KC Sipps: Four restaurant openings, Father’s Day deals, and an ice cream preview

KC Sipps logo by Theodore Rosen

Life in KC is pretty delicious. In fact, there is often so much going on that it can be hard to decide where to go and what to try.

That’s where I come in. 

I’ve curated this weekly list of events, openings, deals, and celebrations to keep you in-the-know. Cheers!

Something New

News Bites: Clementine’s Ice Cream is planning to open up shop in Prairie Village later this year. However, you can get a taste this weekend! Owner Tamara Keefe and team will be on site with to-go pints at Billie’s Grocery (Leawood) this Friday and Saturday from 12 – 8 p.m. My first choice? The vegan coconut fudge.

Wild Child in Shawnee is selling a limited run of shirts–not for their own profit–but to support the American Immigration Council. If you stop by to pick one up, pause at the sunlit bar to treat yourself to one of the stellar cocktails or creative n/a options from the Wild Child team.

Opening

Two Birds One Stone: The bar and beer garden on Berkley Riverfront opens this Thursday at 11 a.m. As part of the nearby Origin Hotel, the indoor and outdoor space adds some variety to the growing Berkley Riverfront area. I see myself stopping there for a beer or mocktail the next time I want to extend a pleasant evening walk along the river. It’s prime real estate for dog-watching.

Nour’s: Nour’s, a new Lebanese-inspired restaurant on E. 39th St., opened June 9. The bright and airy spot features a farmers market every Tuesday afternoon, and has a staple menu of fresh Lebanese dishes, pastries, plus coffee, tea, and more.

Taqueria Ignacio: In KCK, neighboring Garden House Cafe and Sagebrush, Ignacio quietly opened earlier this week. This is a sister restaurant to the tortilleria, Caramelo, in Lawrence. Patio seating is coming soon, but for now, I bet Sagebrush will welcome you and your street tacos in and recommend the perfect cocktail pairing. 

SW19 at the Stadium: This is a pickleball facility that repurposed the former CoCo Key Water Park. Cool! But why am I writing about it? The restaurant and bar inside is led by Chef Keeyoung Kim, known for Chingu, Sura Eats, and more. Though Chingu recently closed, a few familiar favorites are available on the menu at SW19. The new pickleball spot also features a grab and go station and a full cafe in the lobby. At a preview yesterday, I was happy to dig into my chicken wings, Brussels sprouts, and fried chicken and watch the pros (literally, it’s the home of the Kansas City Stingers, featured on our May 2024 cover) show what they do best! It is now open to the public for both dining and play.

Closing

Pathlight Brewing: The Shawnee brewery announced its upcoming closure on June 30. Until then, the brewery will continue weekly events such as the Monday run club, food truck pop-ups, and F1 watch parties. 

June 14

Nivi’s Minis: The Overland Park Art Fair is happening this weekend at Thompson Park. Nivi’s Minis will be serving mini pancakes from their cute lil cart inside Ensemble from 9 – 11 a.m. I would suggest grabbing a coffee or tea from Kate Smith Soiree (and, sure, a macaron or two because they are irresistible) and pairing it with some fluffy mini pancakes for your art walk.

Boulevardia: The good-vibes-only music festival from Boulevard Brewing Co. and Crown Center returns for one day only. This year the focus is on homegrown musicians. Tickets are still available for the festival and it’s food-focused event, Taps & Tastes. Tickets for the sampling event start at $91. Regardless of the Taps & Tastes upgrade, this is one of my favorite festivals each year. I look forward to the food trucks, the Quixotic performers who roam the grounds, and the relaxed atmosphere. The focus on local bands this year has me stoked to catch some of the artists I read about in The Pitch!

June 15

Father’s Day: A few local spots are offering deals for dads. Like, T’ÄHÄ on the Plaza, who is giving dads 50% off their meal all weekend! Hemma Hemma always has a satisfying and homey brunch, but this Sunday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. they’re also hosting J. Rieger for an in-house taste & buy event. With multiple locations for dine-in, dads can eat free at Tiki Taco with a $15 purchase from someone else in the fam. In Parkville, Acre is leaning into cigars, meat, and whiskey for a special dining event this Saturday. Tickets are required for that one. 

June 16

Fern Bar: The Crossroads agave bar is hosting Eye of an Immigrant, a KC-based non-profit, for It’s a Small World—a cultural program spotlighting global traditional and contemporary dance styles. The event is free but requires an RSVP, and will feature dance performances, music, food, and storytelling that honors a variety of immigrant communities.

Plan ahead

Hotel Kansas City: How about a dreamy, intoxicating night at the Starlight Ballroom? VAMP KC is joining forces with Hotel Kansas City’s Nighthawk club and Tom’s Town Distillery for a night of celestial… bodies. Tickets start at $38 for this jazz and burlesque-focused event on June 20.

The Guild: Join our very own Michael Mackie for a night of culinary delight and entertainment on June 26. Out at the Table is a one-night-only showcase of LGBTQ+ storytellers, performers, and advocates, all while enjoying a multi-course meal, cocktails, and wine pairings. Tickets are required, and start at $150.