Dish & Drink KC: Golden bites at KC Fry Bros and bookish sips at Afterword Tavern & Shelves

Dish & Drink KC logo by Theodore Rosen

Walking into Afterword Tavern & Shelves feels like stepping into a cozy literary salon. It’s part bookstore, part bar, so you’ll find shelves lined with thoughtfully curated titles from a range of genres alongside a full bar that’s just as impressive. You can come here solo and get lost in a book, or slide in with friends for cocktails and games if that’s the mood you’re in.

I went in solo for a sip, and I ordered a dirty martini. Honestly, I love a good martini when I can find one. They’re sophisticated without being pretentious, exactly how a martini should be, and Afterword did it well. It was crisp, clean, and beautifully balanced. The brine added just enough salt and savor to give it character without overpowering the spirit. Each sip carried a quiet sharpness, softened by the olive’s subtle bite. 

One of the best parts about my visit was how the space glows during the day. 

Afterword Tavern & Shelves // Photo by Tiffany Watts

Thanks to the tall front windows, sunlight floods the room, bouncing off the wood shelves and warming up every corner. It gives the whole place this golden, inviting energy that makes daytime drinking feel almost poetic. Like you’re indulging in something meant to be savored slowly. You can sit by the window with a cocktail in hand, let your mind rest, and feel completely at ease. 

The natural light adds a brightness that perfectly complements the calm, creative buzz of the space, making it just as ideal for an afternoon escape as it is for a cozy nightcap.

I also love that Afterword isn’t trying to be a loud, crowded cocktail bar either. It’s more of a space for people who appreciate both stories and spirits. That said, I’m sure the vibe can shift in the best way. Stop by for Industry Night on Tuesdays, Wine Night on Wednesdays, or Espresso Martini Night on Thursdays, and you’ll likely see the space come alive. With good drinks flowing, music setting the tone, and great company all around, it could effortlessly transform from a quiet, cozy hideaway into the kind of spot where the night naturally unfolds into fun.

 Afterword Tavern & Shelves is located at 1834 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108.

KC Fry Bros // Photo by Tiffany Watts

If you’re craving crispy, golden, straight-out-the-fryer goodness, KC Fry Bros is about to be your new go-to. This brand-new chicken and seafood spot has one mission: to serve up hot, flavorful comfort food that hits every craving in one box. You’ll find it’s not a dine-in kind of place. There aren’t any tables, just a lounge where you can wait while your food is made fresh. 

I ordered an assorted pan because, let’s be real, I had to try a little bit of everything. It came loaded with fried chicken, tenders, shrimp, catfish, hush puppies, mozzarella sticks, fried mac and cheese bites, okra, and French fries. Every single bite was piping hot, crunchy, and seasoned to perfection. The chicken was juicy, the shrimp had that perfect snap, the catfish was flaky and tender, and the hush puppies, which turned out to be the best I’ve had in a long time, had that slightly sweet, golden-brown crisp you can only get from fresh oil. 

My daughter raved about the fried mac and cheese bites, too. Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside.

And let’s talk about that lemon pepper “crack” seasoning because it’s exactly what it sounds like: addicting. It ties everything together with that salty, tangy kick that keeps you reaching for one more piece, even when you’re full. They also send you off with a generous lineup of sauces—ranch, honey mustard, hot sauce, and more. 

KC Fry Bros knows their audience. This isn’t fussy food. It’s fried comfort food done right, made to satisfy and send you home happy. Whether you’re grabbing dinner after work, catering a family gathering, or plotting where to order from for your next birthday, this spot deserves a permanent place on your “must-try again” list.

KC Fry Bros  is located at 1419 E 55th St, Kansas City, MO 64131.