By Sarah Pope
Waldo business owners Howard and Laura Turley are eager to introduce their new concept lounge, Audrey’s Wine + Bourbon, to the neighborhood. The plus sign in the name is not meant to stand in for ‘and’—it is a key part of Audrey’s, designed to introduce guests to a new way to experience wine with bourbon.
“We want people to come with an open mind about trying something new, this isn’t going to be a typical wine or bourbon place,” Howard said. “We’re going to taste this and experience this and teach you how to pair wine with bourbon. We want them to walk out and say, ‘Wow, that was cool.’”
The Turleys, self-proclaimed “Waldonians” who have lived in the area for years, and in Howard’s case, have roots stretching back to a different generation, are thrilled to be opening a new venture in Waldo. They opened 75th Street Events in 2021 just east of the intersection between 75th and Wornall at 214 E 75th St. With the opening of Audrey’s Wine + Bourbon at 404 W. 75th St., the Turleys will be bringing people together on both sides of Waldo’s major intersection.
The Turleys discovered how much they enjoyed pairing wine with bourbon during a Covid-era date night at home.
“We were having wine in the living room, and I asked Laura if she would like some bourbon and we realized, wow, the notes are really coming out,” Howard said.
They started looking into the idea of opening their own bar based on the pairing concept and realized Waldo would be a great place. After a false start at another location, the
Turleys found the available space adjacent to Pickleman’s Cafe and saw limitless potential.
“We loved the view from 75th Street,” Howard said. “It’s got prominence and it’s right smack dab in the middle of Waldo.”
Laura loved the back area of the space, which includes an angular wall that adds dimension behind the bar. The walls are painted black while velvety vermillion sofas provide comfortable seating. Low top and high-top tables will punctuate the lounge, and seating will also be available at the bar. A signature piece is a giant Art Deco-inspired light fixture above the bar that dapples the light and lends itself to the 1920s vibe. The capacity will hover around 35 people.
“We’re not trying to be the disco place, the DJ place or the loud music place,” Howard said. “We want you to feel like you can make a friend if you come to hang out.”
The menu will offer a variety of wines and bourbons, both locally sourced and from hand-picked distilleries and wineries across the country. In addition to cocktails, Audrey’s will feature a selection of mocktails to allow all guests to enjoy the ambiance.
Guests who select the wine plus bourbon pairing will also be given a chocolate truffle to enhance the experience, although the Turleys haven’t landed on a source just yet. They are also considering adding an espresso maker to their repertoire.
The process to get here has taken the Turleys about two years and they are grateful for all of the support they have had along the way—from their contractor to the Waldo Business Association to the City of Kansas City.
Howard, who is on the board of the Waldo Community Improvement District, recalled how his father, Dr. John J. Turley, helped start the Waldo Business Association in the mid-1960s. Dr. Turley, an optometrist, was instrumental in the Trolley Trail and the Waldo Fountain Monument.
“There is a lot of history here,” Laura said.
Even Audrey’s is named for family—Audrey is the Turley’s eight-year-old granddaughter.
“She is thrilled,” Laura said. “She loves seeing her name on the building.”