Bar Spotlight: Mike’s Tavern

Tulips aren’t the only things brightening up Troost these days. A newly reopened Mike’s Tavern (5424 Troost, 816-437-9400) is breathing life back into the drinking scene shared by UMKC and Rockhurst. Definitely reminiscent of its sister establishments, the Gaf and Cantina del Rey, this double-sided bar and grill now has a smoking patio, an open and viewable kitchen, and the nicest women’s restroom this side of Oak Street. Even as the paint dries and the menu gets its last tweaks, Mike’s is already attracting crowds of business-casual office types at lunch, college kids blowing off steam after finals, and regulars from the days when the dark bar and its stage smelled of 46 years of stale beer. Open from 11 a.m. until 1:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, Mike’s offers happy-hour and late-night specials. “Right now, we’re working on getting good food and good drinkin’ down first. The rest is coming soon,” says bartender Brent Winer.

Mondays-Saturdays, 11-1:30 a.m., 2010