The Founders’ Lounge is open before most evening shows featured at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. In order to operate a sustainable service for our arts patrons, we must meet a minimum threshold of reservations to operate for each date scheduled for service. Walk-in diners are welcome, but the Founders’ Lounge needs a guaranteed amount of visitors to make the model work. We greatly appreciate your consideration in making a reservation.
For the Table
Calamari | $14
Capers, Tomato, Pepperoncini, Lemon Beurre Blanc
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip | $13
Cranberry, Grilled Baguette, Honey, Pistachio
Cheese & Charcuterie | $24
Fruit, Local Honey, Giardiniera, House Mustard, Crostini
Soups & Salads
Kale Salad | $12
Chickpea, Crispy Shallot, Almonds, Rutabaga, Pecorino Cheese, Maple Tahini Dressing
Ancient Grain Salad* | $12
Farro, Quinoa, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Feta Cheese, Cranberries, Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Chef’s Seasonal Soup | $10
*Saint Luke’s Health System recommended heart-healthy option
Plates
Classic Ribeye | $34
Confit Potato, Shitake Mushroom, Foie Gras Butter
Butternut Sformato | $18
Butternut Squash, Mushroom, Cippolini Onions, Vegetable Demi-glace
East Coast Halibut | $27
Sesame Buttermilk Vinaigrette, Roasted Cauliflower, Nasturtium
Hunter’s Goulash | $25
Duck Confit, Slow Braise Venison, Homemade Spaetzle, Red Cabbage
Finale
Spilled Coffee | $15
Italian Espresso, Dirt Chai Mousse, Hazelnut Gelato, Macaron, Chocolate Dirt
Caramel Poached Pear | $15
Caramel Poached Pear, White Miso Panna Cotta, Bergamot Gâteau Breton
Chocolate Trifle | $15
Banana Brûlée Ice Cream, Malted Crunch
Cocktails
Full Bar, Wine and Beer Selection
Welcome to Kauffman | $12
Somerset Ridge Citron • Boozy Botanical Classic Rose • Antonutti Prosecco
Bee’s Knees | $14
Blackberry Hill Farms Honey • Kauffman Orchard Meyer Lemon
Choice of Kansas City Gin:
Tom’s Town Garden Party • Restless Spirits Builders Barrel Finished • Lifted Spirits Bright • Of the Earth Gin No 1 • J. Rieger Midwestern • ANNX Boat House • Restless Spirits Builders • Tom’s Town Botanical
Kansas City Old Fashioned | $16
Of the Earth Cherry Liqueur • Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao
Choice of Kansas City Whiskey:
Holladay Bourbon • West Bottoms Kansas City • Union Horse Reserve Bourbon • ANNX Collection Blended • Restless Spirits Stone Breaker • J. Rieger Kansas City • Of the Earth Rye • Lifted Spirits Madeira Cask Rye • Tom’s Town Royal Gold Bourbon • ANNX Moon Age Straight Bourbon • Union Horse Reunion Rye • Holladay Red Wheat • Restless Spirits Gully Town Single Malt
Missouri Mule | $12
Lime Juice • Ginger Beer
Choice of Kansas City Vodka:
Lifted Spirits Brilliant • J. Rieger Premium Wheat • 360 • Restless Spirits Duffy’s Run • Tom’s Town Double Grain • ANNX 600 Acre • Clear 10 • Union Horse Rider
Barrel-Aged Cocktails
Negroni | $16
Tom’s Town Garden Party • Contratto Bitters • Rossa Amara Blood Orange Amaro
KS Manhattan | $16
Union Horse Reunion Rye • Bordiga Vermouth di Torino Rosso • St. George Bruto Americano
Boulevardier | $16
West Bottoms Kansas City Whiskey • Rondo Spritz • Nouveis Amaro
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Iced Tea | $3.50
Sweet Ginger Iced Tea | $4
Classic Southern Sweet Tea with Fresh Ginger
Hot Tea | $5
Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite | $5
Acqua Panna | $5
Perrier | $5
Seasonal Mocktail | $6
Sanpellegrino | $6
Limonata, Aranciata (orange), Aranciata Rossa (blood orange), Pompelmo (grapefruit), Arancia & Fico d’India, Melograno & Arancia
From the Barista
Coffee | $4
Add Five Farms Irish Cream, Kahlúa, Frangelico or Amaretto for $6
Disclaimer
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Allergy Warning: Menu items may contain or come into contact with wheat, eggs, shellfish, fish, soy, sesame, peanuts or tree nuts. Ask our staff for more information.
We politely decline any modifications or substitutions.
Parties of 8 or more will have 20% gratuity added
GF = Gluten Free, V = Vegetarian
Make a Reservation
Reserve your table at the Founders’ Lounge today.
Directions & Parking to the Kauffman Center Restaurant
Allow yourself enough time to arrive, park and delight in a pre-performance meal featuring exquisite yet casual modern-American cuisine steps from your seat at the Kauffman Center restaurant Founders’ Lounge.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll find the Founders’ Lounge just within the south doors of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Be sure to check our calendar for open dates and times.
You are more than welcome to dine with us, whether or not you enjoy the performing arts at the Kauffman Center afterward. However, our hours of operation are tailored around performance times. Though we do accept walk-ins depending on availability, therefore we highly recommend making reservations.
Much depends on the food you order and your desired experience. However, in general you should plan on up to an hour and a half for a party of up to four people in size who are having appetizers, dinner and dessert.
We are very limited for spacing on large parties. If you plan on having 5 or more people, please email dining@kauffmancenter.org with your inquiry. We will always do our best to accommodate our patrons; however, seating for larger parties will depend on availability.
Just as with our patrons for performances, restaurant patrons arrive in all styles of dress. Business casual is usually a safe bet if you’re concerned. Any other dress code requirements meet the obligations required by Kansas City restaurant laws and codes.
We kindly request that if you need to cancel your reservation, please do so 48 hours prior to your reservation time.