About us
We got a lot of inspiration from Ernest Hemingway. He was a famous author and a renowned drinker. He seemed to sum up classy and traditional while still being casual and intriguing.
to the era of the mad men, the writers, the painters, the dreamers, and the heavy drinkers. - g.s.r
FOUNDED BY GORDON ROBERTS
MENU BY CHEF JOSEPH SANCHEZ
Inspiration
My wife and I got a lot of inspiration from Ernest Hemingway. He was a famous author and a renowned drinker. He seemed to sum up classy and traditional while still being casual and intriguing. He also kept tying together things that we enjoyed that otherwise might seem unrelated...
Atmosphere
We wanted to create a place that was classy enough to enjoy a nice whiskey and a nice cigar but casual enough to walk down and enjoy it in your flip-flops. While we appreciate the good old days we know in these times (and Kansas City sports) TVs are a must. We installed outlets everywhere and quality WiFi so that the modern writer can stay connected (even if just for Instagram). All in all, we wanted a blend of old and new. The best of both worlds.
The Kansas City Element
Hemingway's first job out of high school was for the Kansas City Star. The stories he covered following ambulances for the paper is how he ended up driving ambulances in Italy for the American Red Cross. He frequently returned to Kansas City. Several of his children were even born here.
Foreign Travels
Hemingway traveled a lot, both as a war correspondent and for fun. In our travels, we've found the greatest insight into anyone's culture is in their food and drinks. Something to be shared and enjoyed. This is the main reason we have a smaller plate focus.
The Name
The name Pressed Penny Tavern pays homage to an elaborate swimming pool built at Hemingway's home in Key West. While Hemingway himself planned the project, his wife Pauline oversaw the construction while he was traveling as a war correspondent. It is said that Hemingway flung a penny onto the pool patio protesting, "You've spent all but my last penny, you might as well have that!" Since opening a bar can be quite a challenge and might take our last penny getting it off the ground, it seemed to be a fitting name.