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
Salmon Ceviche Canapé | 14
Wonton Shell, Citrus, Espelette
Fried Calamari | 15 (GF)
Green Olive & Parsley, Romesco
Baked Ricotta | 13 (V)
Spring Vegetables, Lemon, Olive Oil, Breadcrumbs
Soups & Salads
Little Gem & Asparagus Caesar | 12 (V)
Grated Egg, Bottarga, Parmesan Crisp
Chicory Salad | 12 (V)
Endive, Escarole, Pear, Toasted Walnuts, Sherry Vinaigrette
Chef’s Seasonal Soup | 10
Plates
Mushroom Ragù | 24 (V)*
Creamy Polenta, Herbs
Braised Lamb Shoulder | 26
White Beans, Peas, Rosemary, Pan Jus
Amish Half Chicken | 28
Mustard-Herb Glaze, Roasted Carrots, Poultry Demi-Glace
Baked Walleye | 26
Brown Butter, Fresh Herbs, Sautéed Spinach, Roasted Tomato
Lobster Pasta | 34
Pappardelle, Peas, Asparagus, White Wine Butter
*Saint Luke’s recommended heart-healthy option
Finale
Rooibos Financier | 15
Tahini Caramel, Pineapple
Blood Orange & Dark Chocolate Icebox Roulade | 15
Almond Lace Cookie, Chicory Coffee Ganache
Stone Fruit Trifle | 15 (GF)
Pistachio Orange Légère, Framboise, Gelée, Rose Meringue
Libation Selections
Spirits • Wine • Beer
Proudly pouring Kansas City’s finest
alongside industry notables
Founders’ Lounge Cocktails
Welcome to the Kauffman Center | 12
Somerset Ridge Citron • Boozy Botanical Classic Rose Simple • Antonutti Prosecco
Kansas City Old Fashioned | 18
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 • Of the Earth River Shanty Rye • Tom’s Town Royal Gold Bourbon • Union Horse Long Shot • Lifted Spirits Madeira Cask Rye • J. Rieger Kansas City • Union Horse Reunion Rye • Leavenworth Distilling Bourbon • Holladay Red Wheat • Tom’s Town Double Oaked Bourbon • Restless Spirits Gully Town Single Malt • J. Rieger Bourbon • Union Horse Rolling Standard
Bee’s Knees | 15
Local Honey • Lemon Juice
Choice of Kansas City Gin:
Tom’s Town Garden Party • Restless Spirits Builders • Of the Earth Gin No. 1 • J. Rieger Midwestern
Lifted Spirits Bright • Leavenworth Distilling • Restless Spirits Builders Rosemary Lavender
Tom’s Town Botanical • Lifted Spirits Bold • ANNX Boat House • Mean Mule Agave
Lifted Spirits Supernova • Tom’s Town Barreled
Missouri Mule | 13
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
Union Horse Rider • Leavenworth Distilling
Barrel-Aged Cocktails | 18
KS Manhattan
Union Horse Reunion Rye • Carpano Antica Vermouth • St. George Bruto Americano
Garden Party Negroni
Tom’s Town Garden Party Gin • Contratto Bitters • Rossa Amara Blood Orange Amaro
O’Murdock
West Bottoms Kansas City Whiskey • Big O Ginger Liqueur • Lime Juice
Best in Weston
Holladay Red Wheat Whiskey • St. George Spiced Pear • Noveis 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
San Pellegrino | 6
Limonata (lemon), Aranciata (orange), Aranciata Rossa (blood orange), Pompelmo (grapefruit)
From the Barista
Coffee | 4
Add Five Farms Irish Cream, Kahlúa, Frangelico or Amaretto for $6
Decaf Coffee | 4
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.
DF = Dairy Free 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 plan on attending an event at the Kauffman Center. However, our hours of operation are tailored around performance times. Reservations are recommended. Walk-in dining is offered depending on availability.
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.