The 1909 Club in downtown Lee's Summit is where music, cocktails and history intertwine. This swanky hidden gem nestled within Libations & Company invites you to experience its charming and elegant music hall.
Seth Allen and Ryan Studer are the owners and managing partners.
“I founded Libations & Company in 2017, originally located next door to our current location,” says Allen. “The original business model was focused on providing a curated selection of spirits, bitters, tonics, syrups, glassware and barware to stock the home bar. I focused on cocktail supplies and the culture surrounding the history of cocktail lounges. The model evolved to provide educational classes on making cocktails and then evolved once again as we began making cocktails for our patrons and selling the goods necessary to make all our drinks at home.
“As another layer of entertainment, I began to offer live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights, however, the space was quickly outgrown by the immediate success of live music. At that point, I knew I had tapped into a much needed and wanted source of entertainment. College friend and future partner, Ryan Studer decided he also wanted to be a part of this exciting and evolving business. Ryan and I both have the desire to provide the highest level of hospitality, finest quality handcrafted cocktails and the absolute best in blues, jazz, soul, R&B and funk music. That is what The 1909 Club is all about, combining the best of everything we do, in a unique and beautiful environment.”
Choose from three unique seating options to enhance your experience. The suite seating, featuring custom leather furniture, invites you to indulge in handcrafted cocktails and delightful charcuterie with your closest friends and family. For a more intimate setting, the cocktail table offers a cozy spot to engage in quiet conversations while savoring your favorite libations. If you prefer to be at the heart of the action, grab a seat at the bar and watch the skilled bartenders craft their cocktails.
“The 1909 Club is located on our second floor—it was created to be room musicians would love to play in and a place where music lovers could have an intimate experience and truly enjoy the music being performed. Studer was very interested in installing the absolute best in professional sound equipment to deliver the right sound. Our music hall is filled with custom-made leather furniture, handmade by the same company that made all of the leather furniture for the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame! Every piece of art, the lighting and the antiques selected were done to create an environment that pulls you into the experience. When you purchase a ticket, you get a show, and there is not a bad seat in the house.”
Sip on prohibition-inspired creations. From agave-infused delights to bourbon classics, their expansive and curated menu guarantees a taste experience like no other.
“We have a cocktail menu that is designed to help the uninitiated find the perfect drink and also for veteran cocktail aficionados to be delighted with classic cocktails prepared with the absolute best spirits, bitters and freshly squeezed juices. Our whiskey selections grow each, week and we always have a seasonal menu to intrigue you to try something new. Beer, wine and classic bar cocktails are always available as well.”
The special meaning behind the name of the speakeasy celebrates the year of the building's construction.
“The building was constructed in 1909 by Todd George, locally famous for being an influential and very productive mayor. We wanted to celebrate the historical significance of the building and its prominence in downtown Lee's Summit.”
The 1909 Club is located at 25 SE 3rd Street in Lee’s Summit. They’re excited to announce new upcoming weekly events, which include Blues Jam Night, Comedy Club Nights and Cocktail 101 Classes, all of which will also be offered for private events. For more information, visit givedrink.com.
Article by Allison Swan
Photography by Janie Jones
Originally published in Lee's Summit City Lifestyle
