Velvet Dog   

If the days of boorish bars have passed you by, time to upgrade to The Dog. This Union Hill haunt will not settle for anything less than sophisticated. It's stylish, you should be too. And it's the signature martinis that will set the mood for an evening of upscale revelry. The food is finer, hummus and shrimp rather than greasy fries. The drinks are expertly mixed, not sloshed together. And for the pleasure of a higher-end experience, you shall pay higher-end prices. If you don't believe Kansas City can sustain the sophisticate's scene, you haven't tried to find a seat in the evening. You certainly haven't forced your way into the upstairs Martini Room. But if the crowds squeeze a bit too much, head outside to play or watch bocce ball. If you want The Dog experience without the crowds, head in for a relaxing drink in the early evening. If you want to connect with the young professionals that frequent Velvet Dog, slide in later.