History Behind The Name Goat & Rabbit

The nicknames of the  “Goats & Rabbits” originated in Kansas City in the days of the Rabbit boss Joe Shannon and Goat boss Tom Pendergast. In the early 20th century, many of the Irish and various immigrant following of Tom’s brother, James Pendergast, lived on “the Hill” or the West Bluffs of KC. One account is that someone in Shannon’s camp called the Pendergast people “Goats”, who then reciprocated by calling Shannon’s friends “Rabbits” because they lived along the Missouri and Kansas Rivers. While there were political tensions between the two factions, they ended up coming together in significant ways, eventually sending Shannon to Congress and giving Pendergast and his friends a 5/9 majority on the city council.  Kansas Citians also straddle the state line with friends and family who live on both sides of the state-line.  With G&R’s location situated on the state-line we want to be home to all residents both Kansans and Missourians.  Kansas City has come together to create a vibrant, diverse, urban-suburban hybrid city, with a rich culture unique to our people and history.

 G&R is a place for the best of KC to come together and enjoy the things that make us great. There is a real  craftsmanship and artistry in every one of the locally-made spirits and craft beers that we serve, the eco-friendly wines we pour, and the house-made syrups, cordials, craft cocktails, and N/A beverages that we create.