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.
Winter Wonderland Menu
Mac ‘N’ Cheese Bites | $12
Fries
Chipped Beef Spread | $14
Mini Rye, Scallions
Grandma’s Meatballs | $15
Handmade Beef Meatballs, Grandma’s
Secret Sauce
Gingerbread Crème Brûlée | $10
Gingersnaps
The Polar Express: A Hot Chocolate Cart | $6
Marshmallows, Crushed Candy Canes,
Whipped Cream, Chocolate Shavings
Housemade Eggnog | $5
Winter Wonderland Cocktails
Full Bar, Wine and Beer Selection
Jolly Spritz | $14
PAMA • POM • Prosecco
Restless Benay’s Old Fashioned | $14
Restless Spirits Cinnamon Whiskey • Of the Earth Cherry Liqueur
Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao • Turbinado Syrup
Crème de Saison | $14
On the Rocks or Shaken & Served Up
Select one: Peppermint • Phantom V Old Fashioned Oatmeal • Ponche Aruba
Winter Wonderland Eggnog | $14
Select one: Bourbon • Brandy • Amaretto • Louisa’s Coffee Caramel Pecan
Harvest | $14
Holladay Red Wheat Whiskey • St. George Spiced Pear • Noveis Amaro
Kauffman Center Nightcap | $14
House Infused Vanilla Vodka • St. George NOLA Coffee Liqueur • Sunora Bacanora Mocha
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
The Polar Express: A Hot Chocolate Cart | $6
Marshmallows • Crushed Candy Canes • Whipped Cream • Chocolate Shavings
Housemade Eggnog | $5
Apple Cider | $5
Yuletide Iced Tea | $4
Cranberry • Mint
Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite | $5
Sweet Ginger Iced Tea | $4
Classic Southern Sweet Tea with Fresh Ginger
San Pellegrino | $6
Limonata • Aranciata (orange) • Aranciata Rossa (blood orange) • Pimpelmo (grapefruit) • Arancia & Fico d’India (orange and prickly pear) • Melograno & Arancia (pomegranate and orange)
Hot Tea | $5
Iced Tea | $3.50
Acqua Panna | $5
Perrier | $5
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 this holiday season.
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.