Before Kansas City, Mo., was established in the mid-19th century, the settlement of Westport was a hub where the Oregon, California and Santa Fe trails converged. Businesses sprang up to supply the covered wagons headed west. Even as the city evolved around it, Westport remained its own distinctive center of commerce. Today, the enterprising spirit of the pioneer era flourishes. Long known for its rowdy night life, the neighborhood has recently become a destination for all things craft, from beer to whiskey to charcuterie. Visitors now have more reason to stay. Last May, the artsy 816 Hotel opened in a retrofitted Holiday Inn, followed in March by an outpost of AC Hotels, Marriott’s boutique brand.

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    Credit Don Ipock for The New York Times
    Julep

    Nearly 400 whiskeys from Scotland, Japan, Kentucky and everywhere in between are on offer in this bar. The wall of spirits reaches nearly to the ceiling, so bartenders like Justin Richardson, left, climb ladders to fetch bottles from top shelves. The mash-up of Art Deco glamour and midcentury modern simplicity makes this a classy yet comfy spot.

    4141 Pennsylvania Avenue No.104; 816-216-7000; julepkc­.com

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    Credit Don Ipock for The New York Times
    Port Fonda

    ­Mexican comfort food is kicked up a few notches at this cantina with a rock ’n’ roll attitude. The man at the helm is Patrick Ryan, a Kansas City native and Rick Bayless protégé. Locals flock here for the chimichanga and the ample tequila and mezcal selection. At right, a Bloody Mary with shrimp and pork rind.

    4141 Pennsylvania Avenue; 816-216-6462; portfonda­.com

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    Credit Don Ipock for The New York Times
    Oddly Correct Coffee Bar

    ­The baristas here don’t just serve single-origin coffee; they wax rhapsodic about its nuanced flavors. This gallery-esque “tasting room” is on a mission to provide the purest java possible. That means there are no sweeteners in the house to interfere with your coffee’s brawny taste. Teddy Tinnel at work, at right.

    3940 Main Street; no telephone; oddlycorrect­.com

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    Credit Don Ipock for The New York Times
    Ça Va

    ­Sparkling wine breaks out of its white tablecloth confines at this airy spot, which offers 60-plus by-the-glass and by-the-bottle bubbly options, including prosecco on tap and over 30 Champagnes. French bites, like the croque madame sandwich and charcuterie board, at left, are prepared with local products.

    4149 Pennsylvania Avenue; 816-255-3934; cavakc­.com

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    Credit Don Ipock for The New York Times
    The Bunker

    The custom mural above the dressing rooms comes from the designers at Obey, the clothing company of the street artist Shepard Fairey. The boutique, which opened in 1997, is a resource for brand-name and indie-label clothes and shoes. It gives a shout-out to local pride with its Bunkermade brand, featuring shirts and caps with original Kansas City logos.

    4056 Broadway, 816-561-7407; bunkeronline­.com