Legacy

Bobby Baker's Lounge, established in 1990 by the legendary Bobby Baker Sr., is more than just a bar – it's a landmark. A place where the drinks are as captivating as the tales of the patrons who've walked through our doors. Our walls, a living mosaic, are adorned with snapshots of unforgettable nights and the smiling faces of our extended family – our beloved patrons.

Bobby Baker comes from a family of bar owners. His father, Johnny Baker, owned 11 bars in total. His two most popular bars were named Jonny Baker’s. He opened a Country Western bar in 1952 off Truman Rd and Wabash. The second location was a Blues and Jazz bar he opened in 1960, off 55th and Troost. This bar became one of the most popular bars in the area during this period. Jay McShann, a jazz pianist, vocalist, and bandleader, played at Johnny Bakers for seven years. In 1975, Johnny Baker’s was opened on 39th Street with Johnny and his three sons, Larry, Bobby, and Johnny Jr (aka Pink). Johnny Baker passed away in 1978 at 88 years old. His son Larry took over and ran the bar for another five years.

In 1993, Bobby Baker partnered with Joe Moretina and bought The Strata Bar. They were partners for a year when Bobby had the opportunity to buy Mulvaney’s Bar off 74th Street in the heart of Waldo. On February 14, 1994, Bobby Baker’s Lounge was born. On that first day, he purchased three dozen roses to give one rose to every woman who walked through the door. He gave out three roses, and the rest went in the trash. It was a very rough start for Bobby. He continued to work at Wilcox Electric as a welder and ran the bar, burning the candle at both ends. He never gave up, and the business continued to grow over the years. On January 1, 2013, Bobby Baker decided to retire.

Becky Hamrick, Bobby’s daughter, worked for him part-time in 1997. She also worked at a couple of the greatest taverns along Waldo. Tommy Farha's (owned by Tommy Farha) and Pockets (owned by Debi Hall). Growing up in the neighborhood and attending Christ the King grade school, she knew the neighborhood well and felt at home working at Bobby’s. After attending CKS, she attended O’Hara High School, where she made lifelong friends. Those lifelong friends frequent Bobby

Baker’s often to this day. Fast forward to January 1, 2013, she purchased the bar from Bobby Baker. In our opinion, this is one of the best family-owned Taverns around Waldo, with her daughters and brother working alongside her to make this a place for people to call home. With pictures of friends, customers, family members, and KC firemen on the wall, you won’t get bored looking at the memories we have created for many. Thank you so much for supporting our Family-owned Bar in Waldo over the

years.