Dish & Drink KC: Recovery sustenance at The Edge of Hell, and a double visit to Patio
Dish & Drink KC logo by Theodore Rosen
There are few things more terrifying than returning to the scene of your teenage trauma, and for me, that place is The Edge of Hell, Kansas City’s oldest and longest-running haunted attraction. Tucked in the West Bottoms, this legendary haunt has been scaring locals since 1975. I went once—once—after my junior prom, lost a whole shoe on that infamous bridge, and swore I’d never go back. Because honestly, who wants to be scared for 30 straight minutes?
Apparently, me.
The Edge Of Hell // Photo By Tiffany Watts
This year, I found myself back at The Edge of Hell. Heart racing, palms sweaty, clutching my friend’s hands like they were safety blankets. The attraction hasn’t lost a bit of its bite. It’s a five-story descent into chaos, filled with creatures that crawl, hiss, and jump out at you when you least expect it. From pitch-black hallways to moving floors and eerie whispers that follow you through each twist and turn, it’s the kind of immersive horror that makes you forget it’s all fake. For about half an hour, I was living my own horror movie and questioning all my life choices.
We also had the chance to visit The Beast, the sister haunt located just down the street, but after surviving The Edge of Hell, I decided my nerves had been through enough. Respectfully, no thank you.
The Edge Of Hell // Photo By Tiffany Watts
But one thing about me, I will find food wherever I am.
Inside, there’s a concession stand offering hot chocolate piled high with whipped cream and plenty of treats to help you recover your dignity. Of course, my friends and I snagged some as recovery was quite necessary. Outside, though, is where the comfort sets in. The street buzzes with food vendors serving hot snacks, the sound of laughter (and lingering screams) echoing through the night.
Whether you’re a haunted house junkie or the friend who swears they’ll “just wait outside,” The Edge of Hell is a Kansas City Halloween rite of passage. Just make sure your shoes are tied tight. You don’t want to leave one behind like I did.
The Edge of Hell is located at 1300 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64101.
Patio Restaurant And Lounge // Photo By Tiffany Watts
Every year, Black Feast Week reminds Kansas City just how powerful food can be in building community. The weeklong celebration highlights Black-owned restaurants, bars, and eateries, giving locals a chance to explore, support, and uplift the Black culinary talent that helps shape KC’s vibrant food scene. It’s more than just dining out—it’s about economic empowerment, visibility, and community pride. And this year, one of my favorite stops was Patio Restaurant & Lounge.
Nestled in Independence, Patio has quickly become a go-to for those who love good food, strong drinks, and a soulful atmosphere. During my visit, my friend and I started with a plate of fried pickles, served golden and crisp with just the right amount of tang. A simple but satisfying start that set the tone for the rest of the night.
And then came the drinks. We ordered the Liquid Marijuana, a signature cocktail made with blue curaçao, melon liqueur, Malibu, Captain Morgan, pineapple juice, and sweet & sour. It’s tropical, smooth, and deceptively strong. It delivered a punch in both flavor and spirit.
For their Black Feast Week special, Patio served up a Cajun Fried Shrimp Pasta that was creamy and seasoned to perfection. The shrimp was tossed in a sauce that felt like home cooking meets restaurant flair, and paired with garlic bread and sweet potatoes.
Patio Restaurant and Lounge // Photo By Tiffany Watts
The vibes were elite, too. I loved the experience so much that I went back the very next day for their Chiefs Watch Party, and the energy was high all night. The bartender made me a delicious off-menu cocktail. a Watermelon Spritzer that instantly stole the show. It was sugar-free, light, and refreshing, and perfect for sipping all night long. Which I did. If watermelon anything is your vibe, ask for it. You won’t regret it.
What I love most about Black Feast Week (put on by the Kansas City Defender) is how it pushes us to slow down and intentionally support the restaurants that pour into our neighborhoods year-round. It’s an act of preservation, celebration, and love. Every meal becomes a way to invest in the people and places that make Kansas City’s food culture what it is: rich, flavorful, and full of heart.
Patio Restaurant & Lounge is located at 19700 E Valley View Parkway.
