by Kansas City, MO – Bar Medici, the Renaissance-inspired Italian restaurant in downtown Kansas City, will close its doors on September 18, less than two years after opening. Hospitality group Exit Strategy plans to transform the space into a Mexico City-inspired cocktail bar called Jade Jaguar, set to debut October 6 at 1800 Walnut St., beneath The Mercury Room.
Transition from Italian Dining to Global Mixology
The decision to close Bar Medici comes as the owners sought a fresh concept to distinguish the location from its sister venue upstairs, The Mercury Room. Both restaurants were described as upscale, romantic, and dressy, prompting founder David Manica to look for a more approachable offering for the space below.
Enter Manny Gomez, a beverage consultant who previously developed menus for Latin bar Kohinoor and Le Lounge. Gomez will helm Jade Jaguar alongside Seth Goldwasser, bar manager of The Town Company, bringing a communal, late-night lounge vibe to the Crossroads district.
Concept and Inspiration Behind Jade Jaguar
Gomez emphasizes that Jade Jaguar is a Mexico City bar, not just a Mexican bar, reflecting the vibrant diversity of the city’s cocktail culture. Patrons can expect flavors from multiple cultures, from vodka and Irish whiskey to sake, combined with inspiration from Mexican classics like the margarita, paloma, and mojito. Signature cocktails remain under wraps until the bar’s official opening.
“Jade Jaguar … blends high-end mixology with that colorful, really late-night lounge vibe in the heart of the Crossroads,” Gomez said.
The bar’s name nods to the jade jaguar throne room in Chichen Itza, while celebrating Mexican culture and heritage. Wild jaguars, though endangered, are still found across Mexico and are a common motif in Mesoamerican art.
Food and Drink Offerings
While the menu is drinks-first, guests will also find small bites and shareable plates, including chips and guacamole, small quesadillas, tacos, horchata ice cream, and pineapple sorbet. Gomez says the goal is to keep offerings fresh:
“They’re gonna be able to come in and still be able to find something new every time they come in, because we’re gonna be constantly working our menu.”
The bar aims to offer a communal atmosphere, catering to groups and encouraging social gatherings rather than intimate date nights.
A Cultural and Community Hub
Gomez hopes Jade Jaguar will provide more than just cocktails. By hosting events such as salsa nights, the venue intends to serve as a hub for community engagement and cultural exchange.
“The main goal here is just to provide these hubs of community gatherings where we can all kinda learn from each other and be around each other,” Gomez said. “That’s what’s gonna make our city better day by day.”
Situated near other popular Crossroads concepts like Green Lady Lounge, The Wise Guy, Corvino, and Novel, Jade Jaguar hopes to become a standout destination while complementing the neighborhood’s nightlife.
Timeline and Opening
- Bar Medici Closure: September 18, 2025
- Jade Jaguar Opening: October 6, 2025
- Location: 1800 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, below The Mercury Room
Gomez has been running Jade Jaguar pop-ups for about a year, allowing him to refine the concept and gauge customer interest before the permanent opening.
Conclusion
With its mix of global-inspired cocktails, Mexican cultural influences, and community-focused events, Jade Jaguar aims to provide a fun, inclusive space for Kansas City’s nightlife. The transformation from Bar Medici signals the evolving tastes of the Crossroads district, offering locals a fresh reason to gather, celebrate, and explore new flavors.
Call to Action: Are you excited about the Crossroads’ newest Mexico City-inspired bar? Share your thoughts in the comments and follow updates on upcoming openings.
