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Kansas City Retro Summer Fun

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Summer: the season of sizzlin’ burgers, homemade ice cream, blockbuster movies and old-fashioned fun. You simply can’t go wrong when you go retro with a night out on the town enjoying classic local diners, summer flicks under the night sky and family fun at the skating rink!

Diners & Drive-Ins

The juke box in the corner, the cook behind the counter taking shorthand orders from paper slips on a ring, the sack of burgers you can see through, and the to-die-for ice cream sodas that make a child’s eyes light up as big as saucers…. the stuff of Happy Days, Grease and classic summer flicks can be found with a side of nostalgia at our favorite local landmarks, each earning its place in the memory book of locals for generations:

Town Topic, Kansas City’s original greasy spoon, has been open for more than 75 years as a local landmark. In 1937, Claude Sparks opened the original location at 24th & Broadway, where he sold hamburgers for 5 cents each. At the end of his first day, he pocketed a whopping $21.00, and now the diner in the heart of the Crossroads (with two more locations) is a favorite for greasy homestyle breakfasts, diner-style burgers, hand- dipped malts and fresh pie.

Locations:• 1900 Baltimore, Kansas City, MO, 816.471.6038• 2021 Broadway, Kansas City, MO, 816.842.2298• 6018 Johnson Dr., Mission, KS, 913.362.8830

Winstead’s, another Kansas City icon, features nine locations across the Metro (www.WinsteadsSteakburger.com). Still fashioning an authentic 1940s feel with juke boxes, neon lights and a signature teal and pink décor, Winstead’s serves authentic soda fountain treats, steakburgers, fries and onion rings. The best treat of all, though, is the Skyscraper, a gigantic malt, shake or ice cream soda meant for sharing.

Clinton's Soda Fountain (100 W. Maple, Independence, MO, 816.833.2046) began serving old-fashioned ice cream sundaes and sodas back when they were new—in 1908! Clinton’s is located on the square in Independence. The location was the original "Crown Drug Store," where a young Harry S. Truman worked his first job as a youth. Now, it’s the perfect summer destination to enjoy a sweet treat on a hot summer’s day. Tip: Read “Independence Day Trip Tips” for a historic sightseeing itinerary.

Johnny Ray's Drive In (800 SW Blue Pkwy., Lees Summit, MO, 816.524.1910), since 1956, has been serving steakburgers with “all the fixin’s,” homemade malts and see-through-the-bag fries and rings at a drive-in that feels as though it is straight from the screen of a ’50s car classic. Celebrating the vibe, they host cruise-ins every third Saturday of the month, 3:00-10:00, all summer long. Enjoy the classic cars on display… with a side of fries.

Tara's Cafe & Malt Shop (401 Main St., Belton, MO, 816.331.0156) is the perfect lunch spot after a day riding the rails on the Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad. The café, a neighborhood hangout and local favorite, is your classic greasy spoon, serving tenderloins, burgers, chili dogs, a variety of desserts and ice cream dishes. The chocolate Coke, as found only in the finest of diners and dives, is a must!

Kris & Kate's Ice Cream Treats (2330 N. 36th St., St. Joseph, MO, 816.232.4201) is known for their hot pink ice cream cone façade. This place is truly a local landmark, with the giant cone beckoning customers to try the hot dogs, fountain drinks and frozen favorites—a must-stop on a day trip to St. Joseph. Tip: Read “St. Joseph, Missouri” for our apple picking end of summer day trip!

Drive-in Movies

Trade in stadium seating for a bit of novelty this summer and take in a movie under the open sky. The nearly extinct novelty of the drive-in movie still flourishes in Kansas City, with three local theaters showing double features and serving hot popcorn all summer long.

Tips: Bring snacks, blankets and lawn chairs.

Retro Roller Skating

Remember the last time you laced up the skates and took a spin on the rink? Local rinks host family sessions throughout the summer–some even offering great kids-skate-free deals–for some old-school family fun.

Kristina Light relishes her chocolate Coke and cheeseburger at Winstead’s–a favorite summer tradition.

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