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Afterword Tavern & Shelves - A REFUGE FOR THE THIRSTY AND INQUISITIVE OF KANSAS CITY. A good book has the remarkable ability to connect friends over midnight discussions, or to a garrulous passenger on the streetcar who loves the same writer. Simple paper pages can inspire a visit to a city or reconnect someone to a time and place of their past. Books can spark an idea or incite an argument and provide a tranquil escape from the chaotic. Beer, wine, spirits, and food share this quality. Rather than leave one of 'em out we decided to combine their collective powers under a single roof. Thus, Afterword Tavern & Shelves was born. While it may be libations and books were selling on paper, at a philosophical level we are peddling discovery and the city in which we live. We invite you to walk through our door, and when you depart we hope that you do so having discovered something stirringly novel.
From Google. Shown as written by the reviewers.
Danielle Gonder
August 2025
The tomato soup is so fresh and exactly what you'd hope for from a soup. We loved getting to sit and visit and read a little bit. We noticed they had 2 book club meetings that night which is so cool! And lots of board games too. We want to come back!
Catherine Kolkoski
October 2025
My husband and I popped by on a Saturday afternoon about 2:00 pm and it was quiet here until about 3:30. The bartender was very sweet and let me create my own craft cocktail using their amazing house blended tomorrow syrup. The books here are super cool and we proved several away just hanging out and drinking our cocktails. We’ve driven by so many times and this time it was a destination. Cool vibes, comfy seating for small groups. I noticed some laptop lap decks under a coffee table- nice amenity. This is yet another reason to love living in KC.
Aaron Schneider
August 2024
I really like the vibes here! Good sized crowd on the Friday night that I visited. There were still some seats available but it’s not very large in size. I love the atmosphere they’ve created, with a nice selection of books and low lighting giving it a very sophisticated vibe. For the supply of books they have on location, it was a nice selection from what I could tell. You can also order books from their online shop. I tried their Gimlet cocktail, which was absolutely fantastic and I certainly look forward to returning to try more.
Tyler Manske
October 2025
Incredible, fun, unique place for books and cocktails. We enjoy a nice, quiet vibe where folks could read and drink NA or alcoholic beverages at their own pace. The cocktails were expertly crafted and fun. If we lived nearby, we'd definitely take part in their book club!
Ashley White
March 2025
Really cool spot for a cocktail in the Crossroads. Unique, cozy atmosphere. Board games on hand. Solid drink menu. I had the espresso martini and it was lovely!
