Grand Emporium Saloon   

No KC bar has offered live music so well, for so long as the Grand Emporium. Whether it is local matinees or blues legends wailing all night, this place is well-seasoned with greatness. It's known best for blues, but reggae, rockabilly, rock 'n' roll and jazz acts get mixed into formula as well. Slap on Amazing Grace's barbecue, factor in one of the coolest 45-rpm juke boxes in the world (listen to James Brown's version of 'Kansas City'), the excellent drink specials -- and this place becomes a must-see for locals and visitors alike. The New York Times agrees, naming it a Top 15 attraction in KC. The Memphis-based Blues Foundation agrees too -- tagging Grand Emporium the "Best Blues Club in America" twice. With that kind of reputation, you know this 300-capacity bar fills fast, especially for the national acts. That means dragging your feet will keep you from tapping your toes.