Canary rooftop evening
Canary bistro has opened its new rooftop cocktail bar atop the historic Netherlands Hotel building near 39th and Main. (Photo courtesy Canary)

Canary Opens New Rooftop Cocktail Roost

May 4, 2021  |    |  2 min read

 

By Kevin Collison

Canary bistro opened its rooftop bar atop the restored 10-story Netherland Hotel building last weekend and the early reports are its new roost overlooking midtown and beyond is a hit.

“It was a whirlwind,” said co-owner Keely Edgington.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve served so many people and it went well. People loved the views, the cocktails and the service.”

The main bistro and bar opened on the first floor of what’s now a 110-unit apartment tower back in January. The historic hotel and the Monarch Storage building next door were redeveloped by Exact Partners.

Canary, 3835 Main St., is the creation of Edgington and her husband, Beau Williams. The couple also are the force behind the Julep cocktail bar in Westport.

For decades, the old Netherland was known as Hawthorn Plaza and was a prominent blighting influence on the surrounding 39th and Main area. Now, its part of the reinvestment wave sparked by the anticipated arrival of the streetcar.

The rooftop bar offers a panoramic view of midtown, downtown and the Plaza. (Photo courtesy Canary)

While the address is still off the beaten culinary path, Edgington is pleased with the success of the restaurant so far, even with the pandemic.

“It’s been great and we’re lucky to have so many people support us,” she said.

“Being at (39th and Main) is not scary for us. We have the one upscale place in Westport.

“We know people will come to you if you give them a great product and great service.”

To go along with the sweeping views from the new rooftop bar, Canary also offers an “urban picnic” special to accompany cocktails. It includes house-made chiccarones, marinated olives, caviar and a bottle of sparkling wine.

Three specialty cocktails are offered as well: a Lazy Daisy, a spicy mango margarita; a Pain Killer, a classic rum tropical cocktail, and a Zelda, an upscale daiquiri.

Hours are 4 p.m. to midnight, weekdays except for Tuesday, and noon to midnight Saturdays and Sundays. Canary is closed Tuesday.

Tags:

Reading these stories is free, but telling them is not. Start your monthly gift now to support Flatland’s community-focused reporting.

Nick’s Picks | Roads, Bathrooms, Costco and More …

By | February 16, 2026

New Toll Road Opens Kansas City’s first toll road opens this week. Starting Saturday, you’ll pay up to $3.50 to travel the new express lanes on U.S. Highway 69 from 103rd to 151st streets in Overland Park. There are no toll booths — cameras scan your license plate, and a bill arrives by mail. KTAG…

Related Stories

Nick’s Picks | Roads, Bathrooms, Costco and More …

By | February 16, 2026

New Toll Road Opens Kansas City’s first toll road opens this week. Starting Saturday, you’ll pay up to $3.50 to travel the new express lanes on U.S. Highway 69 from 103rd to 151st streets in Overland Park. There are no toll booths — cameras scan your license plate, and a bill arrives by mail. KTAG…

Up From the Ashes: Warwick Theatre Revival Draws Applause

By | February 11, 2026

Two years ago, John Cleary met a fellow Kansas City actor for drinks. Their conversation centered on the fate of the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre. A large portion of the ensemble’s home, the Warwick Theatre, was ash, charred timbers and soot-saturated costumes and props — remnants from a recent massive fire. The destruction was so great…

Nick’s Picks | Baseball, Drones, Romance and More …

By | February 9, 2026

Royals Reveal Next week, the Kansas City Royals head to Arizona for Spring Training. And that’s the mayor’s self-imposed deadline to lock in a stadium deal. So, is this finally the week owner John Sherman steps to the plate and unveils where the Royals will build their next home? At last week’s council meeting, Mayor…