The Campground

The Campground somehow manages to be perfect for any occasion -- the perfect romantic date location, perfect place to drink with friends, and the perfect place to take your parents for dinner -- and perfect any time of year -- gorgeous covered patio for summer days and cozy fire pits and outdoor bar for the winter months. The inside of the restaurant and bar area is small and moody and cozy. The Campground has an extensive drink menu, including nonalcoholic options. I recommend making a reservation, but you will often catch people grabbing a drink at the bar and hanging out at the fire pits outside while they wait for a table. The food menu is very small but mighty and changes seasonally. If you have dietary restrictions, check the menu online to make sure there's an option for you. The small plate options are always fabulous. The smash burger is a mainstay on the menu, and many consider it to be the best burger in the city! Even the fries are special. Typically, there's plenty of street parking available around this area of the West Bottoms (unless there's a graduation happening at Hyvee Arena, and then you're screwed). There's a tiny lot behind the restaurant with a couple parking spots as well.

The service is spectacular and the atmosphere is perfect for a date night. I'd love to come check out with friends in the summer with the garage doors are up and there's outdoor seating.We tried out a smash burger and fries last night. The fries with the sauce is incredible and can't get enough. The burger...ok - it's good. However - for $16....ehhhh. It's got maybe 1/4 lb of meat on it, a pickle or two and a light coating of sauce. Glad we tried it - however probably won't get it again.

Visited for the holiday market - about 8 artisans with their amazing crafts on display & for purchase.Enjoyed the holiday apple cider and added rum and my husband partook in the mulled wine. Festive music and fire bits going all around and a festive atmosphere was enjoyed'

Grabbed our Valentine's celebration dinner at the Campground. I definitely recommend a reservation at busy times, as the place is small. We were seated quickly and ordered drinks. I loved the martini, it comes with a little snack! My husband and I shared the smash burger, fries, and angliotti. The fries and angliotti were to die for, but the burger was a little overcooked and dry. Definitely worth a stop tho!

7 o'clock on a Saturday night with mulled wine, and my favorite fries by the campfire is blissfully campy. An early December, but not too chilly night. Pierogies on the way cause I'm feeling peckish and they feed the soul. Seasonal drink options are always delicious. Spiked egg nog, which I know makes some feel a certain way, soooo good tho.Family owned and operated by the coolest humans. Surprisingly chill for being in the city but it is the west bottoms and it's a vibe all unto it self. Service is hopping. They do have a parking lot behind and a larger lot it looks like across the street. Familles are welcomed but opting in for a date night here would be stellar too. I think it's the fire, it makes crazy versatile. Don't miss the chance to visit any time of year.

It's giving elevated summer camp. Surrounded by black painted walls, vintage furnishings, taxidermy and houseplants - settle in for an evening at The Campground. Weekend reservations are a must as this cozy space sits 40 inside with another 25 on the outdoor patio.In 2024, Campground's very own Chef Jeff Workman, was a James Beard semifinalist for Emerging Chef - spending 4 years as executive sous chef at Corvino.The menu plays with the campground concept while being nature harvested and inspired Midwestern fare with lots of local ingredients. All of our drinks were delicious, although the porn star lemon drop was a bit too sweet for me personally. I love their wine list. Follow them on social media for special wine offerings. The trout appetizer was delicious. Their smashburger is always a must. The fries with the fried egg aoli is super good. Just wishing I had room for dessert!

Had to make another post since I came back for the burger. Let me tell you something. This burger is everything you could want in a burger and has now made it to the top of my list in KC. Classic cheeseburger with double patties, ooey gooey American cheese, pickles, onions, aioli and classic bun. That's it, and that's all there needs to be. Period. You do have to order fries on the side but totally worth it. This place is just too cool. Vibe is on point and all the bartenders and staff are incredible. If you are looking for a cool bar with great food this is your place.

The Campground is the SPOT! It is SUCH a sweet spot in the West Bottoms. It is beautifully decorated on theme and feels like you are in a semi-remote lodge. It is extremely peaceful and relaxing, decorated with birds and outdoor imagery. Since we were the only people there, the service was quick and great. (We did go during a Chiefs game, though). We tried the Casual Animal beer and P* Lemon Drop, which was sweet and delicious. You MUST get the french fries with smoked fry sauce, I NEED the recipe for that sauce. The Smashburger is incredible, and the Fried Catfish is absolutely delicious.

Okay so it's been a hot minute since I've reviewed the Campground and well, it's definitely time because since my initial visit, I've been back two times and both times I've been blown away. First of all I highly encourage anyone wanting to come here to dine in to make a reservation. It's a small place and while I could see you getting table service walking in on maybe a Wednesday night, I've always had a reservation for a weekend evening. Let's start with the ambiance. I really think it can't be beat in KC. It is a blend of hipster decor mixed with romantic broodiness, and a dash of elegance. Oh, and a bit of rustic cabin fare. That might not make a lot of sense unless you've been, but trust me. It's a bit unique, but it's perfect for a date. Even more perfect if you visit on a dark and cold night. There is something warm and romantic about the space that I just think lends itself to a late evening dinner. Some things to keep in mind here though, while I love this place it isn't ideal for small children or large groups - so to fully enjoy it I highly recommend going in a group of four or less and keeping it 21+. Now, onto the cocktails and the meal. The cocktails are great. There isn't much else to say. I've had by now probably three or four different ones on their rotating menu and I always am happy and think they're worth the premium fee they charge. My husband I think would agree as he loved his drink as well. The food is also really amazing. Recently The Campground got some buzz regarding their cheeseburger and while I haven't had it, my husband did and he said it was amongst the best he's had. I treated myself to a smoked pork chop and holy cow was this thing good. I surprised myself and ate the whole thing because it really was just that amazing. I'd return just for this meal alone. They rotate their menu seasonally, so I won't expect to find the same things next time I return, but any place that knocks it out of the park on all fronts deserves five stars and this is it for me. I can't wait for my next visit!

The smell of wood burning in fire pits makes me think of camping and creates the perfect outside atmosphere for this restaurant. An outdoor bar serves a few small plates to enjoy while waiting for a table or just for a bit of stop-by. If we lived here, we would be regulars around the campfires. Walking inside, the camping ambiance continues with dark colors and greenery. Whoever keeps their plants alive is talented, as they have a beautiful variety. Reservations are recommended. We wanted to try this place out last time we were in town, but there were no available spots, so we made reservations as soon as we knew we were coming back. It is a small dining room with a bar on the far wall. There is also a patio dining area. When you use the restroom, you can peek into the kitchen as the line is in the hallway. Our server was very attentive and helpful. The extensive cocktail menu made it different to pick what to start with, so he asked what we might be eating and told me to start with the Neon Cactus and then have the White Negroni with my meal. They were both delicious, and I was so glad he guided me on when to drink them. My husband began with the house Negroni and drank the Gimlet with his meal. We started our meal with the french fries. They are perfectly crispy and salty. There is a creamy dip that accompanies them that we thoroughly enjoyed. For our meals, we split the mushroom tagliatelle with mustard greens, spring onions, and almonds and the Alaskan halibut with radish, pine nut, caper, and turnips. Both entrees were delectable. We wished we had saved a fry or two to soak up the sauces in our bowls. We will definitely be back when we return to KC.