Westside bar XO HiFi pairs music to cocktails for a first class listening experience

Xo Hifi Lounge // Photo by Ivywild Visuals

Music can be a tough beast to tame in the bar and restaurant space. Plenty of places serve up background music or loud, in-your-face jams to encourage you out on the floor. For XO HiFi in the Westside neighborhood, the music is the central focus. It’s a true listening bar, prioritizing vibes, immaculate sound, and positive energy, but don’t worry—they’ve got some damn good food and drinks too.

Jordan Hubner, a co-owner and director of operations, explains XO’s atmosphere in a way that’s music to any music lover’s ear: “The vibe here is thick. We’re an all-seated bar—no standing room inside—and the sweet spot is definitely when people’s voices are just below the music.” XO lights the interior space with candles that complement the natural light coming in from the windows. There’s also a patio space for some outdoor listening if that’s more your jam.

For Will Minter, another of XO’s co-owners and the bar’s music director, the goal of a spot like this was to provide a space dedicated to music lovers of all stripes in Kansas City. He calls XO “a refuge and community spot that aims to be an escape from the day-to-day noise.”

To achieve those goals, the team at XO had to bring in some heavy-duty equipment. Their system uses low-wattage, class AA amplifiers to power high-efficiency, horn-driven speakers for a truly one-of-a-kind sound. The records that spin here are sourced from personal collections, as well as from several friends in the community.

The equipment at XO HiFi, along with the overall concept of the space, draws most of its inspiration from Japan’s listening lounges. For the kitchen and bar teams, that was the perfect jumping-off point to develop the kitchen and cocktail menus.

Xo Hifi Lounge // Photo By Ivywild Visuals

Executive Chef Johnny Leach, who is also the brains in the kitchen at The Town Company, created a food menu at XO that’s meant to share and draws inspiration from a number of Japanese snacks. Think tofu, mushrooms, nori, miso, and sesame—XO’s menu isn’t huge, but it brings in flavors that punch well above their weight. Though most of their offerings are meant as snacks for the table while you vibe, there are enough substantial offerings that you won’t go hungry.

On the drink side of things, XO brings in even more Japanese influence. The cocktail menu is also full of Japanese ingredients and flavor profiles, but it isn’t beholden to them. Like the food menu, the cocktail options hit that sweet spot of “just the right amount.” It’s a thoughtful collection of heavy-hitting craft drinks, zero-proof cocktails and mocktails, and a few low-ABV selections if you’re looking to pace a multi-record listening session.

Outside of cocktails, XO also has an impressive wine list, with a central focus on natural wines. That focus shouldn’t surprise anyone who recognizes the name Richard Garcia, XO’s wine director. Garcia was the owner of Big Mood Natural Wines, which unfortunately had to shut their doors earlier this year.

What helps make a listening bar like XO such a unique experience is how many different styles, artists, and sounds you’ll get to hear. Hubner says that everyone on the team has their own musical tastes, but a big part of making XO’s entire vibe function is being able to cater the music to the crowd. “Our staff chooses from our collection with the intention of reading the room’s energy,” Hubner says. That could be jazz, R&B, yacht rock, or anything in between. The possibilities aren’t infinite—but they may as well be with a record collection like XO’s.

If you want a slightly more focused experience, XO can also scratch that itch. Hubner says, “We host focused listening events and prerelease listening parties on particular nights, which are typically posted on our Instagram. We also host guest DJs every Thursday evening from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m.”

Sticking with the laid-back vibe, XO has no reservations—it’s walk-in only, with seating for about 66 people total between the inside and the patio. It’s a perfect “pop in and see” place if you’re in the Westside neighborhood. Keep your voice low and your ears open, and let the experience wash over you.

XO HiFi is located at 709 W 17 St, Kansas City, Missouri 64108.