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Pop Culture
People stand outside Westport Brewing Company, 444 Westport Rd., where waiting in line to get inside can be a nightly routine.
Kansas City entertainment offers new scene for those wanting to escape Lawrence
By Nicole Skalla
Kansan Correspondent
It's Thursday night. Again. Time to go out on the town, hit a couple bars, maybe consume too many beverages and crawl home in the wee hours of the morning.
For some KU students, the Lawrence bar scene can get dull. So, what's to do?
For the slightly adventurous, Westport might hold the answer.
Located 40 miles east of Lawrence off Rainbow Boulevard, Westport is a small entertainment district in Kansas City, Mo. A wide spectrum of bars, dance clubs, restaurants and shops light up this one-street-has-it-all section of Kansas City.
"It's definitely worth the drive once in awhile, although it's not something I do on a regular basis," said Seth Peattie, Plymouth, Minn., senior.
Besides the run-of-the-mill bars, Westport boasts many one-of-a-kind spots worth visiting.
Harry's Cigar Bar, 501 Westport Rd. has a name that says it all - and a reputation for its nice atmosphere and quaint decor, said Kristen Rudolph, Topeka senior.
Westport Brewing Co., 501 Westport Rd., is known for its food, which is served until 9 p.m. However, when the kitchen closes, so do the doors - at least to anyone younger than 21.
But Aaron Slater, Short Hills, N. J., junior, said he went to Westport Brewing Co.for another reason than the food.
"You go there for the beer because they brew their own, and they have samplers," he said.
The Hurricane, 4048 Broadway attracts visitors with live music. Its underground sound commands attention everyday except Monday.
For jazz lovers, the Grand Emporium 3832 Main, is another option. Comic lovers may be happier at Stanford's Comedy House, 607 Westport Rd.
Atlantis, 3954 Central, the club, not the lost city, is another speciality bar. It provides dance space for those with an inclination to boogie down. The club is open from 9 p.m.to 3 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Wednesdays are ladies' night and Thursdays are designated for a gay, bisexual and lesbian crowd.
Drink prices in Westport are comparable to Lawrence prices. Most drinks cost between $2 and $4, and most Westport bars have a nightly special.
Before you hit the road, remember one thing: your ID. Westport bars card, and no minors are allowed.
Steve Puppe/ KANSAN
The Beach Club, 4050 Penn., provides sand volleyball.
Getting from Lawrence to Westport can be easy, but if you are heading to the bars please be in a designated designer chair.
North Mouth/MASSAN
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The City Scene
The Hill September 12,1996
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