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Harry's Country Club
Rating Details »
Categories: Lounges, American (Traditional), Music Venues
Neighborhoods: Rivermarket, Greater Downtown112 E Missouri Ave
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 421-3505
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live, Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Thu, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
17 reviews for Harry's Country Club
The interior has scores more charm than the patio area. It's rare for me to actually choose to sit INSIDE over out, but come on, Harry's, would it kill you to put out a few potted plants and fairy lights so that your customers don't feel like they sitting in a basketball court on uncomfortable chairs? I have a feeling this place won't change, judging by the crowds out there on weekend nights.
That said, I love the inside, which I would describe as Outlaw Saloon Chic. You'd expect the barmaids to be walking around with guns in a holster around their waists and low cut blouses exposing generous bosoms. OK, does that sound sexist or is it acceptable because I'm a straight girl?
Although they don't dress as I describe above, the staff is friendly and dependable and personally, I like table service when I'm at a bar. I haven't had a drink that I didn't like here, but I haven't ordered anything exceptional, either. It's kind of hard to screw up a gin and tonic (props to them for having Hendricks, by the way).
I heard this rumor that some bars in KCMO actually carry my beloved ACE PEAR CIDER. Harry's, sadly, is not one of them. They carry one mediocre kind and it's overpriced at 7 bucks a pop. Otherwise, I think the drink prices are average.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
The best parts about Harry's CC are the large patio, friendly servers, location, and extensive selection of imported beer. Doing a fake honky-tonk in the middle of the river market doesn't make a ton of sense. Anyone that's been to a real honky-tonk knows this attempt is pretty weak and contrived. Regardless, it's a nice, dark interior space with one of the better bars downtown. I would definitely belly up to the bar or head outside instead of awkwardly arranged dining area.
Service was friendly which made up for it being a touch aloof. I'm guessing there is a lot of ground to cover.
The food is ok...a small step up from sports bar food. I would only eat here again for happy hour apps or if I was starving. Nothing really stood out.
Harry's CC leaves me a little ambivalent. There is a lot to like and loads of potential, but could use some work tightening its concept/menu.
I met up with some fellow Yelper's here on a Thursday night in the fall. We sat inside the bar, which was not too busy. I sat down and ordered a boulevard wheat pint ($5) while I took a little time to look over the Extensive beer menu. I did not sample any of the food as it looked to be rather pedestrian. I decided on a Delirium Tremens for the second beer ($9.50, really?!). The service is pretty decent, could be slightly better considering the lack of patrons, but tolerable.
The clientele at this joint is good looking and looks to be home to quite a few river market residents. I give this bar A-Ok as I may or may not come back, let's just say I probably won't recommend this place if it's up to me. Although, wouldn't hesitate to meet some friends back.
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For my views on this amusing, River Market, honky-tonk saloon, see what I have written about Harry's Bar and Tables in Westport, since I contrast the two very different bars in that review.
Not bad. If the purpose of your evening is to get completely smashed on any kind of alcohol in the world, this is the place to be. If you would like to be able to hear anything the person beside you says, forget it. The music is so damn loud you can't even hear your own thoughts.
A few plusses:
1. The grilled cheese sandwich with a salad was great, as were the nachos.
2. Our waitress was awesome; we never had to ask for refills once, she was always on top of it.
3. The women's bathroom features several pictures of dudes in their underwear.
I don't really get the decor...it's mainly a cowboys and indians theme, however there's also deer heads and an Elvis suit. Weird.
People thought this was:
- Useful (5)
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Love Harry's for so many different reasons.
1. They really know how to make some decent cocktails. Classic cocktails. Updated version of classic cocktails - they have a pomegranate collins that is amazing. Oh, god.
2. They have Flor de Cana rum, which I go in and out of being obsessed with.
3. They have one the best beer selections in the metro area. Although, I think the Foundry might be giving them a run for their money in this department.
4. They have an amazing happy hour that never fails to make me happy. Great food specials, great drink specials. I think you can get a hamburger and fries for 4 bucks during Happy Hour. Ridiculous. The food is above average standard bar fare.
5. I personally love the old country motif, because I am really into old country.
All of this being said, I feel like the service at Harry's is really holding it back. It is way too hit or miss.
This place is absolutely in my top 5 bars for all of KC. The beer selection is AMAZING, ranging from yard beers to ultra hard to find brews from all over the world. Keep in mind, however, that with the beers, you'll be paying for quality. Some people aren't too happy about the prices. For them, I suggest happy hour, which offers quite a few excellent selections for a teeny tiny price. Last time i was there i think i drank my weight in New Belgium Giddy Up, which is hard to find in KC even though every bar in the world seems to carry New Belgium Fat Tire. They were also the first place that I saw Hitachino from Japan, but now they're available in a few other spots like Foundry and Flying Saucer.
The atmosphere is really great at Harry's. It's definitely done up in a classic country theme, though it's not to the point that it seems inauthentic or cheesy. I hate nothing more than a "theme bar", and I still love this place, so i guess it passes the Matt E. test. Good music, too.
The service is a bit spotty. I've always had amazing service at the bar (what up Rian!!!) but table service is slow and inefficient. I've waited ridiculous periods of time for beers, and getting a check in a hurry can be a nightmare. Not sure if they're understaffed or what.
The crowd is all over the place. I've gone for happy hours with the downtown business crowd, but i also always see a decidedly blue-collar element as well. Sometimes I think this can cause tension, but i never notice is at Harrys. Everybody is just happy to be in such a great bar.
They feature a nice sized patio, one of my favorite in the city. It usually has interesting bands on stage, and also has an excellent view of downtown KC. A perfect place to sneak a smoke, now that KC is smoke free.
To review, Harry's Country Club is a great place to have some unusual beers in a fun and unpretentious environment. Come here, especially for happy hour, you'll be glad you did.
I've noticed that the more beer a place serves, the LOUDER it is. The food at Harry's is not bad at all (except the French Fries are so incredibly skinny they cool before you can eat two of them), but... O.K. So I'm an old grouch who doesn't drink, but Harry's is TOO NOISY for conversation, so it's n-o-t my kind of place.
People thought this was:
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For my money the best bar in the metro.
First and foremost, go for the beer selection. If you're looking for a place to explore some interesting beers, go to Harry's. But, they also have a fabulous menu and have yet to find something that wasn't prepared well. They have a top 5 in the metro hamburger and really good nachos.
Everything is reasonably priced and you can get out of there with a couple of beers and dinner for under $20. The happy hour has great food and drink specials that can't be missed. Harry's is where the downtown workers in the know go.
People thought this was:
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So, I was at Harry's the other night, only to discover that they no longer have a "vegetarian" pizza. Instead, they've replaced it with a "build your own" pizza. Anyway, I figured "Hey, they must still have all the old materials, and they used to make vegetarian pizzas not that long ago, so surely if I tell them to just make it like they used to, it'll be ok."
It wasn't.
The pizza that arrived was nothing like it used to be. It was sparse on vegetables, and they added these disgusting fried onions that were totally out of place. Also, the sauce tasted different, and not for the better. Finally, the cheese was all weird, not at all like the cheesy goodness I'd originally described. My group didn't finish it because it was so gross.
Although I continue to love Harry's, one of the reasons I initially gave them 5 stars is because of the fantastic vegetarian pizza. Now that it is no longer available, I'm required to dock them a star. So sad.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/13/2008
Harry's is, hands down, one of the best bars in Kansas City.
First, the booze: Jeebus, do they have… Read more »
I like the dive decor...roadhouse meets old western. Even with the fun decor, this place isn't trying to be anything- it just is. Spacious outdoor patio with live music.
Come and watch as worlds collide as yuppies hang with construction workers and all is harmonious.
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It's my favorite bar close to work, they have a great happy hour menu, good dark beer on tap, and sitting at the bar is great. Although, the rest of the place only has regular sit-down tables. This in my opinion ruins a bar atmosphere. Tall tables, the same height as the bar, are the only way to best foster mingling, and isn't that why you're there anyway? But I digress. So I'd go there to get a drink with a buddy, but I wouldn't organize a larger group there.
Harry's is a great find in the Rivermarket for anyone who likes a dive bar. The food is above average bar food. It's definitely a cigar-smoker's haven so expect to smell a little when you leave. I associate Harry's with yard beer in a small glass. I highly recommend a blind taste test to determine which yard beer you prefer....PBR, Schlitz...this is the only place I get excited about nasty, cheap beer. The patio is great and really big with a stage for live entertainment.
I think for food, I've had the penne with vodka sauce, crab cakes, and nachos. All tasty.
Great atmosphere and excellent beer choices. I loved the view of downtown from the deck. I graded down because I expect a dive bar to have dive bar prices and this place was pricey! 9-10 bucks per beer! OUCH. Our bill for 3 beers, wings and dinner was over $60. Everyone else seemed to have great service but I think our waitress had something else on her mind, she was terrible. I also found the food to be very average, but we tried new stuff. The chicken appetizer was plain chicken skewers with a peanut sauce on the side - nothing special. My husband got the cuban sandwich which was very bland. The wings were ok, but more sweet than spicy. I would go again, but not often.
My favorite bar in the city - Harry's has one of the best selections of hard-to-find beers around. It doesn't have the huge selection of other spots in KC but makes up for it with a truly unique atmosphere and distinctive, delicious bar food. The wait staff is some of the friendliest around and its hard to beat Harry's patio on a warm night. Live music, friends and a great view of downtown make it one of my favorite spots in the city.
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Funky bar with occasional live music, fashion shows, great people patrons and staff. Walking distance to the Farmers Market.
People thought this was:
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I don't get there enough, but it's a good time. The food is above average and the patio is great during the summer, particularly when they have bands out there. Assuming the band doesn't suck. There is a contingent of creepy single cigar smoking dudes who make too much money.
