What’s Happening
If you’re reading this, it’s likely you’re looking for something to do before or after your massage at Solaris on Kansas City’s Westside. Whether it’s a bite to eat, a world-class museum, a walk through a neighborhood park, or shopping for local art and fragrance, WE HAVE OPINIONS!
Solaris has been in our current location for nearly 20 years, and our owner, Kip, went to high school just up the street. We personally recommend—and have enjoyed—every place listed on this page, and they’re all near Solaris.
We do our best to keep this information current, but Kansas City is always changing and it takes a village. If you spot something that’s out of date, please shoot us an email and let us know.
And if you have questions about what to do while you’re in KC, email us those too. We’ll get back to you with our best ideas.
We hope you love these places as much as we do. In the meantime, enjoy whatever you do.
EAT
Gruenauer - Austrian and Central European food in the Freight House district, close to Union Station. A good pick if you want a relaxed sit-down meal before or after your massage.
Los Tules - Kip has eaten so many Veggie Burritos here, they are probably part of her DNA. Enjoy casual delicious Mexican food across from the Kauffman Performing Arts Center, but NOT on Sundays or Mondays.
Anthony’s - You can’t be afraid of carbs if you want to enjoy this KC classic Italian joint! Go for lunch or dinner, dress up, or keep it casual, if you like pasta, please go to the jewel on Grand!
Habashi House - Falafel, Gyro, THE BEST lentil soup (in cold months) and the rice with perfectly toasted almond slivers and saffron is most definitely available in HEAVEN! Locaten in the City Market, you could go by Streetcar from Solaris.
SHOP
For Strange Women - Artisinal Perfume shop with limited hours but wonderfully worth a walk over Thursday-Saturday/Sundays in fall.
HJ Epstein Tools - Longtime favorite family owned specialty tool shop focusing on American made tools - you will learn something every time you visit, because Jory does want to talk about the history of the inventory.
Pryde’s Old Westport - You will want to hop on the Streetcar to head south to this Westport legend in Kitchen tools and necessities. The lady’s who work here can help you find anything you need, or just enjoy wandering around this store PACKED with things you didn’t know you needed.
City Market - I couldn’t begin to name all the different fun local stores and items from around the globe available at our City Market. Again, it’s a short Streetcar ride from Solaris with a wide variety of shops from antique malls to specialty grocery shops.
DO
World War 1 Museum and Memorial - Please make sure you go well before closing time because there is a lot to absorb in this wonderful museum of history. Bonus - you can buy a ticket to go to the top of the memorial for great views of the city!
Union Station - Wander through our train station and enjoy reading all the plaques on the wall about the building and history of this architectural treasure.
Black Dolphin Jazz Club - You can’t visit KC and not hear some LIVE JAZZ and the Black Dolphin is a vibrant, comfortable club in walking distance. Say hi to our friends Seth and Tony - a couple of our favorite musicians.
Solaris Massage Walking Club - Want a FREE way to enjoy some outdoor time with a great group of locals? We walk Mondays at 1 for about one hour, starting at Solaris. No need to sign up, but if you want to make sure the walk in ON, feel free to text 816-868-1684 - we are pretty all weather, but skip the walk if it’s icy or REALLY cold!