KC Sipps: New coffee in Garment District and a dramatic speakeasy-style bar in Leawood

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: Congratulations to the talented individuals and teams that woke up to James Beard Award news on Wednesday morning! The Kansas City area received a total of six semifinalist nods this year, including some repeats from previous years, like Drastic Measures, and Helen Jo Leach and Johnny Leach of The Town Company. A lot of Pitch readers know a good thing when they taste it, and voted James Beard Award semifinalist Anjin as runner-up for Best New Restaurant of 2025.

Opening

The Blacklist: The Blacklist opened this weekend in the Mission Farms development. The new spot promises an intimate, Victorian-style wine-bar and speakeasy environment. Pitch writer Alex Omorodion visited and says it “feels like a modern-day castle ballroom setup with an open concept around the bar and curtain-drawn enclaves for a more cozy experience.” It is open every day until 10 or 11 p.m. for drinks and small bites.

Veil Cafe: The Garment District has been experiencing coffee withdrawal since losing Vested Coffee in late 2023. Now, Veil at 8th and Broadway swoops in to save the morning. The new cafe will start a soft opening period on January 23. The plan is to serve coffee, matcha, and pastries every day from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., but as with any soft-opening phase, the purpose is trial and learning, so they suggest checking the cafe’s Instagram account before visiting in case of changes.

January 23

Transport Brewery: You know what pairs well with beer? An adult spelling bee! Register your team of 2-4 people for a chance to win a  $100 Transport Brewery gift card. The competition starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Shawnee location.

Mean Mule: The Crossroads bar and distillery is making it easier than ever to partake in Dry January without skimping on socializing and supporting the bars you’ll happily return to. Mean Mule has invited APLÓS in for a no and low-ABV happy hour today. After getting a taste of the APLÓS and Mean Mule creations, come back on February 2 for a mocktail competition!

January 25

Barbacoa: Now this is my kind of wellness event. Barbacoa is partnering with AIMWell Yoga for a relaxing afternoon. Tickets are $45, and include a beginner-friendly yoga class, a sound bath, and a taco lunch. It might be the perfect Sunday antidote to a frigid Friday and Saturday. 

Squishington’s // Photo by Sarah Sipple

Plan ahead

Squishington’s: Is pregaming for Valentine’s Day a thing? Let’s make it a thing. Squishington’s and Jungle House–a whimsical family-owned business duo on Mass. Street in Lawrence–is hosting a “Tastemaker Series” and featuring Dick Taylor Chocolates on January 30. The cost is $37 for chocolate, wine, and a guided tasting experience. I recommend making an evening of it, with an early dinner at 715 or Lucky Seb’s, and making time to visit Squishington’s before class starts.