With Queer Eye’s second Kansas City-based season set to arrive July 19, viewers will undoubtedly be introduced to new places in the nooks and crannies of KC. In each episode, the show’s Fab Five take their “heroes” to nearby businesses and organizations as part of their “inside and out” makeover. In honor of the upcoming fourth season, check out some of our favorite spots from Season 3 — and find a full list of filming locations below.
The Fab 5 Loft/Firestone Building
All episodes
The Fab 5’s home base is also known as the Crossroads Art District’s Firestone Building. The Gothic-style building is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and doubles as a popular KC wedding and event space. 2001 Grand Ave., Kansas City, Mo. 913-208-8000, theurbanevent.com. 9 am-5 pm Monday-Friday, closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Jones Bar-B-Q
Episode 3, Jones Bar-B-Q
Easily the standout location of the season, Jones Bar-B-Q belongs to two Queer Eye recipients: Deborah “Little” and Mary “Shorty” Jones. The sisters are some of the only female pitmasters in Kansas City’s historic barbecue scene. After 35 years and some help from the Fab Five, their Kansas riverside business received a modern, open-air update. Bottles of their Sweet & Tangy BBQ sauce are now available for purchase in-store and on their website. 6706 Kaw Drive, Kansas City, Kan. 913-788-5005, jonesbbqkc.com. 11 am-3 pm Tuesday-Saturday, closed Sundays and Mondays.
18th & Vine District
Episode 5, Black Girl Magic
Karamo brought Jess to 18th & Vine to help her get in touch with her identity as a black lesbian, as the district is regarded as the city’s African American cultural epicenter. Queer Eye featured the Friends of Alvin Ailey Studio, modeled as part of the prolific black modern dancer’s company. Other 18th & Vine spots mentioned include the Black Archives, American Jazz Museum, Negro League Baseball Museum and EthnicArt Gallery. 18vinekc.com.
Up-Down
Episode 7, Sloth to Slay
After finding his confidence with the Fab Five, Thomas held his 21st birthday party at this Crossroads game bar. The 21+ chain boasts a full bar and arcade, with highlights life-size Jenga and over 50 games from the ’80s and ’90s. 101 Southwest Boulevard, Kansas City, Mo. 816-982-9455, updownarcade.com/kansas-city. 3 pm-1 am Monday-Friday, 11 am-1 am Saturday, 11 am-12 am Sunday.
