Image by Cassondra Jones
Looking for tasty plans? Whether you’re looking to impress a date, show your family the best of KC, or just want to get out and about, we’ve got you covered… and (mostly) supporting local in the process.
Here’s your weekly roundup of the best food and drink deals in Kansas City. Cheers!
Something new
Vine Street Brewing: Tuesdays get even more interesting! Vine Street Brewing now offers tours of the brewery on three different dates of your choice. The cost is $30 and includes an informative look at the beer and the historic district, as well as tastings and a souvenir.
UnKCorked: The liquor store in Overland Park is collecting school supplies for three children through noon Saturday. Bring one item from the list and receive 10% off your purchase. Any extra supplies will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of KC.
opening
Power of natural brewing: De Soto’s first craft brewery is now open. Force of Nature Brewing specializes in brewing with locally sourced ingredients and offers a vintage garage atmosphere. The brewery also serves food and is open Monday through Saturday.
Orange by Devoured: Jhy Coulter, the creative mind behind the popular Devoured Pizza pop-ups, has set up shop in Martini Corner. The new Orange restaurant opens Thursday, August 15. Lunch service runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day and dinner from 5:30 p.m. to midnight, but check the website for daily hours. In addition to fabulous pizza—and this is a personal recommendation I’m happy to endorse—the new spot offers tapas like orzo salad, smoked salmon toast, risotto bites and more.
Gnarled Hussle: Raytown has a new hotspot, and it might be the first of its kind. Gnarly Hussle, a vintage shop, is opening a bar between the shelves on August 17. The menu is simple for now, featuring wine, beer and bottled water, but the grand opening will be anything but that. Read Kaylynn’s story for the full scoop.
Sagebrush: A new cocktail bar is opening in Rosedale, Kansas, just outside of downtown KC, on August 17. Hours vary from day to day, but on the first day – this Saturday – they’ll be open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. The cozy cocktail bar is connected to the Garden House and offers a menu of cocktails and mocktails ranging in price from $4 to $16.
Close
Soiree: Soirée owner and chef Anita Moore has announced the restaurant will close at the end of this month due to financial constraints. The steak and oyster spot near the corner of 18th and Vine will remain open for the next few weeks, offering daily specials. A large farewell event will be announced later.
15.August
Small butter bakery: The micro-bakery will be popping up at Big Mood Natural Wines in Crossroads from 6-8 p.m. Any of the evening’s menu offerings pair perfectly with a glass of natural or non-alcoholic wine, but the hand pies with spinach-artichoke dip are what caught my attention.
16.August
816-day specials: Let the KC festivities begin! Many local spots are using the day as a fun excuse to offer $8.16 food and drink deals, including J. Rieger & Co. Distillery, KC Live Block, Enzo, Lulu’s Thai Noodle House, District Biscuits and more.
45th Annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival: Swope Park is the place to be all weekend long. The Ethnic Enrichment Festival runs now through Sunday and includes booths, food, performances and more from around 50 countries. Admission is $5 at the door.
Margarita Experience: Connect The pitch Crew and community of readers at The Guild at Crossroads! We’ll be sampling margaritas and snacks from area restaurants and more, plus there’ll be a DJ, live art, and a huge raffle to benefit Harvesters. Presented by Don Julio. VIP and GA tickets are still available starting at just $15 including all food and drinks, but the price goes up to $25 at the door (if we don’t sell out beforehand).
17.August
Vivilore: Here’s your chance to dine at the beautiful Mandarin, the venue on the Vivilore property in Independence. Vivilore is transforming the Mandarin into a summer high tea soirée, with seating opening at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $45 in advance and include two tea options, quiche, salad, fruit and a tray of small snacks for each table.
Taco Festival in Kansas City: A two-day taco festival kicks off today at KC Live! There will be over 60 different tacos, drinks, contests, games, live music and more. Tickets start at $14.99 for admission and a drink ticket. This event is open to all ages.
18.August
Wolfpack BBQ: There are still a few seats available for Wolfepack BBQ’s collaboration night with Moon Bar at Columbus Park. Reservations are required for this special event, which will feature Moon Bar cocktails and Wolfepack food for purchase.
Fox & Pearl: Fox & Pearl at Westside has invited Messenger Coffee to join them for a collaborative event from 5pm to 10pm. No reservations are required for this event. There will be a tasting menu of small plates and cocktails, all inspired by the theme of coffee.
Plan ahead
Bonbon: In Lawrence, the cute neighborhood bistro Bon Bon is hosting a Provence-themed art party on August 20. The $25 reservation fee includes a drink and art supplies for the evening—even a canvas.
Third Place Lounge: On August 21, Third Place Lounge near the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts will host a rum tasting with Vinetegrity. Each $20 ticket includes a specialty cocktail, a $10 credit toward a select bottle, and the opportunity to try three signature cocktails—Daiquiri, Corn and Oil, and Mai Tai.
Kanbe Market: Two ways to support Kanbe’s Market will soon arise. First, they are cooperating with Hemma Hemma in Waldo to host another Ugly Dinner. Hemma Hemma’s world-class culinary team will use unwanted but perfectly healthy produce to create a meal that raises awareness about food waste and redistribution. The dinner will take place on August 23. And then on September 11 Thelma’s Kitchen will be the next partner of the Ugly Dinner Series.
