Otaku Lounge is an anime/gaming bar playing by its own rules in the Crossroads
Courtesy Otaku Lounge
“The Otaku Lounge isn’t a bar, a restaurant, or an arcade—It’s an experience,” says the bar creator/owner Kortney Lee (who goes by O.L.).
Inside, the space is draped with posters and artwork of iconic anime characters, with various games lining up the walls and even the ceiling. Without a dull corner to be seen, this experience aims to be unlike any other nightlife in Kansas City.
“We’re a place that everybody can come in, have a great time, enjoy themselves, and get out of their comfort zones,” O.L. says.
In Japanese, “Otaku” means “nerd,” and this Crossroads lounge offers everything that some may consider to fall under that umbrella—gaming, anime, and alternative culture. At its core, Otaku Lounge brings a rather underground community into the spotlight in the Crossroads district.
“We’re not here to sell you food or drinks or convince you to buy this and play our games. You’re here to connect with people who don’t have a lot in common with you,” says Otaku team member Kershaun Taylor. “I feel like when it comes to people that watch anime, they’re the least understood people out here.”
Courtesy Otaku Lounge
With Otaku’s wide array of thematic events like anime trivia, cosplay contests, open mics, stand-up comedy, dance parties, and more, hundreds of people from across the city flock for their fix of nerdy fun. Cocktails like the Shinigami Brew or Sailor Sunrise are perfect for sipping while watching one of the many TVs screening anime.
Courtesy Otaku Lounge
On the other side, gaming consoles are ready to entertain guests hoping for some friendly competition.
The balcony area upstairs offers a view of a race track suspended from the ceiling, where live-action Mario Kart races will take place. Patrons will be able to race remote-controlled cars above the main floor’s heads—something that you truly cannot find anywhere else.
However, what makes Otaku special isn’t the attractions; it’s the reinforced community.
Every square inch of the place is covered in artwork from local artists, creating an eclectic, chaotic atmosphere. “It is just wild to think about how everything here is done by someone in our area,” Taylor says.
The space essentially doubles as a gallery, uplifting the talented folks in Kansas City. This supportive energy seems infectious, and it’s what inspired Taylor to apply.
“My boyfriend and I came in, and, at first, we felt a little unsure. But [O.L.] came right on over to us, introduced himself to us, and asked us how we heard about Otaku. He made us feel so welcome,” says Taylor. “Him giving a warm welcome definitely brought me in more. Once I got to know some of the people that night, I decided to put in an application.”
Truly a paradise for those who go against the grain, the lounge is carefully curated by an owner who most certainly walks to the beat of his own drum. At the time of my visit, there were no consistent business hours. I also couldn’t figure out whether this place was officially open, and that’s because it’s not. For certain nights and specific events, they’re operating. After inquiring about it, no one working there knew when it would be open.
Otaku Lounge has taken a strong stance as the nerdiest speakeasy you’ll ever find—if you even can.
[Editor’s note: Since the publication of this story, the venue says that it has officially opened. We’ve been unable to confirm consistent operating hours yet. We’ll update this story when those are available.]
Courtesy Otaku Lounge
Even the concessions here don’t subscribe to the norm. Cocktails mixed with kombucha, wait staff designing their own menus, and health-focused food offer a unique take on standard bar culture. Health consciousness is something the owner is deeply passionate about. So much so that he refused to talk about the lounge with me and instead lectured me about the obesity epidemic in the United States for 40 minutes. But, at Otaku, as Taylor says, “There’s no judging. It’s like a completely judgment-free zone. Everyone comes in here with their own personalities.”
If you’re a self-proclaimed weirdo, this place will surely not disappoint. Every aspect of this lounge is different from any bar you’ve ever been to. From the mystery of openness to the bar rules, which include a “No body odor” ordinance. This symphony of strangeness is being conducted by a man who claims he began this business because he was “bored” and that he can fully operate on three hours of sleep a night.
The chaos of a sorta open bar includes following the owner around as he tries to set up a projector, hammers banging in the background, and Amazon packages scattered across the surfaces.
Finished or not, people have already joined the Otaku family, proving that Kansas City doesn’t search for perfection—it craves authenticity and evergreen ideas.
Keep tabs on their Instagram and Facebook pages so you don’t miss one of their many events.
