Best New Bar

Over the past year, many stellar bars have opened in places that aren't Westport or the Plaza (Bar Natasha, Bistro 303 and Bulldog, to name a few). So it was especially hard to determine the Best New Bar in KC. After much deliberation, though, we had no choice but to go with Harry's Country Club. Harry Murphy's honky-tonk joint in the River Market has all the hallmarks of an outstanding drinking establishment. Naturally, there's a friendly staff (which includes Murphy's charming kids, Rose and Harry), a great jukebox (which contains a terrific mix of Patsy Cline, Sinatra and local crooners Rex Hobart and the Misery Boys) and an unpretentious air. Add to it Harry's great drinks and happy-hour specials ($3 for a miniburger, a quesadilla, lil' smokies or a bologna sandwich and a yard beer -- i.e., PBR, Schlitz, Falstaff, Hamm's or Old Style) and one of the best patios downtown ... well, you can see why we're wild about Harry's.