Tom's Town Distilling Co.

"The people are thirsty."

What makes it fun

Tom's Town Distilling Co. is names for Tom Pendergast. Tom who started as a saloon keeper and the founder of a wholesale liquor company, went on to become one of the country's most corrupt political bosses. Under Tom's direction, Kansas City ignored Prohibition and became known as the "Paris of the Plains." Just as the spirits continued to flow so did money and jazz. Tom used to justify ignoring Prohibition by simply stating, "The people are thirsty." Well, people are still thirsty today. Tom's Town keeps the spirits flowing with our restaurant, tasting room, and distillery tours.

Google Reviews

4.7

Based on 1,380 reviews

John Rensenhouse

2 months ago

Great burger! And those fries. And those drinks! Can't wait to return.

Katie Honas

2 months ago

Best cocktails in the city!
However, every time I venture downstairs to the basement, the service is awful and the drinks are subpar. I’ve tried the Alice and wonderland & the tiki bar — both disappointing. Unsure if they’re affiliated with Tom’s Town or if they’re just pop ups so gotta give the original TT 4 stars & the basement 1 star w/ 5 star atmosphere

Arturo Ayala

2 months ago

Some of the best cocktails in the city! Their food is also amazing, the staff are friendly and the ambiance cant be matched!

Виктория

2 months ago

Christina Eshleman

2 months ago

We went on a Tom's Town tour when visiting Kansas City and had never tried any of their spirits prior to this. I must say they have the BEST vodka our group had ever tasted. We usually stick to Tito's pretty religiously, but this vodka blew that one way out of the water. It was so smooth with a sweet finish. The bottles it comes in are also so beautiful! We ended up buying 3 bottles, which I thought were also very reasonably priced. I'm so glad we experienced Tom's Town, since we'll definitely be back the next time we're in KC!

Madhup Chandra

4 months ago

The cocktails were literally one of the best I've tried (and I've tried a lot). Shauna was hospitable and I wasn't very keen on another old fashioned as I thought all old fashioned were hyped and they aren't as good as they are supposed to be. Theirs turned out to be AWESOME!!!

Reallyb enjoyed the drinks and the hospitality. Hope I get to visit KC again to visit another time.

Kara Dieke

4 months ago

My boyfriend and I went on a distillery tour and had a drink afterward. Everything was wonderful. Our tour guide, Dick, was very informative, telling us about the history of KC as well as the distilling process. The drinks that we had were also very good. My bf had the Angry Goat, which was such a well-balanced and complex bourbon cocktail, while I had their version of an espresso martini. I would happily get either of these drinks again. All of this without mentioning the Art-Deco decor. Highly recommend!

Jerry D. Voss

5 months ago

Such a great place! Soak easy in the basement, bar and food on the main floor. Windows looking into the distillery! We ordered 2 flights so we were able to try 6 of the 7 alcohols that the make right there!
The vodka was my favorite which was a surprise as I am a bourbon drinker.
The smothered fries is what we tried from the kitchen followed by the best Oatmeal Cream Pie! They make them right there, on site!
I recommend trying this place out next time you are in the area!

K Arnold

6 months ago

Tom’s Town is easily one of my favorite spots. Every single meal I’ve had here has absolutely hit the mark, the kitchen is incredibly consistent and the flavors are always on point.
If you’re looking for recommendations, the Espresso Martini is a must-try; it is hands-down the best I’ve ever had. Follow that up with the Pecan Cheesecake, and you’re in for a treat.
The vibe is great, and the staff is always friendly and eager to welcome you for a tour. It’s a fantastic experience every time, and I’ll definitely be back!

Nikola Matson

7 months ago

In the city where Prohibition never really stuck, Tom Pendergast kept the booze flowing—and with bars popping up on every corner, jazz took root and reshaped Kansas City’s nightlife. Tom’s Town is a restaurant, bar, event space, distillery, and a historic site that offers interesting history/ tasting tours. Try the gin, vodka, and amber liquors..they are bold and smooth. Tom’s Town carries that rebellious, jazz‑soaked spirit forward one pour at a time.

Chad

9 months ago

One word… Tony!

Fun tour guide and amazing spirits! Do it!

Elizabeth Chambilss

9 months ago

We really enjoy it here normally. However, this holiday we were told we couldn’t stand inside while we were waiting. Staff was rude checking us in. We had friends that let us sit with them if not we would have been kicked out.

Need a better process-makes a loyal customer not want to come back

Kim Nash

10 months ago

Brought my husband here for his birthday dinner. From the moment we walked in, we felt like a nuisance. I’m so sad and underwhelmed. Ushered through in a hurry despite it being early on a Monday with no crowds. No one took the time to interact or talk with us. We felt like a bother. I’m going to bed in tears because I feel like I failed husband.

Eleanor Caballero

10 months ago

Beautifully decorated for the holidays and the cocktails and food were amazing as usual. Bruno was behind the bar and doing a great job as it was so busy!!

Cole LaCrue

10 months ago

Kate was amazing!!

Heather Andrews-Carver

2 years ago

A fun experience! Highly recommend!

Stacy Kohlmeier

2 years ago

Bill Bjerrum

2 years ago

Aubrey Hook

2 years ago

We enjoyed the atmosphere, drinks, and distillery tour. Loved hearing about our city and the rich history!! We will definitely be back!

Robert Thompson

2 years ago

Tinsel Town has a great vibe with fantastic decorations. Attentive staff and superb holiday themed cocktails. The tempura mushrooms were outstanding.

Michael Brown

3 years ago

Best cocktail bar in KCMO! Cozy atmosphere, great drinks, and a friendly staff eager to help and assist! Highly recommend!

Pete Linde

3 years ago

Holiday Party in the lounge for our staff.
Beautiful, comfortable room.
Food was really good.
Elise, our personal server did a great job!!

Jill Hart

3 years ago

We had a great time at Tom's Town! During the holidays they have the restaurant/lounge decorated for Christmas and it's gorgeous and festive. We made a reservation for lunch and and then another reservation for a distillery tour after.
Our lunch was fantastic - I had the spicy egg sandwich, which was similar to a grown-up BLT but with a fried egg and a slightly spice sauce. So good! My husband opted for their chili, which they serve with a cheese quesadilla. He said it was delicious. They also have holiday-themed cocktails which were awesome.
The tour was really fun as well. It's somewhat short, but our tour guide was full of historical stories about Kansas City, Tom Pendergast (whom Tom's Town is named after), and the founding of Tom's Town Distillery. This made the tour and tasting interesting and so very worth the time. We'll definitely be back in the future!
Also, we wondered about parking, but there is both street parking available as well as several city paid parking lots across the street that make parking easy. The streetcar also stops right down the block from the distillery, so it would be easy to access this way as well.

Phillip Wolff

3 years ago

Best Christmas bar in Kansas City! The downstairs speakeasy is out of this world and the upstairs holiday vibes are immaculate. Food can’t be beat either. Didn’t know their dinner menu was so good. Get the burger or fried chicken sandwich. Stuffed mushrooms are great as well.

Jarrod Atherton

3 years ago

Desiree Ridder

4 years ago

If you are thinking of having your wedding or event at Tom's Town do it!
My wedding was 10/29/22 in the Rickenbacker Room. I got so many compliments about how beautiful the space was! It has an open concept with windows throughout overlooking the city with beautiful exposed bricks and art deco vibes. The space was perfect for our 75 guests seated. We also had extra space for cocktail tables and a small seated area!

The event coordinator, Britney, was FABULOUS! I was one of the events that started with the old coordinator that wasn't as good but once Britney took over all my stress about the event disappeared. She listened to our wants and gave out wonderful advice. Also, the staff at Tom's Town is the best out there. Matty and the rest of the bartenders were FANTASTIC! You can tell they enjoy their jobs which gave out the best energy to my guests. We can't wait to enjoy our anniversaries and just date nights at Tom's Town because they really do have excellent cocktails!

Rose Hewitt

4 years ago

Super distillery tour. Excellent service. And the bartender made the absolute best drink I've ever had. They have the downstairs set up for Halloween right now, it is called The Cloven Hoof. Had a drink and dinner there after the tour then moved upstairs for dessert. I absolutely recommend this place if you have the chance to go. Loved it!!

Randy Shepard

4 years ago

First class experience! The bourbons were great and the tasting room was absolutely beautiful. Also as a guy who's not huge into vodka or gin, their offerings definitely made me rethink that. Best and smoothest vodka I've ever had.

Jason San Souci

4 years ago

I love the stories behind the naming of distilleries. Tom’s Town Distillery is a throwback to times of old when Boss Tom ran KC and the people indeed were thirsty. This small, but well-appointed distillery offers tours, space for private events, and a classy bar that whips up amazing cocktails using their spirits. I’m partial to the Double Oaked Bourbon, so I bought a few bottles. Cheers!