Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, England

Red Room

Copenhagen, Denmark

Delphine

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chez Nina Green Brasserie

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

During Winter

Prague 

in Finland

The Northern Lights

Winter Edition

Paris

Best bars

New York Cities

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

On A Budget

5 Star Luxury Travel

You Must Visit

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Avoid Bali belly

How To:

That Are Worth The Trip

Dining Concepts

The World Is Slowing Down

Soft Travel

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Explore

Copenhagens Boutique Hotels

Discover

Tokyos best Ramen

Travel philosophy

The Rise of ‘Soft Travel’

Dublin Best Pubs

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Kansas City, MO

North America

United States

# Founders' Lounge, Dining at Kauffman Center – Kansas City Dining Experience

Founders' Lounge, located at the Kauffman Center in Kansas City, MO, offers a unique dining experience that combines exquisite cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere. This restaurant is known for its proximity to the performing arts, making it a perfect spot for pre-show meals. Established with a vision to enhance the cultural landscape of Kansas City, Founders' Lounge has become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors. Guests frequently highlight the beautiful decor and attentive service, alongside a menu that features innovative dishes and seasonal offerings, making it a noteworthy culinary stop in the city.

## History
### The story of Founders' Lounge
Founders' Lounge was conceived as part of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, which opened its doors in 2011. The vision behind the restaurant was to create a space where patrons could enjoy a fine dining experience before or after attending performances. The founders aimed to integrate culinary excellence with the cultural richness of the arts, providing a venue that complements the artistic endeavors housed within the Kauffman Center.

### Milestones and growth
- **2011**: Founders' Lounge opens alongside the Kauffman Center, establishing itself as a premier dining destination.
- **2015**: The restaurant begins hosting special events and themed dining experiences, attracting a diverse clientele.
- **2020**: Adaptations are made to the menu and service to accommodate changing dining preferences and health guidelines during the pandemic.
- **2023**: Continues to receive accolades for its innovative menu and exceptional service, solidifying its reputation in Kansas City.

### Cultural and local influence
Founders' Lounge plays a significant role in the cultural fabric of Kansas City. Its location within the Kauffman Center allows it to attract theatergoers and art enthusiasts, fostering a community that appreciates both culinary and artistic expressions. The restaurant often collaborates with local artists and events, further enhancing its connection to the vibrant Kansas City arts scene.

### Continuing the tradition
The restaurant remains committed to its founding vision by consistently updating its menu to reflect seasonal ingredients and local flavors. This dedication to quality and community engagement ensures that Founders' Lounge continues to be a relevant and cherished part of Kansas City's dining landscape.

## Community
### Community involvement
Founders' Lounge actively participates in community events and initiatives, often hosting fundraisers and special dining events that benefit local charities. By collaborating with local organizations, the restaurant reinforces its commitment to giving back to the community and supporting the arts.

### Community notion about the place
The local community views Founders' Lounge as more than just a restaurant; it is seen as a cultural hub that enhances the overall experience of attending performances at the Kauffman Center. Many patrons appreciate the restaurant's ability to provide a sophisticated dining experience that complements the artistic offerings of the venue.

### Events and gatherings
Throughout the year, Founders' Lounge hosts various events, including holiday-themed dinners, wine tastings, and special culinary showcases. These gatherings not only draw in regular patrons but also introduce new visitors to the restaurant, fostering a sense of community and celebration around food and the arts.

## Offerings
### What Founders' Lounge offers
Founders' Lounge features a diverse menu that emphasizes New American cuisine, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant offers a variety of dining options, including small plates, entrees, and seasonal specials, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Founders' Lounge is designed to be both enjoyable and memorable. Guests can expect beautifully presented dishes that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. The menu includes a mix of innovative appetizers, hearty entrees, and decadent desserts, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Seasonal offerings often highlight local produce and unique flavor combinations, enhancing the overall dining experience.

### Events and packages
Founders' Lounge offers special dining packages for theatergoers, allowing guests to enjoy a pre-show meal that fits within their schedule. These packages often include a curated selection of dishes that can be prepared quickly, ensuring that patrons have ample time to enjoy their meal before heading to a performance.

### Facilities and features
- Elegant dining space with artistic decor
- Seasonal outdoor seating options
- Private dining areas for special occasions
- Full-service bar featuring craft cocktails
- Accessibility options for all guests

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Founders' Lounge highlight both strengths and areas for improvement. Many guests praise the quality of the food and the attentive service, while some express concerns about the ambiance and pricing.

### Compliments and strengths
Patrons frequently commend the restaurant for its delicious food, with many dishes receiving high marks for flavor and presentation. The service is often described as friendly and accommodating, contributing to a positive dining experience. Additionally, the restaurant's location near the Kauffman Center is a significant draw for those attending performances.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While many reviews are positive, some guests have noted that the restaurant's decor can feel stark or clinical, lacking the warmth expected in a fine dining establishment. Additionally, a few diners have mentioned that portion sizes can be small relative to the price, which may deter some from returning.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Founders' Lounge is well-regarded for its culinary offerings and convenient location. While there are some critiques regarding ambiance and pricing, the restaurant's commitment to quality food and service continues to attract a loyal following.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Founders' Lounge is situated at 1601 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO, within the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. This prime location places it at the heart of Kansas City's cultural district, making it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy a meal before or after a show. The surrounding area is rich in artistic venues, including theaters, galleries, and music halls, providing a vibrant backdrop for visitors. The Kauffman Center itself is an architectural marvel, further enhancing the appeal of dining at Founders' Lounge.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Founders' Lounge serve** Founders' Lounge offers New American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
**Is there a dress code at Founders' Lounge** While there is no strict dress code, smart casual attire is recommended.
**Can I make a reservation** Yes, reservations are encouraged, especially during peak times and events.

## Visit Founders' Lounge Today
Founders' Lounge at the Kauffman Center in Kansas City invites you to experience a unique dining adventure that combines exceptional cuisine with a vibrant cultural atmosphere. With its rich history, community involvement, and commitment to quality, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a meal before a show. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Founders' Lounge promises a delightful culinary experience that complements the artistic offerings of the Kauffman Center.

5671c4a0-78d8-4686-9c95-5174915ee1e2

Perfect location to eat before a show. The grilled endive was very nice. The ribeye had some sort of weird marinade or something. Would not recommend it. Our server Kailee was amazing!! Ask for her.

f83e228e-575c-4afc-8671-afa03dc8f22f

The Kauffman Center outdoor lighting was spectacular, and set the perfect holiday mood! Everything about the special holiday Winter Wonderland "pop up" experience here was wonderful! The restaurant decor was sparkly and beautiful, the menu was enticing, the food looked and tasted as good as it sounded (try the cranberry whipped feta dip!), and the service was outstanding! Both versions of the housemade eggnog, w&w/o a splash of alcohol, were yummy, and it just isn't Christmas to me without good eggnog! Kudos to the welcoming staff and superb service both times I've been to the Founders Lounge!

c76736cf-d228-4931-8da6-01173e830a8c

I would have given more stars, but we weren't allowed to go look at the views from the top as the 'Christmas pop- up' advertisement insinuated. That's why we went! The service was fantastic and the drinks were delicious. I wish we had asked before leaving to try to see the view, if they would have escorted us upstairs, but we left & assumed that they would let us up the escalator. They wouldn't let us even go up for a photo! You had to have a ticket. I even offered to pay. They said you could take a daytime tour! But It's much prettier at night. We are from out of town-DC & Colorado, hopefully next time we can see the views. Do better KC.

c901042c-eeb9-4fcd-8126-42e06556bcdd

The Dining Experience is beautifully decorated with white and turquoise tress and ornaments. They had a Chi Olathe Polar Express Train with a variety of ingredients for a hot cup. The good and drinks were good and filling. The drunks we ordered were: Red Rider Housemade Cinnamon Infused Whiskey, Brown Butter Sugar Rudolph's Shiny New Year Ketel One Vodka, Elderflower, Ginger Beer, Orange Juice, Pomegranate The food we ordered was Pigs in a Blanket | $15 Local Sausage, Croissant Pastry, Housemade Beer Mustard, Onion Raisin Jam Grilled Cheese Panini | $10 Tillamook Cheddar and Provolone on Farm to Market Sourdough Parmesan Garlic Frites | $8 Sriracha Aioli, Ketchup Fantasia was out waiter. She was on it and the food came out quickly. It was an enjoyable experience with good company and conversation.

f90a142f-5aad-4c0a-88bd-1d2d2a12ebce

Food was spectacular & inspired, truly deserves 5stars. To be honest and thorough the service was slow, however she knew we weren't in a hurry based on our show time. I suspect if our show had been starting sooner that would have made a difference. For as classy as Kauffman is I was surprised to find the Founders lounge to be clinical/stark, too bright to be cozy. Much more of a "ladies who lunch" atmosphere than a classy date night out. But again the food was spectacular & inspired so don't count it out.

558ba430-67ea-4d7e-bd27-1400d9d370ab

Don't you know there's a virus going round? So why you gotta Kauff, man? Right in my direction, too? Wear a mask FFS! I love this place and have nothing bad to say about it... Kauff Kauff. In the center of Kansas City you will find some great buildings, such as this one at Kauffman Center, which is an amazing shell of a building (though not in a negative sense) with amazing art projects here and lots of music, mainly classics. There's a bunch of good stuff there and they do a good job with all the different things and they offer a lot of reasons to visit the center. One of many gorgeous and underrated buildings in the beautiful city of Kansas City. One of many reasons why I come to the city whenever I can - to see beautiful sights and eat amazing foods. It's one of the most underrated cities in the whole country and buildings like these are part of the reason why. Gorgeous.

58616bdf-791a-40a6-87c8-07424fe6bb91

I gave this establishment of 4star The service was accommodating and friendly. The food was really good, but the portions were extremely small. I also felt like it was fairly pricey, but what's not anymore!!!!!! I felt that it looked like a cafeteria someplace you'd see in a company or a hospital. It was real simple and sterile like. There was only a handful of seats, so it's best to make reservations, but the view was gorgeous. :). I'm really glad I got to experience this once. Don't know if I'd go back, but it is beautiful.

c3ffe556-6dad-4e07-91ed-658fb13d96df

What a fun experience! We came around 7 and it was surprisingly not as busy as I expected it to. There was a $25 deposit that is put towards your bill. The staff was so friendly and it was overall a great experience. The pigs in a blanket were tasty in a flaky croissant. The drinks were festive. The interior was festively decorated. I plan on coming back.

041ed143-916b-48d9-83d3-49e691da7528

I ate a pre-show meal here at 5:45 PM last night during restaurant week. First I would say, I didn't think the Restaurant Week deal was particularly good - I saved $2, big whoop. However, that means their nightly menu is really quite affordable for a 3 course menu at $35/person. It was a bit of an odd experience eating there by myself, because I was waited on by the hostess. She was very nice and did a really good job, but it took a little while to get going and I was confused why none of the waitstaff was coming up to take my order. Once she came and took my order, it was a really beautifully paced meal. I ordered a glass of Fume Blanc which arrived along side a bread basket with the yummiest soft rolls and butter with black salt on top. I might have pulled back a smidge on the salt, because it was a lot piled on top, but I was able to scrape some of it off so it was more balanced. The basket also had homemade lavash-type crackers that were quite peppery. I'm not really a fan of that kind of "bread" but it was good for what it was. For my first course, I had the Boulevard Rye on Rye Smokestack Series Cheddar Soup. It was a cold night, otherwise I probably wouldn't have ordered it. For me, it was the weakest part of the meal. It would have been VERY good if I were more of a beer person, but you could definitely taste the beer. Second course was the Duck Fat Seared Scallops. OMG this was SO good. I nearly licked my plate! I'm always a sucker for scallops and I thought the apple risotto, crispy fennel, and scallops together were a perfect bite. I'm not a huge fan of fennel seeds but I really enjoy cooked fennel bulb, and this was fried crispy, kind of like high-end onion straws. Ugh, drooling thinking about it again! And to the piece de resistance - the dessert! I had the Baked Alaska and it was OUT OF THIS WORLD!! Frankly, I don't know when I last had a dessert that good. The hazelnut ice cream with the meringue was to die for. Again, with all the components together, it was the perfect bite. The only critique I could make is that the flourless cake was bordering on bitter. That worked relatively well with everything together, but I would have like it pulled back from the bitter edge just a bit. With that my meal was over, the hostess brought my check along with a St Luke's sponsored chocolate from Annedore's. Perfect end to a terrific meal. Note: as the website states, be sure to give yourself an hour and a half to "experience" your meal. I was by myself and I was in there about an hour and twenty-five minutes. It's well-timed, and I was glad that when I was done, I could go find my seat for the Color Purple.

adaa707b-3653-47e5-8f9a-af36f7be4cda

Awesome meal, great view and great price. Three courses for $37. The duck was tasty and cooked to perfection. My husband had short rib which was a tad dry but full of flavor!! Pictured below, peppermint chocolate mousse to die for. Banana dessert had a brilliant combo of flavors.

Experience exquisite dining at Founders' Lounge in Kansas City, MO. Enjoy stunning views and gourmet cuisine at the iconic Kauffman Center. Book now!

Founders' Lounge at Kauffman Center | Kansas City Dining

Kansas City

Founders' Lounge, Dining at Kauffman Center

Missouri

Enjoy a luxurious dining experience at Founders' Lounge in Kansas City. Located at 1601 Broadway Blvd, near arts and entertainment venues. Book now!

Experience Founders' Lounge at Kauffman Center, Kansas City

Discover the elegant Founders' Lounge at Kauffman Center in Kansas City. Perfect for special occasions, located at 1601 Broadway Blvd. Learn more today!

About Founders' Lounge at Kauffman Center, Kansas City

Opening hours for Founders' Lounge, Kansas City. Find opening hours for Founders' Lounge at 1601 Broadway Blvd on your visit.

Founders' Lounge Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Founders' Lounge

Chezelle Creperie

Percheron Rooftop Bar

Pizza Shuttle