KC Sipps: Strang Hall has four “new” tenants, and two new Crossroads bars open this week

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: Move over gingerbread houses, we’ve got a gingerbread mansion. Kansas City baker Michelle Leigh Tobiason has made a stunning replica of Corinthian Hall, aka The Museum of Kansas City. Coming in at over 50lbs of flour and butter and sugar, the impressive creation is on display at the museum through December 28. In other crunchy news, I can’t stop thinking about the new (to me) crackers from Unbothered Foods. Kansas City registered dietician Moran Murdock has a line of gut-friendly crackers available at Salumi Rose and Hemma Hemma in Waldo, or Jody’s Market and The Merc in Lawrence. It’s the rosemary and sea salt ones I keep reaching for, and they have enough flavor oomph that I don’t even feel the need to add any cheese or dip for snacking. The sourdough really comes through with a zip. This is not your bland or basic cracker.

In softer, but no less satisfying taste news, I find myself on a potato and leek quiche kick. Niche? Indeed. But after trying the vegetable quiche for lunch with friends at Le Champion, where the flavor happened to be potato and leek, and being impressed by the flavor (not just buttery or eggy) and careful portions of the pristinely cooked potatoes, I wanted more. Then, while running errands yesterday, I stopped at Penrose Espresso Bar for a black currant tea and to peruse the ever-pleasing pastry selection. (I was actually there to purchase a gift card for a holiday gift–shhh.) Wouldn’t ya know, a potato and leek quiche in a pastry cup was there just waiting for me to devour. It felt like a karmic reward for my proactive holiday shopping. Those two particular flavors may not be around long, so plan a quick visit this weekend to join in on my potato-and-leek-quiche run of good luck.

Opening

Beckett’s: A new sports bar is opening in Crossroads this weekend. Kicking off at 6 p.m. on December 4, the first of special daily celebrations features $2 off local beers and free membership cards for the first 100 customers. Replacing Brick River Cider, the new sports bar has a sporty maximalist throwback aesthetic and is a sister bar to Beckett’s Minneapolis. In addition to an expected bar menu, an unserious and crowd-pleasing food menu should be a hit–think fried Uncrustables, fried baloney sammies, wings, and more.

Strang Hall: Strang Hall, the Overland Park location, has remained open while the other two Strang ventures have closed (Lightwell and Plaza). And now, some fresh faces have set up shop at the flexible food hall. Now at Strang Hall, you can have Kate Smith Soiree, Fika Coffee, Ruby Jean’s Juicery, and Chingu Coffee all on one table. The new locations of these established local faves are currently in a soft-opening phase, so stop by soon for a bite or casual drink while they work out the kinks and train new staff.

Lilico’s Taverna: In the Crossroads spot that formerly held The Pairing, Lilico’s is now open. This new tavern borrows flavors from Spain, Cuba, and the Mediterranean, with a focus on sangria, pinchos, and tinned fish. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 3:33 p.m. (not a typo) until the vibe dies out. Happy hour runs from 3:33 – 6 p.m., and nothing on that discounted menu is over $7.

Afterword Tavern & Shelves // Photo by Rowan Brickelhaupt

Closing

Afterword Tavern & Shelves: This one hurts, but there’s still time for a few more visits. Afterword–the Crossroads bookstore and bar combo–announced it will be closing as of January 31, 2026. A big farewell party is set for January 24, but I suggest visiting before then. Pitch writer Rowan Brickelhaupt recently covered the bar and captured what hopefully won’t be the last we see of their clever offerings. 

December 5

Craft Putt: Sweet sips for a cause. Craft Putt in Overland Park and Lee’s Summit is putting on a hot cocoa bar to support Harvesters. A minimum $5 donation or at least four non-perishable food items grants access to the customizable hot cocoa station. This will run all day, and mini golf play is not required, so you could pop in for a quick treat or make a whole day of it with a meal, game play, and cocoa.

East Crossroads: First Fridays has a festive slant this time. A holiday maker’s market brings a variety of local goodies to eight participating bars and restaurants. Between 5 – 9 p.m., bop around to Casual Animal, Mean Mule, Green Dirt on Oak, Chartreuse Saloon, Lifted Spirits, King G, BKS Artisan Ales, and City Barrel for a drink or snack, as well as some local shopping. I’ve mentioned Nurturing with Nature many times, as they have a lovely edible floral garnish in the product line sometimes, and farmer Ariel will be posted up at King G.

Hi Dive Lounge // Photo by Sarah Sipple

Hi Dive Lounge: The criminally underrated West 39th St bar, Hi Dive, is throwing a Repeal Day party to commemorate the end of prohibition. The no-ticket, no-rsvp, just show up for a good time event features specialty drinks, prizes from Mean Mule Distilling, Tom’s Town Distilling, and Restless Spirits Distilling, plus a toast at 6:32 p.m. If you’re not feeling cocktails at the moment, may I suggest a mystery beer?

1888 Coffee: Take a festive pause to refuel during your busy Saturday. 1888 Coffee is hosting live jazz music from 7 – 9 p.m. A special hors d’oeuvres and dessert menu will be available, plus your favorite coffee drinks–including decaf options! The event is free to attend, but due to space limitations, an RSVP is requested. The whole family is welcome. Ask them about a special visitor from the North Pole stopping by on December 23.

December 7

Frost: Starting at 3 p.m., Queer Art Club KC invites you to a crafting session at Frost. Bring whatever you’ve been working on, or snag a craft kit from somewhere like ADHDiy Craft Cafe in West Bottoms Plant Co (also queer-owned). Frost has cocktails, mocktails, and even hot cocoa to complete the cozy, community crafting experience. If you’re not too cold already, I recommend trying a little bit of everything with a flight.