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
Crab & Potato Croquettes | 16
Preserved Lemon Aioli, Fennel Slaw, Chive
Foie Gras Toast | 18
Roasted Grape Mostarda, Pistachio, Sherry, Black Pepper
Charred Cauliflower | 15
Smoked Cheddar Fondue, Pickled Mustard Seed, Rye Crumb, Chive
Soups & Salads
Chicory & Roasted Apple Salad* | 14
Aged Cheddar, Celery, Candied Walnut, Maple-Sherry Vinaigrette
Roasted Carrot & Lentil Salad | 14
Whipped Goat Cheese, Date, Pistachio, Orange Vinaigrette
Chef’s Seasonal Soup | 10
*Saint Luke’s Health System recommended heart-healthy option
Plates
Bistro Steak | 34
Miso-Baby Potatoes, Creamed Kale, Roasted Shallot, Green Peppercorn Jus
Mustard-Glazed Pork Chop | 30
Potato Pavé, Braised Leek, Charred Cabbage, Tarragon Jus
Pan-Roasted Cod | 32
White Bean Purée, Braised Fennel, Tuscan Kale, Lemon Brown Butter
Beef Short Rib Goulash | 32
Celery Root, Roasted Pepper, Potato Dumpling, Horseradish Crème Fraîche
Brown Butter Squash Agnolotti | 26 (V)
Chestnut, Rosemary, Tuscan Kale, Parmesan
Finale
Frangipane Tart | 15
Rum, Dried Fruit, Ginger Ice Cream
White Chocolate Trifle | 15 (GF)
Poached Pears, Raspberry Almond Brittle
Chocolate Hazelnut Bomb | 15
Miso Caramel
Non-Alcoholic Beverage Selections
Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee | 4
Add Five Farms Irish Cream, Kahlúa, Frangelico or Amaretto for $6
Iced Tea | 3.50
Sweet Ginger Iced Tea | 4
Hot Tea | 5
Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite | 5
Acqua Panna | 5
Perrier | 5
San Pellegrino | 6
Limonata (lemon), Aranciata (orange), Aranciata Rossa (blood
orange), Pompelmo (grapefruit)
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, Tom’s Town Royal Gold Bourbon, 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
Big Ben
Holladay Red Wheat Whiskey, St. George Spiced Pear, Noveis Amaro
Alcohol-Free Selections
Lakefront Brewery Riverwest Stein | 8
Amber Near Beer | 8
Milwaukee, WI
Woody’s Blanc de Blanc 0% ABV | 10
Healdsburg, CA
Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Sparkling Riesling | 10
Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Sparkling Rose | 10
Rudesheim, Germany
Citadelle NA Gin | 8
Giffard Spritz Alcohol Free | 8
France
Mocktails
“Bitter” & Soda | 8
Giffard Spritz, Fever Tree Club Soda
Bee’s Knees | 10
Citadelle NA Gin, Local Honey, Lemon Juice, Fever Tree Club Soda
Pomegranate Gingerbread Spritz | 8
POM, Gingerbread Syrup, Sprite or Fever Tree Club Soda
French 75 | 10
Citadelle NA Gin, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Woody’s Blanc de Blanc 0% ABV
Giffard Spritz | 10
Giffard Spritz, Woody’s Blanc de Blanc 0% ABV
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.
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.