xo

Is xo worth booking for a group night out in Kansas City?

If you're planning a group outing in Kansas City's Crossroads Arts District and wondering whether xo at 709 W 17th Street deserves a spot on your shortlist, the short answer is: it's worth investigating, but go in with realistic expectations given how little the venue publicizes itself. Booking is easy — you're unlikely to be turned away — which makes it a lower-risk pick for groups of four or more who haven't planned far ahead.

What to expect

xo sits in one of Kansas City's more active social corridors, where the ambient energy tends toward lively rather than hushed. For groups, that works in your favor: a louder room is more forgiving of table conversation, and the Crossroads area generally draws a mixed crowd of locals and visitors who are there to have a good time rather than to be seen. If your group is after a quiet, intimate setting, this part of town is probably not where you want to be , consider somewhere quieter like Afterword Tavern & Shelves instead, which skews more relaxed and conversation-friendly.

Because verified data on xo's menu, pricing, and hours is limited, it's harder than usual to give a firm price-to-quality verdict. What the address and category suggest is a neighborhood bar-style venue rather than a high-ticket destination. For value-seekers, that framing is useful: you're likely looking at a mid-range spend rather than a splurge, which lowers the stakes if the experience turns out to be uneven. Check current hours and any specials directly before you go, since this kind of venue is more likely to shift its schedule than a larger operation.

For groups specifically, the Crossroads location is practical , there's enough density of options nearby that if xo doesn't hit the mark on arrival, you have fallback options within walking distance. Beer Kitchen and Billie's Grocery are both in the broader area and offer more documented menus and consistent crowd profiles. For something with more of a crafted drinks focus, Blanc Champagne Bar is worth having in mind as a before or after option.

If you're visiting Kansas City and want a broader view of what the city has to offer, our full Kansas City bars guide and full Kansas City restaurants guide give you a ranked, opinionated look across categories. You can also browse the Kansas City hotels guide, Kansas City wineries guide, and Kansas City experiences guide for a fuller trip picture.

For cocktail bar benchmarks, venues like Bar Leather Apron in Honolulu, Jewel of the South in New Orleans, and Julep in Houston set a high bar for what a well-executed cocktail program looks like , useful reference points when deciding how much to invest in a night out versus exploring xo as a casual, lower-commitment option.

Quick reference: 709 W 17th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 , easy to book, Crossroads Arts District location, group-friendly energy, verify hours directly before visiting.