By Kevin Collison
As if you weren’t having enough fun already at the Boulevard Beer Hall.
Starting soon, the historic building that began operations in 2016 is opening its fourth floor as a place where you can play cruise-deck size shuffleboard games and bar-size versions, or just relax and enjoy the downtown view with a Boulevard beer.
It’s called the Rec Deck and its the last level to be renovated at Boulevard’s signature visitor center at 2534 Madison that’s become one of the top tourism attractions in Kansas City in just three years.
“We thought it would be cool to have a shuffle board club and bar where people could hang out and enjoy the views,” said Amber Ayres, director of tours and recreation for Boulevard Brewing.
“The real difference between (Rec Deck) and the Beer Hall is this is more of a hangout space. The Beer Hall has flights and test beers. Both have fun vibes, depending on your mood.”

The fourth floor Rec Deck space offers great views of downtown for shuffleboard players and beer drinkers alike.
The spacious new Rec Deck will be open to visitors 21 and over on Fridays from 2- 9 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
On Mondays, the plan calls for it to be open for shuffleboard leagues where friends can organize teams and get reservations on the Boulevard Brewing website. Other days of the week, the new space will be available for rentals.
The Rec Deck can be reached by elevator or stairwell. Customers can start a tab there and shuffle back and forth between the second floor Beer Hall.
The bar features a good lineup of Boulevard’s craft beers while the Beer Hall below offers a number of experimental brews and flights.
As part of the new project, Boulevard has hired an additional two dozen people to staff the Rec Deck.

The Rec Deck features a bar where you can belly-up and sample Boulevard brews.

A classic neon sign shows visitors the way after leaving the elevator.
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