Local StoriesAugust 3, 2026

Inspiring Conversations with Logan Smith of Hillsiders

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Logan Smith.

Hi Logan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I got my start in the service industry in 2013 as a door guy and a barback at The Riot Room in Westport. This is where I cut my teeth in the industry. After years of bartending and eventually managing bars throughout the city, I opened Hillsiders on October 1st of 2022. The building Hillsiders is located in was in shambles when the property was purchased. I spent 18 months remodeling everything, while also holding a few different bartending gigs around town, as well as having a newborn at home…this was a brutal undertaking. Happy to be where I’m at.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’d say its been about like everything else. Tons of elbow grease. Nothing worth having comes easy. Being that I’m the only owner, I wear a lot of hats. The upside to that is I’m able to make every decision without needing to discuss it with anybody. Less mouths to feed and less opinions to listen to. Truly running a “from the ground up” small business isn’t for the faint of heart. What i’ve found is that with a lot of these “small businesses”, lot of times there is a hidden hand behind the scenes funding everything. Someone’s parents, or a spouse bankrolling an operation. We don’t have any of that. When Hillsiders got started, the decor was mostly just items from my home. The day we opened I had $28 to my name. Building something from that point creates an immense sense of pride and respect. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hillsiders?
Hillsiders is a neighborhood bar located in the heart of the historic Strawberry Hill district of downtown Kansas City, Kansas. Housed in a building that’s nearly 100 years old, our space has served as a neighborhood gather place for generations, and we’re proud to continue that tradition today.

More than just a bar, Hillsiders is a community hub and an intimate live music venue. Most nights you’ll find local bands, and DJs creating an energetic atmosphere. Whether you’re catching a show, enjoying drinks with friends, or relaxing on our spacious patio by the fire pit, there’s always a place for you here.

At Hillsiders, we believe great neighborhood bars can’t exist without great people. We love our community, cherish the history of our building, and are always excited to welcome new friends through our doors.

What are your plans for the future?
Hillsiders is always expanding. Look forward to patio upgrades, bigger talent on stage, and our first food menu in the future.

Pricing:

$10-$30

Contact Info:

Website: https://www.hillsiderskck.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillsiderskck/?hl=en

Bar with seating, pool table in foreground, dim lighting, TVs on wall, windows letting in natural light, cozy atmosphere.

Brick building with red door, neon sign, two windows with black railings, and outdoor seating.

People gathered in a bar, some dressed formally, with a DJ and bar counter in the background.

Outdoor patio with tables, chairs, and a large umbrella under a blue sky with some clouds.

Outdoor seating area with tables, chairs, and umbrellas, next to a building with a large sign reading 'Bill Siders'.

People gather in a dimly lit bar with a stage, colorful lights, and artwork on the walls, enjoying live music.

Pool table with balls racked, hanging light fixture, dartboard, and bar area in a dimly lit pub setting.

Bar interior with shelves of bottles, warm lighting, and a window showing a street scene outside.

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