Welcome to Founders' Lounge, Dining at Kauffman Center, a premier American dining experience nestled in the heart of Kansas City. Located at 1601 Broadway Blvd, this restaurant seamlessly combines exceptional cuisine with the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the Kauffman Performing Arts Center. If you seek a gastronomic delight before enjoying a show, look no further.
The menu at Founders' Lounge is a celebration of American flavors, boasting dishes that appeal to a wide range of palates. Start your dining experience with delightful appetizers like Calamari ($14.00), Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip ($13.00), or the sumptuous Cheese & Charcuterie plate ($26.00). These offerings set the perfect tone for your meal, inviting camaraderie and conversation around the table.
For the main course, indulge in the Classic Ribeye ($34.00), recognized for its rich flavor, or opt for the East Coast Halibut ($27.00), expertly prepared to highlight its fresh, delicate taste. The Hunter's Goulash ($25.00) brings a hearty, warming option to the table, ideal for cozy winter evenings.
No meal is complete without a sweet finale. Treat yourself to the Spilled Coffee ($15.00) or the elegantly crafted Caramel Poached Pear, both desserts promising a delightful end to your culinary journey. Chef’s Chocolate Trifle ($15.00) is not to be missed, offering layers of flavor that leave patrons raving.
What sets Founders' Lounge apart is not just the food but the experience curated by its attentive staff. Customers often remark on the top-notch service and the inviting atmosphere that makes every visit memorable. As one delighted guest noted, it’s a “great way to kick off the night,” thanks to the cozy yet classy environment and the striking views of the Kauffman windows.
Whether you're planning a pre-show dinner or a casual evening out, this dining spot ensures a seamless experience. You can even opt for valet service, offering effortless convenience as you transition straight from dinner to the auditorium. With a continually refreshing menu and a fantastic selection of wines and specialty drinks, it’s no wonder patrons like Luke Kohl label it a “must” before any performance.
Founders' Lounge is not just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey that enhances your night out at the Kauffman Center. With every visit, you'll discover something new to savor. So gather your friends or family, book your reservation, and prepare for an evening filled with exquisite flavors and delightful ambiance.
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Hazel Taylor
01/10/2025
We decided to eat at Founders for the first time last night before we went to see the Nutcracker. It was a delightful experience. The food was delicious The service and atmosphere were top notch. My granddaughter enjoyed the cute hot chocolate bar. It was a great way to kick off the night . I was also surprised at how reasonable our bill was. Very good value for the money.
Luke Kohl
21/09/2025
An absolute must before any show at Kauffman Performing Arts Center! Super delicious new Winter menu. Wow! Service, food, atmosphere, and management are top notch. I always enjoy myself here. Wonderful wine and specialty drink selection.
Sarah Drewing
25/08/2025
We booked reservations for pre show dining. Dining 5:45 pm show 7:30pm. It was delightful. Excellent, unique options. The service was helpful and friendly. We also chose valet for the show, which ended up literally right outside the restaurant. Could not have been more convenient. It was a lovely night. The restaurant had plenty of staff, it was clean and time efficient. We had plenty of time to eat and relax and then find our show seats!
Fran Keal
24/08/2025
What an amazing experience! My party of four enjoyed drinks and an early dinner before a symphony performance. The service could not have been better and the atmosphere was classy yet cozy. The view out the Kauffman windows was spectacular as always. We enjoyed a three-course dinner and enjoyed every mouthful. The servers did not hover but were always available for anything we needed. Menu is interesting and well prepared. I will definitely be back again.
Brad Elpers
19/08/2025
Okay food. Convenient location. Steak frites and Parmesan French fries both tasted microwaved. The caprese salad was burrata with tomato and peach. Excellent. Service was great. The bartender was slammed yet kind to everyone and patient. Price was $80 for three glasses of red, a lot of fries, steak frites and a caprese salad.
Mary Lou
29/07/2025
I did not eat at restaurant but I loved the beautiful environment and the views! I was there to see Kenny G!
Jordan Tanner
14/07/2025
I popped in before the symphony started to get a glass of wine and the service was phenomenal! Corrine was bartending and was incredibly sweet and helpful and went above and beyond to make my short experience so sweet! The drink selection was better than most places I frequent. I will plan to have more time before the next concert to try the food and other beverages.