KC Sipps: Two new pop-ups, ice cream for breakfast, and a Taylor Swift event in West Bottoms

Art by Cassondra Jones

Looking for delicious plans? Whether you want to impress a date, show your fam the best of KC, or just get out of the house, we’ve got you covered… all while supporting (mostly) local. 

Here is your weekly roundup of the best food and drink offerings around Kansas City. Cheers!

Something New

Whiskey Dynamite: In a Crown Center theater, Quixotic has brought back Whiskey Dynamite for a limited run. This live show transports the audience to a sexy neo-western world where it makes sense that Johnny Cash, flaming acrobatics, and burlesque exist in ridiculous harmony. It may be a stretch to mention it in this column, but hey, I make my own rules and I love this show. West Bottoms Whiskey Co. is a sponsor, and patrons can enjoy cocktails from a lobby bar before and during the show. This year I enjoyed the Sucker Punch cocktail using Restless Spirits vodka. 

Café Corazón x Ruby Jean’s Juicery: Café Corazón, which is Latino/Indigenous-owned, and Ruby Jean’s, Black-owned, have united for a special cultural collaboration called AncestorsGarden. To showcase their connection to heritage, they have created two limited-time mocktails incorporating Ruby Jean’s Juices and Café Corazón’s yerba mate, resulting in refreshing caffeinated drinks. The two collab concoctions are available now at both Café Corazón locations and Ruby Jean’s Juicery Troost location.

Vignettes: “If you see someone without a smile today, give ’em yours.” – Dolly Parton. Vignettes in North Kansas City is helping bring the joy, glitz, and kindness of Dolly with their latest pop-up, open now through March 16. The Best Little Tribute Bar in Kansas City has a variety of fruity and fun cocktails and mocktails. I was pleasantly surprised by the banana-chocolate “Me and Little Andy” cocktail, but the “Jolene” strawberry marg arrives in a boot so it wins. Reservations are encouraged for this pop-up where all ages are welcome Sunday through Thursday and open to exclusively 21+ Friday and Saturday. Vignettes focuses on visually interesting cocktails and also offers snacks, games, live music, and special events.

Closing

Fountain Haus: Westport’s multi-level LGBTQ+ bar and nightclub has closed. Read more from Pitch writer Maddie McBratney.

January 31

Mean Mule Distilling Co.: Does this spark joy? You may benefit from Mean Mule’s early spring cleaning. From Jan. 31 – Feb. 1 between 5 – 9 p.m., shop from their back stock of liquors, wines, glassware, gizmos, and a staff yard sale at the Crossroads distillery/bar.

February 1

misc: The North Kansas City cocktail bar known for creative cocktail flights is open for a limited time. misc’s Kiss Me 90s Rom Com themed pop-up brings cinematic references with sweet concoctions, including cocktails, mocktails, pitchers, and flights. Check the website or their social media for specific dates and times.

February 2

KC Live! Block: At Power and Light, KC Live! has kept the pop-up energy going with a new Sorcerer’s Speakeasy. The magical-themed pop-up bar features Butter Brew served in a collectible mug, Unicorn Blood, a Death Eater Negroni, and more–including a food menu. Reservations are encouraged, and the doors open each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 5 p.m. through February 25. Two trivia nights are planned for February 4 and 18.

February 3

French Custard: Ice cream for breakfast! From 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Brookside’s French Custard is opening early. The first 100 customers who show up in their pajamas get a free scoop card to use on their next visit. Plus, there will be a raffle for a chance to win a 12-pint passport. 

LoverFest: In West Bottoms, next door to Fetch, from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. LoverFest is a free T-Swift-themed shopping & treats event with local vendors. Starting at 6 p.m. there is a ticketed performance by Lana Luxx. Quarantine Cookie, Sugarfold, Slow Rise Donuts, Stir Crazy Sticks, Café Cà Phê, Chamoy Boi are some of the delicious vendors.

Chingu Coffee: Chingu Coffee in West Plaza area is opening up for special evening hours. Fig & Opal and Dawson Hollow are performing an intimate concert in the coffee shop, and tickets are just $10. Enjoy live acoustic performances at 6:30 p.m. as well as Chingu coffee and treats.

The Ship: West Bottoms is leaning into New Orleans flavor tonight for a ticketed Mardi Gras party! Tickets start at $50 and include access to two stages with live music, an open bar, and Creole small bites. Musicians include Back Alley Brass Band, Grand Marquis, Relativity Brass Band, and more. Doors open at 8 p.m. for this costumed, 21+ party.

Nighthawk: Downtown, Nighthawk is also giving a nod to Mardi Gras with menu additions of po’boys, Vieux Carre, and French 75s. The fun starts at 7 p.m. and features The MGDs on stage. No ticket or reservation is required.

February 4

Casual Animal Brewing Co.: Congratulations on six years, Casual Animal! To celebrate, the Crossroads brewery will be open from 12 – 9 p.m. with extra special offerings. A Carrot Cake Porter will be released, and pizza, beer slushies, and cupcakes will be available from vendors. The theme is Island Party, so don your Hawaiian shirts and stop by!

River Bluff Brewing: Beer and belly laughs… when the comment section comes to life. Jessica Bloom of River Bluff Brewing in River Market has resurrected a hilarious local tradition called Brewers Read Mean Reviews. 15+ local breweries will take turns sharing their worst reviews from social media, emceed by local podcast host and bartender Nigel Woodberry. This event is free and open to the public. Grab a seat and a pint for the uncensored, one-star, real-life comedy starting at 6 p.m.

Plan Ahead

Rye: On February 10 Rye’s Plaza location invites you to Valentine’s Tea. Pastry Chef Megan Garrelts created a menu featuring handmade savory & sweet selections thoughtfully paired with Hugo teas. $75 tickets include small bites, tea, and non-alcoholic beverages. Upgrade to the champagne tea option, or include your little one for a discounted rate of $37.50.

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