There’s something really special about Tom’s Town from the moment you walk inside. The atmosphere is of a glamorous and intimate speakeasy. The staff is personable and downright fun.
The place not only distills vodka, gin and bourbon but offers a fun bar area downstairs and restaurant and tasting room upstairs.
Two gentlemen, who have been friends since childhood, founded Tom’s Town in 2015. They named the place after the infamous Kansas City political boss of the 1920s and 1930s – Tom Pendergast who famously ignored every federal Prohibition law. When confronted about his disregard of federal laws, he responded that the people were thirsty. One of the founders, Steve, is actually related to the U.S. Attorney who prosecuted Pendergast. The other founder, David, is the grandson of a rival Prohibition-era bootlegger. Once could say that it was destiny that brought them to start Tom’s Town.
The building is a three-story building that dates back to the early 1900s and has been used as an automobile carriage, a candy factory and even a weekly newspaper. The current owners have done a beautiful job updating the building yet keeping the nostalgia feeling alive. Tom Pendergast led the “Goats” faction in Kansas City (as opposed to the “Rabbits”) so the decor includes a Goat head over the fireplace as well as goat-motif tee-shirts for sale.
It strikes me that it’s a very popular destination. We were there on a Tuesday night and the place was pleasantly full. I can only imagine how packed it is on a Friday or Saturday night. We booked our tour reservations online in advance – I highly recommend this. None of their spirits are sold outside of Missouri. So, you either buy there or order online and have items shipped. Plus, some limited edition items, such as the Garden Party gin are only available at either Town or local retailers or online pickup orders. We live in California so, naturally, we had to buy a bottle of the Garden Party Gin while there. It is great on its own, with a splash of soda or with a bit of lemonade.
