Ceremony, a tradition for the past 90 years. The spectacle includes live entertainment, carriage rides, carolers, and glittering storefronts. Another unique light festival is held in October during the Waterfire KC, a special event that features sparkling bonfires as well as music and dance performances.
Outdoorsy locals enjoy visiting Loose Park, the largest park in Kansas City. Home to a water park, picnic areas, Civil War markers, tennis courts, and a rose garden, Loose Park is full of recreational opportunities the whole family can enjoy. Blue River tributary Brush Creek has a trail alongside the river that is excellent for hiking and biking. It's also open to gondola rides and is where the community hosts the Waterfire KC event.
Creatives will be overwhelmed with things to do on The Plaza. From the Conservatory of Music to multiple art galleries like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, National Museum of Toys & Miniatures, and Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, there are plenty of local spots made for residents to educate and enrich themselves within the fine arts community.
The nearby Kansas City Repertory Theater is dedicated to pursuing excellence in the performing arts. Over the years, they've put on amazing shows and classic plays, such as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Frankenstein, A Christmas Carol, and Sweeney Todd.
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