Drink This Now: BBQ brews at Vine Street Brewing Co.

Vine Street Brewing cans // Photo by Sarah Sipple

Beer and barbeque go together as smoothly as Kansas City and jazz. To find a place that complements all of the above? Now that’s special. 

Vine Street Brewing Co. in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District was voted Best New Brewery for The Pitch’s Best of KC 2023. 

“Situated in the same neighborhood where Kansas City BBQ began, we feel as though our brews hold a special place in preserving and celebrating the city’s culinary heritage,” says Co-Founder Kemet Coleman.

In addition to beer on tap, sampling flights, and cans for purchase, Vine Street Brewing is simply a fun place to be. There is an outdoor patio and two levels of seating inside, with rotating live entertainment and food trucks keeping the experience fresh. 

Coleman and his team often draw inspiration from Kansas City’s history. “Beer has long been intertwined with Kansas City’s BBQ legacy, enhancing the dining experience and adding another layer of flavor to an already rich tradition. Beer serves as the perfect companion, offering refreshing contrast and complementing the robust flavors of BBQ.”

Vine Street Brewing tasting flight // Photo by Sarah Sipple

Two staple brews here are perfect pairings with barbeque: Jazzman Dark Lager and Maris American Pale Ale.

Jazzman was the first Vine Street brew I ever tried. In fact, I mentioned it in an “Eat This Now” story last summer after a visit to The Brick in Crossroads. I love a dark beer, and despite its color, this is a surprisingly light one with a quick finish. With a 5% ABV and notes of roast malt, nuts, and cola, it is easy to drink on its own or with pulled pork and brisket.

For a brew that pairs well with chicken and smoked fish, try the Maris American Pale Ale. Coming in at 5.3% ABV, it is a medium-body brew with a sweet and citrus-forward scent. I found it refreshing and pleasant. The underlying notes are of stone fruit, coconut, and grass. Hello, spring!

Vine Street Brewing’s patio is open year-round, but as we begin to yearn for the sunnier outdoors, this will be a top spot to visit. 

Coleman shares, “We’re excited to announce several enhancements around the 2000 Vine campus. Expect the return of outdoor live music on our main stage, improvements to accessibility, including enhanced pathways and seating areas, as well as upgrades to provide more shade and lighting for an even more comfortable experience.”

An undeniable main character at Vine Street Brewing is the art and design itself. From iconic can designs, attractive merch, and consistent visuals throughout social media, these help create an instantly recognizable brand image. Local agency, Whiskey Design, plays a large role in that, but it always comes back to the creative entrepreneurs behind the beer: Kemet Coleman, Woodie Bonds, Jr., and Elliott Ivory.

Vine Street Brewing Co. is at 2010 Vine St, Building 2A, Kansas City, MO 64108.