Fat Matt's Vortex

If you've been beckoning for an irresistible true dive bar, then look no further than this joint in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood in Kansas City, Kansas. With a few other notable watering holes around, you could make a small little drinking crawl out of it, or you could just stick to Matt's. The name is irrelevant and quirky, but do pay it some attention because with drink prices this cheap, you may be pulled into a vortex (and may need assistance getting pulled out or getting home) The crowd is rowdy and loud, and the music varies since there's a pay as you pay new school jukebox, so if you're looking for a quiet place to chat, this isn't for you. It's mostly younger patrons as well, and there is never more than one bartender on staff. There's no food but to entertain yourself there's a lone pool table, a darts game and a punching (strong man type) machine - which is also very loud, haha. Once you get the feel for Fat Matt's Vortex, it'll become like a second home. No one is judgmental, everyone is drunk- it's exactly what a bona fide neighborhood dive bar should be. Speaking on this "grog shot" claim to fame, I can't actually say anything positive or negative because I'm more of a gin and tonic girl (especially at a $3 price tag)

Soooo..a few coworkers were in town and noticed an art festival was happening in the area and we decided to partake. The festival was amazing but soon enough we needed libations. The first person we asked about indulging in an adult drink, or three, directed us to Fat Matt's Vortex - just two blocks away. We walked in and were greeted very warmly by the bartender and the folks hanging out were all great to conversation with. We indulged in a few drinks and returned to strolling through the fair and taking in the amazing local custom.I promised myself next time my travels take me to KC I'll make a longer pit stop at this great local gem...

I originally stopped at Fat Matt's 15+ years ago. The original "Fat Matt" was still roaming the bar as an ambassador to the nether world that this building original housed decades ago. You can still see the drainage for hosing down the deceased bodies as you enter the bathrooms. A crematorium was here prior to the space holding a liquor licence. Upon walking in in 2019 I knew that Fat Matt would probably be deceased at this point, but didn't realize that there was new ownership and there would have a new vibe. 75% of the customers were bikers in leather and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay. Great customer service and attention.

First, I must mention how I am utterly shocked that I am first to review Fat Matt's instead of Scott M, dive bar King of Kansas City. Now, on to my review.On a rather desolate block in KCK, Fat Matt's is the quintessential dive bar, except for the following:-the bartender is a young, attractive guy instead of a sage "barkeep" hovering around 60 years old or no nonsense "barmaid" of the same age. Keep in mind that both of these individuals would have "given up the sauce" a decade ago.-there is not a trio of regulars sitting at the corner of the bar who fit the following description: old man with a full head of white hair and big red nose, "hot" woman in her fifties with teased hair wearing a denim mini skirt who shares an unclear relationship with old man #2 who is less old than old man #1 but he cannot handle his alcohol quite so well either. That aside, Fat Matt's is the real deal, has an interesting history, and if you're good, they'll take you down to the basement where you can look at the old brick crematorium in the basement.

If an ancient dive bar in a part of KCK time has forgotten is your thing, FMV is your destination. Got a kick out of stopping in here with a friend early afternoon on a day my self-employment was clearly taking a holiday. And while I dug the step back in time, once was enough. It's an old man's bar, nothing wrong with that. I'm guessing the pool tables and oddball and out of place reclining leather sofa doesn't get a lot of business.The bartender was an interesting older gal to be sure who comes on just a tad strong. "If my black Corvette is parked in front, I'm here," and was the best part of the charm of the place, and she does know her Mexican food which is a plus in this part of the city.But between the clearly visible dust on some of the bottles and the sticky counter-top of the bar, it's obvious business is not real brisk and that competing is not exactly on their mind. I don't know who the clientele might be, but lets just say if you're a regular here, it's the booze that brings you back, not anything about the vibe of the place. Not the decades old signs on the wall that even by the standards of enjoying such things appear long past their prime. This joint is old school in a sad sort of way. I like old school, but this kind is screaming "pay attention to me please. Clean up!"Well, what they say is true. One person's 2 star dive might be your 5 star dream come true. Know what to expect, and take it all in. They'll be waiting for you.

Delightfully fun dive bar! The beer and alcohol selections were great. Fun atmosphere of hilarious regulars. The building is old, but everything was really clean. A gem on the KS side, we will go back again.

The ultimate dive bar. Located in the heart of the great Strawberry Hill neighborhood, this is a warm friendly space with a regular crowd and interesting staff. This is what every neighborhood bar wants to be.

Fat Matt's is my favorite Thursday night spot! My favorite two beautiful faces are behind the bar serving up cold drinks. Such a great spot to unwind after a long day of work where you can just chill and unwind with or without question. All kinds of cold beer and you have to get the shot of Grog!

Fat Matt's is your typical crematorium turned bar named after a cat situation. Run by a very nice Wiccan, this bar is located along Sixth Street in the Historic Strawberry Hill Neighborhood. Given it's history, I sometimes expect (and maybe hope) that a ghost or two will make their way to the bar and order a whiskey or maybe a Mike's Hard Lemonade. In my many visits thus far, this has never happened. What has happened though is a good time and the consumption of many beers, which works for me.The bartenders are friendly and generally are willing to chat, especially on quieter evenings. One time when I walked over I found a "fortune teller" some kid made and dropped. This poor kid couldn't even spell the word black (it was written as "blak"). I showed it to the bartender and read his fortune. This fortune teller was somewhat x-rated so I won't reveal it's answer. The bartender was amused and accused me of making it ... which part of me wishes I had.The place doesn't serve food but bartenders will point you in the direction of some if you need it. There are some games to play if you're inclined and there is a jukebox. It's a great dive bar and it should be checked out ... multiple times!

We stopped early on a Friday night on our way West through Kansas City. The regulars and the bartender (who co-owns the place along with his mom) were super friendly and regaled us with tales of the bar's history, including a few ghost stories.As the evening wore on, more locals showed up to play pool, watch the game on the several large monitors, and generally have a good time. The drinks were inexpensive and good, including a mandatory free shot of something called "grog" that defies explanation, the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, and everyone was welcoming. I can definitely see myself as a regular if I lived in the area, and will make it a point to stop by if I ever find myself in Kansas City again!